PBA: Helterbrand is MVP

MANILA, Philippines – Chot Reyes, who handled an all-pro national team two years ago, once described Jayjay Helterbrand as the best point guard in Asia.

In the current PBA season, Helterbrand is the best basketball player this side of the planet.

The Barangay Ginebra spitfire was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player, beating out a slew of bigger players to clinch the biggest award of his career, which came at a time when he needed to step up and make himself one of the league’s all-time greats.
Helterbrand won the award in runaway style, tallying 3,220 points by ruling every category from the statistical points race to the votes coming from the PBA, television coverer Solar, his fellow players and the covering media.

“It was something that I wished would happen (when I started my PBA career), but I never thought it would be like this,” Helterbrand, who became the first Ginebra player since Eric Menk in 2005 to win the MVP, told scribes.

Helterbrand averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and five assists per contest for the Gin Kings this season, numbers which actually dropped from his career-best figures of 18.1, 4.7 and 6.5, respectively, last year.

“If you had told me at the start of the season … that I would be MVP, I probably would have thought that you were crazy,” said Helterbrand, whose assist-to-turnover ratio also experienced a minor dip from 2.44 last year to 2.36 this season.

Arwind Santos of Burger King finished second with 733 points and had to settle for one of the forwards’ slots in the Mythical First Team where he and Helterbrand were joined by Mac Cardona of Talk ‘N Text, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Jay Washington of San Miguel.

Dondon Hontiveros finished third in the MVP race with 650 points, but oddly enough, the San Miguel swingman could only land a place as one of the guards in the Second Team along with Willie Miller of Alaska, Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia and Jay-R Reyes and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.

Norwood won the Rookie of the Year award handily, totaling 3,384 points, with San Miguel point guard Jonas Villanueva copping the Most Improved Player award over Paul Artadi and Reyes with 5,169 total points.

The awards were handed out in glitzy rites called the “Leo Awards,” named in honor of the late founding commissioner, Leopoldo Prieto, just before tip-off of Game 4 of the Motolite Fiesta Cup title series at the Araneta Coliseum.

Other awardees: All-Defensive Team—Arwind Santos, Asi Taulava, Ginebra’s Billy Mamaril and Ronald Tubid and Burger King’s Wynne Arboleda; Sportsmanship Award—Sta. Lucia’s Jay-R Reyes

Tennis: Spain through after tough test

Defending Davis Cup champions Spain were made to battle all the way in their World Group quarter-final against Germany.

Spain, without the injured Rafael Nadal, clinched a 3-2 win over their European rivals as Juan Carlos Ferrero defeated Andreas Beck 6-4 6-4 6-4 in today's deciding rubber.

Germany, trailing 2-1 overnight, levelled the tie earlier today as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-2 1-6 2-6 8-6 in a thrilling match at the Puerto Banus bullring.

Kohlschreiber's efforts in defeating the world number nine were in vain, however, as former world number one Ferrero eased to victory against Beck as Spain set up a semi-final encounter with Israel, who wrapped up a 4-1 win against Russia in Tel Aviv.

Having booked a first ever appearance in the final four by easing to an unassailable 3-0 lead yesterday, Israel had to share the honours in the reverse singles today as Igor Andreev restored some pride for Russia with victory over Dudi Sela, who retired injured when trailing 3-4 in the first set.

Harel Levy ensured Israel ended on a high note, however, taking his second singles win of the weekend as he defeated Igor Kunitsyn 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7/2).

Croatia marched into the last four after taking an unassailable 3-1 lead over the United States.

With the US trailing 2-1 after yesterday's rubbers, all eyes were on James Blake to level the tie for the Davis Cup's most successful nation, but he failed to rise to the challenge of Croatian number one Marin Cilic, who posted a hard-fought 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-2 win to settle the tie.

"I think this was one of the best matches I've played," Cilic said on daviscup.com.

"Today I played a lot of it on adrenaline, the crowd was carrying me throughout the match. I really played well, I felt good on court, moved really well, and even though I lost the third set I felt I was playing well and my tactics were perfect, so I kept going and eventually broke him."

The dead rubber will see Roko Karanusic face US doubles specialist Bob Bryan.

In Ostrava, Radek Stepanek played through the pain barrier to claim a priceless win over Juan Monaco and guide the Czech Republic into a semi-final clash with the Croats at the expense of last year's beaten finalists Argentina.

With the Czechs resuming 2-1 ahead overnight, world number five Juan Martin del Potro levelled the tie with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych to take it to a decider.

Stepanek, battling a knee problem, was rarely in trouble in the fifth and final rubber against Monaco, taking the first set on a tie-break before easing away to a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 6-2 triumph which ensured the Czechs' first final-four appearance since 1996.

"It was the biggest effort I have ever done in Davis Cup," said Stepanek.

"I had to really dig deep to step on the court. After the doubles I was 90% sure that I'm not able to play singles, but I was assured by the doctors that it was not going to damage my knee.

"I had to lie to myself that it didn't hurt."

Formula 1: Webber joins title race

Mark Webber believes he is now firmly in the hunt for the Formula One title after finally breaking his victory duck.

The 32-year-old screamed with joy, and perhaps relief, in taking the chequered flag at the Nurburgring after the German Grand Prix.

Not even a drive-through penalty for playing dodgems with Rubens Barrichello off the line denied Webber his long-overdue moment in the sun at the 130th attempt.

German Grand Prix gallery
Watch the race highlights here

It secured him a place in the sport's record books as no driver with a win to their name has taken so long to get a maiden triumph under their belts.

Leading home a third Red Bull one-two of the season, with Sebastian Vettel second on this occasion, the duo are 22.5 and 21 points respectively behind Jenson Button who could only finish fifth.

Red Bull also slashed Brawn GP's lead in the constructors' title race to 19.5, with the balance of power having shifted the way of the Milton Keynes-based team in the last two grands prix.

"They are both still up for grabs, there is no question about it," said Webber of the championship fight.

"The guys have produced a special car. Brawn are leading because they deserve to be, but we are not giving up.

"Sebastian and I are on top of our game and pushing as best we can to be as consistent as possible at all venues.

"We love fighting against teams like Ferrari and McLaren, and this is what Formula One is all about.

"For Red Bull to take the fight to these big guys is a real credit to us. They will be back for sure, but it is a special time for our team."

It was undoubtedly a special day for Webber as he became the first Australian to win a race since Alan Jones in Las Vegas in October 1981.

Webber is due to meet with close friend, Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting tonight, an occasion which could have been even more special if his team had taken a 1-0 lead over England in the Ashes yesterday.

Instead, they were denied, but there was still no doubting the pride felt by Webber with regard to his feat.

"It was very, very important for me because not many Australian drivers have reached Formula One, and there are even fewer who have been successful," remarked Webber.

"It's a real message to the Australian people. I've always tried to represent my country as best as I can.

