Golden Gate in semis

KATHMANDU: Golden Gate and Southsiders advanced to the semi-finals of the fifth Fr Watrin Men’s Basketball Tournament here at the National Sports Council covered hall on Monday. Southsiders edged out Himalayan White House 70-58 riding on 17 points from Sharad Robertson while Bipen Maharjan netted 24 points in Golden Gate’s win over Public Youth Campus. In Tuesday’s semi-finals, Southsiders will take on Times International and Golden Gate are up against Kathmandudes. — HNS

Mount Glory advance

KATHMANDU: Mount Glory advanced to the quarter-finals of the first Xavier International Inter-school National Basketball Tournament qualifiers on Monday. Also making it to the last eight from the North zone were Greenland, Deep Jyoti, Angel’s Heart, TIA, Golden Peak and Valley Public. Reliance Academy also entered quarter-finals from Eastern zone with a 48-34 win over Sambotta. Likewise, Puspa Sadan, Magal School, New Zennith, Panga, Intensive, LRI, Rara Hill and Wilson Academy advanced to the last eight from Western zone. — HNS

Langer awarded

PERTH: Former opening batsman Justin Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia before retiring last year, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Langer, 37, and Matthew Hayden formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in cricket, combining for 14 century stands at the top of the order. “It’s a great honor,” Langer said on Monday of the government award. Langer, who made his Test debut in 1993, retired early in 2007 following Australia’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England. He made 23 centuries and finished with 7,696 Test runs. —AP

Song extends contract

LONDON: Cameroon international Alexandre Song signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on Monday. Song made only 15 appearances for Arsenal last season but could

feature more prominently next term. Although the 20-year-old featured at centre-back in the final games of the season, his preferred position is central midfield and the departure of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan will allow him to move back to that role. —AFP