BASKETBALL

Suns Complete Deal With Former Knick Rose

Jalen Rose signed with the Phoenix Suns yesterday and is expected to be in uniform at San Antonio today.

Rose, who received a $14.5 million buyout from the Knicks last week, will receive about $1.5 million in his oneyear deal with Phoenix, just over the NBA veteran’s minimum.

The 33-year-old guard-forward has averaged 14.7 points over 894 games in 12 NBA seasons. He is joining an offensive-minded, fast-paced team that has struggled to a 1–3 start this season.

Rose had narrowed his choices to Phoenix and Miami, then announced on his Web site Friday that he decided on the Suns. He said he wanted to play for a team with a legitimate shot at the NBA title.

TENNIS

Defending Champ Mauresmo Loses Early In Madrid

Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo lost to Nadia Petrova 6–2, 6–2 yesterday in opening round-robin play at the WTA Championships, and U.S. Open champion Maria Sharapova beat Elena Dementieva 6–1, 6–4. Third-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne defeated Martina Hingis 6–2, 6–7 (5), 6–1.

BASEBALL

Phillies Expected To Pursue Soriano

Hoping to protect Ryan Howard in the middle of their lineup, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to make a strong push for Alfonso Soriano.

General manager Pat Gillick won’t speak about specific free agents until Sunday, the first day teams can negotiate with players they’re trying to lure, but he and manager Charlie Manuel both indicated yesterday they’d be interested in Soriano. Manuel even said he’s already thought about where he’d hit the slugger.

— Associated Press