Briefs 3-Sri Lanka match-winner Mendis earns army promotion

July 8 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world:

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Cricket - Sri Lanka's unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis has been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant in the army after his match-winning exploits in the six-nation Asia Cup.

Mendis helped his country win Sunday's final by taking six wickets for 13 as India were bowled out for 173.

The 23-year-old soldier, who has a unique bowling style, was promoted five ranks in the army by the island's President Mahinda Rajapakse in recognition of his performance.

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Motorcycling - Kawasaki MotoGP rider John Hopkins will miss this weekend's German Grand Prix at Sachsenring and his home U.S. race at Laguna Seca after having knee and ankle surgery on Monday.

The American crashed in the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen last month and will not be replaced for the race in Germany. His team said in a statement they hoped he could return in time for the Czech round in Brno on Aug. 17.

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