Serena to face Jankovic in final

Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic will meet in the US Open final after coming through their semis in straight sets.

Ferdinand to miss England opener

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will miss England's opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday.

Bolt defeats Powell in Brussels

Usain Bolt wins the 100m at the Van Damme Memorial meeting while 800m runner Pamela Jelimo clinches the Golden League's entire $1m jackpot.

Shearer cool on Newcastle vacancy

Alan Shearer appears to rule himself out of the vacant manager's job at Newcastle, calling the club's structure "strange".

NI fans beaten by 'security men'

Two Northern Ireland soccer fans are knocked unconscious by baton-wielding security men in Slovakia.

Hammers bring in Uruguayan Lopez

Managerless West Ham confirm the signing of Uruguayan international left-back Walter Lopez.

Ferguson unfazed by Man City cash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is not worried about the threat posed by newly wealthy neighbours Manchester City.

Man City boss cools transfer talk

Man City manager Mark Hughes tells fans not to expect the arrival of a host of big-names in January.

Mutu lodges appeal over damages

Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu files an appeal against Fifa's ruling that he must pay the club £13.68m in damages for breach of contract.

Martina appeals over 200m silver

Churandy Martina appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being disqualified from the Olympic 200m final for running outside his lane and denied a silver medal.

Sprinter Jones leaves jail

US sprinter Marion Jones leaves prison after serving a six-month sentence for lying about steroid use and involvement in a drugs fraud case.

Villegas races to St Louis lead

Colombia's Camilo Villegas leads by one shot after the rain-hit first round of the BMW Championship in St Louis.

LPGA scraps English 'exam' plans

The LPGA Tour decides not to pursue plans to threaten its players with suspension if they cannot speak English by 2009.

McIlroy and Rumford lead Masters

Rory McIlroy and Brett Rumford share the lead after the second round of the Omega European Masters.

Edinburgh 15-20 Munster

Munster open their Magners League campaign with a deserved win at Murrayfield.

Giants kick off title defense by stopping Redskins

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Quentin breaks wrist hitting own bat; surgery's set

American League home run leader Carlos Quentin has a broken wrist, and the Chicago White Sox left fielder will have surgery Monday that could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Reports: Arthur, Chalmers apologize, deny pot use

Darrell Arthur apologized for his role in an incident at the NBA's rookie transition program earlier this week, but denied ever using marijuana, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.

Halladay solid as Blue Jays run win streak to six

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LPGA backs off English requirement amid criticism

The LPGA Tour has backed off plans that would have suspended players who could not efficiently speak English.

NASCAR moves both races to Sunday in Richmond

Anticipating strong winds and possible flooding in the Richmond area from Tropical Storm Hanna, Saturday night's Sprint Cup race was postponed until Sunday at 1 p.m.

Marion Jones released from Texas federal prison

Marion Jones left a federal prison in Texas on Friday after serving a six-month sentence for lying to prosecutors about her steroid use.

Pro Bowl tackle Peters rejoining Bills, ends holdout

Jason Peters will end his holdout and report to the Bills on Saturday.

Fast times at Brussels: Bolt beats Powell in 100m

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt beat fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell to win the 100 meters at the Van Damme Memorial on Friday.

High jumper accused of drinking vodka at meet

Track and field's ruling body wants Ivan Ukhov to explain his conduct at the Athletissima meet in which rival high jumpers said the Russian had been drinking vodka and Red Bull during the competition.

Villegas takes slim lead after first round

Camilo Villegas and Steve Stricker were excited to be playing golf Friday for different reasons, and it showed during a soggy start to the BMW Championship.

Eagles' depleted receiving corps takes another hit

The Eagles could play the season opener without their two top wide receivers after Reggie Brown missed his second straight practice Friday.

Don't count on it: Angels player whiffs on 4-2 pitch

The Angels' Sean Rodriguez managed to strike out on a 4-2 pitch when the umpires and some players messed up the pitch count.

Vandy edges No. 24 South Carolina for rare upset

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Kinsler opts for season-ending hernia surgery

Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said Thursday that he will undergo surgery to repair a sports hernia in his abdominal wall, ending his season.

Stewart selects seasoned Grubb as his crew chief

Tony Stewart took a big step Friday toward upgrading the personnel at Stewart-Haas Racing next season, hiring Darian Grubb away from Hendrick Motorsports to be his crew chief.

