Kobe staying

EL SEGUNDO, California (AP):

Kobe Bryant said he plans to stay with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers even he if opts out of his contract this summer. Phil Jackson said his health will dictate whether he returns as coach. Bryant met with Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak for an individual exit interview yesterday.

The finals MVP can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers, winning four NBA championships. But he could get a new, more lucrative and longer deal if he opted out.

Weir leads

FARMINGDALE, New York (AP):

Sunshine made a cameo at Bethpage Black and Mike Weir seized on the drying fairways and soft greens yesterday with a 6-under 64, the lowest score in the US Open in six years. Despite a double bogey on his back nine, the former Masters champion closed with back-to-back birdies for a two-shot lead over Peter Hanson of Sweden.

Tiger Woods, the defending champion, dropped four shots over the last four holes for a 74, his highest start at a major since a 76 at the 2006 US Open, the only time he has missed a cut in the major.

Williamses could meet in final

WIMBLEDON, England (AP):

The Williams sisters could be set for another Wimbledon final after they were placed in separate halves of the bracket yesterday's draw. The men's draw was rocked when defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out because of tendinitis in his knees, leaving Roger Federer the big favourite to win a sixth Wimbledon championship and 15th Grand Slam title.