Sports briefs for February 3, 2004

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004 | 9:33 a.m.

Around the world in 73 days (a record)

French yachtsman Francis Joyon completed his round-the-world voyage today in less than 73 days to beat the world record for a solo journey by 20 days.

Joyon, 47, in his 89-foot trimaran IDEC, arrived in Brest, France, this morning after covering 26,000 miles in 72 days, 22 hours and 54 minutes. The record had belonged to Michel Desjoyeaux, who circled the globe in 93 days in 2000-01.

"I tried to just stay concentrated on all the maneuvers," Joyon said. "I think I came through pretty well."

The overall record for circumnavigation belongs to Frenchman Bruno Peyron, who captained a crew of 14 that took 64 days to finish the journey in 1999.

"You can't imagine how jealous I am," Peyron said of Joyon's solo feat. "It's astonishing."

Kobe police on stand

Investigators who questioned Kobe Bryant after he allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old hotel worker were scheduled to testify today in Eagle, Colo., about that interview. Bryant's lawyers want those statements thrown out as evidence because they were taped secretly.

Sasaki signs in Japan

Relief pitcher Kazuhiro Sasaki, who walked away from a two-year, $8.5 contract with the Seattle Mariners, today signed with the Yokohama BayStars, his former team in Japan's Central League.

U.S. team advances

The United States beat the Czech Republic 19-0 today to maintain its unbeaten record after four games in the world men's championships at Christchurch, New Zealand.

Colorado probe

University of Colorado president Elizabeth Hoffman will form an independent commission to look into allegations the school's football program uses sex to recruit players.

Devils, Vols on top

Duke's men and Tennessee's women remained No. 1 in the Associated Press rankings.