Rugby: England in line for 2015 World Cup

Rugby: England in line for 2015 World Cup
England's ambitions of staging the 2015 Rugby World Cup received a massive boost on Tuesday when tournament organisers recommended their bid to the International Rugby Board.

Champ Venus closer to Wimbledon hat-trick

Champ Venus closer to Wimbledon hat-trick
Twice defending champion Venus Williams powers into the Wimbledon semifinals with another impressive display and says it would be "fantastic" to face sister Serena in the final.

Football: Maldini rejects Chelsea job offer

Football: Maldini rejects Chelsea job offer
Former Italy captain Paolo Maldini has turned down an offer to become part of the Chelsea coaching staff under his former AC Milan supremo Carlo Ancelotti.

Cricket: Top England skipper Vaughan quits

Cricket: Top England skipper Vaughan quits
Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan quit all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect on Tuesday -- and then backed his colleagues to triumph in the forthcoming series against Australia.

Yao Ming foot injury could 'end career'

Yao Ming foot injury could 'end career'
Tom Clanton, the team physician for the Houston Rockets NBA team says Yao Ming's foot injury could threaten the China center's career.
Oswalt Throws Two-Hitter, Astros Beat Padres
Roy Oswalt dominated the San Diego Padres again, pitching a two-hitter and retiring his final 18 batters in the Houston Astros' 3-1 victory Monday night.

Federer fires warning in Slam record bid

Federer fires warning in Slam record bid
World No. 2 Roger Federer serves notice of his determination to claim a record 15th Grand Slam crown by firing 23 aces as he defeats Robin Soderling 6-4 7-6 7-6 on Centre Court to book his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.

Venus through as Ivanovic quits in tears

Venus through as Ivanovic quits in tears
Twice defending champion Venus Williams moves closer to a Wimbledon title hat-trick when tearful fourth-round rival Ana Ivanovic quits their Court One match through injury.

Athletics: Bolt eases to sprint double

Athletics: Bolt eases to sprint double
The 100m world record holder Usain Bolt cruised to victory in the 200 meters at the Jamaican Championships in Kingston, to complete a sprint double over the weekend.

Rugby: Burger to miss final Lions Test

Rugby: Burger to miss final Lions Test
South Africa's Schalk Burger has been handed an eight-week suspension after he was found guilty of eye-gouging in the Springboks' dramatic 28-25 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Pretoria on Saturday.
Manny Goes Hitless in Minor League Game
Manny Ramirez's minor league rehab tour continued Sunday without a word -- or a hit -- from the suspended slugger.

Football: Spain snatch third spot at Confed Cup

Football: Spain snatch third spot at Confed Cup
European champions Spain edged out hosts South Africa 3-2 in extra-time to avoid a second embarrassing defeat and finish third at the Confederations Cup in Rustenburg on Sunday.

Rugby: Legend Lomu to make shock comeback

Rugby: Legend Lomu to make shock comeback
Former rugby superstar Jonah Lomu has revealed that he is poised to make a shock playing comeback at the age of 34 with French third-division club Marseille Vitrolles.

Manchester City make 'monster' Eto'o offer

Manchester City make 'monster' Eto'o offer
Big-spending English club Manchester City have made a "stratospheric" offer to Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, according to Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

Kyle Busch Gets 5th Nationwide Win of 2009

Rugby: Last-gasp Springboks win stuns Lions
South Africa snatch a 2-0 series victory against the British and Irish Lions after winning a thrilling second rugby Test 28-25 in Pretoria on Saturday thanks to a last-minute penalty from Morne Steyn.
Kyle Busch Gets 5th Nationwide Win of 2009
LOUDON, N.H. --Kyle Busch figured out a way to win again in NASCAR's Nationwide Series.
Ridgefield's White has record day in All-America game
Matt White lit up the scoreboard all year for the Ridgefield High boys lacrosse team.And he did it again Saturday, even against the best players in the country.The Virginia-bound White set an Under Armour All-America Classic record, tallying six points with four goals and two assists for the North squad in the fourth annual lacrosse showcase at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Field in Baltimore, Md.

Last-gasp Springboks win devastates Lions

Last-gasp Springboks win devastates Lions
South Africa snatch a 2-0 series victory against the British and Irish Lions after winning a thrilling second rugby Test 28-25 in Pretoria on Saturday thanks to a last-minute penalty from Morne Steyn.

MotoGP: Rossi races to 100th career win

MotoGP: Rossi races to 100th career win
World MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi cruised to the 100th victory of his illustrious motorcycling career with a comfortable win at the Alice TT Assen race in the Netherlands on Saturday.

Sailing: Swedes celebrate Volvo Ocean victory

Sailing: Swedes celebrate Volvo Ocean victory
After nine grueling months, the Volvo Ocean Race has finally come to an end following the 10th and final leg from Stockholm to St Petersburg.

Hoffman's FTs Lift Indiana Fever Past New York Liberty in Overtime

Ronaldo agrees six-year deal with Real
Cristiano Ronaldo will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on July 6, having finally agreed terms over his world-record $130 million transfer from Manchester United.
Hoffman's FTs Lift Indiana Fever Past New York Liberty in Overtime
Katie Douglas scored all of her 28 points after halftime, and Ebony Hoffman hit two free throws with 4.8 seconds left in overtime to lift the Indiana Fever to an 82-81 road victory over the New York Liberty last night.

