In Nashville, John Glennon notes NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday was "confident enough to say that the NHL All-Star game is definitely in the works" for the city. The completion of a convention center is "considered key for some of the big functions the league holds during all-star weekend." Bettman said, “I can’t give you a year yet ... but we will be coming with an all-star game." He added, "We should start getting rid of the term non-traditional hockey market. It happens to be a newer market than some of our other markets, but with 25 sellouts this season and making the playoffs seven of the last eight years, I think people in Nashville can be very proud of the Predators and the organization" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 4/12).
NATIONAL PRIDE: In Orlando, Jeff Shain writes, "Don't look now, but there's a movement afoot just below the top shelf of golf's world rankings." Five U.S. players "now inhabit the top 10 -- the first time that's happened since autumn 2010." Bubba Watson following his win at The Masters is the top-ranked American at No. 4, followed by Hunter Mahan (5), Steve Stricker (6), Tiger Woods (8) and Phil Mickelson (9). The "new breed of American golf is making itself known." Mahan said, "I think the game of golf is in a good place. There are so many guys who can win tournaments nowadays" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/12).
CIRCUIT BREAKER: F1 Management Chair Bernie Ecclestone said that the Bahrain Grand Prix will "go ahead next week as scheduled -- unless national authorities decide to cancel the race." Speaking before this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, Ecclestone said unless the Bahrain race "gets withdrawn by the national sporting authority in the country, we will be there" (AP, 4/12).
