Olympic torch arrives in France
MARSEILLE, France — Tens of thousands of people welcomed the Olympic torch Wednesday in the southern French city of Marseille, marking another milestone in the lead-up to the Summer Games in Paris.
French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou became the first torch carrier in France after the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille’s Old Port on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony.
The ship sailed into Marseille’s old port with the French national anthem “La Marseillaise” echoing from the embankment and a French Air force flyover with planes first drawing the five Olympic rings and then the red-bluewhite colors of the nation’s flag.
Parker takes on new position
Candace Parker has a new job as president of women’s basketball at Adidas.
The three-time WNBA champion announced her retirement as a player on April 28 after 16 seasons.
Cowboys cut receiver Bryant
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys released receiver Martavis Bryant on Wednesday, ending his latest attempt to return to the NFL following a long absence.
Wells Fargo tee times delayed
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on Thursday will be delayed with rain in the forecast.
The start of the first round was set for 11 a.m. because of heavy rain expected to hit the area in the early morning.
Tiger to negotiate with Saudis
Tiger Woods will be the lone player on a five-member subcommittee that will be involved in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund, part of a busy day of governance as the PGA Tour tries to strike a deal with Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
Woods was appointed to the PGA Tour board in August, making him the sixth player-director and the only one whose board term has no limits.
Mcilroy won’t rejoin PGA board
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rory Mcilroy won’t be returning to the PGA Tour board, saying Wednesday that a plan to replace Webb Simpson was met with resistance from board members.
Mcdowell to Spire Motorsports
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Shortly after Michael Mcdowell said Wednesday he would not return to Front Row Motorsports after this season, Spire Motorsports announced it had signed the former Daytona 500 winner to a multiyear
WBC strips Charlo of his title
PEARLAND, Texas — The World Boxing Council has stripped unbeaten Jermall Charlo of his middleweight title following his arrest this week on suspicion of drunken driving in Texas.
The organization’s Board of Governors on Tuesday named Carlos Adames its champion in the division.
Osaka advances at Italian Open
ROME — Naomi Osaka looked comfortable in her opening match at the Italian Open, beating 45th-ranked Clara Burel 7-6 (2), 6-1 on Wednesday.
Also, qualifier Bernarda Pera beat fellow American Caroline Dolehide 7-6 (6), 6-3 and will next face top-ranked Iga Swiatek.
In men’s action, Argentine-born Italian Luciano Darderi had strong crowd support in a 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Denis Shapovalov on Campo Centrale and Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro eliminated Gael Monfils 6-2, 7-5.
Real Madrid in Champions final
MADRID — With more late drama and another magical night at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid rallied to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons.