Book: Phil has bet over $1 billion
Phil Mickelson has wagered more than $1 billion over the last three decades and wanted to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup while playing for Team USA, according to a much-anticipated book by renowned gambler Billy Walters.
Mickelson denied ever betting on the Ryder Cup.
“While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game,” Mickelson said in a statement Thursday.
The stunning betting estimates
Walters provides — from his own detailed record and from what he describes as two reliable sources — are detailed in an excerpt of Walters’ book, “Gambler: Secrets from a Life of Risk.”
† Jordan Spieth opened with a 7-under 63 on a rain-soaked TPC Southwind course for a one-shot lead over Tom Kim in the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis Tennessee, the first event of the PGA Tour postseason.
† Ally Ewing made eagle from 5 feet at the par5 16th to leapfrog a five-way tie for first place and parred the last two holes to shoot 4-under 68 for the lead at Walton Heath in the opening round of the AIG Women’s British Open, the year’s final major.
SOCCER Spain reaches Women’s World Cup semifinals
Salma Paralluelo scored deep in extra time to give Spain a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Wellington, New Zealand, and send the sixth-ranked nation into the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time. The teen struck in the 111th minute.
† England midfielder Lauren James was handed a two-match ban for her red card for violent conduct against Nigeria in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup.
MLB
Orioles avoid sweep for 76th series in a row
Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle homered, Felix Bautista worked through another shaky ninth inning and the host Orioles extended their streak to 76 series without being swept, edging the Astros 5-4.
† Ke’Bryan Hayes drove in three runs for the third consecutive game as the Pirates rallied for a 7-5 victory and a split of a four-game series with the visiting Braves.
NHL
Ex-Blackhawk Jones lands with Hurricanes
Defenseman Caleb Jones signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Hurricanes. He played the last two seasons with the Blackhawks and brother Seth Jones.