Sports in brief

BASKETBALLMing cleared to play for Rockets this season

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is confident he'll be ready for the start of the NBA season after a team doctor said his surgically repaired foot has healed. Yao missed last season after surgery on his left foot. Team doctor Tom Clanton has cleared Yao to play with no physical limitations.

U.S. team won't have Celtics' Rondo

The U.S. basketball team completed its roster for the world championships in Athens. The 12-man roster includes: Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Rudy Gay, Lamar Odom, Chauncey Billups, Danny Granger, Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Stephen Curry, Kevin Love, Tyson Chandler and Andre Iguodala. The Celtics' Rajon Rondo asked to be withdrawn.

GOLFSaladino advances in U.S. Amateur

Joe Saladino of Huntington reached match play for the U.S. Amateur Championship in Tacoma, Wash. Saladino finished 36 holes of qualifying at 5 over par. Jim Liu of Smithtown, the U.S. Junior Amateur champ, and Brian Hwang of Hauppauge did not qualify for the matches that begin Wednesday.

Weir likely out for 2010 with elbow injury

Mike Weir has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow and is likely out for the rest of the season. Weir told The Canadian Press he plans to rest the elbow and seek treatment to avoid surgery. The Canadian lefthander had elbow pain before the British Open in July but thought it was tendinitis.

Blasberg's death is ruled a suicide

The Clark County (Nev.) coroner's office ruled that 25-year-old professional golfer Erica Blasberg's death was a suicide. Blasberg died May 9 at her home in Henderson, about 15 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. She was found with a plastic bag secured over her head. The coroner's office said Blasberg died of asphyxia, coupled with the presence of toxic levels of prescription medication in her system, including prescription headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety medications. Henderson police said that though no foul play is suspected, they have issued a misdemeanor arrest warrant for Dr. Thomas Hess on obstruction charges. Police said Hess, who discovered Blasberg's body, removed items from the scene, including a suicide note. - AP