JULY 29, 1996

Soccer: Alan Shearer becomes the world's most expensive player when he signs for Newcastle United for a then record GBP15 million.

JULY 29, 1998

Cycling: As drug scandals engulf the Tour de France, five cycling teams pull out of the race, alleging police harassment during night-time raids on team hotels.

JULY 29, 1966

Soccer: England beat Germany 4-2 at London's Wembley Stadium to win the World Cup.

JULY 30, 1948

Olympics: The first games after second world war open in London at Wembley Stadium.

JULY 31, 1996

Cricket: Former England cricketers Ian Botham and Alan Lamb face a bill of GBP400,000 after losing a libel case about 'ball tampering' against former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

NOW

TOMORROW

Tennis: Critics and fans are waiting to see how American Andy Roddick fares under the guiding hand of new coach the legendary Jimmy Connors at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington.

THURSDAY

Golf: Vijay Singh defends his title as the professionals tee up in the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michigan, while South Korea's Jang Jeong is hoping to retain the Women's British Open trophy against a field including 10-time major winner Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie at Royal Lytham.

FRIDAY

Cricket: England and Pakistan face off in the third test at Headingley.

Soccer: Ajax Amsterdam take on Inter Milan, Manchester United play Porto and AZ Alkmaar face Arsenal in friendly warm-up matches before the season starts.

SATURDAY

Rugby union: South Africa will be hoping to put up a better show after being thrashed 49-0 last time when they play the Wallabies in a Tri-Nations match in Sydney.