S'pore trap shooters win gold at Thai Open

BANGKOK • Singapore's trap shooters finished tops in both the individual (50 targets) and team event of the Thailand Open Shooting Championships yesterday.

Choo Choon Seng took gold in the individual event, with a score of 41 to finish ahead of India's Prithviraj Tondaiman (38) and team-mate Zain Amat (29).

The Singaporean duo also teamed up with Lin Hejun to take the team title, posting a score of 336 (out of a possible maximum of 375). Malaysia came in second (332) and Thailand were third (317).

Xavi not ruling out Qatar 2022 position

DOHA • Xavi Hernandez said he is open to being Qatar's coach when it hosts the 2022 football World Cup and rebuffed his critics by claiming he is "very proud" to be in Doha.

The Barcelona great, 37, who currently plays in Qatar for Al Sadd, said he is "90 per cent" certain to retire at the end of this season and will then launch his coaching career.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

McIlroy to reassert himself after time off

LONDON • Rory McIlroy plans to return a stronger player after an injury-hit season that has seen the Northern Irishman slip to world No. 6.

The 28-year-old four-time Major champion, who will now take a three-month winter break, said his first target would be to complete the career Grand Slam at next April's Masters.

REUTERS