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Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan produced a defensive masterclass to reach the Champions League final at the expense of holders Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Protecting a first-leg 3-1 lead, Inter were forced to play more than an hour a man short after Thiago Motta saw red for a hand-off on Sergio Busquets.

But Barca failed to fire before Gerard Pique's shot set up a frantic finale.

Bojan Krkic then saw an injury-time strike ruled out, but Inter held on for a first European Cup final since 1972.

The Italian giants will now face Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu on 22 May as Mourinho attempts to lead them to European football's top prize for the first time in more than 40 years.

Barcelona's efforts to become the first team to retain the Champions League trophy, meanwhile, ended in frustration in the face of a sensationally stoic defensive show from the Italians.

Mourinho's reaction at the final whistle said it all as he sprinted around the Nou Camp pitch with his hands aloft, a pointed salute to the Barca supporters and media critics who had labelled him "The Translator" in mocking tribute to his time at the club in the 1990s.

This was further testimony to the Portuguese manager's claims to be "The Special One" as his side's tactics, belief and resolve withstood a home onslaught that saw Barca run out of ideas until Pique's goal.

Emotions and tensions were expected before kick-off to run high, but even for a Champions League semi-final this match surpassed expectations.

606: DEBATE Mourinho is the best tactician around, he showed to other teams how to stop this Barca machine keeaannoo

An extraordinarily vocal 98,000 Nou Camp played their part, while Mourinho - so often the pantomime villain - riled the Barcelona faithful and staff alike as a constant and vocal presence on the sidelines.

But, more than that, controversy stalked the match regularly, even before Bojan's late strike was ruled out.

The replacement of winger Goran Pandev - apparently injured - with defender Christian Chivu in the Inter line-up minutes before kick-off caught everyone by surprise, while the visitors' high-pressure tactics and gamesmanship continually frustrated the hosts.

And the decision of Belgian referee Frank de Bleeckere to dismiss Motta was even more contestable.

The Brazilian, already on a booking, did indeed raise a hand when defending the ball and he certainly made contact with Busquets' face as he did so, but a straight red card appeared a harsh decision.

Motta's reaction following the dismissal, man-handling Busquets in protest, only fanned the flames of a high-octane encounter.

Amid all of the drama, the football was enthralling, if a little light on goalscoring chances.

The pattern was set early on, with Inter happy to sit deep and flood their defensive areas in protection of their first-leg lead, while the hosts' passing game was typically fluent but all too often in front of the visitors rather than in behind them.

Twice Xavi had a sight of goal but the midfielder was crowded out on both occasions, Pedro flashed an instinctive volley wide from Dani Alves' cross, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a snap-shot well blocked by Walter Samuel.

Motta reacts to his sending-off by man-handling Busquets

The best effort of the first half by far, though, came from Messi, the Argentine's goalbound curler from 20 yards superbly tipped wide on the stretch by Inter keeper Julio Cesar.

This was a classic match-up of Inter's defence against Barca's attack, though Mourinho's side did have a brief glimpse of goal when Samuel Eto'o found himself in space in the box from Wesley Sneider's cross, only for his touch to allow Pedro to get back and clear.

The second period was even more one-sided in terms of possession, with almost the entire half played in Inter's defensive third.

But Inter looking increasingly comfortable as the likes of Messi, Pedro, Ibrahimovic and Xavi probed at their defence without success, though Bojan should have done better when he headed wide from close range.

Still, with six minutes of normal time remaining, Barcelona broke the Italians' backline for virtually the first time as Pique, arguably offside, collected Xavi's pass, turned inside defender Ivan Cordoba's challenge and slid home for a goal of which Messi himself would have been proud.

And for the first time in the match, Barcelona sensed victory.

They almost had it too when substitute Bojan broke free in the Inter box and lashed into the roof of the net in injury time.

The home supporters' unbridled joy at what would have proven a tie-winning goal was short-lived, though, as the referee had given a handball against Yaya Toure in the build-up long before.

It was a contentious decision, in keeping with some strange rulings from the officials throughout the night.

However, Inter will argue they deserved their slice of luck, and the match-up of Mourinho against Bayern boss Louis van Gaal, one of the men under whom he served his apprenticeship at Barca, provides a fascinating back-drop to what will be an hotly-contested final next month.

