Ledecky reclaims 400-meter title

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Katie Ledecky started the United States’ medal collection at the world swimming championships with a gold by reclaiming her title in the women’s 400 meters on Saturday.

The Americans finished the first day of racing with two gold, one silver and three bronze.

Ledecky clocked 3 minutes, 58.15 seconds — nearly two seconds off the world record — for her fourth world title in the 400 freestyle after 2013, 2015 and 2017.

“It’s great to get the first gold medal for the U.S. team,” said Ledecky, who said she’s working on reclaiming her record, too. “I’m on the right track.”

Winning the 400 gave Ledecky her 16th gold at a worlds and 18th overall. She’s just one behind Natalie Coughlin for the most all-time medals by a female swimmer in world championships history.

Ledecky next turns attention to a potential fifth consecutive world title in the 1,500 with heats on Sunday.

Canadian 15-year-old Summer McIntosh clocked under 4 minutes for silver behind Ledecky.

GOLF Korda eagles 18th for LPGA lead

Defending champion Nelly Korda made a 22-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th for a 6-under 66 and the third-round lead Saturday in the LPGA Meijer Classic at

Belmont, Mich.

Korda also eagled the par-5 eighth and had three birdies and a bogey. She was at 18-under 198 at Blythefield Country Club.

Jennifer Kupcho, two strokes ahead entering the day, had a 69 to drop a shot back. Brooke Henderson, the ShopRite LPGA Classic winner Sunday in New Jersey, was third at 15 under after a 67.

NBA Atkinson staying with Warriors

Kenny Atkinson’s tenure as coach of the Charlotte Hornets is over before it started.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press that Atkinson, citing family matters, has reversed course and will not take over as coach of the Hornets.

The move comes more than a week after the Golden State assistant had agreed to a four-year contract.

RUGBY SaberCats drop season finale

The Houston SaberCats 2022 MLR season came to an end in a 46-27 defeat to the Seattle Seawolves Saturday night at AVEVA Stadium.

With the loss in the Western Conference finals, the SaberCats were eliminated from playoff contention. Houston went 9-7 during the regular season — their best record in franchise history.