Gerrard makes scoring return

Steven Gerrard swept away the stress of his courtroom battle to score a trademark goal on his return to action.

Just hours after being found not guilty of affray by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court, the Reds captain made a surprise appearance in a pre-season friendly at Tranmere.

In a Liverpool XI otherwise comprised of reserves and youth players, Gerrard scored his team's first equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Prenton Park, blasting home a low drive from outside the box.

The news will have been welcomed on the other side of the world, where Rafael Benitez and the rest of his first-team players are currently engaged in a pre-season tour of the Far East.

Benitez was told of Gerrard's acquittal during a training session and said: "We are really pleased. He is very important for us and he can now focus just on football.

"We are all pleased at the club and over here at the training camp.

We have been supporting him all the time and were just waiting for the decision. Now he can concentrate just on football and hopefully play at the same level as last year."

This has not been the smoothest of pre-seasons for Benitez, and the Far East tour this week has been dogged by a succession of problems.

Injuries to Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar which forced the players to return to England for treatment have come on top of the continued transfer saga surrounding Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Alvaro Arbeloa.

But as he prepared his side for Sunday's friendly against Singapore, Benitez was relieved that the cloud hanging over Gerrard has now been swept away after he was acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court following an incident in Southport on December 29 last year.

Gerrard has missed the Far East trip because of the week-long trial, and will be reunited with his team-mates next week when Liverpool return to the UK.

Speaking outside court after the verdict, Gerrard said: "Can I just say how pleased I am with today's verdict.

"I'd like to put this case behind me. I'm really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on football.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to my legal team, my friends and family and to everyone at Liverpool Football Club for supporting me."

Benitez also confirmed that Real Madrid target Alonso was fit following an ankle injury and ready to play against Singapore.

Benitez, who also has Yossi Benayoun back from an ankle problem, said: "I am very happy to have Yossi and Xabi back. They are working very hard, the tempo of the session was fantastic and the fans really enjoyed it.

"We are trying to step up our training every day, especially for the international players. Today we had three teams playing against each other. It was good competition and pleasing for me to see."

Breaking News: Alonso asks to leave

Xabi Alonso is reported to have handed in an official transfer request at Liverpool as he seeks to secure a switch to Real Madrid.

The Liverpool Echo claims that the Spain international midfieder has informed Anfield officials in writing that he wishes to leave the Premier League club for the Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants have been very public in their pursuit of the midfielder and on Wednesday there were reports that he had been given 48 hours to make a decision on his future.

Now it just remains for Real to make a bid acceptable to Liverpool, who want upwards of £25million for the Euro 2008 winner.

Eto'o finalises 'swap' deal

Samuel Eto'o has signed a five-year deal with Inter Milan as part of the 'swap' deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Barcelona.

The Serie A champions confirmed the Cameroon striker had signed a deal with them just over an hour after Barcelona announced Ibrahimovic had signed a five-year contract with them - in a deal worth 66million euros.

Eto'o passed a medical at the San Matteo hospital in Pavia this evening, before the finishing touches were put on a deal that will also see winger Alexander Hleb join Inter on a season-long loan.

A statement on Inter's website welcomed the player's arrival to the club and revealed the 28-year-old will be presented before the media tomorrow afternoon.

"Everyone at FC Internazionale and all the fans warmly welcome Samuel Eto'o to the club, and are proud to have him in the team, convinced that new and important triumphs will be reached together," the statement on www.inter.it read.

After completing his medical this evening, Eto'o said he was looking forward to establishing himself as a force in Serie A after five prolific seasons with Barca.

"I made history at Barcelona, but that history is finished now," he said.

"A new story begins at Inter; I'm starting from scratch; I want a new adventure and I hope everything goes well.

"I can't but wish Ibrahimovic good luck. I have won a lot at Barcelona and now I hope to do the same with these colours, if not, more."

Ibrahimovic was presented before the media in Barcelona this evening, where the details of the deal were revealed.

Barcelona have paid 46million euros for the Swede, with the extra 20million made up in the Spanish club's valuation of Eto'o.

That went most of the way to making up the 70million euros valuation Inter had placed on Ibrahimovic, with the Italians also getting Hleb on a year-long loan.

The Belorussian has shown some reluctance to agree to the deal, but it may end in a permanent move - with Inter having an option to buy the player for 10million euros after his loan deal expires next summer.

Eto'o, however, seems focused on making his mark at the San Siro and pledged to score more goals than he did during his time at Barcelona.

