Rybakina beaten in big day for Ukraine at the French Open. Swiatek improves Paris record to 42-3
PARIS (AP) — Second-ranked Elena Rybakina was beaten by 55th-ranked Ukrainian opponent Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the second round of the French Open. Rybakina won the Australian Open earlier this year. On a big day for Ukraine also advancing were Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk. They're coming off trophies at the Madrid Open and Italian Open. The seventh-seeded Svitolina beat Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4 to extend her winning streak to eight matches. The 15th-seeded Kostyuk beat Katie Volynets 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 to extend her winning streak to 13 matches. Four-time champion Iga Swiatek improved her career record at Roland Garros to 42-3 by eliminating 35th-ranked Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3.
Key Sens. Cruz, Cantwell look to break college sports logjam in Congress with a bipartisan bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — The senators trying to fix college sports will introduce a bipartisan bill designed to break a congressional logjam that would regulate payments to players, limit them to one “free” transfer over their careers and create a “Lane Kiffin Rule” to restrict coach movement during the season. Senators Ted Cruz, a Republican, and Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, briefed The Associated Press on details of the bill they crafted in hopes it could get the 60 votes needed to clear the Senate. They are trying to overcome more than a year of inaction in Congress, which is seeking to enshrine rules created by a lawsuit settlement that allowed players to be paid.
Travis Kelce joins Cleveland Guardians ownership group as a minority investor
CLEVELAND (AP) — Travis Kelce is a three-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro and fiance of music superstar Taylor Swift. On Wednesday he added minority investor in the Cleveland Guardians to his resumé. The Guardians announced before their game against the Washington Nationals that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has purchased a minority share in the franchise. The Cleveland Heights native bought a small share of David Blitzer’s 35% stake. Blitzer can become the controlling owner after the 2027 season or he can wait to exercise that option later.
Federal judge drops charges against ex-Fox executive in soccer corruption prosecution
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge in Brooklyn has agreed to dismiss charges against a convicted former Fox executive and South American sports media company in a corruption case related to TV rights for international soccer tournaments. Judge Pamela K. Chen on Wednesday accepted U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.'s explanation that the prosecution of Hernan Lopez “doesn’t fit” the Trump administration’s prosecutorial priorities. A smiling Lopez, the former CEO of Fox International Channels, said outside federal court that he was relieved that “a case that never should have started is finally over.” Lopez and Full Play Group SA were convicted in 2023 of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to nab broadcasting rights to the World Cup and other top matches.
French Open groundskeepers drench the clay courts with water and salt during heat wave
PARIS (AP) — Paris is experiencing an intense heat wave during the French Open, affecting both players and the clay courts. Temperatures have soared above 30 degrees Celsius, which is unusual for late May. Head of court maintenance Philippe Vaillant says this weather is unprecedented. He and his team are working hard to maintain the courts by watering them more frequently and using calcium chloride to retain moisture. Heavy rains earlier in May helped prepare the courts for the heat. Vaillant emphasizes the importance of keeping the limestone layer moist to prevent cracking and ensure player safety.
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash in Leipzig ahead of Conference League final
LEIPZIG, Germany (AP) — German police say supporters of Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano have clashed in Leipzig as their teams prepare to play in the Conference League final. Police say bottles, beer glasses and furniture were thrown Tuesday evening when a group of around 300 Rayo fans encountered Palace fans who were sitting outside restaurants. Police also intervened in another incident when around 60 Palace fans “provoked” Spanish supporters. Two people were detained. A win for Palace would keep English clubs on track for a potential sweep of all three main European men’s club continental competitions.
The US is a two-time World Cup host. Without Lamar Hunt, it is likely neither would have happened
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Clark and Dan Hunt share fond memories of their late father, Lamar Hunt, beyond their World Cup adventures. Lamar Hunt's passion for soccer helped shape the sport in the U.S. He invested in the North American Soccer League and later helped found Major League Soccer, crucial for hosting the 1994 World Cup. The Hunt brothers now have leading roles in the NFL and MLS, and are also helping Kansas City and Dallas host World Cup matches, fulfilling Lamar Hunt's dream.
The Blue Wave from tiny Curaçao is making World Cup history
WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao (AP) — Curaçao has already crafted a story like none other in World Cup history. The tiny autonomous territory of about 156,000 residents is now the smallest, both in terms of population and land mass, to make it to soccer’s biggest stage. And if that wasn’t enough, it's doing so under a coach in Dick Advocaat who, at 78, is about to become the oldest the tournament has ever seen. They know what the world is probably thinking: Their country is too small, their coach is too old, they don’t have a chance. They heard all that through the qualifying process as well — and here they are.
Argentine police arrest 2 Chileans suspected of being in a group targeting NBA and NFL stars
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine police have arrested two Chilean citizens suspected of being part of a transnational crime gang that targeted the homes of NFL and NBA stars and other elite athletes. Argentine federal police confirmed the arrests took place at the Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires. The gang allegedly robbed the homes of prominent athletes including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and former tennis player Juan Martín Del Potro. According to the FBI, these organized crime rings used social media to track athlete movements. The detainees are awaiting extradition proceedings requested by the United States.
Climbers meet in Nepal to discuss the challenges of scaling Mount Everest
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Climbers and officials have met in Kathmandu to discuss the risks of scaling Mount Everest. The meeting comes during a record-breaking season with hundreds of climbers and Sherpa guides reaching the summit. Nepal issued a record 494 permits, with over 900 climbers believed to have reached the top. A Sherpa warned that the numbers are creating problems. Photos show long lines of climbers waiting to reach the summit. Keeping the mountain clean is a challenge, with strict rules often ignored. The Nepal government is considering new regulations requiring climbers to have experience before receiving permits.