Federer reaches last 16 despite dropping set

Federer reaches last 16 despite dropping set
Second seed Roger Federer is through to the last 16 of the men's singles at Wimbledon, despite dropping a set on his way to a Centre Court win over Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Tennis: Serena powers into Wimbledon last 16

Tennis: Serena powers into Wimbledon last 16
Serena Williams wasted little time in reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon on Friday as she dispatched Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-3 6-4 in a little over an hour.

Football: Alves goal gives Brazil Confed win

Football: Alves goal gives Brazil Confed win
A stunning free-kick from Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves with just two minutes remaining proves enough to give Brazil a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts South Africa in Thursday's second Confederations Cup semifinal in Johannesburg.

Shaq joins LeBron in blockbuster NBA trade

Shaq joins LeBron in blockbuster NBA trade
Shaquille O'Neal is to team up with fellow NBA superstar LeBron James after a blockbuster trade which sees the giant center move from Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower Inducted Into World Golf Hall of Fame
Former president Dwight D. Eisenhower will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla., this November as the first so-called Golfer-in-Chief.
New serve of tennis
DANBURY -- Michael Raymond maneuvered into position, lined up an overhand return and put a picture-perfect stroke on the ball, sending it flying over the net.Raymond is no professional and this wasn't Wimbledon. The 11-year-old, who'll attend Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury this fall, is in the embryonic stage of learning tennis.

Venus cruises into Wimbledon third round

Venus cruises into Wimbledon third round
Defending champion Venus Williams breezes into the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon following a straight sets victory over Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine on Thursday.

Bocanegra praises United States work-rate

Bocanegra praises United States work-rate
United States captain Carlos Bocanegra praises his side's work-rate and commitment, as he speaks to CNN from the team bus travelling to Johannesburg to take part in the Confederations Cup final this weekend.

Panthers' Peppers Ends Stalemate, Signs Franchise Tender
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- With one signature, Julius Peppers went from a disgruntled star seeking to leave town to a rich man who may stick around in Carolina for awhile.

Even Thabeet, Rubio come with doubts in draft

Football: Fabregas laments Arsenal 'impotence'
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has followed his country's surprise 2-0 Confederations Cup defeat to the United States by hinting he could be ready to leave English Premier League club Arsenal because of their limited success.
Maria Sharapova Loses to Gisela Dulko in the Second Round at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England, June 24 -- Give Maria Sharapova credit for honesty.
Even Thabeet, Rubio come with doubts in draft
NEW YORK -- Hasheem Thabeet realizes his offensive game needs work and understands it will be hard for him to dominate defensively the way he did in college. There's just as many questions about Ricky Rubio, starting with one even he can't answer: Will he play in the NBA next season?

Sharapova suffers early Wimbledon exit

Sharapova suffers early Wimbledon exit
Argentina's unseeded Gisella Dulko causes an upset on Centre Court with a battling 6-2 3-6 6-4 win over former champion Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon.

Formula One reach agreement over 2010

Formula One reach agreement over 2010
Max Mosley, the president of motorsport's governing body the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has said there "will be a unified Formula One championship in 2010."

Bucks Send Jefferson to Spurs in Four-Player Swap

Iranian football stars 'retired' after match protest
Four Iranian footballers have been "retired" from the national side after protesting against the contested election result in the country during a match against South Korea.
Bucks Send Jefferson to Spurs in Four-Player Swap
The Spurs acquired scoring swingman Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee in a four-player deal on Tuesday, giving San Antonio the extra offensive punch the aging former champions sorely needed.

Football: Espanyol reach Nakamura agreement

Football: Espanyol reach Nakamura agreement
Espanyol have confirmed they have reached an agreement for Japanese international midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura to join the Primera Liga club on a two-year contract.

Holder Venus cruises through opening match

Holder Venus cruises through opening match
Wimbledon champion Venus Williams eases through to the second round of the women's singles with a comfortable straight sets victory over Swiss teenager Stefanie Voegele under beautiful blue skies on Center Court.

Football: Johnson poised for Liverpool move

Football: Johnson poised for Liverpool move
Premier League giants Liverpool are on the brink of completing a deal to sign Portsmouth's England international right-back Glen Johnson for a fee in the region of £17 million ($28m).

Mahtook Single in 11th Gives LSU College World Series Win

Murray: 'I'm ready to win Wimbledon'
Britain's great tennis hope and world number three, Andy Murray, tells CNN he is ready to win Wimbledon at this year's tournament.
Mahtook Single in 11th Gives LSU College World Series Win
OMAHA, Neb. -- Mikie Mahtook singled in the winning run in the top of the 11th inning after DJ LeMahieu tied the game in the ninth, and LSU survived Texas' five home runs to beat the Longhorns 7-6 in Game 1 of the College World Series finals Monday night.

Federer makes confident start at Wimbledon

Federer makes confident start at Wimbledon
Roger Federer begins his quest for a sixth Wimbledon title and record 15th grand slam with a straight sets win over Yen-hsun Lu of Taiwan on Centre Court on Monday.

