Sports

BRITISH OPEN Rocco Mediate (69) shares lead at windy British Open By Chuck Culpepper Graeme McDowell and Robert Allenby are co-leaders after gusty, rainy morning makes for a difficult start. MINOR LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Kurt Mertins is a big hit at Wilmington By Bob Cuomo Southern California has produced more than its share of major league players. In this space, we'll take a look at how Southland players are faring in the minors. This week: the Class-A Carolina League HELENE ELLIOTT Terry Murray could be just what the Kings need -- or not The 22nd coach in franchise history knows the young Kings are a long way from being successful. BRITISH OPEN NOTES Patience pays off for Heath Slocum By Chuck Culpepper He came to Royal Birkdale without a spot, but the first alternate slips into the field and shoots a 73. SOCCER Landon Donovan left off Olympic roster By Grahame L. Jones U.S. coaches say they want national team captain and Galaxy player to play in the World Cup qualifier instead of Beijing tournament. Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan is selected for team. JERRY CROWE Former Bruin Chase Utley trying to follow in Jackie Robinson's footsteps Jerry Crowe Text messages from press row ... Friday's TV highlights HOCKEY Kings lower expectations for Terry Murray By Lisa Dillman General Manager Dean Lombardi says his new coach has the "toughest job in the NHL" and that the Kings' core "doesn't match up" with the rest of the Western Conference. BASEBALL Division is there for the taking for Dodgers By Dylan Hernandez They are below .500, but so is every other team in the National League West. HOCKEY 2008-09 Schedules for Ducks, Kings Full season schedules for 2008-09 Southern California's hockey teams. SOUND AND VISION Dodgers can be visited at the library By John Scheibe Archival photos of the team's first 30 years in L.A. are on display. ANGELS FYI Juan Rivera is providing offense, but his defense has been spotty By Mike DiGiovanna Angels outfielder is surprised he's not doing a better job with the glove. BASKETBALL Kevin Love couldn't pass on a shot at NBA By Steve Springer The former Bruins center is changing his body tone, but not his style, with Timberwolves. OUTDOORS Fish report Fish counts provided daily courtesy of Bass Pro: BASEBALL Red Sox again stand in the Angels' way By Bill Shaikin For better or worse, weekend series could be an October preview for Angels. BASEBALL Dodgers' Takashi Saito says surgery is still a possibility By Dylan Hernandez The 38-year-old reliever will try to rehabilitate his sprained right elbow over the next six weeks. PRO FOOTBALL Raiders great Tim Brown says Brett Favre should stay retired By Sam Farmer The receiver-turned-commentator says the quarterback would damage his legacy by returning. BASEBALL Dodgers to play host to World Baseball Classic By Bill Shaikin The semifinals and finals of the 2009 event are scheduled for March at Dodger Stadium. MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 'Rampage' Jackson hospitalized for mental health evaluation By Dan Arritt Irvine police are called to his home after acquaintances say they were concerned for the popular MMA fighter's well-being. HOCKEY Ducks, Kings to open NHL season at home on same night By Lisa Dillman Teams will begin the 2008-09 schedule with games about an hour apart. Thursday's TV listings AROUND THE NBA Azubuike signs Clippers' offer sheet Golden State has a week to match the three-year, $9 million contract on the restricted free agent. BEHIND THE LINES UCLA still an unknown quantity By Lonnie White Oddsmakers not sure about opener against Tennessee, but lines have been set for other UCLA games.

Previous Days • Thursday, July 24 • Wednesday, July 23 • Tuesday, July 22 • Monday, July 21 • Sunday, July 20 • Saturday, July 19 • Friday, July 18 In the Blogs Lakers Blog A purple-and-gold fix from Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky. Blue Notes Follow Big Blue all year long with the Kamenetzky brothers. Olympics: Ticket to Beijing The Times is your guide down the road to the Olympics. All things Trojan Adam Rose follows USC sports throughout the season. What's Bruin Adam Rose follows UCLA sports throughout the year. Varsity Times Insider Times reporters get the scoop on the Southland high schools Outdoors Hike, surf, fish and get outdoors in Southern California. Sports Celebrity! On the good (and bad) life of sports figures