Sports briefs

Ochoa criticizes LPGA English rule Lorena Ochoa of Mexico says a new LPGA Tour policy requiring players to be effective in English starting in 2009 is a "little drastic."

Ochoa, the No. 1 player in women's golf, says golfers are better judged by their performance. She was asked at a charity event in her hometown of Guadalajara on Tuesday if she thought the new policy discriminated against international players.

"That is a a very strong word. I wouldn't want to use it," said Ochoa, who speaks English. "But I do think it is a little drastic."

There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, including 45 players from South Korea.

While some thought the rule might be aimed at the Koreans, Ochoa said, "I think they are making an effort and they are trying to communicate more with the players, I think they are doing enough."

The LPGA will require players to speak English during pro-ams, trophy presentations and media interviews starting in 2009, with players who have been LPGA members for two years facing suspension if they can't pass an oral evaluation of English skills.

• Even with his golf done for the year because of reconstructive knee surgery, Tiger Woods found something to celebrate Tuesday: His wife is pregnant with their second child. Woods said on his Web site that Elin is expecting in late winter without being more specific on a due date.

Auto racing: Dario Franchitti will leave NASCAR and return to IndyCar in 2009 as the replacement driver for Dan Wheldon at Chip Ganassi Racing.

NBA: The Philadelphia 76ers signed former Timberwolf forward Donyell Marshall while the Miami Heat signed center Jamaal Magliore.

NHL: The Canucks traded forward Ryan Shannon to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat. ... The Maple Leafs traded Bryan McCabe and a fourth-round draft pick to the Panthers on for defenseman Mike Van Ryn.