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Sports in brief

 
Published Aug. 31, 2016

GOLF

eUROPE CAPTAIN MAKES RYDER CUP PICKS

Europe captain Darren Clarke opted for a mix of form and experience in his picks for the Ryder Cup on Tuesday, with Thomas Pieters, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer joining a team seeking an unprecedented fourth straight win.

Clarke said Westwood and Kaymer, both former top-ranked players and Ryder Cup veterans, were "very obvious" choices, but he had sleepless nights over his final selection.

It boiled down to Pieters vs. Russell Knox, players who have won events on different sides of the Atlantic this month. Pieters, who won the Made in Denmark on Sunday in front of Clarke, got the nod.

"It's one of the most difficult periods in the whole of my golfing career," said Clarke, who added that the phone call to let down Knox was "one of the toughest I have ever had to make."

The European team will have six Ryder Cup rookies at Hazeltine in Chaska, Minn., next month.

Autos

NASCAR'S 'first lady' dies

Betty Jane France, considered by many to be the first lady of NASCAR, died Monday evening. A statement from NASCAR did not disclose details, including her age. Mrs. France was executive vice president and assistant treasurer of NASCAR and chair of the NASCAR Foundation. She was married to the late Bill France Jr., son of NASCAR founder Bill France. Her son, Brian, is chairman and CEO of NASCAR. Mrs. France was a champion of health care for children, helping establish the "Speediatrics" children's care unit at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and at Homestead Hospital.

OFFICIAL RESIGNING: Roger Curtis is leaving his position as president of Michigan International Speedway. There was no replacement announced.

NHL

Hurricanes extend GM

The Hurricanes signed GM Ron Francis to a contract extension through the 2018-19 season. Francis, 53, is a Hall of Fame player beginning his 11th season in a management role with Carolina and his third as GM.

ET CETERA

HIGH SCHOOL: One Tennessee basketball player was found guilty of aggravated rape and two others were found guilty of aggravated assault against a freshman teammate. The defendants' names haven't been released because they were in juvenile court.

NBA: Lakers F Julius Randle will be re-evaluated in two weeks after needing seven stitches to close a cut on his right hand that was sustained during practice. … The Nuggets traded F Joffrey Lauvergne to the Thunder for two second-round draft picks in 2017.

SOCCER: England captain Wayne Rooney said he will retire from international competition after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Manchester United striker will be 32 by the time the World Cup comes around.

Times wires