Sharapova survives early Wimbledon test

Sharapova survives early Wimbledon test
Former champion Maria Sharapova came safely through a testing first round encounter with Ukraine's Viktoriya Kutusova as she won 7-5 6-4 on Court One on Monday.

Pakistan storm to World Twenty20 triumph

Pakistan storm to World Twenty20 triumph
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets to win the World Twenty20 title in convincing fashion at Lord's on Sunday. Sri Lanka were restricted to 138 for six wickets in their 20 overs, with Pakistan cruising to victory with eight balls to spare.

Vaughan left out of Ashes training squad

Vaughan left out of Ashes training squad
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been left out of the 16-strong training squad which will prepare for the Ashes series against Australia that starts next month.

Lance Armstrong Wins Small Race in Northern Calif.

Barnes, Glover tied at delayed U.S. Open
Ricky Barnes took a one-shot lead over fellow PGA Tour journeyman Lucas Glover going into the final round of the rain-delayed U.S. Open on Sunday.
Lance Armstrong Wins Small Race in Northern Calif.
Seven-Time Tour De France Champion Lance Armstrong has won the Nevada City Classic, a challenging one-day race in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California.

Red Bull 1-2 as Vettel claims British GP

Red Bull 1-2 as Vettel claims British GP
Germany's Sebastian Vettel leads home Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber to claim an impressive victory in the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

Play delayed again as Barnes leads U.S. Open

Play delayed again as Barnes leads U.S. Open
American Ricky Barnes leads the field after the second round of the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, after carding a five-under-par 65 for a 132 (-8) total -- a 36-hole record for the tournament.

Wins for Ivory Coast, Ghana and Algeria

Wins for Ivory Coast, Ghana and Algeria
Algeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast all celebrated victories in the third round of matches in African qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals, FIFA.com report.

Weaver vs. Weaver Matchup a Short-Lived Duel

Klitschko stops Chagaev to retain titles
Wladimir Klitschko retained his IBF and WBO heavyweight titles following a technical knockout victory over the previously undefeated Ruslan Chagaev in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Saturday night.
Weaver vs. Weaver Matchup a Short-Lived Duel
ANAHEIM, Calif -- The much-anticipated Weaver vs. Weaver matchup didn't last too long.
Danbury DMR sqaud earns All-America honors at nationals
Danny Bubniak and his Danbury High track teammates may have missed Danbury's graduation Friday.But in Bubniak's eyes, it was certainly worth it.Bubniak combined with fellow seniors Brendan Melanophy, Cody Raphael and his twin brother Joey to earn All-America honors with a fourth-place finish in the distance medley relay Saturday night at the Nike Outdoor Nationals at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, N.

South Africa hold off gallant Lions fightback

South Africa hold off gallant Lions fightback
World champions South Africa hold off a gallant British and Irish Lions fightback to claim a thrilling 26-21 victory in the opening Test match in Durban on Saturday.

Vettel secures pole for British Grand Prix

Vettel secures pole for British Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel maintains the impressive form he showed in practice by comfortably securing pole position in his Red Bull for Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. World championship leader Jenson Button is down in sixth position.

Manchester United confirm Tevez departure

Manchester United confirm Tevez departure
Manchester United confirm that on-loan Argentine international striker Carlos Tevez is to leave the English Premier League champions after rejecting a five-year contract with the club.

Seven area lacrosse stars chose to Super Junior teams

American Glover seizes lead in U.S. Open
Lucas Glover seized the lead in the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black on Friday at 6 under par through 13 holes when the second round of play was suspended due to darkness
Marquis Leads Rockies to 14th Win in 15 Games
Jason Marquis shut down the Pirates with a masterful mix of sinkers and sliders over 8 2-3 innings and the Colorado Rockies beat Pittsburgh 7-3 Friday night for their 14th win in 15 games.
Seven area lacrosse stars chose to Super Junior teams
When New Milford boys lacrosse coach Brandon Talbot first met Brandon Kuring two years ago, he wondered if he could be as good as his brother Doug.Brandon is quickly proving he may be even better than his older sibling.The New Milford attack star was one of seven area juniors chosen to play in the annual Connecticut Super Junior game at 3 p.

Formula One dispute set for court battle

Formula One dispute set for court battle
Motorsport governing body, The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), plan to sue Ferrari and the seven other Formula One teams threatening to form a breakaway championship next season, for breach of contract.

Armstrong heads Astana Tour de France squad

Armstrong heads Astana Tour de France squad
Lance Armstrong and 2007 champion Alberto Contador will head a strong Astana team for the Tour de France.

Formula One chief 'unconcerned' by rift

Formula One chief 'unconcerned' by rift
Formula One's sole commercial rights holder and overall supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, dismisses the threat of eight of the sport's ten competing teams to breakaway to form a new championship.
Mystics at Dream
Records: Atlanta 2-2, Washington 3-0. Where: Philips Arena.
Bethel's Buckley signs with Quinnipiac
BETHEL -- Every spring Quinnipiac baseball coach Dan Gooley wonders how his freshmen will handle adversity.He has no such concerns about Bethel resident Ray Buckley.After struggling through a rough junior year, Buckley had a sensational senior season at Fairfield Prep and earned himself a scholarship to play for the Division I Bobcats.

