GOLF

SORENSTAM IN THE HUNT AT U.S. OPEN

Angela Stanford and Duke University sophomore Brittany Lang carded 2-under-par 69s – two shots better than Annika Sorenstam – and shared the lead yesterday after the opening round of the U.S.Women’s Open.

Lang, expected to turn pro later this summer, had a chance for the outright lead until her approach on the 459-yard 18th hole clanged off the grandstand. She chipped to 30 feet and made bogey.

Karine Icher of France was at 2-under with four holes left when play was suspended by storms in the area.

Sorenstam is trying to become the first player to capture the first three legs of the professional Grand Slam. She started with a bogey from the rough and ended the first round with a three-putt bogey from just off the green.

BASKETBALL

JASON COLLINS UNDERGOES KNEE SURGERY

Nets center Jason Collins had surgery to remove torn cartilage in his right knee. Collins will undergo eight to 10 weeks of rehabilitation, but he is expected to be ready for the start of his fifth training camp in October. Collins played in 80 games last season, averaging 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds.

BAYLOR HIT HARD WITH NCAA SANCTIONS

The NCAA today announced Baylor will have to play a shortened men’s basketball season either this year or next.The program also will remain on probation through 2010.

The NCAA released findings of its investigation into the scandal-plagued program when former Oklahoma coach Dave Bliss was the Baylor coach. Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton resigned in 2003 after NCAA violations involving improper financial aid and drug tests that were not properly reported.

The NCAA will let Baylor decide which of the next two seasons will not include nonconference games, usually about 15 per season. The Bears will be allowed to play the Big 12 regular season and will be eligible for postseason competition.

SOCCER

REAL MADRID TO PLAY IN AMERICA

Real Madrid will visit the United States next month to play two exhibition games. Stars David Beckham and Ronaldo will lead Real Madrid against Mexico’s Chivas of Guadalajara in Chicago on July 16,then travel to Carson, Calif., to play Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy two days later. Real Madrid vice president Emilio Butragueno announced the trip on yesterday. Real Madrid has won 29 Spanish league titles and nine European championships.

TRANSSEXUAL CLEARED TO PLAY IN AUSTRALIA

A 47-year-old transsexual was cleared to play in an Australian women’s soccer league after spending 25 years in men’s leagues. Martine Delaney, who used compete as Martin Delaney, received approval from Soccer Tasmania this week. She had a sex-change operation more than two years ago. Football Federation Australia does not have a specific policy regarding transsexual players. But it advised Tasmanian state authorities that if Delaney was legally classified female, she qualified for the women’s competition under guidelines adopted by the International Olympic Committee.

BASEBALL

PHILLIES’ WOLF TO HAVE TOMMY JOHN SURGERY

Randy Wolf will have seasonending elbow surgery that could sideline the Philadelphia Phillies’ left-hander until next July.Wolf made the decision to have ligament replacement surgery after it was recommended by three doctors.Wolf is in the third year of a $22.5 million, four-year contract he signed in late 2002. He’ll make $9 million next year.

– Associated Press