LPGA Update: Inkster leads at Open

Day one of the Ricoh's British Open has come and gone. Today, it was all about Juli Inkster. The seven-time major winner shot a 7-under 65 to lead the Open by one shot. Inkster had five birdies and one eagle for the round.

Seven players are currently tied for second at the Open. Among those who are tied are Laura Diaz, Yuri Fudoh, Ji Young Oh and Johanna Head.

Former Open champion Karen Stupples is tied for ninth after the first round. Stupples shot a 5-under 67. Stupples made seven birdies and two bogeys.

Defending Open champion Lorena Ochoa shot a 3-under 69 to finish her round in a tie for 22nd place. American Natalie Gulbis is also tied for 22nd.

Annika Sorenstam had a quiet first round. The soon-to-be retired golfer shot a par round of 72. Sorenstam is tied in 66th place, along with Paula Creamer, Karrie Webb and Grace Park.

We should have more coverage tomorrow.

Open Championship Preview: Ochoa looks for two straight

Lorena Ochoa has the chance to become the first back-to-back winner at the British Open in more than ten years when she tees it off this weekend at Sunningdale. Ochoa shot a 5-under to win the Open Championship last year when it was held at St. Andrew's. The 26-year-old defeated Jee Young Kim to win her first of two majors. In the three other tournament finishes at the Open, Ochoa has two top five finishes and one cut.

We'll see if the #1 female golfer in the world has what it takes to defeat the rest of the pack on her way to a third straight major.

Annika Sorenstam has a chance to close out the final major of her career with a win. Sorenstam previously won the Open in 2003, her only Open title. Sorenstam also has the opportunity to win her 10th career major.

Se Ri Pak was the last golfer to win the Open when it was in Sunningdale. She won the title in 2001. Pak could win it once more here in Sunningdale.

WNBA Recap: Detroit loses fourth straight entering Olympic break

San Antonio Silver Stars 76 - Detroit Shock 64- The Shock have now lost four straight games and have finished the month of July 4-6. The Shock are now in second place in the Eastern Conference. They're hurting and they don't have an answer to this problem. This break could not have come at a better time for the Shock. Meanwhile, the Silver Stars maintain their lead in the Western Conference.

Connecticut Sun 82 - Washington Mystics 60- The Sun now own full possession of first place in the Eastern Conference. Asjha Jones' 27 points helped give the Sun their third straight win. The Sun now go into this Olympic break with the lead over the Shock.

Seattle Storm 77 - Sacramento Monarchs 71- The Storm remain a half game back in the West with their win last night. Sue Bird's 24 points made the difference for the Storm in the game.

Los Angeles Sparks 92 - Minnesota Lynx 84- The game went to overtime, but it was the Sparks who came out in the end. The Sparks outscored the Lynx 8-0 in OT. Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie combined for 46 points and 22 rebounds in the Sparks' win. Seimone Augustus scored 29 points for the Lynx. Charde Houston added 15 points for the Lynx. The Sparks needed that win and are back in fourth place in the West.

There are no games again until next month. I hope to have a US Basketball preview either this week or next week.

Photo Courtesy: NBA Entertainment/Getty Images

WNBA Recap: Lieberman returns to game, Shock still lose

Houston Comets 79 - Detroit Shock 61- How many 50-year-olds do you know that play pro basketball? You can count one if you know Nancy Lieberman. The basketball hall of famer signed a week long contract to fill the void for the Shock as they head into the Olympic break. In nine minutes of action, Lieberman scored zero points, but had two assists. Deanna Nolan scored 23 points for the Shock in the loss.

In other news, the WNBA handed down suspensions for the scuffle in Detroit the other night. Plenette Pierson received the stiffest punishment when she was suspended for four games. Assistant coach Rich Mahorn was suspended two games, as was Shannon Bobbitt and Murriel Page from the Sparks. Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker each received one game.

Connecticut Sun 87 - Los Angeles Sparks 61- Without Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie and DeLisha Milton Jones, the Sparks weren't able to score against the Sun. Lindsay Whalen of the Sun led all scorers with 22 points. With the Shock's loss and the Sun's win, the Shock's lead in the East is now down to a half game. A win in D.C. could give the Sun the lead in the Eastern Conference, if the Shock lose to San Antonio. Add in a win against Indiana and the Sun will be in good shape going into the Olympic break.