"I promise the fans that I will work every day, as I have always done," said Eto'o - who scored 39 goals in 49 appearances for the Catalans last term.

"This is at the base of everything. I believe in my work and the group. I don't have to say that what I want to do is score even more goals; I know I'm capable of scoring goals and I know that through my work I will score even more.

"I know that Inter strongly want to win the Champions League, but you can't just think about the cup - because if you're too concentrated on the Champions League the other objectives fade into the background and then maybe there's also the risk of exiting the European competition as well.

Hughes has high standards in chase

Mark Hughes does not want to settle for second-rate defenders if bids for John Terry and Joleon Lescott fail.

The pair have been on the radar of the Eastlands outfit all summer, with their respective clubs, Chelsea and Everton, already turning down several attempts to land their signatures.

Speaking after his side lost the final match of their pre-season tour of South Africa 1-0 against Kaizer Chiefs, Hughes said he is only interested in bringing in players better than those already at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"We're in the market for good players that we think will improve us," he said. "If we can bring them to the club, then we'll be very delighted.

"But a lot of the good players out there are at good clubs and clubs that don't have to do business with us.

"It's a case of saying what's available, what we can bring to the football club to improve. If the only players that are available are players that won't improve us to any great extent, then we go with what we have.

"Because it doesn't make sense to bring players in that are at a same level, we need to bring players in that are at a better level."

Terry has looked like the prime target of Hughes all summer and asked whether the silence over the issue by the England captain had convinced him even further that the player would be interested in a move, he said: "I have no idea.

"John Terry is a player not at the club, who I keep having to answer questions about. We made a bid for a player that was rejected and that's where we stand at this moment in time.

"Irrespective of what his club does or what John does, we can have no influence on that and that's where we are really."

City have already made major inroads in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Emmanuel Adebayor, the latter pair featuring in today's game against Chiefs in Pretoria.

Following the arrival of those top names, there is also likely to be additional pressure on Hughes to deliverer and he knows the stakes are high.

He continued: "There's been a lot of speculation and debates over a lot of things in connection to Manchester City.

"I've said before, last year expectations were too high for us to fulfil. This year we hope to do better in that respect, we hope to obviously have a squad of players that will compete and do very well.

"Every manager has an expectation on them and I'm no different from any manager in the Premier League or South African football. The pressure is always there to win football matches and we live with that on a daily basis.

"Maybe last year I lived with that more than most, but I'm quite comfortable with that as an expectation. It's something that we deal with quite regularly and it doesn't worry me unduly. It's part and parcel of being a football manager."

Former Arsenal striker Adebayor, one of City's biggest summer signings, made an encouraging start to his career under Hughes, despite the club losing, and linked up impressively at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium alongside the likes of Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov up front.

The manager said: "I thought Emmanuel was excellent today. For his first game, obviously when you combine a player of his quality and standing in the game, then you expect a certain level of performance and he certainly provided that for us.

"He showed the qualities that we all know he has, which will be invaluable for us this season, so we're absolutely delighted that he's here. He's going to be a huge player for us this season once the team understands the best way to play with him.

"He plays in a way that enables him to get the best out of his team-mates, so we've got an exceptional player. So we're delighted with his performance today and sure we'll be really happy with his performance right through the season."

Youngster Javan Vidal, Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuoha all picked up injuries in the game, but Hughes does not think any of them are too serious.

"Richard Dunne has a little problem with his knee which is consequence of an international at the end of the season that has dragged on and as a result he was finding it uncomfortable today as he was playing.

"There was no point taking chances, so we took him off as a precaution.

"Nedum has nine stitches in a head wound. Javan Vidal had to come off with a badly gashed shin. But he's walking around, so there's no long-term damage."

Fergie: Fifteen is good for Owen

Sir Alex Ferguson has set Michael Owen a 15-goal target for his debut season at Manchester United.

Owen was a surprise capture for a club reeling at the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez from their title-winning squad.

At first, most United fans were seriously underwhelmed by the signing. However, with two goals in three games on the Red Devils' Far East tour so far, Owen has hit the ground running and looks fitter and fresher than at any stage during four seasons at Newcastle.

Ferguson, though, does intend paying some heed to Owen's past fitness record.

The Scot nevertheless expects Owen to figure in 25 games this term. And providing he reaches that figure, Ferguson sees no reason why his new forward should fail to hit the 15-goal mark.

"Michael has scored two already and I hope there are plenty more to come," said the Red Devils chief.

