Ronaldinho hat-trick lifts Flamengo
RIO DE JANEIRO: Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick as Flamengo overcame a three-goal deficit to beat South American champions Santos 5-4 away in an extraordinary Brazilian championship match. The former Barcelona and AC Milan forward, leading scorer in the championship with eight goals, netted the equaliser and an 82nd minute winner as Flamengo fought back after Santos had raced to a 3-0 lead in 26 minutes. Borges scored two goals for the hosts before Brazil’s teenage forward Neymar weaved his way past four markers to add a brilliant third in Wednesday’s match. Flamengo pulled one back when Ronaldinho opened his account, taking advantage of a slip by Santos goalkeeper Rafael to score from close range, then Thiago Neves notched another for the visitors. Flamengo are third on 24 points from 12 games, four behind leaders Corinthians. (Agencies)
Aguero twits he’s joined ManCity
MADRID: Argentina forward Sergio Aguero has completed his move to big-spending Manchester City from Atletico Madrid, he said on his Twitter feed on Wednesday. “Now I am a City player,” Aguero, who is known as “Kun” after a Japanese cartoon character, said on the feed, which can be reached via a link on his official website. “Happy to be at this club and in this city,” added the 23-year-old. “Thank you to everyone for the welcome and the reception.” A separate statement posted on his website later on Wednesday said he had passed a medical and signed his contract. One of the most sought-after forwards in world soccer, Aguero announced at the end of May he wanted to leave Atletico, who unlike City missed out on a place on next season’s Champions League, Europe’s elite club competition. Spanish media reported the English Premier League side had agreed to pay 45 million euros ($65.4 million) to secure his services. (Agencies)
Nepal hold Jordan in WC qualifiers
KATMANDU: Jordan was held to a 1-1 draw by Nepal in the return leg of their World Cup qualifier at the Dashrath Rangsala Stadium on Thursday, but easily advanced thanks to its 9-0 rout in the first leg. Nepal, which was thrashed in Aman last week, lifted its game in front of the home crowd to ensure a goalless first half. Jordan finally went ahead in the 62nd minute when midfielder Saeed Morja found the mark. Nepal continued its spirited display and equalized through veteran striker Bharat Khawas. The 41-year-old Khawas, who was brought in as a substitute in the 66th minute, scored in the 80th minute much to the delight of spectators.
Razzano advances to WTA quarters
College Park: Virginie Razzano, still coping with the death of her coach-fiance, ousted British sixth seed Elena Baltacha 6-4, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of a USD 220,000 WTA tournament.The 81st-ranked Frenchwoman would reach her first WTA semi-final in more than two years with a victory on Friday over 102nd-ranked Irina Falconi of the United States at the hardcourt event, an early tuneup event for the US Open.”I played a great match,” Razzano said. “I’m feeling good with my tennis. I was very serious, focused on my game. I was able to concentrate on my goals from the start.” (AFP)