In Brief: SJ center breaks leg in practice

By BEE NEWS SERVICES

last updated: September 22, 2008 02:18:04 AM

SAN JOSE -- Sharks center Torrey Mitchell will be out at least two months after breaking his left leg Sunday during the second practice of San Jose's training camp.

Mitchell, who had 10 goals and 10 assists as a rookie last season, broke both major bones in his lower leg when he crashed into the post while driving to the net during a scrimmage. He was scheduled to undergo surgery Sunday night.

San Jose doesn't expect Mitchell to return to the ice until mid-November at the earliest, keeping him out for at least the first five weeks of the regular season.

Mitchell was expected to center the Sharks' third line this season, but his injury will open a roster spot for the defending Pacific Division champions. Former San Jose forward Jeff Friesen is competing for a job alongside several prospects.

San Jose coach Todd McLellan also might consider moving captain Patrick Marleau back to center in Mitchell's absence. Marleau opened training camp Saturday playing on Joe Thornton's left wing, with Ryane Clowe on the right side. ... The Sharks hired former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson Jr. to be their director of pro scouting. Ferguson was fired by Toronto in January after 4½ seasons running the Leafs. His father, the former New York Rangers coach who died in July 2007, spent 11 seasons working in the Sharks organization.

WNBA

Sue Bird scored 20 points and the host Seattle Storm beat the Los Angeles Sparks 64-50 to force a decisive game in the best-of-three series. The Storm is trying to avoid losing in the opening round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. ... Tamika Catchings had 27 points and 10 rebounds and the visiting Indiana Fever won 89-82 in overtime to force a decisive third game in the playoff series. Indiana came into the game with a 0-4 record against the Shock this season, including Detroit's win in Game 1 on Friday night.

Tennis

The United States' reign as Davis Cup champion ended, with a commanding performance by a player having a commanding year. Buoyed by the cheers of a home crowd in a bullring, Rafael Nadal played the role of accomplished matador to the fullest, defeating Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-0, 6-4 to send host Spain to the final for the sixth time. Nadal, a master on clay, dropped to his knees and pumped his fists after giving his country an insurmountable lead in the best-of-five format. "It's one of the nicest sensations you can experience in your career," he said. Spain will play for the title in November against Argentina, which defeated Russia 3-2 in a semifinal in Buenos Aires. Juan Martin Del Potro beat Igor Andreev in the deciding match. ... Dinara Safina will move up to No. 3 in the world rankings after dominating Russian compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-3 to win the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

Cycling

Alberto Contador of Spain won the Spanish Vuelta, completing a sweep of cycling's three major races after capturing this year's Giro d'Italia and the 2007 Tour de France. He achieved the feat in a record 15 months, beating Bernard Hinault's previous mark of 26 months. Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil and Felice Gimondi also won cycling's three top races.

Soccer

Jeff Cunningham scored two goals and had an assist to lead visiting FC Dallas to a 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire. Andre Rocha sent a freekick into the box, which led to confusion. Cunningham found the loose ball and knocked in the rebound for a 1-0 lead. Cunningham also scored the last goal for Dallas in the 61st minute.

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