"We're a very proud sporting nation which has done well on bikes in the past with Mick (Doohan) and Casey (Stoner).

"Now this is a great day for me and Australia."

As for Button, it was a day of frustration, one which has left him pining for the heat of Budapest in a fortnight when his car should be competitive.

"We have to put it (yesterday) behind us and look forward," said Button.

"I just can't wait to get to Hungary where we will have new parts and hopefully warmer weather to take the fight to the Red Bulls."

As for Barrichello, he launched an astonishing attack on his team, accusing them of costing him the race.

"It was a good show from the team on how to lose a race today," slammed the Brazilian.

"They made me lose the race. If it is really what's going on, we're going to end up losing both championships."

Ferrari's Felipe Massa finished on the podium for the first time this year, with Nico Rosberg fourth in his Williams.

Renault's Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen completed the top eight, but a first-corner puncture after being tapped by Webber resulted in Lewis Hamilton finishing 18th and last.

Formula 1: Button feeling heat from Red Bull

Jenson Button was left bristling with frustration following a day of struggle in Germany.

The world championship leader trailed home fifth behind another Red Bull Racing one-two, their third of the season, but this time with Mark Webber leading home Sebastian Vettel in the German Grand Prix.

Button's lead is now 21 points, with Vettel taking up second place in the drivers' standings just 1.5 points ahead of Webber and three ahead of Button's Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

After six wins from the first seven races, the balance of power has undoubtedly shifted the way of Red Bull in the past two grands prix at Silverstone and the Nurburgring.

"It was really frustrating, a difficult race for us in which nothing went right, as at Silverstone," assessed Button.

"In the first stint I was stuck behind (Heikki) Kovalainen and had nowhere to go. I couldn't get past him.

"Then the pace was okay, but in the third stint I was stuck behind Rubens after he had a problem with his fuel rig at his second stop.

"The fuel rig problem screwed his race and mine, so finishing fifth is disappointing because I think we could have got a podium.

"I now can't wait to get to Hungary in two weeks where we will have new parts and hopefully warmer weather to take the fight to the Red Bulls."

Button was at least humble enough to offer his congratulations to Webber following the Australian's first win in Formula One at the 130th attempt.

"It's fantastic," said Button.

"The guy has been close many times, so this is well deserved. He was very quick all weekend, superior, and then drove a great race."

It was another day of woe for fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton as hopes of a podium in a finally competitive McLaren were wrecked at the first corner.

A stunning start, aided by a push of the KERS button, saw Hamilton fly up the field from fifth on the grid, only to sustain a puncture to his right-rear tyre after being clipped by Webber.

Forced into a pit stop at the end of lap one, Hamilton eventually finished a wretched 18th, unable to compete due to suspected damage to the rear of the car, likely caused by the flailing rubber.

"My race was effectively over at turn one," said Hamilton, feeling as deflated as the tyre that caused his problems.

"I had quite a good launch into there, and I was braking when I felt a tap from the rear and went straight on.

"I think the flat tyre damaged the rear floor because it felt like I was out there driving on ice.

"I suggested to the team we save the engine and gearbox for the future because there's a lot more potential ahead of us than we'd anticipated before this weekend.

"But that's racing and we'll move on. The best thing about this weekend was that our updates were successful.

"The team has done a fantastic job over the last few weeks and I'm already looking forward to the next race."

Barrichello blames team for loss

Rubens Barrichello launched an astonishing attack on his own team in the wake of today's German Grand Prix.

The Brawn GP driver was left fuming at the Nurburgring, blaming team bosses for robbing him of victory.

Despite taking the lead on the run down to the first corner, and Mark Webber being handed a drivethrough penalty for bumping into the Brazilian at the start, Barrichello trailed home sixth.

That prompted outrage from the 37-year-old, and not for the first time this season as he was annoyed at tactics deployed during the Spanish Grand Prix, another race he felt he should have won.

When asked what went wrong, Barrichello pulled no punches as he said: "I guess the strategy in the pit lane...it was a good show from the team on how to lose a race today.

"I'm terribly upset with the way things have gone. I did all I had to do. I went first on the first corner, and then they made me lose the race.

"If it is really what's going on, we're going to end up losing both championships. I feel sorry for myself, the team.

"To be very honest, I wish I could get on the plane and go home. I don't want to talk to anyone in the team.

"It will be all 'blah, blah, blah' and I don't want to hear that."

NBA: Heat offers extension to Dwade

MIAMI -- When Dwyane Wade checked his cell phone shortly after midnight Sunday, he got perhaps the most predictable text message of his life.

After all, it hardly classifies as stunning news that the Miami Heat want to keep him.

Wade said Heat president Pat Riley texted those sentiments very early Sunday, in what amounts to a largely ceremonial move. The Heat had to wait until 12:01 a.m. on July 12 before they could formally offer an extension to the reigning NBA scoring champion, and Wade said Riley didn't wait too long before pressing the send button.

"It's no rush," Wade said. "We all know that."

Wade didn't reveal specifics of what the text message said, other than confirming the obvious, that Riley was reaffirming Miami's hope that the 2006 NBA Finals MVP sticks around for many years to come.

"Something like that," Wade said, moments before he and Alonzo Mourning capped the five-day Zo's Summer Groove fundraising series with a charity game featuring other NBA standouts like Caron Butler, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Wade's Miami teammates Udonis Haslem, Michael Beasley, Daequan Cook, Mario Chalmers and Dorell Wright.

Wade's agent, Henry Thomas, and Riley both confirmed that the Heat formally extended an offer. Both declined further comment.

Wade, who can become a free agent after this coming season, essentially has two options: accept an extension that would keep him under contract in Miami through the summer of 2014, or opt out of his deal next year and seek a contract through 2015-16, one that would likely be worth up to $45 million more.

Later this summer, Wade said he and Riley will talk more about the particulars, but nothing has been scheduled. Wade is still formulating his plans for the remainder of the offseason, and is likely headed to China for some business meetings in the coming weeks.

"We'll get it set up when we all can get together," Wade said.

His future has been the subject of much discussion, particularly in recent days, after Wade did a series of interviews promoting the charity events he and Mourning were hosting. Wade has repeatedly said he is happy in Miami, but merely wants to see the team get better and an assurance that Miami will perennially try to be a championship contender before re-signing.

"Like I said, I'm good here. I'm happy here," Wade said. "This is where I want to be and we'll go from there."

Wade set career bests last season in scoring average (30.2 per game), 3-point goals (88), steals (2.2 per game), blocks (1.3 per game) and games played (79).

Thomas said he and Wade will weigh "a number of options" before deciding which course of action makes the most sense.

"It's great and I feel very honored and blessed, first of all, to make it to the NBA but then to be in position where I'm on my third contract now and have a team want you and be a big part of the future," Wade said. "That's a testament in itself. It's phenomenal."

