TimesLeader.com

4:10 AM

Federer aiming for record

WIMBLEDON, England — Rising, rising, rising, high above the most famous patch of grass in tennis, Roger Federer channeled Pete Sampras on match point in the Wimbledon semifinals Friday, tucking both feet back beneath his body and uncorking an overhead smash.

July 4

American heads to finals again

DALLAS — Aside from a 45-minute rain delay, everything went pretty smoothly for defending District 31 champion Back Mountain American on Friday.

July 4

Tour de France gets under way

MONACO — The Tour de France is ready for another edition with Lance Armstrong, and today’s opening stage may show whether he’s ready to challenge for another title.

July 4

Curtis’ grand slam backs up strong showing from Towers

Josh Towers pitched more than well enough to win.

July 4

Fedotenko takes pay cut to stay with Pens NOTES

PITTSBURGH — Turns out more than one player is willing to take a hometown discount to stay with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

July 4

Jackson returning to coach Lakers NOTES

LOS ANGELES — Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season, getting a clean bill of health following a record championship season.

July 4

Slump takes its toll on Earnhardt

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t know when he’ll end his winless streak, or how long it will take to turn around his horrendous season.

July 4

Mohegan Max

Post Time: 1 p.m.

July 4

Ramirez apologizes to fans, teammates in return to Dodgers

SAN DIEGO — Manny Ramirez returned to the big leagues as only he could.

July 4

SWB YANKEES

LOB – SWB Yankees 7, Pawtucket 6. 2B – EDuncan (10), JMolina (1), AnChavez (10). HR – Curtis (2), TDenker (3). SF – AJackson.

July 4

NASCAR defends drug policy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Brian France defended NASCAR’s drug testing policy as the toughest in professional sports, despite a federal judge’s ruling that overturned driver Jeremy Mayfield’s suspension.

July 4

Coaches visiting soldiers in Iraq

The soldiers expressed their gratitude over and over to the NFL coaches who made the trip to Iraq.

July 4

New league willing to let QB Vick play

NEW YORK — When the United Football League debuts in October, Michael Vick could be one of its players.

July 4

Hunter-Reay shrugs off woes

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — A year ago, Ryan Hunter-Reay left Watkins Glen International brimming with confidence after a surprising IndyCar victory.

July 4

Stewart on pole after rain out

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tony Stewart will start from a familiar spot today at Daytona International Speedway.

July 4

Cherundolo ready to go for Gold Cup

SEATTLE — Leave it to the most experienced international veteran on the U.S. Gold Cup roster to give this tournament perspective.

July 4

One final season in the cards for Recchi

BOSTON — Mark Recchi wants one last chance to be a Stanley Cup champ again.

July 4

Lopez shines as Phils snap streak

PHILADELPHIA — Rodrigo Lopez took a three-hitter into the seventh inning in his first outing in two years, helping the Philadelphia Phillies snap a six-game home losing streak with a 7-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night.

July 4

Burnett gets Yanks back to their winning ways

NEW YORK — A.J. Burnett quickly got the New York Yankees back to their winning ways.