Jankovic wilts as fans wait for Murray

By Pritha Sarkar
LONDON (Reuters) - Jelena Jankovic`s challenge melted away in soaring temperatures at Wimbledon Saturday while Andy Murray fans tried to stay cool as they waited for their hero`s prime time appearance on Center Court.
Before attention turned to Murray`s bid to become Britain`s first men`s singles champion in 73 years, spectators flocking into the grounds saw Serbia`s sixth seed looking dazed and confused as she needed medical attention for heat exhaustion.
It was all too much for ex-world number one Jankovic who was stifled 6-7 7-5 6-2 in the third round by 124th-ranked teenage American qualifier Melanie Oudin on a roasting Court Three.
Jankovic`s compatriot Ana Ivanovic and five-times champion Venus Williams faced no such problems.
However, Ivanovic wisely opted not to spend too much time topping up her tan on Court Two as she hurried past Australian Samantha Stosur 7-5 6-2 in just 70 minutes to reach the last 16.
Next up for the 13th seed is world number three Williams.
"It`s going to be a huge challenge. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to play her because in my first match I was half gone," Ivanovic, cheered on by Australian golfer Adam Scott, said referring to her opening win from match points down.
FLORIDA HEAT
She cannot afford any lapses Monday as American Williams chalked up her 17th successive win at the grasscourt major with a 6-0 6-4 walloping of Carla Suarez Navarro and then declared the weather was not hot enough for "a Florida girl."
"You don`t understand the heat in Florida. I needed a sweater out there," grinned the third seed.
Men`s 12th seed Nikolay Davydenko joined Jankovic at the exit door after being outclassed 6-2 6-3 6-2 by Czech Tomas Berdych.
Germany`s Tommy Haas, stranded at 6-6 in the fifth set overnight, needed to toil in the sun for another six games on Saturday before completing a 7-5 7-5 1-6 6-7 10-8 win over Croatian 11th seed Marin Cilic.
"It has never happened to me that we stopped playing at six-all in the fifth," said Haas, whose match was suspended in near-darkness at 0933 local time (0833 GMT) Friday.
"We should have a tiebreak at six-all like in the U.S. Open. When you`ve played so much tennis... it`s really draining."
As the temperature edged above 28 degrees Celsius many people struggled to cope with the stifling heat.  Continued...
Original article

Fearless U.S. braced for Brazil showdown

By Mike Collett
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The United States are one victory away from claiming a major FIFA competition for the first time if they can produce another shock against Brazil when the Confederations Cup competition reaches its climax on Sunday.
Skipper Carlos Bocanegra, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their Group A encounter on June 18, insists the U.S. will play without fear against their heavily favoured opponents and adopt an entirely different strategy for this match.
Unlike the U.S., Brazil know all about winning major trophies, crowned world champions five times and seeking a third Confederations Cup victory in attempting to retain the trophy they won in 2005.
"The first time we played Brazil we came out a bit timid," Bocanegra said at a news briefing Friday. "We gave them too much respect.
"We went out and sat back too much, but we changed it against Egypt, playing with a lot of energy from the start and we carried that into the Spain game. We had a go at them for 90 minutes rather than absorb pressure."
The U.S. beat Egypt 3-0 to secure a surprise semi-final berth and then secured an even more unlikely place in the final with a stunning 2-0 win over Spain, who suffered their first international defeat for nearly three years and 36 matches.
Now Brazil stand in the way of the U.S. scoring what would be a truly historic upset with coach Bob Bradley hinting his side would play another direct, physical game against a higher-ranked opponent.
"It is very important for us to win," he said, explaining how it would help their seeding for the World Cup finals draw being held later this year.
"In our history, the U.S. national team have had some important and very good victories but we have never won a major competition.
"We have won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and that is the reason we are here. Every team wants the chance to play in a final and we are looking forward to it. It would be incredible for us if we won it."
IMPRESSIVE CLINT
Bradley will not be able to choose son Michael for the game, however, after he was sent off toward the end of the semi-final victory.
But he will have the impressive Clint Dempsey in attack and the Fulham forward will be looking to complete an excellent tournament with a winner`s medal.
Dempsey has scored twice, including the second against Spain, and was praised by FIFA Technical Study member Holger Osieck for "winning nearly every ball in the air, keeping possession and working hard" in their 3-0 win over Egypt.
Osieck also praised his "tireless" performance against Spain in which besides his goal, he helped set up the first for Jozy Altidore.  Continued...
Original article