Notes
Reigning MVP LeBron James apologetically canceled plans to play Sunday, despite Wade's best efforts. Wade said James, who had commitments this weekend in Idaho, let him know that he tried to get to Miami in time. "He's taking care of business, taking care of his family," Wade said. ... Darius Miles, Roger Mason Jr., Rasual Butler and former Heat guard Tim Hardaway also were among those playing Sunday, as was Heat draft pick Pat Beverley.

UAAP: Eagles survive pesky Tamaraws

Al-Hussaini stars in battle of title faves

By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo's crack guards propped up the Blue Eagles early before the veterans finished off the pesky Far Eastern U Tamaraws with a 63-59 victory in the 72nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles turned to Rabeh Al-Hussaini in the final stretch and the reigning MVP responded with a pair of key baskets that pushed the defending champions ahead for good at 61-54 from a 54-54 deadlock.

“It showed why everybody is picking FEU as the team to beat,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “We played well in the first half, but they came out with better intensity in the second half. Luckily we just kept our composure and kept our defense.”

Al-Hussaini finished with 18 points and eight rebounds and last year’s top rookie Ryan Buenafe contributed 10.

“We came into the game knowing we’re playing the toughest team, so this is a big win for us; a confidence booster,” added Black.

An Aldrech Ramos three-point play and a Reil Cervantes bucket from the low post moved the Tamaraws within 61-59 before a Buenafe free throw made it 62-59 with 13.6 seconds left.

The Tamaraws tried to forge an extra period, but rookie Ryan Roose Garcia’s triple try rimmed out at the buzzer.

The Eagles shot an impressive 50 percent in the first half, making 7-of-10 attempts from three-point range, as they built a commanding 40-29 advantage.

But with Ramos and Mark Barroca taking over after the break, the Tamaraws roared back with a 15-2 spurt to tie the game at 44.

While the Eagles leaned on their veterans, rookies came through for National University as the Bulldogs downed the error-prone University of the Philippines Maroons, 74-64, in the first game.

Joseph Hermosisima, a 5-foot-10 recruit from Davao, knocked in all of his 12 points from beyond the arc to help the Bulldogs turn an early 10-18 deficit into a 53-44 lead in the third period.

The Bulldogs held the Maroons scoreless in a four-minute stretch at the start of the fourth quarter to pull away by 26 points at 70-44.

“We knew their weaknesses and took advantage of that,” said coach Manny Dandan after his Bulldogs forced the Maroons to commit 37 turnovers.

Over at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan, Gwyne Capacio buried 29 points as La Salle Zobel stunned defending champion Ateneo, 80-56, at the start of high school action.

Capacio, the 6-3 son of FEU mentor Glenn, also had 11 rebounds and four blocks.

Earlier, the University of the East Pages blasted the UP Junior Maroons, 80-56.

The varsity scores:


First Game

NU 74—Hermosisima 12, Singh 10, Ponferrada 10, Malanday 10, Luy 9, Batac 9, Baloran 9, Terso 4, Manito 1, Roy 0, Magat 0, Fabula 0, Cabaluna 0.


UP 64—Padilla 11, Gomez 11, Reyes 9, Lopez 9, Co 9, Sison 4, Maniego 4, Hipolito 3, Reyes 2, Juruena 2, Gingerich 0, Gamboa 0, Astorga 0.
Quarters: 10-18, 36-29, 53-44, 74-64


Second Game

ATENEO 63—Al-Hussaini 18, Buenafe 10, Salva 9, Salamat 8, Monfort 8, Reyes 7, Long 3, Golla 0, Chua 0, Baclao 0, Austria 0.


FEU 59—Ramos 15, Barroca 12, Noundou 9, Garcia 8, Cervantes 6, Cawaling 4, Sanga 3, Knuttel 2, Exciminiano 0, Eguilos 0, Caluag 0.
Quarters: 17-11, 40-29, 50-47, 63-59

Formula 1: Webber romps to victory in Germany

"Mark Webber you are a Grand Prix winner. Well done! Brilliant drive!" Those words, from Red Bull's engineers, told you all you needed to know about Sunday's German Grand Prix. No matter what they threw at the Australian, including a drive-through penalty for a brush off the startline with Brawn's Rubens Barrichello, Webber came through and delivered in devastating style.

After that brush he shadowed Barrichello as they stormed away while fast-starting Heikki Kovalainen in the McLaren held up Brawn's Jenson Button, Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel. And even with his penalty stop on Lap 14, when Barrichello refuelled, Webber kept the lead.

His second stop, five laps later, dropped him down to eighth, but he was back in the lead by Lap 33 when all of the main first pit stops had been made, and he controlled it easily from there. Barrichello lost time in his second stop with a refuelling rig problem, and later, like Button, struggled to warm his tyres. Both were on three-stop strategies, which dropped them from second and third places with 10 laps left.

Thus it was Sebastian Vettel who came through to grab second, in Red Bull's third one-two of the season, after a weekend in which his team mate completely eclipsed him. Massa was strong all day for Ferrari and took third ahead of Nico Rosberg, who drove superbly early on with a high fuel load and thoroughly deserved fourth for Williams.

The Brawns switched places in their final stops, as Button made his a lap later, and they finished fifth and sixth, hounded to the finish by Fernando Alonso's Renault, which set fastest lap. Behind them, Kovalainen clung on for the final point for McLaren, with Toyota's Timo Glock, BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella and Williams' Kazuki Nakajima in his wheeltracks.

It was, after all, a terrible day for Force India's Adrian Sutil, who ran as high as second before his first refuelling stop, but then lost it all through a clash with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen as he exited the pits. He needed another stop for a new front wing and finished a tearful 15th, behind Renault's Nelson Piquet and BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica. Stewards looked into the Raikkonen incident, but decided no action was necessary.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli was delayed after a brush in traffic on the opening lap and finished 17th, behind Sebastien Buemi in the sole Toro Rosso to finish. And right at the back, the only lapped runner was McLaren's Lewis Hamilton. The world champion made a brilliant start, led fractionally on the outside at Turn One, but then got his right-rear tyre clipped by Webber and had to pit at the end of the lap with a puncture. That was all she wrote.

The day, however, belonged to Webber as Advance Australia Fair played at the end of a Grand Prix for the first time since Alan Jones won in Las Vegas back in 1981. It was superb victory in the most trying circumstances, and Webber thoroughly deserved his maiden success.

Button still leads the championship, with 68 points, but now Vettel is second with 47, Webber third with 45.5 and Barrichello drops to fourth on 44.

Kidd signs 3-year deal with Mavs

DALLAS -- The Mavericks have re-signed Jason Kidd.

The team announced that free agent point guard signed on Saturday, five days after owner Mark Cuban confirmed that Kidd was returning. Kidd agreed to a three-year contract worth more than $25 million.

