Westwood, Rose aim for WGF title

BELEK, Turkey — Justin Rose beat Tiger Woods by a stroke Thursday to set up a title match with Lee Westwood in the World Golf Final.

Knocked out: Tiger Woods watches a shot from the fairway during his match against Rory McIlroy at the World Golf Final in Belek, Turkey, on Thursday. AP

The two Englishmen, who played on the victorious European Ryder Cup team, will meet Saturday, with the winner getting $1.5 million and the runnerup $1 million in the eight-player exhibition.

Rose, who holed a sand wedge shot for an eagle at the 14th, finished with a 2-under 69 while Woods was at 70.

Westwood shot a course-record 61 in the semifinals to beat 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa by six shots. Westwood had two eagles and eight birdies, including a 50-footer at the last on the Sultan Course at Antalya Club. His score would have been even better if not for a double bogey at the fourth hole.

"It was just one of those days I was on a roll. I am just pleased to be swinging the ball well because I've got no hangover from the Ryder Cup, and that's nice," Westwood said. "It seemed the hole just got bigger and bigger with each hole I played, and that hasn't happened for a while.

"It's also a very satisfying feeling to be playing in a tournament like this, and if Justin had not beaten Webb Simpson earlier today I would not have had the opportunity to go out and shoot 61. So a lot of things have to go your way and I have capitalized on a bit of fortune."

Rose tried to pull his cap over his face when his wedge shot at No. 14 took a couple of bounces and disappeared into the hole. Woods also broke out in a smile.

"I was really struggling early on today and to can that shot at 14 was easily the turning point," Rose said. "In proper match play you would only win the hole, but in this format I've picked up two shots on Tiger and it helped me win the match."

Rose then birdied No. 13, and after his eagle a hole later both birdied No. 16 before ending with two pars apiece.

"When Justin birdied 13 and holed out at 14, it was the turning point in the match," Woods said. "I was 2 up at the time and all of a sudden 1 down with four holes to play.

"But I haven't played this format since the Dunhill Cup in '98, so it's been awhile, and it's a neat format as it's never over until it's done. There can be some big-time swings out there, as we saw with Justin at 14. But then it was a long day and it's certainly frustrating when I've lost two matches by a shot, but that's the way it goes."

Rose is now ready for an all-English showdown with Westwood.

"I would dearly love to win this as I want to stay fresh and I want to stay hungry for the rest of the season," Rose said. "There is very little history of Westwood and myself playing against each other, but being the world No. 5 at the moment it would be great to get one over the world No. 4."

The final is Saturday morning, with Woods and the other players competing in an afternoon Pro-Am. Woods has hinted he will consider a return to Turkey next year for the inaugural $7 million Turkish Open that was announced this week.

Woods also backed Darren Clarke to become captain of the European team for the 2014 Ryder Cup in Gleneagles. Woods helped Clarke when the Northern Irishman's first wife, Heather, died weeks before the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland.

SAN MARTIN, California — Australia's Nick O'Hern matched the course record by shooting a nine-under 62 to take a three-shot lead after the opening round of the $5 million PGA Tour's Frys.com Open on Thursday.

O'Hern, who will turn 41 next Thursday, had eight birdies in an 11-hole stretch and capped the bogey-free round on the CordeValle club course with a birdie on the par-five ninth hole.

"I just hit the ball lovely all day, was able to hit it close," O'Hern said. "I started off having to make a few par putts, crucial ones, sort of four- five-footers.

"Once I made those, it got me going. Then I made a few birdies on the front nine, which was my back nine."

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Athletics sweep Rangers to claim unlikely title

OAKLAND, California — Same chaotic, champagne dance-party scene in the clubhouse just two days later. New T-shirt: AL West champions.

Never give up: Oakland's Brandon Moss runs to first base after hitting an RBI single in the first inning on Wednesday. AP

The Oakland Athletics won the division title with another improbable rally in a season full of them, coming back from four runs down and a 13-game division deficit to stun the two-time defending league champion Texas Rangers 12-5 on Wednesday.

"We knew this is a beast of a team we would have to beat, and to be able to beat them three games in a row and win the division on top of it, really it's a magical-type thing," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said.

Josh Hamilton dropped a fly ball in center field for a two-run error that put the A's (94-68) ahead 7-5 in a six-run fourth inning. Oakland only added to Texas' troubles the rest of the way.

While Hamilton's Rangers (93-69) are headed to the new one-game, wild-card playoff at home against Baltimore on Friday, the A's get two days off before opening the division series at Detroit on Saturday in their first postseason appearance since being swept by the Tigers in the 2006 AL Championship Series.

"It's going to be a tough matchup," Melvin said. "They have a very powerful lineup that can certainly score some runs. They also have great starting pitching. We will have our work cut out for us."

Yankees 14, Red Sox 2

In New York, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson each hit a pair of homers, powering the Yankees past the Red Sox for their 13th AL East title in 17 years.

Hiroki Kuroda (16-11) shut Boston down with an encouraging performance after struggling through much of September. He allowed two runs and seven hits over seven innings.

Granderson hit his career-best 42nd homer in the second, a three-run shot off Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-7), making his first start since Sept. 19. Cano then connected in the third for a 5-1 lead.

One batter later Matsuzaka was finished, most likely ending his six-year career with Boston. The Red Sox paid $51.1 million to win the rights to the Japanese star and gave him a $52 million contract. Matsuzaka went 33-15 in his first two years, helping Boston win a World Series in 2007. But injuries, including elbow-reconstruction surgery June 2011, marred the last four years and he finished the deal 50-37.

"I didn't expect my six years to end the way it did," Matsuzaka said through a translator. "It has been really hard on me mentally for a while now."

Ichiro Suzuki went 1-for-5 with two runs for New York.

Rays 4, Orioles 1

In St. Petersburg, Florida, Evan Longoria homered three times.

