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[August 06, 2013]  (AP) -- An AP sports guide:

ALEX RODRIGUEZ BANNED TO END OF 2014, YET MAKES SEASON DEBUT

Alex Rodriguez is banned until the end of 2014 for his role in a doping scandal, yet makes his season debut on same day Major League Baseball hands out bans to 13 players.

http://apne.ws/15JcoH2

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MANCHESTER UNITED TURNS DOWN IMPROVED CHELSEA BID FOR ROONEY

Manchester United has turned down an improved second bid from Chelsea for unsettled England striker Wayne Rooney.

http://apne.ws/14u2KLN

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ENGLAND RETAINS ASHES AS WEATHER HALTS AUSTRALIA VICTORY PUSH

England has retained the Ashes -- cricket's most historic contest -- in anti-climactic fashion as rain wipes out most of the final day of the third test, halting Australia's push for victory.

http://apne.ws/1b6Ybpz

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BARCELONA CONSIDERS BIDDING FOR WINTER OLYMPICS

More renowned for its temperate Mediterranean climate than snow, Barcelona is considering bidding for the 2020 Winter Olympics, 28 years after hosting Summer Games.

http://apne.ws/13AlYwo

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AUSTRALIAN FEMALE JOCKEY KILLED AT DARWIN CUP MEETING

Leading female jockey Simone Montgomerie is killed in a race fall at the Darwin Cup meeting, forcing cancellation of the event.

http://apne.ws/14u6cpu

[Associated Press]

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