Global Sport

South African Cricket Board chief Dr Ali Bacher said they had received the complaints and had confronted Symcox. "We have dealt with the matter and had spoken to Symcox not to repeat such actions," he said. Four Indian boys had accused Symcox of calling them "coolies" during the Test match between South Africa and Paksitan at Kingsmead.

China plans to bid for 2008 Olympics

HONG KONG: After losing to Sydney for the 2000 Games, China plans to bid to stage the 2008 Olympics in its prosperous southern region, including Hong Kongand Macau, a newspaper reported today. The Chinese-Language Express News said it has learned that Chinese President Jiang Zemin has approved the plan by the state physical culture and sports commission.

The paper gave no source for its report, but said the plan calls for staging the opening ceremony in Guangzhou, capital of the southern province of Guangdong, and the closing in Hong Kong. Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule last year.

Spackman resigns as Sheffield coach

SHEFFIELD: Nigel Spackman resigned today after nine months as manager of Sheffield United, just as the club is making a crucial push for promotion to the Premier League. United, which lies in fifth place in division one, said it expects to name a new manager in time for Saturday’s FA Cup sixth round game at Coventry.