White Sox 9, Indians 0

In Cleveland, Dan Johnson hit his first three homers of the season.

Blue Jays 2, Twins 1

In Toronto, Brandon Morrow struck out a season-high 11, and Omar Vizquel wrapped up his 24-year career.

Mariners 12, Angels 0

In Seattle, Casper Wells tied a career-high with five RBIs.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Nationals 5, Phillies 1

In Washington, the NL East champion Nationals secured home-field advantage throughout the postseason with their major league-high 98th victory.

Braves 4, Pirates 0

In Pittsburgh, Jason Heyward singled twice and scored two runs.

Cubs 5, Astros 4

In Chicago, Houston ended its National League tenure with a loss.

Mets 4, Marlins 2

In Miami, Ike Davis hit his 32nd homer.

Rockies 2, Diamondbacks 1

In Phoenix, Jeff Francis earned his first victory in more than a month.

Dodgers 5, Giants 1

In Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw finished with a major league-leading 2.53 ERA.

Padres 7, Brewers 6

In Milwaukee, Chase Headley drove in two runs.

Norichika Aoki finished 1-for-5 with a run for the Brewers.

Cardinals 1, Reds 0

In St. Louis, rookie Shelby Miller took a no-hitter into the sixth.

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Lee wins Japan Open badminton title

Two-time champion Lee Chong Wei fended off a spirited challenge from Boonsak Ponsana to win the men's singles title at the Chinese-boycotted Japan Open badminton tournament on Sunday.

The Malaysian top seed, the winner in Japan in 2007 and 2010, powered his way through to a 21-18, 21-18 victory over the Thai.

In the women's singles final, Tai Tze-ying of Taiwan dashed any hopes of a title for Japan by beating Eriko Hirose 9-21, 21-9, 21-14.

"It was really a good match, but it was tough," said Lee.

"This is my first tournament after the London Olympics. I'm very happy to start with this victory. I can put my disappointment behind me," added Lee, who lost to China's Lin Dan in the Olympic finals both in London and Beijing.

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Harumafuji wins title, set for yokozuna rank

Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji defeated countryman and yokozuna Hakuho in an epic final bout to win the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, virtually guaranteeing himself promotion to the sport's top rank of yokozuna.

All together now: Harumafuji celebrates victory in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, his second title in a row. KYODO

Harumafuji has not only met the Japan Sumo Association's yokozuna promotion standard of back-to-back championships having triumphed in Nagoya in July, but he has done it in style with another spotless 15-0 record en route to his fourth overall title.

"Right now I am full of gratitude to my ancestors and my mother and father for giving me this strength," said the 28-year-old Harumafuji, whose real name is Davaanyam Byambadorj.

"Through fate I met a great stablemaster and more than anything I am glad I have been able to pay back all the people that have supported me."

Hakuho appeared to have the upper hand early in the bout but failed in his attempt to kill the ozeki off with an attempted leg trip.

Harumafuji then got in low and gained control, and after the pair traded shoves, the wrestler formerly known as Ama picked his moment to put Hakuho on one leg before taking him down with a textbook shitatenage underarm throw.

"Today I squeezed out every drop of strength I have and I am glad I could respond to the expectations people had in me," Harumafuji said. "I want to continue and wrestle in a way that moves peoples and provides them with courage and hope."

The yokozuna deliberation council will meet Monday to discuss the promotion which is set to be rubber-stamped at a JSA board meeting on Wednesday. Harumafuji will be the first wrestler to be promoted to yokozuna since Hakuho for the 2007 Nagoya meet.

"I'll summon the board," said JSA chairman Kitanoumi, his comments indicating the promotion is a done deal. "He (Harumafuji) must have been under enormous pressure but he really came through it well."

"If he gets the move up he will naturally start to carry himself differently and exude the class (of a yokozuna). I hope he sticks to what he has been doing and fulfills his responsibility."

Hakuho, who has been the only yokozuna since Asashoryu retired in February 2010 after assaulting a man outside a Tokyo nightclub, finished at 13-2 and now has not won a title since the spring meet in March.

In an all-ozeki battle in the preceding bout, Kakuryu saw off Kisenosato with a barrage of thrusts to wrap up with an 11-4 record. Kisenosato was 10-5.

Only three of six wrestlers in the ozeki rank managed to last the distance. Kotoshogiku, Estonian giant Baruto and Bulgarian Kotooshu all pulled out midway through the meet due to injury.

In other bouts of note, sekiwake debutant Myogiryu was for the fourth time awarded the Technique Prize, one of three special awards handed out on the final day, but the sheen was taken off his achievement by fourth-ranked Aminishiki, who scored a thrust-down win to leave both men at 10-5.

Veteran 11th-ranked maegashira Kyokutenho, who pulled off a shock championship win at the summer basho in May only to bomb in Nagoya with a 3-12 mark, was overpowered by sekiwake Goeido and missed out on the Fighting Spirit Prize after finishing 10-5.

Goeido secured a majority of wins in closing at 8-7.

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Cabrera pulls out of batting title race

NEW YORK — Melky Cabrera ended the debate over whether a suspended drug cheat should be able to win a batting title. The San Francisco outfielder asked Major League Baseball officials to disqualify him and on Friday they agreed.

With less than two weeks left in the regular season and Cabrera on track to win the National League batting championship, MLB and the players' association reached a deal on a one-season-only change in the rule governing the individual batting, slugging and on-base percentage champions.

Serving a 50-game suspension, Cabrera entered Friday with a league-leading .346 average, seven points ahead of Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen. Cabrera, the All-Star Game MVP, was suspended Aug. 15 for a positive test for testosterone and is missing the final 45 games of the regular season.

"He was just manning up and saying he was wrong," said McCutchen, who is four points ahead of San Francisco's Buster Posey. "It was man of him to do that. I guess he thought that was the right thing to do, and I commend him for doing that."