The 37-year-old Kidd could finish his career where it started in 1994 -- with the Mavericks. The No. 2 pick out of California returned to Dallas in a trade last year with New Jersey, where he made two trips to the NBA finals with the Nets.

The nine-time All-Star is third on the NBA's career list in assists (10,199) and triple-doubles (103).

Kidd has averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 15 NBA seasons.

NBA free agency’s winners and losers

NBA free agency’s winners and losers

As the rejections and criticisms mounted lately, NBA executives and
agents described Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard
as “agitated” and “panicked” and even “desperate.” He kept returning to
teams with the same proposals, only to be dismissed again and again. All
his plans had imploded.

Pritchard has long liked to talk about never laying up on the golf
course and burning through cell batteries and the way that the Blazers
had outworked and outsmarted the NBA. Few have been terribly impressed
with how Pritchard handled the highs of the job, and now there are
doubts about how he’s handling its lows.

After the first 10 days of free agency, so far Pritchard stands as the
summer’s biggest loser.

Hedo Turkoglu humiliated him with an 11th-hour dash for Toronto. By
then, Trevor Ariza had already taken the Houston Rockets’ money.
Pritchard couldn’t pry Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince nor
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich . The job wasn’t as hard when owner
Paul Allen gave him tens of millions to buy up draft picks, but free
agency is a far more level playing field. Truth be told, Pritchard has
failed.

All this cap space, all these big plans, and Pritchard offered a $34
million offer sheet for Paul Millsap to play behind LaMarcus Aldridge .
They need a small forward, but he refused to make a bid for the most
talented one on the market – the Los Angeles Lakers’ Lamar Odom .

Odom could’ve been had for the Blazers, but Pritchard has, for now,
committed his money to a backup power forward. He could’ve dented the
Lakers and met his most pressing need with Odom’s length, athleticism
and versatility.

For every advantage Pritchard had in assembling these Blazers, he’s
struggling with the next step: managing it all.

Pritchard’s greatest gift has been his ability to persuade owner Paul
Allen to spend money. Now, Pritchard is struggling to convince Allen to
give Brandon Roy a full five-year max extension. The process has
increasingly stunned and angered Roy. Whatever anyone thinks, no one has
had more to do with the Blazers’ revival than Roy.

Beyond that, Pritchard has a problem with one of the most well-regarded
coaches in the NBA: Nate McMillan doesn’t want to sign a contract
extension. He’s tried to explain his desire for one-year contracts as
some kind of self-motivational tool, but no one buys it. It’s clear that
McMillan wants to be a free agent in 2011.

“He knows Portland isn’t the last place he’ll be,” a league source said.
“Everyone will want him.”

Multiple league sources believe there’s a wedge between Pritchard and
McMillan, but both general manager and coach have long denied it. Even
so, it makes league officials wonder how deeply McMillan believes in his
boss’ blueprint that he refuses to commit long-term to it.

The rapid rise is over in Portland, and now, Kevin Pritchard has to
manage his creation. So far, he’s endured the most rugged summer of his
executive career. Here’s the rest of the losers and winners in free
agency.

• David Lee, Trevor Ariza’s agent

His tough talk and chest thumping bought his client, Trevor Ariza, a
one-way ticket to post-Yao lottery land in Houston – for essentially the
same contract the Lakers were willing to pay him. Way to earn your 4
percent, David.

• The New York Knicks

So, what happened to everyone dying to play for Mike D’Antoni in New
York? So far, the AARP free agents – Jason Kidd and Grant Hill – used
New York as leverage for more money in Dallas and Phoenix.

Now, the shrinking 2010 salary cap makes the chances of luring LeBron
James even less likely. James would have to take even less money to go
the Knicks, and there’s little chance New York will have the room for a
second max-out free agent. Without it, New York can forget James.

• Lamar Odom

His agent has been desperately trying to find a sign-and-trade around
the league, but there’s little there but the Lakers’ offer of $7 million
per season. Odom had a terrific playoffs and Finals on L.A’s
championship run, but he has few options to make the Lakers raise their
offer. Why has Portland so far sat it out with him? It still makes no
sense.

• Tim Duncan

Spurs executives Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford aggressively remade the
Spurs into the Lakers biggest challenger again. Now, Duncan, 32, has a
legitimate chance to beat Shaq and Kobe to a fifth championship.

Richard Jefferson gives the Spurs a younger, more athletic scorer and
defender. Antonio McDyess was the Spurs’ top priority in free agency.
Perhaps DeJuan Blair’s knees won’t last a decade in the NBA, but for a
minimal second-round investment he could contribute through what’s left
of Duncan’s window. They just need Manu Ginobili to be himself again.

Spurs owner Peter Holt has boldly pushed his franchise into the luxury
tax for next season, a small-market owner hell-bent on winning another
championship.

• Marcin Gortat

As a 12-minute-a-game center for the Orlando Magic, Gortat scored
himself a five-year, $34 million offer sheet from the Dallas Mavericks.
Nevertheless, two sources familiar with Orlando’s plans believe Magic GM
Otis Smith is strongly considering to match the offer and keep the
7-footer.

• Joe Dumars and Bryan Colangelo

This was the summer to get the most out of your money in free agency,
and the GMs of the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors understood that
waiting for 2010 wasn’t the wisest move.

Dumars gets a terrific young core with free agents Ben Gordon and
Charlie Villanueva and can still use Prince or Richard Hamilton as
chips for a frontline big man. Utah’s Carlos Boozer still lingers as a
possibility, though Dumars has so far been reluctant to part with Prince
for him.

Colangelo stole Turkoglu out of Portland’s clutches, and then worked a
sign-and-trade with Orlando to spare his mid-level exception. Colangelo
won’t give up on convincing Chris Bosh to stay with Toronto.

• Eastern contenders

Despite the bleak economic climate, ownership in Boston, Cleveland and
Orlando pushed themselves deep into luxury tax for next season. The arms
race in the East escalated with Shaquille O’Neal to the Cavs, Vince
Carter to the Magic and Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics. Nevertheless,
this has been a summer of the haves and have-nots. Those with a chance
to win are going for it, and yet a lot of the NBA is determined to cut
costs and spare themselves financial losses.

Tennis: Czech Republic 2 Argentina 1

The Czech Republic is one win away from reaching the World Group semi-finals for the first time since 1996 after Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek combined to win the crucial doubles rubber 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 over Argentina’s Jose Acasuso and Leonardo Mayer in Ostrava on Saturday.

The Czech Republic, who defeated Italy 4-1 to win the Davis Cup in 1980, converted six of 14 break point chances while only surrendering serve once to clinch a 2-1 advantage in the tie after one hour and 50 minutes. The victory extends Berdych’s perfect Davis Cup doubles record to 7-0 and takes Stepanek to a 6-1 mark. The duo was also victorious in the Czech Republic’s first-round tie against France, defeating Richard Gasquet and Michael Llodra.