Leaf Arrested on Texas Charges at U.S.-Canada Border

Heavy rain suspends Bethpage Black play
Play in the 109th U.S. Open golf tournament at Bethpage Black is suspended on Thursday because of heavy rain which has saturated the New York course.
Leaf Arrested on Texas Charges at U.S.-Canada Border
DALLAS -- Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf posted a $45,000 bond Wednesday in Washington state for drug and burglary charges out of Texas after being arrested by customs agents as he returned to the United States from Canada.

Iran national team make 'green gesture'

Iran national team make 'green gesture'
Members of Iran's national football team wore green arm and wrist bands in their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea.

Iran's soccer team in 'green gesture'

Iran's soccer team in 'green gesture'
Members of Iran's national soccer team wore green arm and wrist bands in their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea.

North Korea qualify for 2010 World Cup

North Korea qualify for 2010 World Cup
North Korea qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 by battling to a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night.
Penny Wins 100th to Please Another Fenway Sellout
BOSTON -- Reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia had three hits and three RBIs on Wednesday night, and the Boston Red Sox celebrated their 500th consecutive sellout with a 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins.
Guider wins hammer throw
NEW BRITAIN -- Danbury High's Robert Guider and Stephen Simalchik placed first and third, respectively, Wednesday in the hammer throw at the state Decathalon, Heptathalon, Hammer Throw and Steeplechase championships at Willbrook Park.Guider won hammer with a throw of 199 feet to edge Woodstock Academy's Arthur Guerra, who placed second at 197 feet, 8 inches.

Drogba given four-game ban for ref outburst

Drogba given four-game ban for ref outburst
Didier Drogba is given a four-game ban from European club competition for his outburst after Chelsea's Champions League semifinal defeat to Barcelona last month. Chelsea are also fined $138,400.

Perry focused on U.S. Open title

Perry focused on U.S. Open title
Veteran American golfer, Kenny Perry, tells CNN he is focused on winning this year's U.S. Open at Bethpage Black because time is running out on his career.

Manager Mowbray leaves Albion for Celtic

Manager Mowbray leaves Albion for Celtic
Celtic have appointed Tony Mowbray as their new manager in succession to Gordon Strachan, the Scottish Premier League giants confirmed on Tuesday.
Track stars test their skills at Willow Brook Park
NEW BRITAIN -- Several local track and field athletes fared quite well Tuesday in the first day of competition in the state decathlon, heptathlon, hammer throw and steeplechase events at Willow Brook Park. After five of the 10 events in the boys decathlon, Justin Escaravage of Brookfield is in 14th place with 2,792 points.

Stallworth Pleads Guilty, Gets 30 Days in Jail
MIAMI -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth is going to serve 30 days in jail after pleading guilty in Florida to a DUI manslaughter charge.

Raiders sign DE Ellis

Springboks call for flanker Brussow
South Africa have drafted in flanker Heinrich Brussow for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions iin Durban on Saturday.
Raiders sign DE Ellis
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders signed defensive end Greg Ellis on Monday night, acquiring a veteran presence as they work to upgrade their defense.

Rossi double as Italy recover to beat USA

Rossi double as Italy recover to beat USA
World champions Italy had to come from a goal down to beat 10-man United States 3-1 in their Confederations Cup opener in Pretoria on Monday night.

Egypt protest over Brazil Confed Cup winner

Egypt protest over Brazil Confed Cup winner
Egypt lodge an official protest to FIFA on Tuesday after Brazi'ls controversial injury time winner in their Confederations Cup opener in Bloemfontein. Kaka scored from the penalty spot to give Brazil a 4-3 win.

U.S. judge denies Coyotes sale to RIM's Balsillie

Ronaldo in clear over high-speed car smash
Cristiano Ronaldo has escaped punishment over the car smash earlier this year that saw his Ferrari written off.
U.S. judge denies Coyotes sale to RIM's Balsillie
PHOENIX/CHICAGO A U.S. bankruptcy judge rejected the proposed sale of bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes hockey team to the co-CEO of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion who planned to move the side to Canada.

Wigginton, Andino Power Orioles Past Braves
BALTIMORE, June 14 -- The first hint that things might be a little different, a little crazy for the Orioles on Sunday afternoon occurred in the first inning when Ty Wigginton smashed a two-run homer against Atlanta Braves starter Derek Lowe.

Nationals Reliever Bergmann Sent Down After Poor Outing
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 14 -- Until this three-game series against Tampa Bay, Jason Bergmann deserved at least some credit for stabilizing the Washington Nationals' bullpen. Then came the middle game of this series, where Bergmann deserved much of the credit for a single loss. His one appearance...

