Reuters Sports News Summary

09/10/2016 19:54

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Yao takes friendly shot at Shaq at Hall of Fame induction

Yao Ming, who inspired a generation of NBA fans in his native China, wistfully acknowledged a career that "ended too soon" as he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday. "I treasure each and every moment. I'm grateful for my time on court and for your recognition tonight," Yao said in a speech that was also littered with humorous digs at his fellow inductees.

Motorcycling: Lorenzo on pole at Misano with best lap yet

MotoGP's reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo hailed the best lap of his career after claiming a record pole position for the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano on Saturday. The Spaniard's Yamaha team mate Valentino Rossi qualified alongside, marking his return to his home circuit in eastern Italy with a special 'Sweet Home Misano' Blues Brothers-themed helmet design.

Oklahoma judge OKs McClendon land sale, freeing Thunder stake

The judge overseeing Aubrey McClendon's estate approved a land deal on Friday that will pay off one of the late energy magnate's major creditors, paving the way for the sale of his stake in professional basketball team the Oklahoma City Thunder. In probate court in Oklahoma City, Judge Richard Kirby approved Jones Energy Inc's plan to purchase 18,000 acres of oil and gas leasehold interests for $136.5 million from the estate. The proceeds from the sale will repay private equity firm Oaktree Capital Group LLC, to whom McClendon owes $85 million, court records show.

Golovkin overpowers Brook to retain middleweight titles

Gennady Golovkin retained his WBC and IBF middleweight belts with a fifth-round stoppage of Britain's Kell Brook on Saturday. Kazakh Golovkin took his career record to 36 victories from 36 fights but he was shaken early by welterweight world champion Brook who had moved up two weights to challenge for the title.

Seahawks to interlock arms during national anthem

The Seattle Seahawks will present a united front during the playing of the national anthem prior to Sunday's season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin unveiled the team's plans via a video posting on his Twitter page, saying the Seahawks "have chosen to stand and interlock arms in unity."

Murray and Soares sweep to U.S. Open doubles title

Britain's Jamie Murray and Brazil's Bruno Soares swept the Spanish duo of Pablo Carreno Busta and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2 6-3 to win the U.S. Open doubles on Saturday for their second grand slam title of the year. Murray and Soares had each lost in the Flushing Meadows final with a different partner -- Murray last year with Australian John Peers, and Soares in 2013 with Austrian Alexander Peya.

NFL's Sept. 11 plans may collide with anthem protests

The NFL said on Friday it will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States during games on Sunday, the same day when some players plan to protest during the U.S. national anthem. Four players have so far opted to kneel during the anthem in a protest against social injustice, a controversial gesture that started during the preseason and one that many consider to be a sign of disrespect to the American flag.

Kerber begins reign as number one with U.S. Open win

Germany's Angelique Kerber began her reign as world number one in imperious style battling past a determined Karolina Pliskova 6-3 4-6 6-4 to win the U.S. Open final on Saturday and claim her second grand slam title of the year. Kerber, who will officially take over from Serena Williams as the world's top ranked player on Monday, underlined her number one status displaying the heart of a champion as she fought off a fierce challenge from Czech 10th seed Pliskova on a steamy Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Retired NBA star Duncan's ex-financial adviser charged with fraud

Retired NBA superstar Tim Duncan's former financial adviser has been indicted on federal fraud charges accusing him of bilking the long-time San Antonio Spurs player out of millions of dollars, court papers unsealed on Friday showed. Charles Banks, 49, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of federal wire fraud on suspicion of defrauding Duncan, U.S. prosecutors in Texas said. Banks headed a Colorado-based business called Gameday Entertainment.

Djokovic/Wawrinka big-game talents in U.S. Open final

World number one Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a whirlwind trip to Sunday's U.S. Open final, but the top-seeded Serb expects hard work ahead when he meets Stan Wawrinka at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Defending champion Djokovic, who became the third man to hold all four grand slam singles titles at once after his triumph at Roland Garros in June, owns a 19-4 career head-to-head advantage over the Swiss third seed.

09/10/2016 19:54