Weaver Shuts Down Birds in Angels' 3-0 Win

Weaver (10-1) won his fourth straight outing since coming off the disabled list, striking out five and walking one while lowering his ERA to 1.96.

Weaver joined Sandy Koufax (1963-64) as the only pitchers since 1950 with consecutive seasons of double-digit wins and an ERA under 2.00 before the All-Star break. During his seven-year career, the Angels' ace is 59-26 with a 2.84 ERA in 110 starts before the All-Star break. Last season he was 11-4 with a 1.86 ERA in 19 starts before the break.

Scott Downs pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save in eight attempts.

Jason Hammel (8-5) gave up three runs, six hits and four walks over 6 2-3 innings and struck out four. He also hooked up against Weaver on June 26 at Baltimore, and was charged with eight runs in 3 1-3 innings that night in a 13-1 loss after bringing a 19-inning scoreless streak into the game.

Mark Trumbo led off the Angels' fourth with a single and legged it to second after left fielder Xavier Avery misplayed the ball for the Orioles' major league-worst 75th error. Trumbo got to third after tagging up on Alberto Callaspo's flyout to the warning track in center, and Kendrick singled sharply to the right of second base with the infield playing in.

Angels Gold Glove center fielder Torii Hunter helped choke off an Orioles threat in the seventh when he played the carom perfectly off the 18-foot wall on a single by slugger Jim Thome and threw out the 41-year-old designated hitter at second base with the Angels still leading 1-0.

The Halos tacked on two more runs in the bottom half with a two-out RBI double by Hunter and an RBI single by Kendrys Morales. But it was the speed of rookie Mike Trout that kept the inning alive for Hunter, as the 20-year-old rookie beat the relay to first base on a potential inning-ending double-play grounder to second baseman Robert Andino.

NOTES: Orioles 1B Joe Mahoney was 0 for 3 in his major league debut, two days after his contract was purchased from Norfolk. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2007 out of the University of Richmond. ... Weaver has not issued an intentional walk since Sept. 4, 2009 at Kansas City, when he put Mark Teahen on base with a runner at third and struck out John Buck to end the inning. Since then, Weaver has made 87 starts, pitched 590 2-3 innings and faced 2,340 batters without an intentional pass. ... Baltimore recalled OF/INF Steve Tolleson from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the roster spot left vacated when RHP Jake Arrieta was optioned to the Orioles' top farm club on Saturday. Arrieta gave up six runs over 3 2-3 innings in Thursday's series opener without getting a decision in the team's 9-7 loss, and is 1-7 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 starts since his previous win on May 2. ... Weaver will be the fourth pitcher in Angels history to represent them in three consecutive All-Star games. The others were LHP Mark Langston (1991-93), LHP Frank Tanana (1976-78) and RHP Ken McBride (1961-1963). ... Orioles RF Chris Davis returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained trapezius muscle.

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In N.H.L. Free Agency, Wild Sign Parise and Suter

Parise, the 27-year-old captain who led the Devils to the Stanley Cup finals this past season, said in a conference call, “I loved playing in New Jersey.”

He added that it was “very, very hard to leave” and “at the end it was between New Jersey and Minnesota. That’s what it came down to: just the idea of being able to come home and be around family.”

Ryan Suter, who established himself as one of the best defensemen in hockey with the Nashville Predators, also signed a 13-year, $98 million contract with the Wild.

Parise said General Manager Lou Lamoriello was “very supportive” of his decision.

“We were upfront and honest with each other through this whole process,” Parise said. “He said, ‘If that’s what you really want, I’m happy for you, I wish you the best.’ He couldn’t have been nicer about it.”

Lamoriello said that Parise told him “if he wasn’t going home to Minnesota he would be coming to New Jersey. It was one of the toughest decisions he said he had to make. I respect that.”

Minnesota General Manager Chuck Fletcher said it was “a great day in the history of the Minnesota Wild.” The team has a rabid fan base, but has missed the last four postseasons and has not won a playoff round since 2003.

Parise grew up in Minneapolis, the son of J. P. Parise, the former Islander and Minnesota North Star. Suter, the son of the 1980 Olympian Bob Suter, grew up in Madison, Wis., and his wife, Becky, is from Bloomington, Minn. Parise and Suter are friends who played together for the United States at the world junior tournament and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Parise and Suter have conferred with each other since Sunday, when the free-agent market opened.

Suddenly, the Wild leap from being one of the N.H.L.’s weakest teams, with by far the fewest goals scored, to a possible contender.

Moreover, the Wild are suddenly infused with a measure of glamour. The N.H.L. has long wished to stage a Winter Classic in Minnesota, which calls itself the State of Hockey and has more registered players per capita than any state except Alaska.

The Parise and Suter signings make the Twin Cities seem like a shoo-in to follow Ann Arbor, Mich., site of the 2013 Winter Classic, as the 2014 host for the outdoor New Year’s Day game.

The Predators were unhappy with Suter’s decision. General Manager David Poile said in a conference call that he was “disappointed and very surprised” and did not have a chance to match Minnesota’s offer.

Lamoriello was able to re-sign most of his free agents over the last week, including goalie Martin Brodeur and defenseman Bryce Salvador, despite the team’s debt problems. But he lost Parise to the lure of family and likened the loss to that of defenseman Scott Niedermayer, who left the Devils in 2005 to play alongside his brother, Rob, in Anaheim, Calif.

In a conference call with reporters, Lamoriello said the Devils’ offer to Parise was “competitive” with the Wild’s offer. He said the offer was made Saturday in suburban Toronto to Parise and his agents, Wade Arnott and Don Meehan.

“We made our offer and were told that the money we offered would not be an issue,” Lamoriello said, adding that he was not asked to make a second offer and that the Devils’ financial problems were not part of the negotiations. “The decision from what Zach told me was based upon going home and playing with someone he grew up with.”

“It’s a very unfortunate thing when you have a player of his stature that’s come up through the ranks, and the decision is made to go elsewhere,” Lamoriello said. “Zach Parise you never replace. He was our leader, the prototype of a Devils player and a great example to younger players. It’s a loss, there’s no question.”

The announcement ended four days of waiting for decisions from Parise and Suter. Parise fielded calls with his agents outside Toronto from Saturday through Monday, then went home to Minnesota on Tuesday.

Suter was at his farm outside Madison, while his agent fielded calls at his office in International Falls, Minn. On Tuesday, delegations from the Wild and the Detroit Red Wings visited Suter in Madison. The Detroit delegation included the team’s owner, Mike Ilitch.

But Suter, speaking in the same conference call as Parise, said the two did not arrive at their joint decision to go to Minnesota until late in the process.

“I’d say only last night and into this morning it became realistic,” Suter said.

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Crusaders Get Carter Back for Chiefs Showdown

The seven-times champions lost to the Wellington Hurricanes last week and defeat to the championship-leading Chiefs in their penultimate match on Friday would almost certainly leave them without a place in the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Carter was recalled at flyhalf after recovering from a hamstring injury to take back the kicking duties after replacement back Tyler Bleyendaal missed what would have been a match-winning penalty from halfway last Saturday.