Cabrera had 501 plate appearances, one short of the required minimum, but would have won the title under section 10.22(a) of the Official Baseball Rules if an extra hitless at-bat were added to his average and he still finished ahead. With Friday's agreement, that provision won't apply this year to a player who "served a drug suspension for violating the Joint Drug Program."

The process for the change was set in motion Wednesday evening when Cabrera's agent, Seth Levinson, sent an email to union head Michael Weiner with an attached letter from Cabrera in English and Spanish.

"I ask the Players Association to take the necessary steps, in conjunction with the Office of the Commissioner, to remove my name from for the National League batting title," Cabrera wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.

"To be plain, I personally have no wish to win an award that would widely be seen as tainted, and I believe that it would be far better for the remaining contenders to compete for that distinction," Cabrera wrote. "So too, the removal of my name from consideration will permit me to focus on my goal of working hard upon my return to baseball so that I may be able to win that distinction in a season played in full compliance with league rules. To be plain, I plan to work hard to vindicate myself in that very manner."

Lawyers from MLB and the union finished drafting the change on Friday.

"Major League Baseball will comply with Mr. Cabrera's request," commissioner Bud Selig said. "I respect his gesture as a sign of his regret and his desire to move forward, and I believe that, under these circumstances, the outcome is appropriate, particularly for Mr. Cabrera's peers who are contending for the batting crown."

On Wednesday morning, Selig had said "we generally don't interfere" in the batting title issue.

Cabrera then took the initiative.

"It goes without saying that the last couple of months have been painful for Melky and he has certainly paid a significant price for the mistake that he made," Levinson wrote in the email, also obtained by the AP. "He wants to show the baseball world that he is remorseful and worthy of a second chance."

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Shin crushes field to claim Women's British Open title

HOYLAKE, England — Jiyai Shin avoided mistakes in miserable weather conditions Sunday to cruise to a record nine-stroke victory in the Women's British Open.

In the 36-hole finish Sunday in the wind-delayed tournament, Shin took a three-shot lead into the final round after shooting a 1-under 71 in the morning. She stayed calm while strong wind and heavy showers sent scores soaring at Royal Liverpool in the afternoon, closing with a 73 to finish at 9-under 279.

"It was a long, very, very tough day out there," Shin said. "But I kept my focus and concentrated on every shot, and when I made the winning putt, it was great.

Mika Miyazato was fourth at 2 over after rounds of 72 and 77.

The 24-year-old Shin won the major championship for the second time in five years and also won for the second time in seven days on the LPGA Tour. Last Monday morning in Virginia, she finished off Paula Creamer on the ninth hole of a playoff in the Kingsmill Championship.

"When I won at Sunningdale, it was a totally different kind of course, but I finally think I've got the right tempo with my swing for links golf," Shin said.

The 10-time LPGA Tour winner entered the day with a five-stroke lead after shooting a 64 — the lowest competitive round ever at Hoylake — on Saturday. She broke the record for margin of victory of five set by Karen Stupples in 2004 at Sunningdale.

"My goal was 1-under par every single day. So my goal was 4 under. I think it was enough score," Shin said. "So, I'm really surprised even from yesterday and then also today, I hit even par with 36 holes with this weather, so I'm really surprised and inspired by myself. Because it's a really tough course here, so when I finished it today, I'm just like, 'Wow, I can get a good score on any other course.' I'm pretty sure of that."

Shin completed an Asian sweep of the four majors. South Korea's Yoo Sun Young won the Kraft Nabisco, China's Shanshan Feng took the LPGA Championship, and South Korea's Choi Na Yeon won the U.S. Women's Open. Asian players have won nine of the last 12 majors.

Shin missed the LPGA Championship and U.S. Women's Open after having surgery on her left wrist.

"I think so many Asian players are playing at the moment on the LPGA Tour, so it makes a lot of chances to win," Shin said. "Especially, I don't know how can I say, I didn't play the last two major tournaments, but I played in Nabisco and here. Well, I work so hard, I guess that's why I got this trophy, but, I don't know, I know all the other players are doing their best and they work hard, too. So it makes it just happen."

Shin is 2-for-2 working with new caddie Florian Rodriguez.

"I'm happy with my new work with my new caddie because he makes me feel relaxed," Shin said. "Actually, he's one year younger than me, but he like tried to be relaxed on the golf course and I really appreciate my caddie."

South Korea's Inbee Park was second, shooting 72-76.

Creamer shot 72-72 to finish third at 1 over.

Australia's Karrie Webb, a three-time winner in the event, pulled within three shots with a 68 in the morning, but finished with an 82 to tie for fifth with South Korea's Ryu Se Yeon — 12 shots back. Ryu shot 71-76.

Play was abandoned Friday because of high wind, forcing the 36-hole finale Sunday. Play was suspended for a few minutes during the fourth round as the rain and wind pelted the course, but organizers decided to play on.

"It was like we were standing under a shower," Creamer said. "That's the best way I can describe it. It was hard, my goodness gracious."

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Vonn ready to defend latest World Cup title

NEW YORK — Lindsey Vonn is in a good place heading into the World Cup season — a "really happy place" as she's fond of calling it.

Collecting hardware: Lindsey Vonn hopes to add more World Cup trophies to her collection this season. AP

Just a year ago, her personal life was turned upside down when she separated from her husband of four years.

Since then, the U.S. skier has put the split behind her and rekindled relationships with teammates. She's also feeling as strong as ever after taking a different training approach this offseason to save wear and tear on her balky left knee.

And sure, defending her overall title this season remains at the top of her to-do list. So is this: eclipsing the 2,000-point plateau after finishing just 20 away last season. She would like nothing more than to join Austrian great Hermann Maier as the only skiers to attain that lofty mark.

"I want to try to improve on what I did last year," Vonn said in an interview from Portillo, Chile, where she's training with the U.S. squad. "That may not be possible. But that's what I'm going to try and do."

