First Down

HE SAID WHAT? —

“My lifestyle has been great. I’m eating too much, but I’m not drinking hardly at all, and I never go out. So where these rumors are coming from, it’s just funny to sit back and look at it.” — Golfer John Daly on recent criticism of his lifestyle

FRIDAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Nationals return from the All-Star break with a series against the Braves in Atlanta, as Tim Redding goes up against Jair Jurrjens at Turner Field. 7:30 p.m. MASN

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

British Open

Rocco Mediate’s in the hunt, and this time he doesn’t have Tiger in his way. A win at Royal Birkdale would solidify his status as one of golf’s most popular guys.

Tour de France

It seems that not a day goes by without at least one cyclist testing positive for doping. If it weren’t such a slow sports week, this once-prestigious event would be so far off the radar screen that NORAD couldn’t find it.

IndyCar Series

It’s simple: No one’s catching Scott Dixon. But expect several of the new IndyCar rookies to fare well as the series heads to Ohio on Sunday.

Red Sox at Angels

Two of the American League’s mightiest teams go at it for the only time in Anaheim, Calif., this season. Fun fact: The Angels have the best record in the AL but rank just fourth in runs scored.

TWT FIVE: BRITISH OPEN PERFORMANCES

1. Tiger Woods in 2000 wins his first British Open and fourth major with an eight-stroke victory at St. Andrews. His 19-under finish is the lowest score relative to par in tournament history.

2. Nick Faldo wins the Open in 1990 with an 18-under performance at St. Andrews, good enough for a five-shot win over Mark McNulty and Payne Stewart.

3. Woods secures an emotional win at the 2006 Open, besting Chris DiMarco by two strokes in shooting 18 under at Royal Liverpool. It is Woods’ first win since the death of his father, Earl.

4. Greg Norman shoots a final round 64 to win the 1993 Open by two strokes over Nick Faldo at Royal St. George’s. Norman’s 267 total for four rounds is a record low for a British Open.

5. Tom Watson, helped along by a third-round 64, wins the 1980 Open at Muirfield to secure his third Claret Jug and fourth major by four strokes over Lee Trevino.