Another day, another record for star Biles
STUTTGART, GERMANY >> Another day, another record for Simone Biles.
In a week where she’s written even more history than she usually does, the U.S. gymnastics star won her
23rd world championship medal on Saturday in vault.
That matches the all-time record by any gymnast, male or female — and expect Biles to be back on the podium in two more events Sunday.
“I think it’s impressive. Also, I don’t really think of it going into the competition, because I feel that kind of weighs heavy on me,” Biles said. “I just go in, do what I’m supposed to, and whatever the outcome is, I just kind of let it happen.”
Biles scored 15.399 to win, while U.S. teammate Jade Carey took the silver on
14.883, with Ellie Downie of Britain third on 14.816.
Biles matched the mark of 23 medals set by Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo.
Elliott leads Hendrick sweep in qualifying
TALLADEGA, ALA. >> Chase Elliott rebounded from last week’s engine failure to lead a Hendrick Motorsports sweep in qualifying for Sunday’s playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Elliott turned a lap at 192.552 mph in qualifying to give Chevrolet the front two rows. Elliott, winner of the April race at the Alabama track, bested Hendrick teammates Alex Bowman, William Byron and Jimmie Johnson in the qualifying session. Bowman and Byron are both challenging Elliott for the seven remaining spots in the next round of the NASCAR’s playoffs.
Sunday is expected to be a race with a heavy emphasis on manufacturer alignments as Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota have ordered their teams to work together. Elliott has four Chevrolets at the front of the field.
Fitzpatrick keeps lead
ROME >> A blistering finish from five-time European Tour winner Matthew Fitzpatrick saw him maintain his one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Italian Open.
Fitzpatrick birdied four of the last six holes to move to
13 under overall with a 3-under 68 in the third round, and hold off the challenges of rookies Kurt Kitayama and Robert MacIntyre.
American Kitayama is second at 12 under after a 6-under 65. He’s a shot ahead of Scotland’s MacIntyre.
Griffin in front
HUMBLE, TEXAS >> Lanto Griffin recovered from a rain-delayed double-bogey finish to his second round earlier to post a 7-under-65 — the day’s best score — and secure a single-stroke lead through 54 holes of the Houston Open.
Mark Hubbard is alone in second place at 10-under par after shooting a 69. The 36-hole leader, Peter Malnati, is one of three players two shots back.
U.S. defender Robinson hurt
CHICAGO >> Defender Miles Robinson will miss the United States’ CONCACAF Nations League match against Canada on Tuesday night because of a strained left hamstring.
Robinson, 22, did not play in Friday’s 7-0 win over Cuba, then got hurt in a post-match training session.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said the Atlanta United defender returned to his club to be evaluated.