ESPN.com has launched many new widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

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Whitmore, Turner lead Sun over Sky for seventh straight win

Tamika Whitmore scored 17 points and Barbara Turner had eight of her 16 in the fourth quarter to help the Connecticut Sun beat ...

Phillies shut out Mets, cut NL East lead to two games

Brett Myers buzzed through the New York Mets' lineup, pitching eight dominant innings and leading the Philadelphia Phillies to ...

Heat's Chalmers issues apology to team, NBA

A contrite Mario Chalmers spoke out about his banishment from the NBA's rookie symposium Friday, acknowledging that he made an ...

Broken wrist sidelines White Sox MVP candidate Quentin

Chicago White Sox All-Star left fielder Carlos Quentin, a leading contender for the American League MVP award, will undergo surgery ...

LSU, Tulane could be part of contingency doubleheader

Could the Louisiana Superdome be used as a shelter of last resort again? Weary of hurricane damage, postponements and game time ...

Villegas earns one-shot edge at BMW Championship

Camilo Villegas and Steve Stricker were excited to be playing golf Friday for different reasons, and it showed during a soggy ...

Giants' Kiwanuka accuses Redskins' Samuels of dirty play

New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka alleged on Friday that Washington Redskins tackle Chris Samuels made a dirty play ...

LPGA backs down on English requirement

The LPGA Tour has backed off plans that would have suspended players who could not efficiently speak English. The policy was ...

Two hammer throw medalists test positive

The silver and bronze medalists from Belarus in the men's hammer throw at the Beijing Olympics were caught doping and could be ...

Orioles to bring back Trembley as manager in 2009

Dave Trembley was certain he would be asked to return as manager of the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, an expectation that was ...

Storm threat forces Richmond races to Sunday start

NASCAR officials postponed Saturday night's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Friday as Tropical Storm Hanna closed in on the East Coast.

Bryans team up, win men's doubles title at U.S. Open

Twins Mike and Bob Bryan won their second U.S. Open men's doubles title and sixth Grand Slam championship overall, beating Leander ...

Bills' Peters ends holdout but won't play Sunday

The Buffalo Bills said Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters will end his holdout and report to the team Saturday morning. Bills ...

Women's final set: S. Williams, Jankovic advance at Open

Serena Williams dealt with a strong wind much better than Dinara Safina did and won their semifinal 6-3, 6-2 Friday to get back ...

Notebook: Stewart brings in Grubb as crew chief

After six years in a supporting role at Hendrick Motorsports, Darian Grubb will be front and center, atop the pit box as Tony ...

Serena Williams Takes Aim at Title and Top Ranking - New York Times

US and Cuba Find Common Ground on Field - New York Times

Jets fueled for run at Pats - Chicago Tribune

Phils blank Mets, shrink gap in East - MLB.com

Barton's 12-game thug ban - The Sun

Rios, Halladay help Jays top Rays - MLB.com

The Crowd Falls Out of Love With Djokovic - New York Times

White Sox OF Quentin out two-to-three weeks, possibly longer - Sports Network

Notre Dame looking forward to redemption - Chicago Tribune

Depleted Scotland feel the heat in Macedonia - Independent

More reinforcements on way for Sox - MLB.com

Lack of overtaking makes for boring races - Hamilton - guardian.co.uk

Ewings Induction Raises a Series of What Ifs - New York Times

New York Jets' Schottenheimer believes Favre and offense ready to go - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

Beijing Welcomes The Disabled as China Never Has - Washington Post

St Helens 16 Wigan 16: Richards salvages pride as Wigan stand up ... - Independent

Andy Murray: King of New York - Independent

The bountiful game - Financial Times

Serena & Jankovic ready for final - BBC Sport

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Liddell, Evans Seek Chance At Title After Long ... - Washington Post

Milner sets young lions on course for finals - guardian.co.uk

Shearer describes Newcastle system as 'dangerous' - Independent

Airline alliance refutes Virgin's claims - Financial Times

USC trying to shake it off - Myrtle Beach Sun News

Take New Approach for Champion - guardian.co.uk

League bucks global trend with a season of boom without bust - guardian.co.uk

Judgment on Capello clouded by craving for a continental saviour - guardian.co.uk

Khan hungry to make Prescott eat his words over 'pampered' jibe - guardian.co.uk

Sheikh who bought City has wider goal - guardian.co.uk

Trapattoni sets his sights on six-point start - guardian.co.uk

Onus is on recalled Earnshaw to provide cutting edge for Wales - guardian.co.uk

Ecclestone warns Donington's owners over 2010 plans - guardian.co.uk

Zambrano feels better, Piniella gets lost - USA Today

Crates thanks 'miracle' for chance to fly the flag in the Bird's Nest - Independent

