Reuters Sports News Summary

500 days out, Rio risks Olympics cost surge as building lags

With less than 500 days until Rio de Janeiro hosts the Olympic Games, construction of several venues has not started and some major contracts have not even been tendered, setting the stage for a last-minute rush that will likely drive up costs. It may seem like a familiar script for major sporting events. As the start date nears, the headlines invariably focus on delays and the scramble to get ready on time, and yet the games end up going ahead without major hitches.

Australia doping body have hands tied: Olympic chief

Australia's anti-doping agency, heavily criticized after a two-year investigation into the use of banned peptides, was being forced to operate "with its hands tied behind its back", the country's Olympic chief said on Saturday. Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates said the failure of the government to enact legislation to coerce athletes to testify to doping authorities was severely hampering their work.

Na, Kelly share top spot, Woods makes cut

Americans Kevin Na and Jerry Kelly pushed their way to the lead and Tiger Woods sank a clutch birdie putt on his last hole to make the cut during the second round of the Players Championship on Friday. Na backed up his opening round 67 with a three-under par 69 to move to eight under 136 at TPC Sawgrass.

Even with 'Deflategate,' the Brady brand may hold up to pressure

At perhaps the most difficult time in his storybook football career, Tom Brady's brand value might sag a bit with the "Deflategate" scandal but probably won't collapse, experts say. The New England Patriots quarterback is one of the biggest names in sports today, a four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player who until now has kept his nose clean over 15 years in the National Football League.

Rangers claim Game Five win over Caps

The New York Rangers saved their season with a 2-1 win over Washington in Game Five of their Eastern Conference semi-final series on Friday after defenseman Ryan McDonagh scored in overtime to seal the victory. The Capitals lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 with Game Six set for Washington on Sunday.

Old and new Woods on display in Players tournament

The old Tiger Woods stepped up when it mattered, but the new, out-of-sorts version was also on display at the Players Championship on Friday The 14-time major champion coaxed in a clutch nine-foot birdie putt on the ninth green, his final hole of the day, to get himself through to weekend action at TPC Sawgrass.

Rose buzzer-beater lifts Bulls over Cavs

Derrick Rose banked in a three-pointer as time expired to lift the Chicago Bulls to a 99-96 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of their Eastern Conference semi-final playoff series on Friday night. Rose finished with 30 points and seven assists to pace the Bulls, who seized a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Guard Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points and eight assists.

Murray books semi-final spot with Raonic defeat

A determined Andy Murray continued his strong claycourt form by booking a place in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Milos Raonic on Friday. The Scot remained on course to face Rafa Nadal in the final. Nadal is seeking a third straight title after sweeping past Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 6-4.

Serena's long unbeaten run ended by Kvitova

World number one Serena Williams's 27-match unbeaten run ended with a 6-2 6-3 defeat by Petra Kvitova in the Madrid Open semi-finals on Friday. Czech Kvitova will face Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final after she surprisingly knocked out defending champion Maria Sharapova.

Jaguars' top pick Fowler hurts knee, may be loss for season

Pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars' top draft pick, sustained a torn ACL in the team's first rookie minicamp practice on Friday and is expected to miss the 2015 season, the NFL team said. The loss of Fowler, the third overall pick in the NFL draft, was a devastating blow for the Jaguars, who are hoping to rebound from a 3-13 season in the AFC South.