San Antonio Silver Stars 78 - Chicago Sky 67- Sophia Young's 19 points were enough to give the Silver Stars their 17th win of the season. Candice Dupree of the Sky scored 20 points.

Minnesota Lynx 84 - Indiana Fever 80- Seimone Augustus' 25 points were enough to give the Lynx the victory. Ebony Hoffman and Tamika Catchings each scored 17 points for the Fever.

Women Play Sports Exclusive Interview: Paula Creamer

Greetings all! I hope you guys are enjoying your Thursday.

We have a special treat for you folks today. We have an exclusive question and answer session with current LPGA player, Paula Creamer. Born in California and residing in Florida, Creamer has been playing golf since she was 10 years old. Creamer turned pro in 2005 and has nine professional wins.

A couple of weeks ago, Creamer won the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Ohio, her third win of the season. Creamer also has 10 top-10 finishes, including two of them coming at the Women's U.S. Open (6th) and McDonald's LPGA Championship (10th).

This week, Creamer will be participating at the Evian Masters in France. The week after is the Women's British Open at the Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England.

First off, congratulations on the win at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. You shot an 11-under 60 for that first round, just missing out on tying Annika Sorenstam's single round record of 59. What was your initial reaction to shooting a 60, first off? How nice would it have been to at least tie that mark? And how much would you say the 60 in the first round helped you?

Thanks!!! Shooting 60 was a thrill!! Tee to green, I've been hitting the ball very well all year, but it was nice to finally see more of the putts go in. That was really the difference between shooting 4 or 5 under par and shooting a 11-under. My 11 birdies were all one putts. Sure you want to shoot 59, but actually some of my golf balls are marked with '58', since I really want to go one better than the current record.


You have three wins on the tour and you're fourth (as of July 21) in the Women's World Golf Rankings. What do you credit your success to?

Work, hard work and more hard work on my game. Proper nutrition and fitness, too. Being 4th is nice, but getting to # 1 is my ultimate goal. I am constantly learning and getting better in many areas. I know I can do it, which is a great feeling!!!


What are your thoughts on Annika Sorenstam retiring? What do you feel like she's brought to the women's game?

Annika brought so much to women's professional golf, she will be greatly missed on Tour. I have enjoyed competing against her these past 3 1/2 years, since I always like to go up against the best in the game. I understand why Annika is stepping away from the game at this point in her life, as she wants to get married, start a family and concentrate on other golf-related ventures she's involved with. I certainly respect her for that and wish her nothing but the best!!


What are your thoughts on Lorena Ochoa? Could she be the next Annika?

Lorena has certainly proven that she's the legitimate #1 player right now. She's a nice person and I'm glad to call her my friend. I would say that Lorena is going to be the next Lorena!

You like to wear the color pink at all of your tournaments. What's the reasoning behind wearing pink?

Pink has always been my favorite color, even before I got into golf. It's just a great color. It's fashionable, yet it shows a fierce side, too. I don't wear pink every day, but I always have something on that is pink, even if it is a small ankle bracelet.


What does the future hold for you in the LPGA? Do you think you'll be around for a long time?

The LPGA is in a good place right now. Hopefully we can add a significant number of tournaments in the US to go with the international growth. The membership is made up of a diverse group from all over the world. It is great that many have left their home tours to come play in the US. As for my longevity, I hope to be around for a long time to come. I'm not even 22 yet, so I have lots of time yet to decide when to step away!!

WNBA Recap: Ford done for the season

One night after the chaos at the Palace of Auburn Hills, it was announced on Wednesday that Shock star Cheryl Ford was done for the season after tearing her ACL in the game against the Sparks on Tuesday night.

This couldn't have come at a worse time for the Shock as they've lost two straight games and their lead in the Eastern Conference is down to 1.5 games. They have two games left and could potentially lose their lead in the East, if they lose both games. WNBA officials are looking over the tape to determine what happened. Rest assure, suspensions will be handed down.

New York Liberty 80 - Washington Mystics 74- Tiffany Jackson scored 14 points off the bench to lead the Liberty to just their fifth win on the road. The Liberty are now just a half game behind the Sun for second place in the East. Taj McWilliams-Franklin of the Mystics led all scorers with 19 points.

