World Sports News

From his blazing fastball to his bracing candor, Billy Wagner, the Mets’ closer, has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Reuters - Thirty-two compensatory choices in
next month’s draft have been awarded to 15 teams, the NFL
announced on Monday.

AFP - World number ones Roger Federer and Justine Henin advanced at the 7.54 million-dollar ATP and WTA hardcourt event here on Monday, Henin in straight sets and Federer thanks to an injury retirement.

AP - The $138 million Tigers opened with a thud. Tony Pena Jr. hit a two-out, tiebreaking single in the 11th inning and the Kansas City Royals held on to beat Detroit 5-4 in Monday’s opener.

Spanish clubs have fallen behind English clubs in recent years, said players who ply their trade in Spain and other football personalities.

Amid all the conflict over the ownership of his team, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez remains calm and concentrates on nothing but his job. Benitez has a standout record in European competitions and is loved by the fans. They sing his name while loudly expressing their hatred of American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

Croatian international Niko Kranjcar believes Portsmouth's win over Premier League rivals Wigan last weekend was the ideal tonic as the south coast club prepare for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against West Bromwich Albion at Wembley.

Monaco's alarming winless run continued on Monday as Rennes scored a goal in injury-time to record a 2-1 win here and inflict the fourth successive defeat on the 2004 Champions League finalists.

(adds statement from Capello’s lawyers)

(Updates with confirmation of Baldini departure)