■ Soccer
Match-fixing trial starts
The trial of four of Italy's top soccer teams and 26 officials began yesterday as a panel of judges convened a fast-track hearing into match-fixing charges that could see champions Juventus thrown out of Serie A. The head of the tribunal, Cesare Ruperto, opened the trial just after 9:30am inside a low-ceilinged room in Rome's Olympic Stadium. The proceedings were beamed by closed circuit TV to media gathered in a nearby room. As well as Juventus, the Italian champions for the last two seasons, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio also risk relegation and having points docked by the sports tribunal, which aims to give a verdict by the end of next week. The charges are based on hours of intercepted telephone conversations between leading soccer officials that appear to show them trying to influence the Italian Football Federation's appointment of referees.
■ Basketball
New ball gives more grip
The NBA's new game ball for the 2006-2007 season is no longer made of leather but a microfiber composite which allows for a much better and more consistent grip. The ability to grip the leather was a driving reason behind the first change to the ball in more than 35 years. "That really became a challenge, particularly when the ball was wet," said executive vice president of operations Stu Jackson at the ball unveiling on Wednesday. Jackson said the ball was tested at last year's All-Star game and predraft camp. The league then asked Spalding to make some changes, and it was brought back for more testing at this year's All-Star game and in the Development League. Most players will be familiar with the feel of the new ball. League commissioner David Stern said that leather balls were no longer used at the high school or university level, and Jackson estimated that "99 percent" of the league's players grew up using only a composite ball. Gone also is the old eight-panel design, replaced by one featuring two panels -- each bearing the signature "David J. Stern."
■ Cricket
Sri Lanka leads series 4-0
Sri Lanka made it four in a row on Wednesday with a 33-run victory over England in the fourth one-day international at Old Trafford. England rarely looked like seriously chasing Sri Lanka's 318-7, and was all out for 285. Sri Lanka now leads the five-match series 4-0. Chasing 319 to win in 50 overs, England openers Marcus Trescothick and Alastair Cook started well with 77 in under 12 overs. But Trescothick was soon caught by Malinga Bandara off Lasith Malinga for 44. Cook was bowled by Dilhara Fernando shortly afterward for 39. Ian Bell scored 30 -- but used 48 balls -- and captain Andrew Strauss hit 45 as England faced the one-day dilemma of risking wickets or running out of overs. Bandara, Malinga, Fernando and Tillakaratne Dilshan each took two wickets. There were two run-outs.
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