HOUSTON, Dec. 1 - The Houston Comets, who won the WNBA's first four championships (1997-2000), will close down this week.

The Comets had been owned by the WNBA since the middle of last season, but because a buyer couldn't be found the league made the decision to put the team out of business.

The Comets were originally owned by Leslie Alexander, owner of the Houston Rockets. He sold the team to a group headed by businessman Hilton Koch last year, but the league then took over the franchise.

London, Dec. 2: Portuguese and Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that the level of scrutiny he is often subjected to, can get irritating at times.

“I have come to understand that every movement I make, on or off the pitch, is analysed to death. If I don’t celebrate goals, it is because I am sad. If I talk to the public, it is because I have lost my humility. My slightest gesture gets every type of criticism,” the Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 - Pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu were not offered salary arbitration by the New York Yankees prior to Monday's midnight deadline.

Both players earned $16 million last season, but because the Yankees declined to offer arbitration they won't receive compensation in draft picks should they choose to sign with another team this winter.

Other Yankees players not offered arbitration were first baseman Jason Giambi; pitchers Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina; and catchers Ivan Rodriguez and Chad Moeller.

London, Dec. 2: Brazilian footballer Robinho has described his Manchester City teammates as a bunch of losers, and added that when he was playing for the Spanish football club Real Madrid, he learnt the art of winning.

“City have good players but the mentality of a small side. What they lack is the mentality of champions. At Real Madrid, I learned a will to win,” The Sun quoted Robinho, as saying.

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 - The Houston Astros have come to an agreement on a deal with free-agent starting pitcher Mike Hampton pending a physical.

MLB. com reported Monday that Hampton, 36, will travel to Houston to be examined.

Hampton had some of the best years of his career with Houston. A 22-win season in 1999 saw him finish second to Randy Johnson in the Cy Young Award voting. After six years with Houston, Hampton joined the Mets for one season.

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 -- The Houston Astros have come to an agreement on a deal with free agent starting pitcher Mike Hampton pending a physical.

MLB. com reported Monday that Hampton, 36, will travel to Houston to be examined.

Hampton had some of the best years of his career with Houston. A 22-win season in 1999 saw him finish second to Randy Johnson in the Cy Young Award voting. After six years with Houston, Hampton joined the Mets for one season.