Fearless U.S. braced for Brazil showdown

By Mike Collett
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The United States are one victory away from claiming a major FIFA competition for the first time if they can produce another shock against Brazil when the Confederations Cup competition reaches its climax on Sunday.
Skipper Carlos Bocanegra, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their Group A encounter on June 18, insists the U.S. will play without fear against their heavily favoured opponents and adopt an entirely different strategy for this match.
Unlike the U.S., Brazil know all about winning major trophies, crowned world champions five times and seeking a third Confederations Cup victory in attempting to retain the trophy they won in 2005.
"The first time we played Brazil we came out a bit timid," Bocanegra said at a news briefing Friday. "We gave them too much respect.
"We went out and sat back too much, but we changed it against Egypt, playing with a lot of energy from the start and we carried that into the Spain game. We had a go at them for 90 minutes rather than absorb pressure."
The U.S. beat Egypt 3-0 to secure a surprise semi-final berth and then secured an even more unlikely place in the final with a stunning 2-0 win over Spain, who suffered their first international defeat for nearly three years and 36 matches.
Now Brazil stand in the way of the U.S. scoring what would be a truly historic upset with coach Bob Bradley hinting his side would play another direct, physical game against a higher-ranked opponent.
"It is very important for us to win," he said, explaining how it would help their seeding for the World Cup finals draw being held later this year.
"In our history, the U.S. national team have had some important and very good victories but we have never won a major competition.
"We have won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and that is the reason we are here. Every team wants the chance to play in a final and we are looking forward to it. It would be incredible for us if we won it."
IMPRESSIVE CLINT
Bradley will not be able to choose son Michael for the game, however, after he was sent off toward the end of the semi-final victory.
But he will have the impressive Clint Dempsey in attack and the Fulham forward will be looking to complete an excellent tournament with a winner`s medal.
Dempsey has scored twice, including the second against Spain, and was praised by FIFA Technical Study member Holger Osieck for "winning nearly every ball in the air, keeping possession and working hard" in their 3-0 win over Egypt.
Osieck also praised his "tireless" performance against Spain in which besides his goal, he helped set up the first for Jozy Altidore.  Continued...
Original article

Sabathia shines, A-Rod homers in Yanks romp

NEW YORK (Reuters) - C.C. Sabathia allayed any fears concerning his arm injury by firing seven strong innings to lead the New York Yankees to a 9-1 victory over crosstown rivals the Mets on Friday.
Sabathia, who withdrew from last Sunday`s start after just 1 1/3 innings, returned to form by striking out eight batters and allowing just one run to improve to 6-1 on his last 10 starts.
Alex Rodriguez pounded a home run to right field in the eighth inning to surpass Yankee great Reggie Jackson on the all-time list with the 564th of his career, as the Yankees capitalized on early errors to win their third straight game.
"I feel like my legs are coming back," Rodriguez, who had suffered a recent slump, told reporters. "I feel like I have more strength."
It was the second straight lop-sided win of the Subway Series after the Yankees routed the Mets 15-0 in the last meeting between the teams on June 14.
This time, lead-off hitter Brett Gardner recorded five hits and three runs for the Yankees, who scored four runs in the second inning where the Mets committed three errors.
Throwing miscues by Alex Cora and Nick Evans, who was called up from the minor leagues last week, put the Mets in a 4-0 hole.
"Nothing was going right but we had a shot to get back in the game," Mets outfielder Gary Sheffield said. "When you get that one shot that`s when you have to bear down."
Mets starter Mike Pelfrey pitched five innings and was only charged for two of the runs. The Yankees tacked on three more in the eighth, where Rodriguez and Gardner homered, and added two in the ninth.
Despite the loss, the Mets stayed within a half-game of the National League East lead thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies taking a loss.
"You`re kind of scoreboard watching at this time for us because we`re trying to survive," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "We caught a break with the way we played."
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O`Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Original article