"I’m pretty happy with how it went today. We were surprised with the nomination of the Argentinean team but that’s their decision. We played a solid match," said Berdych.

"We’ve always played great doubles matches in Davis Cup, we haven’t lost yet," added Stepanek. "We had a great start to the match, broke them twice and won the first set 6-1. We were on top of them and we kept it going until the end of the match."

World No. 20 Berdych will have the chance to seal the tie for the host nation when he faces No.5-ranked Juan Martin del Potro in the first of the reverse singles on Sunday. Looking ahead to the clash, Berdych commented: "Right now, we are in a position where Juan Martin (del Potro) really needs to win this match, if not his team is going to lose. So I’m looking forward to it, I will have the whole crowd behind me and he will need to win."

Should del Potro win to draw Argentina level, the tie would be decided in the fifth rubber – featuring Ivo Minar against Juan Monaco.

Israel 3 Russia 0

Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram clinched an historic victory for Israel as they battled past Russia’s Igor Kunitsyn and Marat Safin 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-4 to give the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead in the quarter-final in Tel Aviv.

The victory puts Israel into the semi-finals of the World Group for the first time. On Friday, Harel Levy and Dudi Sela had given the host nation a commanding 2-0 overnight lead with victories over Igor Andreev and Mikhail Youzhny respectively.

"I actually can't describe how I feel," confessed Israeli team captain Eyal Ran. "I am so proud to be an Israeli today, to be a part of this team, so proud to be part of this sport and Davis Cup tennis. It was a classic tie."

Erlich and Ram had played together just once since a second-round exit at the US Open last year, combining to reach the final of the ATP Challenger Tour event in Ramat Hasharon shortly after Erlich’s return from an elbow injury.

The duo served for the match in the third set, but their Russian opponents hit back to level the match at two-sets-all. Erlich and Ram held their nerve though to break serve for the seventh time in the final game of the match to seal victory after three hours and 51 minutes. They improved to an 11-3 record in Davis Cup doubles play together.

"For the first time I have absolutely nothing to say, usually I just can't stop talking and I started to cry like a little boy," an emotional Ram said courtside.

Erlich added: "I feel great. I think that was my biggest achievement ever. After the team won in Sweden, I said to myself I have to be here, not only in good shape, but in great shape and I'm very, very happy I could achieve that and perform today like I was never (out injured).

The loss marked two-time former champion Russia’s earliest exit from the ITF team competition since 2004, when it lost in the first round to Belarus.

In the semi-finals, Israel will face either Germany or Spain.

Croatia 2 United States 1

World No. 1 doubles players Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan handed 32-time champion the United States a lifeline in its quarter-final clash with Croatia as they produced a devastating display to crush Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in Porec on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Bryans improved to a 16-2 record together in Davis Cup after converting six of seven break point chances and committing just one unforced error in the 68-minute match.

"We're really happy we're back in this thing," said Mike Bryan. "We wanted to keep it short after they played for about nine hours yesterday. The guys believe we can actually win this tie, and that's the biggest thing."

The United States had stared down a 0-2 deficit overnight after five-set losses for James Blake and Mardy Fish on the opening day. The 2007 champion will look to recover from a 0-2 deficit in a Davis Cup tie for just the second time after first doing so in the 1934 final against Australia.

"That's an amazing stat," said Bob Bryan. "It's unbelievable, but we've got an unbelievable group of guys here. If you saw yesterday's two singles matches, everyone gave everything they had, Mardy [Fish] was bleeding, James [Blake] lost a heartbreaker but he's in good spirits today, so I think they're going to come out fired up, and on paper we're looking pretty good."

Croatia is looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2005, when it went on to become the 12th different nation to win the Davis Cup with victory over the Slovak Republic in the final.

In the reverse singles on Sunday, Marin Cilic will have the chance to win the tie 3-1 for Croatia when he faces James Blake – who surrendered a two-set lead before losing in five sets against Ivo Karlovic on Friday. A deciding rubber would be played between Karlovic and Mardy Fish.

Spain 2 Germany 1

Spain regained the advantage in its quarter-final clash with Germany as Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco defeated Nicolas Kiefer and Mischa Zverev 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-7(6), 6-3 in Marbella on Saturday.

Verdasco had given Spain the lead with a five-set win over Andreas Beck on Friday, before Kohlschreiber clipped the hosts back by dismissing Tommy Robredo in straight sets to leave the tie balanced at 1-1 after the first day’s play.

Verdasco and Lopez had a multitude of 18 break point chances on the red clay courts at Plaza de Toros de Puerto Banus and made their opponents pay on six occasions as they won the first two sets and rallied from missing a match point at 6-5 in the third set tie-break to wrap up their fifth Davis Cup win together in three hours and 15 minutes.

Spain has won its past 17 ties played on clay, and the past 15 ties it has played at home. The defending champion is looking to reach back-to-back semi-finals for the first time since 2004. To set up a semi-final clash with Israel, Spain will need either Verdasco or Robredo to win one of the reverse singles on Sunday.

Manchester United poised for a shopping spree

Sir Alex Ferguson and his traveling sideshow head for Asia this week, the pilgrimage to parts East intended to serve as both a jersey-selling venture and a way to knock the rust off last season.

Only one month remains before Manchester United begins its quest for a fourth consecutive Premier League title and a record 19th English championship overall.
Well, good luck with that.

The United team that will be playing friendly games in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea and China lacks a couple of the baubles that sparkled on last season's tree.

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, has been sold to the gullible folks at Real Madrid for a whopping $131 million, most of which Ferguson has so far been unable to spend on anyone of even remotely similar quality.

Forward Carlos Tevez has left in a huff, and this week is expected to join neighbor and rival Manchester City for a tidy sum. The Argentine is supposed to link with Brazilian Robinho and Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz in the City's All-South American attack.

Well, good luck with that too.

Meanwhile, all that Manchester United has been able to do with its pile of ready cash is to buy a couple of relative unknowns -- wingers Antonio Valencia, 23, of Ecuador and Gabriel Obertan, 20, of France.

Oh, yes, and to sign free-agent forward Michael Owen.

Owen, 29, is seventh on the all-time Premier League scoring chart with 144 goals, but in recent seasons he has had almost as many injuries as goals. He cost United nothing, though, and has been willing to take a sizable salary cut to stay relevant as a player, so it's not much of a gamble by Ferguson.

If the striker who has scored 40 goals in 89 games for England can suddenly turn 18 again, it might prove to be a shrewd move by the Scot. Even Fabio Capello, England's coach, might take note.

The summer transfer window will remain open for quite a few more weeks, and it is very likely that despite being rejected by the likes of French standouts Franck Ribery (still at Bayern Munich) and Karim Benzema (off to Real Madrid), United's manager will be making a few big-money moves before it closes.

