Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Golf-Halfway leader Buhai three clear at Women's British Open
South African Ashleigh Buhai extended her lead to three strokes after the second round at the Women's British Open in Milton Keynes on Friday. She compiled a bogey-free five-under-par 67 at Woburn to head a leader board that included players from seven countries in the top eight.
Reports: CB Claiborne facing four-game ban
Free agent cornerback Morris Claiborne remains unsigned, but a looming four-game suspension could be the reason why. According to reports, Claiborne is appealing a suspension for violations of the substance abuse policy.
MLB roundup: Cards one-hit Cubs, take NL Central lead
Jack Flaherty took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, allowed one hit in seven outstanding innings and combined with two relievers on a one-hitter as the St. Louis Cardinals continued their surge with an 8-0 victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday night. The Cardinals, who lead the Cubs by one game in the race for the National League Central title, won for the 17th time in 25 games and improved to 14-6 since the All-Star break by collecting 14 hits. The Cubs lost for the seventh time in 10 games and did not hold a lead for the first time in their 18 games since the All-Star break.
Soccer - MLS bans Torres for 10 matches over failed drug test
Major League Soccer on Friday said that it was suspending Panamanian Roman Torres for 10 games after the Seattle Sounders defender tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Torres was also fined 20 percent of his annual salary for violating the MLS Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Policy effect, the league said.
Buhai extends lead at Women's British Open
South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai remained alone atop the leaderboard Friday after the second round of the AIG Women's British Open, the LPGA's fifth and final major championship of 2019. For the second straight night and first time since she turned professional in 2007, Buhai will sleep on the 36-hole lead at a major after carding a bogey-free 5-under 67 on the Marquess Course at Woburn Golf Club, located in Milton Keynes, England.
Reports: Lakers-Clippers on Christmas Day schedule
The inner-city rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers headlines the NBA's five-game Christmas Day schedule, according to ESPN. In addition to the battle of L.A., the Golden State Warriors will host the new-look Houston Rockets at the new Chase Arena. The Warriors have eliminated the Rockets in the playoffs the last two seasons.
Philadelphia Phillies sue to keep their 'beloved' Phillie Phanatic
The Phillie Phanatic, one of the most recognizable mascots in American sports, is the subject of a lawsuit by the Philadelphia Phillies, trying to stop the mascot's creators from taking away the baseball team's bright green, fat, furry, long-beaked creature. In a federal complaint filed on Friday in Manhattan, the Phillies accused Harrison/Erickson Inc and its principals, Wayde Harrison and Bonnie Erickson, of reneging on a 1984 agreement to let the Phillies use the Phanatic "forever."
NASCAR notebook: Rough start to weekend for Custer
After completing 11 laps in opening NASCAR Xfinity Series practice, Cole Custer rocketed down the hill into Turn 1 at Watkins Glen International. The left-side tires of Custer's No. 00 Ford rolled across the curbing at the outside of the corner. Custer steered to the right, but the car suddenly twitched to the left and shot out of control into the Armco barrier near the entrance to Turn 2.
Games-Peru swimmer withdraws from Pan Am Games after failed test
Peruvian swimmer Mauricio Fiol has pulled out of the Pan Am Games after failing two drugs tests in the run up to the multi-sport event which is being staged in his home city. For the second successive Pan Am Games, Fiol has been caught up in doping controversy as four years ago he lost the silver medal he won in the 200 metres butterfly race after testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. He served a four-year suspension.
Pro Football Hall of Fame to welcome Gonzalez, Reed on Saturday
Ed Reed was considered the premier safety in the NFL during his career. On Saturday, the former Baltimore Ravens ballhawk takes his place among the all-time greats at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's a lot to think about," Reed said of his Gold Jacket moment to come on Saturday, when many anticipate the influential leader will use the stage to discuss football memories and the social issues that drive his post-football passion.
