Holland draw
Holland and Belgium fought out a dour, goalless opening World Cup qualifier on Saturday that saw the tournament's third red card. With frustration running throughout the Dutch team as they struggled to break the deadlock, striker Patrick Kluivert decided on instant justice after he was fouled by Belgium's Lorenzo Staelens ten minutes from the end.

Very good
`So far so very good. I have been impressed with this World Cup to date. I know these are early days and not all the teams have played yet, but I like the positive attitude so many are showing. There have been a few draws, but lots of goals, too, and I think it is already fair to say that teams are looking more adventurous than we have become used to at this stage in the competition,'' says Gudd Gullit.

Paes-Bhupathi win
Indian tennis duo Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes entered the semifinals of the Queens Club Grass Court tournament defeating Doug Flach and Greg Van of the U S 6-4, 6-0 in London on Sunday.

Gamble on Owen
England coach Glenn Hoddle, known for doing the unexpected in his playing days, is prepared to gamble on the precocious talents of 18-year-old Liverpool striker Michael Owen for tomorrow's opening World Cup game against Tunisia. Hoddle is keeping his starting 11 secret. But there have been enough hints that Owen figures very much in his plans, either in preference to Alan Shearer's strike partner Teddy Sheringham or as a substitute.

Vijayalakshmi wins
International Woman Master Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman, 18, won the National A Chess Championships when she beat Sarita Reddy in the final round today.

Needing a win to finish among the top four, Vijayalakshmi won after 47 moves for 9.5 points from the 14-player round robin championship.