The latest rumor circulating around Old Trafford is that United will make a play for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, after Manchester City's efforts to sign the Cameroon international came unstuck Friday.

Ferguson absolutely has to replace Ronaldo and Tevez, who scored one-third of United's league goals last season. If he doesn't, he can kiss his Premier League and European Champions League hopes goodbye.

Liverpool's plight

By all rights, Liverpool should have won the Premier League title last season. Under Manager Rafael Benitez, it scored more goals (77) than any other team, had a better goal difference (50) than any other team and lost fewer games (two) than any other team.

On top of that, Liverpool defeated Manchester United twice, 2-1 at home and 4-1 in Manchester. It was clearly the better club.

Liverpool's downfall, though, came in dropping points at home to such nonentities as Stoke City, West Ham United and Hull City, teams that it should have thrashed.

Benitez would like to strengthen the squad, but all he has accomplished to date is to sign England international defender Glen Johnson for $28 million, which is more than Johnson is worth, and to lock talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard, 29, into a four-year, $227,000-a-week contract through 2013.

Meanwhile, Benitez has been fighting off Real Madrid in its attempts to lure Spanish international midfielder Xabi Alonso away from Anfield, and European champion Barcelona in its effort to take Argentine international midfielder Javier Mascherano to Spain to join countryman Lionel Messi.
The 18-time English champion has slapped an $80-million price tag on each player, though, and so far that seems to be working.

"Right now there is an insurmountable economic barrier, but that's something that can change," Miguel Pardeza, Real Madrid's sporting director, said Friday of any Alonso deal.How Liverpool fares in 2009-10 will ultimately depend on keeping the Spanish wolves from its door and beating the English sheep when they show up at Anfield.

Chelsea's dilemma

Like Manchester United, Chelsea on Thursday sets off on its summer travels. Instead of Asia, though, it is heading to the U.S., for games in such scenic spots as Pasadena, Baltimore and Arlington, Texas.

The July 21 friendly against Italian champion Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl should prove especially interesting. It pits Jose Mourinho, who coached the Blues to two Premier League titles, against Carlo Ancelotti, who left AC Milan this summer to take charge of Chelsea.

"He is no friend of mine," Mourinho said last week of Ancelotti.

Of more concern to Ancelotti at the moment than trading barbs with Mourinho is holding on to England captain and Chelsea icon John Terry. Manchester City already has had a $45-million offer for the defender rejected and is now preparing a $52-million bid.

Terry is sitting pretty in all of this. City wants to pay him between $243,000 and $324,000 a week. Even if Chelsea rejects any deal, the worst Terry can do is get a decent bump in salary.

"He is not available at any price," Peter Kenyon, Chelsea's chief executive, said last week. "He's told us he doesn't want to go and we don't want him to go. End of story."

If Terry is on the plane to the U.S. on Thursday, maybe it will be. But there is no guarantee. He is looking for a meeting with Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich. Money will no doubt be the topic.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has made a decent signing by acquiring Russia winger Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow for $29 million. The prospect of seeing Zhirkov and Inter's Brazilian international defender Maicon going against each other on the wing should be worth a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Arsenal's gloom

Is Arsene Wenger's team becoming irrelevant?

Only five years ago, inspired by Wenger and powered by Thierry Henry's 30 goals, Arsenal completed an unbeaten season while winning the Premier League.

Last season it finished a distant fourth, and its only significant off-season moves to date have been the acquisition of Belgian international defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax Amsterdam for just under $17 million and the signing of Dutch goal scorer Robin van Persie, 25, to a new long-term contract.

Stan Kroenke, owner of the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and co-owner of the NFL's St. Louis Rams, on Friday increased his ownership share in the Gunners to 28.58%, making him the majority owner.

Ivan Gazidis, former deputy commissioner of Major League Soccer and now Arsenal's chief executive, said he did not foresee Arsenal getting involved in what he termed "an inflated transfer market."

"Instead," he said, "the focus continues to be on securing the services of talented young players we have on long-term contracts and making very selective acquisitions, only where a new signing will add real value to our already strong squad."

Looks like fourth place again in 2010.

Lance Armstrong still third in France

SAINT-GIRONS, France -- Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong remains in third place in the Tour de France, after Spain's Luis Leon Sanchez won the eighth stage Saturday in a sprint ahead of three other breakaway riders.

Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy earned the yellow jersey for the second straight day by finishing in a pack with Armstrong and his Astana teammate Alberto Contador. The 2007 Tour winner is six seconds back, with Armstrong eight seconds back.Armstrong went straight to the team bus after the stage and did not speak to reporters. He posted on Twitter: "St8 done. Tough but not 2 challenging. Had antidoping control AGAIN. Couldn't pee so it took forever. Sucked! Now I'm starting to wonder tho"

Teammate Levi Leipheimer is 39 seconds off the pace in fourth place overall.

Nocentini almost lost his yellow jersey when the main race favorites -- including Armstrong and Contador -- left him behind in the last of the climbs. He credited an escort from his AG2R La Mondiale teammate Stephane Goubert for helping him catch up.

"I had been dropped," said Nocentini, a 31-year-old riding in his first Tour. "To him, I say 'thank you' for helping me hang on to the yellow jersey."

Before the start, Leipheimer tweeted: "Today's stage starts off going uphill for 20 miles!! That's a rude awakening, plenty of riders will be looking to get in the breakaway."

He certainly was right.

Two-time Tour runner-up Cadel Evans, a pre-race favorite, was among those to attack on the first climb, the Envalira Pass, at the 14.6-mile mark. He and others built a lead on the pack of about 2 minutes, but the Australian was reeled in after about 39 miles.

Sanchez, who won the Paris-Nice stage race in March, led a four-person breakaway toward the finish line. He looked skyward and tapped his chest after crossing just ahead of France's Sandy Casar and Mikel Astarloza of Spain. They clocked 4 hours, 31 minutes, 50 seconds for the 110-mile trek along three big climbs from the Pyrenean principality of Andorra to Saint-Girons.

"You need to have luck," said Sanchez, who won a Tour stage last year. He dedicated the victory to his older brother, Leon, who died in a quad bike accident four years ago.

The victory for Caisse d'Epargne rider Sanchez was a boost to his team. Oscar Pereiro, the 2006 Tour champion, quit the race due to fatigue and the team's star rider, Alejandro Valverde, is not in the Tour because of an Italian doping probe.

Vladimir Efimkin, who was reeled in by Sanchez after a failed solo breakaway, finished the stage in fourth place, while the main pack trailed 1:54 behind.

"That was a really long, hard climb," said Christian Vande Velde of Garmin-Slipstream, who was 1:24 behind the yellow jersey and eighth overall.

Among the other favorites, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg is 1:49 back in ninth, defending Tour winner Carlos Sastre of Spain is 2:52 back in 16th, and Evans is 3:07 behind in 18th place.

