Murray back to winning
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Andy Murray captured his first title of the year and became the first British man to win the Dubai Tennis Championships in its 25-year history when he defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday. This was Murray’s 14th final in 16 tournaments dating to last May. The only two tournaments at which he failed to make the final in that period were the 2016 U.S. Open and 2017 Australian Open. “It’s been a great run. Can’t complain about much,” Murray said. “Giving yourself a lot of matches gives you confidence to go into those big events (Grand Slams).” Dubai was his first tournament since a fourthround loss at the Australian Open in January, and he has been recuperating from a bout with shingles. The top-ranked Murray, who was a Dubai finalist in 2012, improved his career record against Verdasco to 13-1.
BASEBALL
› The Atlanta Braves were beaten in split-squad games in Grapefruit League play Saturday, losing 7-4 to Philadelphia in Clearwater, Fla., and 8-6 to Miami in Kissimmee, Fla. Against the Phillies, Atlanta starter Aaron Blair came out after facing one batter when he was hit on the left wrist on a comebacker. Josh Collmenter took over and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing three hits. Against the Marlins, Atlanta knuckleballer R.A. Dickey gave up four runs in the first inning, and Braves rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson had a two-run single.
SOCCER
› HARRISON, N.J. — Ellen White scored on a rebound in the 89th minute as the England national women’s team stunned the United States 1-0 Saturday in the second round of the SheBelieves Cup at Red Bulls Arena. It marked the first time England has beaten the United States since a friendly in 2011. England improved to 4-9-1 against the Americans. White, a reserve who entered in the 76th minute, scored seconds after Lucy Bronze cracked a shot off the crossbar moments following a corner kick. Two U.S. defenders collided trying to clear the ball, and White ripped it past goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
BASKETBALL
› Change is coming to the defense-optional NBA All-Star Game, and commissioner Adam Silver wants to hear ideas. Silver and players’ union president Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers have spoken about how to make the game more competitive. No decisions have been made, but the Western Conference’s 192-182 win over the Eastern Conference last month in New Orleans underlined such a need. Some All-Stars said that night they would like to see a more authentic game, and the league apparently agrees. “We will change it by next year,” Silver said. “It shouldn’t be playoff intensity, but the guys should be playing.”
FOOTBALL
› CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina is switching its football uniforms to former player Michael Jordan’s Nike line. The school made the announcement at halftime of the Tar Heels’ basketball game against rival Duke on Saturday night — and marked the occasion by bringing out Jordan himself to a pair of raucous ovations at midcourt. North Carolina will become the second football program to wear Jordan’s Jumpman logo, joining Michigan. The basketball programs have long worn uniforms from Jordan Brand, a business division of Nike. Football coach Larry Fedora was spotted before the basketball game wearing a polo shirt with the Jumpman logo, and a photo on social media showed him with Jordan as both wore Jordan Brand shirts.