TENNIS: Spain rolls into Davis Cup final
David Ferrer beat John Isner 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to give Spain an insurmountable 3-1 lead over the United States in their Davis Cup semifinal in Gijon, Spain. The five-time champions will face the Czech Republic in the final in November. In Buenos Aires, Tomas Berdych defeated Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to put the Czech Republic into the Davis Cup final. Argentina’s Juan Monaco then won the last meaningless singles match, beating Ivo Minar 6-3, 7-6 (2) to make the final result 3-2 for the Czechs.
Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens won the Bell Challenge for her first WTA Tour title, beating eighth-seeded Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic 6-1, 7-5 in Quebec City.
GOLF: Shin romps in Women’s British Open
Jiyai Shin cruised to a record nine-stroke victory over Inbee Park in the Women’s British Open in Hoylake, England. In the 36-hole finish yesterday in the wind-delayed tournament, Shin took a three-shot lead into the final round after shooting a 1-under 71 in the morning. She stayed calm while strong wind and heavy showers sent scores soaring at Royal Liverpool in the afternoon, closing with a 73 to finish at 9-under 279.
Willie Wood birdied the last two holes for a 6-under 66 and a one-stroke victory over Bill Glasson at the inaugural Hawaii Championship.
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain won the Italian Open in Fiano, Italy, edging South Africa’s Garth Mulroy by two strokes.
NASCAR: Keselowski holds off Johnson
Brad Keselowski raced to an impressive victory in the opening race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, outdueling five-time champion Jimmie Johnson at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Kasey Kahne was third. It’s Keselowski’s fourth victory of the season. He leads Johnson by three points.