Sports briefs for August 2, 2004

Monday, Aug. 2, 2004 | 9:31 a.m.

Nets open talks with Jefferson

The New Jersey Nets, their roster torn apart in recent weeks by cost-cutting moves that led to the trades of Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles, took a quick step toward securing one of their few remaining star pieces.

On Sunday, the Nets' president, Rod Thorn, reached out to Richard Jefferson's agent, Todd Eley, to begin discussions on a long-term deal. The talks came on the first day that teams may begin negotiating contract extensions with players on their rosters who have just concluded the third season of their rookie contracts.

Just two days earlier, Jason Kidd met with Thorn and the incoming owner, Bruce Ratner, to express his concern over the direction of the team and to let it be known that he is not content to play for a team that is not trying to win now.

Jefferson, who is playing for the U.S. Olympic basketball team, is believed to be amenable to an offer of approximately $75 million.

Federer wins again

Roger Federer won his third consecutive title, beating Andy Roddick 7-5, 6-3 in the final of the $2.5 million Tennis Masters Canada. The top-ranked Federer, who won his eighth event of the year, extended his winning streak to 23 matches and raised his career record against the second-ranked Roddick to 7-1.

Niedermayer signs

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim agreed to terms Saturday with forward Rob Niedermayer on a one-year contract. Niedermayer was limited to 12 goals and 16 assists in 55 games last season, his first full campaign with Anaheim, because of two groin injuries.

Italy wins three

Italy won three gold medals at the World Rowing Championships at Banyoles, Spain. The Italians dominated the men's coxed pairs, coxed fours and lightweight quadruple sculls. Germany captured the men's and women's lightweight single sculls, and France won the men's lightweight eight and the women's coxless four categories.