Riders face a third and final day in the Pyrenees on Sunday, a 100-mile course from Saint-Gaudens to Tarbes via the famed Tourmalet Pass, one of the toughest climbs in pro cycling.

The three-week race ends July 26 in Paris, with the Alps, a final individual time trial and the dreaded Mont Ventoux awaiting in the last week.

Blake Griffin goes to summer school

First, some housekeeping duties were in order for the youthful Clippers before they mobilized for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, and their first game Monday against the Lakers.

There was the matter of gathering for their first practice Friday, at the team's facility in Playa Vista, a chance for a full session under the direction of Coach Mike Dunleavy and summer league head coach Kim Hughes.Not that prized No. 1 overall draft pick Blake Griffin needed to get acquainted. The Clippers might as well give him the keys to the place and let him turn on the lights.

So Griffin wasn't kidding when he said in New York at the NBA draft that he couldn't wait to get to work. He has been spending so much time at the Playa Vista facility, two-a-days nearly every day, Griffin could practically establish living quarters there.

That's a stretch . . . but not much of one.

He did take time to lease a place in the area, surviving L.A. sticker shock.

"It's about what I expected," Griffin said. "I don't think my apartment in college cost this much. You get what you pay for, I guess."

And in that regard, the Clippers are pleased with what they are seeing from him. They haven't seen a rookie, much less a highly touted one, work so hard so early.

To that end, his shot, which had been shaky in his workout for the team and the gathered national media during the NBA Finals, has improved.

"That's something we've been working on, shooting on the way up for my jumper, and really extending that every time and finishing as I'm going up," Griffin said. "I feel I'm shooting a lot better than I did in the workout. I've just got to keep working on it.

"It feels really good. I've had a lot of great shooting days since I've been out here, just on different drills. I just want to keep progressing."

Dunleavy agreed that Griffin's shot looked better, and smoother than last month. Dunleavy was asked what he expected of Griffin in the Summer League games.

"The areas that we'll be looking to see where he is at right now is defensively," Dunleavy said. "How many positions can he guard? I've been really impressed with his ballhandling and passing. That skill level is very high for a power forward, to the point where at times I've said, 'Wow can he play some small forward,' with his ability to put the ball on the floor and make passes."

Griffin will be joined in Las Vegas by the three Clippers rookies from last season, Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan and Mike Taylor. The Clippers play five games in the Summer League, and of special note for Griffin will be the one against Memphis and No. 2 pick Hasheem Thabeet on Thursday, and against the Suns and his older brother and Oklahoma teammate Taylor Griffin on July 19.

Separately, there was progress on the trade front. The Grizzlies, as expected, waived Jerry Stackhouse one day after their involvement in a four-team, eight-player trade. That means the Clippers' deal with Memphis, which sent Zach Randolph to the Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson, will be official in a week.

Cristie Kerr opens two-shot lead at U.S. Women's Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Former champion Cristie Kerr scrambled for a one-over 72 Saturday to take a two-shot lead over Eun Hee Ji of South Korea after three rounds of the U.S. Women's Open.

Kerr, the 2007 champion, was at two-under 211, the only subpar score after three rounds at Saucon Valley Country Club as she chases her second title in three years. Futures Tour player Jean Reynolds started two strokes off the lead, but stumbled down the stretch. She closed with a bogey at the 15th and back-to-back bogeys at 17 and 18 on the way to a three-over 74. She's tied for third at twp-over 215 with Teresa Lu of Taiwan, who had a one-under 70.

South Korea's In-Kyung Kim (72) and Hee Young Park (72), and Taiwan's Candie Kung (three-under 68) are tied for fifth at 3-over 216. Brittany Lincicome had a two-over 73, Suzann Pettersen had a one-over 72 and Kyeong Bae of South Korea had a two-under 69 and are tied for eighth at four-over 217.

The wind was blowing at the Old Course in the Lehigh Valley, drying out the putting surfaces and adding speed to the testy, undulating greens.

A handful of players took advantage of the USGA's move to shorten the distance of a number of holes to raise the risk-reward factor.

Those who took advantage included the 23-year-old Ji. She offset three bogeys with four birdies for a one-under 70 and even-par 213 total to earn a spot in the final group with Kerr on Sunday in just her second Open.

Others weren't so lucky, namely Paula Creamer.

Creamer teamed with Kerr to make up an All-American final pairing in the third round, but fell out of contention quickly. She had three bogeys on the front nine, a triple-bogey at the 10th and a bogey at 11. She's at six-over 219 after an eight-over 79.

Kerr has said all week that she knows what it takes to win the national championship, especially after winning at Pine Needles in 2007. She's confident her game matches up well against the narrow fairways and tricky greens of Saucon Valley.

The 12-time LPGA Tour winner has played the first three rounds with patience, never getting too aggressive. That plan seems to be working.

Kerr and Creamer bogeyed the second hole, falling to 2 under and 1 under, respectively.

Kerr pushed her lead to two strokes with a birdie at the par-3 fourth and led by three after Creamer made bogey at the sixth. The lead reached four after the 22-year-old made bogey at the eighth.

Kerr saw her lead shrink to a stroke over Reynolds after bogeying the ninth, but she managed to steady herself and play the back nine in even-par, including a birdie and a bogey.

Reynolds, a two-time winner this year on the Futures Tour and its leading money winner, is proving this week she has the talent to make an impact on more than the LPGA's developmental circuit.

She hung within a stroke of Kerr until her 15th hole, when she hit over the green and had a three-putt bogey. The consecutive bogeys to finish the round ended any chance Reynolds had of making the final group in the final round.

The focus Saturday was strictly on golf after a turbulent week during which the championship was overshadowed by a dispute between LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens and more than a dozen top tour players who signed a letter calling for her resignation.

The New York Times, citing a source, has reported that Bivens has decided to step down after the Open concludes. Golf Digest had previously reported that Bivens would be replaced, as soon as next week, and cited sources who said the letter from the players was the final blow.

In other finishes of note, Morgan Pressel shot 69 and moved to five over, a tie for 11th.

Former champion Laura Davies, playing on a special exemption, moved to seven over after a third-round 73. The 1987 champion is playing in her 24th Women's Open.

Lorena Ochoa's early charge from deep in the field came undone on the back nine. The top-ranked Ochoa followed a bogey at No. 12 with a double-bogey at 13th, posting a two-over 73 and falling to eight-over 221.

Alexis Thompson, a 14-year-old amateur playing in her third Women's Open, had three bogeys on three of the first five holes, four on the front nine and five in the first 11 on the way to a seven-over 78 and a nine-over 222.

Qualifying - Webber scores maiden F1 pole in Germany

Mark Webber took his first pole position after changeable weather contributed to a gripping Q3 shootout at the Nurburgring on Saturday, which saw the Australian, Red Bull team mate Sebastian Vettel, the Brawns of Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren all in contention for the top slot.

