Members of the cast of 'Slumdog Millionaire' pose backstage with the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture during the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, in Los Angeles. From left are: Irrfan Khan,Dev Patel,Freida Pinto and Anil Kapoor. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

MUMBAI – A critic of the award-winning movie "Slumdog Millionaire" has named stray dogs after those involved in the film to protest against the title.

Nicholas Almeida, a social activist and slum dweller himself, has filed a complaint in a local court against director Danny Boyle, producer Christian Colson and the distributor, saying the film's title was damaging and discriminating.

The movie, shot largely in a Mumbai slum, charts the rags to riches tale of a mendicant boy who wins a fortune on a quiz show.

"When the British ruled India, they called Indians 'dogs'. Why do we want to call these poor children 'dogs' 60 years after we got independence?" Almeida, an elected member of the city civic body who lives in a suburban slum, told Reuters.

Almeida said he would continue to press for the movie's title to be changed, but has meanwhile held a naming ceremony for stray dogs in the slum to publicize his cause.

"I have named them Danny, Christian, Loveleen, Dev and Freida," he said, referring to the director, producer, co-director Loveleen Tandan, star Dev Patel and leading lady Freida Pinto.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) celebrates after scoring during their English Premier League soccer match against Everton in Manchester, northern England, Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) challenges Everton's Joleon Lescott (C) and Tim Howard (R) during their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester, northern England, Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung (top) is challenged by Everton's Leighton Baines during their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester, northern England, Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

LONDON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United moved five points clear at the top of English Premier League as Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty kick gave them a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ronaldo scored in the 44th minute the only goal of the game, which saw United secure their record 12th successive clean sheet.

The champions' victory turned up the pressure on challengers Chelsea and Liverpool, joint second on 48 points with Aston Villa, who will meet at Anfield on Sunday.

Villa and Arsenal missed the chance to take closer order in the title race as both were held to goalless draws.

Villa could have moved into second place but they were unable to find a way beyond Wigan's defence. Arsene Wenger's side were increasingly frustrated as their draw with West Ham left them still five points away from a top-four finish.

Ten-men Stoke City lifted themselves out of the drop zone after beating Manchester City 1-0 thanks to James Beattie's header while a late winner from Kevin Davies gifted Bolton a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham increased Portsmouth's woes with a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage, Hull and West Brom shared the points in a 2-2 tie at the KC Stadium and Middlesbrough's home meeting with Blackburn ended in a third 0-0 stalemate of a busy afternoon.

Everton held United at bay until one minute from half-time when Mikel Arteta brought down Michael Carrick on the edge of the box and Ronaldo stroke home the penalty.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men could have scored earlier but the post came to Everton's rescue on 26 minutes as Ronaldo's toe-poke came back off the upright and Carlos Tevez was offside as he tried to tuck home the rebound.

In the record-breaking game, United keeper Edwin van der Sar eclipsed the previous league record of 1,104 minutes without conceding a goal, which had stood for 30 years.

Arsenal's Champions League hopes suffered a dent while West Ham stretched their unbeaten run to eight games.

Neither side managed a chance on target in a dire first half dominated by Arsenal.

After the break Arsenal were all over West Ham but Emmanuel Adebayor wasted the game's two best chances with a shot wide and header straight at the keeper

Riot policemen clash with protestors during a demonstration against the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A protestor takes part in a demonstration against the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Riot policemen detain a protestor during a demonstration against the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva Jan. 31, 2009 (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A riot policeman stands in front of a giant mascot confiscated during a demonstration against the ongoing Davos World Economic Forum, in Geneva Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

GENEVA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Demonstrators against the Davos World Economic Forum clashed with Swiss police in Geneva Saturday.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of a post office in the center of Geneva and then marched to the train station before they were halted by riot police.

Protestors hurled bottles and fireworks at police, who used tear gas and water canons to disperse the demonstrators.

Around 60 protestors were arrested and some were released later, said local police.

No one was injured during the clash, local media said. Local television said the protestors had no permission to stage the rally.

In Davos, a group of some 100 protesters demonstrated against the forum and they threw shoes and snowballs at the convention center.

Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova follows through on a return to France's Alize Cornet during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009.[Agencies]

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic returns to Japan's Ai Sugiyama during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009. [Agencies]

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic follows through on a serve to Japan's Ai Sugiyama during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009.[Agencies]

China's Peng Shuai (R) and her doubles partner Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan talk, during their match against Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova and her compatriot Lucie Hradecka, at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009.[Agencies]

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic returns to Japan's Ai Sugiyama during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009. [Agencies]

Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova follows through on a return to France's Alize Cornet during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 23, 2009.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic cools down with ice bag as he plays Andy Roddick of the United States in a Men's singles match at the Australian Open Tennis Championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.(Agencies)

Andy Roddick of the United States smiles as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic in a Men's singles match at the Australian Open Tennis Championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.

MELBOURNE, Australia – Novak Djokovic's hopes for a second straight Australian Open title died under a broiling sun Tuesday.

With ice packs and massages failing to provide relief, third-ranked Djokovic looked increasingly woozy and had to give up while trailing 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1, allowing No. 7 Andy Roddick to claim a spot in the semifinals.

After losing 15 pounds with a tough offseason workout regimen under new coach Larry Stefanki, Roddick looked quicker and his backhand stronger. The match left little doubt about the American's stamina on a day when temperatures hit 95 degrees with not a cloud in the sky.

"It's rewarding to come out on a day like today, when it's pretty hot, and feel pretty good. That's what you do the work for," said Roddick, who will face the winner of the late match between second-ranked Roger Federer and No. 8 Juan Martin del Potro.

The heat was slowly rising but wasn't a major issue in the opening match, when Vera Zvonareva ran off 11 straight games in a 6-3, 6-0 win over 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli of France to reach the semifinals for the first time in 25 majors.

Seventh-ranked Zvonareva will meet the winner of an evening match with a compelling story line — third-ranked Dinara Safina of Russia against unseeded Jelena Dokic, an Australian making her return to a Grand Slam after a three-year absence due to personal problems.

The Australian Open has turned into a struggle for survival: Djokovic was the fourth player to quit in mid-match in two days.

The 21-year-old Serb lamented he didn't get to sleep until 6 a.m. Monday after his previous match against Marcos Baghdatis ended at 2:26 a.m. Monday, and that he had been unable to practice as a result. He said he had requested another night match.

"Didn't really have time to recover," Djokovic said. "Conditions were extreme today. It did affect more on me than him, as you could see. But, you know, that was the situation. I just have to cope with it. Really tried my best, but sometimes you can't fight against your own body."

He said he was cramping and sore.

"Obviously, it's very disappointing way to finish my first Grand Slam of the year," he said. "But you have to take the best out of it and be positive. There is still a long season in front of me."

It's not the first time Djokovic hasn't been able to finish a big match in a major. He retired in his quarterfinal against Rafael Nadal with a back problem at the 2006 French Open and his semifinal against the Spaniard at Wimbledon in 2007.

