Australian surfer MICK FANNING said that he "would be happy to never compete again after surviving a shark attack during a surfing event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa." The attack was broadcast live on TV, with Fanning "remarkably coming out unscathed" after he "punched him in the back." The shark "ominously followed Fanning as he sat on his board, before attacking him from behind." Commentators "were shocked as they called the attack live on air," with one saying, "Holy sh*t! Excuse me" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/20). ... Football legend PELE has been admitted to the hospital for the third time in eight months. A hospital spokesperson said the 74-year-old had been admitted, and Pele's personal assistant FORNOS RODRIGUES said Pele had undergone a procedure to decompress a nerve root in his spine (London DAILY MAIL, 7/19). ...
Irish amateur PAUL DUNNE "is standing on the brink of history" as he leads the the Open Championship heading into the final day at St. Andrews.
The 22-year-old occupies top spot alongside former winner LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN and Australia's JASON DAY and "if he wins the famous competition at the Home of Golf, he will become the first amateur to manage the feat since" the BOBBY JONES in '30. If Dunne does win the tournament, however, he will not be able to claim the £1.15M ($1.8M) prize money "owing to his amateur status" (London DAILY MAIL, 7/19).
