Williams banks it

SERENA Williams defended the Bank of the West Classic Stanford tournament on Sunday, a week after she was crowned the Wimbledon champion.

The five-time Wimbledon winner defeated Coco Vandeweghe 7-5 6-3.

Vandeweghe only got into the tournament because one of the players in the main draw pulled out with an injury. - Sapa-AFP

Fed back on top

ROGER Federer began his 287th week as world No1. The 17-times grand slam winner returned to the pinnacle of the rankings after a two-year absence by beating Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final last week. - Reuters

Series of peace

INDIAN cricket chiefs yesterday invited Pakistan for a cricket series later this year.

It would be the first series between the teams in five years and is regarded as a further sign of improving ties between the neighbours.

If approved by the two governments, the series would comprise three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games in December-January, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said. - Sapa-AFP

Wingers given nod

AUSTRALIA wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner were included in the Wallabies' initial training squad for the inaugural Four Nations.

Australia open the new competition, which replaces the Tri-Nations with the addition of Argentina from this year, with a test against the All Blacks in Sydney on August 18. - Reuters

Classic Johnson win

ZACH Johnson won the John Deere Classic on the second play-off hole on Sunday to beat Troy Matteson.

The pair had finished regulation four rounds on 264.The win at Silvis, Illinois, was the second of the season for Johnson and the ninth of his career. - Sapa-AP