U.S. OPEN TO GO ON DESPITE PANDEMIC
NEW YORK » Back in April, an onschedule U. S. Open simply did not seem possible.
The coronavirus was at its peak in New York; a building on the tournament grounds was converted to a field hospital. The pandemic was locking down much of society, including sports. Wimbledon was canceled for the first time in 75 years and the French Open was postponed.
On Monday the U. S. Open will begin — as scheduled, albeit without any spectators, and with one player — France’s Benoit Paire — dropped from the field because he tested positive for COVID- 19.
When play begins Monday morning in Arthur Ashe Stadium 2016 runnerup Karolina Pliskova, the topseeded woman, will play Anhelina Kalinina in the opening match.
In all, six of the top eight women are missing, including 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu.
If the women’s event seems unpredictable as can be — even with Serena Williams in the bracket, the overwhelming favorite for the men’s championship is Novak Djokovic.
He is scheduled to begin the night session against Damir Dzumhur, followed by two- time major champion Naomi Osaka against Misaki Doi.
Sixteen Auburn players sidelined after positive COVID- 19 tests.
AUBURN, ALA. » Auburn expects to return to practice Monday minus 16 players sidelined after positive COVID- 19 tests.
Coach Gus Malzahn said that the Tigers had five positives early in the week and four more after additional testing Thursday. With contact tracing, seven others who had close contact with them face a mandatory 14day quarantine.
“We had two position groups where we did not have enough guys,” coach Gus Malzahn said Sunday night. He declined to say which positions.
IndyCar champion Newgarden wins at Gateway under caution.
MADISON, ILL. » Josef Newgarden raced to his second IndyCar victory of the season, holding off rookie Pato O’Ward before a late caution ended the race at World Wide Technology Raceway under the yellow flag.
• Sheldon Creed beat Sam Mayer on a restart with 13 laps to go Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., to win his third NASCAR Truck Series race of the season and a $ 100,000 bonus.
• Lewis Hamilton led from start to finish at the Belgian Grand Prix to clinch his 89th career win and move two behind Michael Schumacher’s Formula One record on Sunday.
Ernst shoots 63, rallies to win NW Arkansas title.
ROGERS, ARK. » Austin Ernst rallied to win the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Sunday for her second LPGA Tour title, closing with an 8- under 63 for a twostroke victory over Anna Nordqvist.
Rottner wins Denver City Amateur.
A new champion emerged a the Denver City Amateur golf tournament. Heading into the second day Dylan Rottner, of Denver, was tied for third with the pack at 71.
Fighting against a fierce wind in the afternoon at City Park Golf Course, Rottner fired a 3- under 67 to win by three with a 138 total. He beat out Todd Edwards of Greeley ( 141), Kevin Welch of Frederick ( 142) and two- time winner Jeff Chapman of Lone Tree ( 143).
Messi skips required coronavirus testing.
MADRID » In another sign that Lionel Messi’s time with Barcelona is coming to an end, the player did not report for required coronavirus testing on Sunday. Barcelona said Messi was the only player who did not undergo the tests. The team is set to resume training on Monday ahead of the upcoming start of the season.
Messi last week expressed his desire to leave the club, but Barcelona wants him to play out the contract that ends in June 2021. The club also said it is not negotiating a possible transfer.