TOKYO, July 30, 2007 (AFP) - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party failed for the first time to be the largest party in a house of parliament after a major election defeat, official results showed Monday.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan will control the upper house of parliament, the first time the left-centre bloc has held a majority.

Abe's conservative Liberal Democratic Party and its Buddhist-oriented coalition partner, New Komeito, won 46 of the 121 seats up for grabs in Sunday's election. The coalition was defending 76 seats.

DUBLIN, July 24, 2007 (AFP) - The International Rugby Board has said Auckland`s Eden Park will be the venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, the BBC internet site reported on Tuesday.

Eden Park hosted the first ever World Cup final in 1987 when hosts New Zealand beat France in their sole victory in the tournament.

The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but that is scheduled to be augmented before the 2011 event which will have its final on October 22 or 23.