Sports world

S'PORE U-21 TEAM LEAVE FOR ASEAN C'SHIP

SINGAPORE'S national Under-21 team leave for the 10-day Asean Youth Football Championship in Brunei today. They open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday.

The 18-strong squad, led by coach Terry Pathmanathan, have been drawn in Group A with Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines are in Group B along with the hosts.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

RENAULT DRIVER UNHURT AFTER CRASH

LONDON: Heikki Kovalainen, Renault's new Formula One driver, emerged unscathed from a 200kmh crash during testing in Bahrain on Tuesday. He wrecked the right side of his car after smashing into a barrier at the Sakhir circuit.

The 25-year-old Finn has taken up the race seat vacated by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, following the Spaniard's move to McLaren.

REUTERS

RULE CHANGE PROPOSED TO LIMIT SPIN

LONDON: The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the United States Golf Association have proposed a rule change that limits the spin produced by U-shaped grooves in irons.

The proposal would not ban U-shaped grooves. But it would set specifications so that they performed like V-shaped grooves, producing less spin, especially out of the rough.

One concern in recent years is that players can hit shots as far as possible, knowing that extra spin will help keep the approach shot on the green, even if the ball lands in the rough.

ASSOCIATED PRESS