In the midst of her personal strife last season, Vonn found solace in the one place that's always been her sanctuary — the slopes. Once she clicked into her skis, Vonn was all business as she captured 12 World Cup races, putting her within striking distance of becoming the all-time winningest female skier. She has 53 career victories, trailing only Annemarie Moser-Proell of Austria (62) and Vreni Schneider of Switzerland (55).

"She has raised the bar as to what is capable for a female ski racer," women's speed coach Chip White said. "The scary thing now is she is showing no signs of slowing down."

What helped last season was having family and friends constantly around, taking her mind off any problems away from the race course. This year, her younger sister, Laura, will take a year off from school and travel around the circuit with her.

"Life is very, very different for me right now," said Vonn, a four-time World Cup overall winner from Vail, Colo. "But I am in a really happy place. This is a new chapter. I'm ready for it."

She wasn't ready for this — intense tabloid speculation.

Vonn is used to making headlines for wins, not over whom she may be dating. It's been a difficult adjustment, especially since most of the rumors have been way off the mark. None more than reports linking her with quarterback Tim Tebow after "Tebowing" following her super-G win in Beaver Creek last December.

"I guess that's a new part of my life, too," she said. "It seems like whoever I'm friends with, people start to think I'm dating them. It's all crazy to me. I'm just happy being single."

By Vonn's standards, this summer was a low-key break from the snow. There were no trips down the red carpet or guest appearances on "Law & Order."

Instead, she traipsed through Europe with her sisters, culminating with a visit to the luxurious beaches in the southern French resort town of Saint Tropez, attended a Rascal Flatts concert in North Carolina and ventured over to London for the Olympics.

While there, she watched Gabby Douglas win the gymnastics all-around, saw Missy Franklin and Michael Phelps capture gold in the pool, caught a few Team USA men's basketball games and was in the stands when her favorite tennis player, Roger Federer, fell in the Olympic final to Andy Murray.

"It's so different when you're actually there to watch — you get to see more emotion," Vonn said. "I actually knew the stories behind all the athletes, instead of just being in my own bubble and focusing on my own competition."

Being there, though, made her antsy for the 2014 Sochi Games.

"I was wondering why I wasn't competing," said Vonn, who captured the Olympic downhill gold medal in Vancouver. "I'm ready to race."

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Germany, United States ready to clash for Under-20 Women's World Cup title

Defending champion Germany and the United States have both lived up to their pre-tournament heavyweight billings and go toe-to-toe for top honors on Saturday in the final of the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Tokyo.

The showcase match at National Stadium features the undisputed giants at this level, with both teams having won the title twice, but it is the Germans that have the psychological edge after coasting past the Americans 3-0 in the group phase behind a double from hotshot Lena Lotzen.

Germany has yet to allow a goal on Japanese soil and the European starlets have not conceded for six games at this level, a run stretching back to the final in 2010. They have also scored 15 times in their five outings so far, with Lotzen, the second top scorer in the tournament, bagging six goals.

Yet despite those impressive stats, Germany coach, Maren Meinert, whose team broke Japanese hearts with a 3-0 defeat of Young Nadeshiko in the semis, was eager to play down her team's status as favorites to take the title.

"I am not sure whether the win over the U.S. in the group stage gives us an advantage," she said. "In the final there are just two teams and for us it doesn't matter who we are playing tomorrow. We start again at zero. How we got to the final is irrelevant."

"I don't think there will be any need to motivate the players, but I don't want to think we have peaked too early as if we make mistakes now it will all be in vain. We are not champions yet but we are in good shape for tomorrow's final."

U.S. coach Steve Swanson admitted he is still figuring out how to try and break down the Germans but said he was pleased with the improvement his players have shown in the knockout phase of the competition, and that being in the final was all the motivation his team need.

"Although we didn't score against Germany in our group play I think we created enough quality chances to get something out of it. We are focusing on that and I think we have the kind of team and the kind of players that can be dangerous," said Swanson.

"It's a World Cup final so there is enough motivation for the players. They are very excited to play against Germany again. For us there were a lot of positives in that first game and we have kind of fixated on those during the course of the time we have been preparing for this game. I think there are a lot of things that we have shown we can do better in the quarterfinal and semifinals so I think we are a team that has improved throughout this tournament."

Before the final, Japan will meet Nigeria in the match for third place with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointment and end their campaigns on a high.

Japan's youngsters failed to match the feats of the country's senior side at the 2011 Women's World Cup and were left shell-shocked after their defeat to Germany.

Nonetheless they have made history by advancing to the semis for the first time and will be eager to put smiles back on the faces of their supporters by taking bronze.

"Losing is sometimes a positive thing because the issues you have are identified," said Japan coach Hiroshi Yoshida.

"I don't want the players to forget about the loss (against Germany) as it will serve as a good experience for them in the future. Tomorrow will be our last game and I just hope that we can put on a good performance."

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Button takes title in Belgium

SPA, Belgium — Jenson Button coasted to his second victory of the season on Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix after Formula One championship leader Fernando Alonso was sent flying off the track following Romain Grosjean's reckless driving.

It was Button's first victory at Spa and No. 14 for the British driver's career. He led from start to finish, oblivious to the mayhem behind him.

"This is such a special circuit, so to get a victory here from light to flag is very special," Button said. "It hasn't been an easy year for me. We're going to enjoy this for a little while longer before we head to Monza and hopefully do the same."

Button triumphantly zigzagged across the track as he approached the finish line and then clapped his hands together in celebration. He then stood on his McLaren and leaned his head back as he clenched both fists.

"The car felt very good to drive and I could control the degradation of the tires. It's always easier to do that when you're leading," said Button, who climbed to sixth place overall. "It's a massive long shot to win the title, but today proves that you can claw back 25 points very quickly. There's still 63 points to make up, but anything's possible."

