Chitrakar on top

KATHMANDU: Gopal Chitrakar took the lead on the first day of the Everest Express Golf Tournament here at the Royal Nepal Golf Course on Friday. Chitrakar accumulated 36 points, two more than second-place holder Raj Pradhan. Tendi Sherpa is at third position with 33 points, whereas AT Sherpa and Bejoy Moktan earned 30 points each. A total of 12 golfers played their rounds on Friday, while 63 others will be in action on Saturday. Three 80-plus golfers, Khadga Jeet Baral, Himalaya SJB Rana and MP Kesavan, are also taking part in the tournament. — HNS

Queiroz calls Ronaldo

LISBON: Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz called up Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Milan midfielder Ricardo Quaresma for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Albania. Queiroz also called up Chelsea playmaker Deco, despite him being sidelined after picking up an injury during the warm-up to the 1-1 draw with Manchester United nearly two weeks ago. Portugal face Sweden on October 11 and Albania four days later. — AFP

Chelsea relieved

LONDON: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is expected to face only a short spell on the sidelines following the injury he sustained against Cluj in the Champions League. Drogba left the stadium with his right leg in a brace after 0-0 draw. He underwent a scan and the results showed that Drogba sustained no significant ligament damage. “He will not be requiring surgery,” said Chelsea. — AFP