Alphiniqia News Agency

Austria season a near miss, not failure says Raich
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - Austria have failed to win a downhill this season, came away from the Vancouver without a single medal in men's Alpine skiing yet could still end up with th... more...

Unstoppable Contador seizes lead in Paris-Nice
MENDE, France (Reuters) - Twice Tour de France champion Alberto Contador seized control of the Paris-Nice race when he snatched a solo win in the fourth stage to lead a Spanish 1-2-3 Thursday. ... more...

Boonen hits early season form with Tirreno stage win
ROME (Reuters) - Belgian Tom Boonen burned off his rivals in a sprint finish to claim the second stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico Thursday ahead of German Paul Martens and Italian Daniele Bennati. ... more...

Thursday's Updated NCAA Tourney Bubble Watch
Things can change quickly on the bubble. Less than a week after beating Syracuse, Louisville could have put itself in danger by losing its Big East tourney opener, writes Andy Glockner.... more...

'Slow burn' Irish closer to locking up a bid
The Irish thrived without Luke Harangody. They're better with him. Sticking with their "slow burn" offense, writes Stewart Mandel, ND stifled Seton Hall and likely clinched an NCAA bid.... more...

Nadal to make grass return at Queen's
LONDON (Reuters) - Spaniard Rafa Nadal is set to play his first competitive match on grass since winning the 2008 Wimbledon title at the Queen's Club tournament in June. ... more...

Vonn's title on hold after crash
GARMISCH-PARTERNKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - Lindsey Vonn's third successive overall World Cup title was still on hold after she crashed in the first leg of the giant slalom at Garmisch-Partenkirchen ... more...

FIL makes donation to help rebuild dead luger's house
BERLIN (Reuters) - The International Luge Federation (FIL) has donated 10,000 euros to the family of the Georgian luger who died at the Vancouver Olympics to help rebuild their house which was destroy... more...

Sharp shot gives Blackhawks 3-2 win over Kings
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Patrick Sharp scored a game-winning wrister at 2:08 in overtime to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. ... more...

South Korean teenager Noh earns Open place
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - South Korean teen-ager Noh Seung-yul booked a place at his first major championship when he finished tied for second at the British Open international final qualifying (Asia) ... more...

The name's Schumacher, Michael Schumacher
MANAMA (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton may dream about being cast in the role of James Bond, but seven-times Formula One champion Michael Schumacher said Thursday the role was already his. ... more...

Joe Posnanski: Jose Reyes' thyroid proves that with the Mets it's always something
Just what the Mets need: another medical misunderstanding. The mystery surrounding Jose Reyes is just the latest in a series of weird things to happen to the Mets, says Joe Posnanski.... more...

Mavericks drop Nets to win 13th straight
DALLAS (Reuters) - The Dallas Mavericks rallied after a stuttering start to extend their league-leading winning streak to 13 games with a 96-87 victory over the New Jersey Nets Wednesday. ... more...

Stewart Mandel: Notre Dame has opponents doing slow burn with deliberate attack
The Irish thrived without Luke Harangody. They're better with him. Sticking with their "slow burn" offense, writes Stewart Mandel, ND stifled Seton Hall and likely clinched an NCAA bid.... more...

Ravens boost receiving corps with two-year Mason deal
BALTIMORE, Maryland (Reuters) - The Baltimore Ravens have reinforced their commitment to a strong passing game for next season by agreeing a new two-year deal with wide receiver Derrick Mason. ... more...

Clottey to unleash body punches to soften up Pacquiao
ARLINGTON, Texas (Reuters) - Ghana's Joshua Clottey will target Filipino Manny Pacquiao's body for punishment when the two clash in Dallas this weekend. ... more...

Villegas will be focus of fiesta at Doral
MIAMI (Reuters) - Colombian Camilo Villegas is the fans' favorite at Doral this week but he is keen to keep his focus on the course and not on the legions of Spanish speaking supporters who follow him... more...

Kidd, Mavs hold off Nets for 13th consecutive win
DALLAS(AP) Jason Kidd had 20 points and nine assists, Caron Butler added 16 points, and the Dallas Mavericks recovered from a lethargic start to match the NBA's longest winning streak this season with... more...

Garciaparra rejoins Red Sox for day, then retires
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It would be easy to remember Nomar Garciaparra as a tragic figure, the dealt-away former icon and struggling star who by three months missed being a part of the Red Sox' first Worl... more...

Oregon QB Masoli charged in frat house burglary
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who helped lead the Ducks to the Pac-10 Conference title and a Rose Bowl berth last season, faces a burglary charge in connection with a theft ... more...