Sports briefs for September 22, 2004

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 | 9:44 a.m.

Giants pick up Bonds' contract for 2006

Barry Bonds had his $18 million contract option for the 2006 season picked up Tuesday by the San Francisco Giants.

Bonds, who is seeking a fourth consecutive National League MVP award, is guaranteed $20 million for next season and is making $18 million this season. The Giants had an option to void his five-year, $90 million contract if he had fewer than 400 plate appearances in 2005.

Bonds, 40, has said he would like to have his contract extended through 2007 so he doesn't have to worry about free agency and can retire as a Giant.

"This is where I want to end my career," Bonds said at a televised news conference. "This is where I want to be. It's a great honor for me. I go out there every single day and play hard. I adore this city and I adore this organization."

Bonds leads the National League with a .369 batting average this season to go with 43 home runs and 98 runs batted in after Tuesday's 9-2 win against Houston. He also has walked 209 times, breaking his own major-league record.

Koreans fete gymnast

Yang Tae Young received a symbolic gold medal and the $20,000 bonus given to gold medal winners from the South Korean government a month after a judging error cost him the all-around title at the Athens Olympics.

Kolzig will coach

As the first week of the NHL lockout drew toward an end, Washington Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig announced he would be working as the goaltending coach of the Western Hockey League's Tri-City Americans. Kolzig is a former member of the team and is building a home in sthe Kennewick, Wash., area.

Serena advances

Serena Williams struggled before finding her game today as she reached the quarterfinals of the China Open in Beijing with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory against Dinara Safina of Russia. Joining Williams in the quarterfinals will be Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova, a 6-1, 6-1 winner today against fellow Russian Tatiana Panova.

Keane charged

Manchester United's Roy Keane, an Irish midfielder known for his hot temper, was charged with assault and criminal damage over an alleged confrontation with a teenager at a Manchester golf course. Keane, one of the first five picks in FIFA's list of the greatest 100 living players, was ordered to appear in court Thursday.

Hamilton denies it

Olympic cycling champion Tyler Hamilton declared his innocence while awaiting results of backup tests for possible blood doping that could cost him the gold medal. Tests showed evidence of blood from another person.

Stringer suit blocked

The Minnesota Court of Appeals refused to reinstant the lawsuit against the Minnesota Vikings for the actions of its trainers in the 2001 training camp death of lineman Korey Stringer.

Jazz salutes No. 12

The Utah Jazz will retire John Stockton's No. 12 at ceremonies in November.