"If you look at his record over the years, even the last two years at Newcastle when they were going through a difficult time, he scored one in every two games.

"He is easily capable of reaching that level again.

"If he plays 25 games for me this season I think we'll get 15 goals."

Ferguson was speaking ahead of tomorrow's encounter with Hangzhou Greentown at the Dragon Stadium, which will conclude another successful trip to Asia that once again highlights how popular United are in this part of the world.

The reaction in South Korea to Park Ji-sung's arrival was astounding, while United arrived in China to instantly find their team hotel mobbed by supporters today, with high pitched screaming coming every time one of the players ventured into public view.

Little wonder Ferguson is not ruling out the possibility of signing another Chinese player, despite the purchase of Dong Fangzhou now being regarded as a failure.

"United are always searching for talent throughout the world," said Ferguson.

"Of course we had Dong for a couple of years.

"He is a good boy, a good professional and he did his very best but unfortunately it didn't work out for him.

"However if we see potential we will bring them to United. Our search always goes on."

Adebayor makes Man City switch

Manchester City have completed the signing of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old Togo international has joined the Blues from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee after passing his medical at Eastlands this evening.

The striker becomes the latest big-money addition to Mark Hughes' squad this summer following the captures of Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.

Several hundred City fans were at the stadium this evening to welcome Adebayor, who hopes to help the ambitious club move forward.

"It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do," said Adebayor, who, as at Arsenal, will wear the number 25 shirt.

"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters.

"It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."

Hughes, meanwhile, has hailed the capture of the striker, who was signed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for £3million from Monaco in 2006.

"Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us," the Welshman told club website www.mcfc.co.uk.

"Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

Adebayor's first task will be to fly out to join his new team-mates in South Africa, where their pre-season tour began with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates earlier today.

Safina returns to winning ways

Dinara Safina recorded a first round win in the Banka Koper Slovenia Open in Portoroz today.

The world number one eased past local wild-card Tadeja Majeric 6-0 6-4 in her first match since her All-England Club ambitions were so ruthlessly exposed by Venus Williams in their semi-final match-up on Centre Court.

Sixth seed Lucie Safarova beat Great Britain's Katie O'Brien 6-4 6-4 but third seed Kaia Kanepi was a surprise loser, going down 6-1 6-2 to the impressive Olga Govortseva of Belarus.

Schnyder's hopes ended in Italy

Patty Schnyder's hopes of ending an 11-year drought on clay have come to an end at the Internazionali Femminili di Tennis di Palermo.

Schnyder was forced to retire injured in the first set of her quarter-final against Anna-Lena Groenefeld

Second-seed Schnyder, who last triumphed on the surface in Palermo in 1998, lasted just half-an-hour before forfeiting with the German 4-3 ahead.

Top seed Flavia Pennetta had it easier with a comfortable 6-4 6-4 win over France's Aravane Rezai, while her fellow Italian Tathiana Garbin defeated Olga Govortsova 6-2 6-1.

The crowd then cheered a third home player into the last four as Sara Errani edged Yaroslava Shvedova 6-2 7-5.

Schnyder's hopes ended in Italy

Patty Schnyder's hopes of ending an 11-year drought on clay have come to an end at the Internazionali Femminili di Tennis di Palermo.

Schnyder was forced to retire injured in the first set of her quarter-final against Anna-Lena Groenefeld

Second-seed Schnyder, who last triumphed on the surface in Palermo in 1998, lasted just half-an-hour before forfeiting with the German 4-3 ahead.

Top seed Flavia Pennetta had it easier with a comfortable 6-4 6-4 win over France's Aravane Rezai, while her fellow Italian Tathiana Garbin defeated Olga Govortsova 6-2 6-1.

The crowd then cheered a third home player into the last four as Sara Errani edged Yaroslava Shvedova 6-2 7-5.

Manchester United have rejected a plea to fulfil their match in Indonesia, and also said no to a chance to visit Australia instead. United are still

Manchester United have rejected a plea to fulfil their match in Indonesia, and also said no to a chance to visit Australia instead.

United are still discussing how to fill the gap created by the terrorist attacks in Jakarta yesterday, which led them to scrap a trip supposed to take place immediately after today's encounter with a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur.

It seems certain Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad will remain where they are for an extra few days before flying to Seoul on Wednesday as planned.

However, a number of alternatives are still being discussed, some with more vigour than others.

And one that was dismissed quickly was an appeal from the Indonesian government to reverse their decision to abandon the second leg of the trip.

