DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Lee Westwood shot a 3-under-par 69 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Dubai World Championship, strengthening his chance of winning the European money title.
The English golfer could pick up two big prizes Sunday. If he wins the last tournament of the European Tour season, he will receive $1.25 million in prize money — plus a $1.5 million bonus for winning the Race to Dubai money prize.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, the leader of the money race going into the tournament, also shot a 69. He was one of six players tied for second place at 7-under 137.
• D.A. Points shot a 2-under 70 at Del Monte, and Matt Bettencourt had a 71 in wind and rain at Spyglass Hill to share the second- round lead at 6-under 138 in the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach (Calif.) Invitational.
• Sophie Gustafson moved within two shots of leader Lorena Ochoa at the LPGA Tour Championship before second-round play was suspended because of bad weather in Richmond, Texas.
Ochoa didn’t play after shooting a 6-under 66 on Thursday. She will start her second round at daybreak today. Gustafson shot a 70 in the first round, then played 11 holes and moved to 4-under Friday. Helen Alfredsson, Juli Inkster and Wendy Ward were 3-under.
Bond set at $100,000 in Andrews case
LOS ANGELES — An Illinois insurance executive accused of secretly making nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews posted $100,000 bond — a much larger amount than previously imposed.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Turchin increased bond for Michael Barrett during a hearing after Andrews’ attorney said the executive posed a threat to the public. Barrett already was free on $4,500 bond. Barrett, 48, faces one count of interstate stalking and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.
Grabow gets $7.5 million deal
CHICAGO — Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract from the Chicago Cubs.
• The Chicago White Sox are nearing a contract agreement with shortstop Omar Vizquel.
• The Washington Nationals said No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocation in his left knee joint, and the pitcher should be fine for spring training.
Footnotes.
Georgia Tech football coach Paul Johnson agreed to a one-year extension of his contract, through 2016.
• The NHL suspended Dallas Stars forward James Neal two games for a boarding infraction that injured Derek Dorsett of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Neal will be eligible to return Thursday at Colorado.
• The Sacramento Monarchs folded, a shocking and disappointing development for the WNBA and one of its original eight franchises.
• Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham said he will need an injection in his right ankle to reduce pain and allow him to play in Sunday night’s MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake.
The Associated Press
