GOLF: Wilson leads Zurich Classic
Dean Wilson birdied three of the last four holes in windy conditions for a 6-under 66 and a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Zurich Classic yesterday in Avondale, La.
Briny Baird, Peter Lonard and Chez Reavie opened with 67s. Steve Elkington, Vaughn Taylor, Jay Williamson, Cameron Beckman and John Mallinger opened with 69s. Defending champion Nick Watney had a 71 on the TPC Louisiana.
* Angela Stanford shot a career-best 10-under 62 to break the Prospector Course record and take a three-stroke lead over defending champion Lorena Ochoa in the LPGA’s Safeway International in Superstition Mountain, Ariz. Three-time winner Annika Sorenstam birdied the final two holes to match Paula Creamer with a 69.
BASEBALL: Olivo suspension reduced
The suspension of Royals catcher Miguel Olivo was reduced from five to four games yesterday. The team was awaiting word from the commissioner’s office on whether outfielder Jose Guillen’s 15-day suspension will be eliminated. Olivo had been suspended for the start of this season because of a fight with the Mets during the final weekend of last season while he was with the Marlins. Guillen was penalized in December following reports linking him to performance-enhancing drugs.
BOXING: Spinks loses to Phillips
Cory Spinks relinquished his IBF junior welterweight championship last night in St. Louis in a 12-round split decision to Verno Phillips. The 30-year-old Spinks (36-5) has lost his last two fights. In his corner were his dad, Leon, and his uncle, Michael, both former heavyweight champs. The 38-year-old Phillips is 42-11-1.
SOCCER: US booters head to Swamp
The US soccer team completed plans to play Argentina in an exhibition game June 8 at Giants Stadium. The Americans won 3-0 at Poland on Wednesday, giving them consecutive victories in Europe for the first time. The team plays exhibitions at England on May 28 and at Spain on June 4.