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SCMP Reporter

Then

DECEMBER 26, 1908

American Jack Johnson becomes the first black boxer to win the world heavyweight title when he defeats Tommy Burns of Canada in Sydney, Australia.

DECEMBER 26, 1935

The highest goal aggregate in an English soccer league match occurs when Tranmere Rovers beat Oldham Athletic 13-4. Tranmere's Bunny Bell scores a record nine goals.

DECEMBER 26, 1970

British Olympic medallist Lillian Board MBE dies age 22 after losing her battle against a virulent form of cancer. In the Mexico Olympics in 1968 she was pipped to the winning line in the 400m race by Colette Besson of France, despite recording a British record time of 52.12 seconds.

DECEMBER 28, 1995

South African spin sensation Paul Adams takes his first test cricket wicket with his 'frog in a blender' action against England when he has Graham Thorpe caught by Jonty Rhodes. The test is drawn.

DECEMBER 29, 1862

The first modern bowling ball, made of wood, is invented.

Now

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26

Cricket: Australia take on South Africa in the second test in Melbourne. The Aussies are fearing a resurgent Proteas after their fighting draw in Perth the previous week.

Yachting: Competitors are hoping for plain sailing when the Sydney to Hobart race starts. The 1998 race resulted in the loss of six sailors' lives, with 55 people rescued, five boats sunk and 66 boats retired out of the 115.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

Soccer:  Libya take on World Cup qualifiers Togo in a friendly international in Tripoli.

Alpine skiing:  The women's World Cup giant slalom starts in Lienz, Austria.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Tennis: The Hopman Cup starts in Perth.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Cricket: New Zealand face Sri Lanka in the first one-day international in Queenstown.

Rallying:  Drivers start their engines for the 83km first stage of the Dakar Rally from Lisbon to Portimao.

Soccer:  Zimbabwe line up against Zambia in Bulawayo in a warm-up for next year's African Nations Cup.



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