"Manchester United needs to show that they are with us not just in words, but in deeds," said presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal.

"There is no more powerful message to the world than to continue with the Jakarta match as planned.

"Of all the great feats that have been and will be achieved by Manchester United as a great football team with a heart, this one - proceeding with the match in Jakarta as a measure of solidarity - will be long remembered by history."

Given United were supposed to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton, one of two hotels targeted by suicide bombers that left eight dead and over 50 injured, the reaction was understandable.

"The decision to cancel the Jakarta leg of the tour was not taken lightly," said a club spokesman.

"But after an act of terrorism, the club received advice from a variety of sources, including our own Foreign Office. That advice has not changed and so the club's decision has to stand.

"Everyone at the club is disappointed not to be able to play in Indonesia but it has a responsibility to its players and staff."

It is estimated the total loss incurred by the cancellation will be around £4million when refunds to supporters and the loss of commercial revenue are taken into account.

United are still investigating the possibility of getting the Indonesian Select outfit they were supposed to be playing on Monday into Malaysia in order to play the game as planned.

However, a number of corporate events with sponsors and local companies in Indonesia have had to be scrapped.

Also off the table is a £1million offer to play a single match in Sydney made by the Football Federation of Australia.

The offer of a match - against either Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory at the ANZ Stadium - had some merit given United are extremely popular Down Under.

However, the extra travel - it would have meant a nine-hour flight to Sydney and then 11 hours up to Seoul, where United are set to play on Friday - made it a non-starter given they are heading back to Europe straight after a game on the Sunday in China.

"We were planning to pull out all the stops to make it happen," admitted FFA director of communications Bonita Mersiades.

"However, their commitments meant the game could only be played on Monday, which we were willing to organise, but there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing on their side, so unfortunately it wasn't possible."

In addition to scheduling difficulties, United are still knocking back questions about why they put themselves in this position given previous warnings of terror attacks in Indonesia, where over 200 people were killed in the Bali bombings in 2002.

However, chief executive David Gill insists the correct authorities were consulted and United were right to arrange the game.

"We are experienced at travelling," said Gill.

"We don't take these decisions lightly. We discussed the situation with the relevant authorities and it was the right decision at the time.

"The experts felt it was a safe place to go."

BBC chiefs' bonuses 'suspended'

Bonuses for the 10 most senior BBC executives are to be suspended indefinitely, the chairman of the BBC Trust has said.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Sir Michael Lyons said some salaries could "appear too high" during the recession.

Executives had already agreed not to receive pay rises or bonuses this year.

Meanwhile, the culture secretary has said it is "self-defeating" of BBC managers to oppose plans to share the licence fee with other broadcasters.

The BBC said it would respond to the comments at a news conference on Tuesday.

The corporation is currently trying to cut its costs and save £1.7bn between now and 2013.

'Wage restraint'

Sir Michael's announcement came after widespread criticism of high salaries and expenses among BBC top brass.

According to the Telegraph, the Trust's annual report, to be published later, will show the 10 directors earned almost £5m in salary last year - 17% more than the year before.

Writing in the Telegraph, Sir Michael said: "I can reveal that we have already reached agreement that Executive Board bonus payments will be suspended until further notice and not reintroduced without the Trust's approval."

He said the Trust had "consistently emphasised the need for wage restraint", although he acknowledged that competitive salaries were needed to retain the best staff.

Sir Michael said: "We must, however, also ensure that we maintain the trust and confidence of those who pay for the BBC - the licence fee paying public.

"We have to be sensitive to the prevailing economic wind which currently can make the top BBC salaries appear too high."

Last July, Director General Mark Thompson defended the decision to award pay rises of up to £107,000 each for the BBC's executive directors.

He did, however, waive his own right to a bonus because of the "scale of disruption and uncertainty" facing his BBC colleagues.

'Feeling of despair'

Ben Bradshaw accused BBC bosses of showing poor leadership

But it is also facing new challenges to its funding after the government outlined proposals to allocate 3.5% of the licence fee to other broadcasters including ITV to fund the provision of regional news and children's programming.

Mr Thompson said "under no circumstances" would it be a good idea and Sir Michael said it would "damage BBC output".

But speaking to the Financial Times, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said they had lost the confidence of many of their senior staff over the issue.

He said: "There is almost a feeling of despair among a lot of highly respected BBC professionals.

"I don't know why they have adopted this position. I don't think it's sensible. I think it is wrong-headed and ultimately self-defeating."

