Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Golf: Herman grabs Valspar lead, Stenson two shots back
Henrik Stenson wielded a hot putter to card a flawless seven-under-par 64 in the opening round at the Valspar Championship in Florida on Thursday. On a day when American journeyman Jim Herman came up trumps with a 62 for a two-shot lead, Swede Stenson displayed a touch on the greens that will serve him well at next month's Masters.
Cycling: Sky paying for perceived arrogance, says team sports director
The scrutiny Team Sky are facing may be the result of the British outfit's perceived arrogance, sports director Nicolas Portal said as the squad weather a "hurricane" in the shape of an anti-doping investigation. Sky have been under fire since Britain's Department of Culture Media and Sport select committee and UK Anti-Doping started to investigate the delivery of a package to Bradley Wiggins at the Dauphine in 2011.
U.S. must allow access if it bids for 2026 soccer World Cup: FIFA
The United States would have to grant entry to players, officials and fans from any country that qualified if it won the right to host the 2026 World Cup finals, soccer body FIFA said on Thursday. Responding to a question about President Donald Trump's order banning citizens from six Muslim-majority nations from traveling to the United States, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said any nation bidding for the tournament would have clear rules.
LA2024 head says Trump will alter travel policy if Olympics bid wins
The head of Los Angeles's bid for the 2024 Olympics said on Thursday President Donald Trump will make accommodations to his travel ban should the city beat out Paris for the right to host the summer Games. Gene Sykes said Trump, who last month issued his first public support for the LA2024 bid, not only wants Los Angeles to host the Olympics but will "make accommodations" to his policies and ensure "free access to people" to compete.
Tiger Woods out of Palmer Invitational as back rehab continues
Tiger Woods will miss next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida as he continues back rehabilitation, he announced on Thursday. The news comes one month before the first major championship of 2017, the Masters at Augusta National.
Hamilton and Vettel disagree on who is favorite
Sebastian Vettel lapped fastest for Ferrari on the penultimate day of Formula One's pre-season testing on Thursday but refused to accept the mantle of favorite from Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton. The four-times champion wrapped up his preparations for the opening Australian Grand Prix on March 26 with the fastest lap yet around Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya -- a one minute 19.024 effort.
Motor racing: Melbourne will be tough but no crisis, says McLaren boss
Honda-powered McLaren are braced for a tough start to the Formula One season but talk of the former champions being in 'crisis' is overblown, executive director Zak Brown said on Thursday. "Clearly we have problems," the American told Sky Sports television after the penultimate day of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya brought more breakdowns and red flags.
USOC deliver recommendations to USA Gymnastics
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Thursday it had reached a consensus on recommendations to USA Gymnastics in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal but would not say what they were. USOC chairman Larry Probst said there was "a very thoughtful, lengthy and detailed conversation", with the board of directors regarding the USA Gymnastics situation but revealed few other details.
Manchester United earn draw at Rostov, Lyon beat Roma 4-2
Europa League favorites Manchester United secured a 1-1 draw on a threadbare pitch at Rostov, while Olympique Lyonnais beat AS Roma 4-2 helped by a fine individual goal from Nabil Fekir in their last 16, first leg ties on Thursday. Racing Genk won 5-2 at Gent in an all-Belgian clash and German rivals Schalke 04 and Borussia Moenchengladbach drew 1-1 in a meeting of former UEFA Cup winners.
Baseball: Dominicans open WBC defense with rout of Canada
The defending champion Dominican Republic powered their way to a 9-2 win over Canada in the Pool C opener in Miami's Marlins Park on Thursday. The 2013 Classic winners cruised behind a stellar outing from pitcher Carlos Martinez and a 15-hit attack that included homers from Welington Castillo and Jose Bautista, who went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in.
