Garnett Appears Headed to Boston to Try for a Title

Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press

Kevin Garnett has been the centerpiece of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past decade after being drafted out of high school.

By CLIFTON BROWN

After 12 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Garnett seemed close last night to joining the Boston Celtics in a multi-player trade.

The Timberwolves and the Celtics were trying to complete a deal that would send Garnett, a 31-year-old perennial All-Star forward, to Boston in exchange for multiple players from a list that included forward Al Jefferson, guard Sebastian Telfair, swingman Gerald Green and center Theo Ratliff. Minnesota was also expected to receive at least one draft choice.

Andy Miller, Garnett’s agent, did not return telephone messages, nor did Danny Ainge, the Celtics’ executive director of basketball operations. Both The Boston Globe and The Associated Press reported that Garnett would be traded to Boston.

Garnett, one of the league’s best and most versatile players, has averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists the past nine seasons. The addition of Garnett would give Boston three proven scorers — Garnett, guard Ray Allen and swingman Paul Pierce — making the Celtics instant contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics tried to acquire Garnett in June, but he blocked the trade because he did not want to play in Boston. Garnett has apparently had a change of heart, and his presence in Boston could help resurrect one of the league’s most storied franchises. Boston has won an N.B.A.-record 16 championships, but none since 1986, and the Celtics have only won three playoffs series in the past nine years.

Garnett has been the centerpiece of Minnesota’s franchise for a decade, but he has been frustrated in his attempts to win a championship. His best season was 2003-4, when he was named the league’s most valuable player and led Minnesota to the Western Conference finals. However, the Timberwolves have not made the playoffs since, and Garnett may realize that a change of scenery could be his only chance to win a title.

If the deal is completed, Garnett was expected to receive a one-year extension on a contract that has one guaranteed year, plus an option year remaining.

It has been an active off-season for the Celtics, who acquired Allen last month in a draft-day deal for guards Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West, and forward Jeff Green of Georgetown, whom Boston drafted with the No. 5 pick. Allen will be 32 when the season begins, but he averaged a career-high 26.4 points last season.

Many Celtics fans seemed disappointed after the draft lottery in which Boston did not get the No. 1 or No. 2 pick and missed the chance to draft Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. But if the Garnett deal is completed, the Celtics will have a superstar in his prime.

Vick’s Co-Defendant Agrees to Plea Deal

One of the men indicted with Michael Vick on federal dogfighting charges pleaded guilty Monday and has agreed to help prosecutors make their case.

Eva Russo/Richmond Times-Dispatch/Associated Press

Tony Taylor agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors pursuing the dog-fighting case against Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick.

Tony Taylor, a 34-year-old from Hampton, Va., pleaded guilty here in United States District Court to charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsoring “a dog in an animal fighting venture.”

Taylor, Vick and two other men, Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; and Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, pleaded not guilty last week in the case. But as part of his deal, Taylor signed a 13-page statement that confirmed much of what the government asserted in its indictment of the men on July 17.

Taylor outlined his involvement with the others in a dogfighting enterprise known as Bad Newz Kennels, according to the statement. He attested to how he scouted a property for Vick to buy in Smithfield, Va., as the base for the venture and cited numerous examples in which the group bought, trained and sponsored dogs in connection with fighting. He also said they gambled on the fights.

Although the statement said several dogs were killed, it did not say that Vick killed any of them. The statement said Taylor had a falling out with Phillips in 2004 and had not been part of the enterprise since.

The 18-page indictment against the men accuses them in graphic detail of animal cruelty. During a search of Vick’s property in April, 54 pit bulls were recovered, along with a so-called rape stand used to hold dogs in place for mating, an electronic treadmill modified for dogs and bloody carpeting. As part of his agreement with prosecutors, Taylor is expected to give testimony that mirrors his statement.

Since being indicted on charges of sponsoring, gambling on and authorizing acts of cruelty against dogs, Vick has had his football career put in limbo — and in jeopardy. N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended him indefinitely, Reebok has pulled his Atlanta Falcons jerseys from stores, and Nike has stopped sales of its Vick-branded products.

At a 9 a.m. hearing Monday, Taylor stood with his lawyer, Stephen Ashton Hudgins, before Judge Henry E. Hudson and answered questions about whether he understood the plea agreement.

Taylor responded that he did with brief answers in a deep monotone voice.

He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and is free on bond while awaiting a Dec. 14 sentencing. Because a trial in the case has been scheduled for Nov. 26, the judge and prosecutors will have time to evaluate the extent of Taylor’s cooperation before setting a punishment.

Vick and the others are also free on bond.

Daniel C. Richman, a professor at Columbia Law School and a former assistant United States attorney, described the plea agreement as an important step for the investigation.

“A witness like this is the only way to really get inside information without tracking the crime while it is happening,” Richman said. “This is the government’s way of signaling to the other defendants that it has significant evidence and that they should seriously consider pleading guilty themselves.”

A spokeswoman for the United States attorney’s office in Richmond declined to comment because the investigation was still underway.

Vick’s lawyer, Billy Martin, did not return a telephone call seeking comment.

While leaving the court Monday, Taylor was swarmed by a reporters who peppered him with questions about Vick.

Taylor said nothing as he entered a waiting car and left.

Carl Tobias, a professor at University of Richmond Law School, said the turn of events did not help Vick but that defense lawyers could attempt to discredit Taylor.

“Vick’s lawyer was saying on Thursday that they were going to fight this thing to the end, but just a few days later someone has already pled,” Tobias said. “There is a lot time between now and the trial, and the other defendants could turn as well. But the other three of them may be hanging together. They could go after Taylor’s credibility by citing the falling out as more motivation to turn against them.”

