Miscellany

Wayne Gretzky, bothered by a slight groin pull, left practice early at the Canadian World Cup training camp. He’s expected to be on the ice today.

A group of eight independent investors said Friday they have been awarded an expansion franchise in the Continental Basketball Association and will start play in the 1997-98 season.

Dave Davis won three matches in American Bowling Congress/PBA Senior Masters at Stonehedge Place at Akron, Ohio. Davis defeated Avery LeBlanc, 213-189; Mike Samardzija, 258-200, and John Hatz, 236-182, in the championship match.

WBO junior bantamweight champion Johnny Tapia, prancing around the ring and playing to his hometown crowd in Albuquerque, N.M., defended his title by pounding out a unanimous decision over Argentina’s Hugo Soto.

Cuauhtemoc Gomez of Mexico successfully defended his WBC Central American-Caribbean bantamweight title with a split-decision over Angel Rosario of Puerto Rico in a 12-round fight at Miami.

Taiwan won the Big League World Series 4-0 against USA North at Floyd Hull Stadium at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Taiwan captured its fourth consecutive World Series title, having never lost in 17 championship game appearances. Taiwan has won nine of the past 10 World Series finals.