World Sports Headlines for July 31, 2008

Heyman: Surprise blockbuster of the century brewing

Mark Teixeira, Ivan Rodriguez and now Manny Ramirez? The Marlins are in serious negotiations with the Red Sox over the All-Star slugger, writes Jon Heyman.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:54 am

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Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:29 am

Spurs unveil Bentley (AFP)

AFP - Tottenham on Thursday unveiled new signing David Bentley, who has cost an initial 15 million pounds (22 million euros) from Blackburn.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:28 am

Cubs win 3rd straight from Brewers to broaden lead (AP)

AP - The Chicago Cubs arrived in Milwaukee at the beginning of the week with a one-game lead over the Brewers in the NL Central. It doesn't look like that any more. Alfonso Soriano reached base five times and Ryan Dempster pitched seven strong innings to lead Chicago to its third straight win over Milwaukee, 7-2 on Wednesday night.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:27 am

Revolution to face Houston in SuperLiga final

Shalrie Joseph headed in an indirect kick for a 1-0 New England victory over Atlante in the SuperLiga semifinals.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:17 am

Bentley shrugs off Arsenal past

David Bentley says his "heart is at Tottenham" despite having started his football career at bitter north London rivals Arsenal.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:12 am

Schumacher crash stuns car dealer

A car dealer sent flying when a van struck a barrier is surprised to find the driver is Michael Schumacher.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 11:01 am

Spurs ready to parade Bentley

David Bentley has completed his £15million move from Blackburn to Tottenham and will be unveiled on Thursday as Juande Ramos' latest signing.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:58 am

Bentley sets sights on Fantastic Four

David Bentley says it "means the world" to him to join Spurs and has backed the club to break into the Premier League's top four this season.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:58 am

McLaren keep Kovalainen for 2009

McLaren confirm Heikki Kovalainen will continue to partner Lewis Hamilton for the team next season.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:44 am

Gunners spike Lehmann's Stuttgart debut

German veteran keeper Jens Lehmann conceded three second half goals as former club Arsenal beat his new side Stuttgart in a pre-season friendly late Wednesday. Lehmann, 38,...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:38 am

'Silly Season' downright sensible so far

WEBSTER: There is just one month left of the 'Silly Season' and Nick says to date it's been anything but.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:32 am

Kahui surprise wing choice for NZ

The injury-hit All Blacks name Richard Kahui as a surprise choice on the wing for Saturday's second Tri-Nations Test against Australia.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 10:10 am

IMG Worldwide scores sports deal with China: WSJ

(Reuters) - Sports marketing company IMG Worldwide Inc has struck an exclusive 20-year deal with China's national TV broadcaster that gives the US company the right to develop and market...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:49 am

Reds urge Barry to hand in request

Gareth Barry could hand in a transfer request in an effort to force through a move to Liverpool, despite Aston Villa saying the deal is dead.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:43 am

Spurs in talks with Pavlyuchenko

Tottenham hold talks with Spartak Moscow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, BBC Sport understands.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:42 am

Barry's Liverpool move still on

Gareth Barry could still move to Liverpool, despite Aston Villa's insistence he will stay with them.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:40 am

Live text - England v South Africa

Nightwatchman Paul Harris frustrates England on the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:38 am

American Coughlin planning year break

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - American Natalie Coughlin is planning to take a one-year break from competitive swimming after next month's Beijing Olympics to plan for her wedding.
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:36 am

Anelka rates 'very good' Robinho

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has admitted he would love the opportunity to play alongside Brazilian ace Robinho at Stamford Bridge.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:34 am

Cubs keep rolling over Brewers

It doesn't look like that any more. Alfonso Soriano reached base five times and Ryan Dempster pitched seven strong innings to lead Chicago to its third straight win over Milwaukee, 7-2...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:33 am

Pudge traded to Yankees; Angels beat Red Sox again

One thing is sure: Baseball's trade deadline has provided plenty to chew on this year. Jumping at the chance to upgrade behind the plate following Jorge Posada's injury, the Yankees...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:30 am

