Sports briefs November 1, 2004

Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

Agassi won't play in Masters Cup finale

Andre Agassi and David Nalbandian both pulled out of the Paris Masters today, meaning neither will play in the season ending Masters Cup.

Agassi, 34, cited a problem with his right hip. Nalbandian did not give a reason, although he had said Sunday that a knee he injured at the Swiss Indoors in Basel would likely rule him out.

Agassi's announcement came at day after he lost the Stockholm Open final to Thomas Johansson, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

The Masters Cup begins in Houston on Nov. 15 with only eight players selected from the ongoing ATP race. Agassi was in eighth spot in the race and Nalbandian ninth.

Their withdrawals mean Britain's Tim Henman, Russian Marat Safin and Argentine Guillermo Coria are guaranteed to take part in the Masters Cup.

D'backs hire Backman

The Arizona Diamondbacks today hired Wally Backman to be their new manager.

Revolution advances

New England goalie Matt Reis stopped two penalty kicks by Columbus and helped the Revolution advance to the MLS Eastern Conference final with a 1-1 tie in the two-game, totals-goals series. New England will face D.C. United.

Ray says he'd jump

Rob Ray of the Ottawa Senators told the Ottawa Sun that if the NHL uses replacements during its labor dispute, he intends to break ranks with his union and rejoin the team.