Lakers take NBA title with win over Magic

Lakers take NBA title with win over Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers secure their 15th National Basketball Association (NBA) title at the Amway Arena on Sunday after a 99-86 win over Orlando Magic in Game Five seals a 4-1 victory in the best-of-seven finals.
Yankees' Bruney, Mets' Rodriguez Exchange Words
The Subway Series got awfully testy yesterday. Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez shouted at Yankees reliever Brian Bruney during batting practice and the two were separated by teammates. That came one day after Bruney called Rodriguez's exuberant celebrations on the mound a "tired act," and K-Rod said...

Peugeot end Audi's Le Mans stranglehold

Peugeot end Audi's Le Mans stranglehold
Peugeot finally broke Audi's recent stranglehold at Le Mans with a comfortable one-two in the famous 24-hour race on Sunday.

Murray defeats Blake to win Queen's title

Murray defeats Blake to win Queen's title
Top seed Andy Murray secures his first-ever grass-court title with a straight sets victory over American James Blake in the final of the AEGON Championship at Queen's Club on Sunday.

South Africa surge towards Twenty20 semis

South Africa surge towards Twenty20 semis
Teenager Wayne Parnell continued South Africa's surge towards the World Twenty20 semifinals with a four-wicket haul in their 20-run victory over West Indies at The Oval.
Pujols Hits Two Homers in Victory Over Indians
CLEVELAND -- Albert Pujols hit two home runs and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Saturday.
High school results
SATURDAYBaseballState finals at Palmer Field, MiddletownClass LLWest Haven 1, McMahon 0Class MNew London 4, Ellington 0Class SND-Fairfield 11, Stafford 1Girls lacrosseState finals at TrumbullDivision IDarien 16, New Canaan 8Division IIImmaculate 10, St.

Gay holds narrow lead after storm-hit round

Gay holds narrow lead after storm-hit round
American Brian Gay leads the St Jude Classic by one stroke after a second round that was held over until Saturday because of fierce thunderstorms in Memphis.

Lorenzo claims pole for Catalunya MotoGP

Lorenzo claims pole for Catalunya MotoGP
Home favorite Jorge Lorenzo has pipped Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi to pole position for Sunday's Catalunya MotoGP.

Pittsburgh Penguins secure Stanley Cup title

Pittsburgh Penguins secure Stanley Cup title
The Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup for the third time in their history after a pair of second-period goals by Max Talbot gives them a narrow 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the deciding game of the best-of-seven series.

Danbury girls out to defend relay title

Murray through to first Queen's semifinal
Top seed Andy Murray is through to the semifinals at Queen's Club for the first time in his career, after a straight sets victory over American eighth seed Mardy Fish on Friday.
Redskins Release Wide Receiver James Thrash
Washington releases wide receiver James Thrash, who has a lingering neck injury, but leaves open the possbility of offering the respected veteran a job within the organization.
Danbury girls out to defend relay title
The setting has moved from Maine to Vermont this year, but many of the local headline competitors have familiar names at the 64th Annual New England Interscholastic Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Burlington.Among the top entrants are the Danbury High girls 4x400 relay team, whose time of 3:52.

Valverde retains slender Dauphine advantage

Valverde retains slender Dauphine advantage
Spain's Alejandro Valverde remains 16 seconds clear of Australian Cadel Evans following the gruelling 106km sixth stage of the Dauphine Libere from Gap to Briancon.

Fisher leads Lakers to brink of NBA title

Fisher leads Lakers to brink of NBA title
The LA Lakers are on the brink of winning the 2009 NBA finals after two late three-pointers from Derek Fisher helped seal a 99-91 victory over the Magic in Game Four in Orlando, moving them 3-1 ahead in the best-of-seven series.

Ferrari dismiss 2010 F1 inclusion

Ferrari dismiss 2010 F1 inclusion
Ferrari restate their intentions to boycott the 2010 Formula One Championship despite being included by the sport's world governing body on a list of official participants for next year.

Ridgefield falls to Prep in lacrosse semis

Platini hits out at Ronaldo Real deal
Michel Platini, the president of the governing body for European football (UEFA), hits out at the large fee offered by Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Source: Eagles Give Donovan McNabb a $5.3 Million Raise
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb got a big raise instead of a longer contract.
Ridgefield falls to Prep in lacrosse semis
NORWALK -- For the second straight season, the Fairfield Prep boys lacrosse team crushed Ridgefield's state championship dreams.And for the second straight year, the Jesuits needed a dramatic game-winning goal to slay the Tigers.Brendan Rotanz cut hard to his left off a great screen from Brendan Baldwin and fired a low laser that found nylon and lifted No.

Lions win fourth straight in South Africa

Lions win fourth straight in South Africa
The British and Irish Lions swept aside an understrength kwaZulu-Natal Sharks 39-3 in Durban on Wednesday to maintain their unbeaten record in South Africa.

Andrade Wins DCIAA Tennis Title

Mexico win boosts 2010 qualifying hopes
Mexico bounced back from two successive defeats to beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 on Wednesday and keep alive hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals.
Andrade Wins DCIAA Tennis Title
Brazilian exchange student Victor Andrade of School Without Walls wins the DCIAA tennis championship with a straight-sets victory over Hai Pham of School Without Walls.

Rooney double as England rout Andorra

Rooney double as England rout Andorra
Wayne Rooney scores a first half double to lead England to a 6-0 win over minnows Andorra at Wembley on Wednesday night. It gives Fabio Capello's men a seventh straight victory in Group 6.

