GOLF

WOODS OUTLASTS DALY AT AMERICAN EXPRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

In a phenomenal display of power between golf’s two biggest sluggers, Tiger Woods outlasted John Daly in the American Express Championship because of a 3-foot putt. Woods made up two shots over the final three holes yesterday to force a playoff, then won on the second extra hole when Daly three-putted for bogey from 15 feet on the 16th, badly pulling his short par putt.

Woods closed with a 2-under 68 and won the American Express Championship for the fourth time in six starts. He extended his dominance in these World Golf Championships, winning his 10th in 19 events. It was his sixth victory of the year.

Daly shot 69 and had two chances to win. He missed a 16-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole in regulation, then had a birdie putt from 15 feet on the second extra hole that just grazed the left side of the cup. Fans scrambled to the next hole, none of them imagining that Daly would miss from three feet.

Colin Montgomerie missed birdie putts of six and 10 feet to cost himself a chance for his first official victory on U.S. soil, but kept alive his hopes with a 12-foot birdie on the 17th to get within one shot. But he missed the 18th green, chipped weakly, and took bogey for a 70 that left him in a three-way tie for third with Henrik Stenson (68) and Sergio Garcia (69).

TENNIS

PORSCHE GRAND PRIX TITLE IS DAVENPORTS’ 50TH

Lindsay Davenport earned up her 50th career title yesterday with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Amelie Mauresmo at the Porsche Grand Prix. The American became the 10th player to reach that milestone, relying on her big serve for her 10th straight win against the Frenchwoman. Davenport won the event for the third time, winning previously in 2001 and 2004.

– Associated Press