Digest

SOCCER

Miami's Higuain denies retirement reports

Gonzalo Higuain

Veteran Inter Miami striker Gonzalo Higuain has denied reports that he will retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Higuain's father, Jorge, earlier told Argentine media that his son would not seek to extend his career when his current contract expires in December.

"It was a misunderstanding that he had with me," the 34-year-old former Argentina international said after an Inter Miami training session on Tuesday. "At no moment did I mention retirement. He understood wrong, it can happen. But it's not reality."

Higuain retired from international soccer in 2019 after scoring 31 goals in 75 appearances for Argentina. His club career has included spells at River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea.

GOLF

Tiger to play Masters, believes he can win

Tiger Woods said on Tuesday that he intends to play in the 2022 Masters Tournament.

"As of right now, I feel like I am going to play," the 46-year-old said at a news conference at Augusta National.

Woods, a five-time Masters champion and 15-time major winner, arrived at Augusta on Sunday, and tweeted that it would be a "game-time decision" on whether he would compete.

Woods suffered traumatic injuries to his right leg in a car accident 14 months ago. When asked if he believes he can win this week, he replied without hesitation: "I do."

"I can hit it just fine. I don't have any qualms about what I can do physically from a golf standpoint. Walking is the hard part," said the 46-year-old, who has been grouped with Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann for Thursday's first round.

McIlroy feeling less pressure at Augusta

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is not the center of attention at this week's Masters. Instead, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods as he attempts to make his return to competitive golf less than 14 months after a serious automobile accident.

That could translate into less pressure on Northern Irishman McIlroy to finally break through at the lone major that's eluded him in his career. Not only has McIlroy failed to win a major in nearly a decade (since 2014), he's come up shy at the Masters seven straight times when a victory would have completed his career Grand Slam. Woods or no Woods, McIlroy said Tuesday that he now feels less pressure to complete the Slam.

"At the start I'm maybe at a different stage of my life where, back then, golf was everything," said McIlroy, who welcomed his first child, daughter Poppy, in 2021. "Obviously, look, it's still very, very important, but maybe back then I would think that－I don't know if I would feel like I was fulfilled if I didn't win one or whatever it is, but it's less pressure."

BASKETBALL

Lakers out of playoffs race after Suns defeat

The Los Angeles Lakers were officially eliminated from postseason contention on Tuesday as the Phoenix Suns sent the NBA giants spinning to a seventh straight defeat.

With an injured LeBron James watching from the sidelines, the Lakers' faint hopes of scraping into the playoffs were snuffed out as the Western Conference leaders turned on the style in a 121-110 win.

The Los Angeles defeat－and San Antonio's 116-97 win over the Denver Nuggets earlier Tuesday－mean the Lakers will not be in the postseason for the first time since 2019.

It is only the fourth time since James entered the league in 2003 that the NBA superstar has failed to reach the postseason.

"We're extremely disappointed," Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. "Disappointed for our fan base, disappointed for the (ownership), that gave us this opportunity.

"We wanted to play our part in bringing success to Lakers basketball and we fell short. It's not been due to a lack of effort."

ICE HOCKEY

Getzlaf calling time on 17-year NHL career

Ryan Getzlaf

Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf announced Tuesday that he will retire from the NHL following the conclusion of this season.

Getzlaf, 36, has played his entire 17-year career with Anaheim. He is the Ducks' all-time leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs.

"It's been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my entire professional career with one organization," Getzlaf said. "None of this would have been possible without my family, who offered unwavering love and support each step of the way. Thank you to our owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, for leading an organization committed to success on the ice, but more importantly, to making a positive impact in our community and to those in need.

"A special thanks to the general managers, coaches, support staff, teammates, and of course, our fans. Playing for the Ducks and living in Orange County is a dream for an athlete, and much of that is because of you. Thank you all."

Agencies