Sports briefs for February 28, 2005

Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 | 10:35 a.m.

Federer extends Dubai title streak

Top-ranked Roger Federer won his third consecutive Dubai Open on Sunday, defeating Ivan Ljubicic 6-1, 6-7 (6), 6-3. It was the third time this year Federer has beaten Ljubicic in a final.

"I am getting really sick of this guy," Ljubicic joked. "But I guess he likes the same tournament as me, so I will have to keep seeing him."

Federer extended his ATP record streak of finals wins to 16, including three this year.

Lions sign center

The Detroit Lions and center Dominic Raiola agreed on a five-year contract. Raiola started every game the past three seasons after spending much of his rookie season in 2001 on special teams. The Lions also are looking at signing a veteran quarterback to back up starter Joey Harrington. They have interviewed Jeff Garcia and put him through physical tests at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

Marv says YES

Longtime New York Knicks broadcaster Marv Albert signed a multiyear agreement with Yankees Entertainment & Sport to be the main announcer for New Jersey Nets games beginning next season.

Page worsens

Former WBA heavyweight champion Greg Page, 46, was in intensive care in a Louisville, Ky., hospital today, his condition described as worsened a week after he was admitted with pneumonia and other complications. Page is paralyzed on his left side, the result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his March 9, 2001, fight against Dale Crowe and the stroke he had after the fight.