Agassi and Safin Take Different Paths to Masters Cup Semifinals

Andre Agassi relied on his game and some help from others to reach the semifinals of tennis’ Masters Cup at Lisbon. Marat Safin didn’t even have to play to advance.

Agassi defeated Yevgeny Kafelnikov, 6-1, 6-4, in an impressive performance. And when Gustavo Kuerten defeated Magnus Norman, 7-5, 6-3 in the last match, the mathematics of the round-robin format gave Agassi a place in the semifinals.

Safin was assured of a place in the last four when Alex Corretja defeated Lleyton Hewitt, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3. Today, Safin plays Pete Sampras.

Olympics

Despite scandals that have tarnished its image, the U.S. Olympic Committee said it is financially sound and will end the year with $24.3 million in the bank.

Revenues from broadcasting Olympic trials and other special events have been greater than expected, USOC officials told reporters as the board began a four-day meeting in Washington.

Although the USOC will end the year with a $33-million deficit on paper, most of the shortfall is due to depreciation on equipment and does not represent a cash loss, chief financial officer Early Reese said.

Outgoing USOC chairman Bill Hybl said 10 of 11 major corporate sponsors--all but United Parcel Service--have signed on again for the next four years. Projections for 2001-2004 have the USOC taking in $495 million and spending $516 million, for a deficit of about $21 million.

Miscellany

Candace Smith, an ex-girlfriend of Rae Carruth, said anger and jealousy were not her motivation for testifying against the former NFL player in his murder trial. Smith was on the stand for a second day testifying against Carruth, 26, who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Adams, 24. He could be executed if convicted.

Tommy Tolles shot a seven-under-par 65 to take a one-stroke lead over Perry Moss after the second round of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament at La Quinta. Craig Barlow and Rocky Walcher were three strokes back after 65s. . . . Bob Gilder shot a six-under 66 to take an eight-stroke lead after the third round of the Senior PGA Tour qualifying tournament at Buena Vista, Fla.

The Colorado Rapids fired Coach Glenn Myernick, who had led the team to the Major League Soccer playoffs in each of his four seasons, including a runner-up spot in the 1997 MLS title game. . . . The New England Revolution signed forward Wolde Harris, the club’s leading scorer last season, to a multi-year contract.

Petra Haltmayer of Germany upset Isolde Kostner of Italy to win the first women’s downhill of the ski season at Lake Louise, Canada, in a time of one minute 34.71 seconds.

John Kasser, California’s athletic director since 1993, resigned to accept a job running the Pacific 10 Conference’s marketing and licensing division. . . . North Dakota State Athletic Director Bob Entzion requested and was put on administrative leave after his arrest on suspicion of lewd conduct at a park in Omaha.

Jim Tuppeny, longtime track coach who directed the Penn Relays from 1970-87, died Wednesday of heart failure after complications from stomach cancer. He was 75.

Laker owner Jerry Buss is one of two recipients of the “Heart of L.A. Award,” given by the Heart of Los Angeles Youth for outstanding commitment to the children of Los Angeles. He will be honored Saturday at the Regal Biltmore Hotel.

Olympic gold medalist Megan Quann broke her U.S. Open record in the 100-meter breaststroke, finishing in 1 minute, 7.25 seconds at Auburn, Ala. Quann set the previous record of 1:07.41 in 1998.