Reuters Sports News Summary

08/03/2016 12:59

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

A silver lining in Rio despite pre-Games gloom and doom

It's as predictable as the fixed, two-year calendar for the Olympics themselves. Before every edition of the Games - winter or summer, rich or developing world - a litany of complaints, criticisms and doomsday predictions play out in the news media and among foreigners and host country locals alike.

Torch sails in to Rio ahead of Games' Friday opening

Brazilian sailors delivered the Olympic torch to Rio de Janeiro's mayor on Wednesday, two days before South America's first Olympic Games open. After a 20,000-km (12,400-mile) journey through the vast nation, the torch crossed Guanabara Bay in a sailboat piloted by former medalists, in a nod to one of the competitions where the host country has claimed Olympic glory.

Former Ferrari driver Amon dies aged 73

Former Ferrari driver Chris Amon, often described as one of the best in Formula One never to have won a race, has died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, family of the New Zealand motorsport great said on Wednesday. Amon was part of a well-known trio of New Zealand drivers competing in Formula One in the 1960s and early 70s alongside Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, who both enjoyed more successful careers in the sport's premier series.

Ex-NFL player Rucker gets nearly two years for embezzling from charities

Former National Football League wide receiver Reggie Rucker was sentenced on Wednesday to nearly two years in prison for embezzling more than $110,000 from anti-violence charities for personal use and to pay gambling debts. Rucker, 68, pleaded guilty in February to one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements to the FBI when agents questioned him about his suspected diversion of charitable funds.

Murray relishes 'different' atmosphere in Rio

Adjusting quickly to the Olympic atmosphere and its unfamiliar environment will be key for Andy Murray as he bids to defend the title he won in London four years ago, the world number two has said. The Scot, who beat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer en route to gold in 2012, is representing Britain in the men's singles in Rio and will also partner his brother Jamie in the men's doubles.

As Rio Games approach, 1.3 million tickets left unsold

Two days ahead of the opening ceremony at the Olympics, organizers say that 1.3 million tickets remained unsold, an indication that spectator demand for Rio has lagged behind previous summer Games. As of Friday, 4.8 million tickets for the Games had been sold, out of around 6.1 million tickets on offer, the Rio Organising Committee told Reuters on Wednesday. Demand has been strong for sports such as basketball and swimming, the committee said.

Phelps chosen as U.S. team flag bearer

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 18 gold medals among his career haul of 22, will carry the U.S. flag in Friday's opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics. The U.S. Olympic Committee said on Wednesday that Phelps, who will be the first American male swimmer to compete at five Games, had been chosen in a vote of fellow team members to lead the delegation into the Maracana stadium.

FIFA corruption trial could start in Sept. or Oct. 2017: U.S. judge

The federal judge overseeing the wide-ranging corruption case involving soccer's global governing body FIFA said at a hearing on Wednesday that a trial could begin in September or October of 2017. U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie in Brooklyn, New York, said prosecutors had sought an early 2017 trial date, but given the amount of evidence still being processed that September or October was more realistic.

Denver Broncos to acquire naming rights to Mile High Stadium

The Denver Broncos professional football team will acquire the naming rights to its Mile High Stadium from Sports Authority after the bankrupt U.S. sporting goods retailer failed to find a new sponsor for the venue, according to a Tuesday court filing. The deal comes less than three weeks before the Broncos' first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 20. The National Football League regular season begins Sept. 8.

Nadal ready to play in all three events in Rio

Spain's Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will compete in all three tennis events at the Rio Olympics despite being not at his best after being sidelined with a wrist injury since May. There were doubts whether the 2008 gold medalist, who withdrew from the French Open and missed Wimbledon, would recover in time to compete at the Games.

08/03/2016 12:59