Piero extends contract

TURIN: Alessandro Del Piero extended his contract with Juventus until 2010, the club announced on Tuesday. Del Piero’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and negotiations had stalled in recent weeks, leading to speculation that the forward would transfer to another club after 15 seasons with Juventus. Financial details were not disclosed, although the Gazzetta Dello Sport reported that the deal is worth $5.66 million for 2008-2009 and $5.24 million for 2009-10. — AP

McMillan retires

Wellington: Craig McMillan announced his retirement from New Zealand cricket on Wednesday for health and personal reasons — but indicated he may join the rebel Indian-based Twenty20 cricket league. The middle order batsman made his Test debut against Australia at Brisbane in 1997 and the last of his 55 appearances, against Australia, in March 2005 in Wellington. He scored 3,116 Test runs including six centuries. McMillan amassed 4,707 runs in one day internationals with three centuries and 28 50s. — AFP

Lee quits Bolton

BOLTON: Sammy Lee left Bolton on Wednesday after only 14 games in charge, becoming the second Premier League manager to go this season. Bolton is in 19th place in the 20-team table with just five points from nine league games. General manager Frank McParland also left the club on Wednesday. Lee was appointed manager at the end of last season when Sam Allardyce suddenly quit. Lee, who had been Allardyce’s assistant, took charge of the final two games of last season and 12 this season. — AP