Number eight Reed, who has been in storming form for the Crusaders and New Zealand this year, has been cleared to play after a concussion, allowing Richie McCaw to return to his favoured position on the openside flank.

Dagg missed last week's match with an ankle injury but will bring his attacking flair back to the team at fullback for the match against the Chiefs, who would wrap up the New Zealand conference title with victory this weekend.

"We really missed that experience last weekend," Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder told local media.

"When you look at the way they had been performing before injury, they were absolutely on fire. It's great to have them back."

The Chiefs have brought a big gun of their own into their starting line-up side for Saturday's clash with aggressive Tongan prop Sona Taumalolo, who is the team's top try scorer this year, taking his place at loosehead.

Hulking number eight Kane Thompson has been ruled out by a back injury but Sam Cane gets his first start at openside flanker since making his All Blacks debut in last month's test series against Ireland.

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by John O'Brien)

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LeBron, Kobe Return to U.S. Team for London Games

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Deron Williams return for another bid for Olympic glory and will spearhead a potent roster in London where the U.S. are favorites.

Colangelo announced the selections after two U.S. team training sessions in Las Vegas, though final approval is still required by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

"We projected we would have difficulty getting down to a roster of 12, regardless of the number of injuries that have taken place, because they are such an outstanding group of people and athletes," Colangelo said in a statement.

"The final selections keep us in concert with our game plan to have athleticism, versatility and strong depth on our roster. I think our final roster epitomizes all of that."

The U.S. team had been hit by a recent rash of injuries to several leading candidates, including Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat players Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"We have benefited so much from having a pool of outstanding players who are committed, and as a result the selection is difficult," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

"But it's the best challenge that you could have because everyone has been so committed."

The 2012 U.S. Olympic team: Carmelo Anthony (Knicks), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Tyson Chandler (Knicks), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Blake Griffin (Clippers), James Harden (Thunder), Andre Iguodala (76ers), LeBron James (Heat), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), Chris Paul (Clippers), Russell Westbrook (Thunder) and Deron Williams (Nets).

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Patrick Johnston)

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2012 Tour de France — Britain’s Wiggins in Yellow Jersey After First Climb

Wiggins received the leader’s yellow jersey from Fabian Cancellara after the 123-mile trek from Tomblaine. Cancellara, a Swiss time-trial specialist, had led since winning the prologue a week ago.

Wiggins, who began the day seven seconds behind Cancellara in second place, leads the defending champion, Cadel Evans of Australia, by 10 seconds. Vincenzo Nibali of Italy is also 10 seconds off the pace in third.

“It’s a great day for the team; we won the stage and took the yellow jersey,” Wiggins said. “This is my first time in the yellow jersey. It’s incredible; it’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid.”

Froome led a Team Sky phalanx that powered up the final climb. With most rivals falling away, Froome, a Kenyan-born cyclist, burst ahead to finish two seconds ahead of the BMC leader Evans and the Sky leader Wiggins, who is bidding to become the first Briton to win the Tour.

Cancellara trailed nearly two minutes back.

The stage marked the first of three summit finishes in the race this year. Lighter, nimbler mountain specialists seized the limelight after a first week dominated by sprinters across the flatter regions of Belgium — where the race began June 30 — and northern France.

The final ascent, at three miles, was relatively short as far as the Tour’s biggest climbs go. But it was steep, with a grueling 14-percent gradient in the last 500 yards.

Seven riders broke away from the pack after nine miles and held the lead until the start of the final climb. Wiggins’s team then pressed the peloton’s pace before overtaking.

The Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal of Canada pulled out before the start of the stage after being injured in a multirider crash Friday.

Hesjedal injured his left leg and hip during the crash-marred sixth stage and was scheduled to fly home Saturday. His Garmin-Sharp team said that Hesjedal was unable to pedal because of the leg injuries.

Hesjedal was among at least two dozen riders caught in a nasty crash with 16 miles to go Friday.

He lost more than 13 minutes and dropped to 108th over all.

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Allen Chooses to Sign With Miami Heat

Allen told the Miami Heat on Friday night that he intends to accept their contract offer and leave Boston after five seasons, even though the Celtics could pay him about twice as much as the reigning NBA champions will be able to next season. Miami could only offer Allen the mini mid-level, worth about $3 million a year.

Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted the news just after 9:30 p.m., or about 2:30 a.m. Saturday in Europe, where Arison has been for several days.

"I was just woken up with great news," Arison wrote. "Welcome to the family." Arison ended the tweet by making mention of Allen's jersey No. 20, and didn't mention the NBA's leading 3-point shooter by name.

A person briefed on details of the decision told The Associated Press that Arison got the word from Heat President Pat Riley, who made Allen the team's top free-agent priority — especially in recent days. Allen, who will be 37 this month, arrived in Miami on Thursday for a visit, went to dinner with Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra, team executive Alonzo Mourning and others Thursday night, then left Friday to presumably decide his future.

Hours later, the choice was made. Allen's agent, James Tanner, confirmed the decision to the AP not long after Arison's tweet.

Allen, who made a career-best 45 percent of his 3-point attempts this past season cannot officially sign until Wednesday because of the league's moratorium.

Allen becomes the latest player to be sold by Riley on the notion of sacrifice since the blockbuster summer of 2010. The Heat convinced LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all to take less money than they could have made elsewhere in that offseason, so there would be enough room left to add players like Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller. Then last summer, Shane Battier accepted a deal that will pay him $3 million annually.,

The approach clearly worked. Next fall, the Heat will raise a championship banner, and Allen will be with them for the title defense.

"HeatNation continues to grow," Wade wrote on Twitter late Friday night. And James added, "please welcome our newest teammate Ray Allen" with the added hashtag of "Wow."

Wade and James both were involved on some level in the recruitment of Allen. James took to Twitter and Facebook in recent days to let his millions of followers know how much he wanted to see Allen in a Heat uniform, and Wade tweeted on Wednesday that the next day — the one where Allen was visiting — would be a big one for the franchise.

In the end, it appeared that the biggest push — again — came from Riley, who said before free agency started that Miami had identified "five or six" clear targets to add to the roster.

He never specifically said Allen, and given how James was letting the secret out on Twitter anyway, Riley didn't have to say anything else.

New Orleans Hornets guard Jarrett Jack asked his followers in a tweet about an hour after the Allen story broke if he was "wrong for thinking ray allen is a traitor" for signing with Miami. Even NFL stars were reacting Friday night. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick used the following hashtags on Twitter to describe his reaction to Allen's decision: "loaded," ''finalpiece" and "notfair."

There's probably more than a few people in Boston who would agree.

Miami is still hoping to add at least one more piece through free agency, and is expected to meet this weekend with Marcus Camby and Rashard Lewis.

Allen was mentioned in some trade possibilities this past season, and eventually lost his starting job to Avery Bradley. Allen needed surgery earlier this offseason to remove bone spurs from his right ankle, though said when the Celtics were ousted from the playoffs by the Heat for the second straight year that his playing days were not over.

