Denmark Won't Play in Algeria, Forfeits Cup
Denmark forfeited its Davis Cup matches against Algeria after refusing to play in the African nation for security reasons.
( Associated Press, 04/02/2004 09:14 AM EST)

Lakers Beat Rockets to Tie for Lead
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Karl Malone had 20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, and Shaquille O'Neal thoroughly outplayed Yao Ming as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 93-85 on Thursday night and moved into a tie for the Western Conference lead with the slumping Kings.
( JOHN NADEL, Associated Press, 04/02/2004 09:07 AM EST)

Red Wings Clinch President's Trophy
Marc Lamothe made 26 saves in his second start of the season and the Detroit Red Wings clinched home-ice throughout the playoffs with a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
( Associated Press, 04/02/2004 09:03 AM EST)

Mavericks Beat Struggling Kings 127-117
Michael Finley scored 29 points, Steve Nash had a career-high 19 assists and the Dallas Mavericks won their third straight game since going back to a smallball lineup, 127-117 over the Western Conference-leading - and suddenly struggling - Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.
( STEPHEN HAWKINS, Associated Press, 04/02/2004 08:55 AM EST)

Serena Williams to Face Dementieva
Serena Williams has far exceeded her modest goal of not being eliminated in the first round of the Nasdaq-100 Open, going 5-0 since returning last week after an eight-month layoff. She'll try to win her third Key Biscayne title in a row Saturday against No. 5 Elena Dementieva, who upset sister Venus Williams in the quarterfinals.
( STEVEN WINE, Associated Press, 04/02/2004 08:52 AM EST)

Indians Looking to Trade Bradley
Milton Bradley is no longer welcome in Cleveland. The temperamental center fielder was banned from the Indians' training camp Thursday, a day after getting pulled from an exhibition game by manager Eric Wedge for not running out a popup.
( Associated Press, 04/02/2004 08:48 AM EST)

Two Share Lead at BellSouth Classic
Jose Maria Olazabal crafted a 7-under 65 on Thursday to tie rookie Roger Tambellini for the lead after a blustery first round at the BellSouth Classic. They were one shot ahead of Craig Bowden, and two in front of Tim Petrovic and PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel.
( KEITH PARSONS, Associated Press, 04/02/2004 08:43 AM EST)