World Sports Headlines for August 2, 2008

Russian 'dopers' were tipped off

Seven Russian athletes provisionally suspended for doping offences were tipped off ahead of visits from the testers, BBC Sport understands.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 4:41 pm

Inkster regains lead after eagle at 1st (AP)

AP - Juli Inkster eagled the first hole and regained the lead during the third round of the Women's British Open on Saturday.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:39 pm

ESPN.com has launched many new widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:39 pm

Real Madrid defeat Hamburg (AFP)

AFP - Real Madrid defeated Hamburg 2-1 in the Emirates Cup on Saturday then set their sights on completing a swoop for the German club's playmaker Rafael van der Vaart.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:33 pm

Hamilton takes pole in bid for third straight F1 win

Lewis Hamilton will start the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position, making him a favorite for a third straight victory
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:26 pm

Another Gold Medal for a Modest Trailblazer

Elissa Steamer won her fourth gold medal in five years in the skateboard street women’s final at the X Games on Friday.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:02 pm

Smith clocks Panthers teammate, then sent home

Panthers receiver Steve Smith was sent home from training camp Friday after he punched teammate Ken Lucas during practice, causing the starting cornerback to be carted off the field holding an ice pack to his left eye.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:55 pm

I.O.C. Strips Gold From 2000 U.S. Relay Team

A sprinter admitted using performance-enhancing drugs at the 2000 Sydney Games, costing the team its medals.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:32 pm

Ramirez falls short in first game with the Dodgers (AP)

AP - Manny Ramirez had a memorable debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It just didn't end well for the enigmatic slugger. Ramirez grounded into a double play in the ninth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks held on for a 2-1 victory at Los Angeles on Friday night.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:32 pm

IOC denies deal on internet curbs

Olympic organisers deny agreeing to curbs on internet access for foreign journalists at the Beijing Games next week.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:28 pm

U.S. loses 1,600m relay gold from 2000 Olympics

The IOC stripped gold medals from the U.S. men's 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:25 pm

Grant Wahl: Danish coach accuses China of spying at 2007 Women's World Cup

A bizarre series of incidents during last year's Women's World Cup in China is raising questions about security at these Olympics, reports SI.com's Grant Wahl.

Source: SI.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:22 pm

Moratti: Frank put his family first

Inter Milan's Massimo Moratti believes Frank Lampard has decided to stay at Stamford Bridge for family reasons.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:14 pm

Ramírez's Debut for Dodgers Lacks Only Hollywood Ending

Manny Ramírez grounded into a double play in the ninth, but the Dodgers hope he will end their long-term star power drought.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:02 pm

Van der Vaart reportedly on way to Madrid

Real Madrid is finalizing a deal for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to make him the team's fifth Dutch player.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:57 pm

Swimmer Hardy withdraws from Olympic team (AP)

AP - Swimmer Jessica Hardy withdrew from the U.S. Olympic team Friday, four weeks after testing positive for a banned substance at the Olympic trials.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:52 pm

100m record-holder Bolt to run 100, 200 at Games

Jamaican 100 meter world record-holder Usain Bolt will run both the 100 and 200 meters at the Beijing Olympics, his coach said on Saturday.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:48 pm

IOC strips gold from 2000 US relay team (AP)

AP - The International Olympic Committee stripped gold medals Saturday from the U.S. men's 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics in the aftermath of Antonio Pettigrew's admission that he was doping at the time.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:43 pm

Girardi says Wang won't make September return

Joe Girardi has ended speculation that injured right-hander Chien-Ming Wang might return in early September, saying that won't happen.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:42 pm

Wenger: No regrets over Bentley

Arsene Wenger maintains he has "no regrets" about letting David Bentley leave Arsenal and is pleased to have played a part in his development.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:40 pm

Reds gaffer Rafa: Goals will come

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says he is not concerned by his team's lack of goals during pre-season, which has featured two 0-0 draws.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:25 pm

Despite Flaws, Rights in China Have Expanded

Political change in China, however gradual and inconsistent, has made it a significantly more open place for many people than it was a generation ago.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:08 pm

Hamilton takes pole for Hungarian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton confidently eases his McLaren into pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix in Hungary.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:05 pm

Bolt plots Beijing sprint double

Usain Bolt is to run in both the 100m and 200m at the Beijing Olympics.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:00 pm

