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Andy Murray was among a number of players to stand on court and pay tribute to the former British No1 Elena Baltacha with a minute's silence at the Mutua Madrid Open on Monday. Baltacha died of liver cancer early on Sunday morning aged 30. Several high-profile players, including Murray and his brother Jamie, observed the tribute on Centre Court at the Manolo Santana Stadium before the start of the tournament's night session. Baltacha was diagnosed with the illness in January, two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her long-time coach, Nino Severino. "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement released by her family. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness." The statement said Baltacha died peacefully at home. Baltacha had retired from professional ten...

Cinco de Mayo (May fifth) is an important Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico, the United States and around the world. To many people, it’s simply an excuse to have some nachos and a margarita or two: it is sometimes referred to as “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.” There is much more to this holiday than guacamole, however! Cinco de Mayo is an important day in the history of Mexico, and the holiday has true meaning and importance to those who understand what it’s all about. Here are seven basic facts about Cinco de Mayo. It is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day: That's a common misconception. Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16, the date in 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo issued his "Grito de Dolores," or famous call to arms to overthrow the Spanish. It celebrates a most unlikely victory: In May of 1862, a powerful French army was in Mexico, fighting its way to Mexico City, where they hoped to force the Mexican government to honor s...

PORTLAND, Ore. — A long time ago, when Michael Jordan wasn't finished with his final comeback yet, Kobe Bryant sat in the Rose Garden in Portland and said, "There are only two killers in this league." Jordan's 51 now, a fat cat on the sidelines owning a team. Bryant hasn't made a playoff appearance in two years. The show must go on, and it has—as seen by the most competitive first round in NBApostseason history. But even better than good shows are great show-stoppers. And we just saw 23-year-old Damian  Lillard  drive a  freakin ' stake through the first NBA playoff series he ever played. The Rose Garden has been renamed the  Moda  Center here in Portland, and this city hadn't seen its one big-time team win a playoff series since  before  Jordan went to the Washington Wizards. That changed Friday night, when the Trail Blazers' second-year guard accepted the inbounds pass with 0.9 ...