■ Hockey
Kessel to play after cancer
Less than one month after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, US rising star Phil Kessel is preparing to rejoin the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins. The Bruins on Friday assigned the rookie center to Providence of the American Hockey League on a three-game conditioning assignment. The fifth overall pick in last year's draft, Kessel had been sidelined since Dec. 11 after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The 19-year-old underwent successful surgery later that day at Massachusetts General Hospital. Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli announced Friday that Kessel will be recalled from Providence tonight.
■ Basketball
Iverson fined for remarks
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson was fined US$25,000 by the NBA on Friday for remarks he made about a game official, the league announced. Iverson criticized referee Steve Javie after being ejected following a second technical foul in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, his former team. "This was the perfect game for him to try to make me look bad," Iverson, who was traded to Denver on Dec. 19, told reporters after the game. "His [Javie's] fuse is real short," Iverson said. "I should have known that I couldn't say anything to him. I've felt that it's been personal between me and him ever since I got in the league."
■ Baseball
Yankees sign Mientkiewicz
The New York Yankees signed first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz on Friday to a one-year contract, the Major League Baseball club announced. Mientkiewicz, 32, won a Gold Glove with the Minnesota Twins in 2001 and should provide the Yankees with a more capable defensive alternative to Jason Giambi, who has regressed defensively over the past several years and figures to see significant time at designated hitter this season. A veteran of eight-plus seasons, Mientkiewicz batted .283 with four home runs and 43 RBI in 91 games with Kansas City last season. He is a career .270 hitter with 59 homers and 348 RBI in 870 games with Kansas City, Minnesota, Boston and the New York Mets.
■ Tennis
Williams shooting for No. 1
Serena Williams says she can be No. 1 in women's tennis again. Williams, who begins her Australian Open preparations at the Hobart International starting tomorrow, said yesterday that she was more than capable of returning to the type of form which saw her claim seven Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking. "Absolutely. There's no doubt about it," the 25-year-old Williams said. "It's just a matter of time. I'm definitely on my way." Williams arrived in Hobart on Friday and was taken from the airport tarmac to her hotel by limousine.
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