Luxury for Less With Winter Packages

Utah's Most-Decorated Property Announces Valuable Deals This Season PARK CITY, Utah, July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The winter season is a premier time to experience the...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 9:08 am

Tigers trade catcher Ivan Rodriguez to Yankees (AP)

AP - The Detroit Tigers sent veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth on Wednesday, a trade that filled glaring holes for both contenders.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 8:27 am

Injured Sharapova in Games doubt

Maria Sharapova exits the Rogers Open in Montreal with a shoulder injury which may rule her out of the Olympics and US Open.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 8:21 am

A Badge of Honor for the New Fighter: Mangled Ear

To herald its full arrival as a major sport, mixed martial arts has claimed a signature injury: cauliflower ear.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 8:14 am

Major League Soccer Power Rankings

Check out the latest installment of Keith Costigan's MLS Power Rankings as America's league lights things up.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 8:04 am

Vaughan form is a worry - Boycott

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott tells Test Match Special Michael Vaughan's batting is not up to scratch.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 8:01 am

Dr. Daniel Bukantz, 90, a Champion Fencer, Dies

Dr. Bukantz was a national champion and Olympic fencer and a longtime Olympic fencing referee while pursuing a career in dentistry.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:48 am

Double Dutch Gets Status in the Schools

Come next spring, double dutch, an urban street staple that dates back centuries, will become the newest of 35 varsity sports played in New York City schools.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:45 am

Week In Soccer, July 31

Click here for all the big news, best moments and mistaken identities from the past week of soccer!
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:41 am

Sehwag defies Sri Lankan attack with unbeaten 91

Virender Sehwag hammered a quickfire 91 not out as India raced to 151 for no loss in their first innings at lunch on the opening day of the second Test here on Thursday. The...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:38 am

Tigers trade baseball catcher Rodriguez to Yankees

Ivan Rodriguez, a 14-time all-star catcher, has been traded to the New York Yankees from the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers received pitcher Kyle Farnsworth in return for...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:19 am

Red-hot Perry highlights Akron event

Kenny Perry's pursuit of his first major championship of the season begins this week at the Bridgestone Invitational which also serves as a tuneup for the PGA Championship. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:14 am

Shoppach ties hitting record

Cleveland Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach tied a major league record with five extra base hits in a Major League Baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:07 am

Long Beach Grand Prix IndyCar race set for April 19

It will be the second event of an 18-race schedule in 2009. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will be held April...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Dodgers' Chad Billingsley gets first shutout

Right-hander throws a five-hitter and Matt Kemp extends hitting streak to 17 games.

Andre Ethier said his heart sank when he saw Jose Castillo drive a ball over the head of Matt Kemp in right field in the ninth inning. Chad Billingsley said he muttered, "Oh man," to himself when he saw Randy Winn dink a single to left in the next at-bat.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

It's a case of road skill

Joe Saunders' pitching and Garret Anderson's hitting help complete three-game sweep.

BOSTON -- The balance of power in the American League, rooted for years in the Northeast, appears to have tilted heavily toward the Left Coast.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Jake Brown's 4 1/2-story fall lives on in X Games lore

The skateboarder's plummet during the big-air competition stunned the Staples Center crowd and left him unconscious on the mega-ramp floor. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Are they mercenaries or just opportunists?

Americans Chris Kaman and Becky Hammon will play Olympic basketball for Germany and Russia, respectively, which might not sit too well with some folks in the U.S.

Jot down a couple of dates on your Olympic-watching calendar. Think about leaving work a little early those days to make sure you get home for the telecast.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Penn State's Joe Paterno, Florida State's Bobby Bowden on brink

The Hall of Fame coaches are separated by one victory. Neither wants to quit now, but this may be the year that age, ego and fate call the plays.

