Sports briefs for November 24, 2004

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 | 10:35 a.m.

Asian tour protests PGA event in Korea

Asian golf officials are protesting today the arrival of the U.S. PGA tour in South Korea for its first tournament on Korean soil.

"This is about 30 Americans coming in on our territory and playing for a lot of money and taking away a lot of money," Louis Martin, chief executive of the Asian tour, said in an interview. "I don't think it's doing anything to promote golf in Asia."

The Shinhan Korea Golf Championship, which begins Thursday at Jung Mun Golf Club on Jeju Island, came about because of an invitation from the South Korean government and is part of the PGA tour's Challenge Season, a series of events staged outside the main PGA schedule. The field includes former British Open winners Mark Calcavecchia and Nick Faldo, as well as Korean star K.J. Choi, all vying for a $1 million winner's check and a total prize fund of $3.55 million.

The tournament begins on the same day that the Asian tour opens its new season with the Volvo China Open in Shanghai. The total prize money for that tournament is $1 million. The Asian tour refused to release any of its players for the Korean tournament, Martin said.

Twins sign shortstop

Free agent infielder Juan Castro signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, who were looking for a shorstop after Cristian Guzman's free-agent signing with the Washington Nationals last week. Castros hit .244 with five home runs in part-time duty with the Cincinnati Reds in 2004.

Wranglers win in OT

Jason McBain's goal at 1:44 of overtime gave the Wranglers a 4-3 victory in their ECHL game against the Louisiana Ice Gators at Lafayette. Ryan Gaucher and Dustin Johner had goals for the Wranglers (6-5-1) in the final 5:31 of regulation to force the extra period. The Wranglers' road trip continues today with a 4 p.m. game against the Texas Wildcatters at Beaumont.

France, Russia lead

Defending champion France and Russia easily won opening singles matches today to take 2-0 leads in the Fec Cup semifinals. The best-of-five semifinals continue Thursday and the championship round is this weekend.

NBA union appeals

The NBA players' union filed an appeal on behalf of Indiana Pacers Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal, who were suspended for their roles in the brawl Friday night with Detroit Pistons fans. Meanwhile, two Pistons fans have sued the players, contending they were injured in the brawl.

Trainer found dead

Doug Peterson, 53, who trained Seattle Slew a year after the horse won the 1977 Triple Crown, was found dead in a hotel room near Hollywood Park. An autopsy was scheduled for today. He also trained multiple stakes winners Sigfreto and Apalachee Ridge.

Hamburg gets team

NFL Europe placed a team in Hamburg, Germany, as a replacement for the folded Scottish Claymores. The Hamburg Sea Devils will begin play in April 2005 and their entry into the league means that five of the six franchises are in Germany.