South Africa hails 2022 Durban Games

JOHANNESBURG • South Africa has promised to deliver a world-class event when the city of Durban, selected yesterday, hosts the 2022 Commonwealth Games, saying the occasion would help the country overcome its turbulent past.

Both the 1995 rugby World Cup and the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa are seen as milestones in the country's efforts to promote national unity after the apartheid era.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

2016 completion for Qatar Cup stadium

DOHA • Controversial football World Cup host Qatar will complete work on the first venue for tournament matches by next year, six years before the event takes place.

The 40,000-seat Khalifa International Stadium is scheduled to host group stage, round of 16 and quarter-final matches during the 2022 World Cup.

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Boxer recovering after being shot

BERLIN• German heavyweight boxer Manuel Charr is recovering in hospital after being shot while dining in Essen.

The 30-year-old, who lost his world heavyweight title fight to former champion Vitali Klitschko in 2012 , was shot late on Tuesday night.

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Public apology as cricketer's ban ends

KARACHI• Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir, 23, issued a public apology yesterday as his five-year ban for spot-fixing expired, and vowed to make a fresh beginning. He is now eligible to return to all levels of cricket, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

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Injury exemption to benefit McIlroy

LONDON • Rory McIlroy will be able to play in the European Tour's Final Series golf tournaments after being given special exemption due to his ankle injury.

The injury, suffered in a football kickabout in July, meant that the world No. 1 was unable to meet the 13-event qualification standard in order to remain in the Race to Dubai even though he currently leads the rankings.

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