LONDON - David Beckham, the most recognizable face in the world's most popular game, was the biggest newsmaker in international sports in 2003.
The England captain's $43-million transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was voted the top sports story of the year in a worldwide poll of Associated Press subscribers.
The Beckham saga finished comfortably ahead of the doping scandals that rocked sports, Michael Schumacher's record sixth Formula One title and Lance Armstrong's fifth consecutive Tour de France victory.
Beckham received 15 first-place votes and 321 total points from 55 ballots cast by sports editors and broadcasters on all continents, not counting the United States, which has its own survey.
Even before this year Beckham was a magnet for attention: his hairstyles, fashion statements, sponsorship ads and marriage to a former Spice Girl, not to mention his trademark free kicks and passes.
But Beckham mania grew to a frenzy in June with his transfer from Manchester United, his home for 13 years, to Real Madrid, a nine-time European champion.
A series of high-profile drug cases finished second in the voting with 13 first-place votes and 297 points.
British sprinter Dwain Chambers, four U.S. track and field athletes and four NFL players have tested positive for the THG, a previously undetectable steroid.
The scandal has widened with dozens of prominent stars, including baseball's Barry Bonds, testifying before a federal grand jury in San Francisco investigating the California lab accused of being the source of the drug.
GOLF: Ex-Masters champ dies
Herman Keiser, the 1946 Masters champion, died late Wednesday from complications of Alzheimer's in suburban Akron, Ohio. The five-time PGA Tour winner beat Ben Hogan by a stroke in the 1946 Masters, Mr. Keiser's first trip to Augusta after serving nearly three years in the Navy in World War II.
Mr. Keiser, a Springfield, Mo., native, moved to northeast Ohio in 1940, becoming an assistant pro at Portage Country Club and later was the head pro at Firestone Country Club in Akron. Among his students was Jack Stewart, the father of the late U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart.
Mr. Keiser also played in the 1947 Ryder Cup in Portland, Ore., a team captained by Hogan. His 4 and 3 loss to Sam King prevented a clean sweep.
HOCKEY: Juniors starts today
The core of the U.S. team that won a world hockey title is back, hoping to capture the under-20 championships. Twelve NHL general managers and 120 NHL scouts are expected for the nearly two-week showcase of some of the game's most promising players.
The United States won a tournament for players 17-18 in Slovakia 11/2 years ago. A dozen players from that squad are in Helsinki, Finland. Eight were on the team that finished fourth last year.
The tournament starts today with the United States taking on Austria and Russia playing Slovakia in Group A in Hameenlinna. Sweden is the fifth team.
SOCCER: Defender seeks brother
A defender for Italian soccer power AC Milan believes his kidnapped brother is still alive and will be released soon. Kakha Kaladze returned to his home country of Georgia and met Interior Minister Georgy Baramidze. The player said authorities received information with "90 percent" certainty that Levan Kaladze is alive.