Alonso, who is chasing his third F1 title, was relieved after he felt OK following the scary wreck.

"You can have an injury in your hand or your head with a crash like that, so I am lucky in that aspect," Alonso said. "I felt a train coming with a big, big hit."

Defending champion Sebastian Vettel finished second and cut Alonso's lead to 24 points, putting the two-time champion right back in contention.

"I was reasonably confident because I know anything can happen here and you can overtake," Vettel said.

Kimi Raikkonen was third, continuing the consistent form he's shown all season long with his third straight podium and sixth overall.

Kamui Kobayashi was 13th.

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Heat move within win of NBA title

MIAMI — LeBron James could hardly stand, certainly couldn't run. Good thing all he needed to do was shoot.

Super Mario: Chris Bosh embraces Mario Chalmers after the Heat's 104-98 win over the Thunder on Tuesday in Miami. AP

Better get well fast, LeBron. You're one win away from the biggest party of your life.

A limping, grimacing James shook off left leg cramps to hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:51 remaining and the Miami Heat held off the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 104-98 victory Tuesday night and a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals that no team has ever blown.

Game 5 is Thursday night and James will have a chance to finish a nine-year chase that started in Cleveland before he famously — or infamously — left for South Florida before last season.

"Of course it's there to think about," James acknowledged.

With James watching the final moments, Mario Chalmers finished off a stellar 25-point effort that matched Dwyane Wade. James had 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, missing a shot at a triple-double only because he was on the bench at the end after thigh cramps emerged following a fall near the Thunder basket.

The Heat needed all James could give and more to hold off Russell Westbrook. He scored 43 points for the Thunder, who wasted an early 17-point lead but were never out of the game because of their sensational point guard. Kevin Durant had 28 points but James Harden threw in another clunker, finishing with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Westbrook and Durant were the only Thunder players to score in the last 16:46.

"Shots were falling," said Westbrook, who was 20 of 32. "It really doesn't mean nothing. We didn't come out with the win."

James stumbled to the court on a drive midway through the fourth quarter, staying on the offensive end of the floor as the Heat regained possession on a blocked shot, and he made a short jumper that made it 92-90. After Westbrook missed a jumper, the Heat called timeout as James gingerly went to the court. Unable to walk off, he was carried to the sideline by a pair of teammates.

He returned to a huge roar with a little over 4 minutes left and the Heat down two, and after Chris Bosh tied it, James slowly walked into a pull-up 3-point attempt — perhaps doing so knowing he couldn't drive by anyone — and drilled it.

That made it 97-94, and when Wade followed with a layup with 2:19 left, the Heat finally had enough room to withstand Westbrook, who kept coming all night.

"Whatever it takes. No excuses," said Wade, who had to shake off his own aches and pains after landing hard on his back in the first half following a spectacular block by Serge Ibaka. "You don't want to leave this arena saying you missed opportunities."

Chalmers sure didn't. The player who was struggling so badly that the Thunder put Durant on him in hopes of avoiding further foul trouble made 9 of 15 shots, scoring more points than he had in the previous three games.

"Mario Chalmers is a winner," Wade added. "He was due for a big game and he came through for us."

The Heat couldn't have done it without James, who refused to let any pain prevent him from taking the biggest step of his career.

Miami never got past its second Finals victory last year, with James' struggles its biggest problem as it lost the last three to Dallas. But he was at his brilliant best in this one, keeping up his scoring surge but also willingly kicking it out to open teammates when double-teamed.

He tried to play through the pain, but the Heat had to call another timeout and remove him for good.

But there's no doubt he will play Thursday: "I'll be ready," James said. "I'll be ready for Game 5."

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Sharapova retains Italian Open title

Roman holiday: Maria Sharapova holds the Italian Open trophy after beating Li Na in Sunday's final in Rome. AP

ROME — Maria Sharapova successfully defended her Italian Open title Sunday, beating Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in a wild match in which play was twice interrupted by rain and the red clay turned to mud.

"The match was a joke," Li said. "It's tough to play in such heavy rain and then you go and rest for two hours and then play again in heavy rain. . . . But I still have positive things to take away. She was just stronger and tougher."

The rain proved even more formidable for a men's final that never happened. Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will have to wait until Monday to settle their championship.

Li appeared on course for victory when she surged to a 6-4, 4-0 lead, but 24 unforced errors from the French Open champion allowed Sharapova to take the next six games and the set.

Sharapova then seemed certain to win when it began to drizzle. The second-seeded Russian took a 4-1 lead in the third, but Li fought back to win four straight games to lead 5-4. Both held serve the rest of the way, forcing a tiebreaker.

After waiting out the rain for two hours in the locker room, the third set was over in five minutes. Sharapova completed the victory in 2 hours, 52 minutes.

"It was a really difficult match what with so many swings and having to wait an hour or two hours and then a tiebreaker in the final," Sharapova said. "It almost feels difficult to have a loser and a winner as it all came down to one game, but I am happy.

"It's great to beat someone at the level she played last year and knowing how well she plays on clay and how she defends and get herself back in good positions."

Sharapova had the first break of the match. Li, however, broke straight back and did so again in the 11th game to take the first set.

Li was in control as she broke to love and raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set, taking 15 of 17 points as Sharapova struggled with the ferocity of her strokes. But the pressure seemed to get to the eighth-seeded Chinese, and Sharapova won the next eight games.

Li clawed her way back in when she got to 40-0 in the ninth game of the second set. But Sharapova broke following a couple of unforced errors and two double-faults and went on to serve for the set.

Li managed to even the final set as the rain lashed down. The match was delayed briefly at 5-5 and the players waited courtside for it to ease up before play resumed.

Sharapova almost handed the match to Li when she smashed the ball into the net, giving her opponent a championship point. But Sharapova persevered with a powerful forehand to the corner.

