It attracted a stellar field led by world No. 1 Luke Donald, who tied for 48th on one-under 287, and his nearest challenger to top spot, England's Lee Westwood -- who was equal 17th on 282.

CNN: Rock upstages Woods to capture Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Brees receives the money he felt he rightfully earned with stellar on-field play, leading New Orleans to its first Super Bowl championship in 2010 and breaking the single-season passing yards record last season.

FORBES: New Orleans Saints Sign Drew Brees To $100 Million Contract

Whether those stellar successes will overshadow or inspire the track and field deeds of the next week no-one is yet quite sure.

BBC: European Athletics 2010: Ennis aims to lead GB charge

The oldies were still stellar performers in a race that ended last year with a top field featuring many finishers in their 20s and 30, noted Iditarod race spokeswoman Erin McLarnon.

NPR: 53-Year-Old Musher Becomes Oldest Iditarod Champ

Jorge De La Rosa pitched six scoreless innings, and the Yankees, despite a stellar start from Kuroda, lost their fifth straight game at Coors Field, dating to an interleague series in 2002.

WSJ: De La Rosa outduels Kuroda, Rockies beat Yanks 2-0

Despite a stellar start from Hiroki Kuroda, the Yankees lost their fifth straight game at Coors Field, dating to an interleague series in 2002.

WSJ: De La Rosa outduels Kuroda, Rockies beat Yanks 2-0