Roddick meets Tursunov in Davis Cup opener
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Andy Roddick of the United States battles Russia's Dmitry Tursunov Friday in the opening match of the 2007 Davis Cup finals in Portland, Ore.
The United States, which hasn't won the international event in 12 years, is trying for its 32nd cup. Defending champion Russia has won two.
The draw, announced Thursday, also has American James Blake taking on Russian Mikhail Youzhny in a second match Friday.
In doubles, Bob and Mike Bryan meet Nikolay Davydenko and Igor Andreev Saturday.
Davydenko, who is ranked No. 4 in the world, could be switched to singles in the final matches on Sunday, which now have Roddick against Youzhny and Blake playing Tursunov.
The best-of-five championship is being played at the Portland Memorial Coliseum, marking the first time in 15 years the cup finals are on U.S. soil.
Russia took the cup in Moscow last year, defeating Argentina. The Russians also won in 2002.
American teams have won 31 Davis Cup titles in 60 trips to the finals.
The Americans last won in 1995, with a team led by Pete Sampras beating Russia 3-2 in Moscow.
Miami's Ricky Williams has surgery
MIAMI, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a chest muscle torn in a game this week.
Team doctor George Caldwell performed the operation at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, The Miami Herald said.
The team asked Williams, who is out of the lineup for the rest of the season, to remain in Miami during his recovery, the newspaper said.
The 30-year-old player was hurt in Miami's 3-0 loss at Pittsburgh Monday night. It was his first NFL game since 2005, but he was forced to leave the field in the second quarter after carrying the ball just six times for 15 yards.
Punter Mitch Berger joins Cardinals
TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The Arizona Cardinals have signed two-time Pro Bowl punter Mitch Berger, the team announced Thursday.
The acquisition of the 35-year-old free agent followed the release this week of punter Mike Barr.
Berger's 13-year NFL career began in Philadelphia and included a six-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings and another four years with the New Orleans Saints. He also played for the St. Louis Rams.
He was with the Saints last year but sat out the season with a pelvic injury.
Berger went to the Pro Bowl while with the Vikings in 1999 and with the Saints in 2004, when he led the league with 28 punts dropped inside the 20-yard-line.
He has averaged 43.7 yards a punt in his career.
Report: Phil Jackson gets 2-year extension
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has decided to sign a two-year contract extension, it was reported Thursday.
The 62-year-old Jackson, who led the Lakers to three NBA titles early in this decade, is to be paid $11 or $12 million per year, The Los Angeles Times said.
Jackson is in the final year of a three-year $30 million contract.
"Everyone connected with Phil is pleased with his decision, something that only he could make after considering all aspects of what it means to be a head coach," Todd Musburger, Jackson's agent, said in the newspaper's report. "Obviously, he's up for it. There is a spring in his step."
There was no immediate comment from Jackson.