United accept record $130M bid for Ronaldo

United accept record $130M bid for Ronaldo
Manchester United accept a record $130 million offer for Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
An Emotional Return to Golf for Mickelson
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The idea was for Phil Mickelson to return to a routine as best as possible in his world now shaken with fear.
High school results
ResultsWEDNESDAYBaseballState semifinalsClass LL at Palmer Field, MiddletownMcMahon 7, South Windsor 6West Haven 3, Shelton 2Class L at Beehive Field, New BritainBranford 10, Darien 5 (9 inn.)Berlin 4, Sheehan 1Class M at Muzzy Field, BristolEllington 3, Holy Cross 1New London 2, Waterford 0Class S at Quigley Stadium, West HavenND-Fairfield 3, Shepaug Valley 1Stafford 5, Trinity Catholic 4SoftballClass L semifinalsWaterford 5, Naugatuck 4 (8 inn.

Seedorf has no plans to leave AC Milan

Seedorf has no plans to leave AC Milan
Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf has revealed he is flattered to be linked with a move to Premier League Chelsea but insists he will still be an AC Milan player next season.

BenitezLiverpool will not sell Mascherano

BenitezLiverpool will not sell Mascherano
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez rules out selling Argentina international midfielder Javier Mascherano to European champions Barcelona, despite his agent suggesting the player would welcome a move.

Bergesen Pitches Orioles Past Mariners

Kaka: Real will grab more Galacticos
Brazilian star Kaka expects to be joined by fellow world 'Galacticos' as Real Madrid president Florentino Perez constructs a Spanish Primera Liga side that he hopes will rule supreme.
Bergesen Pitches Orioles Past Mariners
BALTIMORE, June 9 -- There was a persistent question among scouts about how Brad Bergesen's stuff would play in the major leagues. Was it good enough to get deep into games? Was he crafty enough to make the adjustments when facing the same team the second time around?
Pomperaug golf star Taylor ties for second in state
Pomperaug High's Nick Taylor tied for second place -- just one stroke behind the winners -- at the Division I state boys gold championships on Tuesday at Fairview Farms in Harwinton. Taylor shot a 71, one stroke behind Brian Hughes of Fairfield Prep and Andrew Gai of Staples.

Van Gundy Says Comeback Is Possible
LOS ANGELES, June 8 -- The situation appears bleak, with his Orlando Magic becoming the 31st team to go down 0-2 in the NBA Finals. But Coach Stan Van Gundy didn't have to search hard to find a source of inspiration for his team to rally around. Only three teams in that position have come back to...

Injured Nadal hopes to play Wimbledon

Injured Nadal hopes to play Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal says he has not given up on defending his Wimbledon crown and will travel to London next week as he battles persistent knee problems.

Federer targets 2012 London Olympics

Federer targets 2012 London Olympics
Roger Federer says he has no intentions of hanging up his tennis racket any time soon and has targeted the 2012 London Olympics which will be held on the grass of Wimbledon.

Daly Fails to Get Through U.S. Open Qualifying

Daly misses out on return to PGA Tour
John Daly returned to the action in the United States after serving a six-month suspension and promptly missed out on qualifying for the U.S. Open at Bethpage next week.
Daly Fails to Get Through U.S. Open Qualifying
John Daly failed to qualify for the U.S. Open on Monday.
The great unknowns
WASHINGTON -- Scott Werkhoven laughed when asked if his Shepaug baseball team was the best-kept secret in Connecticut.Hailing from tiny Washington, the Spartans were relatively unknown entering the Class S state tournament.They are, however, making quite the name for themselves now as second-seeded Shepaug (18-4) prepares to take on No.

West Ham bubbling after $162M takeover

West Ham bubbling after $162M takeover
West Ham United's long-term future was secured on Monday when the Premier League club was sold to a company owned by Iceland's largest investment bank in a deal reportedly worth around $162million.

Lakers beat Magic for 2-0 series lead

Lakers beat Magic for 2-0 series lead
The Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-0 lead over Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA) best-of-seven finals, after securing a narrow 101-96 overtime victory on Sunday.

Woods wins at U.S. Open warm up

Woods wins at U.S. Open warm up
Woods broke away from a four-way tie for the lead Sunday at the Memorial with birdies on his final two holes, the last one a 7-iron that stopped a foot away from the cup for a 7-under 65 and a one-shot victory over Jim Furyk.

Sampras: Federer is the 'best ever'

Sampras: Federer is the 'best ever'
Former world number one, Pete Sampras, says recently crowned French Open champion Roger Federer is the best player in the history of tennis.
Pirates GM Says McLouth Trade Not Driven by Money
It was a marathon in San Diego. Mark Reynolds hit a three-run homer off infielder Josh Wilson with two outs in the 18th inning yesterday to send the Diamondbacks to a 9-6 win over the Padres in the longest major league game this season.
Rust caused by club inaction hurting US players
CHICAGO -- Bob Bradley sees rusty players arrive at U.S. national team camps ahead of important games, and he isn't pleased. Too many key Americans have been buried on the benches of their clubs. "It's one thing if it happens for three or four months," the American coach said.