Spain through after tough test

Defending Davis Cup champions Spain were made to battle all the way in their World Group quarter-final against Germany.

Spain, without the injured Rafael Nadal, clinched a 3-2 win over their European rivals as Juan Carlos Ferrero defeated Andreas Beck 6-4 6-4 6-4 in today's deciding rubber.

Germany, trailing 2-1 overnight, levelled the tie earlier today as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-2 1-6 2-6 8-6 in a thrilling match at the Puerto Banus bullring.

Kohlschreiber's efforts in defeating the world number nine were in vain, however, as former world number one Ferrero eased to victory against Beck as Spain set up a semi-final encounter with Israel, who wrapped up a 4-1 win against Russia in Tel Aviv.

Having booked a first ever appearance in the final four by easing to an unassailable 3-0 lead yesterday, Israel had to share the honours in the reverse singles today as Igor Andreev restored some pride for Russia with victory over Dudi Sela, who retired injured when trailing 3-4 in the first set.

Harel Levy ensured Israel ended on a high note, however, taking his second singles win of the weekend as he defeated Igor Kunitsyn 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7/2).

Croatia marched into the last four after taking an unassailable 3-1 lead over the United States.

With the US trailing 2-1 after yesterday's rubbers, all eyes were on James Blake to level the tie for the Davis Cup's most successful nation, but he failed to rise to the challenge of Croatian number one Marin Cilic, who posted a hard-fought 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-2 win to settle the tie.

"I think this was one of the best matches I've played," Cilic said on daviscup.com.

"Today I played a lot of it on adrenaline, the crowd was carrying me throughout the match. I really played well, I felt good on court, moved really well, and even though I lost the third set I felt I was playing well and my tactics were perfect, so I kept going and eventually broke him."

The dead rubber will see Roko Karanusic face US doubles specialist Bob Bryan.

In Ostrava, Radek Stepanek played through the pain barrier to claim a priceless win over Juan Monaco and guide the Czech Republic into a semi-final clash with the Croats at the expense of last year's beaten finalists Argentina.

With the Czechs resuming 2-1 ahead overnight, world number five Juan Martin del Potro levelled the tie with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych to take it to a decider.

Stepanek, battling a knee problem, was rarely in trouble in the fifth and final rubber against Monaco, taking the first set on a tie-break before easing away to a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 6-2 triumph which ensured the Czechs' first final-four appearance since 1996.

"It was the biggest effort I have ever done in Davis Cup," said Stepanek.

"I had to really dig deep to step on the court. After the doubles I was 90% sure that I'm not able to play singles, but I was assured by the doctors that it was not going to damage my knee.

"I had to lie to myself that it didn't hurt."

Hamilton goes quickest again

Lewis Hamilton appeared to dismiss claims of showboating by posting the fastest practice time of the German Grand Prix weekend to date.

It had been suggested, after Hamilton was quickest yesterday (Friday) at the end of the two 90-minute sessions, he was merely putting on a good show in his McLaren on the home turf of engine suppliers Mercedes.

Hamilton's car does boast a considerable upgrade rushed through for this race at the Nurburgring, to such a degree the team had no time to fit the new parts to team-mate Heikki Kovalainen's McLaren, underlined by the fact the Finn finished 19th.

The world champion, who so far has just nine points to his name and has failed to score in the last four grands prix, seemingly has a genuine shot of competing with the frontrunners again this weekend.

Hamilton finished today's hour-long run with a time of one minute 31.121 seconds, a second faster than his hot lap of yesterday, with the 24-year-old quickest in the first two of the three sectors.

Renault's Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Felipe Massa were second and third overall, both just over two tenths of a second down on the Briton.

The Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel, who will be going for his third pole in a row in qualifying today, and Mark Webber were fourth and fifth, but close to half a second adrift.

They were followed by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, the Toyota of Jarno Trulli, and then the Williams duo, Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima, with the latter 0.6secs off the pace.

Championship leader Jenson Button, complaining of the cold and the inability to get any heat into his tyres with temperatures again a chilly 12 degrees centigrade, was 11th and almost a second down.

Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello spent the first half hour in the pits as the team resolved an electrical issue before eventually finishing 14th.

At the rear, and with the suggestion he will be replaced after this race along with Renault's Nelson Piquet, was Toro Rosso's Sebastien Bourdais, over 1.7secs adrift.