Both Djokovic and Roddick rode their powerful serves — Roddick cranked his up to 139 mph — and easily held until the first-set tiebreaker. Djokovic took control with one of his best stretches, whipping winners on the first four points, and a serve return that trickled over the net gave him set point.

Roddick dropped only two points in five service games in the second set, getting the first break of the match for a 4-3 edge. A series of drop shots made the difference. Djokovic tried a drop shot but Roddick got to the ball on the dead run, flicked a drop of his own and blocked Djokovic's return into the open court. On break point, Roddick sliced a drop that set up an overhead winner.

Djokovic already was wilting in the heat, draping towels packed with ice around his neck during changeovers. He lost his serve in the first game of the third set, double-faulting twice and was clearly laboring — trying to end points fast and lingering in the shade behind the baseline.

He did manage to break back in the second game with a perfect lob after drawing Roddick to the net. Djokovic held in the next game but looked increasingly weary and shrugged toward his coach. Even his fans' shouts annoyed him.

After the game, Djokovic called for the trainer, who massaged his thighs with ice. He draped a cold towel around his shoulders again.

"I was kind of just playing my side of the court and I didn't notice until the umpire said that they had someone coming out to see him," said Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion. "I feel bad for Novak right now. He worked so hard for this last year. To not get a fair chance to defend his title, that's too bad."

By contrast, Roddick — who grew up in Texas and Florida and has said he loves the heat — looked fresh until the end, though the long timeout seemed to affect him briefly as he double-faulted three times while holding serve.

Roddick ended up winning the last five games of the set, taking the last 11 points. Djokovic barely moved for some serve returns and didn't get a ball back in play as Roddick held at love to finish the set.

Spain's Rafael Nadal acts against his compatriot Fernando Verdasco during the semifinal of men's singles at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 30, 2009. Nadal advanced into the final after winning the match 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4.

Spain's Fernando Verdasco returns the ball against his compatriot Rafael Nadal during the semifinal of men's singles at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 30, 2009.

After five arduous hours, Rafael Nadal couldn't hold back the tears when he pulled within a point of making the Australian Open final.

Yet he managed to compose himself and held off Fernando Verdasco in five sets. Verdasco double-faulted after saving two match points, and Nadal won 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (1), 6-4 in the longest match in the tournament's history. Nadal flopped on back — exhausted and elated — after a match few expected to go long.

The 5-hour, 14-minute semifinal between the Spanish left-handers started at dusk Friday and ended at 1:07 a.m. Saturday.

The top-ranked Nadal advanced to another final against Roger Federer, who is bidding to equal Pete Sampras' record 14 Grand Slam singles titles.

"Today was, yeah, one of these matches you going to remember long time, no?" Nadal said. "Well, the emotion was big."

Especially when the score got to love-40 in the last game.

"I start to cry. ... too much tension," he said.

Nadal can expect more tension Sunday when he meets Federer for the seventh time to decide a Grand Slam. Nadal has a 4-2 edge highlighted by last year's epic 4:48, five-set win at Wimbledon.

That was a breakthrough for Nadal, who had been all-conquering on clay since winning his first major at Roland Garros in 2005 but lost two Wimbledon finals to Federer. He later won the Olympic gold medal and ended Federer's record string of 237 weeks at No. 1.

The 22-year-old Spaniard couldn't compare the drama of his win over Verdasco with that of ending Federer's five-year reign on grass.

"The final of Wimbledon was the final of Wimbledon," he said, adding that victory was a "little bit more emotional."

Not that he was discounting the struggle against 14th-seeded Verdasco, who had never been beyond the fourth round at a major.

The 25-year-old Verdasco beat No. 4 Andy Murray — tennis' hottest player entering the tournament — in the fourth round and 2008 runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals.

"Verdasco was playing unbelievable," Nadal said. "I think I was very good mentally all the time, believing in the victory."

Nadal said Verdasco was "very tough" and finds it "amazing" to be in the final after such a match.

The scorching heat of the past three days dropped from a high of 113 degrees to under 86 before this semifinal at Rod Laver Arena.

With the arena's namesake in the crowd, Nadal was clearly tested by Verdasco ripped 95 winners. But he remained steadfast, averaging just five unforced errors a set.

For his part, Verdasco thought he might have done his friend a disservice: Nadal was pushed to five sets; Federer needed only straight sets to dispatch Andy Roddick in his semifinal but also got an extra day to rest.

"Really a pity for Rafa for sure that he won the match, that he played that long for the final," said Verdasco, who won the deciding match in Spain's Davis Cup triumph at Argentina last November.

"I want him to be 100 percent to play that final and to try to win," he added. "He's a big friend. I wish him the best of luck."

Serena Williams warmed up for Saturday night's women's final against Dinara Safina by combining with sister Venus to win the doubles title. They beat Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova and Japan's Ai Sugiyama 6-3, 6-3 under the roof at Melbourne Park.

It was the eighth Grand Slam doubles title and third in Australia for the Williams sisters, who also won the doubles gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Serena is aiming for her 10th singles major and to continue a sequence that includes an Australian title in every odd-numbered year since 2003.

Also on the line is the No. 1 ranking, something Serena has already held. Safina has never won a major, coming closest with last year's French Open final loss to Ana Ivanovic.

The 22-year-old Russian was trying to emulate her brother, Marat Safin. He won the 2005 Australian title — a day after Williams won her second one — and also held the No. 1 ranking.

Following Serena Williams' match, twins Bob and Mike Bryan were hoping for an American doubles double. The second-seeded Bryan brothers were playing third-seeded Mahesh Bupathi of India and Mark Knowles of Bahamas in the men's final.

Nadal, after his late night and a good sleep, wanted to be on court practicing about 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Saturday, hoping to get the stiffness out of his legs. He acknowledged it would be tough to recover for his first Grand Slam final on a hard court.

"Roger has a bit of an advantage," said Nadal, who has improved one round with each of his five trips to Australia. "It's tough to sleep after something like this. But it's very important for me to be in this final. Whatever happens on Sunday, I've started the season my best ever."

Nadal had beaten Verdasco in all six previous matches, dropping only one set. He had set a tournament record in advancing through five matches, conceding fewer games (40) than anyone who previously reached the semis of a 128-man draw in Australia.

Verdasco was serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the fifth. As he wound up for his first serve, the match crossed the previous record of 5:11 that Boris Becker needed to beat Italy's Omar Camporese in the first round in 1991. Becker went on to win the title.

Verdasco had served only two double-faults in the entire match while firing 20 aces, yet gave Nadal triple-match point with his third. He saved two with swinging volleys, then surrendered the match with a fourth double-fault and dropped to his knees.

Nadal got off the ground, awkwardly crossed the net to hug and congratulate his opponent.

