GAME PLAN
Today’s TV/radio
BASEBALL
3:30 Detroit at Oakland, FSN/WXYT 8 San Francisco at St. Louis, ESPN
• • The Detroit News | Wednesday, July 1, 2009 | 2B
GOLF
GOLF
3:30 PGA Pro National Ch., GC
INSIDER
Big hitters
Rnk. 1. 2. 3. 4. T5. T5. 7. T8. T8. 10. Player Brittany Lincicome Yani Tseng Vicky Hurst Jee Young Lee Suzann Pettersen Michelle Wie Karen Stupples Angela Stanford Sophie Gustafson Brittany Lang Driving avg. 273.2 272.8 271.5 271.0 270.8 270.8 267.5 266.5 266.5 266.4 Rounds 35 50 38 48 45 39 30 39 28 50
Line +110 +140 -105 +110 +110 +185 +100 +155 +185 +140 +125 +140 +100 +120 +110
“They asked me to sign their cell phone!”
Cristie Kerr, when asked by LPGA.com about the craziest request she has received from a fan.
Odd, but a thriller just the same
TENNIS
7a Wimbledon, ESPN2 10a Wimbledon, NBC 1 Wimbledon, ESPN2
Subject to change
J
The line
Today
Major League Baseball American League Favorite Line Tampa Bay -120 Boston -150 KANSAS CITY -105 Detroit -120 CLEVELAND -120 NEW YORK -200 TEXAS -110 National League FLORIDA -165 MILWAUKEE -200 LOS ANGELES -150 Chicago -135 CINCINNATI -150 Philadelphia -110 ST. LOUIS -130 Houston -120 Home teams in CAPS Underdog TORONTO BALTIMORE Minnesota OAKLAND Chicago Seattle Los Angeles Washington New York Colorado PITTSBURGH Arizona ATLANTA San Francisco SAN DIEGO
Don Heupel/Associated Press
Another Korean driving LPGA
S
Sylvania, Ohio he is a 5-foot-1 spitfire, a Korean golfing sensation with her nails painted bright yellow, a cheerful personality and an attitude and approach to life and her sport that would blow anyone away. Jiyai Shin is only 21 years old and already has dealt with enormous personal tragedy. But she is here at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic LPGA Tour event at Highland MeadANGELIQUE S. ows Golf Club brimCHENGELIS ming with confidence after winning last weekend at Rochester, N.Y., and after an 18-hole practice round Tuesday morning that revealed much to her liking — narrow fairways and flat, fast greens. A rookie on Tour, Shin has won five LPGA tournaments in the last 11 months, including the Women’s British Open last August. Last year, she became the first non-LPGA regular to win three events, and now has won two this year. Shin has a 405point lead over the much morepublicized Michelle Wie in the rookie-of-the-year standings and now is first in the player of the year rankings. The last player to win both of those titles in the same year? Nancy Lopez. “This year, my goal is rookie of the year only, because I am a rookie this year,” Shin, who speaks good English but has an interpreter nearby, said Tuesday. “And then I have a chance for player of the year right now, but we have still a lot of tournaments. “So trying to do my best. Another of my goals is to enjoy this Tour.” That’s not much to ask. Not for Shin, who six years ago had to endure the loss of her mother in a car accident and was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver and nurturer to two younger siblings, who were severely injured. “It was a car accident, very
LPGA Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic
When: Thursday-Sunday, Highland Meadows Golf Club (6,428 yards, par 71), Sylvania, Ohio Purse: $1.4 million (1st, $210,000) TV: ESPN2 (4-6 p.m. Friday, 3-5 p.m. Saturday, 4-6 p.m. Sunday) Last year: Paula Creamer won the third of her four 2008 titles. She opened with a 60 and added rounds of 65, 70 and 73 for a two-stroke victory over Nicole Castrale.