"There's still a lot of basketball left in my legs," Allen said in Miami not long after the Celtics dropped Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Heat. "I know that for sure. So it's hard to say what can happen, what may happen."

Not even a month later, Allen — who helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA title — decided to join Miami.

Earlier this week, the Celtics reportedly agreed on a $15 million, three-year deal with shooting guard Jason Terry. But Boston also wanted to keep Allen, with general manager Danny Ainge quoted in recent days saying "we really want Ray to come back. Time will tell."

Miami wanted Allen because of its ongoing quest to keep surrounding James, Wade and Bosh with shooters who extend defenses and therefore create room around the basket for the "Big Three" to attack. That approach worked perfectly for Miami in the playoffs — the Heat were 9-1 when making at least eight 3-pointers in playoff games (7-6 otherwise), and they hit 14 in the finals-clincher over Oklahoma City.

Allen has made an NBA-record 2,718 3-pointers.

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Follow Tim Reynolds on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ByTimReynolds

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Jantjies Kicks Lions to Just Third Win

They held on following a fantastic comeback by the Rebels who scored three second-half tries to turn a 24-7 deficit into a 32-27 lead at Ellis Park.

But replacement flanker Jaco Kriel charged down the blindside to score an equalising try, which Jantjies converted from the touchline. He then kicked a penalty on the final hooter to stretch the winning margin to five points.

The Lions played with enormous confidence and freedom in the first half, running in three tries and Jantjies kicked a penalty to give them a 24-0 lead after 36 minutes.

"“We had a disappointing first 15-20 minutes, making simple, fundamental errors in good field positions, that gave the Lions lots of possession and, to their credit, they turned that into points," Rebels coach Damian Hill told a news conference.

The home side made a great start when right wing Lionel Mapoe stepped inside and sent outside centre Waylon Murray over for the opening try after just two minutes.

Flanker Derick Minnie scored two more as the Rebels struggled to get on the front foot against an aggressive defence in the first half.

The Australians finally got some points on the board on the half-time hooter when, after a rolling maul, hooker Ged Robinson emerged with the try which was converted by fullback Julian Huxley.

Having dominated the opening 40 minutes, the Lions lost their focus in the second half, conceding a string of penalties to give the Rebels momentum and territory.

"“There was a lack of concentration in the second half, especially defensively, with guys not manning up in the one-on-one tackles," Lions captain Josh Strauss said.

"“If we can keep concentrating for 80 minutes and play like we did in the first 40 minutes, then we'll be a very dangerous side. We're still playing for pride and each other."

Lock Hugh Pyle scored two tries in three minutes for the Rebels.

Huxley converted Pyle's first try and brought the Rebels to within two points in the 58th minute as he kicked a penalty.

Jantjies replied with a penalty but then turned villain when his clearance kick was charged down by flyhalf Jimmy Hilgendorf for a Rebels try.

Huxley converted to give the Rebels a 29-27 lead and then added a penalty.

But Lions scrumhalf Michael Bondesio caught the Rebels defence napping with a pop-pass down the blindside to Kriel, who powered through the cover defence to score in the corner.

The 21-year-old Jantjies kept his nerve to kick the conversion and give the crowd a happy ending to the Lions' last home game of the season.

"“There's a good spirit and camaraderie in the group and we've consistently shown that when we're down, we find a way back," Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock said.

"But too often we let ourselves down first and we need to find a way to be better as a team, to be able to put pressure on the opposition from the start,"

(Editing by Alison Wildey)

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Korean Choi Takes Control of U.S. Women's Open

On a breezy day with tricky hole locations at Blackwolf Run where only four other sub-par scores were recorded, Choi put herself in prime position to win her first major title.

The 24-year-old Korean, who has triumphed five times on the LPGA Tour, seized control of the tournament in masterly fashion with eight birdies and a sole bogey to finish at eight-under 208.

"I hit a lot of good shots today, my 14 clubs worked very well," a beaming Choi told reporters after totaling 26 putts on fast-running greens.

"I had a birdie on the first hole and a birdie on the second hole, then I got some good vibes from there, good confidence from there. It was really fun out there.

"I couldn't believe how I got eight birdies today, but I did," she grinned. "I'm very happy, I'm very satisfied and I'm very excited."

Choi's 65 was the 11th carded at a U.S. Women's Open where only four lower rounds have ever been posted.

Compatriot Amy Yang was alone in second after carding a 69, the next-best score of the day, with American teenager Lexi Thompson (72), Japan's Mika Miyazato (73) and Germany's Sandra Gal (74) a further stroke back at one-under 215.

Overnight leader Suzann Pettersen of Norway endured a difficult day, battling to a 78 that included a pair of double-bogeys to finish a distant nine strokes off the pace.

Pettersen, who had led by one shot after the second round, briefly doubled her advantage when she birdied the par-five second.

TOOK CONTROL

However, she fell back into a tie for the lead with the first of her double-bogeys, at the par-four third, before Choi took control with a sizzling birdie display.

The petite Korean scorched the front nine in four-under 32 and then picked up further shots at the 10th, 11th and 12th to charge five shots clear at eight under.

Though she ran up a three-putt bogey at the tricky par-three 13th, Choi recovered with another birdie at the 17th to stretch her lead to six.

Since turning professional in late 2004, Choi has established herself as one of the leading players on the LPGA Tour.

In 2010, she won twice on the U.S. circuit before ending the year by clinching the money list title and also the prestigious Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average, with 69.8.

Choi has yet to win a major title, but this week offers a golden opportunity to change that.

"It will be a lot of pressure tomorrow, but I know what I have to do and I know what I can control," she said of Sunday's final round. "I cannot control winning. I just do my best.

"I have confidence and this is a good opportunity to be winning a U.S. Open. So I just hope to get a good warm-up tomorrow morning, go out there with my caddie and have fun."

Pettersen, who won her first major title at the 2007 LPGA Championship, was dumbfounded by Choi's display on Saturday in tough conditions.

"Today wasn't easy. Today was kind of the biggest test," the 31-year-old Norwegian said. "Na Yeon played phenomenal golf. I couldn't believe the scores I saw, to be honest."

Asked how she viewed her own task on Sunday, Pettersen replied: "There's birdies out there. I think the wind is going to be a little bit less tomorrow from what I've seen.

"So if you get off to a hot start, hopefully put a number down early in the clubhouse, who knows?"

Taiwan's world number one Yani Tseng, who has claimed five of the last 10 major titles, emulated Pettersen by carding a 78 on Saturday to lie a distant 16 strokes off the pace.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Patrick Johnston)

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Blackwolf Run Shows Teeth, but Not as Tough as '98

Fourteen years after the central Wisconsin course humbled the world's best female players in the U.S. Women's Open, Pete Dye's diabolical design is playing easier.

In 1998, Se Ri Pak and Jenny Chuasiriporn tied for the 72-hole lead at 6-over par, with Pak winning the title in a dramatic 20-hole playoff. The cut line in the Open on Friday in its return to Blackwolf Run was only 5 over.