New York Giants were impressive in debut as Super Bowl champions - The Canadian Press

Bradley Wiggins stars without Mark Cavendish for the Tour of Britain - Times Online

LPGA shows it can read the writing on the wall - New York Daily News

USC will watch Ohio State-Ohio game for quarterback clues - Los Angeles Times

Aurora Golf & Country Club closed; will reopen as public course - The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com

Chase Tales: Heat is on at Cali - Racing - ESPN

2-time champ Serena Williams back in US Open final (AP)

Myers, Dobbs lead Phillies past Mets in opener (AP)

AL HR Carlos Quentin breaks wrist hitting own bat (AP)

LPGA backs down on English requirement (AP)

Bruce's grand slam leads Reds over Cubs 10-2 (AP)

Giants DE Kiwanuka accuses Samuels of dirty play (AP)

Cavaliers sign F/C Lorenzen Wright (AP)

Davis' grand slam, 10 walks help A's top Orioles (AP)

Capello challenges Rooney to end England goal-drought (AFP)

Russian league accuses NHL of breaking deal (AP)

Davis leads Ball State over Navy 35-23 (AP)

Two-time champ Serena beats Safina to reach US Open final (AFP)

Villegas in the lead, Ryder Cup duo in the hunt (AP)

Myers, Phillies shut down Mets in opener

Dobbs also hits 2-run HR in 3-0 win as New York's lead in NL East cut to 2

Serena, Jankovic will meet for U.S. Open title

Winner will also rise to No. 1 in rankings; final may be delayed until Sunday

Giants' Kiwanuka accuses Redskin of 'dirty play'

DE says Samuels intentionally fell on the back of his ankle

Halladay, Blue Jays beat slumping Rays

Rios also hits two homers in 6-4 win; AL East leaders have lost three of four

AL home run leader Quentin has broken wrist

American League home run leader Carlos Quentin has a broken wrist, and the Chicago White Sox said the left fielder will have surgery next week.

Opinion: Time for the games before The Game

What to expect Saturday while we all await OSU-USC showdown next week

With Jets, Favre tries to turn back Father Time

Can Brett Favre continue defying age the way swimmer Dara Torres did at the Olympics, Nolan Ryan did as a fire-balling pitcher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did as a sky-hooking center and John Elway, Rich Gannon and Warren Moon did as NFL quarterbacks? Or will he limp around like Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Sammy Baugh and other luminaries who played one or two or three years too long?

Around the NFL, quarterbacks under pressure

Tom Curran: Seemingly everywhere you look, QBs and front offices have question marks. Also, Curran's notes from around the league, including his week one upset pick.

Madden: Sunday's game previews

The obvious question, is Peyton Manning ready to play?  And I am not even sure he is going to know because he has never done this before because he has never had an injury before.

Novacek's Picks: Favre will win in Jets debut

Jay Novacek predicts this week's games

When fantasy football gets in the way of work

The reality of fantasy football — primarily played by males who are 18-34-years-old, such as Price — has not been pretty to widowed girlfriends over the years, and it’s increasingly drawing the ire of companies.

Marion Jones released from federal prison

Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones has been released from federal prison after completing her sentence for lying about her steroid use.

LPGA backs down from English language policy

Under increasing criticism, the LPGA Tour on Friday backed off plans to suspend players who could not efficiently speak English at tournaments.

Villegas leads BMW Championship

Singh struggles, but still in good shape to win FedEx Cup; 36 holes Saturday

Hanna delays Richmond race until Sunday

Race pushed back from Saturday night to Sunday

Chalmers apologizes, denies reports of drug use

A contrite Mario Chalmers spoke out about his banishment from the NBA’s rookie symposium Friday, acknowledging that he made an error in judgment but denying numerous reports that he was using marijuana.

Lakers' Bynum says he's ready to play

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum proclaimed himself completely healthy Friday, saying he expects to be better than ever when training camp begins Sept. 30.

Two Olympic hammer throw medalists test positive

The silver and bronze medalists from Belarus in the men’s hammer throw at the Beijing Olympics were caught doping and could be stripped of their medals.