WNBA Recap: Scuffle ends night for Sparks, Shock coach

Los Angeles Sparks 84 - Detroit Shock 81- The Sparks stopped the Shock from coming back to win. However, the big story happened in the final seconds of the game. After Shock star Cheryl Ford fouled Sparks star Candace Parker, Parker got tangled with Shock forward Plenette Pierson, which started a scuffle for both sides. In the scuffle, Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn reportedly knocked down Sparks center Lisa Leslie.

Mahorn left the bench to play peacemaker and the contact with Leslie appeared to be accidental, I can't say with certainty. Mahorn, Parker, Pierson and Delisha Milton-Jones were all ejected from the game. This is without a doubt a serious matter that will be dealt with. Suspensions will be handed down and from the sounds of it, a few of the players in last nights game will most likely be done until after the Olympics.

Here's the video for you to judge for yourself.



Houston Comets 94 - Phoenix Mercury 92- Believe it or not, there were other games going on last night. Diana Taurasi's 31 points weren't enough for the Mercury to get past the Comets. Tina Thompson led the Comets with 19 points.

Seattle Storm 76 - Minnesota Lynx 73- Sue Bird scored 22 points for the Storm, who have won their fourth game on the road this season. Charde Houston scored 16 points off the bench for the Lynx. The Storm are now tied with the San Antonio Silver Stars for first place in the Western Conference.

WNBA Recap: Mystics blow away Storm in first game without Rollins

Washington Mystics 89 - Seattle Storm 57- One day after the Mystics fired head coach Tree Rollins, interim coach Jessie Kenlaw led the team to a blowout victory over the Storm. Taj McWilliams-Franklin of the Mystics led all scorers with 22 points. Katie Gearlds led the Storm with 13 points off the bench. One notable player not at the game was Lauren Jackson, who is currently in Australia preparing for the Olympics in Beijing.

Connecticut Sun 74 - Chicago Sky 67- Asjha Jones' 23 points were more than enough for the Sun to defeat the Sky. Lindsay Whalen added 20 points of her own for the Sun. The Sun snapped a five game losing streak

Sacramento Monarchs 88 - Detroit Shock 85- Rebekkah Brunson scored 18 points for the Monarchs as they knocked off the Shock. Deanna Nolan's 27 points weren't enough for the Shock.

With the Shock's loss and the Sun's win, the now Shock hold a two game lead over the Sun in the Eastern Conference. Each team has three games left before the Olympic break.

The Shock play LA at home on Tuesday, Houston on the road on Thursday and San Antonio at home on Sunday.

The Sun will play LA at home on Thursday, Washington on the road on Sunday and Indiana on the road on Monday.

Anything can happen, especially in the Eastern Conference.

NOTE: Pic not from actual game

Weekend Review: Wie disqualified for not signing scorecard

Michelle Wie disqualified from State Farm Classic- Golfer Michelle Wie was disqualified from the State Farm Classic on Saturday after she failed to sign her scorecard from Friday. Wie was among the leaders at the State Farm Classic.

Fever beat Liberty in first outdoor game in pro basketball history- The two teams squared off at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. In the end, the Fever defeated the Liberty 71-55. Katie Douglas of the Fever led the way with 20 points.

Oh wins in playoff at State Farm Classic- Ji Young Oh defeated Yani Tseung on the first playoff hole on Sunday to win the State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill. Oh shot a 3-under 69 to tie Tseung in the tournament. Tseung shot even par. This weekend, the women head to France for the Evian Masters. The event will be a prep one for the British Open in two weeks.

WNBA Recap: Phoenix knocks of LA

Phoenix Mercury 99 - Los Angeles Sparks 92- DeLisha Milton's 38 points for the Sparks was not enough to overcome the Mercury. Cappie Pondexter scored 27 points for the Mercury, with Diana Taurasi adding 23 of her own. Candace Parker scored 23 points and added 13 rebounds for the Sparks. The Mercury snapped a 3-game losing streak.

Houston Comets 96 - Minnesota Lynx 88- The bench players for both teams came up big on the night. Tina Thompson scored 25 points off the bench for the Comets, while Candice Wiggins scored 27 for the Lynx. Tamecka Dixon added 22 for the Comets. The Comets ended a 3-game losing streak.

New York Liberty 77 - Washington Mystics 56- Ashley Battle scored 15 points off the bench for the Liberty as they won their third straight game going into the outdoor game on Saturday night. The Liberty will play the first ever outdoor game in WNBA history when they face the Indiana Fever at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It should be an exciting time! If you live in the New York area, definitely check it out.