The course is nearly 500 yards longer today but the USGA gave players a break by making the long seventh hole a par 5 instead of par 4.

Despite being nearly 6,900 yards long, players negotiated it with relative ease the first two days — including Michelle Wie on Friday with a 6-under 66.

Although wind up to 20 mph and tougher pin placements led to higher scores Saturday, South Korea's Na Yeon Choi shot a 7-under 65 to take a commanding lead at 8 under. She tied the third-lowest score in U. S. Women's Open history.

NBC commentator Gary Koch said Saturday there are several reasons why Blackwolf Run is playing easier. Although Koch said the rough is not as long or as thick, he believes the main difference is in the golfers and their high-tech clubs.

"The equipment has gotten a lot better since 1998 and these ladies are better athletes because they work out more," he said.

Koch said female players are hitting the ball so much farther that the course is playing shorter for them despite being longer. He said in Wie's round, "she hit some sort of wedge into about six of the eighteen holes. That creates scoring opportunities."

Another factor is the mental toughness young players are developing due to more serious junior competition.

"Certainly these young players have a lot amore high quality experience than the younger players did in 1998," Koch said. "That helps them deal with a course like this."

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INTERNATIONAL APPEAL: The U. S. Women's Open has golfers from so many countries that it looks at times like the United Nations.

The U.S. has by far the largest contingent with 71, but women from 26 other countries are also competing at Blackwolf Run.

South Korea is second with 27, Japan third with eight, Spain, Canada, Sweden have five each, and Taiwan was four.

There are also golfers from countries not often associated with the sport, including Argentina, Colombia, the Netherlands, Paraguay and Thailand.

China has Shanshan Feng, who in June won the LPGA Championship to become the first mainland Chinese golfer to capture a major.

"The golf history is about thirty years in China and now it's about getting more and more people to play," she said.

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DIVOTS: Top-ranked Yani Tseng shot a 6-over 78 on Saturday to fall out of contention in the Open, the only major she has failed to capture. "I just didn't do it," she said. "I shot terrible today." ... Fifteen-year-old Lydia Ko shot a 7-over 79 on Saturday to move to 9 over and leads Alison Lee by three shots for low amateur honors. Ko said some of the pressure was off when she made the cut. "I've never missed a cut in a tournament, and I would be kind of gutted if I did it at the U. S. Open. And it's better experience if you play on the weekend, too." ... While there were only five rounds under par in the third round, there were 19 scores in the 80s.

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U.S. Olympic Basketball Team Is Unveiled

The Clippers’ Blake Griffin, the Thunder’s James Harden and the 76ers’ Andre Iguodala were added to the nine players who had already secured a spot. All three will play in their first Olympics.

The three players who were nominated but not selected to the roster were Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis, the top pick in this year’s N.B.A. draft.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski decided to place the biggest emphasis on athleticism. Many of the players who already had a spot on the team, like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, can play guard or forward.

“This team has great versatility,” Krzyzewski said.

The team is full of players who have faced international competition, with 10 players who were on the 2008 Olympic or 2010 world championships teams, both events in which the United States took home a title.

“We have more playmakers in the second unit than in 2008,” Bryant said. “We have to try to take full advantage of those guys.”

The only major concern for the team is its lack of size. Part of that is because of injuries to LaMarcus Aldridge (labral tear in hip), Chris Bosh (strained abdominal muscle) and Dwight Howard (herniated disk).

Kevin Love, one of the few players taller than 6 feet 8 inches, said he would play center instead of his usual power forward position.

The team will be loaded with high-quality guards. Every guard besides Harden has appeared in an N.B.A. All-Star Game.

Jerry Colangelo, the United States basketball chairman and managing director, said he believed this team would be successful despite injuries to All-Star-caliber players.

“I think we’ve put together a terrific team with great athleticism,” Colangelo said. “We think we’re deeper than 2008, and I think we’re more talented.”

Even if Colangelo and this group win the gold medal, it may be hard to compare this team to the 2008 group.

The United States is again considered the gold medal favorite, and the 12 players understand that falling short of the title would be a national disappointment.

On Saturday, many of the players expressed how important it was to represent the country that in large part has shown the world how to play the sport at a high level. The 1992 Dream Team is thought to have spurred the expansion of basketball globally.

But eight years ago, in the 2004 Olympics, the United States settled for the bronze medal.

James, who was on that team, said he did not want anything less than gold.

All of James’s accomplishments are on display in his office at his home, including his Most Valuable Player trophies and his gold medal from 2008. His first N.B.A. championship ring will soon be there.

James said he did not display his bronze medal, though, and could not remember the last time he looked at it.

“That’s not an accomplishment,” James said.

All of the players know winning the gold is not a given, and will not be nearly as easy as it was for the 1992 team, which won by an average of 44 points.

Bryant says he expects that the United States players will have to do more preparation than in the N.B.A., where every team has solid knowledge of other players.

Bryant said he and his teammates would be seeing many opposing players in the Olympics for the first time.

“This is a big challenge for us,” Bryant said. “I feel like the rest of the world feels the gap is closing.”

Along with athleticism, the national team will be using younger players in London than in past Olympics; Durant, Griffin, Harden, Love and Russell Westbrook are 25 or younger.

Bryant, 33, now the oldest player in the group, says he is responsible for helping the younger players prepare for London — although he says he will not give too many secrets that have helped him become a five-time N.B.A. champion.

“Our youth brings speed and aggression and we love that,” Bryant said. “Kevin Durant and Kevin Love are amazing players. Coach Krzyzewski has the packages to where there are so many things with our team he can do.”

But it is no secret that the one expected to lead the way is James. He faced numerous challenges in his run to an N.B.A. title with the Miami Heat, including a Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics. James knows the mentality the United States team must take when it begins play in London.

“We have to approach every game,” James said, “like it’s Game 7.”

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Double Joy for Serena as She Captures Crown With Venus

Six and a half hours after lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for the fifth time, Serena teamed up with her 32-year-old sibling to down Czech sixth seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 7-5 6-4.

Venus, a first-round loser in singles, fired an ace to complete the 78-minute victory on a floodlit arena just 10 minutes before the 11pm (2200 GMT) cut-off time for Centre Court play.

It was a fifth All England Club doubles title for the duo, and 13th overall.

After watching Serena, 30, win her three-set battle against Agnieszka Radwanska in the singles, Venus was delighted to play an active role on court and at one point produced a stunning volley despite falling on to her bottom.

"I felt I played a match with her earlier so I felt like it was my second match too," a beaming Venus said after accepting the doubles trophy in the Royal Box. "It was a great day for all of us."

"If anyone knows what that (winning the singles and doubles here on the same day) feels like, it's me. It's an amazing feeling."

(Reporting by Pritha Sarkar, editing by Alison Wildey)

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Special Report: Formula One: McLaren's Barrier-Breaking, Winning Bet

Born of a white mother and a black father, who are both British, Hamilton became the first mixed-race world champion, opening a door for perceptions to change in auto racing, a sport in which there had never before been a black or mixed-race star of such stature.