"Fernando is playing unbelievable. His serve was amazing — he beat unbelievable players," Nadal said. "He deserves this win, too. I want to congratulate him for everything."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R Front) meets with overseas Chinese and send greetings to them for the Chinese lunar New Year in the Chinatown of London Jan. 31, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R Front) meets with overseas Chinese and send greetings to them for the Chinese lunar New Year in the Chinatown of London Jan. 31, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R Front) meets with staff members of Chinese financial institutions in Britain at the Bank of China (Britain) Co. Ltd. in London Jan. 31, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with "Young Icebreakers" from the "48 Group Club" in London Jan. 31, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with overseas Chinese and sent greetings to them for the Chinese lunar New Year in the Chinatown of London, Jan. 31, 2009.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain.

The Lincoln C concept vehicle is introduced during a press preview at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Automakers put on a brave face as they introduced new models at the Detroit auto show amid a collapse of industry sales that could lead to the disappearance of iconic brands.(Agencies)

The new Ford Lincoln C Concept vehicle is introduced to the media during the press preview for the Detroit International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. Automakers put on a brave face as they introduced new models at the Detroit auto show amid a collapse of industry sales that could lead to the disappearance of iconic brands.(Agencies)

The Lincoln C concept vehicle is introduced during a press preview at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Automakers put on a brave face as they introduced new models at the Detroit auto show amid a collapse of industry sales that could lead to the disappearance of iconic brands.

Space shuttle Discovery atop the crawler transporter nears the end of it's 3.4 mile journey to pad 39A to prepare for the next launch at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. Discovery is scheduled to launch on Feb. 12. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Space shuttle Discovery makes it's 3.4 mile journey atop the crawler transporter to pad 39A to prepare for the next launch at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. Discovery is scheduled to launch on Feb. 12. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Space shuttle Discovery nears the end of it's 3.4 mile journey atop the crawler transporter to pad 39A to prepare for the next launch at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. Discovery is scheduled to launch on Feb. 12. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

NASA has moved space shuttle Discovery to its launch pad for a February supply run to the international space station.

Discovery moved out to the pad Wednesday. Seven astronauts are scheduled to blast off around sunrise Feb. 12 with the space station's final set of solar wings. The crew will conduct four spacewalks to hook up the new equipment and perform maintenance.

The space shuttle also will deliver, if it's ready, a machine designed to turn astronauts' urine into safe drinking water. A similar processor that went up in November is not working, and bringing it home could help engineers understand what's wrong.

One of Discovery's crew — Koichi Wakata — will replace an astronaut on the orbiting outpost and become the first Japanese to live up there.

(Agencies)

China's BYD F3DM, powered by electric motors and gasoline engine, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Hu Guangyao)

China's BYD E6, a pure electric vehicle, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Hu Guangyao)

China's BYD F6DM, powered by electric motors and gasoline engine, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Hu Guangyao)

DETROIT, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,000 journalists and industry experts swarmed BYD Auto's news conference Monday, an almost unprecedented scene for Chinese car makers in the history of the renowned Detroit Auto Show.

The Shenzhen-based Chinese carmaker launched the world's first commercialized plug-in electric vehicle at the Detroit show Monday, a move described by some as a silver lining amid the pall of gloom cast by the global financial slump.

A host of major U.S. media, including ABC and Wall Street Journal, provided lavish coverage to the official debut of BYD's "e6," which can run up to 250 miles (over 402 km) purely on battery power.

Last month, BYD launched its plug-in hybrid F3DM, which it also exhibited at the show, at least a year prior to General Motors' most anticipated Volt, F3DM's counterpart.

So far, only the legendary U.S. auto giant and Toyota have announced plans to bring out such vehicles by 2010.

"This is the first vehicle of its kind in the world," BYD's founder- Chairman Wang Huafu told assembled reporters.

"The core enabling technology is the BYD Fe battery...(which) will have a lifetime of over 10 years, and has the capacity to be charged 50 percent in 10 minutes."

"Our goal is to introduce BYD electric vehicles here in 2011 and set up our manufacturing facilities in the U.S. when it is appropriate," Wang added.

European and U.S. industry insiders have begun to take Chinese car makers "very seriously," said Peter Rawlinson, chief executive of PFPR Communications, a leading British automotive PR consultancy.

"With the advanced propulsion technology, the quality, proved reliability, good value and hopefully good price," BYD is going to "make it big," he told Xinhua.

Rawlinson noted that the fervent attention from Western customers would actually shore up the Chinese carmaker in its effort to enter the U.S. auto market and "Europe, too."

In terms of marketing strategies, Rawlinson suggested BYD work with more independent business consultants as well as industry critics, who he said would "step back and point out areas that BYD can improve upon."

Brian Henderson, an independent auto analyst, was very impressed by BYD's background as a renowned battery manufacturer.

BYD produces 70 percent of its vehicle parts including all core parts including the battery, and exports to more than 20 countries, with Russia as its main customer.

Eco-friendly products are the future of the auto industry and China leads the way in the practical use of electric power in autoproduction, Henderson said.

The American analyst, who has worked with Japanese automakers, told Xinhua BYD has apparently learned from other successful automakers before going this far to present such a revolutionary product.

However, it will take more effort and time for BYD to enter the United States, one of the world's most competitive markets, he said.

Aside from advanced technologies, quality and proved reliability still hold the key to business success, he noted.

Henderson highlighted the urgent need for Chinese car producers like BYD to get better connected with potential U.S. customers, through such means as opening an office in the United States.

"You have to let your customers become familiar with your brand," he said.

He expressed strong approval of Chinese automakers' plans to recruit auto engineers in the Motor City, as Detroit is called, to bring on board top-notch talents to help further improve their products.

The potential profits Chinese automakers promise seem to have attracted some U.S. investors as the big three U.S. auto giants remain teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.

Max Holmes, president of China Car Distributors, showed intense interest in ushering BYD into the U.S. auto market.

Praising F3DM for its "advanced and feasible" technology and "appealing" design, Holmes said BYD's chances of capturing a share of the U.S. market was very "promising" if it passed crash and other safety tests.

BYD's plan to march into the United States is "ambitious but practical," he added.

Nevertheless, skepticism remains on the prospects of Chinese cars in their foray into U.S. markets, at least for now.

BYD might not be ready yet for the U.S. market, which always doubts the reliability and safety of a new car, said Todd Lassa, Detroit Editor of multimedia Motor Trend.

But he admitted BYD, especially with its F3DM, had made an "impressive debut" in Detroit.

The new Lexus RX450h, a SUV of Toyota Motor Corp's luxury brand, is displayed at the Lexus RX Museum in Tokyo Jan.19, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The new Lexus RX450h, a SUV of Toyota Motor Corp's luxury brand, is reflected on the Lexus logo at the Lexus RX Museum in Tokyo Jan. 19, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The new Lexus RX450h, a SUV of Toyota Motor Corp's luxury brand, is displayed at the Lexus RX Museum in Tokyo Jan.19, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The new Lexus RX450h, a SUV of Toyota Motor Corp's luxury brand, is displayed at the Lexus RX Museum in Tokyo Jan.19, 2009.