This is the third in a seven-part series on story lines to look for during the upcoming college football season:
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Penn State's Joe Paterno, Florida State's Bobby Bowden on brink

The Hall of Fame coaches are separated by one victory. Neither wants to quit now, but this may be the year that age, ego and fate call the plays. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Jake Brown's 41/2-story fall lives on in X Games lore

Brenda Villa points for water polo gold

The leader of the U.S. women's team is also the face of her hometown of Commerce.

To her coach, Brenda Villa is the "Wayne Gretzky of women's water polo."
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Kobe Bryant mum on Ron Artest trade as U.S. preps for warmup against Turkey

U.S. men's basketball team is looking to avoid another ominous loss in Thursday's exhibition game. MACAO -- Opening...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Lionel Messi controversy follows FC Barcelona to U.S.

The club, playing two games in the U.S., is fighting with the Argentine soccer federation about its refusal to allow the striker to play in the Olympics.

One of the world's great soccer teams, FC Barcelona, arrives in the U.S. on Thursday, riding a wave of controversy over its refusal to release Argentina striker Lionel Messi so that he can take part in the Beijing Olympics.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

It's a case of road skill

Joe Saunders' pitching and Garret Anderson's hitting help complete three-game sweep. BOSTON -- The balance of...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Kobe Bryant mum on Ron Artest trade as U.S. preps for warmup against Turkey

U.S. men's basketball team is looking to avoid another ominous loss in Thursday's exhibition game.

MACAO -- Opening the Asian phase of its exhibition season, the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team will play Thursday night (today, 5 a.m. PDT).
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Jake Brown's 41/2-story fall lives on in X Games lore

The skateboarder's plummet during the big-air competition stunned the Staples Center crowd and left him unconscious on the mega-ramp floor.

A year ago, skateboarder Jake Brown proved from which height a man must plummet, onto an unforgiving wooden platform, to have both shoes fly from his feet on impact.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Carmelo Anthony finds less pressure, not more, on Olympic team

The Denver Nuggets' franchise player is just one of 12 as a member of the U.S. team heading to the Beijing Games. Just don't ask him about the Marcus Camby trade.

MACAO -- Of course, everyone knows your U.S. basketball player is under tremendous pressure, yada, yada, etc.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Dodgers' Chad Billingsley gets first shutout

Right-hander throws a five-hitter and Matt Kemp extends hitting streak to 17 games. Andre Ethier said his heart...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

A brief overview of the X Games

What to look for as the event's 14th competition takes place at Staples Center and the Home Depot Center from Thursday to Sunday: * Where:...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Carmelo Anthony finds less pressure, not more, on Olympic team

The Denver Nuggets' franchise player is just one of 12 as a member of the U.S. team heading to the Beijing Games. Just don't ask him about the Marcus Camby trade. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Brenda Villa points for water polo gold

The leader of the U.S. women's team is also the face of her hometown of Commerce. To her coach, Brenda Villa is...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 31 Jul 2008 | 7:00 am

Benitez ducks questions on Barry

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez evaded questions over the Gareth Barry saga after his side's 0-0 friendly draw at Villarreal on Wednesday night.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:52 am

Third seed Sharapova wins then pulls out of Montreal tennis (AFP)

AFP - Russia's Maria Sharapova withdrew from the WTA Rogers Cup Wednesday just moments after winning a marathon second-round match over Marta Domachowska.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:42 am

Tigers overcome Shoppach's five extra-base hits

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:16 am

Interest in Dunn, more trade updates

The Yankees have pulled off their second major trade in a week, acquiring Pudge Rodriguez from the Tigers. Get today's latest trade buzz from Jon Heyman.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:11 am

MLB-leading Angels complete sweep over Red Sox

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:03 am

Quentin's bat helps ChiSox bash Twins, pad lead

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 6:01 am

Reports: Packers offer Favre money to stay away

Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy is in Mississippi meeting with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James "Bus" Cook.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:49 am

Classy Murray eases past Querrey

Andy Murray defeats American Sam Querrey 7-6 6-1 in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:31 am

Perry, With Hint of Reluctance, Slips Into Big Shoes of Woods

Three tournament wins during Tiger Woods’s absence have made 47- year-old Kenny Perry golf’s unlikely leading man.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:29 am

