SYDNEY - SERENA Williams produced a dazzling performance off the court at the Sydney International on Sunday, sporting an A$ 3.5 million (S$3.7 million) diamond necklace.

ROME - DEFENDING champions Inter Milan endured a disappointing start to 2009 when they were forced to come from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Cagliari at the San Siro on Saturday.

The result gave Jose Mourinho's side a seven-point lead over Juventus, who face Siena on Sunday, at the top of Serie A.

MUSCAT - ASIAN CUP champions Iraq drew 1-1 with Kuwait on Saturday to confirm their shock exit from the eight-nation Gulf Cup where they finished at the bottom of Group A with just a single point.

Iraq had already lost 4-0 to hosts Oman and 3-1 against Bahrain and had no hope of making the semi-finals leaving just pride at stake against the nine-time winners.