SCENARIOS: Tension in China's restive Xinjiang

Wed Jul 8, 2009
By Ben Blanchard

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao abandoned plans to attend a G8 summit in Italy on Wednesday, returning home early to deal with ethnic violence that has left at least 156 dead in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang.

More than 1,000 people have been injured and 1,434 arrested in unrest between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs since Sunday in Urumqi, capital of the energy-rich region which borders Central Asia and Pakistan.

Here are some scenarios at how current tensions may play out:

WILL UNREST SPREAD TO REST OF XINJIANG?

- Demonstrations and even rioting could break out in other parts of the vast region, especially in areas which are heavily populated by minority Muslim Uighurs. Urumqi, by contrast, has a very large Han Chinese population.

Chinese state media have already reported on protests in the old Silk Road city of Kashgar and exile groups say other cities have also been affected, though those reports are hard to verify.

- But after the violence in Urumqi, Chinese security forces will rush in reinforcements to all parts of Xinjiang to try to nip any new protests in the bud, making a repetition of Sunday's riots unlikely though not impossible.

WILL MILITANTS MOUNT TERROR ATTACKS?

- Militants accused by Beijing of using terror to seek an independent state called East Turkestan could mount bombing or shooting attacks.

Xinjiang has been hit by numerous bombings and shootings over the years, including attacks in the region before and during last year's Beijing Olympics, so attacks are possible.

Chinese missions in the Netherlands and Germany have been attacked by unidentified men.

Some analysts and rights groups question the level of organization and threat posed by these groups, saying they are not as fearsome as China makes out.

- Any terror attacks would meet with not only public outrage, which the government may find hard to control, but also an even tighter security clampdown against Uighurs. That would generate yet more Uighur resentment, and so the cycle of enmity, hate and suspicion would start again.

WILL XINJIANG'S ECONOMY DIVE?

- Tourism, especially domestic, will take a hit. Travel agents have already reported a collapse in demand. But the government will probably step in to pump-prime the economy, part of an existing policy to bring wealth to the region partially in the hopes of trying to win over the local people.

- Analysts do not expect China's markets to be affected, unless the unrest engulfs the whole of Xinjiang and gets completely out of control or spreads to the rest of the country. China's stock markets have largely shrugged off the unrest.

WILL CHINA SUBSTANTIALLY LOOSEN ITS GRIP ON XINJIANG?

- Unlikely. The Chinese government, and many ordinary Chinese, already believe they are more than generous to Xinjiang, pumping in billions of dollars for schools, hospitals, roads and farming projects, as well as giving Uighurs privileges not extended to Han Chinese. For instance, there is no enforced family planning.

- Any debate on policy reform in Xinjiang will be kept out of the public eye to avoid the government being seen to be weak and capitulating to the rioters, which would be extremely unpopular with the broader population in the rest of the country.

WILL CHINA GRANT XINJIANG INDEPENDENCE?

- This is almost guaranteed never to happen, at least not while the Communist Party remains in power in Beijing. And even in the unlikely event the Party looses its grip on power, Chinese people, brought up to believe that Xinjiang is an inseparable part of China, will not let it slip away easily.

- Xinjiang is also too strategic a place for China to let go. It borders Central Asia and Pakistan and is rich in natural resources.

- Giving Xinjiang independence would set a dangerous precedent for other restless minorities, including Tibetans and Mongolians. No leader would want that to happen under their watch lest they go down in history as "sinners."

Brawn gunning for success at the ‘Ring

Ross Brawn has revealed that Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will both be ready for the German Grand Prix after some improvements.

Brawn GP has dominated Formula 1 this season and Brawn's team currently tops the Constructors' Championship, having won 105 points, 30.5 points ahead of runner-up Red Bull Racing.

Button and Barrichello are also heading the Drivers' Championship, with the British driver comfortably ahead by 23 points.

Despite their overall excellence this season on the whole, Brawn tasted defeat at the British Grand Prix, as Red Bull were a cut above the rest, with Sebastian Vettel taking the win at Silverstone.

Brawn GP will be looking to dominate the German GP, especially with the added significance of Mercedes being their engine partner - a fact that will give the team a little more motivation down the stretch.

"The team is looking forward to returning to the race track at the German Grand Prix next weekend and the Nürburgring should be a good circuit for our car and play to its strengths," said Brawn.

"We have several new aerodynamic parts from Silverstone which were not used in qualifying and the race due to the issues that we faced there, along with additional improvements scheduled for the Nürburgring, which should position us well going into the weekend."

