■ Auto Racing
Michelin offers refunds
Tire manufacturer Michelin offered Tuesday to refund money to those who bought tickets for the US Grand Prix, which was boycotted by seven Formula One teams after company officials decided their tires were unsafe for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Michelin also said it would buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 race to be given to those who attended the June 19 race during which only six of the typical 20 drivers participated. "Michelin deeply regrets that the public was deprived of an exciting race and therefore wishes to be the first, among the different groups involved in the Indianapolis race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators," the company said. Media reports estimated the US Grand Prix crowd at 100,000.
■ Basketball
Players ratify agreement
National Basketball Association players approved their new labor agreement Tuesday, and Chicago Bulls center Antonio Davis was elected president of the players' association at the union's annual convention. About 60 players were in attendance, and the vote to ratify the broad outlines of the tentative labor agreement was "overwhelmingly in favor," union spokesman Dan Wasserman said. The union reached agreement with the league on a six-year collective bargaining agreement a week ago. It replaces a seven-year pact that expires June 30. Once the new agreement is finalized and put into writing, all players will have the opportunity to vote by mail, Wasserman said. Davis was elected to replace Michael Curry, who is retiring after an 11-year NBA career. Derek Fisher of Golden State was elected to Davis' former post of first vice president, and P.J. Brown was chosen to take Fisher's spot on the union's executive council.
■ Golf
Singapore plans event
Top-ranked Annika Sorenstam of Sweden and South Korea's Grace Park will lead the International and Asian teams in a Ryder Cup-style format golf challenge in Singapore in December, organizers said. The inaugural Lexus Cup will be held Dec. 9-11 at the Tanah Merah Golf and Country Club. Sorenstam will lead the 12-player International team against Park's Asian lineup. Only the captains have been named.
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