WNBA Recap: Perkins 26 points not enough to stop the Shock

Detroit Shock 66 - Chicago Sky 63- The Shock increased their lead over the Sun in the Eastern Conference to 2.5 games. The Shock had a 39-22 lead at halftime, but the Sky cut it down. In the end, the Sky fell short. Cheryl Ford scored 14 points for the Shock. Jia Perkins of the Sky scored 26 points on the night, leading all scorers. The Shock remain the only team in the league that is unbeaten at home.

Atlanta Dream 81 - Indiana Fever 77- The Dream are now 3-19. Iziane Castro Marques scored 24 points on the night for the Dream, while Betty Lennox added 16 points. Tamika Catchings scored 18 points off the bench for the Fever.

WNBA Recap: Silver Stars win

San Antonio Silver Stars 97 - Phoenix Mercury 87- All five starters for the Silver Stars scored at least 10 points in the game. However, it was Sophia Young who came up big for the Silver Stars, scoring 26 points. Becky Hammon scored 19 points for the Silver Stars. For the Mercury, Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter each scored 23 points. The Mercury have now lost three straight games.

New York Liberty 77 - Connecticut Sun 71- The Sun have now lost four straight games and are fading far behind the Detroit Shock for first place in the Eastern Conference standings. Lisa Willis scored 18 points off the bench for the Liberty, while Shameka Christon added 16 points of her own. Lindsay Whalen scored 19 points for the Sun. Jamie Carey scored 18 points off the bench for the Sun. The third year guard out of Texas made six, three-pointers in the game.

WNBA Recap: Sparks snap losing streak

Los Angeles Sparks 75 - San Antonio Silver Stars 62- Two streaks were snapped last night. The Sparks snapped a two game losing streak and the Silver Stars snapped a seven game losing streak. Candace Parker led the way for the Sparks with 24 points. Parker also grabbed 10 rebounds. Becky Hammon led the Silver Stars with 21 points.

WNBA Recap: Sun lose third straight

Washington Mystics 69 - Connecticut Sun 64- The Sun are now on a three game losing streak and drop a game and a half behind the Eastern Conference leaders, the Detroit Shock. Lindsay Whalen's 33 points and eight rebounds were not enough to move the Sun into a first place tie. Nikki Blue put up 13 points for the Mystics.

Chicago Sky 79 - Atlanta Dream 66- Jia Perkins and Candace Dupree combined for 36 points to snap the Sky's four game losing streak. Katie Feenstra scored 21 points for the Dream. The Dream have now lost two straight after winning two straight games.

LPGA Update: Creamer wins at Owens Corning Classic

Paula Creamer didn't have the best round of the day yesterday, but she still managed to hold on and win at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. Creamer shot a 2-over 73 to finish the tournament 16-under. Creamer had three bogeys and one birdie for the day.

Creamer won by two shots against Nicole Castrale. Castrale had the best round of the day when she shot a 7-under 64. After bogeying the first hole, Castrale made eight birdies and finished the back nine with a 31.

Eun-Hee Ji finished in third place. Ji shot a 1-over 72 for the fourth round and finished the tournament with a 13-under. Shanshan Fung finished in fourth place when she shot a 2-under.

Fresh off a 9-under round on Saturday, Karrie Webb rounded out the top five for the Classic when she shot a 1-under 70.

Among the notable finishes at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, Brittany Lincicome finished tied for seventh with a 9-under for the tournament, Angela Stanford finished in ninth, at 8-under for the tournament. Grace Park finished tied for 26th. Michelle Wie finished tied for 46th.

On Thursday, the Tour hits Springfield, Ill. for the LPGA State Farm Classic.

WNBA Recap: Storm blow out Sparks

Gee, I wonder how many times newspaper editors have put in a headline like that, eh!

Seattle Storm 70 - Los Angeles Sparks 52- The Storm now have six straight victories and remain in second place in the Western Conference. Sue Bird scored 18 points in the Storm's victory over the Sparks. Four of the five starters on the Storm had at least 10 points. Yolanda Griffith fell short of reaching 10 points. Candace Parker led the Sparks with 14 points.

Sacramento Monarchs 105 - Phoenix Mercury 97- First the Monarchs defeat the Sparks and now they knock off the Mercury. Kara Lawson and Nicole Powell each put up 15 points for the Monarchs. Rebekkah Brunson scored 13 points and added 11 rebounds. Cara Pondexter led the Mercury with 33 points. Diana Taurasi added 20 points for the Mercury.

