U.S./World Sports category, Page 230
Tokyo Olympics shaping up as TV-only event with few fans, if any
TOKYO — The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are shaping up as a TV-only event with few spectators — if any — being allowed when they open in just over two weeks. Japan’s Asahi newspaper, citing multiple unidentified government sources, said Tuesday the opening ceremony at the 68,000-seat National Stadium is likely...
U.S. women blank Mexico in final tune-up before OlympicsVideo
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Tobin Heath scored her second goal in as many games and the United States defeated Mexico 4-0 on Monday in the American women’s final match before the Olympics. The United States is now undefeated in 44 straight matches, the second-longest unbeaten streak in team history. The...
Matsuyama has green jacket and seeks gold in home OlympicsVideo
Unlike golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016 after a century-long absence, the sport won’t be a mystery to the host nation this time around. No one had to build a new golf course in Japan that was suitable for the elite players. Heroes won’t be hard to identify. All...
Why the Suns will beat the Bucks in the NBA FinalsVideo
PHOENIX — This version of the Phoenix Suns will be a case study for future NBA general managers on how to build a championship contending roster in a hurry. Roll the dice on an aging — but motivated — Hall of Fame-caliber point guard (Chris Paul) and pair him with...
Bucks’ playoff toughness should help them win championshipVideo
As much as the oddsmakers may argue otherwise, there’s an excellent chance the Milwaukee Bucks will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their lone NBA title by winning it all again. Sure, the Bucks go into the NBA Finals as underdogs to the Phoenix Suns, according to Fanduel Sportsbook. The uncertain...
At 34, ‘Mommy Rocket’ Fraser-Pryce sprinter to beat in TokyoVideo
Every time Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce steps on the track, some sort of record is in jeopardy. At the top of that list, of course, is Florence Griffith Joyner’s 33-year-old mark in the 100 meters. At the upcoming Olympics, Fraser-Pryce, the 34-year-old mother from Jamaica, also could become the oldest person to...
Defending NASCAR champion Chase Elliott learns to savor wins in season of growthVideo
Chase Elliott heard the roar of the crowd begging for more burnouts, and NASCAR’s most popular driver didn’t disappoint his supporters. He knew his tires couldn’t hold up for a second smoke show at Road America, but Elliott didn’t care following his seventh career road course victory in the first...
On last Manic Monday, Federer, Djokovic, Kerber stick aroundVideo
WIMBLEDON, England — It was Wimbledon’s last Manic Monday — as of next year, no longer will all 16 fourth-round singles matches be scheduled on one day, a tradition vanishing along with that of a Middle Sunday without any play — and yet, amid all the chaos of simultaneous matches,...
In the pits: Chip Ganassi saw writing on wall before selling NASCAR operation
LEXINGTON, Ohio — After telling the world he was pulling out of NASCAR, Chip Ganassi returned home to Pittsburgh for sushi dinner with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Renger van der Zande, his house guests for a week between sports car races. Then Ganassi went back to work and his first...
This date in sports history: July 5Video
1919 — Suzanne Lenglen beats reigning champion Dorothea Lambert Chambers, 10-8, 4-6, 9-7, in the challenge round to win her first women’s singles title at Wimbledon. 1930 — Bill Tilden beats Wilmer Allison, 6-3, 9-7, 6-4, to capture his third men’s singles title at Wimbledon. 1947 — Larry Doby becomes...
Cam Davis wins Rocket Mortgage Classic on 5th playoff holeVideo
DETROIT — Cam Davis holed a 50-foot sand shot on the 71st hole of regulation, and that propelled him into a five-hole playoff where he outlasted Troy Merritt and Joaquin Niemann to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic for his first PGA Tour victory. “It’s the only reason I’m sitting here...
Chase Elliott continues road course dominance with NASCAR win at Road AmericaVideo
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — Even a start near the back of the pack couldn’t prevent Chase Elliott from continuing his uncanny success on road courses. Elliott started in the 34th position but still found a way to win the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday at Road America to wrap up...