World Economic Forum (WEF) founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab gives a press conference on the upcoming WEF annual meeting at forum headquarters in Cologny, near Geneva. US President Barack Obama's chief economic advisor and possibly his pick for treasury secretary are to attend the annual gathering of the world's elite in Davos at the end of the month, organisers said Wednesday. (Agencies）

GENEVA – US President Barack Obama's chief economic advisor and possibly his pick for treasury secretary are to attend the annual gathering of the world's elite in Davos at the end of the month, organisers said Wednesday.

Larry Summers, director of the National Economic Council (NEC), has confirmed he will attend while Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner, who was undergoing a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, has been invited.

"We will have Larry Summers and potentially Geithner," said organiser Borge Brende during a press briefing in Geneva.

The Davos event organised by the World Economic Forum is again set to attract the world's political and economic leaders for five days of talks in the southeastern Swiss Alps between January 28 and February 1.

Coming so close to the inauguration of Obama as president, there has been speculation about who out of his team would attend this year.

The focus is expected to be firmly on the state of the world economy and hopes for a fresh impetus from the new US administration.

As well as discussions about the state of the world, backroom business talks and glitzy parties, the event usually features protestors who meet to vent that anger at the presence of the arch-capitalists and politicians in Switzerland.

This year, however, local authorities in Geneva have decided to ban an anti-Davos demonstration planned in the western Swiss city on January 31 because of fears of violence.

Geneva's state council said it had not been able to get sufficient guarantees on security from the anti-globalisation and left-wing groups behind the protest.

A record number of participants, as well as the highest number ever of heads of state, have signed up for the Davos meeting this year which is to take place amid the worst financial crisis in 80 years.

Among the 43 top politicians and government leaders attending are Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is due to open the forum, and China's Premier Wen Jiabao, who is scheduled to speak in a special session.

Latin American leaders such as Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Mexican President Felipe Calderon are also expected.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso are on the agenda for sessions on the financial crisis.

Central bankers and finance ministers are also expected in force this year, with some 36 in attendance.

Notably thin on the ground at this year's meeting will be the heads of major American banks, many of which have shrunk massively, merged or even collapsed due to the US subprime homeloan crisis and the ensuing financial fallout.

Only former Merrill Lynch chief executive John Thain is on Wednesday's list of business leaders attending.

Thain is now Bank of America's president of global banking, securities and wealth management, after Merrill Lynch was sold to Bank of America.

JP Morgan Chase's head for private banking Andrew Cohen was listed among "young leaders" at the meet.

For WEF chief Klaus Schwab, the forum is to take place when the world is undergoing intensive care following deep financial and economic shocks.

But the mountain air of Davos, once well-known for its tuberculosis sanatoriums, could well be the place for the healing process to begin, he said.

"What I hope is that we can provide in Davos for the world economy a sanatorium. Once (the patient) is out of the intensive care unit, he has to recreate his strength, he has to gain new confidence for a new future," said Schwab.

In this Jan. 10, 2009 file photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, right, holds the wheel of a tractor Changfa Group in Changzhou City during his three-day visit to factories in China's eastern province of Jiangsu. Premier Wen Jiabao is calling for quick action to reverse an economic slump as soon as possible.(Agencies)

BEIJING – Asian economic gloom worsened when China said Thursday growth plunged in the final quarter of 2008 while Japan said exports fell at a record pace in December amid weakening Western consumer demand.

Together with news that South Korea's economy shrank in the fourth quarter, the reports highlight export-dependent Asia's vulnerability to global slumps — even as governments roll out big plans to stimulate their domestic markets.

"It does look like a deeper bottom" for Asia's downturn, said Yiping Huang, chief Asia economist for Citigroup.

In China, economic growth in the fourth quarter fell to 6.8 percent compared with a year earlier, down from 9 percent the previous quarter, the government said.

"Especially since October, the impact of the global crisis spread from small and medium-size enterprises to larger enterprises, from eastern coastal regions to China's heartland," said Ma Jiantang, commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, at a news conference.

Analysts said it was China's weakest quarter since at least 2001, though there was some disagreement, possibly due to Beijing's repeated revisions of past data. Goldman Sachs said it tied one quarter of 1998 for the lowest growth in 17 years. A woman who answered the phone at the statistics bureau said she could not confirm when the economy last grew so slowly.

Premier Wen Jiabao, China's top economic official, is due to visit Europe this month to discuss measures to combat the global slowdown.

In Japan, the region's biggest economy, exports fell 35 percent in December, surpassing November's 26.7 percent decline, the government said. South Korea said its economy shrank 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter as exports plunged.

The figures point toward more cuts in jobs and profits in coming months. Major Japanese exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Corp. have cut thousands of jobs and scaled back factory lines.

On Thursday, Sony said it would likely report its first annual net loss in 14 years.

Asian governments have to build up domestic demand to reduce reliance on exports, said Kirby Daley, senior strategist at Newedge Group in Hong Kong.

"Today's data will put to rest forever the notion that Asia could somehow thrive even when the rest of the world slumps," he said. "The idea that intra-regional trade will sustain growth within Asia even without U.S. demand has been debunked."

China announced a 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) plan in November to boost domestic consumption through higher spending on construction and other projects. But its effects are not expected to be felt for several months. Other governments have announced their own stimulus plans, and central banks have slashed interest rates.

In China, exporters have been hit hardest, but the slump is spreading to domestic industries as demand for autos, real estate and other goods weakens. Exports fell in November and December for the first time in seven years.

Sales for the Shanghai Bao Clothing Co. in the eastern city of Nantong have fallen by 25 percent from the same time last year, said general manager Zhao Jun. That was despite efforts to sell more in China and reduce reliance on foreign markets.

Zhao said exports are now 20 percent of sales, down from 80 percent of sales two years.

"We hope sales will gradually recover in the Year of the Ox," Zhao said, referring to the traditional Lunar New Year that starts Monday. "But I told myself not to put hope on exports. It's going to be tough in 2009."

Thousands of factories have closed in China's export-driven southeast and estimates of job losses exceed 2 million. Spooked by scattered labor protests, communist leaders worry about rising tensions and possible unrest as laid-off workers stream back to their hometowns. They have promised to create new jobs and are pressing employers to avoid more layoffs.

The weak fourth quarter dragged down China's 2008 annual growth to a seven-year low of 9 percent, breaking a five-year streak of double-digit expansion. It was a steep drop from 2007's 13 percent, which saw China pass Germany to become the world's third-largest economy after the United States and Japan.

Analysts have cut forecasts of 2009 growth to as low as 5 percent.

But some pointed to modestly encouraging signs that are emerging in China.

Industrial production grew by 5.9 percent in December, up from November's low of 5.4 percent, according to the statistics bureau. Retail sales rose 17.4 percent in December, an increase over November's growth. Investment in factories, real estate and other assets also was up slightly.

