Kvitova, Li move up in tennis rankings
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Petra Kvitova and Li Na both improved their world women's tennis rankings by advancing to the finals of the WTA's Rogers Cup tournament in Montreal.
Kvitova defeated Li in a tight 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in Monday's title match at the Rogers Cup. That boosted Kvitova up one spot to No. 5 in the rankings while Li returned to the Top 10 at the No. 9 spot, a two-place move over last week.
Kvitova passes Samantha Stosur, who is now ranked sixth, while Li pushes Sara Errani and Marion Bartoli both down one spot to 10th and 11th, respectively.
There could be Top 10 changes next week as the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, which began Monday, features eight Top 10 players.
The two who won't be there are world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka and second-ranked Maria Sharapova. Azarenka has been on top of the rankings for the last six weeks and 25 weeks overall.
Azarenka has 8,745 rankings points while Sharapova has 8,595. Azarenka missed the tournament in Cincinnati last year so isn't protecting points but Sharapova, the Western and Southern 2011 champion, withdrew from the 2012 draw because of a stomach virus. She looks to lose 900 rankings points.
Agnieszka Radwanska is third with 8,090 points and streaking Serena Williams is fourth with 7,145. Kvitova has 5,975 points.
Stosur totals 5,700 while Angelique Kerber has 5,225 and Caroline Wozniacki 4,600. Li comes in with 3,795, followed by Errani (3,675) and Bartoli (3,400).
CBS' Aresco named Big East commissioner
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- CBS executive Mike Aresco has been hired as the new commissioner of the Big East, the college athletics conference said Tuesday.
Aresco will start his new job in early September.
He joined CBS in 1996 and managed the network's college programming, including negotiating the contract with the NCAA for the men's basketball tournament.
Aresco will replace John Marinatto, who left in May after nearly three years on the job. Joe Bailey had been the interim commissioner.
Aresco joins the conference as it adjusts to the loss of West Virginia this year and readies for the departure of Syracuse and Pittsburgh next year. Temple joins the league for football this fall and become a full member next year. Boise State and San Diego State were added as football-only members while Memphis, Central Florida, Houston and SMU will become full members next year. Navy will also join for football in 2015.
Bears' Urlacher has knee procedure
BOURONNAIS, Ill., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher had damaged tissue removed from his left knee Tuesday to help reduce swelling, the NFL team said on its Web site.
Urlacher, 34, says he expects to ready for the season-opener against Indianapolis in September.
The arthroscopic debridement procedure was performed in the area where he sprained ligaments in last season's finale against Minnesota.
Urlacher is heading into his 13th season with the Bears. He made 102 tackles and had three interceptions in 16 games last season. He has been named an all-pro eight times.
Giants' Rogers out with blood clot in calf
ALBANY, N.Y., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- New York Giants defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is out of action because of a blood clot in one of his calves.
He is undergoing treatment and the team has not said when he is expected to return.
Rogers missed practice last weekend and was examined in New York Monday.
The 33-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl selection was signed by the Giants in April. He spent last season in New Orleans, making 22 tackles in 16 games. He had previous stints with Cleveland and Detroit.
Steelers activate Starks
LATROBE, Pa., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Offensive tackle Max Starks, coming back from a ligament injury, has been activated from the physically unable to perform list by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Starks has started 80 of the 107 career games he has played for the Steelers, who drafted him in 2004.
The 6-foot-8, 345-pounder has helped Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls.
Pittsburgh also signed rookie running back Jason Ford and put running back John Clay on the waived/injured list.
