National Sports

PAU, France — If there was a smiley-face jersey for the happiest rider at the Tour de France, to go alongside the iconic yellow shirt worn by the race leader, Canadian Mike Woods would be in the running for it.

WINNIPEG — Greg Payonk has travelled to watch three NFL games, but he's skipping the one in his own backyard because of the ticket prices. The Winnipeg resident doesn't appear to be the only one making that decision.

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry has undergone surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his left thumb, an injury he played through during the last two rounds of Toronto's run to the NBA championship.

It has brought Dennis Casey Park plenty of fame and notoriety and even led to him meeting his wife. Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of Park botching "O Canada" before the Las Vegas Posse's first CFL home game July 16, 1994.

CALGARY — Nick Arbuckle knew that he and Juwan Brescacin had good chemistry in practice. The pair went out and showed off that connection in game action on Thursday.

VAUGHAN, Ont. — Mitch Marner's summer has already included wakesurfing tricks and throwing a big-time charity event. What's yet to materialize for the restricted free agent winger is a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

MIDLAND, Mich. — Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer shot a best-ball 6-under 64 on Thursday for a share of the second-round lead in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, the LPGA Tour's first-year team event.

Houston Rockets star James Harden has joined the ownership group of the Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash and BBVA Stadium.

BOSTON — That was a relief. And not a bad start, either.

PORTRUSH, Ireland — An emotional opening shot by Darren Clarke. A shocking one by Rory McIlroy. Tiger Woods had his worst score to start a British Open. Brooks Koepka quickly got into contention again. Emiliano Grillo made a 1. David Duval made a 14.