UPI NewsTrack Sports

Rose leads season's final PGA Tour event

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Justin Rose, seeking his initial victory on the PGA Tour, shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to lead after the first round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

This is the last event of the year on the tour, after which the top 125 money winners for the season will be determined. Unless a player has some other exemption, such as a major championship over the past five years, he must finish among the top 125 to earn playing privileges for 2010.

Rose is not in danger of losing his tour card because he came into this week ranked 96th on the money list. David Duval, however, currently stands 125th and if he misses the cut this week he will lose his full-time status on the circuit. Duval, who once was ranked No. 1 in the world and who won the 2001 British Open, shot a 76 Thursday and likely will need at least a 67 Friday to play on the weekend.

Tied for second at 66 were Greg Owen, Casey Wittenberg and Rickie Fowler.

Fowler turned pro last month and in his two tournaments to date has earned $553,700. If he can finish among the top 10 this week, he will be among the top 125 money earners and will avoid having to go to the qualifying tournament.

Wittenberg is 159th on the money list.

Both the Palm Course and the Magnolia Course are being used for the first two rounds this week. Rose played the Palm Course and birdied three of his first five holes.

Fowler was 1-under through 12 holes on the Palm Course, then ran off five birdies in his last six holes.

Those at 67 included Cliff Kresge, Kris Blanks, Will MacKenzie, Matt Bettencourt, Rick Price and Zach Johnson.

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Emery leads Flyers to fifth straight win

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Ray Emery made 22 saves against his former team Thursday and led the Philadelphia Fliers to their fifth straight victory -- 5-1 over Ottawa.

The Flyers turned the game into a rout with three third-period goals en route to their 10th win of the season.

Emery helped Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, and then clashed with the team's management. The Senators bought out his contract and he played in Russia last year before signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Flyers.

Emery improved to 10-3-1 with Thursday's victory.

James van Riemsdyk gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead on a power play goal with 3:37 to go in the second period. Danny Briere scored two of the third-period goals.

Pascal Leclaire allowed all five scores on 27 shots.

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Riggleman introduced as Nationals skipper

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals introduced Jim Riggleman as their full-time manager Thursday, taking away the interim tag he had worn since July.

Riggleman was given the task of turning around a team that has lost more than 100 games each of the last two seasons. He took over the Nationals July 13 after Manny Acta was fired.

"He's got a discipline and a toughness to his personality," Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said. "He's a quiet kind of a leader."

Riggleman managed the Nationals to a 33-42 record after taking over the team.

"It's a great, interesting time, but the bottom line is we have to do better," Riggleman said. "Hopefully we'll play more like we did those last couple of months rather than what we did the first couple."

This is Riggleman's fourth stint as a major league manager. He previously led San Diego (1992-94), the Chicago Cubs (1995-99) and Seattle (2008). His career record is 585-694.

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Buckeyes rout James Madison for second victory

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Evan Turner's 24 points with 17 rebounds Thursday led 17th-ranked Ohio State in a 72-44 rout of out-manned James Madison.

JMU stayed close, trailing 34-25 at the half, but a 3-pointer by Jon Diebler with 18:35 left ignited a 38-19 second half, with Ohio State leading by double digits from that point.

David Lighty scored 14 with three steals and William Buford scored 12 with three rebounds for the Buckeyes (2-0), who had nine players score.

Pierre Curtis led JMU with nine points and eight rebounds.

Andrey Semenov scored eight points, while Trevon Flores and Darren White scored seven points apiece for the Dukes (0-1), who won 21 games last season, their highest total since the 1992-93 season.