FROM:
THE CALGARY SUN
Friday, May 28, 1999
SPORTS SHORTS COLUMN
Rich Beem, whose biggest golfing moments have come in towns such as Socorro and Truth or Consequences, shook off the jitters yesterday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the PGA's Kemper Open. Beem, who quit the game temporarily four years ago to sell cellular phones and stereos, and spent last year toiling in minor tournaments in New Mexico and west Texas, combined wayward shots into hazards with seven birdies to card a 5-under-par 66. "I got a little bit nervous in between some shots, but I just kind of kept my focus," Beem said. "I know this is only one day. I am sure if I am in the same situation come Sunday, I will probably get a little more tense out there." Corey Pavin, close to regaining the form that made him one of the best in the world for the first half of the decade, sank a 25-ft. birdie putt at No. 18 to finish tied for second with a 67. He's tied with Bill Glasson and Brian Watts. Canada's Mike Weir shot a 4-over-par 75.
- - - CROWD AT LPGA TOP:
Nobody will run away from the LPGA's Corning Classic field this time, if the opening round is any indication. Tammie Green, who shattered the course record last year, was not among the leaders yesterday. Former Corning and LPGA champion Sherri Turner, Denise Killeen, Stephanie Lowe and Kathryn Marshall navigated the short, narrow course in Corning, N.Y. to shoot 67s. Green fell victim to a strong wind to open with a struggling 74. Nancy Harvey of Swift Current was the top Canadian with an even-par 72. Lori Kane of Charlottetown and A.J. Eathorne of Penticton both fired 75s.- - - TENSE TITLE TILT:
The last time Glasgow's cross-town soccer rivals met earlier this month, Rangers thrashed Celtic 3-0, the referee was hit in the head by coins hurled by angry fans, and brawls in the stands left more than 100 wounded. Police and both teams are appealing for calm when the world's most bitter soccer rivalry is rekindled tomorrow in the Scottish Cup final. But with memories of the May 2 violence still fresh in their minds, they're also leaving little to chance. Rangers' predominantly Protestant fans and Celtic's mostly Catholic fans are being told to take separate subway lines to Glasgow's neutral Hampden Park, a rule being enforced by police.- - - ZAHA FIT FOR QUEEN'S:
Zaha, a chestnut colt owned by Sheikh Hamden bin Rashid al Maktoum's Shadwell Stable, remains the 3-1 favourite for the 140th running of the Queen's Plate. A total of 46 Canadian-bred three-year-olds are eligible for the June 27 race at Toronto's Woodbine, which boasts a $300,000 winner's cheque. Zaha, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, has not raced since winning in November. One horse to watch is Lenny the Lender, who was claimed for $40,000 on April 17 by trainer Rita Schnitzler for Victor Deschenes. Lenny went on to win a race for his new connections and finished second to Mystic Prince in the Marine Stakes last Sunday.- - - JUVE NABS 'KEEPER:
Dutch goalkeeper Ed-win Van der Sar has signed a four-year contract with Juventus of Turin. Club sources said Van der Sar's transfer from Ajax Amsterdam cost Juventus $14.6 million Cdn. Van der Sar's salary will be $1.6 million Cdn a year. The tall, blond-haired 'keeper will replace veteran Angelo Peruzzi, who may transfer to Inter Milan along with former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi.Illustration:
1. photo of A.J. EATHORNE
2. photo of RICH BEEM
Copyright 1999, The Calgary Sun Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.