Sports News in Brief
PSG extend lead
PARIS - Lyon and Marseille failed to make up ground on French soccer's Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Sunday night when they played out a tame goalless draw. A point apiece leaves Lyon four adrift of PSG while third-placed Marseille are three points further back. After a relatively calm first half, in which Marseille just about held the upper hand, well-marshalled in midfield by English import Joey Barton, the game stepped up a gear in the second. In the day's other game, Europa League hopefuls Bordeaux beat Bastia 1-0.
Spirited Eels ready
SYDNEY - Parramatta players have declared they are ready to put two seasons of abject disappointment behind them and embark upon a new era of success under coach Ricky Stuart. Eels fans are understandably excited about the wooden spooners' prospects after their round one 40-10 thrashing of the Warriors in which key players Chris Sandow and Jarryd Hayne starred. The Eels looked a spirited and enthusiastic side in their first outing under Stuart in contrast to their flat and uninspired efforts for much of the last two seasons.
Liverpool wins
LONDON - Steven Gerrard put a dent in Tottenham's bid to qualify for the Champions League as the Liverpool captain's late penalty clinched a 3-2 win at Anfield on Sunday. Andre Villas-Boas's team were on course for a valuable three points when Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen struck twice for the visitors either side of halftime after Luis Suarez gave the Reds a 21st minute lead. But Stewart Downing capitalised on woeful defending from Spurs right-back Kyle Walker to equalise in the 66th minute. Tottenham remain third, but fourth-placed Chelsea, two points behind.