Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Beijing grapples with Games legacy four years on
BEIJING (Reuters) – Four years after Beijing hosted a
spectacular summer Olympics, China’s bustling capital sees
vastly improved public transport and infrastructure, but many
of the venues built for the event languish unloved, underused
and draining public finances. The jewels in the crown were two
architecturally-stunning buildings — the main ”Bird’s Nest”
stadium and the ”Water Cube” aquatics centre, described by
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge as
”beautiful” and ”unprecedented” venues.
New Yorkers like Tebow trade, even if he rides bench
NEW YORK (Reuters) – New Yorkers liked the trade the Jets
made for quarterback Tim Tebow even though they believe he
should become the backup to starter Mark Sanchez, a poll
released on Monday showed. Tebow, known for espousing his
Christian views, typically draws criticism from football
experts who do not like his unorthodox play but cheers from
fans who were impressed with how he helped the Denver Broncos
into the NFL playoffs last season.
Judge in Penn State abuse case issues ”gag” order
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Watson’s masterful talents set for wider exposure
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Part Seve Ballesteros and part
John Daly, newly crowned Masters champion Bubba Watson is a
gifted shot-maker and genuine crowd pleaser who plays with
extraordinary passion. Like the late Spanish matador
Ballesteros, Watson likes nothing more than to take on shots
that most other players could never envisage. Sometimes they do
not come off; often they do in breath-taking fashion.
D-Backs chase down Giants to sweep rivals
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Spurs, Thunder stay close in battle for the top in the West
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Kuchar’s Augusta challenge shows his time may yet come
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Matt Kuchar achieved his best
finish at a major at the Masters on Sunday and indicated he
might yet deliver on the promise he first showed at Augusta
National in 1998. The American finished tied for third just two
shots behind eventual winner Bubba Watson and the runner-up in
the playoff Louis Oosthuizen after making a strong challenge on
the back nine.
Albatross leaves Oosthuizen’s head spinning
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Louis Oosthuizen’s best shot
at the Masters on Sunday might also have been his worst. Like
the galleries that roared with excitement at his amazing
albatross, Oosthuizen could not get it out of his mind. The
South African thought his incredible shot, when he holed out
from 235 yards on the par-5 second hole, was a sure sign that
it was his lucky day and he was going to win the green jacket.
Unlucky break ruins Mickelson’s Masters chances
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Phil Mickelson has always been
a risk taker on the golf course. Never frightened to roll the
dice even when the stakes are at their highest, the American
has endeared himself to a generation of golf fans with his
swashbuckling approach and improvisation.
Masters flop shows Tiger not out of the Woods yet
AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – One step forward, two steps
back. For Tiger Woods, the long road back to the top looks
further away than ever. Just two weeks after he won his first
PGA Tour event in more than two a half years, Woods slumped to
his worst-ever finish at the Masters.