India have edge over Sri Lankans

India seize the initiative against Sri Lanka, despite losing two late wickets just before the end of day three of the second Test.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:42 pm

Up a Mountain, Olympic Dreams Are Carved

Olympians visit the punishing mountain trail, known as the Incline, for the most basic workout of them all: Man versus Hill.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:38 pm

Strachan pleads for more realism

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan highlights the difference in spending power as his side lose to Tottenham.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:24 pm

Mark Spitz makes splash about Beijing invite

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Mark Spitz has rounded on Olympics chiefs for failing to invite him to Beijing for swimmer Michael Phelps' quest to break his record gold medal haul in the pool.
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:08 pm

Ramirez falls short in first game with the Dodgers

Ramirez went 2-for-4 one day after being part of a three-way trade that sent him from Boston to Los Angeles, but he couldn't come up with the big hit against Brandon Lyon. "That's a...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:03 pm

Leaderboard - Women's British Open (official website)

Leading scores from the final women's major of the year at Sunningdale
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 12:00 pm

Barca fight Games ruling on Messi

Barcelona appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after Fifa order them to release Argentina's Lionel Messi for the Olympics.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:49 am

IOC being grilled on Internet censorship

The International Olympic Committee was accused of backtracking on its promises of press freedoms Saturday and some Internet sites remained blocked less than a week before the Beijing Games
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:35 am

Blackburn sign Chilean Villanueva

Blackburn snap up midfielder Carlos Villanueva on an initial one-year loan deal from Chilean club Audax Italiano.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:23 am

Fergie wants to see United 'hunger'

Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:17 am

Fergie wants to see United 'hunger'

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players not be complacent ahead of the start of the new season.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:16 am

Neville upbeat for United comeback

Captain Gary Neville is confident he can re-establish himself in the Manchester United team this season despite another injury setback.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:10 am

US stripped of Sydney relay gold

The US men's 4x400m relay team is stripped of the gold medals won at the 2000 Olympics after Antonio Pettigrew's doping admission.
Source: BBC Sport | Sport Homepage | World Edition | 2 Aug 2008 | 11:05 am

BMW cautious over Heidfeld F1 future

BMW Sauber team chief Mario Theissen said Saturday he will wait a little longer before deciding on the future of German driver Nick Heidfeld. He said he wants to wait a few...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:56 am

Wenger confirms Gallas as Arsenal skipper

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will remain as captain for the new season. The 30-year-old French defender skippered the Gunners last season...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:55 am

Casar extends Francaise des Jeux cycling contract

French rider Sandy Casar confirmed Saturday he has extended his Francaise des Jeux team contract by two years. The 29-year-old, who turned professional in 2000, was the top...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:50 am

News Analysis: China’s Leader Meets the Press, but Only on His Country’s Very Narrow Terms

President Hu Jintao’s press conference on Friday was the first he has held in Beijing in the six years he has served as China’s top leader.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:49 am

China Eases Internet Restrictions for Journalists

The Chinese authorities, bowing to criticism, lifted some of the restrictions, but other politically sensitive sites remained inaccessible.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:47 am

Hamilton fastest in final practice for Hungarian GP

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton led the way for McLaren Mercedes in Saturday morning's final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The 23-year-old Englishman...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:44 am

Red Sox Move On in Altered Environment

After seven years, the Red Sox officially began life without Manny Ramirez on Friday.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:44 am

US men's 4x400 relay team stripped of Sydney gold

The International Olympic Committee said Saturday it has stripped the United States' 4x400-metre men's relay team of the gold medal it won at the Sydney 2000 Olympics for doping.
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 10:37 am

Sevilla chief: Spurs are 'hypocrites'

Tottenham have been branded hypocrites by La Liga side Sevilla for making 'tapping-up' claims against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 2 Aug 2008 | 8:56 am

Hourly event schedule for Vancouver's 2010 Winter Games released

Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 8:15 am

Astros 7, Mets 3: With Martínez, Mets Lose, but They Lose No Ground

After Pedro Martínez left the m0und on Friday, the Astros pinch-hitter Mark Loretta hit a grand slam against Mets reliever Aaron Heilman to break a 3-3 tie.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:54 am

Angels 1, Yankees 0: Shut Down and Closed Out

After an eight-inning deadlock, a single by Vladimir Guerrero and a base hit by Torii Hunter scored Reggie Willits for the only run of the game.