Iraqis greet Asian Cup triumph with joyful gunfire

An Iraqi supporter holds a makeshift trophy reading in Arabic, "for the first time"
©AFP - Essam al-Sudani

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq erupted in joy and celebratory gunfire on Sunday when the country's national football squad won the Asian Cup and united its bitterly divided communities in a rare moment of celebration.

Thousands of Iraqis, including members of the security forces, defied a strict government ceasefire order to welcome the team's 1-0 victory over local rivals Saudi Arabia with an intense barrage of gunfire.

Soldiers, police and civilian gunmen loosed off long volleys of automatic fire skywards and into the waters of the Tigris within seconds of the final whistle in Jakarta, beamed live to cafes and homes across the country.

The Iraqi victory against the three-time Asian Cup champions was a precious moment of shared national joy in a country beset by civil strife.

An Iraqi supporter smokes water pipe as he watches the final match of the Asian Football Cup 2007
©AFP - Ali Yussef

"Now it is our right to enjoy this victory that our heroic team has brought to us. They have brought us joy that we never experienced in the past, when we suffered greatly," said Haidar Mustafa, a Baghdad student.

Around him in a downtown coffee shop, dozens of fans leapt and sang with joy after seeing skipper Younis Mahmoud's powerful header seal a first Asian Cup victory for his mixed team of Sunni Arabs, Shiite Arabs and Kurds.

From the southern Shiite port city of Basra, to executed Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein's northern hometown of Tikrit and even to Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region, flag-waving crowds celebrated.

Earlier, Baghdad security authorities had imposed an overnight vehicle curfew in order to prevent insurgent car bomb attacks and ordered police to arrest anyone who took part in the traditional celebratory gunfire.

Iraqi soldiers and supporters celebrate the victory of their country's football team
©AFP - Ali al-Saadi

In the hours leading up to the match there were reports that two foreign Arab fighters had been apprehended while trying to move car bombs into Baghdad's Zayuna district, which has been targeted by Sunni extremists.

Zayuna was struck by one of two car bombs that went off following last week's semi-final victory against South Korea, shattering the celebrations and killing at least 50 people.

"The security leadership of Baghdad operations has decided to enact a curfew for vehicles, motorbikes and carts," Brigadier General Qassim Atta, spokesman for security operations in Baghdad, said before the match.

A senior interior ministry official strongly advised Iraqis to hold their celebratory fire and to stay in their own areas of the city.

Nevertheless, troops and cops were among the first to start pumping out rounds from their AK-47 assault rifles and Glock pistols at checkpoints and barracks in the centre of the war-torn capital.

Indonesian football fans hold up a placard before the start of the Asian Football Cup 2007 final match
©AFP - Bay Ismoyo

Elsewhere in the city large crowds gathered in the streets waving flags, dancing and -- in Shiite neighbourhoods -- bearing aloft large banners with pictures of revered saints.

Iraqis traditionally celebrate sporting victories by firing guns into the air, a practice grown more lethal in recent years as arms have proliferated across the war-torn country.

People nevertheless welcomed the victory from their heroic team, one that would -- at least temporarily -- unite their divided country in jubilation.

In a statement released immediately after the match Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called the victory "a lesson in how to triumph over the impossible to realise victory".

"May you and Iraq live in freedom and victory, with no place for destroyers or killers. Your greatness will remain in the hearts of the Iraqi people, and your joy is stronger than the hate of the terrorists."

Since US-led forces overthrew Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in March 2003, the country has slipped into a chaotic turf war between rival armed factions, with extremists driving a wedge between Sunnis and Shiites, Arabs and Kurds.

Iraqi supporters celebrate the victory of their country's football team
©AFP - Ali Yussef

With Maliki's coalition government riven by internal rivalries the national football team carries the rare honour of commanding support from across the country's fractured society.

The United States is pressing Iraq's government to make progress in national reconciliation efforts, and a senior US diplomat said politicians should follow the players' example.

"They were truly united, unlike the government and the political process, where the unity that exists is very much hedged," UN ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Washington's former envoy in Iraq, said following the match.

"This unity was truly a united effort by the team that produced results. And I hope that the Iraqi politicians will learn from the soccer team," he added.

Earlier this month, the White House released an interim report that found satisfactory progress by Iraq's government on only eight of 18 security and political benchmarks set by Congress.

Garcia takes control at Carnoustie

Sergio Garcia

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) -- Sergio Garcia knew right away there would be no crying at Carnoustie this time.

The leaderboard at the British Open already was loaded with rounds under par when Garcia hit 3-iron down the middle of the first fairway. Then his 9-iron settled 8 feet from the cup, and when he rolled that in for birdie, it brought back memories from eight years ago when the worst round of his career began with a triple bogey.

Walking off the green, Garcia turned to his caddie and said, "That's four better than last time."

And it only got better -- 24 shots better.

Garcia sobbed on his mother's shoulder when he shot 89 at the place called "Car-Nasty" in 1999. He was all smiles Thursday after a sparking par save from the bunker on the 18th hole gave him a 6-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Paul McGinley, the first time the Spaniard has led after any round of a major since he opened with a 66 at the '99 PGA Championship.

They don't hand out the claret jug after 18 holes, but Garcia was in line for another award.

"Most improved," he said.

He might have to share the honor with Carnoustie.

The links course that was roundly criticized for its grueling conditions for its last British Open presented a far more gentle test in the opening round this time, especially with the rain-softened turf and only a slight breeze off the North Sea.

"The bite in the golf course is gone," McGinley said.

Tiger Woods, bidding to become the first player in more than 50 years to win the British Open three straight times, added another signature moment to the majors when he holed a 90-foot birdie putt on the par-3 16th that sent him to a 69.

"I was trying to get it up there close, anywhere where I could have an easy second putt," Woods said. "Lo and behold, it falls in."

