12-yr-old in top flight

LA PAZ: Bolivian top flight side Aurora handed a debut on Sunday to new starlet Mauricio Baldivieso – just 12 years old – in a 1-0 loss to FC la Paz. Mauricio came on six minutes before the break, sent into the fray by proud father Julio “Emperor” Cesar Baldivieso, who coaches the club from the central city of Cochabamba. Mauricio had a somewhat brutal introduction to the professional

game as he picked up an ankle knock within five minutes from ferocious tackle by La Paz’s Henry Alaca. But to the delight of Aurora’s fans, who gave him an ovation, the youngster was able to resume after treatment

pitchside. — AFP

Lee eyes Bolton

SEOUL: South Korea’s ace midfielder Lee Chung-Yong left Monday for negotiations with English Premier League club Bolton. The 21-year-old winger with FC Seoul said he would take a medical after completing the talks. “A deal has yet to be signed but I will try to come back with good results,” he said. A successful deal would make Lee the seventh Korean to play in England, following the example set by Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United. Lee Chung-Yong played a major role in helping South Korea book their place in next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa with four wins and four draws. — AFP