Jun 22 2009
Glover Wins U.S. Open
The Black course at Bethpage State Park finally showed some teeth Monday during the final round of the U.S. Open. Lucas Glover managed only one birdie during a round of 73 on the par-70 layout. Nonetheless, Glover won his first major title by two shots. Phil Mickelson, David Duval and Ricky Barnes shared second place.
Barnes led at the start of the fourth round but struggled late Sunday night and all day Monday en route to a 76. Duval’s strong finish means he could be returning to the form that made him number one at the turn of the century. Mickelson claimed at least a share of second place at the U.S. Open for the fifth time, a tournament record. He was the sentiment choice and briefly held the lead on the back nine. He was not able to seal the deal though. Tiger Woods managed a final-round 69 and finished sixth at even-par.
Louisiana State won the opener of the College World Series’ best-of-three final Monday, outlasting Texas, 7-6, in 11 innings. LSU scored two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the score at six. Texas, which leads the NCAA with 103 sacrifice bunts this season, slugged five solo home runs. LSU can win the national championship tomorrow. Texas hopes to extend the season to Wednesday.
The U.S. soccer team qualified for the semifinal of the FIFA Confederations Cup Sunday in very unlikely fashion. The U.S. throttled Egypt, 3-0. Meanwhile, Brazil crushed Italy, 3-0. The combined six-goal margin was exactly what was required for the Americans to win tiebreakers against Italy and Egypt and place second in Group B. Brazil easily topped the group. The U.S. faces Spain Wednesday in one semifinal. Brazil battles host South Africa Thursday in the other matchup.
Wimbledon began Monday without defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal and without a lot of upsets. James Blake, the 17th seed, was the most notable first-day loser. Roger Federer won his opening match in straight sets. Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova also won today. Two-time reigning women’s champion Venus Williams starts her title defense Tuesday.
