Motor Racing: Japan's Masuoka drops out of Dakar rally
January 4, 2006Two-time champion Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan severely damaged his Pajero and was forced to retire after the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally on Tuesday. Entering the stage in second place overall, Masuoka faltered near the 100-kilometer mark, but managed to finish the sand dune-featured 386-kilometer timed section from Er Rachidia to Quarzazatte in Morocco. After the race, his team decided to drop from contention due to the damage to the vehicle.
Soccer: Japan draws with Saudi Arabia in Group A for 2007 Asian Cup
January 4, 2006Japan was drawn in Group A on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia, Yemen and India for the preliminary round of the 2007 Asian Cup tournament. Japan, who are aiming for their third straight Asian Cup title, will appear in the preliminary round for the first time in two tournaments after it was decided that the defending champion will not earn an automatic berth into the finals.
Motor Racing: Japan's Masuoka drops out of Dakar rally
January 4, 2006Two-time champion Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan severely damaged his Pajero and was forced to retire after the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally on Tuesday. Entering the stage in second place overall, Masuoka faltered near the 100-kilometer mark, but managed to finish the sand dune-featured 386-kilometer timed section from Er Rachidia to Quarzazatte in Morocco. After the race, his team decided to drop from contention due to the damage to the vehicle.