With rain pouring, the players were asked if they wanted to continue. Both said they did, but were eventually forced off court before the tiebreaker with the torrential rain leaving the court a mess.

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Title still up for grabs as Hakuho stays in hunt

Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho exacted swift revenge over bogey man Kisenosato on Friday, producing a power-packed display to blow the title race wide open heading into the final weekend of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.

Defeat dropped Kisenosato into a three-way share of the lead at 10-3 with veteran Mongolian Kyokutenho and fourth-ranked Tochiozan at the 15-day basho, at Ryogoku Kokugikan while Hakuho (9-4) revived his hopes of a 23rd Emperor's Cup, despite wrestling with a fractured finger. Rank-and-filers Okinoumi and Aoiyama are tied with Hakuho in second place.

Overnight leader Kisenosato, famous for ending Hakuho's streak of 63 consecutive wins at the 2010 Kyushu Basho, was looking to follow up on his victory at the last tourney in March.

But Hakuho had other ideas and wasted no time sending the ozeki packing with his best impression of a juggernaut.

A championship win for either Kisenosato, Tochiozan or Okinoumi would be the first by a Japanese-born wrestler since now retired Tochiazuma won the New Year Basho as an ozeki in 2006.

Kyokutenho moved into double digits when he toppled 11th-ranked Sadanofuji (5-8) with an under-shoulder swing down, and Tochiozan soaked up a flurry of thrusts from Aminishiki (7-6) before charging the komusubi out of the dohyo.

Elsewhere, Harumafuji moved to within one bout of a winning record, drawing in Baruto with a clever arm pull and shoving his fellow ozeki off the raised clay to a fifth loss.

Kotooshu secured a majority of wins with his second straight victory over an ozeki rival, the Bulgarian tipping Mongolian Kakuryu off the straw ridge to leave both men with 8-5 marks.

Kotoshogiku was dumped to a fifth defeat, the ozeki getting sent sprawling to the dirt by a well-timed beltless arm throw from sekiwake Goeido (7-6).

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Manchester City has title within grasp

LONDON — It has always been what Sir Alex Ferguson considered would be his worst nightmare, losing the title on goal difference.

What he had never envisaged, though, was being pipped by the noisy neighbors who have been kept fairly quiet during Fergie's 25 years in charge at Manchester United. In Ferguson's mind that is as bad as it can possibly get, and he is bracing himself for the reality of a mathematical defeat.

Both clubs have 86 points but Manchester City's goal-difference is +8. Yet it would be a fitting finale if a fascinating, unpredictable Premier League season which comes to an end Sunday had the most dramatic of climaxes.

Queens Park Rangers, managed by former United icon Mark Hughes, who was fired by City and succeeded by Roberto Mancini, takes his team to Etihad Stadium where the title and QPR's future among English football's elite will be decided.

Hughes would do his old club the biggest of favors if he completes the job he was brought in to do by Rangers. It would be a truly wonderful, remarkable story and one that would be spoken about for years to come.

The problem is that City have an almost perfect home record in the league with 17 wins and one draw from their 18 matches. For their part Rangers have lost 13 times on their travels.

There is also the little matter of United winning at Sunderland, which would love to finish the season with a victory over the reigning champions.

"You have to think there's hope," said Ferguson, which most would see as no more than an exercise in straw-clutching. "The way I look at it is, Queens Park Rangers have to go there to survive. I just wish Sparky [Hughes] was playing. Of course City are favorites, there's no doubt about that. The crowd will be right behind them. They will be on to the referee as they were doing against us to make sure they win the game."

A bit rich coming from ref baiter supreme Fergie, but the title is City's to lose and, yes, there is always hope in football, but United will no doubt be left to look back on the 4-4 draw against Everton at Old Trafford after leading 4-2 until the 83rd minute as the catalyst for giving their neighbors the opportunity to become even noisier.

It is not just the title that is up for grabs. Arsenal must beat West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, in what is sure to be an emotional match, as the Baggies bid farewell to Roy Hodgson, who has swapped club for country.

Tottenham is ready to take advantage of any Gunners slip, though Fulham manager Martin Jol, making his first return to White Hart Lane after a savage sacking by Spurs five years ago, would love to make a point and come away with three.

At the basement end of the table, Bolton can only pray QPR lose at City — probable — and they do the business at Stoke — possible but slim at best.

* * *

IN ANY OTHER industry the chairman and directors would have been run out of town by angry shareholders who had seen their company ruined by people who knew nothing about the business.

But of course football is not like the real world, so different rules apply. In football it is OK for Venky's, an Indian company which specializes in chicken processing, to take over Blackburn Rovers and transform the club from an established member of the Premier League's middle classes to one relegated to the Championship in 18 months.

They are able to fire Sam Allardyce, a respected, successful manager with a proven track record and replace him with the untried Steve Kean. Manager perhaps, but Kean was not in charge of transfers because Venky's brought in agent Jerome Anderson to "help."

Sir Alex Ferguson, who knows a thing or two about football, said this was proof "the game has gone mad."

Having finished 10th and 20 points off the relegation zone under Allardyce the previous season, after six months of the Kean era Rovers' Premier League place was salvaged on the last day of 2010-11 by beating Wolves 3-2.

Twelve months later a home defeat by Wigan opened the trap-door to the second tier of English football.

When they paid ?23 million for the club Venky's said their target was Champions League football. Next season they will be playing Barnsley not Barcelona.

There have been regular protests by fans who, unusually, want both the board and manager sacked.

In fact, the only person dismissed is Paul Hunt, the club's deputy chief executive, after a letter he sent to Venky's was printed on the Sporting Intelligence web site though they denied the leak came from Hunt.

The letter, sent last December, was highly critical of Kean and Hunt urged the owners to make "significant changes" sooner rather than later.

Kean, who has become little more than an apologist for the owners — his claim that Venky's are "100 percent right for Blackburn" would be funny if it were not so sad — remains but as Rovers have become football's Titanic there will indeed be significant changes this summer when there will be the inevitable fire sale.

