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Italy quashes Bari's Olympic dream

ROME, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The Italian Olympic Committee Wednesday said it is blocking a bid from Bari for the 2020 Olympics, leaving Rome and Venice as the country's credible entries.

Committee chief Gianni Petrucci said in a letter to Bari Mayor Michele Emiliano that Bari, a large city on Italy's southeastern coast, did not have the assets to mount a realistic bid for the Games, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. The committee ruled out Parlermo last month for the same reason. Milan has withdrawn its bid.

International Olympic Committee Vice President Mario Pescante said he was not sure Italy could make a credible bid for the 2020 Summer Games, ANSA reported. ''We're getting to the point where it's beyond a joke," he said. "Bids are being made just out of local pride, just to get people talking."

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Safin's career ends with loss in Paris

PARIS, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Marat Safin, a former world No. 1 and a two-time Grand Slam event winner, ended his competitive tennis career Wednesday in Paris.

Safin said in January that the 2009 season would be his last on the ATP tour. On Wednesday, he was defeated 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 by Juan Martin del Potro in a second-round match and was eliminated from the BNP Paribas Masters tournament.

"Today I will put all my memories, all my wins and losses in a small box," Safin said during a post-match ceremony during which he was given a special trophy. "Today a door is closed, hopefully another one will open."

Safin, a 29-year-old native of Moscow, turned professional in 1997 and won 15 ATP tournaments and more than $14 million over his career. His major titles came in the 2000 U.S. Open and 2005 Australian Open. He was ranked No. 1 in the world the first time on Nov. 20, 2000. He was No. 1 a total of nine weeks, the last coming in April 2001.

He is the older brother of Dinara Safina, who spent a good portion of the 2009 season ranked No. 1 on the women's tennis list. Safina is currently No. 2 among women's players.

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Report: Griffey signs with M's for 2010

SEATTLE, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Ken Griffey Jr. has reached an agreement on a contract with the Seattle Mariners for the 2010 season, the Seattle Times reported Wednesday.

Griffey, who turns 40 on Nov. 21, returned to the Mariners for the 2009 season, resuming a likely Hall of Fame career in the city that began in 1989 and lasted 10 years.

An official announcement was expected sometime Wednesday. There was no indication 2010 would be his final season in the Major Leagues.

Griffey spent nine seasons with Cincinnati and a year with the White Sox before returning to the Mariners. Griffey hit .217 in 117 at-bats last season with 19 home runs and 57 RBI.

The Times said Griffey would likely play primarily as a designated hitter and pinch-hitter with spot starts in the outfield.

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Ex-boxer Chavez now restauranteur

PHOENIX, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Julio Cesar Chavez, who once dished out punishment in the ring, now is dishing out food at his own restaurant in Phoenix.

Just like when the six-time world champion Mexican boxer fought, he drew a large crowd Tuesday night when he opened Julio Cesar Chavez Campeones, a $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility featuring a boxing ring and arcade area in addition to the dining room and bar, The Arizona Republic reported.

Enthusiastic fans and diners chanted his name periodically and cheered throughout the evening.

"He's the champion for Mexico," Cesar Lucia of Queen Creek, Ariz., said while trying to take a picture of Chavez, who signed autographs. "I'm excited and I'm going to come back."

Chavez, 47, won his six world titles in three weight categories -- super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight -- over a 25-year career. He posted a 107-6-2 record with 86 knockouts.