Digest

Swimming

Pool legend Phelps' Great White hope

Michael Phelps' shark-like instincts powered the American to a record 23 Olympic gold medals, but how would he fare against an actual shark?

That's the question the Discovery Channel television program "Shark Week" wants to answer when Phelps appears in July's season-opening episode "Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White".

"The world's most decorated athlete takes on the ocean's most efficient predator: Phelps V Shark - the race is on!" a Discovery Channel release promises.

Soccer

Russia rolls over Kiwis at Confed Cup

Host Russia got off to a winning start at the Confederations Cup on Saturday as Fedor Smolov's second-half goal sealed a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Saint Petersburg in the tournament opener.

Russia went ahead in the first half of the Group A encounter through what was credited as an own goal from New Zealand defender Michael Boxall, and Smolov - the top scorer in the Russian league last season-wrapped up the points in the 69th minute.

Monaco's Moroccan off to Fenerbahce

Morocco international mid-fielder Nabil Dirar will join Istanbul giant Fenerbahce from French Ligue 1 champion Monaco, the Turkish side announced on Saturday.

Dirar, 31, arrived in Istanbul earlier in the week and passed a medical. The formal signing is expected in the next days with media reports saying a three-year deal with the option of a further year will be inked.

"Fenerbahce is a very big team based on very good players. There are many important names here. We will achieve great things with great players," Dirar told Fenerbahce's website.

Golf

Romance reigns at the US Open

Golf fan Nick Rogness felt as nervous as anyone at the US Open-not because of a club in his hand, but the diamond ring in his pocket.

Rogness waited for the crowds to chase after the final two groups on Saturday, creating enough space on a hill to the right of the second hole at Erin Hills. He dropped to his knee and proposed to Malea Blise. She said yes.

The hardest part?

"Trying to find some privacy amid all this madness," Rogness said.

This is the first US Open in Wisconsin. Rogness, who is from the Milwaukee area, said he and Blise have been playing golf most of their lives. He picked the spot above the second fairway because Holy Hill Basilica can be seen in the background.

Rugby Union

Lions lay faith in Irishman Best

Ireland's Rory Best will become the fifth captain in six games for the British and Irish Lions on their New Zealand tour when he leads them against the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Tour captain Sam Warburton, who has only led the side once, was not included in the side named on Sunday, indicating he will be in the match-day 23 to face the All Blacks in the first Test on Saturday.

In-form English fly-half Owen Farrell has also missed selection amid suggestions the injured playmaker may be fit again for the Test in Auckland.

Lions coach Warren Gatland said Farrell was only kept out of Saturday's clash with the Maori All Blacks as a precautionary measure after suffering a thigh strain in training.

Agencies