Lahore, Dec. 5 : India should undertake their January-February tour of Pakistan as it is ‘very important’ for the future of cricket in Asia, claims former Pakistan Test cricketer and selector Shahfqat Rana.

Talking to Daily Times here, Rana said both countries should play their forthcoming series to show solidarity and give message to the terrorists that attacked Mumbai last week that such ‘cowardly acts’ cannot scare the people of the region.

He, however, said: “if India refuse to tour Pakistan, then this would hurt not only our relations but also cricket, it would mean that we have given in to terrorists.”

LAQUINTA, Calif., Dec. 4 - Australian James Nitties shot a 9-under 63 Thursday that put him one shot in front after two rounds of the six-day PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in California.

Nitties completed 36 holes of the grueling and pressure-packed event at 12-under 132.

Robert Garrigus and Harrison Frazar shared second at 133. Nitties, Garrigus and Frazar began the day tied for 36th place and shot to the top of the leaderboard.

CHARLOTTE, N. C., Dec. 4  -- The chief operating officer of Petty Enterprises disputes reports that the Sprint Cup auto racing operation will merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

Reports Thursday said the proposed Petty-Evernham merger will form one four-car Sprint Cup operation.

"There is a lot of discussion going on, but the 43 car (driven by Bobby Labonte) and Richard Petty will be at the track next year," Petty executive Robbie Loomis told the Charlotte Observer. "I feel very confident in saying that everything is moving forward in our sponsorship drive. We are on track for the 43 car, but the second car is up in the air."

Wellington  - A year after David Beckham drew the biggest crowd ever to watch a football match in New Zealand, his star power attraction appears to be fading, according to news reports Friday.

Organizers of an exhibition match between Beckham's LA Galaxy side and Oceania All Stars XI on Saturday in Auckland were advertising two tickets for the price of one to try to fill the 32,000-seat Mount Smart Stadium.

Only 14,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday night, the New Zealand Herald reported.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4  -- The San Francisco Giants Thursday signed free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a two-year contract.

Beaver Creek, Colorado - Aksel Lund Svindal let out a sigh of relief after conquering the Golden Eagle Jump in training a year after suffering severe injuries at the same spot.

"My heart was racing and I was more than glad once I got past the spot," the Norwegian ski star said on Wednesday after a first downhill practice session for the World Cup races in Beaver Creek due to start with a super-combined later Thursday.

Svindal was the reigning World Cup champion and season leader 12 months ago when he crashed terribly during training at the demanding section of the Birds of Prey piste.