Sports briefs for May 17, 2005

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 | 11:07 a.m.

U.S. Open matches will be on blue courts

The U.S. Open will be played on a blue surface this year, the first change to the tennis courts since the final Grand Slam event of the season moved from the clay courts of Forest Hills in 1978.

The change from green is being made to create an "attractive visual link" between the Open, now played at the U.S. Tennis Center in New York, and the 10 other events in the U.S. Open Series of tournaments, the U.S. Tennis Association said in a news release. The change also will make it easier for players and fans to see the ball, the USTA said.

The out-of-bounds areas will still be green. Blue courts also will be used for the 10 tournaments in the US Open Series, the summer hard-court circuit leading up to the season's final Grand Slam. The first event with the new color will be the RCA Championships at Indianapolis on July 18-24.

United fans to protest

Manchester United fans might have found something they dislike more than Arsenal: Malcolm Glazer's takeover of their club.

Glazer is a man they fear will sink the world's most valuable soccer team in a sea of debt. And they're ready to make a statement against his $1.47 billion takeover when United plays Arsenal in the English Football Association Cup final Saturday at Cardiff, Wales.

"We are calling on all supporters to wear black," said Mark Longden of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association. "If they can get hold of black flags, they should wave them because it represents what is happening to the club."

Jarrett's chief quits

Mike Ford has resigned as crew chief for NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Dale Jarrett, Robert Yates Racing said.

"Mike made this decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family," said Eddie D'Hondt, general manager for RYR. "We obviously wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Ford, who joined the team in November 2003, could not be reached immediately for comment.

D'Hondt said the team is actively pursuing a replacement.

Huskies get Wade

Guard Lorenzo Wade, a Cheyenne High School graduate and a freshman on the Louisville University team in 2004-05, has decided to transfer to Washington.

Wade, who also reportedly had considered UNR, New Mexico State and Oklahoma, said one of the deciding factors in Washington's favor was his friendship with former Las Vegas summer league teammate Harvey Perry, who signed with the Huskies in November.

Wade will have three seasons of eligibility remaining after he sits out the 2005-06 season.

Title bout in Reno

Undefeated heavyweight Samuel Peter (23-0) will defend his NABF and USBA titles in a scheduled 12-round fight with Taurus Sykes (23-1-1) in Reno on July 2.

Showtime plans to broadcast the fight at the new 7,000-seat Reno Events Center. It will mark the first boxing title match in Reno in more than a decade and will happen two days before the 95th anniversary of the heavyweight title match in Reno between Jack Johnson and Jim Jefferies that drew more than 30,000 people.

Temple heads to MAC

Temple University has accepted an offer to join the Mid-American Conference for football. The Owls expect to become a full member of the conference by 2007. -- Sun wire services