Out will go the likes of Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Yakubu — in fact anyone the club can get a decent fee for will join Chris Samba and Phil Jones out of the Ewood Park departure lounge. Relegation has cost Blackburn a minimum of ?30 (thirty) million so the cost-cutting will be savage.

There has been some stiff competition, but there is strong evidence that Blackburn has become the worst run Premier League club ever.

Christopher Davies was a longtime Premier League correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.

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Mourinho breaks Barca's grip as Real Madrid wins title

Miracle man: Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who had a heart attack on March 17, waves to the crowd before Wednesday's Premier League match against Tottenham at Reebok Stadium. AFP-JIJI

MADRID — Jose Mourinho promised improved results in his second season at Real Madrid, and the Portuguese coach delivered with a record 32nd Spanish League trophy to put a close to Barcelona's domestic dominance.

But while Madrid set a record goal total and Mourinho became the first manager to win a seventh league title across four different European leagues, his failure to give Madrid a chance at playing for a 10th European Cup by way of a Champions League final appearance will leave a bittersweet taste hanging over this season's accomplishment.

Madrid secured the Spanish title with a 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, with Gonzalo Higuain again scoring the goal that clinched the title — just as the Argentina forward did four years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo led a potent attack that surpassed the record mark of 109 goals set by Madrid 22 years ago, with 115 goals and counting, and two games still to play.

Ronaldo's 58 goals include 44 in the league, with the Portugal forward still dueling with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi — who leads with 46 — for the new mark.

"No one gifted us anything," Mourinho, always blunt, said Wednesday.

Madrid may not have met expectations in Europe, despite reaching a second straight semifinal, but at least it finally figured out a way to beat Barcelona.

Barcelona had dominated Spain's fiercest rivalry since coach Pep Guardiola's arrival in 2008, winning nine of 14 with only a single loss until Madrid's victory in last month's "clasico" allowed it to take control of the title race and tilt the balance of power in Spain.

The 2-1 victory at Nou Camp not only stretched Madrid's lead to seven points, but compounded a miserable week for Barcelona when Chelsea eliminated it from the Champions League semifinal and Guardiola announced his decision to leave the club at the close of the season.

BOLTON, England — Fabrice Muamba made an emotional return to Bolton on Wednesday, waving tearfully to fans from the field less than seven weeks after his on-field cardiac arrest.

The midfielder was introduced to a standing ovation ahead of Bolton's Premier League match against Tottenham, the team he was playing against in the F.A. Cup when he collapsed on March 17.

Looking healthy and mobile, Muamba wiped tears from his eyes as he acknowledged the crowd at Reebok Stadium.

"I wish I was playing today," Muamba said.

After greeting the crowd, Muamba made his way to the stands to support his team.

Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes on March 17 but the intervention of a cardiologist, who left his seat among Tottenham fans to treat him, helped saved his life.

He was discharged from a London hospital on April 16.

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Hendry eyeing world title triumph

SHEFFIELD, England — Stephen Hendry believes he can be king of the snooker world once more after completing a 13-4 rout of defending champion John Higgins at the Crucible on Saturday.

Hendry, who won the last of his seven world titles way back in 1999, had no difficulty in clinching the solitary frame required to oust Higgins after racing into a 12-4 lead on Friday in the best-of-25 clash.

It capped a remarkable transformation in fortunes for Hendry, who had come close to retiring from snooker 12 months ago after suffering a humiliating 13-4 defeat to Mark Selby in the second round in Sheffield.

Although Hendry faces a tricky test in the quarterfinals against fellow Scot Stephen Maguire, the 43-year-old insists there is no reason why he can't go on to claim an eighth world crown.

"I don't feel like the oldest player in the tournament. I don't feel like that at all," said Hendry, who lit up the Crucible earlier this week with a maximum 147 break.

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Arimura captures first title of season

ICHIHARA, Chiba Pref. — Chie Arimura held on to her overnight lead to win her first title of the Japan LPGA season in the Cyber Agent Ladies on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Arimura started the day in a tie with South Korea's Lee Ji Woo but pulled away with a bogey-free 65 to finish five strokes ahead of Sakura Yokomine for her 11th career victory.

Lee faded in the final round with a 74, ending up with a share of ninth place.

Arimura had missed the first three events of the year with a nagging injury to her left wrist. She picked up a winner's check of ?12.6 million.

"I managed to finish the round with a birdie, and it just feels so good to win like this," Arimura said at the Tsurumai Country Club, where she had a three-round total of 15-under 201.

"It's a huge monkey off my back. I couldn't be happier. There were some pretty tough times because of the injury to my wrist, but through it all, I learned how to concentrate better on the golf itself," she said.

Ahn Sun Ju, the money title winner the last two years, finished fifth with an 8-under total.

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Baruto's title chase hits bump

OSAKA — Estonia-born ozeki Baruto saw his bid for yokozuna promotion take a hit Wednesday as he was sent to a shock first defeat at the hands of Mongolian sekiwake Kakuryu on the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Baruto's slapdash sumo style reared its ugly head in his first real test of the 15-day meet, when he was toppled onto his back by rival Kakuryu, who improved to a 4-0 mark to share the lead with lone yokozuna Hakuho, ozeki Harumafuji and rank-and-filer Takayasu.

In the day's premier bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Baruto and Kakuryu fought to a standstill as they tussled for leverage and the ozeki tried spinning his opponent around violently to reposition himself, only for Kakuryu to deploy a leg trip near the edge for the victory.

"I am happy that I went on the offense," said Kakuryu, who is hoping to make a run at ozeki with a strong showing at the Osaka meet. "I want to continue fighting in my style for the rest of the tournament."

Baruto won the New Year meet with an impressive 14-1 mark, but it is now anyone's guess how his defeat will affect him as he tries to secure promotion — needing to at least remain in the title race over the two weeks of competition.