Carnoustie is no cream puff, but it must have felt that way to those who were here in 1999, when no one broke par in the first round, the cut was 12 over and the winning score 6-over 290. The grass is not nearly as high or as thick, the fairways not nearly as narrow. And the biggest change might have been the wind, which was truly nothing more than a wee breeze.

Garcia led two dozen players who broke par, including 18-year-old amateur Rory McIlroy, the only one in the 156-man field who was bogey-free. He was at 68, along with U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera, former U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell and Boo Weekley, the country boy from the Florida Panhandle who felt right at home playing links golf for the first time.

But the course still showed a nasty side.

John Daly was atop the leaderboard at 5 under par until he dropped eight shots over the final seven holes, including a triple bogey from a greenside bunker on the par-5 14th hole.

Eight players failed to break 80, including former Players champion Stephen Ames.

But even under drab skies and in temperatures so chilly that Woods wore mittens, there were exciting moments from every corner of Carnoustie, and not the carnival variety with Jean Van de Velde standing knee-deep in the Barry Burn.

Daly holed out from the 12th fairway for eagle. Lee Westwood knocked one in for eagle from the 15th fairway.

Garcia stood out above them all.

Eight years ago, he made only one birdie in 36 holes. He made seven in the first round alone Thursday.

"Like I told you at the beginning of the week, it's not about revenge for me. I just want to play solid," Garcia said. "I just want to play a little bit like I did today, give myself good looks at birdies, not suffer too much out there on the course and put myself in a position where I can do something on Sunday."

Not many suffered Thursday.

K.J. Choi, twice a winner on the PGA Tour in the last two months, Padraig Harrington and Stewart Cink were among those at 69, while U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk and two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen were in the large group at 70.

Phil Mickelson dropped a shot on the final hole for even-par 71.

Garcia, even though he is only 27, is regarded by some as the best player without a major championship. He has had his chances, finishing in the top five seven times since turning pro in 1999. But he rarely starts out this well.

His biggest weakness has been putting, and it got so bad that he changed to a belly putter two weeks ago. Even so, it was his ball-striking that carried him at Carnoustie. He made all but one of his birdies from inside 10 feet and reached both par 5s in two.

"More than anything, you can't imagine the amount of good putts I hit on the front nine that didn't go in," he said. "But all of them looked like they were going in, and that's the beautiful thing about it."

The putter was a beautiful weapon for Woods, at least on one hole.

So were some television cables.

Woods put his name atop the leaderboard by reaching the 578-yard sixth hole, which played downwind, with a 7-iron and making eagle with a 20-foot putt. His round was starting to get away with bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes and a skulled chip on the par-5 14th that cost him an easy birdie.

But he played the three tough closing holes in 1 under, thanks to a putt that he only wanted to get close.

His caddie, Steve Williams, was tending the flag as he watched the ball climb a steep ridge and track toward the hole. Williams raised his index finger when the ball was still 5 feet away, and Woods dropped his putter in surprise when it disappeared.

"You've got basically four really tough holes coming in," he said. "And I played 1 under, so that was a huge bonus."

Also helping was a peculiar ruling by the rules official in his group. Woods pulled his tee shot into thick rough along the ropes left of the 10th fairway, the ball resting on some television cables. Usually, the player is allowed to move the cables and replace the ball if it moves.

Not this time. Royal & Ancient official Alan Holmes gave Woods a free drop one club length away, where the grass was trampled and the lie significantly improved.

Holmes said the cables were fixed. But former European Tour player Mark Roe, working for the BBC, went over and moved the cables some 3 feet after Woods hit his shot.

Woods wound up making par with a nifty chip over the edge of a bunker and an 8-foot putt. Had he played his ball from the thicker grass, he might not have been able to get so close to the green.

Bonds ends home run drought

CHICAGO (AP) -- Barry Bonds' worst slump is over and Hank Aaron's record can't be far behind.

Bonds moved within two home runs of Aaron's record Thursday, sending No. 752 over the right-field bleachers on the first pitch he saw, and No. 753 into the basket of the center-field wall.

He was ready, all right, breaking out of his worst slump in six years.

The San Francisco slugger returned to the starting lineup for the first time in four games after resting his sore legs, though his two homers weren't enough for the Giants in a 9-8 loss to the surging Chicago Cubs

"Yeah, it's real," said Bonds, who has hesitated to discuss his quest for the record.

Bonds didn't just clear the fences in the second inning when he crushed the specially monogrammed ball for his 18th homer of the season and first in 25 at-bats, he cleared the bleachers altogether.

Today, the chase moves to Miller Park in Milwaukee, the city where Aaron both started and ended his career. It's also the home of commissioner Bud Selig, who hasn't said whether he'll be in the seats as Bonds attempts to make history.

Bonds said going to Aaron's former city would not affect him because he's more concerned with getting the Giants on track.

"It doesn't mean anything more than anywhere else," Bonds said. "I'm feeling great. Maybe I'm going to take three more days off and come back."

Bonds sent the first pitch from Cubs starter Ted Lilly high over the right-field fence leading off the second -- and it was the first drive out of Wrigley Field to reach Sheffield Avenue all season. Then he homered again in the seventh, a three-run shot off Will Ohman.

Ohman became the 443rd pitcher to give up a home run to Bonds, who has 19 homers on the year. It was Bonds' 71st multihomer game, second all-time behind Babe Ruth's 72, and second this season.

Bonds' solo shot pulled the Giants within 4-1 and it was San Francisco's first hit off Lilly (10-4), who surrendered his third career homer to Bonds and later a two-run single but still won his sixth straight decision to match a career high.

Bonds' second homer got the Giants within 9-8 and gave him six RBIs on the day, his most since driving in six runs Sept. 22 at Milwaukee. It was his seventh career game with at least six RBIs.