Mostly fresh faces fill schedule as Wimbledon resumes Monday after day offVideo
WIMBLEDON, England — Wimbledon’s traditional Middle Sunday of rest will disappear in 2022, as will the Manic Monday that follows it. For one last time, the oldest Grand Slam tournament was quiet as Week 1 of this year’s edition ended. And for one last time, Week 2 will begin with...
Pogacar keeps control of Tour de France, Roglic drops outVideo
TIGNES, France — Defending champion Tadej Pogacar kept control of the Tour de France on a rain-soaked second day in the Alps as a crash-filled opening week took its toll on rivals Sunday. “I’m sure a lot of guys suffered today,” said Pogacar, who retained the race leader’s yellow jersey...
Joey Chestnut sets new record at post-pandemic hot dog race
NEW YORK — Chowdown champ Joey “Jaws” Chestnut broke his own record to gulp to a 14th win in the men’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Sunday, while Michelle Lesco took the women’s title. Chestnut downed 76 franks and buns in 10 minutes. That’s one more than he...
The NBA Finals are set: Milwaukee vs. Phoenix for the title
The two regular-season games between Milwaukee and Phoenix this season fit the same script. Both were extremely high scoring. Both went down to the wire. Both saw Phoenix win by a single point, with a free throw by Devin Booker ending up as the game winner each time. There was...
This date in sports history: July 4Video
1910 — Jack Johnson knocks out Jim Jeffries in the 15th round at Reno, Nev., to retain the world heavyweight title and spoil Jeffries’ comeback. 1914 — The Harvard eight wins the Grand Challenge Cup to become the first American crew to capture the top event at the Henley Royal...
Olympic men’s soccer clashed with European seasonVideo
Often the event that connects an Olympic host city with the rest of the nation, soccer could be a source of trepidation rather than excitement in Japan. Players spreading across the country is far from desired as Japan is trying to stage a Games that limits the risks of covid-19...
Troy Merritt, Joaquin Niemann share lead in Rocket Mortgage Classic
DETROIT — Troy Merritt aced the 219-yard 11th hole at Detroit Golf Club and shot a 5-under-par 67 on Saturday for a share of the lead with Joaquin Niemann in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Niemann, who shared the 36-hole lead with Tom Lewis, pulled into a tie by two-putting from...
Britain’s Raducanu, 18, joins Gauff, 17, in Wimbledon Week 2Video
WIMBLEDON, England — Coco Gauff now has some company when it comes to being a teen in Week 2 at the All England Club. Shortly before Gauff, a 17-year-old American, made her way to the fourth round at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament for the second time in a row...
Kurt Busch chases NASCAR playoffs with future uncertainVideo
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — Kurt Busch has welcomed the uncertainty of this season as he chases a playoff berth while pondering his future in NASCAR. Busch posted the fastest practice time Saturday as NASCAR’s Cup Series returned to Road America for the first time since 1956. His younger brother, Kyle...
College-bound Olympians, especially gymnasts, look to cash in on new opportunityVideo
Maggie Nichols just laughs when asked if she plans on asking Under Armour where her check is. “I should, right!” the retired two-time world championship medalist and two-time NCAA all-around champion said. Nichols is kidding. Well, mostly. She didn’t complain when the athletic apparel giant approached her in 2016 about...
Keeping name, image, likeness deals safe, compliant possible trouble for collegesVideo
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Chris Clunie chuckles thinking about what Stephen Curry’s marketing potential might’ve been at Davidson during the Wildcats’ remarkable 2008 NCAA Tournament run had Curry played in an era when college students could profit from their own fame and celebrity. Curry jerseys. Curry shoes. Curry chicken sliders. Who...
U.S. men seeking 4th consecutive Olympic basketball goldVideo
Kobe Bryant, a few months before he died, made an appearance at the Basketball World Cup in China and was asked about the future of USA Basketball. His message was clear: Gold medals no longer will come easily. “It’s not a matter of the rest of the world catching up...
Joaquin Niemann, Tom Lewis share lead at Rocket Mortgage Classic
DETROIT — Joaquin Niemann and Tom Lewis topped the jam-packed leaderboard heading into the weekend in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Niemann and Lewis each shot 3-under-par 69 on Friday to reach 10-under 134. Troy Merritt (68), Chris Kirk (68) and Max Homa (65) were a shot back. First-round leader Davis...
