■ Soccer
Madrid fields new signings
Real Madrid named three new signings, Fernando Gago, Marcelo and Gonzalo Higuain, in its squad for this weekend's Spanish league match with Deportivo La Coruna. Gago, who joined from Boca Juniors last month for 20 million euros (US$26 million), was initially believed to have been suspended for yesterday's game at La Riazor stadium after accruing five yellow cards in Argentina. However, the 20-year-old midfielder was reprieved when the Spanish soccer federation ruled his ban could only be served in the Argentine league and he was named in Madrid's squad on Saturday. Eighteen-year-old Brazil left-back Marcelo, a 6 million euro arrival from Flamengo, replaces Roberto Carlos. Higuain, a 19-year-old striker who cost Madrid 13 million euros from River Plate, will challenge Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo for a place in the attack.
■ Cricket
Waqar Younis steps down
Waqar Younis has stepped down as Pakistan bowling coach after a difference of opinion over his role. Former fast bowler Younis told television channel Geo on Saturday that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of his resignation just hours before he was due to leave for South Africa to join the team for a three-match Test series. "I have been told that I will only be with the team for the test series and will return home before the one-day series," said Younis, who was appointed bowling coach until the World Cup in March and April. "I think it is better for everyone that I should step down from this responsibility at this stage."
■ Cricket
Vaughan calls for patience
Newly reappointed captain Michael Vaughan said yesterday it will take time for England to overcome its 5-0 Ashes series loss to Australia. "I do expect that there will be a few mental frailties because of what's happened, but that can soon change once you start winning a few games," Vaughan said. "I inherit a very talented team, but there will be an effect from the 5-0 Ashes whitewash. Anyone who says there won't will be lying." Earlier yesterday, team officials confirmed Vaughan would return as England's captain for the limited-overs triangular series against Australia and New Zealand.
■ Skiing
Kjetil Andre Aamodt retires
Norway's four-time Olympic champion Kjetil Andre Aamodt announced his retirement on Saturday. Aamodt, the most successful men's skier in Olympic history, underwent surgery on his chronically damaged knee over the European summer and had planned a World Cup return this month. "I feel ready both mentally and physically, and that is why I've decided to quit," Aamodt told the Norwegian online daily Nettavisen. "I think it's time to quit now. I'm 35 and have a family." He became a father last January before winning super-G gold at last year's Winter Olympics in Turin.
■ Tennis
Djokovic wins in Adelaide
Serbia's Novak Djokovic tamed the big serve of Australian wildcard Chris Guccione to win the Adelaide International tennis tournament in three sets yesterday. Djokovic took two hours 26 minutes to overcome Guccione 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4. The world No. 16 had been in outstanding form this week, not dropping a set until the final and winning every match in under an hour.
■ Baseball
Alou returns to Giants
Felipe Alou, who was fired as the manager of the San Francisco Giants 15 weeks ago, has returned to the Major League Baseball club as special assistant to the general manager. In four seasons as Giants manager, Alou posted 342-304 record but was fired on Oct. 2. In 13 years as a major league manager, Alou posted a 1,033-1,021 record and became just the 53rd manager since 1900 to register 1,000 wins. He was named National League Manager of the Year Award in 1994 when he led the Montreal Expos.
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