Source: NYT > Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:54 am

Big Unit beats Dodgers 2-1 in Ramirez's LA debut (AP)

AP - Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamondbacks ruined Manny Ramirez's debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson (9-7) won his fifth straight start and climbed within seven wins of 300, allowing an unearned run and five hits over six innings in Arizona's 2-1 victory Friday night.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:53 am

IOC strips gold from 2000 US relay team

The International Olympic Committee stripped gold medals Saturday from the U.S. men's 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics in the aftermath of Antonio Pettigrew's...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:44 am

U.S. relay team stripped of gold medals from 2000 Olympics

The move by the International Olympic Committee follows doping admission two months ago by American sprinter Antonio Pettigrew.

The International Olympic Committee has stripped gold medals from the U.S. men's 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics. The move follows Antonio Pettigrew's doping admission two months ago.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:30 am

U.S. relay team stripped of gold medals from 2000 Olympics

The move by the International Olympic Committee follows doping admission two months ago by American sprinter Antonio Pettigrew. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:30 am

Neel: Manny's a new man in L.A.

If Friday's L.A. debut is any indication, Manny Ramirez has put his Red Sox past behind him. And it's unclear who's more energized, Manny or the Dodgers.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:26 am

Many athletes are left out of 'Olympian' club

Definition does not recognize demonstration sports or those who were part of boycotts.

Jim Abbott treasures his memories of marching with the U.S. Olympic team during the 1988 Seoul Games opening ceremony, bunking down in the athletes' village and pitching the baseball team to victory in the gold-medal game.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Jessica Hardy withdraws from Olympic swim team

Rather than exhaust all her legal options, the Long Beach swimmer steps aside.

The result was almost expected.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Mark Spitz will be sitting this one out

The swimming great says he won't be in Beijing to watch Michael Phelps attempt to break his Olympic record of seven gold medals. The reasons, he says, run 'from A to Z.'

Mark Spitz is 36 years removed from perhaps the single greatest performance in Olympic history, his seven swimming gold medals in Munich in 1972.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

These five former college football powers may not rebound in 2008

Power teams that were atop the heap in the late '80s -- Nebraska, Notre Dame, Alabama, Miami and Florida State -- now can't even crack coaches' top-25 poll. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Manny Ramirez is already a big hit

Slugger makes an impact at the box office.

Escorted by six security guards and Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda, Manny Ramirez made his way to a podium set up behind home plate at Dodger Stadium on Friday, the dozen or so cameramen around him impeding his movement.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Scott Boras denies pulling strings

Agent says he didn't orchestrate Manny Ramirez's trade from Red Sox to Dodgers. As the Dodgers welcomed Manny...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Variety spices up Angels' latest victory

One night after out-slugging the Bronx Bombers in a 12-6 victory, Angels use pitching, defense and one timely hit by Torii Hunter to earn fifth straight win and 14th in last 16 games.

NEW YORK -- Whether they're bludgeoning opponents with their bats, overpowering them with their arms or smothering them with their gloves, the Angels these days never seem to run out of ways to beat teams.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Reggie Bush denied arbitration in court case

San Diego judge rules against former USC star, and that's good news for the NCAA.

A San Diego judge Friday denied a motion brought by attorneys for former USC star Reggie Bush to settle a lawsuit against him through confidential arbitration.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Reggie Bush denied arbitration in court case

San Diego judge rules against former USC star, and that's good news for the NCAA. A San Diego judge this morning...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Manny Ramirez is already a big hit

Slugger makes an impact at the box office. Escorted by six security guards and Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda,...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Manny Ramirez can't save Dodgers from loss

He has two hits but grounds into a double play in the ninth.

He took a seat in the Dodgers' dugout and the fans cheered.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Ticket scam hits Olympics

Olympic officials call on courts to stop websites that are suspected of stealing money, credit card information and passport numbers from people seeking tickets to the Beijing Games.

