Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Wang, Siniakova survive early scares to advance to Bronx semis
Top seed Wang Qiang and fifth ranked Katerina Siniakova both had to battle back from a set down to beat unseeded opponents and advance to the Bronx Open semi-finals on Thursday. Wang failed to win a game in the opening set against Russia's Anna Blinkova before storming back to win 0-6 6-1 6-4 in 90 minutes.
Ticket demand for international NFL games surge
Ticket demand for the NFL's five international games this season has jumped 55% compared to 2018 thanks to the American football league's efforts to grow its global fan base, ticket retailer StubHub said on Thursday. Four games will be played in London and one in Mexico in 2019 with the Chicago Bears-Oakland Raiders matchup at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium being the most in-demand game.
NFL notebook: Cowboys reportedly make big offer to Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have offered to make holdout Ezekiel Elliott one of the NFL's two highest-paid running backs. ESPN's Ed Werder tweeted Thursday the Cowboys' offer was less than what Los Angeles Rams' Todd Gurley earns -- he signed a four-year, $57.5 million contract with $45 million guaranteed last summer -- but more than Le'Veon Bell's deal with the New York Jets.
Back from 'hell', Fury helping others fight their demons
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said he "tasted death" during the mental health crisis that brought him to the brink of suicide but is back and on a mission to help others. The British fighter shocked the world in 2015 when he defeated long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko to capture the IBF, WBA and WBO belts.
MLB notebook: Astros deny reporter access to Verlander
The Houston Astros denied a Detroit Free Press reporter access to Justin Verlander after Wednesday night's 2-1 loss to the Tigers. An Astros spokesman told the newspaper that writer Anthony Fenech had been denied access at the pitcher's request. Verlander refused to speak to the media with Fenech there, explaining Thursday on his Twitter feed that it was due to "unethical behavior in the past."
MLB suspends involvement in Venezuelan baseball following sanctions
Major League Baseball said on Thursday it was suspending involvement in the upcoming Venezuelan professional baseball season pending instructions from the U.S. government, which has repeatedly sanctioned the South American nation's government. Four sources close to the Venezuelan league told Reuters earlier that MLB would not give permission for players to participate, attributing the move to U.S. sanctions.
Basketball: Australia consumer watchdog probing U.S. game
Australia's consumer watchdog has launched an investigation into Thursday's basketball World Cup warmup game between the United States and Australia in Melbourne following hundreds of complaints from disgruntled spectators. Fans, already miffed by the absence of elite NBA players, expressed outrage on social media over seating arrangements at Docklands stadium where many were left with restricted views despite paying top dollar for tickets.
Halep hopes dream Wimbledon run can end U.S. Open nightmare
Simona Halep is living the dream after her Wimbledon triumph and the Romanian heads into next week's U.S. Open hoping for a new dawn at the season's final Grand Slam after early exits in the last two years. Halep scorched 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 in less than an hour in this year's Wimbledon final to add a second major title to her trophy cabinet after last year's French Open crown.
Serena and Sharapova in first-round match at U.S. Open
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will have their first ever clash at Flushing Meadows at the U.S. Open next week after being drawn against each other in the first round. It will be the 22nd career match-up between the two long-time rivals, who somehow have avoided each other at the U.S. Open throughout their long careers.
Djokovic, Federer in same half of U.S. Open draw
Wimbledon finalists Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are on a semi-final collision course at the U.S. Open after they were placed in the same half of the draw on Thursday. Top seed Djokovic, who saved two match points in the All England Club final to deny Federer a record ninth title at the grasscourt championships, will start his campaign against 76th-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena before facing a potential second-round showdown against American Sam Querrey.
