Storm down Liberty behind Cash, Bird
WNBA: Swin Cash had 20 points and 11 rebounds to help the Seattle Storm beat the New York Liberty 78-70 at home with Lauren Jackson on the sideline with a mild concussion.
Jackson, averaging a team-best 21.4 points and 9.0 rebounds, was injured when she was hit in the face by Los Angeles’ DeLisha Milton-Jones while going for a rebound during the Storm’s 75-62 victory on Saturday. Jackson is listed as day to day.
Sue Bird scored 11 of her 16 in the fourth quarter for the Storm (16-2), who have won seven straight games. LeCoe Willingham, subbing for Jackson, had 13 points and Camille Little finished with 12.
Taj McWilliams-Franklin led the Liberty (7-9) with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Cappie Pondexter added 16.
• WNBA adds six All-Stars: Atlanta Dream teammates Sancho Lyttle and Iziane Castro Marques were added to the WNBA All-Star roster.
The pair are joined by Washington’s Crystal Langhorne, Phoenix’s Penny Taylor, Indiana’s Katie Douglas and Minnesota’s Rebekkah Brunson.
Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird of the Storm will also participate as members of the All-Star team and Team USA, respectively.
Woods turns icy in Ireland interview
Golf: After another warm welcome from the Irish public, Tiger Woods turned curt and dismissive at a news conference in Adare, Ireland, when asked about his state of mind since the sex scandal that’s wrecked his marriage.
Woods was questioned following his 3-under-par 69 in his final round of the charity J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am, his first foreign appearance since the turmoil.
When asked whether his liaisons with other women had been “worth it” since it cost him his marriage and endorsements, Woods replied, “I think you’re looking too deep into this.” He torpedoed the follow-up question with an icily firm “Thank you.”
Woods is returning immediately to his Florida home rather than heading to Scotland to prepare for next week’s British Open at St. Andrews, one of his favorite courses and where he won Opens in 2000 and 2005.
Once the subject was broached, the previously easy-speaking Woods flipped a switch into staccato half-sentences.
• British Open purse up: The winner of the 150th British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland, will earn $1.29 million, about a $60,000 increase from the previous year.
A total purse of $7.3 million - will provide the runner-up with $759,000 and $496,000 for third place. The event runs from July 15-18.
• Toms, Kim sidelined: David Toms has withdrawn from the British Open to rest an ailing right shoulder, and Anthony Kim formally pulled out as he recovers from thumb surgery.
The Royal & Ancient said they were replaced in the field at St. Andrews by Ricky Barnes and Davis Love III.
Bolt to race 100 at Lausanne meet
Track and Field: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt will run in the 100 meters instead of the 200 at the Athletissima meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, this week to rest a sore Achilles’ tendon.
Clippers reach deal with Del Negro
NBA: The Los Angeles Clippers have reached an agreement in principle with Vinny Del Negro to become the team’s head coach.
Del Negro was fired by the Chicago Bulls in May after going 82-82 in two seasons and making two postseason appearances.
Georgia president hires interim AD
Miscellany: Frank Crumley was named Georgia’s interim athletic director, though university president Michael Adams said he wants to look outside the university first for a full-time replacement for Damon Evans.
Evans resigned following a DUI arrest last week.
Crumley received the promotion after working as Evans’ top assistant since 2007.
• WADA, drug companies to cooperate against doping: The World Anti-Doping Agency has signed an accord with a group representing pharmaceutical companies to formally cooperate in catching athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs.
• Canucks’ arena renamed: The Vancouver Canucks have a new name for their home next season: Rogers Arena. The rink had been known as GM Place since it opened in 1995. • Former skater taking over U.S. Speedskating: Two-time Olympian Mark Greenwald has agreed to become the executive director of US Speedskating, replacing Bob Crowley.