Olympic officials have turned to the federal courts in a bid to shut down two online companies suspected of stealing money, credit card information and passport numbers from hundreds of people who thought they were buying scarce tickets to prime events in Beijing.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Ryan Sheckler, 18, surprises himself in street victory

The X Games competitor, who last won when he was 13, comes full circle. Street skateboarding has millions of fans...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Danny Way, Jim DeChamp recovering from hard spills at X Games

Skateboarder Way escapes with no broken bones. DeChamp fractures a vertebra in a spill from a dirt bike. Danny...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Can Mike Krzyzewski revive the gold standard?

The coach of Team USA talks about the pressures of trying to bring home the men's basketball gold medal after the disappointing bronze-medal showing at the 2004 Olympics. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Ryan Sheckler, 18, surprises himself in street victory

The X Games competitor, who last won when he was 13, comes full circle.

Street skateboarding has millions of fans and many more spectators. Anyone who drives, walks outside or looks out windows is a spectator.
Source: L.A. Times - Sports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Racers try to set their sights on Pocono

Problems at the Brickyard last weekend cast a long shadow over Sunday's event, which is one of the final six races leading up to Chase for the Cup. ...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Manny Ramirez can't save Dodgers from loss

He has two hits but grounds into a double play in the ninth. He took a seat in the Dodgers dugout and the fans...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNPaperSports | 2 Aug 2008 | 7:00 am

Santana blanks Yankees in Angels' 5th straight win

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 6:58 am

Manny takes act to Hollywood

He's an entertainer in an entertainer's town, a slugger on a team that desperately needs one. Manny Ramirez will be a big hit in Los Angeles, says Lee Jenkins.

Source: SI.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 6:24 am

Nike finds major violations at Malaysian factory

Nike said Friday that it has found major worker rights violations at one of its Malaysian contract factories.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 6:23 am

Johnson shakes off Martin, wins pole at Pocono

Jimmie Johnson won his second pole in a row and third of the season Friday at Pocono Raceway, knocking Martin off the top spot in qualifying for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.
Source: ESPN.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 5:41 am

Nadal assures rise to number one ranking (AFP)

AFP - Rafael Nadal marked a changing of the guard in tennis with a quarter-final victory at the Cincinnati Masters, which will insure he replaces Roger Federer atop the rankings this month.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 4:46 am

Red Sox welcome Bay, resume business minus Manny

BOSTON -- By 3:15 p.m., five television trucks were idling on Van Ness Street, beyond right field of Fenway Park. A few steps from a statue of Ted Williams and within view of a series of banners honoring Red Sox greats, a local sports reporter led into the afternoon news broadcast and summed up the club's prevailing attitude toward Manny Ramirez: "They loved his power hitting but not his antics ..."

Source: SI.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 4:21 am

Griffey gets 2 RBIs in debut with White Sox (AP)

AP - The Kid isn't a kid anymore. The Chicago White Sox are still glad to have him.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 3:09 am

Nadal's 32nd straight win clinches No. 1 ranking

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 2 Aug 2008 | 2:32 am

Clemson, South Carolina start football camp (AP)

AP - Clemson took the practice field Friday with one of the country's best freshmen and some of the largest expectations to hit Tigertown since its national championship nearly three decades.
Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:48 am

Favre could get paid to stay off the field (AP)

AP - Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News | 2 Aug 2008 | 1:33 am

Haas, Harkleroad to play in unisex tournament

Tommy Haas, Sam Querrey, Donald Young, Ashley Harkleroad and Alexandra Stevenson are among those entered in Sunday's inaugural Shotgun 21 World Championships, a tennis competition where men and women will play each other.

Source: Tennis News: CBSSports.com | 1 Aug 2008 | 11:55 pm

Panthers send Smith home for brawl with Lucas

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 1 Aug 2008 | 11:11 pm

Favre considering Green Bay's $20 million offer

Read full story for latest details.

Source: SI.com | 1 Aug 2008 | 10:41 pm

Adebayor agrees to sign new Arsenal deal

Emmanuel Adebayor has agreed to stay at Arsenal, ending speculation he would move to Barcelona or AC Milan.
Source: FOXSports.com News for FOX SOCCER | 1 Aug 2008 | 10:32 pm

Nadal closer to top rank after reaching Cincy semis

For Rafael Nadal, moving up to No. 1 is just a matter of time. The 22-year-old Spaniard made a change at the top inevitable Friday by advancing to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters. He beat Nicolas Lapentti 7-6 (3), 6-1 for his 32nd straight win, setting up a seismic shift in the world rankings.