But one of the bigger and more original aspects of Hamilton’s story is the major investment in his career made by the McLaren team since he was a boy of 13. At 10, he had approached Ron Dennis, the McLaren team owner, when they were both at a racing awards ceremony.

“Hi, I’m Lewis Hamilton,” he told Dennis. Then, referring to a karting series, he added, “I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars.”

Three years later, while Hamilton was still in his go-karting career, Dennis signed him to his team’s driver development program. His career was henceforth tied to the McLaren team and its financial backing. It seemed to many at the time to be a risky, extravagant joke. But year after year, Hamilton proved that it was foresight and good business strategy as he met with rapid success in every series in which he competed, from karting to Formula One.

He won several karting titles before joining Formula Renault in 2002, which he won the following year with 10 victories and 11 pole positions. He repeated that pattern in the F3 Euroseries, winning in 2005, with 15 victories and 13 pole positions. In 2006, he won the title in his rookie year in the GP2 series, a Formula One support series.

He joined Formula One in 2007, at the McLaren team, where he had the apparent disadvantage of being teammate to Fernando Alonso, the equally precocious Spaniard. Alonso had been breaking records for youth accomplishments in the series, and was the reigning world champion, having won the drivers’ title in 2005 and 2006 at the Renault team.

But Hamilton immediately showed that he was equal to the task, and his advantage came in being on a team that had been family to him since childhood.

Hamilton and Alonso finished the season with 109 points each, both losing the title to the Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen by a single point, in the season’s last race. But Hamilton had the edge on Alonso in terms of top finishes and so was classified ahead of the Spaniard in the series that year.

In Valencia two weeks ago, Hamilton said losing the title in the last race was his worst memory of that first season in Formula One.

“I had only just got to Formula One, but just having it and then losing it,” he said, referring to the title, “was very, very tough. I think the best moment was winning my first Grand Prix that year; firstly getting into Formula One and then having the great opportunity and privilege of working alongside Fernando and Pedro [de la Rosa, the test driver], and working for such a great team, and winning my first race in Montreal.”

Alonso left the McLaren team in anger after that season, returning to Renault before then joining Ferrari in 2010.

In 2008, Hamilton, meanwhile, no longer committed his beginner’s errors — even though there had not been many — and he won the title — by a single point ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

At 23, Hamilton also snatched away Alonso’s crown of youngest world champion. And again, he had used only one year of learning before becoming champion.

His career since 2008 has gone from one extreme to another. Even at its lowest ebb last year, he still won three races, but finished only fifth in the championship, behind his teammate, Jenson Button, for the first time.

But he made driving errors several times during the season, being penalized or crashing out of several races. Much of it appeared to be related to him dealing with changes in his life as he finally had the time to grow up: There were rumors of problems with his celebrity girlfriend — Nicole Scherzinger — and with him dropping his father, Anthony, as his manager.

He appeared to push beyond the limit as he now had a new world champion teammate in Button, who was finally coming to grips with his McLaren environment and, worse, a new wunderkind competitor in Sebastian Vettel, who broke the major records for youth previously set by Alonso and Hamilton, winning back-to-back drivers’ titles in 2010 and 2011.

But this season, finally, the old Hamilton has returned. He scored two pole positions and then won the Canadian Grand Prix last month — in a season where only Alonso has won two races — and he has made practically no errors.

He lies third in the series, behind Alonso and the Red Bull driver Mark Webber, and if he continues the way he has begun, he has a good chance of winning the title this year.

Judging by his return to a controlled aggressive driving style since the beginning of the season — along with a talent for taking care of his car’s tires and choosing a successful strategy — he is likely, in any case, to remain one of the main challengers.

“I still want to win every race,” Hamilton said. “It’s just you have to be perhaps a little more strategic with your approach this year. I don’t think there is too much of a different approach, but you have to be a little bit more sensible this year.”

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Ambitious QPR Close In on Manchester United's Park

QPR owner Tony Fernandes would not confirm the signing but told Reuters at the British Formula One Grand Prix that the club would be making an announcement on Monday at 15:00 British Time (1400GMT).

"Lots is happening in the club. We've signed five players, we've got a few more to announce," said the Malaysian aviation entrepreneur.

Reports said the agreement, which could potentially be worth 5.0 million pounds ($7.75 million), will cost QPR an initial transfer fee of 2.0 million for the 31-year-old who, a year ago, signed a two-year deal to stay at United until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Park, who has made over 200 appearances for United since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, has a reputation as a big game player able to relentlessly break up opposition attacks and send his own team mates on the offensive.

He was the first Asian to compete in a Champions League final in 2009, and won four Premier League titles at United. The former captain of his country, he made 100 appearances for South Korea between 2000 and 2011.

South Korea is also an important growth area for Fernandes' AirAsia airline.

Park would be the second United player to move to QPR this week following young defender Fabio Da Silva who has joined on a season long loan deal.

MORE SIGNINGS

Fabio, who can play at fullback or in midfield, has played 53 times for United, but has rarely been a first-choice starter.

He should get plenty of opportunities as QPR bid to establish themselves in the Premier League after staying up on the last day of the season following their promotion in 2011.

Fernandes said the club would probably sign three or four more players on top of those already announced before the start of the Premier League season.

"What (manager) Mark (Hughes) would like to do is have two people in each position," he said. "Now whether we get to that situation..."

QPR are also planning a new 40-45,000 seater stadium in West London and have hired architects Populous, who designed the new London Olympic Stadium and Silverstone's Wing pit and paddock complex.

That would be more than double the capacity of QPR's current Loftus Road home. Fernandes said those plans were looking good and a preferred site had been identified in the White City area.

"We could have sold 20,000 season tickets easily and I think with the investment in the squad and some of the ambitions that we have, and the catchment area that we are in, I don't envisage that it will be difficult to fill up," he added.

He said Populous would also be helping him with his new Caterham Formula One team headquarters at Leafield in central England as well as the development of QPR's new training ground in Ealing, west London.

"I'd like to try and make a Formula One, Caterham Cars, QPR kind of concept with maybe a hotel in the middle, kind of health and leisure," he added. ($1 = 0.6449 British pounds)

(Additional reporting by Mike Collett; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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Twins' Bullpen Can't Hold Off Rangers in Extras

Unfortunately for the Twins, they couldn't do it in extra innings.

Nelson Cruz hit an RBI double off reliever Kyle Waldrop (0-1) in the 10th inning that scored Adrian Beltre to lead the Rangers to a 4-3 victory that snapped their five-game losing streak.

"Cruz swung the bat well," manager Ron Washington said. "We were due to finally put together something offensively.

Texas' Josh Hamilton had a home run, walk and a run scored as the designated hitter one night after leaving in the fifth inning with back spasms.

Samuel Deduno, the 11th pitcher to start a game for Minnesota this season, gave up three runs including two home runs, on six hits in his big league starting debut. He had three strikeouts and walked three.

His biggest mistake was a slider up in the zone that Beltre smacked into the left-field seats that tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth.

"He fought through some innings," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I thought he threw some really nice breaking balls. He just hung the slider to Beltre.

