Your Top Plays for Today: AP's Sports Guide

--AMERICANS TAKE A 3½-2½ LEAD OVER INTERNATIONAL TEAM IN PRESIDENTS CUP

Tiger Woods sat in a cart with a tiny squirrel resting on his shoulder. Fred Couples had cupcakes delivered to him by the opposing captain in honor of his 54th birthday.

Opening day at the Presidents Cup was unlike any other Thursday at Muirfield Village — except for the score.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/americans-hang-take-lead-presidents-cup

--DODGERS BEAT BRAVES, CARDINALS GIVE PIRATES A REALITY CHECK IN NLDS OPENERS

Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the playoffs looking intent on ending that quarter-century drought since their last World Series championship, beating the bumbling Braves 6-1 at Atlanta.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/kershaw-pitches-dodgers-past-braves-6-1-game-1

--FLEURY REPAYS THE FAITH WITH BIG PERFORMANCE FOR PENGUINS

Marc-Andre Fleury stops 28 shots for his 250th NHL victory and franchise-record 24th shutout in Pittsburgh's 3-0 season-opening win over New Jersey.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/crosby-fleury-lead-penguins-over-devils-3-0

--LEWIS HAMILTON SETS EARLY PACE AT KOREAN F1 GP

Mecedes driver Lewis Hamilton sets pace in the first practice session for the Korean F1 Grand Prix.

http://apne.ws/1hoSPau

--RAFA REACHES SEMIFINALS AT CHINA OPEN

Rafael Nadal overcomes a slow start to beat Fabio Fognini 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 and advance to the China Open semifinals.

http://bigstory.ap.org/photo/rafael-nadal-603