"Whilst coming away with third and sixth placed finishes from Silverstone was still a good outcome from our home Grand Prix, we would be the first to admit that the result did not meet our expectations."

"However we have always said that we would have a fight on our hands to maintain our excellent run of results at the start of the season and everyone at the factory and at Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines in Brixworth is looking forward to that challenge. "

"As a team, we have a good history of going away from a race, thinking about the outcome, identifying where we need to make improvements and then coming back stronger."

"As the home Grand Prix for Mercedes-Benz, we will be hoping to come away from the race in Germany next weekend with a successful result."

Rubens Barrichello is keen to race at the Eifel Mountains this weekend, returning for the first time since 2007.

The 37-year-old managed to beat Button at Silverstone and will be gunning for his first victory of the season.

"I have always enjoyed racing at the Nürburgring and it provides a good challenge for the drivers," added the Brazilian. "The layout and flow is nice which allows you to get into a rhythm and there are some interesting undulations and bumps to look out for."

"I won the race here back in 2002 so the circuit always holds some good memories for me. The weather can be a little unpredictable due to its location right in the Eifel Mountains but we'll be hoping for some warmer temperatures than we saw at Silverstone for the last race."

"The first corner here is really important to set yourself up for a good lap and it's a bumpy run down from the start line. You have to get your approach absolutely right and position yourself well for a good exit. However it is also one of the best overtaking opportunities if the cars around you slide straight on so you need to be alert to take advantage of any opportunities."

"Many of the corners at the Nürburgring are off-camber so getting the correct line for your corner entry is important all round the lap."

"We haven't raced here for a couple of years so it will be interesting to see how the circuit feels in a good car."

Brothers chasing Open dream

Brothers Lloyd and Elliot Saltman could both be playing in the Open next week after making flying starts in qualifying.

With only four places up for grabs on each of the three courses, 27-year-old Elliot leads at Glasgow Gailes after a four-under-par 67, while just down the coast at Kilmarnock Barassie 23-year-old Lloyd is in second place following a seven-under 66.

Lloyd is much the better known of the pair. Four years ago at St Andrews he took the silver medal as leading amateur by finishing a brilliant 15th and two years ago was a team-mate of Rory McIlroy at the Walker Cup.

He has yet to earn a European Tour card, but said: "I've been playing well on the Challenge Tour the last three or four weeks and it would be fantastic if Elliot and I could both get in.

"He arrived when I was playing the 14th and told me he had shot four under and was leading. I was five under at the time and it was great to hear because we're not competing against each other this time.

"I'd love to be back in the Open. St Andrews was my only one so far because that was the year they changed it so that only the top 10 rather than the top 16 got in the following year."

It is thought that they would be the first brothers in the same Open since Seve and Manuel Ballesteros 25 years ago - when Seve won.

Lloyd's 66 stood as a record for the altered Barassie course for only 45 minutes, Austrian Markus Brier lowering it by two in front of what he called "the biggest crowd I've had all year".

They had not arrived to see him in action, though. Brier was partnering double Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal and his former Ryder Cup team-mate Barry Lane, but they shot only 70 and 72 respectively on the par-73 lay-out.

Because he was competing in the French Open yesterday, Olazabal hired a private jet at a cost of around £6,000 to get him to the qualifier.

He was still just too late, however, for a practice round.

"I got here about 3.40pm, but the course had been closed," he said.

"I walked 14 holes and it didn't really count against me.

"I need something special to make it now, but the way I am playing it's not looking very promising."

It is distinctly more promising, however, than the situation facing 1999 Open runner-up Jean Van de Velde.

After a late night Ryanair flight from Paris Van de Velde bogeyed the first four holes at Glasgow Gailes and finished with a five-over 76.

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Yorkshire's Gordon J Brand, runner-up to Greg Norman at Turnberry way back in 1986 and now 53, matched Olazabal's 70, as did twice British amateur champion Gary Wolstenholme in his first attempt to qualify as a professional.

Former European Open champion Kenneth Ferrie, who missed out on Turnberry by a shot when finishing sixth at the French Open, was one worse than that.

Leading score at Western Gailes was a three-under-par 68 from Scottish amateur James Byrne.

He leads by one from Spaniard Carlos Balmaseda, while ex-Ryder Cup star Steve Richardson had a 71 and former PGA champion Andrew Oldcorn 73.

Elliot Saltman leads by two from a group which includes another former Ryder Cup player, Peter Baker.

Northern Ireland's Ronan Rafferty, European number one in 1989, had a 72, the same as Warren Bladon, winner of the British amateur title at Turnberry in 1996.

