Worth the wait: Federer will be world No. 1 at 36
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS » Roger Federer added another highlight to his age-defying career resurgence by returning to the top of the world rankings on Friday after more than five years and becoming the oldest No. 1 at 36.
“What an amazing run it’s been and a journey it’s been for me ... to clinch world No. 1,” said Federer, who won three of the last five Grand Slams to put him on track to the top.
Beating leading Dutch player Robin Haase 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals at the ABN AMRO World Tournament means Federer becomes the oldest player — male or female — to top the tennis rankings. He surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the men’s record at age 33.
“Getting to No. 1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said. “I can’t believe it.”
Federer will leapfrog 31-year-old Rafael Nadal to No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday. Also a record will be the five-years-plus which have elapsed since Federer was last No. 1, and the 14 years since he first reached the top spot.
“This one, because I’m a little bit older, is a little bit more special maybe, because there’s just so much that has to go into it, so much has to be right for it to work out, and it did so. It’s a very deep satisfaction,” Federer said.
Federer plays lucky loser Andreas Seppi of Italy in the semifinals on Saturday. Seppi beat qualifier Daniil Medvedev of Russia 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3.
Querrey advances to New York Open semifinals
UNIONDALE, N.Y. » Second-seeded Sam Querrey advanced to the New York Open semifinals, beating Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) on Friday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Querrey, the 30-year-old American seeking his 11th ATP Tour title, will face fourth-seeded Adrian Mannarino of France, a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 winner over Spain’s Adrian Menendez-Maceiras.
Tiger misses cut at Riviera; Cantay, McDowell lead
LOS ANGELES » Tiger Woods waited 12 years to get back to Riviera and lasted only two days.
Woods had three straight bogeys early on the back nine Friday and didn’t play nearly well enough to make up for it. He shot 5-over 76 and missed the cut in the Genesis Open.
Patrick Cantlay (69) and Graeme McDowell (66) shared the lead as the second round was ending. It was getting too dark to conclude until Saturday morning. The cut was looking to be no better than 2 over. Woods, who had never missed the cut at Riviera in eight previous trips as a pro, was at 6-over 148.
Jimenez shoots 64 to take Chubb Classic lead
NAPLES, FLA. » Miguel Angel Jimenez eagled the par-5 third hole and shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead in the PGA Tour Champions’ Chubb Classic.
Jimenez birdied four of the first seven holes on TwinEagles’ Talon course. On his back nine, he bogeyed No. 1, eagled No. 3 and birdied Nos. 4, 7 and 8 — hitting to 2 1/2 feet on the seventh and 3 1/2 feet on the eighth.
Gary Hallberg and David Frost were tied for second.
Overnight leader maintains lead at Women’s Australian Open
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA » Overnight leader Jin Young Ko shot a 3-under 69 on Friday to increase her lead to three strokes after two rounds of the Women’s Australian Open.
The South Korean had a 36-hole total of 10-under 134 on the Kooyonga Golf Club course.
American Emma Talley, the 2013 U.S.amateur champion, was in second place after a 69, following her opening 68.
Hurney reinstated as Panthers interim GM after investigation
The Panthers have reinstated interim general manager Marty Hurney after an NFL investigation found no wrongdoing into charges of harassment by his ex-wife.
Hurney had been on a paid leave of absence during the investigation.
He is one of four candidates who have interviewed for the team’s permanent general manager position, which is expected to be filled soon.
The NFL said in a statement Friday that its “investigation identified no evidence to support an allegation of domestic violence or similar conduct that would constitute a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
The league said it requested to talk to his ex-wife Jeannie Hurney, but that she declined.
Lions add Fraley to staff
ALLEN PARK, MICH. » The Detroit Lions added two coaches to Matt Patricia’s staff.
The Lions hired Hank Fraley on Friday to be their assistant offensive line coach and Evan Rothstein to assist with research and analysis.
Fraley was UCLA’s offensive line coach last season after three years with the Minnesota Vikings as their assistant offensive line coach.
Arkansas State sues Miami following canceled game
JONESBORO, ARK. » Arkansas State has sued Miami and is seeking $650,000 in damages for failing to reschedule the football game in Jonesboro that was canceled in September because of concerns about Hurricane Irma.
The lawsuit was filed in Craighead County District Court Friday, and Arkansas State says Miami has “refused to timely and reasonably reschedule the game in years in which it has openings.”
Miami was scheduled to play at Arkansas State on Sept. 9 as part of a two-game contract that saw the Red Wolves travel to face the Hurricanes in 2014.