Russia's top Olympic official denied Monday that there is credible evidence to support accusations that a reputed mobster fixed two skating events at the Salt Lake City Games.

Vitaly Smirnov, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, said he didn't take seriously FBI charges that Russian Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov conspired to manipulate the pairs and ice dancing competitions.

"We don't have any proven arguments," Smirnov said. "It's hard to imagine someone could do this. There is absolutely nothing to be sure about real interference."

Tokhtakhounov was arrested on July 31 in Italy and indicted in New York Wednesday on charges that he plotted to ensure gold medals for the Russian pairs skaters and French ice dancers.

MORE OLYMPICS: Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers, who won the first women's Olympic bobsled race in February, are finalists for the team Sportswoman of the Year Award, presented by the Women's Sports Foundation. Winners will be announced Oct. 21. ... The U.S. Olympic Committee's bid evaluation task force meets today to select two finalists among Houston, New York, Washington and San Francisco for the 2012 Summer Games host.

NBA: Reserve center Steven Hunter tore a ligament in his right knee while working out, and the Magic said he will miss 4-6 months. ... The Raptors picked up swingman Morris Peterson's contract option for the 2003-04 season. ... All-Star guard Steve Francis signed a six-year contract extension with the Rockets. ... The Spurs signed center Kevin Willis. ... The Timberwolves signed point guard Troy Hudson to a multiyear contract. ... Clippers forward Lamar Odom reinjured his ankle during a rehab workout. The 22-year-old had a cast placed on his right ankle, and he's expected to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks. ... Former player Sean Elliott is joining ESPN to work as an analyst on its NBA coverage. ... The Pacers' Reggie Miller, injured in an exhibition Sunday, had his right ankle bandaged and was on crutches but expects to play in the World Championships that begin Thursday in Indianapolis.

SWIMMING: Natalie Coughlin, Aaron Peirsol and Jason Lezak added to the United States' gold-medal count at the Pan Pacific championships in Yokohama, Japan. Coughlin swam the second sub-one-minute 100 backstroke in history, winning in 59.72 seconds. Peirsol won the 100 backstroke in 54.22 seconds, and Lezak won the 50 freestyle in 22.22.

NHL: The Lightning game vs. the Rangers on Dec. 29 at the Ice Palace has been added to the ESPN2 national schedule, and is now at 6 p.m. ... Goaltender Trevor Kidd signed a multiyear deal with the Maple Leafs. ... The Mighty Ducks agreed to a four-year contract with center Steve Rucchin. ... Goaltender Ryan Miller will forgo his senior season at Michigan State after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Sabres. ... The Devils signed defenseman Ken Sutton and forward Dave Roche.

HORSES: Owsley put away Quick Tip early in the stretch and held off a pair of long shots to win the $100,000 Glens Falls Handicap by a length at Saratoga Springs, N.Y. ... Atarama charged from last to win going away at Del Mar, Calif., in the French-bred filly's U.S. debut.

SOCCER: In the first FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship, USA beat Denmark 6-0 Sunday in the quarterfinals in Victoria, British Columbia. The Americans play Germany Thursday in Edmonton. ... The University of Tampa men's team defeated Central Florida 2-1 on goals from Roy Fink and Chris Nietubyc in an exhibition game. ... The FSU women's team is ranked 13th in Soccer America's preseason poll.

COLLEGES: Nova Southeastern of Fort Lauderdale will join the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference this fall. ... Florida State welcomed 19 baseball players, including freshman pitcher Matt DiBlasi, a Countryside grad; sophomore first baseman Daniel Wardell, a Zephyrhills grad; freshman pitcher/third baseman Mark Sauls, a third-round draft pick in June by Minnesota, and freshman outfielder Eduardo Martinez-Esteve, a third-round pick by Seattle. Senior ace Matt Lynch, taken in the seventh round by San Diego, also reported.

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