The Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead next week as planned, Formula One bosses declared on Friday, despite fears it could be targeted by violent anti-government demonstrations.

The sport's governing body, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), and commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone made separate announcements in Shanghai, venue of the Chinese Grand Prix.

Just months after joining the team, striker Nicolas Anelka has been appointed as a coach with struggling Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

The club has won just one of its first five games in the Chinese Super League, a disappointing start after signing the former Real Madrid and Chelsea star on a contract that reportedly made him the highest-paid player in the world.

Michael Schumacher may be closing in on his first pole position in six years after setting the fastest practice time at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday.

The Mercedes driver's time was a tenth of a second faster than McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who took back-to-back poles to start the season at the Australian GP and Malaysian GP.

Former world number one Martin Kaymer kept a diplomatic silence Friday on whether Tiger Woods could regain the top ranking -- but backed the "best player ever" to return to regular wins.

The German, who shot five-under-par 67 to stay in touch with the leaders in the Maybank Malaysian Open's round two, said it was just a matter of time before Woods was clocking up the victories again.

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel admitted Thursday he was having problems with his Red Bull, but insisted that his rivals should read nothing into his mediocre start to the season.

The German is going for his third world title on the bounce, a rare feat that would propel him towards the top bracket of all-time racers, all at the tender age of just 24.

C.J. Watson scored 16 points, including the game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation, and the Chicago Bulls pulled away in overtime to beat the Miami Heat 96-86 on Thursday night.

Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 19 points and Kyle Korver added 17 points for the Bulls, who outscored Miami 12-2 in overtime to boost their lead in the Eastern Conference to four games.

The Los Angeles Lakers did not need superstar Kobe Bryant to beat the San Antonio Spurs 98-84 in the first of three games between the Western Conference rivals in 10 days.

Metta World Peace -- the player formerly known as Ron Artest -- scored 25 points and Andrew Bynum added 16 points and an astonishing 30 rebounds as Bryant, the league's leading scorer, missed his third straight game with a sore left shin.

The New York Knicks held off the Milwaukee Bucks 111-107, boosting their NBA post-season hopes with a victory over their closest pursuers in the playoff race.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 32 points. Tyson Chandler added 19 and J.R. Smith delivered the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:04 to play.

Struggling Wigan breathed life into the Premier League title race with a stunning 1-0 upset of Manchester United on Wednesday as Manchester City romped to a 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Just days after United looked to have assured themselves of a 20th league crown by opening up an eight-point lead over City, Shaun Maloney's 50th-minute winner for Wigan suggested the title race may yet have more twists in store.

Alessandro Del Piero rolled back the years with a peach of a goal to hand Juventus a 2-1 win over Lazio on Wednesday and keep the Turin giants top of Serie A.

The pressure was on following AC Milan's labored 1-0 win at Chievo the night before but Juve responded with a crucial, late victory to go one point clear at the summit.