In brief: Georgians surge to lead at PGA’s AT&T Classic

Former Georgia Tech star Troy Matteson shot an 8-under-par 64 on Friday to go 10 under and share the second-round lead in the AT&T Classic in Duluth, Ga., with former University of Georgia player Ryuji Imada (67).

D.J. Brigman (67) was a stroke back, and first-round leader Kevin Sutherland (71) followed at 8 under.

“Lorena Ochoa (67) and Sarah Lee (69) share the lead at the LPGA Sybase Classic in Clifton, N.J., with 9-under 135 totals.

Spokane-area players Wendy Ward and Tracy Hanson both missed the cut.

“Seve Ballesteros got off to a terrible start in his Champions Tour debut, opening with a double bogey and finishing with a 6-over 78 to fall 13 strokes behind leader Scott Hoch (65) after the first round of the Regions Charity Classic in Hoover, Ala.

FOOTBALL

Favre reports to camp

Brett Favre slammed both hands on the podium, wanting to be clear: He never suggested he couldn’t win with this current group of Packers.

“Not once did I say anything about the guys I play with,” Favre said at a news conference during the first day of the Packers’ minicamp at Green Bay, Wis. “And I know that has been brought up, and I want proof that I said something about the guys I play with. Never did I say that.”

Favre’s appearance came after a tumultuous week in which he publicly complained about the Packers’ front office and deflected reports that his agent had asked the team for a trade.

“Cincinnati Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson was arrested in Taylor Mill, Ky., on a domestic violence charge.

“Disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs was a no-show as expected when the Chicago Bears opened a three-day minicamp in Lake Forest, Ill.

TENNIS

Nadal’s streak hits 80

Rafael Nadal extended his record winning streak on clay to 80 matches by defeating Fernando Gonzalez 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semifinals of the Hamburg Masters in Hamburg, Germany.

Roger Federer also reached the semis, but struggled to beat David Ferrer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

“Serena Williams was upset by Patty Schnyder 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open in Rome.

It was only Williams’ third loss this season.

Miscellany

Senators atone to fan

Cyril Leeder, the Ottawa Senators’ chief operating officer, said the team has offered tickets to Renee Luck after learning the Buffalo woman was repeatedly punched in the face by Senators fans following the Sabres’ 3-2 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Wednesday.

“After sitting quietly at the defense table for five days, Floyd Landis will take the witness stand today in the most-anticipated moment of an arbitration hearing he hopes will confirm he’s the Tour de France champion.

“Ramy Brooks, one of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race’s most popular mushers, was handed a two-year suspension and placed on three years’ probation for abusing his dogs during this year’s race.