AP - Ray Allen found his shooting touch just in time to put the Boston Celtics within one win of the NBA finals for the first time since the original Big Three.

AFP - Maria Sharapova almost became the first women's top seed in French Open history to lose in the opening round on Wednesday as Rafael Nadal showed her the way to master a Roland Garros sandstorm.

AP - The Pittsburgh Penguins did a lot more complaining after Game 2 against the Red Wings than scoring in the first two chapters of the Stanley Cup finals. Now they're headed home in a big hole, with more questions than scoring chances. Producing timely offense and perfectionist defense, Detroit is not only beating the Penguins, they are shutting them out.

AFP - Germany head coach Joachim Loew has dropped striker Patrick Helmes plus midfielders Jermaine Jones and teenager Marko Marin from his Euro 2008 squad, it was announced on Wednesday.

AP - This was precisely the type of performance the New York Mets hoped for when they acquired Johan Santana.

AP - This is supposed to be the NHL's dream matchup for the Stanley Cup finals. The talented Pittsburgh Penguins against the tradition-rich Detroit Red Wings with more than enough star power to persuade even the most casual fan to switch off the NBA playoffs and turn on hockey.

AP - Lorena Ochoa withdrew from the Ginn Tribute, putting the top-ranked player's duel with tournament host Annika Sorenstam on hold.

AP - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from returning to the NBA finals. Bryant had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

AP - Top-seeded Maria Sharapova struggled with her serve in the wind at the French Open, hitting 17 double-faults and barely managing to defeat 103rd-ranked Evgeniya Rodina 6-1, 3-6, 8-6 Wednesday in the first round.

AP - Michelle Wie will make her first appearance in a full Ladies European Tour field at this week's German Open.

AFP - Yannick Noah, who is marking the 25th anniversary of his French Open title, sprang to the defence of his son Joakim on Tuesday after the basketball star was arrested for possession of marijuana.

AP - Mike Jarvis found a home in Boca Raton four years ago. Now, he's got a job to go with it.

AFP - Japan coach Takeshi Okada admitted Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura was vital to their World Cup qualifying campaign after being recalled from eight months on the sidelines.