Sports briefs for February 6, 2004

Friday, Feb. 6, 2004 | 11:30 a.m.

Greek security and military forces conducted mock terrorist attacks today, including biochemical scenarios, as part of a three-day exercise to test the country's readiness for potential threats during the Olympics.

The drill, code named "Blue Odyssey," was the sixth such security trial to train for mass casualties from chemical, biological or nuclear attacks. The exercise is also expected to include mock hostage scenarios at sea, authorities said. Media coverage was banned.

More than 1,000 police, coast guard and fire department officers joined the exercises at Athens' main port of Piraeus and along the rocky coastal area of Palea Fokia, about 30 miles from the capital.

Representatives of a seven-nation advisory group, which includes the United States, Britain and Israel, were expected to observe the maneuvers. Russian officials also were on hand helping Greece with security planning for the Aug. 13-29 Olympics.

Els adds to record

Ernie Els followed his opening-round 60 with a 6-under-par 66 today in the second round of the Heineken Classic in Melbourne, Australia. That broke the European PGA Tour record for a two-round total. Els leads Richad Green by seven strokes.

Knight's foe speaks

Texas Tech chancellor David Smith said he was complimenting coach Bobby Knight when Knight came "charging up behind me furious with fists clenched," during their public confrontation at a Lubbock, Texas, grocery store.

Red Sox re-sign Nixon

The Boston Red Sox today reached agreement with outfielder Trot Nixon on a three-year contract that replaces the one-year, $6.6 million deal they made last week.

Venus withdraws

Venus Williams withdrew from her quartefinal match today against Chanda Rubin in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo because of pain in her right leg. Williams just rejoined the pro tour after missing six months with abdominal muscle problems.

U.S. team loses

Host New Zealand knocked the United States into the losers' bracket with a 9-0 victory today in the double-elimination men's world championship tournament. The U.S. team will face Samoa on Saturday.

Upset in Europe

Hungary's Julia Sebestyen delighted the home crowd by winning the short program at the European championships in Budapest, a day after Brian Joubert became the first Frenchman in 40 years to win the men's title.

Titans hire McGinnis

Dave McGinnis, fired in December as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, joined coach Jeff Fisher's Tennessee Titans staff.

Americans advance

The U.S. men's under-23 team clinched a spot in the regional Olympic qualifying tournament by beating Canada 2-1 at Zapopan, Mexico.