Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Murray to play singles in Winston-Salem next week
Andy Murray will play in the singles at next week's Winston-Salem Open as he continues his comeback from hip surgery, tournament officials told Reuters on Thursday. The Scot lost 6-4 6-4 to Richard Gasquet in Cincinnati on Monday in his first singles match since January and later said he would not accept a wild card for the men's draw at the U.S. Open, the year's final Grand Slam.
'Vanished' Diaz set to return to spotlight at UFC 241
The heavyweight title fight between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic has top billing at UFC 241 in California on Saturday, but all eyes will be on the comeback of Nate Diaz, conqueror of Conor McGregor, after over a thousand days in the wilderness. Always a favourite with hardcore fight fans, Diaz shot to wider fame when he humbled superstar McGregor, handing him his first UFC defeat in March 2016.
MLB roundup: Harper's slam caps Phils' stunning rally over Cubs
Bryce Harper hit a walk-off grand slam into the second deck in right field off Derek Holland in the bottom of the ninth inning to rally the host Philadelphia Phillies past the Chicago Cubs 7-5 on Thursday. The Phillies entered the ninth trailing 5-1 before exploding for six runs to secure the three-game series sweep. Brad Miller hit an RBI single with one out in the ninth to close within 5-2. Roman Quinn followed with an RBI single, and Rhys Hoskins was hit by a pitch before Harper's bomb.
Federer stunned by Russian qualifier Rublev in Cincinnati
Fearless Russian qualifier Andrey Rublev needed just over an hour to beat Roger Federer 6-3 6-4 in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters on Thursday, the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion suffering his quickest defeat for 16 years. The 21-year-old Rublev, who broke the third seed in his first two service games, shed tears of joy after pulling off the biggest win of his career in 62 minutes.
Climbing: Mori, 15, becomes youngest Japanese medalist in World Championships
Teenager Ai Mori made history after becoming the youngest Japanese medalist at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Championships, winning the bronze medal in the women's lead competition in Hachioji on Thursday. Mori, aged 15 years and 10 months, broke the previous record held by Akiyo Noguchi who also won the bronze medal in the event aged 16 in 2005.
Alibaba's Tsai buys rest of NBA's Brooklyn Nets
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd co-founder Joseph Tsai is buying a 51% stake that he doesn't already own in NBA's Brooklyn Nets and its Barclays arena from Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, the U.S basketball team said on Friday. Reuters had reported on Wednesday that the deal would value the NBA team at $2.35 billion.
Rodgers advises Ravens' Jackson to 'slide a little bit'
Aaron Rodgers liked what he saw out of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during their preseason game Thursday, although the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player was quick to offer a bit of advice to the promising star. Jackson had an electric 18-yard touchdown run negated by penalty in the Ravens' 26-13 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
Triathlon: Mislawchuk wins 'battle of nutrition' at Tokyo 2020 test event
Canada's Tyler Mislawchuk prevailed in a 'battle of nutrition' in sticky, humid conditions on Friday to win Tokyo’s International Triathlon Union (ITU) Olympic qualifying race, which also doubled as a Tokyo 2020 test event. A day after the women's race had to be shortened over heat concerns, the men's event went ahead at the venue for next year's Olympics in slightly cooler conditions, aided by gray skies.
U.S. safety agencies investigate plane crash involving racecar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr
Two U.S. safety agencies are investigating the crash of a small plane in Tennessee on Thursday that was carrying retired racecar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., his wife and daughter, officials said. Earnhardt's sister Kelley said on Twitter the two pilots of the Cessna Citation and three family members were safe and being taken to a hospital for observation. There were no serious injuries, according to officials in Tennessee cited by media.
NFL notebook: Gordon reportedly willing to miss games
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is prepared to sit out regular-season games absent a new contract, ESPN reported Thursday. The report adds that Gordon, a two-time Pro Bowler, wants to return in time for the regular season, but the sides have not made progress toward a deal.
