Hantuchova eyes top 10

BRATISLAVA: Slovakia’s No 1 tennis player Daniela Hantuchova wants to be back in the top 10 by the end of the season. Hantuchova, ranked as high as fifth in 2003 but now languishing 49th place in the WTA rankings, told the daily Pravda she tries to “ignore (her current ranking), not think about it and give everything on the court.” Hantuchova said her goal was to get a ranking reflecting her current play, “in the top 10.” — AP

UEFA launches website

LISBON: European football governing body UEFA have launched a Chinese version of their official website for the Euro 2004 football finals in Portugal next month in order to promote the competition in Asia. UEFA communication director William Gaillard said of the site www.cn.euro2004.com, “It’s a huge step forward for the promotion of Chinese football. For the first time Chinese followers can have access to all the information on one of the most important footballing events in the world.” — AFP

Dar out of first Test

LONDON: Umpire Aleem Dar was ruled out of standing in Thursday’s first Test between England and New Zealand here at Lord’s with a knee injury. The Pakistani has been replaced for the first match of this three-Test series by South Africa’s Rudi Koertzen. He will partner Australia’s Darrel Hair. — AFP

Magath to replace Hitzfeld

BERLIN: Felix Magath confirmed on Wednesday that he has signed to coach Bayern Munich in 2005 and most likely will take over Germany’s most famous team as soon as next season. Magath, who transformed a young Stuttgart squad into a top side, will replace Ottmar Hitzfeld, who was fired on Tuesday despite capturing eight titles in six years for Bayern. “I’ve told my players it’s very likely on Saturday I will be coaching Stuttgart for the last time,” Magath said. — AP

Spurs appoint Arnesen

LONDON: Tottenham named former Danish international Frank Arnesen as its sports director on Wednesday, effectively replacing David Pleat who has also been acting as caretaker manager. Pleat, whose title was director of football, has been in charge of the team since Spurs fired Glenn Hoddle in September. He will leave the club at the end of June after another poor season for the north London team. Tottenham finished 14th. Spurs are still looking for a new manager and have been linked with several names since Hoddle’s departure. — AP

‘Keane fit enough’

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he believes Roy Keane is fit enough to lead the team out in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Millwall. The 32-year-old Irish midfielder has not played since April 24 because of a hamstring injury. But Ferguson said he had returned to training ahead of Saturday’s game with no sign of the injury returning. “He has trained for the last three days, has suffered no reaction so far and I don’t expect he will have one,” Ferguson said on Wednesday. — AP