Tainted Tiger still tops popularity chart

Houston: His reputation might be in tatters after revelations of extra-marital affairs but America still loves ace golfer Tiger Woods, who jointly topped a Sports

Popularity chart. Since 2006, this was a title Woods held solo, but this year, NBA star Kobe Bryant has also become `America`s Favorite Sports Star` after being fourth last year. Rounding off the top five are New York Yankee Derek Jeter at number 3, Minnesota Viking Brett Favre at number 4, and this season`s losing Super Bowl quarterback, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts at number 5. Two stars dropped off the top ten this year -- NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon dropped from number 6 and baseball great Albert Pujols dropped from number 10. Different groups have their different favorites. For men, Tiger is still number one, but for women it`s Kobe Bryant. There are also generational differences. Meanwhile, famous Tennis sisters -- Serena and Venus Williams are number one and number two on the `Favourite Female Sports Star` list, followed by race car driver Danica Patrick. Thanks to the World Cup excitement, Mia Hamm moved up from number 5 to number 4 this year, followed by tennis star Maria Sharapova who moves to number 5. Next in the top ten is another tennis star, Anna Kournikova at number 6. PTI