BASKETBALL

PLAYERS RATIFY AGREEMENT, ELECT DAVIS PRESIDENT

NBA players approved their new labor agreement yesterday, and Chicago Bulls center Antonio Davis was elected president of the players’ association at the union’s annual convention.

The union reached agreement with the league on a six year deal last Tuesday. 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’s former post of first vice president, and P.J. Brown was chosen to take Fisher’s spot on the union’s executive council.

BASEBALL

LAUNDRY CART KICK LANDS PEREZ ON DL

The Pittsburgh Pirates put pitcher Oliver Perez on the 15-day disabled list yesterday, two days after he broke his toe while kicking a laundry cart in the clubhouse in St. Louis.

Perez left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals trailing 4-3 after six innings, although the Pirates rallied to win 5-4. Perez is 6-5 this year, but has struggled with his control. He has a 6.16 ERA and has given up 20 home runs. He allowed just 22 home runs all last season, when he finished 12-10 with a 2.98 ERA.

GOLF

AUGUSTA ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO COURSE

Augusta National is getting another facelift. The home of the Masters announced changes to six holes yesterday, lengthening the course to a staggering 7,445 yards – the second-longest layout in major championship history.

Augusta National underwent a major renovation leading up to the 2002 Masters, altering nine holes and adding 285 yards to the historic course designed by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie. It wasn’t enough to fend off today’s long-hitting golfers, who have benefited from improvements in conditioning and equipment.

The club is altering three holes – nos. 1, 4, and 7 – on the front side and three more – 11, 15, and 17 – on the back. Among the changes: The tee at the par-3 fourth will move back 30-35 yards, lengthening the hole to about 240 yards. No. 11, which leads into “Amen Corner,” will become the first par-4 hole in Masters history that stretches beyond 500 yards. With the tee shifted back 10-15 yards, the hole will measure about 505 for next year’s tournament.

SOCCER

ARGENTINA, NIGERIA TO MEET IN FINALS

Lionel Messi led Argentina past Brazil 2-1 yesterday and into the World Youth Championship final in Utrecht, Netherlands, setting up a title match against Nigeria.

The Nigerians beat Morocco 3-0 to reach the championship game for the first time in 16 years, while Argentina has won three of the last five tournaments and will be playing for its fifth overall title.

– Associated Press