Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Mickelson makes Masters charge; McIlroy collapses
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Phil Mickelson stormed up the
Masters leaderboard on Saturday to restore a sense of normality
on an extraordinary day at Augusta National as Rory McIlroy
relived his worst nightmare and Tiger Woods faded out of
contention. Roared on by huge galleries, Mickelson produced a
dazzling display of shot-making and nerveless putting en route
to a flawless six-under 66.
Ineffective Tiger apologizes for Masters club-kicking
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Tiger Woods failed to make a
move up the Masters leaderboard on Saturday but apologized for
the club-kicking incident which has brought him sharp
criticism. Woods, who started the day eight shots back of the
leaders, failed to narrow the gap after carding an even-par
third round of 72 that left him at three over for the
tournament.
Mickelson surge electrifies Masters fans
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – The birdie roars finally
returned to the Masters in Saturday’s third round as
three-times champion Phil Mickelson made an electrifying run
after the turn to charge into contention. The American
left-hander, who has long been inspired by the iconic Augusta
National Golf Club, eagled the par-five 13th on the way to a
six-under-par 66, covering the back nine in a scintillating six
under.
Relaxed Harrington placed for Sunday surge at Augusta
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Three-time major winner
Padraig Harrington shot a four-under 68 on Saturday to position
himself for a final round push at the Masters but said he is
not putting any pressure on himself. The Irishman, who finished
in a tie for fifth at Augusta National in 2002 and 2008, carded
five birdies on his final six holes Saturday to move within
five shots of the lead.
Woodland withdraws from Masters with wrist injury
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – American Gary Woodland
withdrew from the Masters with a wrist injury after shooting a
13-over 85 in Saturday’s third round at Augusta National.
Woodland was in clear discomfort for much of his round, during
which he used an ice-pack between shots and received medical
attention.
Donald’s Masters run unravels over closing stretch
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – A frustrated Luke Donald blew
his chances of contending for the Masters after dropping five
shots on the tricky back nine in Saturday’s third round at
Augusta National. The British world number one, among the
favorites for the year’s first major, had made a sizzling start
with an eagle at the par-four third but then struggled over the
closing holes to card a three-over-par 75.
Spurs go top in West with 10th consecutive win
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Austria frustrate Spain, U.S. lead France
MADRID (Reuters) – Spain squandered the chance to clinch a
Davis Cup semi-final berth against France or the U.S. when
Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez lost 3-6 6-4 6-4 7-6 to
unfancied Austrian pair Alexander Peya and Oliver Marach on
Saturday. On the second day of the World Group quarter-finals,
the U.S. secured a 2-1 lead over France in Monte Carlo and
Czech Republic moved ahead by the same score against Serbia in
Prague.
Tiger tantrum sums up Woods’ Masters woes
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Tiger Woods’ body language
said it all on Friday as he huffed and puffed and almost blew
his Masters chances with his worst score at the tournament in
eight years. The former world number one came into the week
riding a wave of momentum after ending a two-and-a-half-year
title drought on the PGA Tour but labored to a three-over-par
75 in the second round at Augusta National.
Pena strokes Rays to win over Yankees
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