Live and kicking

FRANCK'S A REAL HIT 

Bayern Munich's talisman Franck Ribery has admitted he's "open to anything" when asked if he would be interested in a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid. The Frenchman was quizzed by reporters at Bayern's training camp in Dubai.

VENUS OUT OF THIS WORLD 

America got off to a great start in the final of Hong Kong's World Team Challenge yesterday, when Venus Williams beat Russia's Anna Chakvetadze in a topsy-turvy match. "I need all these matches, all these points. I need to go a break down and go to a tie-break, especially getting back into the season," said the Wimbledon champion who eventually won the game 7-6, 6-3.

BIG SAM DELIVERS SANTA VERDICT 

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says only an offer to "blow us out of the water" will see the club accept a bid for Roque Santa Cruz. Manchester City have already had a bid in excess of £12m (Dh67m) rejected for the Peruvian.

SHANE WARNS ECB OFF APPROACH 

Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has dismissed speculation linking him with the England coaching role, saying: "I could not give a full-time position the time required to do the job properly. Following a team around the world is what I have given up."

HOSTS HAVE ROYAL START 

Asia's bid for a first victory in the Royal Trophy is on track after the hosts took a 3-1 advantage against Europe after the opening foursomes. Liang Wen-chong (right) and Charlie Wi shone in Bangkok.

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