B.C.’s Thompson is golden again
VAL THORENS, FRANCE — Marielle Thompson continues to roll in the World Cup ski cross season.
The Whistler native recorded her third straight win Saturday, the first time she’s captured three consecutive events.
In 2012, she registered back-to-back victories.
Anna Holmlund of Sweden finished second, ahead of France’s Ophelie David.
Calgary’s Brady Leman finished third in the men’s event, his best effort since a third-place effort in March 2014.
Crowded at the top
KAPALUA, HAWAII — Zach Johnson putted for birdie on every hole and made seven Saturday for a 6-under 67 that put him in a four-way tie for the lead after two rounds of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Johnson was halfway home to becoming the first repeat winner at Kapalua who wasn’t from Australia — Stuart Appleby and Geoff Ogilvy were the others.
Jimmy Walker dropped a stroke late and shot 68.
Russell Henley got off to a sluggish start before a solid back nine for a 70.
Bae Sang-Moon closed with eight straight pars for a 69. They joined Johnson at 11-under 135.
Tour rookie Nick Taylor of Abbotsford is at 4-under 142 after shooting a 73.
Headed to Australia
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA — Tour de France stage winner and 2012 Giro D’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal will launch his 2015 season in Australia’s Tour Down Under as the lead rider for the Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling team beginning Jan. 17.
The Victoria native will be joined by Australia’s Nathan Haas, New Zealand’s Jack Bauer, Denmark’s Lasse Hansen and Alex Howes of the United States.
Tour director Mike Turtur said Hesjedal is “making a welcome return to our peloton after last opening his season here in 2012 before going on to win a Grand Tour later that same year.”
pair fails drug tests
DALLAS — Oregon was forced to bench two players because of failed drug tests days before the team competes in the first College Football Playoff title game.
Wide receiver Darren Carrington and running back Ayele Forde did not travel to Monday’s national championship game against Ohio State after failing an NCAA-mandated drug test. Carrington tested positive for marijuana; the results of Forde’s test weren’t disclosed.