Last season's basketball club "Riga" player Uldis Visnevics, managed by former club president Guntis Senhofu, has given up his intention of pursuing a court case over unpaid membership fees. Both men resolved the problem over the phone last week. "The conflict is our problem," Senhofs told the Baltic News Service. "And everything is resolved." He added that the situation with other players hasn't yet been addressed.
Driver Juan Pablo Montoya complained about officials' failure to impose a heavy punishment on Jacques Villeneuve (photo), after he forced Montoya's McLaren off the track in Japan last weekend. Montoya crashed out on the first lap at Suzuka. Villeneuve, who finished 12th, was demoted to 13th after being given a 25-second penalty and a formal reprimand. Montoya, however, said the punishment was meaningless. "The rules are so inconsistent," said the Colombian. "He got a 25-second penalty when he finished 12th. What does that matter? It doesn't change anything."
British Open organizers ruled that women can qualify for next year's tournament at Royal Liverpool. Women were previously barred from competing in the world's oldest championship, but the Royal and Ancient Golf Club announced on Oct. 13 that it would change the criteria. "Our championship committee pledged to review entry conditions and to assess how women golfers might compete on equal terms with men for a place in the Open," R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said. "As a result, I am delighted that a qualification route has now been established for the best women players to gain access to the championship, competing alongside men on the same courses and from the same tees."
Tennis star Mary Pierce won her second Kremlin Cup title on Oct. 16, beating Italy's Francesca Schiavone 6-4, 6-3. It was the 18th career title for the 30-year-old, who has so far had a strong season. Schiavone had beaten second seed Amelie Mauresmo, former U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and compatriot Elena Dementieva. However, Pierce broke the Italian was twice in the first set, taking a 4-1 lead.