QUICK HITS Vick takes job working with kids
Suspended NFL Star Michael Vick is leaving a job with a Virginia construction company to work with youngsters at Boys & Girls Clubs. Steven Kast, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, says Vick will be working with children on health and fitness activities at several clubs in the Hampton Roads area. Vick was a regular at the Boys & Girls Club in Newport News as a youngster. Vick needed a job to meet the conditions of his probation and was working as a $10-an-hour laborer. COLLEGES: The NCAA rejected an appeal from former Indiana basketball coach Kelvin Sampson, who was slapped with five years of potential penalties for taking part in more than 100 impermissible calls to recruits while coaching the Hoosiers. The NCAA’s infractions committee upheld the violations found in the case, which prompted an overhaul at the storied program and led to Sampson’s departure after just 11⁄2 years. An NCAA spokeswoman said Sampson has used his only appeal, and the case is closed. Sampson, now an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, is essentially barred from coaching in college until 2013. … Nick Hill, a 5-foot-8, 182pound running back from Chelsea, committed to Michigan State. Hill was named to The Detroit News first team All State Division 3/4. Hill rushed for 2,300 yards last season and received scholarship offers from Syracuse and a handful of Mid-American Conference schools.
Detroit News wire services
ust got back from a vacation hiking the Appalachian Trail, by which I mean flying to Argentina, and I was saddened to hear about the tremendous loss suffered in the entertainment world. I, of course, am referring to Yao Ming’s left foot. The superstar foot of the star center of the Houston Rockets broke again TONY during the AUGUSTY Sideline Satire playoffs. It hasn’t responded to treatment. Its career might be dead. What infuriates me is the media’s hypocritical coverage of Yao’s foot.
Footloose ascent
Born in the Garyindiananeighborhood of Shanghai, China, Yao’s humble beginnings instilled a strong work ethic in his left foot from a young age. Most of its childhood was spent touring the country as the Yao Ming Five; the group dissolved after the pinkie toe left to pursue a solo career. Then in 2002, Yao’s left foot burst onto the world scene, and the media couldn’t get enough. They raved about its electrifying pivots, how it lifted Yao into another orbit on slam dunks. Shoe companies fought to sign the foot to a shoe deal, leading to the infamous 2004 Reebok commercial in which the left foot’s shoelaces caught fire during filming.
PGA AT&T National
When: Thursday-Sunday, Congressional Country Club, Blue Course (7,255 yards, par 70), Bethesda, Md. Purse: $6.2 million (1st, $1,116,000) TV: Golf Channel (3-6 p.m., 8:3011:30 p.m. Thursday; 12:30-3:30 a.m., 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; midnight-3 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday; 1-2:30 p.m., 8-11:30 p.m. Sunday) and CBS (3-6 p.m. Saturday, 3-6:30 p.m. Sunday) Last year: Anthony Kim won the second of his two 2008 titles, closing with a 5-under 65 for a two-shot victory over Fredrik Jacobson.
Michael Cohen/Getty Images
Jiyai Shin of South Korea has won five LPGA tournaments in the last 11 months, including last week’s LPGA event in Rochester, N.Y.
Other tournament
Jiyai Shin
Age: 21 (April 28, 1988) Height: 5-foot-1 Birthplace: South Korea Education: Yonsei University LPGA Tour rookie year: 2009 Starts in 2009: 12 Wins in 2009: 2 Top-10 finishes in 2009: 4 Earnings in 2009: $1,001,139 LPGA Tour wins: 5, including three in 2008 as a non-LPGA regular Career low round: 66 Notable: Turned pro in 2005 and has 23 international victories.
