RIO DE JANEIRO -- Mention to a badminton superfan the widespread American view that the sport is mostly a backyard lark and watch the steam come out of their ears.They find it inconceivable that anyone, even Americans steeped in football and basketball, could mistake badminton for anything other than a complex, endlessly fascinating symphony of power, agility and speed.With apologies to the purists: Most Americans cant see past their leisurely, backyard BBQ encounters with the game.It wasnt always that way.Badminton once enthralled many in the United States. Its athletes graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, staged badminton on ice escapades and won world championships.That was half a century ago. They now struggle to make it out of the first rounds of the Olympics, and to win fans enamored with swimming and track superstars.The problem, as it is for many Olympic sports that are sensations internationally but less popular in the United States, is money.When a U.S. athlete faces a player from a traditional badminton power, theyre not just facing the individual, theyre facing an entire system -- all of its financial backing, training facilities, coaching and scouting infrastructure.For the U.S., we are all still self-funded. Were individuals. Were not a team, said Iris Wang, a 21-year-old U.S. Olympian from California, after a recent practice session in Rio.Wang pointed toward some South Koreans practicing nearby.They fly together; they train together. We all train separately. They have the resources to bring in a masseuse, physical therapy, said Wang, who took three years off from UCLA to focus on badminton and who will return soon for her sophomore year. I heard China sometimes brings chefs to tournaments, and were just struggling to make it through.Until the mid-20th century, Americans often dominated badminton, and the sport enjoyed widespread popularity.Dave Freeman, the Pasadena Flash, a neurosurgeon considered by some to be badmintons greatest player, was the only American man to reach world No. 1 and won the equivalent of the world championship in 1949.FBI agent Joe Alston boosted the sport when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1955 after winning his second U.S. Open singles title.Badminton comedy shows toured America in the `40s and `50s, and people lined up for badminton on ice reviews.Gradually, however, football, baseball and basketball began to rob attention from badminton.Those who now embrace the game in the United States often do so because their parents are fans or because they have relatives or friends whove shown them how seriously badminton is taken in parts of Asia and Europe.A return to its 20th century heyday will be difficult.In Asia, the big powers often subsidize their badminton programs. Prospects are scouted young, brought into well-run training programs and nurtured. They dont, for the most part, have to worry about money.U.S. players, by contrast, must often hustle to pay for a court to practice on, a coach to instruct them, equipment, sparring partners, air fare and tournament entry fees. Without resources they struggle to win, which means sponsors are reluctant to help.Wang has a sponsorship with a Taiwan-based tech company but also gets help from her parents. She played hard in Rio, but ran into Li Xuerui, the defending Olympic champion from China, and lost 2-0.Wang said making badminton an NCAA sport could help increase its popularity and encourage more high school students to play. Otherwise, many potentially good players will go to other sports.Wang smiles when asked how she discovered badminton.A backyard birthday party for my sisters friend, she said. I thought, `Oh my gosh, thats so cool. 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The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. CHICAGO -- After a slow start, Mike Trout is showing signs of getting back to his dominant 2012 form. Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night. Williams (2-1) allowed two runs and scattered seven hits in 6 2-3 innings. He struck out three and walked one. After eight appearances out of the bullpen, Williams made his second start after he replaced the struggling Garrett Richards, who was filling in for injured Los Angeles ace Jered Weaver. Alberto Callaspo led off the game with a bloop single, two pitches later, Trout put the Angels ahead with a two-run shot to left for his sixth of the season. The home run was Trouts fourth in 10 games. "It was about 130 games last year he was pretty good. Youre not going to be locked in all the time, but there is no doubt he is finding a comfort zone in the box and it is good to see him drive the ball," said Scioscia. White Sox starter Jose Quintana (2-1) allowed three runs in the loss. He gave up five hits and struck out five. The Angels tied a season-high three-game winning streak, but are currently nine games behind the Rangers in the AL West and are finally showing signs of getting back to the top of the standings. "Everything is getting back to normal, playing like how we are supposed to be playing baseball. Everybody is doing their jobs, shut down innings and everyone is swinging the bat. Everything is turning around now," said Williams. Scott Downs got one out in the seventh, Richards pitched a perfect eighth and Ernesto Frieri pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save in eight chances. "I think the one thing you can point to is our bullpen. Our bullpen has responded to the challenge of getting outs that we need," said Scioscia. It was Williams first win as a starter since June 1, 2012 against the Rangers. "I didnt really have my best stuff but I battled through it any way possible," said Williams. The White Sox, who committed three errors, have lost eight of its last 12 games. "Everybodys working. Its a tough thing sometimes," White Sox first baseman Paul Konnerko said.dddddddddddd"This year, its been the mistakes we make, the hits we dont get. Its coming from a place of trying too hard." The White Sox loaded the bases in the second inning. With two outs, Tyler Greene hit a slow roller to shortstop Brendan Harris. Harris fielded the ball while moving to his left, but his throw to first was off-balanced and late, allowing Paul Konerko to score. Alejandro De Aza followed with an RBI single to right to tie the game, Jeff Keppinger tried to score from second on De Azas single but was thrown out at the plate by Josh Hamilton. The Angels got the lead back in the third inning thanks to an error and a passed ball. With two outs, Hamilton hit a routine grounder to Greene at second base. Greene made a lackadaisical throw to first base that got away from Dunn. Albert Pujols, who was on first, advanced to third on Greenes throwing error. Pujols later scored when catcher Tyler Flowers couldnt keep Quintanas pitch to Howie Kendrick in front of him. On Flowers flip, Quintana had a shot to tag Pujols at the plate, but Pujols avoided the tag with his slide. The three errors in the game for the White Sox tied the Angels for most errors in the American League with 27. "I dont think thats anything mental. Not being in the right position or things like that. Physical stuff, you get. But you know its just one of those that you do have to do it better. Its that simple," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. NOTES: White Sox INF Conor Gillaspie was scratched from the White Sox lineup due to an upper respiratory infection. Keppinger moved to third base and Greene started at second base. ... Angels reliever Ryan Madson (Tommy John recovery) threw one inning in an extended-spring training game on Saturday. Angels manager Mike Scioscia was encouraged with Madsons velocity, which was between 91-94 mph. He will pitch again on Monday then receive his minor league rehab assignment. ... INF Erick Aybar missed his second straight game with tightness in his right hamstring. ... By taking the first two games of the series, the Angels won its third series of the season. ... Dunn struck out three times to drop his average to .137. ' ' '