"Against those guys if you throw too many strikes, they will absolutely kill you."

The Rangers, still statistically the best offense in the majors, haven't been hitting the ball well at all recently, having scored only nine runs during their five-game skid.

Cruz finished 3 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs, and Beltre, too was 3 for 5 as the Rangers improved to 41-5 the past two years in games in which Beltre has homered.

Joe Nathan (1-2) pitched scoreless ninth and 10th innings for the Rangers, his longest outing in almost three years after ligament replacement surgery, in relief of Derek Holland, who returned from a stint on the disabled list with left shoulder fatigue.

Holland gave up three runs on six hits, two walks and four strikeouts over six innings.

The Rangers moved Cruz out of his customary No. 6 slot in the lineup and up to No. 5, though manager Ron Washington told reporters before the game that the shuffle was more coincidental than anything.

Young initially had been penciled into the No. 3 spot of Hamilton, who wasn't expected to play.

Washington said he just decided to leave Cruz, who has struggled all season, at No. 5.

"I'm not going to pat myself on the back," Washington said. "It just came off my pen that way."

Said Cruz: "I don't see any difference. When the games starts, everybody's first and third (in the order). There's no other way to see it."

Trevor Plouffe, Ryan Doumit and Josh Willingham each drove in runs for the Twins, who took a one-run lead on Willingham's solo homer in the sixth.

The Rangers, who are 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position in this series, had a few chances to go ahead late, but couldn't capitalize. They loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, but Beltre grounded out to end the inning.

In the eighth, David Murphy walked and stole second with two outs, followed by a walk to Mike Napoli. But Craig Gentry popped out to short center field handled by Twins shortstop Brian Dozier. The Rangers are 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position in the series, including 1 for 8 on Saturday.

The Twins put runners on first and second in the seventh after one-out walks to Joe Mauer and Willingham, but Robbie Ross induced Justin Morneau to bounce into an inning-ending double play.

The Twins rank last in the major leagues in strikeouts and near the bottom in ERA, batting average allowed, hits and innings pitched.

Deduno got his chance on Saturday and impressed his manager to some degree. What's next for him won't be decided until after the All-Star break.

"No one has told me anything," Deduno said about the team's plans for him. "But I want to stay here."

Notes: Hamilton became the first Rangers player to record at least 27 home runs and 75 RBIs before the All-Star break and first major leaguer to do so since Albert Pujols in 2009. Alex Rodriguez was the last American League player to reach those marks in 2007. ... The Rangers optioned right-handed pitcher Justin Grimm to Double-A Frisco to make room for Holland. Grimm went 1-1 with a 10.80 ERA in three games with the team, including two starts. ... Home plate umpire Marty Foster left the game in the top of the seventh after apparently becoming sick. Second base umpire Jeff Kellogg took over behind the plate for the short crew. ... Ross extended his scoreless innings streak to 22 1/3 after recording an out in the seventh and pitching the eighth. Ross is in position to post the lowest ERA (0.96) through the All-Star break since 1933, eclipsing Bob Gibson's 1.06 in 1968. The lowest rookie figure is 1.78, recorded by Detroit's Mark Fidrych in 1976.

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Hesjedal Joins List of Injury Withdrawals

In total 17 riders have so far withdrawn after a brutal first week at the world's greatest race, with FDJ-Big Mat team boss Marc Madiot telling Reuters: "It has not been cycling, it has been Rollerball."

Canadian Hesjedal had talked up his chances in the three-week event but a leg injury on Friday's sixth stage has ended the Garmin rider's participation as he now looks to get fit for the London Olympics at the end of the month.

"It's very disappointing to leave the Tour this way. I was in good form and feeling comfortable, just really settling into the first week with an eye on the mountains," the 31-year-old, who lost over 13 seconds in the crash, said in a Garmin statement.

"I'll go home, keep working with the medical staff on my recovery, and refocus everything on the Olympics."

Triple world champion Oscar Freire and Wouter Poels broke ribs and suffered internal injuries in Friday's crashes but remarkably finished the stage before withdrawing.

Garmin's Tom Danielson is also in hospital following the pileup and is out of the race along with Davide Vigano, Mikel Astarloza, Imanol Ervitti, Jose Ivan Gutierrez, Hubert Dupont, Amets Txurruka and Maarten Wynants.

Frenchman Anthony Delaplace decided to start Saturday's seventh stage to the peak at La Planche des Belles Filles with a broken bone in his wrist and his arm but soon had to give up.

Garmin team boss Jonathan Vaughters said the cause of Friday's big pileup 30 km from the finish in Metz had been identified.

"A rider tried to take off his over-shoes. It is not his fault, you are packed together like sardines at 70 kph," he told reporters.

(Reporting by Mark Meadows and Gilles le Roc'h; editing by Amlan Chakraborty and Ken Ferris)

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O's Handcuffed by Weaver in 3-0 Loss to Angels

Hammel pitched much better that he did on June 26 in his previous matchup with Weaver at Baltimore. But the Los Angeles Angels' ace gave the Orioles just as much trouble on Saturday night as he did at Camden Yards, limiting them to just three hits over eight innings in a 3-0 victory.

"Jason was great. He's given a chance to win just about every time out, and you couldn't ask for more. But the other guy was just a little bit better," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Weaver was really good. You know what he's going to do, and he's been able to do it for a long time, but we didn't make many adjustments. But we're not the only ones he's picking on."

Hammel (8-5) gave up three runs, six hits and four walks over 6 2-3 innings. The last time he and Weaver hooked up, the Orioles' right-hander surrendered eight runs in 3 1-3 innings that night in a 13-1 loss after bringing a 19-inning scoreless streak into the game.

"I made a lot of adjustments from that game. I pitched inside a lot more and it was very effective against a team that makes contact as much as they do," Hammel said. "They were diving out and getting balls on the outer half the last time, so anything that I was able to change from that outing to this one was definitely good."

Weaver improved to 14-2 at home since the start of last season. A good example of how Angel Stadium plays for Weaver was demonstrated by Orioles All-Star catcher Matt Wieters, who flied out to the warning track in the fourth and seventh innings that Weaver acknowledged were mistakes.

"They've got a lot of guys in their lineup that can hurt you," Weaver said. "Obviously, I got away with some pitches that they hit to the warning track, and that misty air kind of knocked them down."

Angels Gold Glove right fielder Torii Hunter helped choke off an Orioles threat in the seventh when he played the carom perfectly off the 18-foot wall on a single by slugger Jim Thome and threw out the 41-year-old designated hitter at second base with the Angels still leading 1-0.

"He pushed the envelope there," Showalter said. "Torii is a good thrower and Jimmy understands the situation."

Mark Trumbo led off the Angels' fourth with a single and legged it to second after left fielder Xavier Avery misplayed the ball for the Orioles' major league-worst 75th error. Trumbo got to third after tagging up on Alberto Callaspo's flyout to the warning track in center, and Howie Kendrick singled sharply to the right of second base with the infield playing in.