"Almost all major monthly indicators point to a recovery," said Merrill Lynch economists Ting Lu and T.J. Bond in a report. "The rise in domestic demand will likely outpace the fall in external demand, and we expect growth to pick up."

China's stimulus depends on persuading consumers to spend more. Analysts say that will be tough to achieve while families still feel compelled to save up to 50 percent of their incomes to pay for health care, education and other necessities.

Beijing has promised to create a social safety net to reduce such burdens. It announced Wednesday it will spend 850 billion yuan ($124 billion) to improve health care in an apparent effort to encourage households to save less and spend more.

"As long as we keep improving the environment and take measures to address people's misgivings about spending by improving social security, I believe we will continue to see an increase in consumption," said Ma, the statistics official.

(Agencies)

Russia's Marat Safin returns to Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

Russia's Dinara Safina celebrates after winning her match against compatriot Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns to Russia's Evgeny Korolev during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

The Safin family surged through the Australian Open draw Wednesday, women's third seed Dinara and men's former world No 1 Marat sliding into round three.

Big brother Safin thundered through to a mouth-watering showdown with second seed Roger Federer after he crushed Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, while Safina, chasing her maiden grand slam title, beat fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Federer stormed to a 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Russia's Evgeny Korolev.

Twice runner-up here and champion in 2005, Safin is eagerly anticipating his clash with the 13-time grand slam champion.

"I'm looking forward to it. I have nothing to worry about. I'm going to play my match," said Safin, who beat the Swiss the last time they faced off at the Open in the 2005 semis.

"We know each other pretty well. He knows how to play against me, I know how to play against him.

Very dangerous

"Unfortunately I didn't win a lot of matches against him, but I'm looking forward. It's another chance. I have nothing to lose. I'm going to go for it. Whatever comes, comes."

Federer was equally keen to clash, even though he holds a commanding 9-2 lead in their head-to-heads.

"It's going to be a nice match for sure," he said. "We have a history. We have played a few times.

"We've played in majors before and played some good matches before... We go way back.

"Him, of course, being a former No 1, same for me, former grand slam champion, it's an intriguing matchup."

Federer and Safin were joined in the winners' circle by the Serbian trio of Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic and defending men's champion Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic eased into the third round with a 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 win over France's Jeremy Chardy.

The 21-year-old world No 3 struggled initially against Chardy in an even first set, breaking just once in the 12th game, before he romped away with the second and third.

"I'm playing better and better which is a very encouraging fact for me," Djokovic said. "I really stepped it up and played pretty good in the second and third set especially."

But Argentina's David Nalbandian became the highest ranked men's player to be eliminated.

"I don't think I played bad, but every set I was starting a break down and had to fight from that and come back," the 10th seed told reporters after he was beaten 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 by Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun in the second-round.

"He played, I don't know if it was perfect, but he played at a very good level."

The Argentine squandered six break points in the final game but added that even if he had converted one of those chances, he did not know if he could have won.

"I was still a break down. At the time I was a double break down," he said. "You never know. Things can happen.

"If I had broken in that moment we were still in the fight and you never know."

Lu's first match point in that final game went begging when Nalbandian's shot was ruled in by Hawkeye.

Over the next 10 minutes the Argentine manufactured several chances to try to reduce the gap, but each time Lu battled back.

"I didn't think I have to win (that game), but I was worried about my body," said Lu.

"I was really struggling with my body, and my legs starting to have some problem. (So) I told myself I need to close this game, because I don't want to have problems serving (at) 5-4."

Lu said he had deliberately attacked Nalbandian's backhand on every serve of the six break points.

"Everybody thinks Nalbandian is (one of) the best backhand players (and) I just guessed he would be ready for his forehand returns, so I changed my mind and said, 'okay, I go to his backhand all the time'."

The 25-year-old sealed the win on his second match point with a forehand winner after three hours, 55 minutes.

The victory moved Lu into the third round of a grand slam for the first time and he will meet Spain's Tommy Robredo, who thrashed Serbia's Viktor Troicki 6-1, 6-3 ,6-0.

"I'm 61 in the world and I have no pressure. I just (went) on the court and played my game," said Lu.

"Really, for me, it's big step to be the third round in a grand slam .... I'm really happy."

In the women's tournament, top seed Jankovic beat Kirsten Flipkens 6-4, 7-5 and fifth-seeded Ivanovic beat Italy's Alberta Brianti 6-3, 6-2.

"She's not an easy opponent. She can be very dangerous," Ivanovic said of Brianti.

"There is still some areas I have to work on and improve," added the 21-year-old, a beaten finalist last year.

In the night session, former world No 4 Jelena Dokovic thrilled a seething mass of green and gold local fans by beating Russian 17th seed Anna Chakvetadze 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

Passengers go through security check at the entrance of the Changsha Railway Station in Changsha, capital of central-south China's Hunan Province, Jan. 21, 2009. With the approach of the Chinese lunar New Year, Hunan railways have transported over 1 million passengers since the formal start of the annual Spring Festival travel peak on Jan. 11. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

Passengers walk on the square in front of the Changsha Railway Station in Changsha, capital of central-south China's Hunan Province, Jan. 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

Passengers line up to buy tickets at the Changsha Railway Station in Changsha, capital of central-south China's Hunan Province, Jan. 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

With the approach of the Chinese lunar New Year, Hunan railways have transported over 1 million passengers since the formal start of the annual Spring Festival travel peak on Jan. 11.

Chinese and foreign residents make Jiaozi during a celebration for the Chinese lunar New Year in a community in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Xu)

Foreign tourists learn Taiji, also known as shadowboxing, during a celebration for the Chinese lunar New Year in a community in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Xu)

Chinese and foreign residents make Jiaozi during a celebration for the Chinese lunar New Year in a community in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2009.

Oscar statuettes displayed on Times Square Studios in New York. The Bollywood rags-to-riches movie "Slumdog Millionaire" could fight for Oscars' best picture against the Batman hit "Dark Knight" when nominees for the 81st Academy Awards are revealed Thursday.(Agencies)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – The romantic fantasy "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" led Academy Awards contenders Thursday with 13 nominations, among them best picture and acting honors for Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson, and a directing slot for David Fincher.

Other best-picture nominees are "Frost/Nixon," "Milk," "The Reader" and "Slumdog Millionaire."

As expected, Heath Ledger had a supporting-actor nomination for "The Dark Knight" on the one-year anniversary of his death from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. But the Batman blockbuster was shut out for other top categories such as best picture and director.

"Slumdog Millionaire" lived up to its rags-to-riches theme, coming in second with 10 nominations, including a directing spot for Danny Boyle and two of the three song slots.

Real-life couple Pitt and Angelina Jolie both will be going to the Oscars as nominees. Jolie had a best-actress nomination for the missing-child drama "Changeling."