First it was Hamilton’s. Then Button’s, before Webber’s 1m 32.230s put him ahead. Vettel’s 1m 32.480s momentarily placed him second before Button’s 1m 32.473s earned him P2, but immediately Barrichello’s 1m 32.357s lap finally gave the Brazilian second place.

With Button third and Vettel fourth, Hamilton’s 1m 32.616s stood up for fifth, with team mate Heikki Kovalainen enjoying McLaren’s renaissance with sixth on 1m 33.859s.

Adrian Sutil staged a major surprise for Force India on his home ground with 1m 34.316s for seventh, ahead of the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen on 1m 34.574s and 1m 34.710s respectively. Nelson Piquet was Renault’s faster runner in 10th on 1m 34.803s.

Rain at the start of Q2 had thrown things into huge confusion as Williams’ Kazuki Nakajima and Massa went off the road on their slicks and everyone else came haring back in for Bridgestone’s intermediates. Kovalainen spun and clattered the wall in Turn Four, but was able to continue.

As the track dried out in places, Barrichello switched to slicks to set the pace with 1m 34.455s, while Button only jumped from 15th to fifth in the last seconds. Those who didn’t make it were BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld on 1m 42.310s, Renault’s Fernando Alonso on 1m 42.318s after an earlier spin had hurt his chances, Nakajima on 1m 42.500s, Toyota’s Jarno Trulli on 1m 42.771s, and Williams’ Nico Rosberg on 1m 42.859s.

Q1 had already weeded out BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica (1m 32.190s), Toro Rosso’s Sebsatien Buemi (1m 32.251s), Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella (1m 32.402s), Toyota’s Timo Glock (1m 32.423s) and Sebastien Bourdais in the second Toro Rosso (1m 33.559s).

FANS' WELFARE PROMPTS GAME 5 MOVE TO MONDAY

In keeping with its policy that welfare of the fans is optimum priority,
the PBA has decided to extend the championship break of Barangay Ginebra
and San Miguel Beer and resume the Finals of the 2009 Motolite PBA
Fiesta conference on Monday.

As per schedule, today marks a break in the best-of-seven series between
the Kings and the Beermen with the pivotal Game 5 supposedly set for
Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

But the unforeseen got in the way, spoiling the thrilling showdown
between two of the league's most popular clubs.

During a routine check in preparation for Sunday's event, maintenance
staff of the Astrodome discovered that four of the venue's eight air
conditioning blowers are down and repair couldn't be completed in time
for Game 5.

"There is a tremendous clamor for tickets for Game 5. And based on our
assessment, the air conditioning system won't hold up to the huge crowd
that we are expecting," said PBA commissioner Renauld "Sonny" Barrios.
"We always want our fans to watch the games as if they are in the
comfort of their homes. Obviously, that's not possible under the present
situation at the Astrodome."

The league would have loved to hold Game 5 at the Araneta Coliseum
because it would also be able address the huge demand for tickets but
the Big Dome has been booked by the UAAP for Saturday and Sunday.

Holding games on a Monday is not something new for the PBA. Just last
April 20, it scheduled a twinbill at the Cuneta Astrodome to kick off
the 2009 All-Star Week.

This is the first time though that the league has scheduled a
championship game on a Monday.

"There is always a first time for everything. But there will be no
substitute to the welfare of our fans," Barrios said.

The series is tied at 2-2 with the defending champion Kings aiming to
become the first repeat champs since Red Bull in 2001.

Grant Hill decides to stay with Suns

NEW YORK (AP)-Grant Hill is staying with the Phoenix Suns.

Hill decided to remain in Phoenix on Friday, rather than join a title
contender in Boston or a rebuilding team in New York.

Lon Babby, Hill's agent, said during a conference call that the deal is
for two years, the second at Hill's option, and he will be paid $3
million in the first year. He could have earned more next season in New
York, where Babby said the Knicks offered the full midlevel exception,
about $5.8 million, for one year or $10 million for three.

The Celtics and Knicks both provided the chance for Hill to reunite with
former coaches: Doc Rivers in Boston and Mike D'Antoni in New York. The
Celtics had under $2 million to offer and couldn't guarantee Hill a
starting spot, but Babby said all three teams were willing to give Hill
everything he asked for.

"I will say this. He thought long and hard about the alternatives. He
did not come to this decision easily or lightly," Babby said. "The
places had a lot to offer and very different things to offer and that's
what made it challenging for us to work our way through this."

Hill has played the last two years for the Suns and averaged 12 points
in 2008-09 while playing in all 82 games for the first time in his
14-year career. Though Phoenix missed the playoffs last season, traded
Shaquille O'Neal and listened to offers for Amare Stoudemire, Babby
said Hill expects Stoudemire to remain in Phoenix next year.

Hill's decision was previously reported by Yahoo Sports, which said part
of his decision was based on the belief the Suns were close to an
extension with Steve Nash .

"I think he's quite confident the team that's coming back next year is
going to be a highly, highly competitive team and obviously that would
include Steve Nash," Babby said. "But you need to get those specifics
from the Suns."

The Knicks, previously turned down by Jason Kidd , hoped Hill would be
intrigued by the opportunities the city could provide. His wife, Tamia,
is a Grammy-nominated recording artist.

"New York offers many things, including an important platform off the
court as well as on the court," Babby said. "I think the obvious
advantages of each place were given careful consideration."

A team spokesman said Babby called the Knicks on Friday to inform them
of Hill's decision, and that they were disappointed but understood and
would now focus on other players and their own free agents. David Lee
and Nate Robinson are both restricted free agents.

Hill is a seven-time All-Star who has averaged 18.5 points for Detroit,
Orlando and Phoenix. Most of his six seasons with the Magic were ruined
by injuries before the Suns signed him 2007. Babby said Hill considered
the faith the Suns had in him two years ago, saying Hill, "didn't want
to leave Phoenix on a sour note."

And the Suns strengthened their case with a late recruiting pitch after
Hill had what Babby called a "very, very impressive visit" to New York.
Team president Steve Kerr, owner Robert Sarver and coach Alvin Gentry
then visited Hill, which Babby said might have been the deciding factor.

---------------------------

Grizzlies waive newly acquired Jerry Stackhouse

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)-The Memphis Grizzlies have waived Jerry Stackhouse ,
just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player
trade.

General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris
Wallace announced the move Friday after Thursday's blockbuster deal
involving the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando
Magic.

As part of the trade, Grizzlies guard Greg Buckner was sent to Dallas,
and the Grizzlies also received a second-round pick and cash from
Toronto and cash from Dallas.

The 34-year-old Stackhouse was due more than $7 million with the
Mavericks next season, but his contract could be bought out for $2
million-likely the amount of cash Memphis received in the trade.