The second one also moved Bonds past Carlton Fisk for most longballs by a player in a year he turns at least 43. Fisk hit 18 at age 43 in 1990 and 18 more the following year at 44. Bonds needs two more homers not only to match Hammerin' Hank's record, but also to tie Fisk's 72 homers after turning 40.

Chicago could still celebrate afterward. The Cubs earned their 18th victory in the last 23 games and sixth in seven since the All-Star break, moving six games over .500 (50-44) for the first time since June 11, 2005, when they were 33-27.

Aramis Ramirez doubled among his three hits and drove in two runs a day after sitting out to rest his sore left knee and Alfonso Soriano added two doubles, a single, an RBI and two runs scored.

The fans both cheered and booed when Bonds' first homer sailed out in the direction of a beer billboard reading "755 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL." Dave Davison, a 39-year-old regular at Wrigley, retrieved the ball in the middle of the street after it bounced off someone else's arm.

And it wasn't the first souvenir for Davison, who has retrieved more than 4,200 keepsake balls including one other from Bonds. He might be a willing seller this time, but had already turned down an offer for $5,000.

"I'd have to seriously consider anything over $25,000," Davison said. "I'll be happy to keep it."

Tyler Olson, a 13-year-old from Freeport, Ill., came up with No. 753. The teen declined comment.

"I was just hoping they'd throw the ball back like they said. They lied," Bonds said. "I was going to put them in my trophy room."

Bonds connected for the first time since a first-inning homer July 3 at Cincinnati and also ended a seven-game hitless stretch. In the third, Lilly had no choice but to go right after him again -- and Bonds looped a bases-loaded, two-run single into left-center field.

He drew his 95th walk to start the sixth.

He was mired in a season-worst 0-for-21 slump, two off his career high set during his rookie season in 1986. The latest funk was his longest since a hitless stretch of the same length from April 5-12, 2001 -- the year he broke Mark McGwire's single-season home run record with 73.

Bonds, whose 43rd birthday is Tuesday, returned to the starting lineup for the series finale after missing two of the first three games completely while nursing his sore legs. He pinch hit Tuesday night, the first time he hadn't started three in a row since sitting five straight games from June 7-11, 2006.

The fans started booing Bonds lustily before he even took the field, hollering in displeasure when his name was announced with the starting lineups. They let him have it again when he emerged from the dugout and stepped into the on-deck circle in the first but didn't bat.

He was jeered again when he took his spot in left field for the first time, with fans lining the fence to give their voices a better chance of being heard by the slugger.

Bonds was in an 0-for-17 slump before hitting his 746th homer against the Rockies on May 27.

Meanwhile, it appeared that the yearlong term of the federal grand jury in San Francisco investigating Bonds for perjury had been extended. Thursday marked the year anniversary of the grand jury's creation and the strongest indication that it remained in session was the continued incarceration of Bonds' personal trainer, Greg Anderson.

Anderson is being held in contempt of court for refusing to testify in the perjury probe. He will remain in prison until he talks or until the grand jury's term expires. Grand jury terms last a year, but can twice be extended for three months.

The Cubs batted around in a four-run first against Matt Morris (7-6), who needed 23 pitches to get out of the inning. Daryle Ward and Jacque Jones each hit RBI singles in the inning.

Jones finished with four hits. Lilly stole his first career base in the fifth after hitting a two-out single.

NOTES: Bob Howry worked the ninth for his seventh save. ... The four-game series drew a Wrigley Field record of 161,374 fans. The previous record was 159,451 vs. Cincinnati in 2004.

India thwarted by Bresnan century

Tour match, Chelmsford, day one (close): England Lions 379-8 v India

Bresnan played a variety of shots in his chanceless century

A superb unbeaten 116 from Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan guided England Lions to 379-8 after the opening day of the tour game with India at Chelmsford.

The 22-year-old hit 15 fours and a six in his second first-class century.

He shared 129 in 31 overs with Stuart Broad, who added 50 to halt a slide in which three wickets fell for 11 runs.

After skipper Andrew Strauss was clean bowled for one by Zaheer Khan in the fifth over, Kent opener Joe Denly made an impressive 83 containing 16 fours.

Strauss won the toss and elected to bat in cloudy conditions, on a ground where Essex and Nottinghamshire accumulated almost 1500 runs in two innings in the last match.

India were led by Sachin Tendulkar with Test captain Rahul Dravid rested due to a calf injury.

Strauss looked out of sorts from the start, however, and just a single from 17 balls before his off-stump was sent spiralling out of the ground did little for his confidence ahead of the first Test against the tourists starting at Lord's on 19 July.

Shah, who enjoyed a successful return to England's one-day side against the West Indies, hit two fours in his 11, but he went at a short ball from Shantha Sreesanth and found the hands of Zaheer running around at fine-leg.

Strauss failed to shake off his poor run of form

Playing in just his 13th first-class match, Denly caught the eye with some attractive drives, smashing five boundaries in a single over from Zaheer.

The 21-year-old Kent opener took just 49 balls to reach his half-century and continued to make hay with 76 runs in the morning session.

South-African born Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott, who made his England debut against the West Indies in the recent Twenty20 series, played a more reserved innings in support and reached 25 by lunch.

Denly was not so fluent after the interval, with the introduction of Ramesh Powar's spin, and a charge down the wicket saw him comfortably stumped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Zaheer then found his rhythm and tempted Trott into driving at a ball outside off-stump, the edge caught at waist height by Sourav Ganguly at first slip.

Two wickets then fell in six deliveries as India looked to wrap up the innings.

First wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose (4) got a feather of a top-edge trying to drive Zaheer square, the catch taken by Dhoni, then Yorkshire teenager Adil Rashid offered Powar an easy return catch without scoring.

Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara helped to rescue the situation with Bresnan, who launched Powar for the only six of the day over mid-wicket.

Bopara shared 40 in 10 overs with Bresnan before his attractive innings of 29 containing four fours was ended in the final over before tea.