New York Liberty 74 - Detroit Shock 64- A 23-7 fourth quarter made the difference in the game. Shameka Christon scored 19 points for the Liberty in the win. Katie Smith scored 13 for the Shock. The Liberty remain in good shape as the season continues on. They remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana Fever 66 - Chicago Sky 57- The Fever's Katie Douglas scored 25 points in a game that featured sloppy offenses. Both teams shit under 39% for the game. Candace Dupree of the Sky scored 19 points.

LPGA Update: Creamer maintains lead in Ohio

Paula Creamer held on to her lead at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Sylvania. Creamer shot a 1-under 70 for the day to go 18-under for the tournament. Creamer bogeyed twice and birdied three times.

Creamer holds a four shot lead over Eun Hee Ji, who shot a 3-under for the round. Ji is now at 14-under after three rounds. Rachel Hetherington is in third place after shooting a 4-under 67. Hetherington is seven shots back of Creamer. She's 11-under for the tournament.

Karrie Webb had the best round of the day when she shot a 9-under 62. Webb is now 10-under for the tournament and is tied for fourth.

LPGA Update: Creamer takes 6-shot lead

One day after shooting an 11-under, Paula Creamer shot a 6-under 65 today, to continue to lead at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. Creamer made six birdies and one bogey in today's round. Creamer is now 17-under for the tournament.

Eun-Hee Ji is in second place after the second round. Ji shot a 5-under for the round today and is currently 11-under for the tournament. Rachel Hetherington and H.J. Choi are tied for third place at 7-under for the tournament. Hetherington shot a 4-under 67 in the second round today, whole Choi shot a 3-under 68.

Alena Sharp, Young Kim, Janice Moodie and Stacy Lewis are all tied for fifth place. They're all one shot back in the tournament at 6-under.

The 2004 British Open champion, Karen Stupples is 3-under after two rounds, after shooting a 4-under today.

Defending champion Se Ri Pak and Brittany Lincicome are among those tied in ninth place. They're at 5-under for the tournament.

Natalie Gulbis, Meg Mallon and Laura Davies were among those who weren't able to make the cut.

WNBA Recap: Monarchs stop Sparks to end losing streak

Sacramento Monarchs 87 - Los Angeles Sparks 69- The Monarchs snapped a three game losing streak last night. Nicole Powell stepped it up big for the Monarchs, scoring 24 points. One night after scoring her career high in points, Candace Parker had a quiet night for the Sparks. Parker only scored 14 points. Sidney Spencer added 14 points off the bench. The Sparks are now 1 1/2 games behind the San Antonio Silver Stars.

San Antonio Silver Stars 75 - Chicago Sky 67- It was an off night for Silver Stars player Becky Hammon, who scored only 12 points. It was up to center Ann Wauters and she stepped it up big time for the Silver Stars, scoring 23 points. Jia Perkins scored 19 for the Sky. The Silver Stars have won six straight games.

Seattle Storm 89 - Phoenix Mercury 78- The Storm have now won five straight games and have taken over second place in the Western Conference. The Storm had a terrific night from the foul line, shooting 26-of-28 from the charity stripe. Lauren Jackson led the Storm with 25 points. Cappie Pondexter of the Mercury scored 20 points.

Olympics Preview: US Women's Judo Team

We're closing in at less than one month for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, which are being held in August. To prepare you for the games, we are previewing the US women teams that will be taking part in this year's games.

Today, we will focus on the Judo team. For those who are unfamiliar with Judo, it is a combat sport so to speak. Basically, if you like tossing people, then judo is for you.

The team will send three regulars and three alternates.

Sayaka Matsumoto- Women's 48kg (105 lbs.)

This 4th-degree black belt from Japan will be in her first Olympic games (she was an alternate in 2000). Matsumoto is a 7-time national champion. S he is one of the best Judo fighters in the world. Her alternate will be Ann Shiraishi.

Valerie Gotay- Women's 57kg (125 lbs.)

This 34-year-old is competing in her second Olympics. Gotay competed at the 1992 games in Barcelona. She missed out on the 1996 games and the 2000 games. This veteran has the chance to get far at the Olympics. Gotay's alternate will be Hannah Martin. This 20-year-old was barely four-years-old when Gotay competed in her first games.