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Dong Fangxiao (right) was 14-years-old when she won the bronze medal

China have been been stripped of the Olympic bronze medal won by the women's gymnastic team at the 2000 Games in Sydney for using an underage gymnast.

The International Olympic Committee acted after investigations determined that gymnast Dong Fangxiao was only 14 years old at the 2000 Games.

Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible.

The United States women's team, who finished in fourth place in Sydney, will now take the bronze medal.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) carried out the investigation and subsequently recommended the IOC take the medal back.

The IOC executive board upheld the request and formally stripped the medal on the first day of a two-day meeting in Dubai.

Dong was also stripped of her sixth-place result in the individual floor exercises and seventh place in the vault.

The FIG had previously cleared five Chinese gymnasts suspected of being underage at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, after Chinese officials provided original passports, ID cards and family registers showing all of the gymnasts were old enough to compete.

But the FIG had said following that investigation it was not satisfied with "the explanations and evidence provided to date" for Dong and a second gymnast, Yang Yun from the 2000 Olympic team.

However, FIG investigators did not find sufficient evidence to prove Yang, who also won a bronze medal on uneven bars in 2000, was underage so she received only a warning.

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Benitez will have to shuffle his side for the visit of Atletico

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could be without strike duo Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Ngog has a hamstring strain as a result of a back problem which forced him off in the first leg 1-0 defeat in Madrid last week while Kuyt has a calf injury.

Ryan Babel, therefore, could start in attack, while Alberto Aquilani will play as Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible.

Key striker Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, returns from suspension for Atletico.

The young Argentine, who has been linked with a host of big-money summer moves, will pair up with first-leg match-winner Diego Forlan

And Benitez says his side will have to be wary of the front pair's threat, especially as an away goal for Atletico would leave the Reds having to score three to reach the final.

"We know they are very good on the counter-attack and Aguero and Forlan are dangerous because we know both can score goals," said the Spaniard.

606: DEBATE Can Liverpool reach the final of the Europa League?

"We have to work very hard. We had the experience of playing them in the Champions League [last season] and they also beat us in a pre-season friendly.

"But if we can't keep a clean sheet we are ready to score more goals."

Captain Steven Gerrard could occupy a wide right role, with Fernando Torres again missing out with the knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

It means Liverpool have it all to do to overturn their first-leg deficit - but Benitez admits the match will be a welcome distraction following a host of rumours linking him with a summer move to Juventus.

"I don't like the rumours," said the Spaniard ahead of the clash at Anfield. "I would like to see news in the press about trophies, or goals or fantastic performances about players but you cannot control everything.

"My future is Atletico Madrid. We have to concentrate on this game and try to win because it is the best for the club."

And the Spaniard believes the improved form of midfielder Gerrard could be key to his side ending their so far disappointing campaign on a high.

Gerrard scored twice in Sunday's 4-0 defeat of Burnley, and Benitez said: "It was important for him to score and he was playing well.

"I think it has been very good for the team. Now we can concentrate on our game and try to do the best. We have a lot of belief and everyone is ready so we have to show this on the pitch.

"If he is a leader on the pitch the rest of the players will follow him.

"It is always easier when you have Torres on the pitch but we have Gerrard, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun or maybe the defenders.

"If we attack and create chances we have people who can score."

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Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Aquilani, Babel, Benayoun, Ngog, Kuyt, Cavalieri, Degen, El Zhar, Pacheco, Ayala, Plessis.

Formula One's Kers power-boost systems could make a comeback next season in a cheaper and more powerful guise.

Ferrari and Renault have offered to supply the systems - scrapped by teams last year for cost reasons - at lower prices and with higher energy levels.

"Renault will supply anyone who asks for it on the grid," said Williams technical director Sam Michael after a meeting of the teams' association Fota.

"Ferrari will supply any anyone who is running a Ferrari engine."

Kers systems are similar to those that are becoming increasingly widespread in road cars, with Toyota, Honda and BMW among those already marketing so-called "hybrid" cars.

They work by storing energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat during braking and re-applying it to either boost power or cut fuel consumption during acceleration.