"We gave them a run, and there wasn't going to be much margin for error with Weaver out there," Showalter said.

The Halos tacked on two more runs in the bottom half with a two-out RBI double by Hunter and an RBI single by Kendrys Morales. But it was the speed of rookie Mike Trout that kept the inning going for Hunter, as the 20-year-old rookie beat the relay to first base on a potential inning-ending double-play grounder to second baseman Robert Andino.

"He's a catalyst for that team, and we've seen it since he's come up. They've been a completely different team," Hammel said. "I made a good pitch there and he hit it into the ground, but with his speed he was able to keep the inning alive."

Weaver (10-1) won his fourth straight outing since coming off the disabled list, striking out five and walking one while lowering his ERA to 1.96.

The three-time All-Star joined Sandy Koufax (1963-64) as the only pitchers since 1950 with consecutive seasons of double-digit wins and an ERA under 2.00 before the All-Star break. During his seven-year career, the Angels' ace is 59-26 with a 2.84 ERA in 110 starts before the All-Star break. Last season he was 11-4 with a 1.86 ERA in 19 starts before the break.

"I had less losses in the first half this year than last year, which is pretty good because it means that I've been able to keep the team in the game and give us a chance to win," Weaver said. "And our offense has been spectacular the last two months, so there's been a lot of help on the team's end to get me to where I'm at."

Scott Downs pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save in eight attempts.

NOTES: Orioles 1B Joe Mahoney was 0 for 3 in his major league debut, two days after his contract was purchased from Norfolk. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2007 out of the University of Richmond. ... Baltimore recalled OF/INF Steve Tolleson from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the roster spot left vacated when RHP Jake Arrieta was optioned to the Orioles' top farm club on Saturday. Arrieta gave up six runs over 3 2-3 innings in Thursday's series opener without getting a decision in the team's 9-7 loss, and is 1-7 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 starts since his previous win on May 2. ... Orioles RF Chris Davis returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained trapezius muscle.

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Smith Wants to Knock England Off Top Spot

Something has to give when England, who have not lost a home series for four years, take on second-ranked South Africa in a three-match encounter that starts later this month.

England's last home defeat was against the Proteas who have not lost on their travels since 2006.

"We hope getting to number one can be a reward for our consistency," Smith told reporters on Saturday.

"We have been near the top of the rankings for a long time now and had a taste of it for a small while (in 2008).

"We are hoping now with everything we've done, and the way we've prepared, and are going to prepare, that we will be ready for the first test at The Oval (on July 19)," added Smith.

The South Africans, fresh from a few days of team bonding in the Swiss Alps, are in upbeat mood.

"We have come here with a degree of quiet confidence," said Smith. "We have performed well away from home for a period of time now.

"We have that strength within the squad and strength in confidence to know we can perform well away from home.

"Having had success here in 2008, we are hoping to build on that and taste that again but England are a quality team. They look well drilled and we expect them to keep coming at us throughout the series."

Smith said his pace trio Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander were ready and waiting to challenge England's batsmen.

"They know their roles and seem to bowl spells that win games. It is nice to have match-winners in the squad," said the skipper.

"We respect every English batsman but hopefully we will be able to find ways to get them out cheaply throughout the series and be able to create enough pressure.

"I believe we have got the bowlers to do that and hopefully we can put that into practice." (Reporting by Matt Barker; editing by Tony Jimenez)

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Dodgers Struggle Against Diamondbacks

Los Angeles lost for the sixth time in 10 games with a 5-3 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night.

The Dodgers remain in first place in the West at 47-39, but have been inconsistent due to injuries to a number of front-line players.

"When we get all our guys back... Matt (Kemp) is supposed to be back, Dre (Andre Ethier) is supposed to be back, we got Mark Ellis back, we are going to be a new team," starter Chad Billingsley said.

Billingsley (4-9) lost his fifth straight start and hasn't won since June 10 at Seattle. He allowed four runs on six hits and struck out five in six innings.

"I try to go out there and win a game every day," he said. "Left the game and had a chance. Can't do anything about the outcome of the game. Just go out there and improve my strikeouts to walks and try not to give any free passes."

Billingsley didn't walk anyone, but he couldn't hold a 2-0 lead and the Dodgers didn't help him with many runs. The right-hander hasn't won since June 10 in Seattle.

"It's not like you can look at it and go, 'That is terrible,'" Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "It seems like he is always kind of OK. They have a good team. I am going to give those guys credit all the time, but you still have to make pitches. They have some guys who can hit and have some guys who have pretty good numbers off (Billingsley).

Trevor Cahill (7-7), traded from Oakland in the offseason, gave up three runs and six hits and improved to 17-1 in his past 22 starts when his team scores three or more runs.

"It was big for him to get through seven innings for us," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said of Cahill. "Just bullpen-wise, we don't want to use everybody. Seven innings just makes (Sunday's) game much better as well."

Trailing 2-0, Arizona scored three runs in the fifth inning. Gerardo Parra had a two-run double and then scored on Stephen Drew's sacrifice fly. The Diamondbacks added another run in the sixth on Paul Goldschmidt's sacrifice fly.

J.J. Putz pitched the ninth for his 16th save in 19 chances.

The Dodgers cut the lead to 4-3 in the seventh on A.J. Ellis' seventh home run of the season, but Jason Kubel's solo home run in the bottom of the eighth restored the two-run advantage.

Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the first on Jerry Hairston Jr.'s two-run homer. It was his fourth of the season.

Notes: Gibson said the first three starting pitchers after the All-Star break will be Ian Kennedy, Joe Saunders and Cahill. All-Star Wade Miley usually has his turn after Kennedy, but will be rested. ... 2B Aaron Hill was honored by the club before Saturday's game for hitting for the cycle twice in 11 days recently. He was given framed lineup cards from both games, and a bike for his daughter.. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp ended his four-game rehab stint with Class A Rancho Cucamonga Friday night and is scheduled for a pair of games with Triple-A Albuquerque over the weekend. ... Mattingly gave second baseman Mark Ellis a day off Saturday. Ellis had started the past two games only four days removed from returning from the disabled list, but is expected back in the lineup Sunday. ... INF Justin Sellers, on the DL with a back injury, is at the Dodgers' Camelback Ranch facility in nearby Glendale, Ariz., going through baseball activities as part of his rehabilitation. He isn't expected to rejoin the club immediately after the All-Star break. ... Billingsley recorded his 1,000th career strikeout when he fanned Cahill in the third inning, and became the 12th Los Angeles Dodger in history to achieve the feat.

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Grasscourt Great? I Don't Even Like It: Serena

The 30-year-old American carved another landmark on the All England Club's famous Centre Court on Saturday when she overpowered Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska to move level with her sister Venus's singles haul at the championships.

Despite being a relative veteran of the women's game, the American is clearly not finished yet and, should she stay fit and healthy, few would bet against her matching the six of fellow American Billie Jean King here in 12 months' time.

Yet the girl who learned her trade belting balls on the public hardcourts in Compton, insists the plush Wimbledon lawns still have her scratching her head at times.

