Sports briefs for September 8, 2005

Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005 | 9:49 a.m.

New York mum on potential 2016 bid

A Los Angeles group declared its intention Wednesday to bid for the 2016 Olympics, but the future of a potential New York bid remained far from clear two months after the city's failed attempt to land the 2012 Games.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has not yet announced its timetable for selecting an American bid city for 2016, but a committee led by Barry Sanders, a lawyer, and backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles unofficially kicked off the bidding season with its announcement.

"This is a city with so many obvious attributes, because of what kind of city it is, the climate, the spirit of the city," Sanders said in a telephone interview. "We think Los Angeles was made for the Olympic Games."

Since New York lost a five-city race for the 2012 Games in July, when London won the vote by members of the International Olympic Committee, city officials have not rushed to embrace another run for 2016. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has put off any serious consideration of another bid until after the November election. He emphasized during the 2012 process that New York could not guarantee it would return for another bid.

Jaidee tied for lead in Singapore

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, the Asian Tour's top earner last year, struck a 4-under-par 67 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Singapore Open today.

Jaidee, who plays on the European and Asian golf tours, hit five birdies in seven holes after the turn to join fellow Thai Chapchai Nirat and Anthony Kang of the U.S. atop the leaderboard at Sentosa Golf Club. New Zealand's Mahal Pearce and Edward Loar of the U.S. were one shot back.

Adam Scott, the world No. 7, followed a bogey at the 12th hole with a double-bogey before getting back to 1-under with a birdie at the 18th. Fellow Australian Craig Parry managed the same score. Britain's Lee Westwood shot an even-par 71.

Red Wings re-sign Zetterberg

The Detroit Red Wings accomplished one of their major offseason goals, re-signing forward Henrik Zetterberg to a four-year deal.

Zetterberg's contract will count as $2.6 million against the team's $39 million salary cap this year.

Mexico secures spot in World Cup

Mexico became the ninth team to qualify for the 2006 soccer World Cup finals in Germany following a 5-0 victory against Panama in Mexico City.

The Mexicans guaranteed one of three qualifying places in the Central and North American and Caribbean group with a first-half strike by Luis Perez and four goals in the second half.

Coach Ricardo Lavolpe led Mexico to its fourth straight appearance at the 32-team tournament that begins June 9, joining the U.S. as certain qualifiers from the region. Mexico will be playing in its 12th World Cup.

The other nations sure of joining host Germany at the monthlong tournament are Argentina, defending champion Brazil, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Ukraine.

-- Sun wire services