Reuters Sports News Summary

Texas Governor Abbott declines Rangers' first pitch invite amid All-Star Game controversy Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he would not throw out the ceremonial opening pitch at the Texas Rangers' home opener Monday, after Major League Baseball (MLB) removed July's All-Star Game from Atlanta in a protest over Georgia's new voting restrictions.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs. North Korea says it won't join Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 concerns: Yonhap

North Korea has said it will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics this year to protect its athletes amid the coronavirus pandemic, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday, without elaborating on its sources. Johnson set to defend as sense of normalcy returns to Masters

The Masters returns to its traditional date this week as the year's first major at Augusta National and Dustin Johnson is the man to beat on a layout that, while familiar, will play and look much different than the one he triumphed on five months ago. Colorful, blooming azaleas set against emerald fairways and greens will be back on full display in stark contrast to the autumn foliage that created a rather unique setting last year when COVID-19 forced the Masters to be played in November. A winner again, Spieth suddenly among Masters favourites

Jordan Spieth has rocketed into the Masters conversation, suddenly one of the betting favourites after his drought-busting win at the Texas Open on Sunday. Barely an afterthought only a few days ago, the 2015 champion all of a sudden is anything but, with his odds around 10/1 as he gears up in a quest to add a second Green Jacket to his wardrobe. Natural order restored as spectators return to Augusta National

The natural order was restored -- kind of -- as Masters week began under an azure April sky in front of appreciative spectators at Augusta National on Monday. Five months after a unique November Masters that was staged with virtually no spectators due to coronavirus concerns, a limited gallery of a few thousand has been allowed onto the hallowed grounds this week. Georgia voting debate reaches the Masters and Augusta National

Golfers arriving for The Masters at Augusta National on Monday were nudged into addressing Georgia's new voting restrictions debate, but tried to steer clear of the controversy including Major League Baseball's decision to remove the All-Star Game from Atlanta over the issue. The Masters is the year's first golf major and one of the most popular annual sports events. Often described as Spring Break for CEOs, the tournament is a magnet for America's corporate elite, some of whom belong to Augusta National, which has gone to great lengths in the past to shield its members. NBA roundup: Bulls clip Nets to end six-game skid

4/4: NBA roundup: Bulls 115, Nets 107 ATP roundup: Egor Gerasimov scores early upset in Cagliari

Egor Gerasimov of Belarus defeated No. 7 seed Guido Pella of Argentina 6-4, 6-0 in first-round action Monday at the Sardegna Open in Cagliari, Italy. Gerasimov saved five of seven break points and swept the last nine games of the 86-minute match. Texas Governor Abbott declines Rangers' first pitch invite amid All-Star Game controversy

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he would not throw out the ceremonial opening pitch at the Texas Rangers' home opener Monday, after Major League Baseball (MLB) removed July's All-Star Game from Atlanta in a protest over Georgia's new voting restrictions. MLB's announcement on Friday marked one of the most high-profile reactions after Georgia last month strengthened identification requirements for absentee ballots, shortened early voting periods for runoffs and made it a crime to offer food and water to voters waiting in line. Rejuvenated Woosie back at Masters 30 years after winning

A pain-racked Ian Woosnam said two years ago that he had played his final Masters, but the rejuvenated Welshman is back for another crack at Augusta National this week. Thirty years after winning the Green Jacket during a period of European domination, 63-year-old Woosnam will make his 32nd start here at the scene of his greatest triumph. Texas Rangers welcome full fan capacity at home opener

The Texas Rangers opened their doors to 100% fan capacity at Globe Life Field on Monday, making the game the first sporting event without attendance restrictions since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered North American leagues more than a year ago. The 40,518-seat stadium in Arlington is the only one in baseball to allow full capacity after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state to fully reopen last month.