ANDREW BENSON BLOG Using powerful energy-recovery systems opens up all sorts of possibilities

But Kers, the subject of controversy in 2009, was eventually abandoned on cost grounds. The teams using Kers - McLaren-Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and BMW - are estimated to have spent a total of £40m on developing the system.

And it is widely believed that the 2009-spec Kers did not provide a big enough boost of power - they were limited by the rules to dispensing 400 kilojoules of energy a lap.

Now, according to Michael, Ferrari and Renault are offering a less expensive and more powerful version.

"Ferrari and Renault put forward proposals that they could do Kers for less than 1m euros (£869,000)," said the Australian.

"Those have been accepted but what Ferrari and Renault are both saying is that unless we increase the energy level from the current 400 kilojoules up to 600 or 800, to make Kers more beneficial, they are not prepared at this stage to commit that they will actually do Kers."

Although Kers remains in the regulations, with governing body the FIA backing the systems as relevant to ordinary road users and important for the sport's environmental credentials, teams have agreed not to use them this season.

"I think that by Barcelona (next week's Spanish Grand Prix), the Fota executive is due to try and make a decision on Kers for 2011. It's all pretty split at the moment on that," said Michael.

Williams, who own 78% of a hybrid power company developing flywheel technology, would expect to use their own systems.

Meanwhile, the Fota meeting also discussed the 2011 tyre supply, with Bridgestone pulling out at the end of this season.

"The conversations really, at this point, are between Michelin and Avon," said Michael. "Avon's a lot cheaper (than Michelin) but it's a less proven product although they've done plenty of highly competitive tyres.

"They are a bigger unknown than Michelin because Michelin did it (in F1) very recently. But there is a significant difference in cost and you are probably talking over three times the difference in cost to the teams."

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali suggested after the Chinese Grand Prix that a tyre deal could be announced before Barcelona, but Michael said that looked unlikely.

"I think the discussion in Fota is just acknowledgement that you've got to take into account a lot of different factors: it's not a straight financial decision and it's not a straight technical decision," he added.

"All this needs to be discussed with (F1 commercial supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) as he's traditionally looked after tyre supply."

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Zamora has scored 17 goals for Fulham this season

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is rated as a "major doubt" for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Hamburg because of an Achilles injury.

The 29-year-old will undergo a late fitness test on the problem, sustained in the first leg goalless draw.

But boss Roy Hodgson is preparing for the worst after Zamora, who missed the weekend Premier League defeat at Everton, sat out training on Wednesday.

Clint Dempsey, himself just back from injury, could deputise.

The American forward replaced Zamora in the first-leg draw in Germany, though he resorted to midfield at Goodison Park on Sunday behind Erik Nevland and Stefano Okaka who were paired in attack.

"Bobby is having treatment and I'm hoping he'll be ready for Thursday, but I'm not confident," Hodgson told the club's website.

The better news for Hodgson is that his decision to rest a number of first-teamers against Everton should ensure his side is fresh for the visit of Hamburg.

Paul Konchesky, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland, Dickson Etuhu, Damien Duff, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were all fit but left out of the matchday squad and should return on Thursday.

Chris Baird, however, is suspended, so John Pantsil is set to come into the side after a knee problem, while Okaka and Nicky Shorey are ineligible.

Fulham are on the brink of reaching their first European final, and face a Hamburg side that fired coach Bruno Labbadia on Monday after a 5-1 Bundesliga loss at Hoffenheim the day before.

That defeat came on the back of a run that had seen Hamburg secure just four wins in 14 matches and, as a result, assistant coach Ricardo Moniz has been put in temporary charge.

Moniz himself has injury worries of his own with striker Tunay Torun ruled out of the match with a ligament injury.

606: DEBATE Some have suggested Nevland but for me he's never played well on his own, he lacks the pace and strength to do so demon_diop

However, Hodgson is steeling his team for a tough task, saying: "When you reach a game of this level, with the experience and quality of the Hamburg players, they will be capable of producing a very good performance, whomever the manager may be.

"They have played many, many games together, the assistant has stepped in, so there will not be any vast change of philosophy.

"I am expecting the same type of Hamburg we faced a week ago."

And the 62-year-old has described his team's run in the competition and as "an outstanding achievement".

The Cottagers' European adventure has taken them from a third qualifying-round tie against FK Vetra of Lithuania, through the group stages against Roma to superb performances against favourites Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian giants Juventus.

