Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia  - Ole Einar Bjoerndalen narrowly missed out on a 90th World Cup win Saturday when he was pipped to victory by fellow Norwegian Emil Hegle Svendsen in a 12.5-kilometre pursuit race in Khanty-Mansiysk.

In the women's 10km race, six-time world champion Magdalena Neuner of Germany took the honours, leaving the battle for the overall World Cup to be decided between Kati Wilhelm of Germany and Sweden's Helena Jonsson in Sunday's mass start event.

Denver, Colorado  - The international Olympic Committee (IOC) intends using blacklists against those working in the background with athletes as part of its fight against doping.

"We have to look more deeply into the environment of the athletes because that is where it is happening," IOC vice-president Thomas Bach told German Press Agency dpa in an interview following the IOC Executive Committee meeting that concluded Friday in Denver.

Karachi, Mar. 28 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided not to host host the Asia Cup hockey tournament citing economic reasons.

The Dubai Sports City has officially announced that it would not be able to host the ten nation tournament, and has conveyed the same to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

The AHF, following the refusal, has urged the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to hold the championship, which will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup.

London, Mar 28 : England's football team has been given tailor-made undies as part of their latest kit, as they play against Slovakia.

Measurements for the special snug-fitting garments, known as a "base layer", have been taken by makers Umbro for captain John Terry, 28, David Beckham, 33, Rio Ferdinand, 30, and the rest of the team.

Though the measurements remain a secret, insiders have revealed that striker Peter Crouch, 28, was "head and shoulders above his team-mates in most departments".

Karachi, Mar. 28: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it is still undecided on whether to recall Mohammad Yousuf in the national team or not.

Yousuf, who has been barred by the board from playing international cricket after he joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), had expressed his desire to play for Pakistan.

The PCB is seeking views of legal experts over the issue, but has also made it clear that Yousuf would only be considered for the selection after he terminated his contract with the ICL.

London, Mar 28 : English midfielder David Beckham has only to make it onto the pitch against Slovenia today to get his 109th cap, and beat the record of Bobby Moore, regarded by many as England's greatest player.

Beckham equalled Bobby Moore's tally when he appeared in the friendly against Spain last month, but recently admitted he thought his days as a top-line player were over when manager Steve McClaren dumped him in 2006.