AP - Steven Stamkos welcomes the expectations that come with being the first pick in the NHL draft.

AFP - Spain one of the pre-tournament title favourites ensured they made their first final for 24 years when they demolished Russia 3-0 here on Thursday in their Euro 2008 semi-final.

AP - The Minnesota Twins probably wish interleague play would last a little longer. Justin Morneau went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, and the Twins beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 on Thursday to win their ninth straight game, all against the NL.

AP - The Indiana Pacers are trading six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined.

AP - Ricky Williams needed just 11 yards for the record book when he ran for 60, taking a handoff, bouncing off a defender and bolting to the end zone.

AP - Matt Garza pitched a one-hitter, allowing only Hanley Ramirez's home run leading off the seventh inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Florida Marlins 6-1 Thursday to complete a three-game sweep.

AP - The New Jersey Nets decided to part ways with the second-leading scorer in franchise history, dealing Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee hours before the draft Thursday for forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

AP - Moments after Maria Sharapova walked off the court in defeat, her father stomped away from the stadium down a Wimbledon walkway, spitting out words in Russian as he gestured to a companion.

AP - Minutes after the NBA draft started, Derrick Rose learned he was headed home. Long after it ended, O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love were on the move.

AFP - Maria Sharapova suffered a humiliating second round exit at Wimbledon on Thursday as the former champion was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by fellow Russian, and world number 154, Alla Kudryavtseva.

AFP - Spain are hoping to continue undoing their underachievements of the past as they aim to get past Russia in Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final.

AP - The St. Louis Cardinals activated first baseman Albert Pujols on Thursday and placed reliever Randy Flores on the 15-day disabled list with left ankle tendinitis.