We are all determined not to fail at this stage and to take the ultimate step to the final, rather than go out as gallant losers Fulham boss Roy Hodgson

Hodgson has also managed to keep Fulham on track in the Premier League, currently safe in 12th place, and the manager admitted: "For a club like ours, in terms of squad size, there was concern we would not be able to compete on both fronts.

"I am really delighted we have been able to prove people wrong and in the bargain have beaten some very good teams along the way to this semi-final.

"It is an outstanding achievement, and I take a lot of pride in that.

"But we are all determined not to fail at this stage and to take the ultimate step to the final, rather than go out as gallant losers."

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Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Konchesky, Hangeland, Pantsil, Hughes, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Dempsey, Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Greening, Dikgacoi, Smalling, Kelly, Elm.

Tiger Woods insisted he can handle any abuse he might receive from the crowd at the Quail Hollow Championship.

Woods received a warm reception at the Masters on his return to action after revelations about his private life.

The North Carolina tournament is open to the paying public, and Woods could get a rougher ride than at the tightly controlled Masters in Augusta.

"It's (abuse) happened before, before any of this. I have dealt with that before," said the world number one.

"But as far as the fans here over the years, they have been great and there is no reason why that shouldn't continue."

606: DEBATE It will be interesting to see what reaction he'll get when the crowds aren't on their best behaviour, worried barracking will result in them not being invited back MarcusWasInKensingtonButIsNowInNYC

Woods stepped away from the sport last November after a series of revelations about his private life but returned at the Masters after a 144-day absence.

And the 14-time major winner admitted after the Masters that he had been spurred on by the crowd's reaction as he made his return to golf, eventually finishing fourth.

Meanwhile, Woods claimed the fun has returned to his game as a result of taking a self-imposed break.

"It's been more fun, no doubt. I have had a lot of struggles internally for a while now and that's one of the reasons why it wasn't that much fun," said Woods.

"The game is now where it used to be and where it should be. It should be fun. It is a game.

"Even though I do it for a living, it's still a game and it wasn't that for a while."

As well as Quail Hollow in North Carolina, Woods has also entered The Players Championship which takes place at Sawgrass in Florida between 6 and 9 May.

Masters winner Phil Mickelson is also set to return to action at Quail Hollow, although the world number two withdrew from his pro-am group on Wednesday, complaining of illness.

Mickelson, who still expects to make his first-round on Thursday, was sick at his hotel on Tuesday night and called for assistance after the fifth hole needing treatment for dehydration.

The popular left-hander admitted his success at Augusta in April was the most special of his career with his wife, Amy, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, watching on.

"Amy and I were talking this last couple of weeks about how glad we were that she was there, that the kids were there, that we could look back on it," said Mickelson.

"To have that together given what the past year has brought, it has just made it probably the most special tournament win that I have had."

However, the victory has also increased Mickelson's desire for success, and he is now targeting the US Open at Pebble Beach in June as his main priority.

He said: "I have finished second in the US Open five times, it's a tournament that's my national open and growing up here, that's a special event for me."

Bayern Munich will appeal against a three-match ban imposed on Franck Ribery, which has ruled him out of the Champions League final on 22 May.

The midfielder missed Tuesday's 3-0 win in the second leg of their semi-final against Lyon after he was sent off in the first tie in Germany.

Ribery, 27, was shown a straight red for a tackle on Lyon's Lisandro Lopez.

Bayern had hoped Uefa would restrict the Frenchman's ban to one game but are now pinning their hopes on an appeal.

But Bayern believe Uefa's control and disciplinary body's punishment is too severe.

606: DEBATE I think Ribery has underperformed massively in the Champions League this season Chrispaz

"Uefa informed us of the decision, arguing that Franck Ribery was guilty of 'serious foul play'," read a Bayern statement.

"We do not understand this decision in any way and consider it absolutely wrong.

"Franck Ribery can certainly not be accused of violating his opponent intentionally. The player Lisandro Lopez was able to continue the game.

"Bayern and Franck Ribery will not accept the decision, but appeal and exhaust all possibilities."

The ban also covers Ribery for the first European match of next season.

The German side will play either Barcelona or Inter Milan in Madrid in the final in Madrid.