Federer realizes dream with French Open win

Federer realizes dream with French Open win
Roger Federer finally wins the only grand slam tournament to elude him after beating Sweden's Robin Soderling in straight sets to claim the French Open title at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Button wins in Turkey to maintain dominance

Button wins in Turkey to maintain dominance
Jenson Button continues his domination of the Formula One season by taking the Turkish GP in Istanbul, his sixth victory in seven races, to move a step closer to clinching his maiden world title.

Bettencourt and Wilson lead Memorial event

Bettencourt and Wilson lead Memorial event
Matt Bettencourt and Mark Wilson lead the field after the third round of the Memorial tournament -- although three-time champion Tiger Woods is ominously poised four shots off the pace.

Los Angeles Sparks Beat Detroit Shock, 78-58, in WNBA

Federer goes for 14 Grand Slams at French Open
Roger Federer takes on Robin Soderling, who knocked out tournament favorite Rafael Nadal in a fourth-round stunner, in the men's final of the French Open on Sunday. A victory \would give Federer 14 Grand Slams, tying his career wins to American Pete Sampras.
Los Angeles Sparks Beat Detroit Shock, 78-58, in WNBA
Tina Thompson has 18 points, Betty Lennox adds 17 points and 10 rebounds and the host Los Angeles Sparks beat the defending WNBA champion Detroit Shock, 78-58.
Newtown Girls Lacrosse Beats Brookfield for Third Time this Season
NEWTOWN -- In a contest between familiar foes, the outcome was almost as familiar.Led by the Vendel sisters, Betsy and Lisa, who each had five goals and three assists, the Newtown High girls lacrosse team beat Brookfield 18-9 in the first round of the Division I state tournament Saturday, its third victory over Brookfield this season.

Lions survive scare to hold off Cheetahs

Lions survive scare to hold off Cheetahs
The British and Irish Lions maintained their unbeaten record in South Africa but were given an almighty scare by the Cheetahs before winning 26-24 at Vocacom Park in Bloemfontein.

Ferrara appointed permanent Juventus coach

Ferrara appointed permanent Juventus coach
Ciro Ferrara has been appointed as the permanent coach of Serie A giants Juventus on a two-year contract.

Furyk and Byrd share Memorial advantage

Furyk and Byrd share Memorial advantage
American duo Jim Furyk and Jonathan Byrd share a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

NFLPA, Former Players Reach Settlement, Declare Unity

Netherlands stun England in Twenty20 opener
England suffered their biggest humiliation in limited-overs history as they were defeated by minnows Netherlands in the opening match of the World Twenty20 tournament on Friday.
NFLPA, Former Players Reach Settlement, Declare Unity
With the announcement of a settlement of a $28.1 million judgment, hope lingers that a rift can be healed.
Soggy conditions can't slow Green Wave
NEW MILFORD -- The weather was soggy and the field was sloppy, but neither the elements nor Sacred Heart Academy could stop the New Milford girls lacrosse team Friday.Both Kendall Adkin and Christina Hess tallied four goals and two assists as the fifth-seeded Green Wave cruised past the No.

Donald cards sparkling 64 to lead Memorial

Donald cards sparkling 64 to lead Memorial
Luke Donald carded a sparkling eight-under-par 64 to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Memorial tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club at Dublin, Ohio.

Nadal unfit for Wimbledon warm-up

Nadal unfit for Wimbledon warm-up
Defending champion Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the Queen's Championships, a key warm up event to Wimbledon which begins on Monday.

French Open title worth $100k less

French Open title worth $100k less
Should Roger Federer win the French Open title on Sunday his prize will be worth less in U.S. dollars than what Rafael Nadal won in 2008.

Tony La Russa Sues Twitter Over Alleged Fake Page

Bryant-inspired Lakers trounce Magic
Kobe Bryant inspires the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 100-75 home win over Orlando Magic in the first game of the 2009 NBA Finals.
Tony La Russa Sues Twitter Over Alleged Fake Page
ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is suing the social-networking site Twitter, claiming an unauthorized page that used his name to make light of drunken driving and two Cardinals pitchers who died damaged his reputation and caused emotional distress.
Brookfield girls earn another shot at Newtown
BROOKFIELD -- The Brookfield girls lacrosse team had just earned a spot in the first round of the Division I state tournament.But it was hard to tell what the team was more excited about -- making it to states or having its third shot this season to defeat rival Newtown.

Top seed Safina reaches French Open final

Top seed Safina reaches French Open final
Women's top seed Dinara Safina reaches her second successive French Open final with a straight-sets semifinal victory over Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova at Roland Garros.

Scottish chiefs turn to ex-England rugby coach

Scottish chiefs turn to ex-England rugby coach
The Scottish Rugby Union has appointed Andy Robinson, formerly coach of bitter rivals England, as the new national team boss.

Bad-boy Symonds axed for alcohol incident

Bad-boy Symonds axed for alcohol incident
The turbulent cricket career of Andrew Symonds took another twist on Thursday when the Australia all-rounder was sent home from the World Twenty20 tournament in Britain for an "alcohol-related incident".