Tendulkar brought himself into the attack and with his fifth ball tempted 22-year-old Bopara to push a sharp catch off the face of the bat to short-leg.

Denly's growing reputation was further enhanced by a fine knock

Broad took advantage of two reprieves early in his innings to justify his promise as a batsman with some clean hitting until spooing a low catch to point. Having moved into the 90s with two fours in three balls, Bresnan passed three figures with three boundaries in an over from Zaheer.

India's cause was not helped by rangy teenage seamer Ishant Sharma, who sent down a total of 15 no-balls in a troublesome 12-over spell.

England captain Strauss was delighted his young batsmen had got the team out of an awkward situation on the opening day.

"I thought we showed a lot of character in that final session, hopefully we can build on that," he said.

Of centurion Bresnan he said: "He has made some useful scores for Yorkshire and he got stuck in."

Strauss was also delighted with opening partner Denly, aged only 21.

"He really took the game to them and it's good to see a guy who hasn't played at this level before play with no fear," the skipper said. "This is a showcase even under a little bit more pressure than you have in a normal county game. Joe took it to them and has come out of it with a great deal of credit."

Strauss, who made only one half century in the Test series against the West Indies, admitted that his form was a concern, but was confident he would soon be back in the runs.

"The more runs I can get before the Test match the better and another low score wouldn't be ideal," he said.

"It's hard work trying to grind out runs when you're not in the form you'd like to be but it only takes one innings or a couple of shots even to turn things around."

Beckham's arrival in photos ( 3 )

He takes his place next to Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas before properly greeting the fans for the first time

After some speeches, Beckham is finally presented as an LA Galaxy player amid a fanfare of music and a shower of tape

With the show over, the hard work now begins for Beckham whose first match is likely to be against Chelsea on 21 July

Beckham's arrival in photos ( 2 )

Fans unable to wait for the unveiling ceremony at the club's Home Depot Center at 1800 BST on Friday also fill the airport

With the Beckhams recovering from their journey, excited supporters begin filling the stadium

The atmosphere starts to build as local football lovers eagerly await the arrival of their new hero

Shortly after 1800 BST, Beckham appears and makes his way to a temporary stage with LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Beckham's arrival in photos ( 1 )

A media scrum greets David Beckham as he arrives in Los Angeles with wife Victoria to take up his role with LA Galaxy

The Beckhams look unruffled by their flight from Heathrow and seem to enjoy being the centre of attention in California

Hopes are high that media focus on Beckham at LA Galaxy will boost public interest in football across the country

Red carpet rolled out for Beckham

The Galaxy turned on the style to welcome Beckham to LA

David Beckham has been officially unveiled as an LA Galaxy player to an audience of media and supporters at the club's Home Depot Stadium.

In a ceremony rich in American razzmatazz, several MLS and Galaxy figures praised Beckham.

The 32-year-old midfielder, wearing a grey suit, then rose from his seat as ticker tape flew into the sky.

He then held an LA Galaxy shirt and posed for photographs while the assembled fans chanted his name.

I think that potentially in the US soccer could be as big as everywhere else in the world David Beckham

"I'm looking forward to starting training next week and my first game," said Beckham.

"I would like to say how honoured I am to be presented. It is nice to see so many fans.

"I have always looked for challenges and something exciting in my life.

"I think that potentially in the US soccer could be as big as everywhere else in the world."

But when Beckham made his first reference to the game he plays he said "foot.." before correcting himself and saying "soccer", adding "I'll get used to that at some point, I'm sorry".

Beckham's wife Victoria appeared before her husband and posed for photographers wearing a fuchsia pink dress and trademark black sunglasses.

Prior to Beckham's arrival a large video screen replayed highlights of Beckham's career.

As Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas stood to address the gathered media and supporters, he was initially drowned out by the crowd chanting "Beckham, Beckham".

Supporters turned out in force to welcome Beckham

When the crowd calmed down, Lalas said the arrival of Beckham was an historic moment "not just for the Galaxy but for soccer and for the sport of soccer in the United States".

MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "Here in Los Angeles we have one of the world's most recognised athletes, most recognised players coming here to our league, our city, our team."

After Beckham spoke the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, was introduced to the crowd, who welcomed him by booing loudly.

Villaraigosa then put on a Galaxy shirt and presented Beckham with a framed picture.

Beckham's first appearance for the Galaxy is scheduled to be a friendly against Premier League side Chelsea on 21 July.

The England midfielder has a five-year contract with Galaxy, who are currently struggling in second-bottom place in the MLS Western Division after 12 matches.

The club play at the 27,000-capacity Home Depot Center stadium in the south Los Angeles suburb of Carson.

Beckham will be paid $6.5m (£3.2m) by Galaxy this season, according to figures posted on the league's players' union website, and could make $250m (£123m) over the life of the contract in profit-sharing and sponsorship deals.

Beckham arrived in Los Angeles late on Thursday with his wife Victoria and three children - Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo - but did not answer questions from the waiting media.

A series of media interviews and photo-shoots preceded their arrival, while a television programme documenting the family's move is set to air on US television on Monday.

The Beckhams will make their new home in a reported $22m (£10.8m), 13,000-square-foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbours include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Trescothick saga not over yet

England have taken their first steps towards easing Marcus Trescothick back into international cricket by naming him in a 30-man provisional squad for September's Twenty20 World Cup.

But the opener is by no means sure he is ready to return to action for his country and you have to say serious doubts remain over whether we will ever see him wear an England shirt again.

The need to bring him back has been heightened by an appalling lack of nous at the top of the order in one-day cricket.

That is not to say he would solve all of England's failings, for since the 2005 Ashes his stress-related illness appears to have transferred to his form with the bat.

He struggled desperately in the one-dayers in Pakistan and, by his own admission, had a rough time of it during last summer's programme.

