Australia Beats Russia, 91-74, for Women’s Basketball Title

Penny Taylor had 28 points and nine rebounds and Lauren Jackson had 16 points to lead Australia past Russia, 91-74, Saturday for its first gold medal at the world championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Earlier Saturday, the U.S. team beat Brazil, 99-59, for the bronze medal. Diana Taurasi scored 28 points and Tina Thompson had 15.

Australia, which hadn’t finished higher than third at worlds, went ahead for good 16-15 on Belinda Snell’s three-pointer with 1:29 left in the first quarter. The Australians went a 24-5 run that put them in control, 37-20, with 4:05 left in the first half.

It was the third straight runner-up finish for Russia, which lost to the United States in the previous two championships before defeating the Americans on Thursday in the semifinals.

Taurasi, who made six three-pointers in the game, had 18 points in the third quarter as the Americans outscored the Brazilians, 34-11, to break open what had been a 15-point game at halftime.

NHL

O’Sullivan Scores Late to Lead Kings, 3-2

Patrick O’Sullivan scored with 52 seconds left as the Kings scored three third-period goals for a 3-2 victory overt the Colorado Avalanche in an exhibition game in Las Vegas.

O’Sullivan and Anze Kopitar, two young players trying to make win a spot on the Kings’ roster, combined on the winning goal. O’Sullivan got the puck to Kopitar, who made a quick pass back for the goal. Lubomir Visnovsky and Alexander Frolov also scored for the Kings, who scored three goals in the last 15 minutes to overcome a 2-0 Colorado lead.

-- Chris Foster

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Tim Brent, Dustin Penner and Shane O’Brien scored for Anaheim, but the Ducks lost to the San Jose Sharks, 4-3, in an exhibition game in Fresno.

HORSE RACING

Valenzuela Agrees to State Board’s Request

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela agreed to be examined by a physician chosen by the California Horse Racing Board as he seeks to resolve a stalemate over his refusal to provide medical records from a recent hospital stay, said Neil Papiano, Valenzuela’s attorney.

Valenzuela has a history of suspensions related to substance abuse but passed drug tests before and after his admission to a Pasadena facility that treats patients with mental health and addiction issues in July.

Valenzuela, who is required to provide evidence of his fitness to ride under the terms of his provisional license, is seeking to be allowed to ride seven scheduled mounts for opening day of the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita Wednesday.

-- Robyn Norwood

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Strong Contender rallied in the stretch and charged past favorite Lawyer Ron for a one-length victory in the $500,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

Trained by John Ward, Strong Contender stalked a brisk pace set by 4-5 top choice Lawyer Ron and took the lead with about 100 yards to go. Louisborg finished third.

MISCELLANY

Colts Kicker Vinatieri Will Sit With Injury

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri will miss the first game of his 11-year NFL career because of a lingering groin injury.

Vinatieri strained his groin in last week’s victory over Houston and will sit out today’s game against AFC South rival Jacksonville, Coach Tony Dungy said.

The Colts were expected to sign veteran kicker Martin Gramatica as Vinatieri’s replacement.

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World-record holder Liu Xiang edged American Allen Johnson by 0.02 seconds to win the 110-meter hurdles in 13.07 at the Golden Grand Prix in Shanghai, China.

Marcus Brunson led an American sweep in the 100, finishing in 10.03. Leonard Scott was second at 10.09, followed by Wallace Spearmon at 10.11, a new personal best.

American Allyson Felix won the women’s 100 in 11.17. Kenya’s Tirunesh Dibaba edged Ethiopia’s Burka Gelete in the 5,000 meters, winning in 14.55.63.

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The UCI world cycling federation announced a complete review of its sport, including a possible shortening of the three-week Tour de France.

At the end of a doping-tainted season, UCI President Pat McQuaid said an independent team of academics would lead a yearlong audit of the sport.

The major tours in France, Italy and Spain have always objected to shortening their schedules, even though critics contend the long and intense season may drive cyclists toward doping.

The UCI also will study the possibility of imposing mandatory DNA testing on elite cyclists to strengthen the fight against doping. McQuaid said he wants to get rid of World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound for slandering the sport.