Venus out for revenge at Wimbledon

By Tom Pilcher
LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Murray once again fills the prime time viewing slot on Center Court late on Saturday, while five-time women`s champion Venus Williams will have revenge on her mind against Carla Suarez Navarro.
World number three Murray plays fiery Serbian 30th seed Viktor Troicki, seen arguing with an umpire on Court 14 during his doubles match with German Christopher Kas on Friday. Murray has lost just seven games in their two previous meetings.
"Rest up tomorrow Viktor. Big (doubles) match on Monday," Kas joked as the pair left the court.
Before Murray-mania reaches fever pitch, Williams will take to the main show court against Spaniard Suarez Navarro, who beat the prolific American champion in the second round en route to the Australian Open quarter-finals this year.
At five feet four, and weighing only 62 kgs, Suarez Navarro is dwarfed by the six-footer Williams, though what the Spaniard lacks in height she makes up for in determination.
Sandwiched between those matches is sixth seed Andy Roddick against Austrian Juergen Melzer with the American, twice a runner-up at Wimbledon, favorite to reach the last 16.
World number one Dinara Safina of Russia and Serbia`s Ana Ivanovic find themselves on Court Two against Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens and Australian Samantha Stosur respectively.
Revitalized ex-champion Lleyton Hewitt follows compatriot Stosur on court, with the pair certain to be cheered on by a large contingent of green and yellow clad supporters.
Sixth-seeded Serb Jelena Jankovic is up against American Melanie Oudin on Court Three while ninth-seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki, promoted to a Center Court slot on Thursday, finds herself cast away to the distant Court Four.
After five days of glorious sunshine, Wimbledon might finally get the chance to show off its latest innovation by closing the new multi-million pound roof. But forecasters had also predicted showers on Friday and they failed to arrive.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Original article

Rodgers wins U.S. 100 metres minus Gay

By Gene Cherry
EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - Young Mike Rodgers, who almost quit running two years ago, claimed the top prize in the men`s 100 metres when he held on to win in a wind-assisted 9.91 seconds at the U.S. world championships trials on Friday.
Veteran Darvis Patton finished a close second with little-known Rae Edwards third to join defending world champion Tyson Gay on the American team for August`s world championships in Berlin.
Patton clocked 9.92 and Edwards 10.00 behind an assisting wind of 3.1 metres per second.
Fast times also came in a wind-assisted women`s final.
Carmelita Jeter edged Olympian Muna Lee by one-hundredth of a second for the title, clocking 10.776 seconds to Lee`s 10.777.
Former world champion Lauryn Williams claimed third in 10.96 seconds.
Rodgers called his victory a great accomplishment.
"I`m young, I did it early," said the 24-year-old who as a small-college champion has often been overlooked among America`s sprinters.
He said quitting was on his mind two years ago before encouraging words from a coaching friend led him to give sprinting one more try.
Gay drew a bye to Berlin as the defending world champion in the 100 and 200 metres. He raced once in the U.S. trials -- running a wind-assisted 9.75 seconds in Thursday`s preliminaries.
DIX OUT
The U.S. lost Olympian Walter Dix in the semi-finals when the double Beijing bronze medallist strained his right hamstring and ran a non-qualifying sixth.
Dix, who won bronzes in the 100 and 200 at Beijing, shook his head when asked if he would run the 200 later this week.
That means he will not make the U.S. team since only the top three finishers in the American trials and defending world champions qualify.
Jeter threw a scare in the crowd when she fell to the ground after her victory.  Continued...
Original article

Islanders select Tavares with first pick in NHL Draft

By Roger Lajoie
MONTREAL (Reuters) - The New York Islanders ended weeks of speculation by selecting high scoring forward John Tavares with the first pick in the National Hockey League draft on Friday night.
Tavares, 18, set the Ontario Hockey League`s career goal scoring record in four seasons in the junior league and was the top-rated prospect heading into the draft.
The Islanders refused to announce who they would take with their number one selection prior to the draft, leading to speculation that they would either deal the pick or perhaps take towering Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman.
"I was just like everybody else, wondering what the decision would be," Tavares told reporters. "It was obviously a great moment for me and a special feeling.
"I can`t wait to get started and it`s a great opportunity for me. I couldn`t be more happy right now and excited about my opportunity to play for Long Island and the Islanders."
New York General Manager Garth Snow said that Tavares was the player they most coveted from the outset.
"John`s a special hockey player and an even better person," Snow said. "We had some offers to deal the pick but nothing we really considered. We`re very fortunate to have a player of his abilities."
Tampa Bay used its second pick to take Hedman, a 6-foot-6 defenseman who played last season for Modo of the Swedish Elite League.
"I`m just happy to become an NHL player," Hedman said. "It became Tampa and I`m just as happy as I can be.
With the third pick, the Colorado Avalanche took forward Matt Duchene of the OHL`s Brampton, rated a good playmaker.
Atlanta selected forward Evander Kane from the Western Hockey League with the fourth pick, while the Los Angeles Kings took WHL`s Brandon forward Brayden Schenn, younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn.
The Phoenix Coyotes, who are in bankruptcy court as they try to find new owners, took defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson from Leksand in Sweden with the sixth pick.
The Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers swung a major deal early in the draft, with the Ducks trading veteran defenceman Chris Pronger.
The former Hart and Norris Trophy winner was dealt along with forward Ryan Dingle to the Flyers for defenseman Luca Sbisa, forward Joffrey Lupul, the Flyers 1st Round pick (21st overall) in 2009, 1st Round pick in 2010 and a conditional 3rd Round pick in 2010 or 2011.
Original article

