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New bend may not include Beckham

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 12, 2006

LONDON - England may never again rely on David Beckham's bending free kicks. Soccer coach Steve McClaren on Friday left him off the squad that will face European champion Greece on Wednesday in an exhibition game.

The coach has not completely shut the door on Beckham, 31, but McClaren is trying to build a national team without the Real Madrid midfielder.

"I spoke to David last Monday and notified him of my decision and said that I was planning for the future, looking to change things, and David wasn't included," McClaren said. "At the present moment I am looking to take this team in a different direction."

The game against Greece is at Old Trafford, where Beckham scored some of his greatest goals for Manchester United and England.

"I'm proud to have played for England for 10 years and my passion for representing my country remains as strong as ever," Beckham said in a statement.

AC Milan appeals: AC Milan appealed its punishment in the Italian game-fixing scandal to the Italian Olympic Committee's arbitration court. AC Milan was docked eight points and forced to play in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

MLS: Kansas City Wizards captain Jimmy Conrad likely will miss four to six weeks to recover from a broken jaw suffered when New England's Clint Dempsey hit Conrad with his elbow Wednesday. ... Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash practiced with the New York Red Bulls. Coach Bruce Arena gave strict orders: Don't tackle Nash.

TRACK

Gatlin could flip on coach

American sprinter Justin Gatlin could escape a lifetime ban if he testifies against his coach.

By testifying against Trevor Graham, Gatlin would exercise the "substantial assistance" provision in the World Anti-Doping Agency's code, which reduces the ban by proving "he or she bears no significant fault or negligence."

Gatlin, co-world record holder in the 100 meters, tested positive for testosterone or other steroids after a race in April in Kansas. He denies knowingly using banned substances and could reduce his lifetime ban to eight years by testifying. Graham has said Gatlin was the victim of a vengeful massage therapist who rubbed testosterone cream on Gatlin's legs without his knowledge.

Tennis

Serena Williams builds steam

Serena Williams overcame the heat and her second three-set match in 17 hours to beat Meghann Shaughnessy 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-4 and advance to the JPMorgan Chase Open semifinals in Carson, Calif.

Playing her second tournament after a six-month layoff because of a left knee injury, Williams, unseeded and ranked 110th in the world, put away seventh-seeded Daniela Hantuchova 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the third round Thursday night.

Also: Top-ranked Roger Federer took a thrilling 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Xavier Malisse at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Richard Gasquet and Andy Murray beat seeded players to advance as well. ... Anastasia Myskina defeated Martina Sucha 6-4, 6-4 in the Nordic Light Open semifinals in Stockholm, Sweden.

Pro basketball

Nets take Robinson back

Forward Clifford Robinson, suspended during last season's playoffs for violating the NBA's drug policy, has reached an agreement to return to the Nets. Terms were not disclosed.

WNBA: Barbara Farris' putback with 1.7 seconds left lifted the host New York Liberty to a 64-62 win over Charlotte. ... Anna DeForge had 20 points as Indiana ended host Connecticut's 12-game winning streak 87-68. ... Host Washington rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Detroit 78-66.

Ming back: Yao Ming returned after a four-month layoff from a foot injury, revitalizing host China in an 82-73 loss to Dirk Nowitzki and Germany in a warmup game for the world championships. Yao, the Rockets center, scored 11, but Mavericks star Nowitzki finished with 27.

Et Cetera

NHL: The Oilers signed forward Petr Sykora to a one-year contract. Sykora scored 23 goals and had 28 assists last season with the Ducks and Rangers.

Olympics: Delegates from the U.S. Olympic Committee visited Los Angeles, which is bidding to host the 2016 Summer Games. The city showcased plans to renovate Memorial Coliseum to hold up to 95,000, if it can attract an NFL team.

[Last modified August 12, 2006, 02:32:53]