Oman Observer

MUSCAT — The Haffa House in Ruwi witnessed the annual gala of the Oman Automobile Association on Monday. The gala evening was presided over by Rashad bin Ahmed al Hinai, the Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs. It saw the achievers of the year and the supporters being honoured.

THAMRAIT — The 7th annual camel racing festival of Dhofar thoroughbreds al Mizaynah and Mihlabah concluded here yesterday. The closing ceremony was presided over by Shaikh Amir bin Salim Kashoub, Wali of Thamrait. The six-day event, which began on Saturday, was organised by the Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry.

Nadal limps out as Murray and Henin dream on

MELBOURNE — Rafa Nadal limped out of the Australian Open yesterday, his title defence shattered by a recurring knee problem and a devastating display by Andy Murray. Nadal quit when trailing Murray 6-3 7-6 3-0 but the match was as good as over with the Scotsman deservedly on his way to the semifinals for the first time.

LONDON — Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) named their team yesterday for their ground-breaking season opener against county champions Durham in Dubai in March. This will be the first time the match has been played away from MCC’s Lord’s headquarters in London and, in another break with tradition,...

LUBANGO, Angola — Nigeria goalkeeper Victor Enyeama turned Africa Cup of Nations matchwinner by converting the decisive kick in a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Zambia on Monday after a goalless quarterfinal. John Obi Mikel, Obafemi Martins, Obinna Nsofor and Osaze Odemwingie also scored from the spot to give the ‘Super Eagles’ a 100 per cent....

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James stole the show from fellow-superstar Dwayne Wade when it mattered most. James made the game-winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after stealing the ball from Wade, giving the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers a thrilling 92-91 road victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night.

LOS ANGELES — American Bill Haas made the most of a swing tip from coach Billy Harmon to win his maiden PGA Tour title at the Bob Hope Classic on Monday, just 10 days after missing the cut in his first start of the year. Haas burst clear of a tightly bunched leaderboard with a birdie four on the final hole of the weather-delayed event at La Quinta,...

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Justin Gatlin is learning how to sprint again, a fact that has little to do with the American’s four-year absence from athletics under a doping ban. With a new coach and a new philosophy on running, the former Olympic and world champion is working hard to get back to top speed.