Bolt set for showdown with rival Powell

By Simon Evans
KINGSTON (Reuters) - Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Usain Bolt will resume battle with his Jamaican rival Asafa Powell in front of a passionate home crowd on Saturday in the Caribbean Island`s national championship.
The pair eased through their heats on Friday in a celebratory atmosphere at the National Stadium with fans delighted to see their Olympic hero running again on his home track.
Bolt, who is the world`s fastest man having run 9.69 in Beijing last year, barely broke sweat as he cruised through his heat in a time of 10.14, while Powell also took it easy with his 10.36.
Bolt, who also holds the Olympic gold and world record time in 200 meters, was frustrated by four false starts in his race.
"That was a little annoying because I started to get cold again so I couldn`t really explode out," he told reporters.
Powell said he had achieved his aim for the evening.
"I just wanted to get out in front and stay there and I was able to do that," he said.
The pair will have to be alert on Saturday, though, with places in Jamaica`s squad for August`s world championships in Berlin up for grabs.
Michael Frater, Steve Mullings, Marvin Anderson and Yohan Blake, all winners of their respective heats, are eyeing spots on the team, and with just the top four granted a slot in the relay side, there will be plenty at stake.
Powell, who has struggled with an ankle problem of late, described himself as "not 100 percent fit" in pre-race comments while Bolt, who has not run a 200 meters this season, is focusing on getting up to speed in that event.
In the women`s 100 meters, which did not feature preliminary heats, the true depth of Jamaican sprinting is on display with all the top three from Beijing facing off.
Gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser is up against the pair who shared silver in China, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson.
There will be an intense battle for the top three spots though with Simpson not having competed since knee surgery last year and Aleen Bailey, Simone Facey and Sheri-Ann Brooks all fancying their chances of an upset.
Veronica Campbell Brown, who is not competing in the 100 meters as she has a wildcard to defend her title in Berlin, is focusing on Sunday`s 200 meters race.
(Editing by Ian Ransom)
Original article

Perry stays two ahead at River Highlands

NEW YORK (Reuters) - American Kenny Perry maintained his two-shot lead early in Friday`s second round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut despite struggling with the pace of the greens.
The PGA Tour veteran, two ahead overnight after opening with a sparkling 61, parred his last 10 holes at the TPC River Highlands to card a two-under 68.
That left Perry at 11-under 129, with compatriot Ryan Moore alone in second after a 65.
Americans Colt Knost (66) and PGA Tour rookie Aaron Watkins (67) were a further stroke back at eight under while U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover was at four under after following a first-round 65 with a 71.
Perry, who flirted with a magical 59 before equaling the course record on Thursday, failed to increase his lead despite striking the ball even better on Friday.
"I hit a lot more quality, longer irons today," the 48-year-old told reporters.
"It was fun out there. I had control of the ball and hit it nice but just couldn`t get the speed (on the greens).
"I hit 16 greens and didn`t miss a fairway but I had 32 putts. I had 25 yesterday so that`s seven strokes. I`m in good shape though and happy with the round."
FIRST BOGEY
Perry, beaten in a three-way playoff at this year`s U.S. Masters, started at the 10th hole and mixed three birdies with his first bogey of the week, at the par-four 14th, to reach the turn in two-under 33 before parring the last nine.
"I kept hitting it in there 15 feet from the hole," said Perry, who won his 13th PGA Tour title at the Phoenix Open in February. "It`s a putt you think you should make but you probably don`t make many of them.
"I just kept hitting that range all day. I had a couple of close ones and I think I made one putt over six feet today. It was just a frustrating day on the greens."
Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, carded a 68 to lie six strokes off the pace with fellow Americans Boo Weekley (71) and Scott Verplank (68).
Spanish world number four Sergio Garcia, the highest-ranked player in the field, was among the late starters after opening with a 67.
The cut was projected to fall at three-under 137 with Britain`s Justin Rose and Swede Daniel Chopra among those in danger of making early exits.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles, editing by Tony Jimenez)
Original article