Expert: Peterson poised take L.T.'s mantle of best back

Ask the Expert: With all due respect to the great LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson is the most physically gifted running back in the NFL. The Viking's combination of size, speed, power and elusiveness is unique in the league today.

Curran: Eagles will soar to Super Bowl XLIII trophy

Curran: The Philadelphia Eagles will win Super Bowl XLII. Not just because they have a healthy Donovan McNabb and an improved defense, but because they have a backup defensive tackle name Dan Klecko. Yes really.

Predictions 101: Picks for week's key games

Picks for key games each week

Rumors: Ben Gordon's agent made up Russia rumor

NBCSports.com takes the pulse on the latest rumors from around the sports world

Play the NBCSports.com $100K Fantasy Challenge

The Final Stretch: Race to baseball playoffs

Interactive: Baseball's stretch run

Novacek's picks: Favre will win in Jets debut

Jay Novacek's selections for all the week's NFL winners

U.S. Paralympians Add Equality to Their Goals

Many Paralympians criticize the U.S. Olympic program for giving them fewer benefits than Olympians receive.

Taking Aim at Title and Top Spot

With a fiercely executed 6-3, 6-2 semifinal victory over Dinara Safina, Serena Williams advanced the Open final.

Phillies 3, Mets 0: Mets Find a Victory Is Just Out of Reach

The Mets watched their lead over Philadelphia in the National League East shrink to two games with 21 remaining, including two more against the Phillies.

N.F.L. Roundup: Giants? Kiwanuka Calls Tackle by Samuels ?Out of Line?

Mathias Kiwanuka spoke of how the Redskins? Chris Samuels, the left tackle, landed on him after Kiwanuka beat his block as he rushed the Redskins? quarterback.

Playing Matchmaker for Reluctant Teams

A vice president of programming for ESPN helps create attractive games for television while universities try to make money.

Roundup: Running Into Wind, Bolt Wins the 100 in Brussels

Usain Bolt rallied against the cold, the wind and Asafa Powell to win the 100 meters in 9.77 seconds Friday at the Van Damme Memorial track meet in Brussels.

L.P.G.A. Will Alter Its Policy On English

Bowing to a torrent of criticism, the L.P.G.A. Tour on Friday dropped plans to suspend players who were not conversant in English during its golf events.

Times Plans to Combine Sections of the Paper

The New York Times will reduce the number of sections printed in the New York metropolitan area, in a move to save money on production.

The Arthur Ashe Crowd Has Fallen Out of Love With an Achy Djokovic

From darling to dark knight, Novak Djokovic?s image in Gotham has taken a tumble, and his semifinal opponent Saturday, Roger Federer, is a crowd favorite.

Continuing Their Reign, Bryan Twins Capture Doubles Title

Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Lukas Dlouhy of the Czech Republic and Leander Paes of India, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (12).

A Wise Guy for a Team in Need

Coming off the worst season in team history, the Dolphins whacked Coach Cam Cameron and empowered a football wise guy, Bill Parcells, to make their problems go away.

For U.S. and Cuba, Common Ground Is on Field

For all the cultural differences between the two teams, there is at least one bit of common ground ? each team is on the fringe of its country?s sports mainstream.

Blazers? Oden Ready for His Close-Up, on the Court

Greg Oden is a curiosity looming just off the N.B.A. radar, still waiting to make a splash 15 months after Portland made him the top pick in the 2007 draft.

Voice From Phillies? Past Tries to Unsettle Mets

Mike Schmidt, the greatest player in Phillies history, apparently tried to motivate the team before a series against the Mets. But he cound have incited the opposing team.

Bats Studied, But No Changes Are Imminent

Despite the study of more than 1,500 broken bats, no changes will be made in how bats are approved for major league use until the 2009 season.

A Tennis Washout at 30, but Still Chasing and Volleying

Since chronic back injuries forced him to retire as a player last year at age 30, Justin Gimelstob has been juggling on-air gigs with CBS, the Tennis Channel, and tennis.com.

Sports of The Times: Asking ?What If?? As Ewing Is Inducted

Hakeem Olajuwon?s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, along with Patrick Ewing?s, was a quirk of fate and a reminder of how unsympathetic it was to Ewing..

No Honors for Ruth at House He Built

In the weeks leading up to the final game at the house that Ruth built, a granddaughter of Babe Ruth questions whether the franchise has properly honored his memory.

Talking Business: Leaving Boardroom for Skybox

When you think about it, the sports business in this country is dominated by self-made men looking for mountains to conquer.