Kobe Bryant (photo) has signed a new seven-year deal to remain with the LA Lakers reported to be worth $136 million. The news will come as great relief to the Lakers, which lost another of its star players - Shaquille O'Neal - to Miami Heat last week. Bryant was a pivotal player in the three consecutive NBA titles that the Lakers won from 2000, although his future is still far from certain. His trial for the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old hotel worker is scheduled to begin on Aug. 27. Bryant admits to having sex with her but claims that it was consensual.
Italy's Max Biaggi held off a strong challenge from world champion Valentino Rossi to win the German MotoGP on July 18. Biaggi, who started in pole position, lost his lead to Rossi halfway through the race before fighting back to claim his first win of the season. Brazilian Alex Barros was second with American Nicky Hayden in third while Rossi eventually finished fourth. The result means Biaggi now has 138 points, just one point behind Rossi in the championship standings.
Todd Hamilton (photo) has shot up from 58th to 15th in the U.S. Ryder Cup points rankings following his unexpected victory at the British Open. Hamilton and Ernie Els were tied at 10 under when Hamilton bogeyed the last shot, but he held his nerve to win the four-hole play-off by a shot. Masters champion Phil Mickelson came third on nine under, with England's Lee Westwood fourth on his own at six under after a closing 67. "I've got to give credit to Todd. He obviously had a game plan and he stuck to his guns," said Els, who won the Open in 2002.
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is to face Britain's Danny Williams in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 30. Tyson hasn't fought since he knocked out Clifford Etienne in the first round back in February 2003. But so far only 7,000 seats of the 20,000 available seats have been sold, most of which are at the lower end price range.
A man carrying a petrol can and a controlled drug was arrested on the grounds of the Hertfordshire home of David and Victoria Beckham. The intruder entered the 24-acre estate by scaling a 7-foot wall, but he was tackled by five security guards after being spotted on CCTV. Victoria Beckham was at home with her two children at the time of the incident, while her husband was in Spain for preseason training with Real Madrid.