American League All-Star voting
First Base 1. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, 1,915,303. 2. Mark Teixeira, Yankees, 1,875,256. 3. Justin Morneau, Twins, 1,560,530. 4. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, 1,139,804. 5. Carlos Pena, Rays, 767,088. Second Base 1. Ian Kinsler, Rangers, 2,170,100. 2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, 2,163,270. 3. Robinson Cano, Yankees, 1,245,065. 4. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays, 892,006. 5. Placido Polanco, Tigers, 809,976. Third Base 1. Evan Longoria, Rays, 2,988,363. 2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, 1,354,319. 3. Mike Lowell, Red Sox, 1,136,723. 4. Michael Young, Rangers, 1,134,921. 5. Brandon Inge, Tigers, 667,331. Shortstop 1. Derek Jeter, Yankees, 3,046,813. 2. Jason Bartlett, Rays, 1,419,499. 3. Elvis Andrus, Rangers, 1,028,157. 4. Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays, 807,199. 5. Jed Lowrie, Red Sox, 576,629. Catcher 1. Joe Mauer, Twins, 2,851,819. 2. Jason Varitek, Red Sox, 1,399,946. 3. Jorge Posada, Yankees, 1,095,219. 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers, 1,002,391. 5. Victor Martinez, Indians, 867,613. Outfield 1. Jason Bay, Red Sox, 2,609,913. 2. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, 1,802,826. 3. Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 1,635,781. 4. Torii Hunter, Angels, 1,490,800. 5. Carl Crawford, Rays, 1,442,175. 6. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox, 1,355,133. 7. Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners, 1,204,863. 8. Johnny Damon, Yankees, 1,175,539. 9. Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 1,171,354. 10. J.D. Drew, Red Sox, 1,050,112. 11. Adam Jones, Orioles, 1,022,041. 12. Nick Markakis, Orioles, 850,150. 13. Curtis Granderson, Tigers, 798,786. 14. Bobby Abreu, Angels, 733,329. 15. Grady Sizemore, Indians, 714,902.
suddenly, so I get a lot of shock,” Shin said. “They’re almost one year in hospital. I was with my brother and sister staying in hospital for one year.” Shin literally stayed with her sister and brother in the hospital. Thankfully, golf still was there for her, as well. She said she would practice for five or six hours a day during the afternoon before
returning to be with them. The story is not a pleasant one, but Shin has managed to find the silver lining. Her siblings have recovered and, she said, are living a “very normal life.” She plans to visit them in Korea during a break in August. “I’m thinking that helped me, gave to me more strong mind, because I have to care for my sister and brother,” Shin said of the accident. “My mental (approach to golf) is really strong. After that accident, after just four months, I got my first-time win. Everybody say to me that my mom is helping me in the sky.” She dedicates each of her victories — she had 20 on the Korean professional circuit — to her mother, of whom she keeps a photograph in her course book. There is no doubt her mental approach to golf is strong. Three days after winning at Rochester, N.Y., on Sunday, she is in northwest Ohio, talking like a seasoned veteran. She spoke Tuesday of
European PGA French Open: Thursday-Sunday, Saint-Quentin-enYvelines, France (Golf Channel)
Stumbling downward
As the seasons passed, the surgeries stacked up. The foot took on a strange appearance and began wearing bizarre socks all the time. There was the trip to rehab for Icy Hot addiction, the sleepovers with Webster and Macaulay Culkin. The whispers began. The media turned vicious, nicknaming Yao’s foot “Wacko Walko.” Paparazzi made it impossible to visit the local Foot Locker. Then came allegations (unproven) of footsie with minors at its palatial ottoman outside Los Angeles. Yao’s left foot became a punch line. And now, when that same foot’s days appear numbered, these same media phonies are praising it on TV, talking about what a tragedy this is, referring to its legacy. They offer fake condolences to the Rockets, who reached the dizzying heights of the second round of the NBA playoffs when Yao’s foot was healthy. The media lay the blame at the feet of the foot’s hangerson — the shady bunion doctors, the synthetic-fiber socks that slowly wicked away all the moisture and left Yao’s foot high and dry. But the media are just as guilty. So are we all.
