AFP - Newly-crowned world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain will launch his assault on the US Open trophy with an opening round match against a qualifier, after the draw ceremony in New York on Thursday.

AFP - Fabio Capello insists England are ready for next month's World Cup qualifiers despite his side's lacklustre display in a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.

Reuters - The Pittsburgh Steelers signed All-Pro linebacker James Farrior, a pillar of their defense for the last six seasons, to a five-year contract on Thursday.

AP - Tyson Gay stuck his left hand behind him, waiting to feel the red baton's cool metal make contact.

AP - Outplayed and overwhelmed for most of the night, the Americans got the only shot they needed.

AP - Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63.

AP - Losing for the first time since 2000, the U.S. softball team was denied a chance for a fourth straight gold medal Thursday, beaten 3-1 by Japan in the sport's last appearance in the Olympics for at least eight years — and maybe for good.

AFP - Second seed Daniela Hantuchova earned a dramatic victory here on Wednesday to slip into the quarter-finals of the WTA and ATP tournament.

AP - The NCAA put New Mexico's football program on three years of probation Wednesday and cut five scholarships as punishment for academic violations involving two former assistant coaches.

AFP - Fabio Capello insists England are ready for next month's World Cup qualifiers despite his side's lacklustre display in a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.

AP - Brad Hawpe had three RBIs, including singles that drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, and the Colorado Rockies capitalized on four errors by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night.