AFP - Thousands of fans turned up late Thursday as AC Milan unveiled Brazilian new signing Ronaldinho after the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year officially began life with the Serie A club, an AFP photographer said.

AP - The crowd began chanting "Papi!" and David Ortiz responded, slamming a 1-2 pitch into the visitors' bullpen in his rehab debut in Pawtucket on Thursday night as he tries to work his way back from a wrist injury that has kept him out of the lineup since May 31.

AP - Troy Glaus hit two homers and Rick Ankiel and Joe Mather added one each — all off San Diego's Jake Peavy — and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Padres 4-3 on Thursday night.

AP - The Minnesota Vikings declined Thursday to talk about allegations by the Green Bay Packers that they made inappropriate contact with quarterback Brett Favre. Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan issued a two-sentence statement on Thursday. It said the Vikings "are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league."

AP - David Wright's two-run homer in the ninth inning rallied the Mets to their 10th straight victory Thursday night, a 10-8 win over the Cincinnati Reds that moved once-languishing New York back into first place in the NL East.

AP - The flags around Royal Birkdale flapped in the stiff breeze Friday morning. A light, misting rain fell from the gray clouds, which obscured any hint of the sun. By British Open standards, a normal morning. Compared to 24 hours earlier, a huge improvement.

AFP - Petr Rada was on Thursday unveiled as the surprise choice to succeed Karel Bruckner as manager of the Czech Republic.

AP - Drugs hit the Tour de France again Thursday, and the third doping bust netted the biggest name yet: Italy's Riccardo Ricco, a winner of two stages.

AP - Yao Ming is back, transforming China's basketball team and providing a big relief for Olympic organizers.

AP - The day started with howling wind and soaking rain. By afternoon, the showers had stopped and the breeze tailed off.