SPORTS BRIEFS

Fennell visit

NEW DELHI (AP):

Commonwealth Games Federation president, Mike Fennell, has started a two-day visit to inspect the New Delhi venues for the October event and meet government officials.

An organising committee official said yesterday that Fennell was accompanied by CGF chief executive Mike Hooper and went to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Fennell will meet government officials today over security and logistic issues. His visit comes with organisers struggling over the completion of projects and facing corruption allegations.

Oezil move

MADRID (AP):

Germany playmaker Mesut Oezil has completed his move to Real Madrid after passing a routine medical.

Oezil has agreed to a six-year deal in a transfer from Bundesliga club Werder Bremen worth a reported euro15 million ($19.3 million). The 21-year-old Oezil says he has "a lot of hunger to play here" and that a talk with new coach Jose Mourinho sealed his decision.

Zimbabwe coaches

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP):

Former Test fast bowlers Jason Gillespie of Australia and Allan Donald of South Africa say they are happy to work in Zimbabwean domestic cricket and are looking forward to help rebuild the sport in the African country.

The pair were presented yesterday as head coaches of franchises in the Zimbabwean league for the 2010-11 season. In line with some political reforms, Zimbabwe cricket has been improving following feuds between players and administrators, a factor which has resulted in players, coaches and officials returning to the country.

Nasri surgery

LONDON (AP):

Arsenal says midfielder Samir Nasri requires knee surgery and will be out of action for a month. The France international was hurt in Arsenal's Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday, which ended 1-1.

Arsenal said Nasri underwent "minor surgery" yesterday to heal the meniscal injury.

Arsenal did not say which knee was injured.

Klitschko, Briggs

BERLIN (AP):

Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Shannon Briggs of the United States in October. Klitschko's management says the fight will take place in Hamburg on October 16.

The 39-year-old Ukrainian says Briggs has "great experience, has even fought significantly more professional fights than I have and is one of the hardest punchers" in the heavyweight division.

Klitschko is 40-2, while the 38-year-old Briggs is 51-5 with one draw.

Neymar not ready

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP):

Pele says young Brazil striker Neymar would make a mistake if he moved to Chelsea to play in the Premier League. Chelsea have reportedly been trying to sign Neymar, but Brazil legend Pele said yesterday he thinks the 18-year-old Santos sensation is "not prepared to play in England" yet. Pele says Neymar would not easily adapt to the style of play in the English league and would be better off staying in Brazil for the time being.

Chelsea's initial offer reached €20 million ($26 million) according to reports, but Santos says it will not sell Neymar unless the €35 million ($45 million) buyout clause is paid. Brazil coach Mano Menezes and Sports Minister Orlando Silva are also said to be in favour of Neymar staying in his home country.