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Jackson signs two-year contract extension with Lakers

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, who has guided his teams to a record-tying nine NBA championships, has signed a two-year contract extension, the team said on Wednesday.

The 62-year-old will stay with the Lakers through the 2010 season on a deal estimated by local media to be worth around $24 million.

"Nobody has been more successful from the sideline in the history of this game than Phil and his record obviously speaks for itself," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement.

"We're excited to have a coach of his experience, stature and ability leading this team for the foreseeable future."

Jackson coached the Lakers for five seasons from 2000 through 2004 before leaving the club. He returned in 2005, signing a three-year, $30 million contract.

"I enjoy working with the players and staff of this team, as well as the management and ownership," said Jackson, who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls between 1991 and 1998.

Murphy recovers to knock out Ding from UK championship

LONDON: Former world champion Shaun Murphy came back from 5-4 down to beat China's Ding Junhui 9-7 and qualify for the UK Championship semifinals on Wednesday.

Scotland's Stephen Maguire also reached the last four with a convincing 9-5 win over Mark Williams.

"It was a tough match, I think we were both trying to make it as tough as we could for each other," said Murphy.

"The frames were really awkward. If the balls go like that it doesn't matter who you are, you're going to struggle. It was just one of those matches.

"It's the type of game where you have to grit your teeth and get through it. You have to hope you get more chances than the other guy."

In the day's other quarterfinal, Maguire led 5-3 after the first session and it was not long before the world No 10 made sure of his place in the next phase - although he was not happy with his performance.

Falcons name Thomas as coach after Petrino resignation

ATLANTA, Georgia: The Atlanta Falcons named Emmitt Thomas as their interim coach on Wednesday, just a day after Bobby Petrino resigned to take the head coaching job with a US college team.

The 64-year-old Thomas was an assistant coach under Petrino, who left the struggling Falcons to join the University of Arkansas.

Petrino's departure couldn't have come at a worse time for Atlanta.

On Tuesday, Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for running a dogfighting operation while, adding to their problems, the Falcons have endured a miserable season winning just three matches and losing 10.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday that he feels let down by the way Petrino left.

"Bobby's resignation caps off an already unprecedented difficult year and the best way to describe the way we feel is betrayed," Blank said.

Orioles send All-Star SS Tejada to Houston for five players

HOUSTON, Texas: Miguel Tejada was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Houston Astros for five players on Wednesday, giving the former American League MVP a fresh start on a team looking to boost its lineup.

The Orioles got outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo for the four-time All-Star shortstop.

Two winters ago, Tejada caused a stir in Baltimore when he said he was unhappy with the Orioles' direction and wanted to be traded. He later backed off that stance.

"I feel very happy with this trade, because it's something that I've been really looking forward to," Tejada told the Associated Press by telephone from Miami.

Tejada hit .296 with 18 home runs and 81 RBI this season. In 11 seasons, he has hit .287 with 258 home runs and 1,033 RBI. His home run total ranks him fourth all-time among shortstops.

(China Daily 12/14/2007 page23)