Digest

MMA

Curry says he's leader of the pack

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry raised the tension levels for his Christmas showdown with Cleveland's LeBron James, saying he considers himself the world's best basketball player.

Nowitzki passes Shaq for sixth on career scoring list

Dirk Nowitzki moved past Shaquille O'Neal into sixth place on the NBA's career scoring list, then made the go-ahead basket with 19.2 seconds left in overtime in the Dallas Mavericks' 119-118 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

The shots heard 'round the world

Jason Day's drive. Jordan Spieth's flop shot. Zach Johnson's putt.

Young guns firing up interest: Golf Channel chief

A changing of the guard in professional golf is in full swing and early returns show that the sport's young guns are drawing viewers even as Tiger Woods fades from the spotlight, says Golf Channel president Mike McCarley.

Glitzy lifestyles under scrutiny

When Brazilian Football Confederation president Marco Polo Del Nero was pictured aboard his yacht being kissed by a young model, he could never have imagined the photo would become part of a corruption investigation into South American soccer.

Ethics body still has work to do

Largely anonymous, lacking police powers and with its independence sometimes questioned, FIFA's ethics committee has often struggled to be taken seriously in the fight against corruption in soccer's world body.

Digest

Billiards

Score board

Phelps holds key to the vault

For the first time in his career, swimming superstar Michael Phelps is preparing for an Olympics without the support of longtime gear sponsor Speedo.

Irving has seen enough replays of injury

While spending six months recovering, Kyrie Irving was drawn to watch replays of an injury that may have cost the Cleveland Cavaliers an NBA title.

Cardinals seal deal with Leake

Minutes after his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals was announced on Tuesday, Mike Leake was looking ahead to games against the Chicago Cubs.