"I don't love grass, to be honest," Williams told reporters before heading back out to contest the women's doubles final with Venus. "I always say that every year.

"I'm like, Gosh, the grass! I'm not the biggest grass court player because I always get bad bounces and I'm always complaining, and I hate it when I get a bad bounce.

"But, for whatever reason, I do really well here."

102 ACES

The serve certainly helps. During her seven singles victories here this past fortnight she slammed down 102 aces, 24 of them coming in the semi-final against Victoria Azarenka and another 17 against Radwanska.

She also served a perfect game of four aces in the third set on Saturday to regain control of a match that she had let slip out of her control after breezing through the first set.

Serena said she rarely practices the swing that she modeled on seven-times men's champion Pete Sampras - one of the greatest servers of his generation.

"I used to want to serve just like Pete," said Williams, who now has an identical grand slam haul to that of Sampras - 14 titles from 18 finals.

"But I think my motion changed. It doesn't look anything like his. But I definitely wanted to. That was the intention."

"I really loved Pete when I was younger," added Williams.

"My dog's name is Jackie Violet Pete after Pete Sampras, so obviously I'm a little bit obsessed.

"I didn't realize I had the same stats. Clearly my career is not over, so I definitely want to do a few more."

Williams, who has battled back from a career-threatening foot injury and serious health problems since her previous grand slam singles title at Wimbledon in 2010, said all that she had achieved was inspired by her sister.

"I don't know what I would have (won) if Venus didn't exist," she said. "I don't even know if I would own a grand slam title or if I would play tennis, because we do everything together. Growing up I copied Venus, everything she did. She was a real big influence for me.

"When she started winning, I wanted it so bad. When she became number one, I had to be number one. I had to work harder. I had to do everything in my power to get there.

"I just am so influenced and amazed by her playing and doing so well. It's just amazing."

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Toby Davis)

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Error-Prone Yanks Split DH With Red Sox

The Yankees committed a season-high four errors, leading to a pair of unearned runs, extra baserunners and extended innings in a 9-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox in the nightcap of a split doubleheader Saturday.

Following a 3-hour, 59-minute game in the opener and a long muggy afternoon, the Yankees appeared worn down.

But captain Derek Jeter wasn't thinking that way.

"That's an excuse," he said. "You play the same game. We didn't play well. That's the bottom line."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi agreed that the errors made things a lot tougher.

"It was part of our downfall," he said. "That and giving up the two-out hits. It stretches innings. In the fifth, we gave them an extra out and in the sixth we gave them one, too."

Newcomers Pedro Ciriaco and Mauro Gomez carried the Red Sox. Ciriaco had four hits and four RBIs, and Gomez added three hits.

Ciriaco drove in three runs with a bases-clearing double one day after being called up from Pawtucket. Gomez is 8 for 17 in five games since being promoted from the Triple-A team Tuesday night.

Andruw Jones hit three homers in the doubleheader, including two of the Yankees' four in their 6-1 win in the opener in which Freddy Garcia pitched 6 2-3 solid innings in muggy conditions. They added three homers in the nightcap, running their baseball-high total to 133. They're on a pace for a club-record 255. The 1997 Seattle Mariners hold the major league record with 264.

Injuries to second baseman Dustin Pedroia and third baseman Will Middlebrooks led the Red Sox to call up Gomez to fill in at third and Ciriaco to play second and shortstop. The rookies played key roles in the sixth inning, when the Red Sox scored three runs, and in the seventh, when they added four to build their 9-4 lead.

Ciriaco hit a three-run double in the sixth, then reached on a two-base error, stole third and continued home on a wild throw by catcher Russell Martin in the seventh. Gomez singled in the sixth, doubled in a run in the seventh and scored both times.

The Red Sox broke a five-game losing streak with their first win in five games against the Yankees. New York is a major league-best 51-33 after its three-game winning streak ended.

For the third straight game, the Yankees had a big first inning, scoring three runs in the nightcap. They had five in that inning in Friday night's 10-8 win and four in Saturday's opener.

The three runs came with no outs on Mark Teixeira's 15th homer after Jeter reached on an error by Gomez and Curtis Granderson singled. But Felix Doubront (9-4) allowed just one more hit before Jones led off the seventh with a solo homer, his 10th, cutting the lead to 5-4.

The Red Sox had made it 3-1 in the third when Gomez doubled, took third on Ciriaco's single and scored on Daniel Nava's double-play grounder. Nick Punto's sacrifice fly made it 3-2 in the fifth.

Boston knocked Phil Hughes (9-7) out of the game with three runs in the sixth, loading the bases on a single by Adrian Gonzalez, an error by Jeter and a single by Gomez. Ciriaco then cleared the bases with his third hit.

"It was a grind today," Hughes said. "There were runners all over out there. They really broke through with that bases-loaded double."

Gonzalez doubled in the seventh, one of his three hits as he extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 games.

He scored on a triple by Ryan Sweeney, who came in on Gomez's double. Gomez scored on an error by third baseman Jayson Nix before Ciriaco came around on his steal and a bad throw. The Yankees ended the scoring on a solo homer in the ninth by Eric Chavez.

In the opener, Nick Swisher belted a three-run shot in the first and Nix added a solo drive in the fourth. Swisher snapped an 0-for-17 slide with his 13th homer. The next batter, Jones, followed with a drive to nearly the same spot.

"It's crazy, man. Like I've always said, this team's designed to hit home runs," Swisher said. "That's kind of our thing."

Each of the four homers in Game 1 came against Franklin Morales (1-2).

"Yeah, his fastball kept moving in over the middle of the plate to right-handed hitters. He couldn't control it," Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said. "He gave up the home runs to home-run hitters in hitters' counts."

Jeter had three singles for New York.

All-Star slugger Robinson Cano went 1 for 4 and scored a run for New York, but his streak of games with at least one RBI was snapped at nine. He equaled Jeter's 2004 surge as the longest by a Yankee since Reggie Jackson went 11 in a row in 1979.

Morales lasted just 3 1-3 innings, yielding six runs and six hits.

"I was just throwing my pitches and missing," he said. "I missed with my fastball and they hit homers."

Garcia (3-2) gave up one run and six hits under overcast skies, improving to 10-4 in 23 career games against Boston.

"He did an amazing job. He used all his pitches," Girardi said.

The Yankees hit consecutive homers again in the fourth when Jones and Nix each sent one into the Green Monster seats. It was Jones' 43rd multihomer game.

"It's nice. Get a lead early, four or five runs, just got out go out there and shut it down," Garcia said. "And that's what I did."

Gomez had an RBI single in the fourth for Boston.

NOTES: New York has 32 homers in its last 17 games. ... Martin broke an 0-for-30 slump with a double in the second. The Red Sox activated Sweeney from the disabled list before the second game and optioned OF Ryan Kalish to Triple-A Pawtucket. ... Valentine said LF Carl Crawford's rehabilitation assignment was halted briefly because he suffered a mild strained groin rounding second on a triple for Double-A Portland on Thursday. ... The opener was to make up an April 22 rainout.

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