Sorenstam goes for threepeat
TUCSON, Ariz., March 20 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam opens her bid Thursday for a threepeat in the Welch's Circle K Championship in Tucson.
Because this tournament is serving as the final tune-up for next week's Kraft Nabisco Championship, the LPGA's first major of 2002, the Welch's Circle K has drawn a stellar field that includes nine of the top 10 money winners so far this season.
Sorenstam won her second straight in Tucson last year with four rounds in the 60s en route to a new tournament record of 23-under 265. Though she trailed by two shots after two rounds, she ultimately cruised to a six-shot victory over Michelle McGann, Laura Diaz, Dottie Pepper and Se Ri Pak.
Panthers add backfield punch
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 20 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers addressed their backfield situation Wednesday by signing unrestricted free agent running back Lamar Smith, who had been with the Miami Dolphins.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but ESPN in reporting that the deal is for three years and worth $4.3 million.
The 31-year-old Smith became expendable in Miami when the Dolphins signed Robert Edwards and acquired Ricky Williams in a trade. One of the more durable running backs in the league, Smith ran for 1,139 yards in 2000 and 968 yards last year.
Smith should see significant playing time with the Panthers, who have had trouble developing a running game. Richard Huntley led Carolina with 665 yards and Tim Biakabutuka has had trouble staying healthy.
Vikings re-sign Pro Bowl end
MINNEAPOLIS, March 20 (UPI) -- Byron Chamberlain, who set career highs in nearly every category and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance with Minnesota in 2001, re-signed with the Vikings on Wednesday.
In his first season with the Vikings, Chamberlain had 57 catches for 666 yards and three touchdowns. In his first six seasons -- spent entirely with Denver -- Chamberlain had totals of 72 catches for 964 yards and three touchdowns.
Chamberlain, who was an unrestricted free agent, became the first Viking tight end to be selected to the Pro Bowl since Steve Jordan in 1991.
Browns make new deal with tackle
CLEVELAND, March 20 (UPI) -- Defensive tackle Mark Smith, who started 11 games for the Cleveland Browns last season, Wednesday agreed to a two-year contract with the team.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 27-year-old Smith appeared in all 16 games last season, recording 39 tackles with two sacks and a recovered fumble.
The 6-4, 294-pound Smith can play either tackle position, was fourth on the Browns with a 29 quarterback pressures.
A five-year veteran, Smith was drafted by Arizona and spent four seasons with the Cardinals. He has career totals of 204 tackles and 20 sacks.
