Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Raiders receiving legend Branch dies at 71
Cliff Branch, a three-time All-Pro wide receiver who won three Super Bowls during his 14-year NFL career, all with the Oakland Raiders, has died, the team confirmed late Saturday. The cause of death was not immediately known. Branch, who turned 71 on Thursday, was found dead at 3:40 p.m. Saturday in his hotel room, according to the Bullhead City (Ariz.) Police Department. No foul play was revealed after an initial investigation, and it was determined that Branch died of natural causes.
Pegula breezes past Giorgi for first WTA title
Home favorite Jessica Pegula made quick work of Italy's Camila Giorgi to win her maiden WTA title at the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The 25-year-old American breezed to a 6-2 6-2 win over the outplayed Italian, claiming the first two games in both sets to set the tone.
'Smiling Cinderella' Shibuno wins Women's British Open
'Smiling Cinderella' Hinako Shibuno completed a fairytale week by winning the Women's British Open in her first LPGA event at Milton Keynes on Sunday. The 20-year-old Japanese player, who earned her nickname because of her radiant smile, rammed home a lengthy birdie putt at the final hole to edge out American Lizette Salas by one stroke.
Report: Brady, Pats close on extension
Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are nearing a contract extension that would tie the quarterback to the franchise beyond his upcoming 20th NFL season, according to multiple reports Sunday. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the deal is for a two-year extension that will increase his salary from $15 million this year to $23 million. Full terms were not available.
Schwartzman downs Fritz to claim Los Cabos title
Diego Schwartzman saved three set points in opening stanza before going on to beat American Taylor Fritz 7-6(6) 6-3 in the final of the Los Cabos ATP tournament in Mexico on Saturday. It was a third career title but a first on hard court for the 26-year-old Argentine claycourt specialist, who dropped to the ground in jubilation after completing the win in an hour and 43 minutes when Fritz sent a forehand wide.
Kyrgios fights off back spasms to win Citi Open title
Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The Australian won 7-6(6) 7-6(4) over frustrated fourth-seed Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory. Kyrgios did not face a single break point and hit 18 aces, including two to close out the final.
Former WR Nelson signs one-day deal, officially retires a Packer
Former wide receiver Jordy Nelson officially retired from the NFL as a Packer on Sunday after signing a one-day contract with Green Bay. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, who released Nelson shortly after the 2017 season after 10 years with the team, made the announcement.
Poston wins Wyndham Championship without dropping shot
North Carolina native J.T. Poston became the first player in 45 years to win a PGA Tour event without dropping a shot when he beat Webb Simpson by one stroke at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday. Not since Lee Trevino at New Orleans in 1974 had a player negotiated 72 holes without a bogey en route to victory.
Surfs up as Peru claim three Pan Am golds
Peru rode a wave of support from a raucous home crowd to win three Pan Am Games surfing gold medals on Sunday, carrying Daniella Rosas and Luca Mesinas all the way to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. After getting the Games off to a dream start last Saturday, sweeping the men's and women's marathon golds, Peruvian surfers ruled the waves at Punta Rocas to secure three gold with Benoit Clemente also taking top spot in the men's longboard.
U.S. women cruise to 3-0 win over Ireland in stateside return
The U.S. women's soccer team cruised to a 3-0 win over Ireland in Pasadena on Saturday in their first match on home soil since claiming back-to-back World Cup titles in France last month. The team's "Victory Tour" got off to a winning start when Christen Press sent a high-arcing pass to Tobin Heath, whose header found the back of the net in the 16th minute.