The acting categories were loaded with surprises. Kate Winslet won two Golden Globes, best dramatic actress for "Revolutionary Road" and supporting actress for "The Reader." But she was nominated for lead actress at the Oscars for "The Reader" and shut out for "Revolutionary Road."

Actors considered longshots also sneaked in, among lead-actor nominee Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor," best-actress contender Melissa Leo for "Frozen River" and supporting-actor pick Michael Shannon for "Revolutionary Road."

Winslet reunited with "Titanic" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio for "Revolutionary Road," but he also was shut out for a nomination on that film.

Other best-actress nominees were Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married" and Meryl Streep for "Doubt."

Joining Pitt and Jenkins in the best-actor category were Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"; Sean Penn, "Milk"; and Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler."

Other acting snubs included Clint Eastwood for "Gran Torino," Sally Hawkins for "Happy-Go-Lucky" and Kristin Scott Thomas for "I've Loved You So Long."

But perhaps the biggest surprise overall was the so-so results for "The Dark Knight," which had been picking up momentum as one Hollywood trade guild after another picked it as one of the year's best films.

The largest blockbuster in years, "The Dark Knight" had eight nominations, but other than Ledger's honor, its scored only in technical categories such as cinematography, visual effects and editing.

Mary J. Blige performs at the Neighborhood Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. Barack Obama took power as the first black U.S. president on Tuesday and quickly turned the page on the Bush years, urging Americans to rally to end the worst economic crisis in generations and repair the U.S. image abroad. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Musician will.i.am performs during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Musician will.i.am performs during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Several singers performed at the Neighborhood Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. Barack Obama took power as the first black U.S. president on Tuesday and quickly turned the page on the Bush years, urging Americans to rally to end the worst economic crisis in generations and repair the U.S. image abroad.

Chinese director Chen Kaige (R) and actor Yu Shaoqun pose at a press conference in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 21, 2009. Chen Kaige and the cast members arrived in Tokyo to promote "Forever Enthralled", a biopic about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, which will be released in Japan on March 7. (Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Chinese director Chen Kaige (R) and actor Yu Shaoqun pose for photos at a press conference in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 21, 2009. Chen Kaige and the cast members arrived in Tokyo to promote "Forever Enthralled", a biopic about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, which will be released in Japan on March 7. (Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Chen Kaige and the cast members arrived in Tokyo to promote "Forever Enthralled", a biopic about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, which will be released in Japan on March 7.

Books about U.S. President Barack Obama are displayed at a bookstore in Kanta in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 22, 2009. Books featuring Barack Obama are popular in Japan and their sales keep rising ever since Obama took part in the U.S. presidential election.(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Books about U.S. President Barack Obama are displayed at a bookstore in Kanta in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 22, 2009.(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Books about U.S. President Barack Obama are displayed at a bookstore in Kanta in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 22, 2009.(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Books featuring Barack Obama are popular in Japan and their sales keep rising ever since Obama took part in the U.S. presidential election.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administers the oath of office to President Barack Obama a second time in the Map Room of the White House January 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. Today was the president's first full day in office.(Agencies)

WASHINGTON – After the flub heard around the world, President Barack Obama has taken the oath of office. Again. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the oath to Obama on Wednesday night at the White House — a rare do-over. The surprise moment came in response to Tuesday's much-noticed stumble, when Roberts got the words of the oath a little off, which prompted Obama to do so, too.

Don't worry, the White House says: Obama has still been president since noon on Inauguration Day.

Nevertheless, Obama and Roberts went through the drill again out of what White House counsel Greg Craig called "an abundance of caution."

This time, the scene was the White House Map Room in front of a small group of reporters, not the Capitol platform before the whole watching world.

"We decided that because it was so much fun ...," Obama joked to reporters who followed press secretary Robert Gibbs into the room. No TV camera crews or news photographers were allowed in. A few of Obama's closest aides were there, along with a White House photographer.

Roberts put on his black robe.

"Are you ready to take the oath?" he said.

"Yes, I am," Obama said. "And we're going to do it very slowly."

Roberts then led Obama through the oath without any missteps.

The president said he did not have his Bible with him, but that the oath was binding anyway.

The original, bungled version on Tuesday caught observers by surprise and then got replayed on cable news shows.

It happened when Obama interrupted Roberts midway through the opening line, in which the president repeats his name and solemnly swears.

Next in the oath is the phrase " ... that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States." But Roberts rearranged the order of the words, not saying "faithfully" until after "president of the United States."

That appeared to throw Obama off. He stopped abruptly at the word "execute."

Recognizing something was off, Roberts then repeated the phrase, putting "faithfully" in the right place but without repeating "execute."

But Obama then repeated Roberts' original, incorrect version: "... the office of president of the United States faithfully."

Craig, the White House lawyer, said in a statement Wednesday evening: "We believe the oath of office was administered effectively and that the president was sworn in appropriately yesterday. Yet the oath appears in the Constitution itself. And out of the abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath a second time."

The Constitution is clear about the exact wording of the oath and as a result, some constitutional experts have said that a do-over probably wasn't necessary but also couldn't hurt. Two other previous presidents have repeated the oath because of similar issues, Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur.

(Agencies)

A panda cub gazes at the camera before taking a group photo with other twelve cubs born in 2008 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, January 21 2009. All of them will be greeting the public during the Spring Festival after months of close care in nurseries. [CFP]

Thirteen panda cubs born in 2008 pose for a group photo with their keepers at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, January 21 2009. All of them will be greeting the public during the Spring Festival after months of close care in nurseries. [CFP]

A keeper takes a panda cub to its enclosure at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, January 21 2009. Thirteen giant panda cubs born in 2008 will be greeting the public during the Spring Festival after months of close care in nurseries. [CFP]

A keeper holds a panda cub in her arm at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, January 21 2009. Thirteen giant panda cubs born in 2008 will be greeting the public during the Spring Festival after months of close care in nurseries. [CFP]

Thirteen panda cubs born in 2008 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, will be greeting the public during the Spring Festival after months of close care in nurseries.

Stripping down: Gwyneth goes to the window to expose her breast in a raunchy scene from her new movie Two Lovers

Gwyneth has stepped out in one pair of sky-high heels after another in recent months

The first indication that Gwyneth Paltrow was fed up with her public persona was when she revealed a new wardrobe of sky-high heels and super-short skirts.

Now the actress has firmly closed the door on her earth mother image with her latest film - in which she goes topless.

Romantic drama Two Lovers sees mother-of-two Gwyneth's man-eater character expose her left breast and caress it to tempt her peeping-Tom neighbour during an erotic phone call.

Mother-of-two Gwyneth plays Michelle, who moves into a new apartment paid for by her married lover.

She then quickly sets about seducing her neighbour Leonard, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

The film, which comes out next month, is directed by James Gray and was last year nominated for a Golden Palm award.

It is Gwyneth's first movie since last year's blockbuster Iron Man.

Earlier this month The Mail On Sunday revealed that she is launching a worldwide chain of gyms with her personal trainer Tracy Anderson, in a business venture she is hoping will earn her millions.