In an interview with the BBC today he sounded far from confident that all the demons in his mind had been eradicated.

So can England really take to South Africa a man who came home early from India, sat out the Champions Trophy and World Cup, and left the Ashes tour nine days before the first Test?

Ashley Giles says the trip is short enough (three weeks) for him to cope with but the anxieties which have gripped him on previous tours appear capable of returning without warning.

Yes he has been much happier this season with Somerset but a lot of his runs have come within a safe distance of home.

Ian Botham believes the selectors should resist the temptation to bring him back into a struggling one-day team, saying the pressure of having to get England off to flying starts will do neither party any favours.

I'm inclined to agree but I do appreciate that alternatives are hardly jumping out in front of David Graveney and Peter Moores.

What do you think?

Rashid set for India examination

England Lions v India, Three-day match, Chelmsford
Match starts Friday 1100 BST

Rashid was born in Bradford to Pakistani parents

Adil Rashid is looking forward to testing himself against some top-class batsmen when he lines up for England Lions against India at Chelmsford.

The teenage leg-spinner, who has made a huge impression at Yorkshire, is full of confidence after a five-wicket haul in his last match against Lancashire.

"I'm not daunted. It will be quite a good challenge for me, bowling against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar" he said.

"It's always been my dream to bowl to Tendulkar, and I hope to get him out."

The 19-year-old's 5-114 in the Roses match at Old Trafford ended a barren run of 80 overs and almost two months without a County Championship wicket.

"Last few games I didn't really perform. I was put under pressure - but I thought if I got it in the right area wickets would come," he said.

"I'd been bowling quite well but not with all that much luck."

What I like about him is his aggression as a cricketer in all three disciplines, it is quite rare." Peter Moores

Rashid has already toured with England A in Bangladesh, under the tutelage of new England coach Peter Moores, but has not yet completed a full county season.

He does not, however, expect to feel too nervous against the tourists.

"I don't think it will be that difficult, because I know most of the [Lions] lads already," he said.

"I thought it would maybe take some time to develop, probably have a full season of first-class cricket and see how I go.

"You have to be careful not to try to take a wicket every ball, be patient and keep bowling your areas."

For India the match is a last chance to test themselves in English conditions before the first Test at Lord's which starts on 19 July.

The Lions side is led by Andrew Strauss and the hometown star Ravi Bopara will bat in the top order.

Essex are expecting a bumper day at the turnstiles, charging £20 for tickets, and £10 for juniors.

But with the match scheduled for just three days, it will help if the wicket is not as flat as the one on which both Essex and Nottimghamshire recently scored more than 700 runs in their first innings.

---

England Lions: Andrew Strauss (captain, Middlesex), Tim Ambrose (wicket-keeper, Warwickshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Leicestershire), Joe Denly (Kent), Graham Onions (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Owais Shah (Middlesex), Chris Tremlett (Hampshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire).

India (from): KD Karthik, W Jaffer, R Dravid (capt.), Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Mahendra Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Ramesh Powar, RP Singh, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Ranadeb Bose, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, VVS Laxman.

New designer for struggling Honda

Honda have been struggling with a poor car this season

The Honda team have signed BMW Sauber's chief designer Jorg Zander as they attempt to improve their poor form.

Honda, who won their first race of the modern era last year, have slumped this season and scored only one point in the first nine Grands Prix.

Their fortunes contrast with BMW Sauber, who have progressively improved and have this year's third fastest car.

Named deputy technical director, Zander is part of a recruitment drive aimed at improving Honda's performances.

Honda's senior technical director, Shuhei Nakamoto, said: "This is the latest in a series of key appointments that we have made in order to bolster our team.

"With the steady performance improvements we have made over the past few races and a strengthened technical team, I am sure the difficulties we have seen in the first half of 2007 are now behind us."

Zander is the second of those major appointments. The first was Frenchman Loic Bigois, who joined as head of aerodynamics last month. Bigois and Zander previously worked together at the Williams team.

Jenson Button won last year's Hungarian Grand Prix for Honda - but the victory came in an unpredictable wet-dry race and only after Fernando Alonso's leading Renault retired.

The win came towards the end of what had been a troubled season, and only after a major development programme aimed at improving a struggling car.

This year, Honda's form was even worse than at the beginning of last year, and so far they are showing scant evidence of being able to repeat the improvements they made in 2006.

Spyker hand Klien testing drive

Klien has raced in 46 Grands Prix since his 2004 debut

Austrian Christian Klien will take part in a one-day test for Spyker, who are looking for a new race driver after dropping Dutchman Christijan Albers.

Klien, 23, is a test driver for Honda but the team have given him permission to drive for Spyker in Spa on Thursday.

"I'd like to thank Spyker for this opportunity," said Klien, who lost his Red Bull seat to Mark Webber in 2007.

Spyker, who have yet to win a point, insist they have yet to decide who will replace Albers for the remaining races.

Team principal Colin Kolles said: "There are many elements to be considered before we can make our final decision on drivers.

"We'll evaluate all the options over the coming days before making any announcements ahead of the German Grand Prix and beyond."

However, Honda sporting director Gil de Ferran hinted his team would be willing to let Klien go, saying: "This test with Spyker could lead to him returning to a race seat and those opportunities do not come along often."

Spyker parted company with Albers because of a problems with his sponsorship.

The Dutch team are also considering promoting test driver Markus Winkelhock and have been linked with Indian Narain Karthikeyan, who currently test drives for Williams.

Coughlan to reveal all in spy row

Ferrari say their technical secrets were taken illegally

McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan has agreed to provide a sworn declaration about how he obtained important Ferrari documents.

Coughlan was suspended by his team after becoming embroiled in the "spy" row that has hit Formula One.

