Sports Briefs

Manny still at 'bat'

POLICE charged disgraced former Major League Baseball star Manny Ramirez with battery on Monday after the 39-year-old was arrested at his Florida home following a domestic dispute.

The 12-times All-Star, who was named Most Valuable Player of the 2004 World Series, retired in April rather than face a 100-game suspension for a second violation of the league's drugs policy.

Ramirez's wife called police after an argument in which she was slapped once in the face, a police report said. - Sapa-AFP

Brady breathtaking

TOM Brady threw a career and team record 517 yards as the New England Patriots won 38-24 at AFC East rivals the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League on Monday.

The outstanding Brady completed 32 of 48 passes, throwing four touchdowns, crowning his display with a breathtaking 99-yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker - only the 12th time such a play has been made in the league. - Reuters

Barton fails on debut

COLOURFUL midfielder Joey Barton was handed the captain's armband by QPR manager Neil Warnock on his debut against his former club Newcastle United on Monday but was unable to deliver them victory in a 0-0 draw.

The 29-year-old Englishman - capped once for his country - signed for QPR on a free transfer last month after falling out with Newcastle. - Sapa-AFP

More medals for SA

SOUTH Africa's badminton players won four medals - three golds and one silver - on their last day at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, on Monday.

Jacob Maliekal struck gold in the men's singles, and siblings Willem and Annarie Viljoen won the mixed doubles final.

Viljoen won her second gold medal of the day in the women's doubles event with Stacey Doubell. Dorian James and Willem Viljoen added the silver medal in the men's doubles. - Sapa

United without Rio

MANCHESTER United will be without defender Rio Ferdinand for their opening Champions League game against Benfica in Lisbon tonight.

Ferdinand, who made his first appearance for United in over a month in the 5-0 rout of Bolton on Saturday following an injury layoff, was not among the party that travelled to Lisbon.

United will be without their first-choice central defensive pairing as Nemanja Vidic is currently out with a calf problem. - Sapa-AFP

Test stars injured

AUSTRALIA and Sri Lanka were both battling injuries to key players ahead of the third and final test starting in Colombo on Friday.

Australia's frontline fast bowler Ryan Harris was due to undergo scans on a hamstring strain later yesterday, while Sri Lanka's unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis was ruled out with a back injury. - Sapa-AFP