The 36-year-old has already produced and directed a successful exercise video for Tracy - who also trains Madonna - and now the pair want to embark on a much larger enterprise.

‘Tracy and Gwyneth are out to make some serious money,’ says a source.

‘The DVD they made has been pouring off the shelves. It’s been endorsed on the cover by Gwyneth and Madonna, and Gwyneth is pushing it to anyone she can. She has been amazed by the fitness results Tracy’s helped her to achieve.’

Gwyneth struck up a close friendship with Tracy after she helped her get into shape following the birth of her son Moses.

She recently said of her new business partner: ‘She’s funny, amazing at her job and all heart.’

(Agencies)

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores a penalty against Derby County during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England Jan. 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

BEIJING, Jan. 22 -- Cristiano Ronaldo's first domestic goal since November helped Manchester United book a place in the League Cup final with a 4-2 victory over Derby County on Tuesday.

But Alex Ferguson's joy at reaching a 14th domestic final was soured by more players joining the injury list.

Nani took 16 minutes to wipe out Derby's 1-0 first-leg advantage, and further goals from John O'Shea and Carlos Tevez looked to have put the match beyond reach of the League Championship struggling side. But Derby substitute Giles Barnes scored twice in the final 10 minutes around Ronaldo's penalty to threaten extra time as United's wounded struggled.

Nani hobbled off with an undisclosed injury, while Anderson, who had been limping badly, was carried off after the final and went to hospital for an X-ray on his ankle.

Injuries to defenders Jonny Evans (ankle) and Rafael da Silva (hamstring) and a knock to Gary Neville could severely hamper Ferguson's options at the back, with Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown already sidelined.

Ferguson fears Rafael will be out for a "few weeks" with hamstring trouble, but Evans could return for next Tuesday's match at West Bromwich Albion after missing Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Tottenham.

"We have a few injuries tonight so it has been a bad night in that respect but we are in the final and we should be celebrating that," Ferguson said. "Finals are always hard to get in to and the young lads have done fantastically well to get thee. It was a great performance and the youngsters will all be playing in the final.

"The important thing is to find out what their temperament is and they have all proved that tonight."

Having already won the Club World Cup in December, the English Premier League leader remains the only club in contention for all three domestic trophies and the Champions League.

Despite trailing 0-1 from Pride Park two weeks ago, Ferguson still gave emerging talents such as striker Danny Welbeck, midfielder Darron Gibson and rightback Rafael valuable first-team experience. Veterans Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs were included to ensure there would be no repeat of the first-leg slipup.

Derby did provide a scare in the 7th after Gibson twice gave away the ball and Kris Commons came within the width of the post of replicating his stunning goal two weeks ago, unleashing a fierce 30-meter thunderbolt that beat Ben Foster.

Nani leveled the aggregate score in similar fashion. After drifting forward unchallenged from the halfway line, the Portugal winger curled in a dipping shot that former United goalkeeper Roy Carroll could get only the faintest of touches to. Neat linkup play between Tevez and Welbeck in the 22nd released O'Shea, who was given time to pause before poking the ball into the bottom right.

Slack defending cost Derby dearly in the 34th when Tevez headed Rafael's cross between two static defenders and beyond Carroll. Rafael hit the outside of the post before being forced off injured and replaced by midfielder Darren Fletcher.

Giggs, had a free-kick pumped wide by Carroll then picked up a knock and was replaced by Ronaldo. Evans was struggling but couldn't be brought off because United had used all three substitutes, and he conceded a penalty by fouling Paul Green. The substitute Barnes scored the spot kick to set up a tense final 10 minutes.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes pose on the red carpet before the European premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise poses with fans as he arrives on the red carpet for the German premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes pose on the red carpet before the European premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 14, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise arrives on the red carpet for the German premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes pose on the red carpet before the European premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. actor Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes pose on the red carpet before the European premiere of the movie "Valkyrie" in Berlin January 20, 2009.

Duke's Gerald Henderson (15) dunks as North Carolina State's Courtney Fells (4) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Gerald Henderson scored 21 points and No. 2 Duke pulled away late to beat North Carolina State 73-56 on Tuesday night.

Nolan Smith hit consecutive 3-pointers 30 seconds apart to start the decisive run for the Blue Devils (17-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference). They closed the game on a 27-5 run and shot 76 percent in the second half.

Kyle Singler had 14 of his 17 points in the second half and Smith finished with 13 to help Duke overcome a horrible start.

Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley both scored 15 points for the Wolfpack (10-6, 1-3), who led for much of the way but hit just one field goal over the final 7:45 minutes.

That cold spell helped Duke claim its 12th straight victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium over N.C. State, which hasn't won inside the Blue Devils' famously hostile arena since 1995.

That streak was in serious jeopardy for a while, though — until Smith and the rest of the Blue Devils heated up.

The second of Smith's two big 3s made it 52-49 with 9 1/2 minutes left, put Duke up to stay and started the game-ending burst in which the Blue Devils came away with points on eight straight possessions.

Tracy Smith temporarily kept things tight when he hit the second of two layups with just under 8 minutes remaining — but the Wolfpack managed just one field goal the rest of the way in losing for the fourth time in five games.

Jon Scheyer's 3-pointer from the right corner with 2:15 remaining gave Duke its first double-figure lead of the game, 67-56. That turned what had been a close game into another blowout. Nine of the Blue Devils' 11 wins at home this season have come by double figures.

Duke shot nearly 51 percent overall and became the seventh team to make at least 40 percent of its shots against N.C. State — which fell to 2-5 in those games.

Duke's hot second half was a stark contrast to the opening 20 minutes — for both teams.

The Wolfpack withstood one of their worst starts of the season — roughly 7 minutes elapsed before their first field goal — and took their first lead on McCauley's left-handed layup over 7-footer Brian Zoubek with 3 1/2 minutes left.

N.C. State led 26-22 at halftime after holding the Blue Devils to less than 30 percent shooting. The Blue Devils trailed at the half for the third time this season — and for the teams' third straight meeting — but rallied to send the Wolfpack to their 12th loss in 13 games against ACC teams dating to last season.

(Agencies)

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic gestures during her match against Italy's Alberta Brianti at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves to France's Jeremy Chardy during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009.[Agencies]

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic returns to Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009.[Agencies]

Serena Williams and her sister Venus (R) of the U.S. talk to each other during their doubles match against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova and Nadia Petrova at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns to Russia's Evgeny Korolev during their match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic gestures during her match against Italy's Alberta Brianti at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2009.

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

Alberta Brianti of Italy returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Brianti lost 0-2. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates scoring during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0.

