SPORTS (MSM)

Hong Kong toes China line with reform package, vows no compromise

By Clare Baldwin and James Pomfret HONG KONG (Reuters) – The Hong Kong government published a long-awaited electoral blueprint for selecting the city’s next leader on Wednesday, a plan enshrining China’s desire for a tightly controlled poll that has angered activists and stoked talk of fresh protests. The government proposal follows huge pro-democracy demonstrations last year in one of the boldest populist challenges to Beijing’s Communist Party rule since the

NBA stars to play in Johannesburg in first Africa game

The NBA announced plans Wednesday for its first game in Africa, an August exhibition that will feature basketball players from the continent in the latest effort to develop the league’s global fan base. The August 1 match in Johannesburg will pit “Team Africa” consisting of first- and second-generation NBA stars from Africa against “Team World,” composed of players from other regions. Two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng of the Miami Heat,

LeBron James carries Cavaliers past Celtics in NBA playoffs

LeBron James tallied 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 99-91 to seize a 2-0 lead in their first round playoff series. James committed six of Cleveland’s 18 turnovers but came through down the stretch on Tuesday. “I’ve been in this moment before and a lot of our guys haven’t,” said James, who also passed Jerry West for seventh on the NBA’s

Phoenix Suns' Morris brothers charged with aggravated assault

By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) – A grand jury in Arizona has indicted Phoenix Suns players Marcus and Markieff Morris on two counts of aggravated assault relating to an incident after a basketball tournament in January, court papers showed on Tuesday. The twin brothers are accused of “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” causing physical injury to Erik Vernell Hood on Jan. 24, according to the charges filed by the Maricopa County

Levy bids to hold off teenager Li at China Open golf

Alexander Levy is aiming to retain his Volvo China Open title in Shanghai this week but will be expecting a strong challenge from emerging homegrown teenage star Li Haotong. The 24-year-old Frenchman clinched his maiden title at the same tournament last year when it was held in Shenzhen, but will be battling Chinese number one Li to clinch the top prize in the $3.2 million event when the pair tee