Ronda Rousey- Women's 70kg (154 lbs.)

This 21-year-old is the youngest non-alternate member of the Olympic team. She will be starting in her second Olympics. Rousey finished in ninth place at the 2004 games in the 63kg weight class. Rousey has won several events this year, including the US Olympic Trials, USA Senior National Championships and the Budapest World Cup. Don't be surprised to see her medal this year at Beijing. Katie Sell will be Rousey's alternate.

Photo Courtesy: Valley Morning Star

WNBA Recap: Parker drops 40 on Comets

Los Angeles Sparks 82 - Houston Comets 74 - Candace Parker had a huge night against the Comets. The rookie from Tennessee scored a whopping 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in the process. In four games this month, Parker has averaged 20+ per game. Tina Thompson of the Comets scored 21 and added seven rebounds.


Atlanta Dream 73 - Minnesota Lynx 67- It's a miracle, the Dream have won two straight games. I knew if they won things would get rolling in their favor! Betty Lennox of the Dream led all scorers with 24 points. Seimoine Augustus of the Lynx scored 17 points

Olympic Preview: US Archery Team

We're less than one month away from the 2008 Olympics, which are being held in Beijing. To prepare you for the event, we are previewing the US Women's teams. Today, our emphasis is on the US Women's Archery team. (NOTE: I couldn't find any photos of the US team themselves, so this will be sufficient for now.)

The women's team had an uneventful time at the last Olympic games in Athens. This time however, the team will only be sending two to Beijing.

Jennifer Nichols made her second straight Olympic games. In 2004, she finished in ninth place, the best finish among the American women in the individual event.

Khatuna Lorig is the only other American competitor in these games. Lorig is competing in her fourth Olympic games, as well as her third different country. She competed for the countries of Georgia and the Soviet Union. She's now a U.S. citizen and looks to bring medals back to her new home.

WNBA Recap: Mercury score 99, Fever and Mystics combine for 98

Washington Mystics 50 - Indiana Fever 48- These two teams combined to make 41 baskets the entire night. Both teams shot under 35% for the night. Both teams also combined for 39 turnovers. At halftime, the score was 29-14, Fever's lead. Unfortunately for the Fever, they scored 19 points in the second half, while the Mystics scored 36. Mystics forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin led all scorers with 20 points. Fever forward Ebony Hoffman scored 16.

Phoenix Mercury 99 - Houston Comets 94- While the game in Washington was the lowest scoring of the night, last night's game in Phoenix was the highest scoring. Mercury star Diana Taurasi scored 30 points, including five three pointers. Cappie Pondexter also scored 22 for the Mercury. Tina Thompson led the Comets with 23 points.

Detroit Shock 88 - Connecticut Sun 82- The Shock are now in first place in the Eastern Conference. Kara Braxton came up big off the bench for the Shock, scoring 23 points. Katie Smith scored 17 points for the Shock. Asjha Jones of the Sun scored 21 points. Sun fans do not fear, the season still has a ways to go.

Seattle Storm 79 - Sacramento Monarchs 64- The Storm won a huge game on the road, their fourth straight win. Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird combined for 33 points in the Storm's win last night. The Monarchs scored only 32% from the field. Crystal Kelly led the Monarchs with 12 points.

San Antonio Silver Stars 83 - New York Liberty 79- The Silver Stars have maintained their lead in the Western Conference. Becky Hammon of the Silver Stars scored 27 points, while Sophia Young scored 23. Shameka Christon led the Liberty also scored 27 points.

Olympics Preview: US Women's Tennis

We're now one month away from the beginning of the 2008 Olympic games, which are being held in Beijing, China. To get you ready for the Olympics, we are doing preview of all the U.S. women athletes that are Beijing bound. Today, we're profiling the U.S. women's tennis team.

Venus and Serena Williams will both be making another trip to the Olympics. For Venus it's her third trip and for Serena it's her second. Venus won two gold medals at the Sydney games in 2000. Serena has won only one gold medal and that was with her older sister, in the doubles portion of the 2000 games.

Lindsay Davenport has made it to her third straight summer games. Davenport won the singles gold medal at the Atlanta games in 1996. Davenport was knocked out of the second round at the 2000 summer games. At 32-years-old and a little over a year since she had her first child, there's no guarantees about Davenport's future. This could be her final Olympic games. A strong showing would be a great way for Davenport to finish her career as an Olympian.

