Real dismiss rumour

MADRID:

Real Madrid denied news reports that the club was contemplating trading Michael Owen for Arsenal’s Jose Antonio Reyes. Sports dailies published news of the possibility after the Arsenal player indicated such a move might be in the works while speaking on a radio programme. “There is a humour programme on Cadena Cope where broadcasters imitate the voices of people involved in sport,” Antonio Garcia Ferreras, Madrid’s media director, said. “Someone imitated our sports director’s voice in a telephone call to Reyes and he thought it was for real.” — AP

Fasth equals record

AUCKLAND:

Sweden’s Niclas Fasth fired a 9-under 63 to tie the course record and take a two-stroke lead into the weekend at the $10,65,000 New Zealand Golf Open. Fasth, who improved on a first round 65 to end the day 16-under, was one of three players to match Scott Verplank’s course record at the Gulf Harbor Country Club. — AP

Larios downs McCullough

FRESNO:

Mexico’s Oscar Larios retained his WBC crown with a unanimous decision over Wayne McCullough in a super bantam-weight battle. The 28-year-old Larios captured the title in 2002 by beating Israel Vazquez. Larios (55-3-1) made his eight title defence another successful one landing big punches late in the fight. — AFP

Gullit to play for charity

JAKARTAL:

Former European football stars, including Dutch ex-striker Ruud Gullit and English ex-goalkeeper Peter Shilton, will play Indonesia in a friendly match to raise funds for tsunami victims. All proceeds from the February 28 match will go to education funds for children in Aceh. Spectators who make large donations for the victims will be able to play against the European stars in the last five minutes, organisers said. — AFP