A High Court hearing in London on Wednesday was cancelled when Coughlan agreed to demands to provide an affidavit answering Ferrari's queries.

However, Ferrari have insisted that the court action is still ongoing.

Ferrari have accused Coughlan and his wife Trudy of stealing technical information.

Ferrari would have remained blissfully ignorant of it if not for the tip-off Ferrari lawyer Nigel Tozzi

Trudy Coughlan is alleged to have taken a 780-page Ferrari document to a photocopying shop for reproduction.

Ferrari said they would not have known about the missing documents had an employee at the shop not alerted them.

Ferrari confirmed last week a court order had been obtained that resulted in a search of the Coughlans' home where the documents were found, along with computers to be examined by experts.

Representing Ferrari, Nigel Tozzi told the court on Tuesday: "Their conduct by taking these documents, knowing they were not entitled to them, keeping them and copying them - on any view they behaved disgracefully.

"Ferrari would have remained blissfully ignorant of it if not for the tip-off."

Stepney insists he has been made by a scapegoat

That tip-off led to the sacking of Ferrari's head of performance development Nigel Stepney, and McLaren's suspension of Coughlan.

The suspicion is Stepney passed on the documents to Coughlan, an allegation the former has stringently denied.

Stepney insists he is unaware of how such information came into the possession of Coughlan, who has so far yet to speak on the matter.

Ferrari's case against Stepney and Coughlan has also been presented with the Modena Tribunal in Italy.

During last week's British Grand Prix, it was alleged the two men were in collusion with Honda team principal Nick Fry.

Fry confirmed a meeting with both men at a Heathrow Airport hotel on 1 June but insisted they discussed nothing more than the prospect of employment within the Japanese team.

Fry has asserted he has nothing to hide, while McLaren boss Ron Dennis also maintains his team's integrity and honesty will be upheld.

World motorsport's governing body, the FIA, is conducting its own investigation, involving a detailed examination of the McLaren cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Dennis is confident their findings will reveal the information in Coughlan's possession was not used to develop the McLarens.

However, it emerged during the hearing McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale was aware Coughlan had the documents.

It is unclear, though, whether Neale knew before or after Ferrari started their legal case.

Argentina to meet Brazil in final

SEMI-FINAL: ARGENTINA 3-0 MEXICO

Messi scored a sublime goal to help Argentina go through

Argentina set up the dream Copa America final with Brazil after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Mexico in Puerto Ordaz.

Andres Guardado hit the post as Mexico started well, but Argentina went ahead with a volley from Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze right on half-time.

Lionel Messi doubled the lead with a remarkable goal, lifting the ball home from the right-hand side of the area.

Rafael Marquez brought down Carlos Tevez four minutes later and Juan Roman Riquelme cheekily scored the penalty.

Alfio Basile's side largely outclassed the Mexicans to book their place in Sunday's showpiece encounter at the Jose Pachencho Romero stadium in Maracaibo.

Mexico had started the game well and had the first real chance, Juan Carlos Cacho taking advantage of a defensive mistake only to fire over the crossbar.

Javier Zanetti mis-hit a shot and Tevez fired at keeper Oswaldo Sanchez for Argentina before Guardado rifled against the right-hand post.

Argentina broke the deadlock on half-time, as Riquelme drifted a free-kick into the area and Heinze volleyed home at the far post.

Omar Bravo and Alberto Medina came on for Mexico at the break and they went agonsiginsly close again, Nery Castillo seeing his shot cannon back off the crossbar.

Just as they could see a way back into the game, Barcelona genius Messi put it out of their reach with a moment of pure inspiration.

Collecting Tevez's pass on the right-hand side of the penalty box, Messi cut across the ball to produce an outrageous chip that floated over a stranded Sanchez.

After 65 minutes it was all over, Marquez obstructing Tevez in the area and Riquelme stepping up to audaciously flick home the resulting penalty.

Substitute Rodrigo Palacio fired over when well-placed and Messi saw another effort drift wide as Argentina could have added more towards the end of the game.

They will now bid for a record 15th title when they meet arch rivals Brazil on Sunday.

Mexico must settle for a third-place play-off against Uruguay instead.

---

Argentina coach Alfio Basile:
"It's the last link in the chain and playing in a classic derby against Brazil is the greatest.

"As for Messi's goal, only a genius, a superstar could do this. It was an extraordinary feat that moved everybody."

Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez:
"We tried our best, but we must say the opponents were superior.

"There's nothing left but to recognize just how good this Argentina team really is."

---

Next fixtures (Kick-off times BST):

Saturday 14 July - Third-place play-off
Uruguay v Mexico (2105)

Sunday 15 July - Final
Brazil v Argentina (2105)

Round of 62 takes the lead at Montrose

David Shacklady, a round of 62 to take the early lead in Open qualifying at Montrose. © Andrew Redington-Getty Images

A nine-under-par round of 62 has propelled David Shacklady to the top of the leaderboard at Montrose as 384 players battle for 12 places in The Open Championship over four courses in Local Final Qualifying.

His previous low score was a 63, also nine-under-par, at a pro-am in Portugal. He is a winner of more than 200 events in the North Region PGA and holds the record at 10 courses.

He made his score with seven birdies and an eagle two at the 292-yard fifth where he drove the green.

Jon Bevan has taken the lead at Downfield where his 10-under total of 136, after a second round of 65, puts him one shot ahead of David Higgins. Five birdies in the opening nine holes took him to the turn in 31 and he finished the round withour dropping a shot.

Bevan commented: "I feel great but I'm not convinced it's enough to get in. I led the qualifiers last year, but then shot 81-80 at Hoylake. I went back to work last year between qualifying and The Open. I'm not sure I'll do the same this year if I get in."

