In brief: Woods, Stricker advance at Accenture
Tiger Woods barely broke a sweat. Steve Stricker went into overtime for the second straight day. They had only one thing in common Thursday in the Accenture Match Play Championship at Marana, Ariz., which ultimately was all that mattered.
Both are still playing.
One day after a big comeback to survive the opening round, Woods built a quick lead against Arron Oberholser and never gave him much hope in a 3-and-2 victory.
The thrills belonged to Steve Stricker, who made a 10-foot birdie putt on the 19th hole to extend the match, then beat Hunter Mahan with a birdie putt just inside 50 feet. It was the second straight day Stricker won in 20 holes.
It was the second straight year that Phil Mickelson was given a long weekend off after falling to Stuart Appleby 2 and 1.
“ Jeong Jang opened with an 8-under 64 to lead the LPGA’s Fields Open in Kopolei, Hawaii. Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., opened with a 71.
“John Merrick shot a 6-under 64 and leads the PGA’s Mayakoba Golf Classic at Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
NFL
Playoffs may change
The NFL is considering changing the postseason so seeding would be based on records rather than division titles.
The main motivation for changing the rules is ensuring that the best teams are rewarded. With the NFL aligned in eight four-team divisions, the odds increase that a champion of a weak division may have home field against a wild-card squad from a tough division with a better record.
“As expected, the Seattle Seahawks officially made their initial move to keep Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant (Washington State University) from free agency by designating him as their franchise player for 2008.
“The Carolina Panthers released starting running back DeShaun Foster.
Miscellany
Howard wins case
Ryan Howard won his salary arbitration case against the Philadelphia Phillies when he was awarded $10 million, the highest figure given a victorious player.
The 2006 N.L. MVP, who had been offered $7 million, became the first player to win in six arbitration cases this season.
“Right-hander Josh Fogg agreed to a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
“West Virginia University athletic director Ed Pastilong plans to retire in 2010.
“Kansas State athletic director Tim Weiser is leaving the school to become the deputy commissioner of the Big 12 Conference.
“Christoph Gruber of Austria won a World Cup super giant ski slalom at Whistler, B.C.
“Trail, B.C., Little League coach Andy Bilesky, 88, died earlier this week. His accomplishments included 28 district titles and five Canadian championships. He took teams to the Little League World Series in 1967, ‘76, ‘80, ‘81 and ‘90.
“Billy Jack Murphy, the longtime Memphis football coach who also served as athletic director, died at age 87.