Three Americans, meanwhile, clinched their Open spots in Washington last night.

Brandt Snedeker's fifth place in the AT&T National got him in and Bryce Molder and Paul Goydos were the two leading non-exempt players in a current form money list that ran from early May.

City target Terry: Dubai or not Dubai

John Terry and Mark Hughes apparently stayed in the same hotel last week, with their reasons for visiting the gulf state unknown.

What is known is that Manchester City tabled a £30million offer for the Chelsea defender, which the Blues promptly dismissed.

The Sky Blues will attempt to swoop for the England skipper again soon, and are rumoured to be upping their bid to £35m.

Both Hughes and Terry looked to be unwinding at the exclusive Jumeirah Beach resort in Dubai. Whether both the men were on holiday remains to be seen.

Man City are very eager to get their man, but Barcelona stopper Carles Puyol has been tabbed to be ‘plan B' if they fail to get Terry.

La Blaugrana are anticipating another struggle with the Eastlands outfit, with another round of jousting after the Samuel Eto'o saga. Barca do not want to lose their inspirational captain, but the defender's agent is working with City to broker a mega-money move.

Holidaymakers at Jumeirah Beach allegedly told SunSport how they saw Hughes and Terry there the weekend before last.

Jason Dyer, from Hertfordshire, said: "We met John Terry in one of the restaurants and saw him around the hotel gardens. We also had breakfast at the next table to Mark Hughes."

"It was amazing to find when we came home City had made a bid for Terry."

Valdano: No Villa; Benz confirmed

Valencia striker David Villa is no longer a Real Madrid transfer target after the club confirmed the transfer of Karim Benzema.

Villa had been a long-term Real target but with Benzema joining the club, Real no longer need Villa.

The Frenchman signed a six-year contract at the Bernabeu. Real will reportedly pay an initial £30 million for Benzema which could rise to £35m.

Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo had already been signed by Real Madrid as their block-buster transfer policy continues unabated.

Ironically, it now seems Real's bitter rivals Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Villa.

Director general Jorge Valdano said: "Benzema fulfils the goal of having a striker, a goalscorer who brings a lot of presence and aggression to the forward line.

Asked whether Benzema's arrival meant Real would abandon their quest to bring in Villa, Valdano added: "Benzema and Villa both have these characteristics so the answer to your question is yes."

Raul Albiol, meanwhile, has become the latest player to be presented to the fans following his move from Valencia.

"I don't have to say that I'm very happy to be here. It comes with great pride to be welcomed like that," said the Spain international.

Trez could fill Benz place at Lyon

Karim Benzema's departure to Real could open the door for David Trezeguet to join Olympique Lyonnais.

Juventus have been wanting to sell the French striker for quite some time now and according to reports from both sides of the Alps, Lyon have already earmarked Trezeguet as their main target.

The 32-year-old striker has been priced at £8 million.

Juventus left Trezeguet on the bench for much of this season - even after his recovery from double knee surgery - and he has been looking for another club for some time.

The problem so far has been finding a side willing to pay his wages, but Lyon could be open to the move after selling Benzema.

In turn, the cash raised by Juventus in selling Trezeguet would be used to bring in a younger striker such as Lazio's Goran Pandev or Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi.

Another Galactico on the horizon

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has announced that the Spanish giants are about to make another splurge.

According to Perez on Cadena SER radio programme El Larguero: "The next signing will be either today [Wednesday] or tomorrow, but I cannot say who until the deal is done."

When asked whether the speculations of David Villa or Diego Forlan were anything to go by, the Madrid chief remained indistinct.

"You are putting me in a tight spot.

"I like both of them, but Valencia want to keep Villa and Atletico want Forlan to stay. And if that's the case we won't be able to sign either.

"We are not going to do anything that Valencia and their fans would not like.

"Their club president wants Villa to remain and I respect that. I understand that and I am fine with their decision, because they want to send a message that they are eager to build a team that can win the league," he added.

Perez then justified the exorbitant amounts of money thrown by the club, for which he had received much criticism.

"The criticism has come from those who are not of Madrid, which is logical," he explained. "But this is not an expenditure... it's an investment.

"From a business point of view, when you buy equipment, it produces revenue and the equipment for us are the big players. And if you invest in them, they will bring you returns."

Real Madrid have spent almost £140 million for their recent ‘equipment', namely Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, whether the ‘returns' will be shirt sales or club trophies is yet to be seen.