Triple for Sterling
RAHEEM Sterling has scored a hat-trick as Manchester City began the defence of their English Premier League title with a crushing 5-0 win at West Ham. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring on Saturday, Sterling scored twice and Sergio Aguero netted a penalty before Sterling rounded things off with the fifth as City picked up where they left off last season. Tottenham came from behind to beat Aston Villa while Sheffield United picked up a point on their return to the top-flight after a draw with Bournemouth.
Scott at long odds
ADAM Scott admits he is too far back to repeat his “fluke” 2013 Northern Trust victory at Liberty National but can break his playoffs campaign wide open with a hot final round in New Jersey. Scott’s two-under 69 left him at seven-under and a distant seven shots behind 54-hole leader Patrick Reed (67). Scott conceded he is unlikely to make up such a deficit as he did at Liberty National in 2013, when he started the final round six shots off the pace but charged to a one shot win. “There are a lot of players to pass; it’ll be very tough but it’s not impossible,” Scott said.
Nadal in Canada final
DEFENDING champion Rafael Nadal reached the final of the ATP Montreal Masters Saturday when France’s Gael Monfils pulled out of their scheduled semi-final with an ankle injury. Monfils had been scheduled for double-duty after winning a rain-delayed quarterfinal over Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6,7-6 (7/2). He needed treatment on his ankle during that match and organisers later said he had withdrawn from the tournament. Top-seeded Nadal will go for a second straight Canadian crown against eighthseeded Daniil Medvedev, who beat sixth-seeded fellow Russian Karen Khachanov 6-1, 7-6
Fed, Joker join fray
NOVAK Djokovic and Roger Federer will make late summer hardcourt starts this week as the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters begins. Giving his resurfaced right hip a test after seven months of singles inactivity will be wildcard and two-time champion Andy Murray. After a January firstround Australian Open loss, the Scot, 32, tearfully said his career might be over due to severe hip pain. But surgery has given him a second chance. Federer has claimed the Cincinnati trophy seven times. Djokovic is top seed, with Rafael Nadal second.