Actors in costumes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have rehearsal of the rite of worshipping the Heaven at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Jan. 20, 2009. The Temple of Heaven Park will hold heaven worshipping ceremony during the Chinese lunar New Year holidays, which begins on Jan. 26 this year. (Xinhua/Lu Xin)

Actors in costumes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have rehearsal of the rite of worshipping the Heaven at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Jan. 20, 2009. The Temple of Heaven Park will hold heaven worshipping ceremony during the Chinese lunar New Year holidays, which begins on Jan. 26 this year. (Xinhua/Lu Xin)

Actors in costumes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have rehearsal of the rite of worshipping the Heaven at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Jan. 20, 2009. The Temple of Heaven Park will hold heaven worshipping ceremony during the Chinese lunar New Year holidays, which begins on Jan. 26 this year. (Xinhua/Lu Xin)

Actors in costumes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have rehearsal of the rite of worshipping the Heaven at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Jan. 20, 2009. The Temple of Heaven Park will hold heaven worshipping ceremony during the Chinese lunar New Year holidays, which begins on Jan. 26 this year.

Perfectly posed: Victoria Beckham shows off her slim figure as she joins David for the My Sky HD Wears Fendi cocktail party as part of Milan Fashion Week

Oops! Victoria nearly loses her balance as she turns away from photographers at the event

It's hard maintaining the transatlantic Beckham lifestyle.

With David working in Milan while their sons attend school in Los Angeles Victoria has to manage her time carefully.

But the busy mother-of-three cleverly planned her latest visit to her footballer husband to coincide with Milan fashion week, and fitted in a few parties.

According to a MailOnline report, Victoria donned a fitted red dress from her new range which revealed her slim figure. And she teamed the low-cut frock with a pair of stilettos in a matching shade of scarlet.

David, currently playing for AC Milan, chose a glossy grey suit and matching silk scarf, tossed casually around his neck.

The two showed off their style at the My Sky HD Wears Fendi cocktail party.

Victoria also unveiled a new hairstyle at the event.

After weeks of wearing her hair in a carefully messed up crop she instead chose an oriental style updo.

Victoria's visit to the city also coincided with the launch of a new Armani advertising campaign starring her and David.

The couple, who are parents to Brooklyn, 9, Romeo, 6, and Cruz, 3, are promoting underwear from the spring/summer collection for the Italian label.

And in the latest racy shot from the campaign the two are pictured in their underwear, with David reclining on a bed while Victoria smoulders at the camera.

Hillary Clinton stands with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as she arrives for her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington to become the next U.S. Secretary of State, January 13, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton attend the Presidential inaugural prayer service for U.S. President Barack Obama at the National Cathedral in Washington January 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate, with a 94-2 vote, on Wednesday approved Hillary Rodham Clinton as the secretary of state, paving way for the former first lady to launch the so-called smart power diplomacy.

Clinton was to be sworn in during a private ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday.

Both Republicans and Democrat viewed the former first lady nomination's approval as a necessary step so that President Barack Obama could launch his diplomatic efforts to deal with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear issues in Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama shakes hands with members of the public touring the White House in Washington, the US, January 21, 2009. (REUTERS/Larry Downing)

WASHINGTON – In a first-day whirlwind, US President Barack Obama showcased efforts to revive the economy on Wednesday, summoned top military officials to the White House to chart a new course in Iraq and eased into the daunting thicket of Middle East diplomacy. "What an opportunity we have to change this country," said the 47-year-old chief executive, who also issued new ethics rules for his administration and hosted a reception at the presidential mansion for 200 inauguration volunteers and guests selected by an Internet lottery.

After dancing at inaugural balls with first lady Michelle Obama past midnight, Obama entered the Oval Office for the first time as president in early morning. He read a good luck note left behind by President George W. Bush, then began breaking cleanly with his predecessor's policies.

Aides circulated a draft of an executive order that would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year and halt all war crimes trials in the meantime.

Closing the site "would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice," read the draft prepared for the new president's signature. A copy was obtained by The Associated Press, and an aide said privately that Obama would sign a formal order on Thursday.

Some of the 245 detainees currently held at Guantanamo would be released, while others would be transferred elsewhere and later put on trial under terms to be determined.

Obama's Cabinet was moving closer to completion.

At the Capitol, the Senate confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after a one-day delay forced by Republicans. The vote was 94-2, and spectators seated in the galleries erupted in applause when it was announced.

Treasury-designate Timothy Geithner emerged unscathed from his confirmation hearing, apologizing for having failed to pay $34,000 in taxes earlier in the decade.

To the evident anger of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Republicans on the panel invoked longstanding rules to postpone a vote on Eric Holder's appointment as attorney general.

Counting Clinton, seven Cabinet members have been confirmed so far, as have the two top officials at the Office of Management and Budget.

Obama's schedule for the day included separate sessions on the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new president has pledged to take bold steps to revive the economy, which is struggling through the worst recession since the Great Depression. Last week, he won approval to use $350 billion in leftover financial industry bailout funds.

He presided over the White House meeting on the economy as the House Appropriations Committee moved toward approval of $358 billion in new spending, part of the economic stimulus package making its way to his desk.

The new commander in chief held his first meeting in the Situation Room, where he, Vice President Joe Biden and senior military and foreign policy officials discussed war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama campaigned on a pledge to withdraw U.S. combat forces from Iraq within 16 months, and to beef up the commitment in Afghanistan.

The new White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said Obama's phone calls to leaders in the Middle East were meant to convey his "commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term."

Gibbs also that in conversations with Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders, the president emphasized he would work to consolidate the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Obama intends to name former Senate Majority leader George Mitchell as a special envoy to the region.

Not everything was new at the White House.

In the Oval Office, Obama worked at a desk built from the timbers of a British naval vessel, the HMS Resolute, and used off-and-on by presidents since the 1870s, including Bush. It also appeared that the carpet that Bush used in his second term, a yellow sunbeam design, was still in place.

If some of the furnishings remained in place, there was no doubt that the new president meant to fulfill his campaign promise of change.

"As of today, lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than under any ... other administration in history," Obama told reporters as he signed the new rules. The restrictions included a ban on gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration.

He also imposed a pay freeze for about 100 White House aides who earn $100,000 or more. Its implementation was unclear, since none of them was on the payroll before Tuesday's noontime inauguration.

On Tuesday, within hours of Obama's inauguration, his administration froze last-minute Bush administration regulations before they could take effect.

Among them was an Interior Department proposal to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species protections in much of the northern Rocky Mountains, and a Labor Department recommendation that would allow companies that manage employee retirement plans to market investment products to plan participants.

Obama and his wife began their day at a prayer service that is traditional for the first business day of a new administration. They were joined in front-pew seats by Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as former President Bill Clinton and his wife, hours away from confirmation as the nation's top diplomat.

"Grant to Barack Obama, president of the United States, and to all in authority your grace and good will. Bless them with your heavenly gifts, give them wisdom and strength to know and to do your will," prayed the Rev. Andy Stanley, one of numerous clerics from several religions to speak.

Obama and his wife also played host and hostess for a select 200 at an open house.

"Enjoy yourself, roam around," a smiling Obama told one guest.

"Don't break anything."