Football fan shot for 'singing too much'

Football fan shot for 'singing too much'
A British soccer fan has been shot and wounded in Kyrgyzstan after a local became upset with a group of supporters chanting in a bar.

Berlusconi: 'Kaka must decide on Real deal'

Berlusconi: 'Kaka must decide on Real deal'
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi tells Kaka that he must decide on his reported $92 million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid on Monday, with the Italian club admitting it needs to sell the Brazil playmaker for economic reasons.
Braves Release 305-Game Winner Glavine
ATLANTA -- In a stunning move, the Atlanta Braves released 305-game winner Tom Glavine on Wednesday, just when it seemed he was ready to return to the big leagues.
Brookfield-Newtown III a possibility
Perhaps the schedule-makers just like seeing the Brookfield and Newtown High girls lacrosse teams play each other.Or maybe it's fate.Whatever it is, the two South-West Conference Tournament finalists might be squaring off again in the Division I state tournament on Saturday.

Milan deny Kaka Real Madrid deal is done

Milan deny Kaka Real Madrid deal is done
AC Milan are denying that their star playmaker Kaka is being transferred to Real Madrid in a $92 million deal. Spanish radio reported on Tuesday that the former World Player of the Year was headed to the Bernabeu.

Bolt singles out Gay as arch sprint rival

Bolt singles out Gay as arch sprint rival
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt is looking forward to going head to head with Tyson Gay after a stunning performance by the double world champion at the weekend.

LeBron James Has Benign Growth Removed From Jaw

Returning Woods targets Memorial victory
Tiger Woods begins the build-up to his defense of the U.S. Open crown by bidding for a fourth title at the prestigious Memorial tournament in Ohio.
LeBron James Has Benign Growth Removed From Jaw
-- Cavaliers star LeBron James had a benign growth removed from his right jaw during a five-hour procedure at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday.
Newtown girls win fifth straight SWC lacrosse crown
SOUTHBURY -- Winning the South-West Conference girls lacrosse tournament championship obviously isn't getting old for Newtown.The Nighthawks, who captured their fifth straight SWC title with a hard-fought 17-12 win over Brookfield Tuesday night at Pomperaug High School, sprinted the length of the field as the final horn sounded to celebrate with goalie Marnie Thompson as if it was their first championship.

Villa's Barry is $20M Man City target

Villa's Barry is $20M Man City target
England midfielder Gareth Barry is locked in discussions that could see him quit Aston Villa for Premier League rivals Manchester City in a $20 million deal.
Soderling Follows Nadal Upset by Reaching French Open Semifinals
PARIS -- Robin Soderling of Sweden has followed his French Open upset of Rafael Nadal by beating Nikolay Davydenko in the quarterfinals.

Superb Soderling sweeps into Paris semis

Superb Soderling sweeps into Paris semis
Swede Robin Soderling sweeps into his first career Grand Slam semifinal with a spectacular 6-1 6-3 6-1 demolition of Russian 10th seed Nikolay Davydenko at the French Open.

Pellegrini unveiled as Real Madrid boss

Pellegrini unveiled as Real Madrid boss
Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini is unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as the new coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Pellegrini to be unveiled as Real coach

Pellegrini to be unveiled as Real coach
Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini is set to be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as the new coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Hejduk Out for Americans
U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk is out for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica with a groin injury.
New Fairfield distance runner Raneri sets Class MM record, wins two titles
NEW BRITAIN -- John Raneri turned in a couple of stellar performances Monday at the Class MM Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Veterans Stadium in New Britain.Raneri, a New Fairfield junior, raced to first-place finishes in the 1,600 and 3,200, setting a meet record in the 1,600 with a time of 4:19.

Serena ups the ante in French Open stroll

Serena ups the ante in French Open stroll
Serena Williams rolled into the second week of the French Open with a crushing victory over Aleksandra Wozniak to reach the quarterfinals on Monday.

Federer survives five-set ordeal in Paris

Federer survives five-set ordeal in Paris
Roger Federer had to come from two sets down to avoid joining top seed Rafael Nadal on the French Open sidelines as he saw off Germany's Tommy Haas 6-7 5-7 6-4 6-0 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals on Monday.

Stricker denies Clark in Colonial playoff

Stricker denies Clark in Colonial playoff
Steve Stricker rolled home a birdie putt on the second extra hole to beat South African Tim Clark and fellow American Steve Marino in a three-way playoff for the Colonial in Texas on Sunday.

Milton Wins Again, Dodgers Beat Cubs

Chelsea name Ancelotti as their new manager
English Premer League side Chelsea confirm the appointment of former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new manager. Ancelotti left Milan after their final Serie A match of the season on Sunday.
Milton Wins Again, Dodgers Beat Cubs
CHICAGO -- Suddenly, after a three-year wait, Eric Milton is starting to rack up the wins again.
Newtown girls eye fifth straight SWC lacrosse title
Perhaps they should just change the name of the South-West Conference girls lacrosse tournament.Just call it the Newtown Invitational, for that's what it's been since 2005. The Nighthawks have won the tourney every year since then, taking the title over Joel Barlow that year and beating Brookfield in 2006, 2007 and 2008.