Athletes call for religious freedom
Beijing is braced for the start of the Olympics today, but a whiff of controversy remains in the air. After concerns about pollution, the Chinese have now had to deal with an open letter signed by 40 Olympians calling on the authorities to respect human rights and freedom of religion in Tibet. "It marks fresh embarrassment for the host nation, which also faced criticism from George Bush and renewed protests in Tiananmen Square," reports the Guardian. Among those to sign the letter are men's 110m hurdles world record holder, Cuban Dayron Robles, US 400m runner DeeDee Trotter and women's world high jump champion, Blanka Vlasic of Croatia. (Guardian)
Beijing 2008: speedy analysis, strong comment, enduring photographs 
"China is the focus of worldwide attention. Your decision on these issues will determine the success of the Olympic games and the image the world will have of China in the future." An excerpt from the open letter signed by 40 Olympic athletes to China's president, Hu Jintao
Murray handed tough draw
After the disappointment of losing boxer Frankie Gavin there was more bad news for Team GB when they saw the draw handed to Andy Murray in the tennis competition. As Paul Newman in the Independent writes: "Andy Murray likes a challenge and yesterday's draw for the Olympic tennis tournament presented the British No 1 with the toughest task imaginable. If he is to win gold the probability is that he will have to beat Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer." It's not plain sailing before the quarter finals stage - but that's when things should really hot up, with Nadal Murray's likely opponent, followed by Djokovic and then, possibly, Federer. (Independent)
Beijing 2008: speedy analysis, strong comment, enduring photographs
KP’s England off to a flyer
The Kevin Pietersen era got off to a greart start as England, led by a rejuvinated Steve Harmison bundled South Africa out for just 194 at the Oval. Mike Selvey in the Guardian says the bowlers "gave Kevin Pietersen the sort of start to his reign as captain for which two days ago he would have traded all his tattoos and his earring. Well, maybe not the earring. A lost toss and the concession of an opening stand of 56 proved no barrier for England as South Africa folded after lunch, as if at an origami convention, against Harmison's pace and the controlled swing, in and out, of Jimmy Anderson." England finished the day on 49-1. (Guardian)
"The amount of crap that's been written, saying I don't want to play and I'm not interested - my country means a lot to me." Steve Harmison reveals his seldom-seen tough-talking side
Chelsea bid £20m for Robinho
The Ronaldo situation has been resolved, but that hasn't stopped Chelsea making a £19.7m move for Real Madrid winger Robinho. Although the clubs had been in contact for some time over a move, it was thought to hinge on Real landing Ronaldo as a replacement. But, as Matt Barlow explains in the Mail: "Ronaldo confirmed this week that he will stay at United, at least for the coming season, and Real reacted by trying to negotiate a new deal with Robinho to stay in Madrid when they realised they were losing the fight for the Portugal winger. Chelsea's response was to march straight through Real's front door with a public offer. They know Robinho is keen to link up with his fellow countryman Luiz Felipe Scolari, Stamford Bridge's new manager, and double his salary of £35,000 a week." (Mail)
Ref Clattenburg suspended
Referee Mark Clattenburg has been dropped from the Community Shield on Sunday after allegations over debts run up by companies connected to him. His financial situation has lef the FA and referee's body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd to act. John Ley in the Telegraph writes: "The 33-year-old was given the honour of refereeing the Wembley showpiece but he has been replaced by Peter Walton, with the FA and PGMO claiming the switch was in the 'best interests' of the Durham-based official. And Clattenburg is likely to miss out on the start of the Premier League, with his the suspension continuing until the issue has been resolved." (Telegraph)
Everton back in for Moutinho
A month after their initial approach was turned down, Everton have reignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho. David Moyes will use the fee he received for Andy Johnson to up his bid to £13m... The saga of the summer continues after claims that Liverpool's owners have failed to raise the cash to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, meaning the deal could hit the buffers yet again... Despite his apparent lack of funds Rafa Benitez has warned Roma and Hamburg off Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt respectively... Despite assurances to the contrary from Kevin Keegan, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley may force through the sale of Alan Smith to reduce the club's wage bill...
Transfer Talk: all the comings and goings of the close season
Transfer talk: The latest football transfer news and transfer rumours 
