Avondale, La.
Stuard never bogeyed a hole throughout the tournament on the long (7,425-yard), par-72 TPC Louisiana course, which was drenched with more than 4½ inches of rain during the tournament. Weather delays on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday not only forced a Monday finish but also led officials to shorten the tournament to 54 holes.
Lovemark, Stuard and Byeong-Hun An entered the playoff at 15 under par.
Madrid
Azarenka, seeking her third consecutive title, broke Cornet’s serve five times to secure the victory. The fifth-ranked Belarusian saved seven of the eight break points she conceded to the Frenchwoman.
Azarenka has not lost since the second round at Acapulco in February. The two-time Australian Open champion won tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami heading into Madrid.
Louisville, Ky.
All three came through Monday’s workouts in good order as a result, with newly elected Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen particularly encouraged by the showings of Gun Runner and Creator entering Saturday’s 142nd Run for the Roses.
Said Asmussen, “They’re cooling out extremely well and we’re very excited for the Derby.”
Fellow Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was just as confident about Mor Spirit, his lone Derby pupil this year after guiding eventual Triple Crown champion American Pharoah and Dortmund here last May. The colt covered five furlongs in 59.80 with jockey Gary Stevens aboard.
