Sports briefs for Sept. 30, 2005

Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 | 9:34 a.m.

World organizers expect Cuba to play

Baseball officials in San Diego said Thursday they expect Cuba to participate in the first World Baseball Classic in March.

"They're not formally in yet," said Gene Orza, the chief operating officer of the players association.

"There's a process that you have to go through to play with the Cubans, through the United States government. The license has been applied for. We're hopeful for a favorable response. I personally don't believe that the participation of Cuba poses any problems," he said.

Japan's players' association agreed this month to participate in the World Baseball Classic, which will be the first international tournament to feature major league players. The 16-country tournament begins March 3.

San Diego's Petco Park will host the semifinals on March 18 and the finals on March 20.

As a contingency, Orza said there are other countries that could fill Cuba's spot if it doesn't come.

"Bear in mind that America plays against Cuba in a host of international tournaments," Orza said. "I fully expect the Cubans to be in Puerto Rico in round one."

Federer in quarters

Defending champion Roger Federer eliminated German qualifier Denis Gremelmayer 6-3, 6-2 in a little more than an hour to reach the quarterfinal round of the Thailand Open in Bangkok.

Madness returns

"Midnight Madness," the hoopla surrounding the official start of college basketball practice, will return to ESPN next month after an eight-year absence. The national cable network announced that ESPNU will televise five hours of Midnight Madness coverage on Friday, Oct. 14 from five venues -- Memphis, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and Oregon.

Jersey stadium a go

The NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets reached agreement to build a stadium near the one they share in East Rutherford, N.J. Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey told WFAN radio in New York that the teams would sell the naming rights to the new stadium, which will cost about $800 million. It will be built between Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack, and the teams said it could open in 2009.

Roy will coach

Former NHL goalie Patrick Roy has taken over as coach of the Quebec Remparts, the junior hockey team he co-owns. Roy, also the team's general manager, fired coach Eric Lavigne after the Ramparts got off to a 1-4-0 start.

Chinese banned

Three Chinese athletes have been banned from taking part in the prestigious National Games after testing positive for steroids in a random drug test.

Warren on top

Charles Warren shot a 30 on the front nine and tied the course record with a 10-under 62 to take the first-round lead in the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. -- Sun wire services