The Star Online: Sports
The Star Online: Sports |
- Crane seals victory in playoff for McGladrey Classic (update)
- British driver Wheldon dies after crash (update)
- South African Joubert to referee World Cup final
| Crane seals victory in playoff for McGladrey Classic (update) Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:44 PM PDT Oct 16 (Reuters) - Ben Crane came from seven shots behind before clinching his fourth PGA Tour title with a stunning playoff victory over fellow American Webb Simpson for the McGladrey Classic at St Simons Island in Georgia on Sunday. Crane narrowly missed a 22-foot birdie putt at the second extra hole, the par-three 17th, but moments later he sealed the win when Simpson lipped out with his par putt from inside four feet. The duo had finished the 72 regulation holes at 15-under-par 265, Simpson closing with a four-under 66 and Crane firing a sizzling eight-birdie 63. "This week I had a great sense of perspective and peace out there," a beaming Crane, whose wife Heather is expecting their third child on Monday, told reporters. "The hole opened up for me and it was a great day," he added, referring to his late run of birdies. "I'm just thrilled." Simpson's runner-up finish was good enough for him to overtake British world number one Luke Donald at the top of the 2011 PGA Tour money list with just one event remaining. He leads Donald by $363,029 and both are scheduled to compete in next week's season-ending Disney Classic at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Crane had the most to celebrate at the breezy Seaside Course on Sunday, though, as he came from seven shots behind with 11 holes remaining in the final round. RED-HOT PUTTING Wielding a red-hot putter, the 35-year-old birdied the eighth and ninth to reach the turn in two-under 33 and picked up further shots at the 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th, sinking a 20-footer, to draw level at the top. "I was just riding a hot putter, making putts there at 10, 11, and then making birdies at 14 and 15," said Crane. "I looked up on the 16th green and I'm like, 'Wow, I'm two back.' "I had an opportunity to make birdie there and ran one in. The adrenalin went through me here on 17 green when I made it in regulation for birdie. It was a fun day." Simpson, who trailed Donald by $68,971 in the money list at the start of the week, had been bidding for his third PGA Tour victory in just six starts. "It's unfortunate the way it ended but it was a good week overall," he said. "I learned a lot. I'm just really happy for my good friend Ben. He played so well all day." Overnight leader and PGA Tour rookie Michael Thompson, who had led by three shots with nine holes to play, bogeyed the last for a 69 and had to settle for third place at 14-under. South African Louis Oosthuizen, who romped to a seven-stroke victory in last year's British Open, was a further stroke back after closing with a 66. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| British driver Wheldon dies after crash (update) Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:03 PM PDT Oct 16 (Reuters) - British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon died from injuries sustained in an horrific crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, race organisers said. The 33-year-old Englishman, who lived in St. Petersburg Florida, was involved in a multi-car accident 13 laps into the Las Vegas Indy 300 which sent his vehicle flying. Wheldon was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment before his death was announced two hours later. "IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries," IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute," Bernard added. Wheldon was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion and he won the Indy500 race that year and also in 2011. The drivers returned to the track on Sunday for an emotional five-lap tribute with Wheldon's fellow British driver, Scotsman Dario Franchitti, sobbing uncontrollably as he was strapped back into his car. SILENT FANS Crews lined up along the pit lane and fans in the stands stood silently as the drivers paid tribute to the popular Wheldon. The cancelling of the race meant that Franchitti won his third straight series title. After winning eight British national titles in karting and then finishing third in the 1998 Formula Ford championship in Britain, Wheldon moved to the U.S. in pursuit of better opportunities. He clinched the F2000 Championship Series in 1999 with six victories and then moved into IndyCar where he won rookie of the year honours in 2003. Wheldon claimed the 2005 series thanks to six wins for Andretti Green Racing. The Englishman later raced for Panther Racing and his final team Bryan Herta Autosport. Wheldon leaves his wife Susie and their two young sons. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| South African Joubert to referee World Cup final Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:01 PM PDT AUCKLAND, Oct 17 (Reuters) - South Africa's Craig Joubert has been named to referee the rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France on Oct. 23 at Eden Park, tournament officials said on Monday. Joubert was in charge of the All Blacks' 20-6 victory over Australia in the semi-final on Sunday. It will be his first final and he becomes the second South African, after Andre Watson, to take charge of the final match of the global showcase. "It is an enormous honour to get the final and I would like to thank (International Rugby Board referees manager) Paddy (O'Brien) and the committee for giving me the opportunity," Joubert said in a statement. "I am now really looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the occasion." England's Wayne Barnes will referee the playoff for third place between Australia and Wales on Friday. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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