Hakuho, who is gunning for his 22nd career title, was never fooled for a second by winless Tokitenku, who dodged to the side at the face-off before the yokozuna tossed him from the ring with a beltless arm throw.

Ozeki Kisenosato picked up his second consecutive victory after losses on the first two days, absorbing a fierce assault by winless Georgian Gagamaru before putting his opponent on the back leg with a salvo of strikes.

Ozeki Harumafuji pulled off another win for sumo's second-highest rank, throttling Tochinowaka (1-3) with a throat grab before upending his opponent with a series of shoves to also remain among the unbeaten.

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Contador gets two-year doping ban, loses 2010 Tour title

MADRID — Alberto Contador was stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title Monday and banned for two years after sport's highest court found the Spanish cyclist guilty of doping.

Fallen idol: Alberto Contador has been stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title and banned from cycling for two years. AP

The Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended the three-time Tour champion after rejecting his claim that his positive test for clenbuterol was caused by eating contaminated meat.

The three-man CAS panel upheld appeals by the International Cycling Union and World Anti-Doping Agency, which challenged a Spanish cycling tribunal's decision last year to exonerate Contador.

"The presence of clenbuterol was more likely caused by the ingestion of a contaminated food supplement," CAS said in its ruling in Lausanne, Switzerland.

CAS backdated Contador's ban and he is eligible to return to competition on Aug. 6. That ban means Contador will miss the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the London Olympics, but he would be eligible to ride in the Spanish Vuelta, which begins Aug. 18.

Contador becomes only the second Tour de France champion to be disqualified and stripped of victory for doping. The first was Floyd Landis, the American who lost his 2006 title after testing positive for testosterone.

Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, who finished second at the 2010 Tour, stands to be elevated to victory.

Contador blamed steak bought from a Basque producer for his high reading of clenbuterol, which is sometimes used by farmers to fatten up their livestock.

CAS said both the meat contamination theory and a blood transfusion scenario for the positive test were "possible" but "equally unlikely."

"The panel found that there were no established facts that would elevate the possibility of meat contamination to an event that could have occurred on a balance of probabilities," CAS said. "Unlike certain other countries, notably outside Europe, Spain is not known to have a contamination problem with clenbuterol in meat. Furthermore, no other cases of athletes having tested positive to clenbuterol allegedly in connection with the consumption of Spanish meat are known."

CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb said the doping offense was "not contested," only the explanation for how the clenbuterol got into Contador's system.

"It is just the application of the rules, the fact that there was a positive test," Reeb told reporters. "In the end, it is not so spectacular. There is a clear decision based on a positive test. There was no reason to exonerate the athlete, so the sanction is two years."

Contador continued racing since his positive test on a 2010 Tour rest day, and will be stripped of all results from races in which he participated since Jan. 25, 2011, which includes his Giro d'Italia victory last season.

"This is a sad day for our sport," UCI president Pat McQuaid said. "Some may think of it as a victory, but that is not at all the case. There are no winners when it comes to the issue of doping: every case, irrespective of its characteristics, is always a case too many."

Contador tested positive on the July 21 rest day. The positive results were not confirmed publicly until September 2010, when the UCI announced it had provisionally suspended him pending an investigation by Spain's cycling body.

Contador was originally cleared last February by the Spanish cycling federation's tribunal, which rejected a recommendation to impose a one-year ban. Days earlier, then Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said on Twitter that there was no reason to punish the rider, who is a sports icon in his home country.

"The fault is with the institutions that haven't served their purpose and who haven't been able to review a case like this," Contador said of his case, nearly one year ago. "It's been six months of sleepless nights, pulling your hair out — there are times when I cried."

After the UCI and WADA appealed the Spanish verdict, a twice-postponed hearing was eventually heard by CAS in November.

The four-day session almost ended in chaos as lawyers for the UCI and WADA considered walking out when the panel chairman, Israeli lawyer Efraim Barak, prevented one of their expert witnesses from being questioned about the science of blood doping and transfusions.

The complex 18-month legal case has also raised questions about the status of clenbuterol in anti-doping rules and the honesty of Spanish farmers. The drug is banned in Europe.

Contador is one of only five cyclists to win the three Grand Tours — the Tour de France, the Giro and the Spanish Vuelta. He also won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009.

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Yoshimura captures table tennis title

Eighteen-year-old Maharu Yoshimura beat Jun Mizutani on Sunday in a thrilling final on Sunday to win the men's singles title at the national table tennis championships.

Yoshimura won 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, denying Mizutani a sixth consecutive crown and becoming only the second player after his opponent to win the title while still in high school.

"I can't believe it," said Yoshimura, who won five straight points to clinch victory after trailing 10-7 in the final game.

"Mizutani-san is a quality player and I just wanted to play without any regrets," he said

Hiroko Fujii and Misako Wakamiya won the women's doubles title for the third year in a row.

Table tennis icon Ai Fukuhara finally won a national singles title by defeating 2011 champion Kasumi Ishikawa four games to one in the women's final on Saturday.

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Fukuhara captures national title

Table tennis icon Ai Fukuhara finally won a national singles title Saturday, defeating 2011 champion Kasumi Ishikawa four games to one in the final.

Fukuhara, making her 13th appearance at the national championships, won 11-7, 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5 in the matchup many people were hoping to see on the penultimate day of action at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

She clinched victory when 18-year-old Ishikawa's backhand went long.

Fukuhara, currently ranked ninth in the world, made her tournament debut in 1999 at the age of 11. Her previous best finishes were in the semifinals — twice.

"I feel like this is a dream," the 23-year-old said. "Winning a national title was a big hurdle for me. At the London Olympics, I want to show how much I've grown as a player."

Fukuhara came into the final on a high after beating five-time champion Sayaka Hirano 11-9, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 in her semifinal earlier in the day.

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