Finally, we have a newcomer for the American women, Liezel Huber. Huber became an American citizen last year. The South African native has had doubles success in pro tennis. She now has the chance to make some noise for the American women at Beijing.

Olympics: US Women's Swimming

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing are less than a month away and everybody seems to be ready to go. Throughout the month, we will preview all the women taking part in this year's summer games. Today, we start with USA swimming.

For the U.S., all eyes will be on 41-year-old Dara Torres. She'll be competing in her fifth summer games. Torres has won nine medals in her Olympic career, including four gold medals. Torres will compete in the 50 meter-freestyle and the 4x100 freestyle relay.

While Torres might be the oldest swimming Olympian, the youngest is Elizabeth Beisel. At 15, this will be Beisel's first Olympics. She will be competing in the 200-meter backstroke and the 400-meter individual medley.

Chloe Sutton is another teenage swimmer who will be making her Olympics debut in Beijing. The 16-year-old will compete in the 10K marathon swim.

Natalie Coughlin made her debut at the Athens games in 2004. She had a strong showing, winning two gold medals, as well as winning two silver medals and a bronze medal. Coughlin has a chance to win even more medals when she competes in Beijing next month.

Coughlin will compete in several events, including the 100-meter backstroke, 100-meter freestyle and the 200-meter individual medley.

Finally, Amanda Beard has also made it to the Olympics. The two-time gold medalist will be competing in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Keep it tuned here. I'll have plenty of previews for you guys over the course of the next month.


Photo courtesy: Women's Sports Foundation

WTA Update: Ivanovic stays #1

Despite a third round knockout at Wimbledon, Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic remains at the top of the WTA singles rankings. Ivanovic holds a 143 point lead over second ranked Jelena Jankovic.

The only newcomer in the top five is Serena Williams, who lost in the Wimbledon final to older sister Venus. Despite her win on Saturday, Venus remains ranked in the seventh spot.

Wimbledon semifinalist Jie Zheng made one of the biggest moves in this week's rankings. Zheng was ranked no.-133 and is now no.-40 ranked.

Ivanovic continues to lead in the Race to the Sony Ericsson Championships. Jankovic is in second place and Serena Williams is in third.

Weekend Report: Venus wins, Dream finally win a game

Another exciting weekend has come and gone in the world. I hope everybody enjoyed their Independence Day weekend. Mine went okay!

Venus Williams defeats Serena Williams to win Wimbledon final

Another sibling showdown has come and gone. This time, older Venus came out on top over younger Serena. Venus won the match in straight sets, 7-5 and 6-4. Serena did all she could to hang in there with Venus, she even had nine aces in the match. Venus converted more break point opportunities and that did Serena in.

Seon Hwa Lee wins LPGA event in Arkansas

Seon Hwa Lee won by one shot today over Jane Park at the NW Arkansas championship. Hwa Lee shot a 4-under in the final round to win the tournament, she shot 15-under for the tournament. It was just enough to hold off Park, who shot a 10-under 62 in the final round, one shot behind Hwa Lee. Meena Lee also finished the tournament in second. Lee shot 2-under for the final round.

Dream win first WNBA game

Congratulations goes out to the Atlanta Dream, who after 18 games, have finally won their first game. The expansion team defeated the Chicago Sky on Saturday night. The Dream won 91-84. Now the Dream need to take it step by step. Now, it's time for a second win. They have a six game road trip coming up, so anything is possible.

Wimbledon Update: An All Williams Final

The Williams sisters will once again go head-to-head in a Wimbledon final, for the third time ever at the famous grand slam event.

Venus was the first to advance. The defending champion defeated Elena Dementieva in straight sets, 6-1 and 7-6 (7-3). Venus is looking to go for her fifth title at Wimbledon and eighth career grand slam overall.

Serena also won her match in straight sets. Serena defeated Jie Zheng 6-2 and 7-6 (7-5). Serena will be going for her third title at Wimbledon and her ninth career grand slam.

Serena has defeated Venus both times in their showdowns at Wimbledon. In fact, in grand slam finals, Serena has lost only once to her older sister and winning five of those matches. In fact, Serena has lost only twice in a grand slam final.

The odds are in favor of Serena, but don't count Venus out just yet.

If I don't see you guys this weekend, enjoy your 4th of July.

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