SA to spend $1.9b

CAPE TOWN: The South African government plans to spend $1.9 billion on new stadiums and related infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup. Finance Minister Trevor Manuel told parliament that preparations for the tournament were one of the country’s top spending priorities for the next three years. — AP

Ivan, Roddick qualify

SHANGHAI: World No 4 Ivan Croatia’s Ljubicic and fifth ranked US Andy Roddick booked berths for the Masters Cup in Shanghai. They join Swiss Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Spain, who have already secured a spot in the eight-man field scheduled for November 12-19. Last year’s Shanghai Masters was plagued by injuries as five top players withdrew from the tournament. — AFP