Not Even Calendar Can Stop Nadal

Andy Murray won his second-round match in a Cincinnati Masters tournament that has already lost three players to injury despite pain in his right knee.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:28 am

Powerful Angels Up Next

The Yankees face the Los Angeles Angels and Mark Texieira, their newly signed first baseman, starting Thursday, in the first of 10 remaining games.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:27 am

Manny Ramirez still with Red Sox for now (AP)

AP - Manny Ramirez is still with the Boston Red Sox for now.
Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:27 am

Yankees 13, Orioles 3: The Yankees Get Way Ahead, and Then They Get Even

After Alex Rodriguez was plunked Tuesday night, the Yankees were bound to retaliate on Wednesday and did while exploding for 13 runs and snapping a three-game losing streak.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:27 am

Quentin Keeps White Sox on Top

Chase Utley homered, providing the big blow in a five-run fifth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Nationals, to move back atop the National League East.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:26 am

Marlins May Try to Land Ramírez

The Boston Red Sox was talking to the Florida Marlins, a team with a $22 million payroll, about their unhappy left fielder.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:25 am

Major League Roundup: Dempster Helps Cubs Defeat Brewers Again

The Rays won for the fourth time in six road games after losing seven straight away from home.

Source: NYT > Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:25 am

Sharapova pulls out of Rogers; Olympics next?

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:08 am

Dempster, Cubs take 3rd straight from Brewers

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:04 am

Packers president talks with Favre in Mississippi

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 5:03 am

Beijing's air quality shows dramatic improvement

Beijing's dirty air showed dramatic improvement Wednesday, with a city environmental official saying curbs on cars and factories are having the desired effect in cleaning up the air for next week's Olympics.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 4:39 am

Reports: Lynch leaves Broncos, weighs options

Broncos defensive back John Lynch has reportedly left the Broncos and is weighing options off the field.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 4:21 am

Carpenter, Cards hand Braves fifth straight loss

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 4:02 am

Packers president meets with Favre and his agent (AP)

AP - Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi to meet with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James "Bus" Cook on Wednesday, in an apparent attempt to talk Favre out of reporting to camp later this week.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 3:07 am

HOF QB Moon pleads guilty to negligent driving

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:52 am

Anderson leads Angels to easy 9-2 win over Red Sox (AP)

AP - Garret Anderson went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, Joe Saunders earned his 14th win and the Los Angeles Angels swept the lackluster and error-prone Boston Red Sox 9-2 Wednesday night.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:37 am

Deng reaches six-year deal to remain with Bulls

Derrick Rose was the No. 1 overall pick in last month's NBA draft, but Luol Deng still ranks as the Chicago Bulls' cornerstone player.
Source: ESPN.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:22 am

Utley, Victorino back Moyer in Phils' 8-5 victory (AP)

AP - Apparently, Chase Utley means it when he says he feels fine. Utley homered for the second consecutive game, providing the big blow in a five-run fifth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat Washington 8-5 Wednesday night to move back atop the NL East with their fourth victory in a row.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:15 am

Sore elbow sidelines Raiders quarterback Russell (AP)

AP - JaMarcus Russell was held out of team drills for the second straight practice Wednesday because his throwing elbow was still sore after banging it off the helmet of Darren McFadden.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:10 am

Ricky Davis looks to contribute during key moments

Newly acquired guard wants to be on the court when the game is on the line.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench for the Clippers, Ricky Davis said Wednesday he just wants to be on the court in clutch time.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 31 Jul 2008 | 2:04 am

Report: Lynch leaves Broncos, explores options

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 31 Jul 2008 | 1:45 am

Wild gain cap room by letting Mark Parrish go (AP)

AP - Mark Parrish's homecoming didn't work out. The Minnesota Wild bought out the final three years of the right winger's contract on Wednesday, ending Parrish's frustrating return to his hometown market. Parrish cleared waivers and is now an unrestricted free agent.