At Monifieth three amateurs fill the leading places, David Coupland heading the field after rounds of 69-65 for an eight-under total of 134. Second spot is shared by Paul Waring and Llewellyn Matthews on 135. Coupland had eight birdies, but dropped shots at the third and 12th.

It is the first time that Coupland has tried to get into The Open and came through Regional Qualifying to gain his place at Monifieth. "I expected nothing when I came here," he said, "I just wanted to enjoy it. Today I putted much better than in the first round."

The top spot at Panmure is held jointly by Kevin Harper, Steven Alker of New Zealand and Steve Parry. Harper had a 68 today for a five-under 135 total. Alker added a second round 65 to yesterday's 70, matched by Parry's rounds of 68-67.

With many of yesterday's top scorers still to complete their second rounds, the lead at all four courses is likely to change hands many times before the end of play.

Final 12 qualify on day of low scoring

Scott Drummond survived a four-man play-off for his place in The Open. © Stuart Franklin-Getty Images

Twelve players from a field of 384 booked their places in The Open on a day of low scoring in Local Final Qualifying highlighted by a course record 62 at Montrose by David Shacklady.

A second round 68 to add to yesterday's leading 65, put Matthew Zions of Australia into a tie at the top of the leaderboard at Montrose on 133 with Shacklady, who is a winner of more than 200 events in the North Region PGA and holds the record at 10 courses. The third man to qualify was Justin Kehoe on 137.

"This feels pretty good," said Zions. "It was a long night and I realised I didn't have any plane tickets to get out of here so I thought it would be a good idea to stay around. Before Sunday afternoon I was not hitting it very well, but on the range it suddently felt like the old me. I only made a few mistakes and hit some really good shots today."

Safe in the knowledge that his 133 total would secure a place in the Championship he commented: "It's going to be unbelievable. Not everyone gets to play in The Open."

Jon Bevan (Wessex Golf Centre) set a hot target at of 10-under-par 136 after rounds of 71-65 at Downfield that was not matched throughout the day. David Higgins (Republic of Ireland) was alone in second place one shot behind and four players went into a sudden-death play-off for the final qualifying spot.

Scott Drummond, who won the PGA Championship in his rookie year on the European Tour in 2004, beat off the challenge of fellow tour winner Mark Mouland, Challenge Tour pro Ben Willman and amateur Adam Hodkinson with a par four at the first extra hole to take his place in the starting line-up on July 19.

At Panmure Steven Alker of New Zealand tied on 135, five under par, with home players Kevin Harper and Steve Parry. Alker has never played Carnoustie and spends most of his time on the Canadian and Nationwide Tours. He played in the 1998 Open at Royal Birkdale but failed to make the cut. "That was a decent round," he said. "I just wanted to keep it going and I made no mistakes and putted nicely."

Steve Parry commented: "I played a great shot with the rescue club at the 14th, hitting the green from 262 yards for a birdie. I played well and putted well.

Three amateurs topped the table at Monifieth to take the qualifying places. David Coupland (Boston) led the way with rounds of 69-65 for an eight-under-par total of 134. Tied in second place were Paul Waring (Bromborough) and Llewellyn Matthews (Southerndown) on 135.

It is the first time that Coupland has tried to get into The Open and he came through Regional Qualifying to gain his place at Monifieth. "I expected nothing when I came here," he said, "I just wanted to enjoy it. Today I putted much better than in the first round."

Levet makes last-ditch Open bid

Levet won at Loch Lomond in 2004

Former Open runner-up Thomas Levet has one more chance to play in this year's tournament at Carnoustie after missing out in final qualifying at Panmure.

The Frenchman, who was pipped in a play-off at Muirfield by Ernie Els in 2002, will now play in the Scottish Open, which starts on Thursday.

He won the Loch Lomond event in 2004, enabling him to qualify for the Open.

The three men to earn places at Panmure were England's Kevin Harper and Steve Parry and New Zealander Steve Alker.

Zane Scotland, who eight years ago became the youngest player to qualify for the Open, had a nightmare in the final round at Panmure.

The 24-year-old was joint-leader with two holes to play but then had a triple-bogey seven.

Round of the day in final qualifying for the Open came at Montrose, where 40-year-old David Shacklady booked his place at Carnoustie with a 62, just a week after visiting an osteopath about his bad back.

Australian Matthew Zions and Ireland's Justin Kehoe also made the cut for the third major of the season.

The trio to qualify at Monifieth were all amateurs - England's David Coupland and Paul Waring, and Llewellyn Matthews of Wales.

At Downfield, the course where Paul Lawrie qualified in 1999 before going on to win at Carnoustie, English player Jon Bevan and Ireland's David Higgins grabbed the first two spots.

The third was decided after a play-off, with finished second a shot behind and four players went into a play-off for the final spot, which was taken by 2004 Volvo PGA champion Scott Drummond.

Sharapova pull-out angers Russia

Sharapova pull-out angers Russia

Sharapova has been criticised for failing to play for Russia

Maria Sharapova has been accused by Russian tennis officials of putting her own interests ahead of her country after pulling out of the national team.

Sharapova was due to make her debut for Russia in this weekend's Fed Cup semi-final against the United States.

But she has withdrawn from the tie in Vermont, saying she is not match-fit.

Russia's chief tennis coach Vladimir Kamelzon accused Sharapova's entourage of discouraging her from playing for her native country.

"Her closest advisers are Americans and they would never allow her to play for Russia," Kamelzon told the daily Izvestia. "I'm telling you, just forget about all these promises."

Her closest advisers are Americans and they would never allow her to play for Russia Vladimir Kamelzon

Florida-based Sharapova has previously been criticised for failing to play for Russia.

Sharapova has suffered with a persistent shoulder injury since April and was comfortably beaten by eventual champion Venus Williams in the fourth round at Wimbledon last week.

She had been due to play against Spain in April, only to withdraw on the eve of the tie citing a similar injury.