AP - The only other time Mikhail Youzhny reached the U.S. Open semifinals, in 2006, he got there by upsetting Rafael Nadal.
Favre was pleased to come home for his comeback (AP)
AP - Perhaps it would have been too cruel if the last pass Brett Favre threw in his spectacular career was an ill-advised and arguably game-losing interception in the Minnesota Vikings' NFC title match with the New Orleans Saints last January.
US beats Russia, 89-79, moves into semis at worlds (AP)
AP - Chauncey Billups made the promise. Kevin Durant made sure it was kept.
W.Cup final referee's return 'not a problem' for Van der Vaart (AFP)
AFP - New Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart says there will be no hard feelings when he comes up against World Cup final referee Howard Webb on Saturday.
Patriots QB Brady unhurt in wreck near Boston home (AP)
AP - New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was in a two-vehicle accident near his home Thursday morning but was unhurt and hours later practiced as usual with his team just days before the season opener.
Kuchar atop the leaderboard again with 64 (AP)
AP - Already having his best season, Matt Kuchar got off to his best start of the year Thursday in the BMW Championship. A mystery season for Tiger Woods took another unexpected turn.
Toronto police turn over Clemens documents (AP)
AP - Police searched the offices of the Toronto Blue Jays and turned over documents in connection with the perjury case against seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens.
Ex-Browns TE Winslow ready to play former team (AP)
AP - Kellen Winslow hasn't forgotten Cleveland, but he has moved on.
Yanks' Pettitte goes 4 neat innings in rehab start (AP)
AP - New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte began a minor league rehabilitation start Thursday night by breezing through Double-A hitters as he works his way back from a groin injury.
Barnes' fiance says domestic accusation false (AP)
AP - The fiance of Los Angeles Lakers player Matt Barnes says a domestic violence accusation against him is false, and he has never physically abused her or her family.
Touted talent Dillon Baxter set for USC debut (AP)
AP - Dillon Baxter is eager for his Hollywood premiere, even if it's a week late.
Cavendish claims stage wins in all three Tours (AFP)
AFP - British sprint king Mark Cavendish powered to victory in the 12th stage of the Tour of Spain on Thursday -- enabling him to claim individual stage wins in all three of cycling's major Tours.
Blues introduce new goaltender Halak to fans (AP)
AP - The St. Louis Blues introduced their prize acquisition, goaltender Jaroslav Halak, to his new fans Thursday.
Gritty Youzhny reaches US Open semis (AFP)
AFP - Mikhail Youzhny of Russia reached the US Open semi-finals for the second time with a 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.
Wie eyes 2nd straight win at NW Arkansas event (AP)
AP - With a pair of wins in the last 11 months, Michelle Wie is finally turning potential into success.
Fighting words: UFC chief to speak at Oxford club (AP)AP - The distinguished Oxford University debate club has featured such speakers as Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and Malcolm X.
Vegas police seeking Mayweather in battery case (AP)AP - Police sought boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for questioning Thursday about a domestic battery report filed by an ex-girlfriend who recanted a similar claim in 2005, police and his lawyer said.
The Glen dropped from 2011 IndyCar schedule (AP)AP - The IndyCar Series is not returning to Watkins Glen International next season.
AP source: USOC, IOC reach $18 million deal (AP)AP - The U.S. Olympic Committee will contribute $18 million to resolve a financial dispute that has strained relations with the IOC, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The decision ends an impasse over administrative costs of staging the games.