National Volleyball

HETAUDA: Three departmental teams Mahendra Police Club (MPC), Tribhuvan Army Club and Armed Police Force (APF) advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s section at the National Volleyball Tournament here on Sunday. MPC defeated Eastern Region 25-19, 25-18, 25-9 to secure the semi-final berth while the Army club beat Far-western Region 25-17, 25-22, 25-17. Likewise, APF also registered an easy 25-20, 25-19, 25-19 win over Western Region. Eastern Region and Mid-western Region was evenly poised for the last semi-final berth with two sets each when bad light force the match to an end. The women’s event will commence from Monday. — HNS

Ballack’s knee surgery

MUNICH: Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has had surgery on his left ankle and may not play again this season. The Germany captain, who was injured in last week’s scoreless draw at Newcastle, underwent surgery on Friday in Munich. The 30-year-old Ballack will miss the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals at Liverpool on Tuesday. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said defender Ricardo Carvalho is also out with a knee injury. Ballack could miss Germany’s European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Slovakia in June. — AP

Rop wins marathon

HAMBURG: Rogers Rop won the Hamburg Marathon on Sunday, edging Wilfred Kigen by just one second as Kenyan runners filled the top six places. Rop, who won the Boston and New York marathons in 2002, surged past Kigen in the final meters after briefly losing the lead to finish in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 32 seconds and break his personal best by 2 seconds. Kiprotich Kinei came third in 2:07:42. In an event watch by 500,000 spectators, Rop collected $41,000 for the win, plus $27,200 for running under 2:08:00. In the women’s race, Ayelech Worku of Ethiopia was the surprise winner in 2:29:14 ahead of two Kenyans. — AP