Brooks Koepka goes on birdie run and shares Canadian Open lead with 5 players

CALEDON, Ontario (AP) – Brooks Koepka finally saw some putts go in and they fell in bunches at the end Thursday as he made four birdies on the last five holes for a 6-under 64 to share the lead with five other players in the RBC Canadian Open.

Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek kick-start World Cup at opening ceremony

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek lit up the World Cup opening ceremony ahead of Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday.

A's slugger Nick Kurtz happy to take free pass to help the team

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Not many second-year players receive this kind of respect from opposing pitchers, but it doesn’t take long to realize Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is already one of baseball’s top sluggers.

Shohei Ohtani leaves Dodgers game vs. Pirates with left knee inflammation

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani was lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning of Thursday night’s game against Pittsburgh due to left knee inflammation.

Atlanta Braves at Chicago White Sox game postponed because of rain

CHICAGO (AP) – The Atlanta Braves’ game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night was postponed because of rain and thunderstorms.

Chicago White Sox trade veteran outfielder Derek Hill to the Philadelphia Phillies

CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago White Sox traded veteran outfielder Derek Hill to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in a swap between contending teams.

Panthers Jalen Coker agrees $35M contract extension

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Jalen Coker agreed to terms Thursday night on a three-year, $35 million contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2019, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Ice skating glides from Milan Olympics success toward reelecting its president Kim

GENEVA (AP) – Ice skating’s governing body is gliding into a presidential election Friday, free of the turmoil that just gripped its Olympic sibling skiing.

Broncos give coach Sean Payton 5-year contract through the 2030 season

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Head coach Sean Payton spearheaded the Denver Broncos ‘ return to relevance and is now set to steer the team through the rest of this decade after signing a new five-year contract Thursday.