INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Phelps called it quits because of a sore neck at the U.S. nationals, leaving the spotlight to rival Ryan Lochte, who qualified Friday for the world championships this month in Rome.
Phelps withdrew from the 100-meter freestyle heats in the morning on the advice of a doctor, after waking up a day earlier with a kink in the left side of his neck. He swam through the pain to set a world record in the 100 butterfly Thursday, but said he felt worse Friday despite receiving numerous treatments.
“It wasn’t fun swimming the 100 fly with that,” he said. “I could barely move my neck to breathe. I definitely didn’t feel 100 percent.”
Lochte qualified second-quickest in the 100 free heats, but he also withdrew to focus on the 200 individual medley. He won in 1 minute, 54.56 seconds — the second-fastest time ever in the event, trailing only Phelps’ world record of 1:54.23 set at the Beijing Olympics.
Nathan Adrian won the 100 free in 48 seconds, and David Walters touched second in 48.17.
Kroenke ups stake in Arsenal
LONDON — Denver billionaire Stan Kroenke increased his ownership stake in Arsenal, spending $2.21 million to raise his holding in the Premier League soccer team to 28.58 percent from 28.3 percent.
Kroenke, whose holdings include the Nuggets, Avalanche and Rapids, is approaching the 30 percent threshold that triggers a mandatory offer for the remaining shares.
U.S. trails Croatia in Davis Cup
POREC, Croatia — Marin Cilic outlasted Mardy Fish in five sets to give Croatia a 2-0 lead over the United States after the opening singles of their Davis Cup quarterfinal.
Cilic beat Fish 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-1, 8-6 in a match that lasted 4 hours, 23 minutes and ended at 1 a.m. local time. Earlier, Ivo Karlovic pounded 47 aces and rallied from two sets down to beat James Blake 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 7-5 on an indoor clay court.
The best-of-five series resumes today with doubles and concludes with reverse singles Sunday.
Capitals sign Morrison
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals and Brendan Morrison agreed on a one-year, $1.5 million deal to take the role of second-line center vacated by Sergei Fedorov‘s decision to play in Russia.
Morrison, who turns 34 next month, had 16 goals and 15 assists in 81 games between the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars last season.
• The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Travis Moen to a three-year contract and defenseman Paul Mara to a one-year deal.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins signed defenseman Jay McKee to a one-year contract.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning signed goalie Antero Niittymaki.
• The NHL is expected to announce next week the Boston Bruins will play the third annual Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Jan. 1 against either the Philadelphia Flyers or the Capitals.
Footnote.
San Diego Chargers rookie running back Curtis Brink-ley was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot multiple times at a suburban Philadelphia intersection, authorities said.
The Associated Press