LPGA Tour money leaders
Player Trn Money 1. Jiyai Shin 12 $1,001,139 2. Cristie Kerr 13 $840,507 3. Yani Tseng 13 $832,621 4. In-Kyung Kim 12 $774,141 5. Lorena Ochoa 9 $711,105 6. Angela Stanford 10 $626,289 7. Suzann Pettersen 12 $590,907 8. Paula Creamer 11 $568,436 9. Lindsey Wright 12 $543,231 10. Kristy McPherson 13 $512,281 Player Trn Money 11. Song-Hee Kim 12 $436,388 12. Ji Young Oh 12 $428,990 13. Brittany Lincicome 11 $417,398 14. Karrie Webb 10 $401,769 15. Na Yeon Choi 13 $389,620 16. Michelle Wie 10 $361,960 17. Anna Nordqvist 6 $343,150 18. Katherine Hull 12 $338,036 19. Ai Miyazato 11 $326,579 20. Brittany Lang 13 $285,958
Drew Hallowell/Getty Images
forgetting last weekend’s win and focusing only on this week. Shin said she felt like she was “in a dream” after winning her second event of the year, and has that I’ve-got-to-pinch-myself outlook on what she has been able to achieve so quickly. “Yes, of course,” Shin said, when asked if she is surprised by her success. “Of course, because here, LPGA Tour, so many great players playing here. I get five times won this Tour, so I’m very surprised. Really surprised.” It should not be a surprise that Shin will be among the favorites at the Farr. She is confident with her driver, so the narrow fairways will not be intimidating. The wind Tuesday morning made the course more challenging, but overall, the 6,428-yard layout sets up well for her game. In many ways, she said, the course is similar to Locus Hill in suburban Rochester where she won by seven strokes. Shin was asked if she’d become the big-name athlete in Korea like Se Ri Pak, a five-time Farr winner who opened the door to the LPGA Tour for her young countrywomen. “Me?” she said, sounding shocked at the possibility. “Getting better,” she giggled. “A little bit.”
angelique.chengelis@detnews.com
Requiem for a foot
Yao’s left foot wanted love and acceptance. But happiness and greatness rarely occupy the same shoebox. Poor foot. You seemed off the wall at first — that’s how revolutionary you were. At your best, you thrilled us. Even your bad was better than your contemporaries’ best — dangerously so. That’s why I choose to look back on your history and remember the good times. In the end, you were not invincible. You didn’t have to be. Footrest in peace.
taugusty@detnews.com More at sidelinesatire.com
Lorena Ochoa has won $711,105 this season.
TENNIS: WIMBLEDON
Williams sisters, two Russians advance to the semifinals
Detroit News wire services
Wimbledon, England — Her 19th consecutive victory at the All England Club already wrapped up, Venus Williams grabbed a seat and watched younger sister Serena win easily to reach the semifinals, too. Afterward, Venus and mom, Oracene Price, strolled out of Centre Court arm-in-arm, chatting and laughing. Sure is fun to be a Williams at Wimbledon. Five-time champion Venus beat No. 11-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, 6-1, 6-2, be-
fore two-time champion Serena defeated No. 8 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, 6-2, 6-3, a pair of overwhelming performances Tuesday that moved the siblings closer to another all-in-the-family final. “They are both playing superwell. They’re playing ‘The Williams Way,’ ” said their father, Richard Williams. “And when you’re playing ‘The Williams Way,’ it’s very difficult for anyone to touch you.” Particularly at the grasscourt Grand Slam tournament, where a Williams has won seven
of the past nine championships. If No. 3 Venus gets by No. 1 Dinara Safina of Russia in Thursday’s semifinals, and No. 2 Serena eliminates No. 4 Elena Dementieva of Russia, the siblings would meet Saturday in their second consecutive final at the All England Club and fourth overall. It also would be the eighth allWilliams Grand Slam championship match; Serena leads 5-2. “I would love it to be a Williams final,” Venus said. “And so would she.” Safina overcame 15 double-
At a glance
Women’s quarterfinals: No. 1 Dinara Safina def. Sabine Lisicki, No. 2 Serena Williams def. No. 8 Victoria Azarenka, No. 3 Venus Williams def. No. 11 Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 4 Elena Dementieva def. Francesca Schiavone
faults and wore down 41stranked Sabine Lisicki of Germany, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1. Dementieva was never challenged by 43rdranked Francesca Schiavone of Italy and won, 6-2, 6-2.
Glyn Kirk/Getty Images
Serena Williams overwhelmed Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 6-3, in a quarterfinal match Tuesday.
Bill Baptist/Getty Images
Yao Ming’s left foot, in better days. Forever in our hearts.