The United States thrashed Iran 88-51 at the world basketball championship in Istanbul on Wednesday. The Americans (4-0) earned the top seed in Group B with the victory and will meet the fourth-place team from Group A in the round of 16. Also winning in Group B were Croatia and Slovenia, while Serbia, Angola and Argentina won in Group A. Russia, Greece and Turkey won in Group C, and New Zealand, Spain and Lithuania won in Group D. (AP)

NHL extends deadline on Kovalchuk deal — The NHL extended its deadline to Friday for approving left winger Ilya Kovalchuk's $100 million, 15-year contract with the New Jersey Devils. The league had already rejected a front-loaded, 17-year deal valued at $102 million because the structure of the deal would have circumvented the league's salary cap. An independent arbitrator upheld that decision. The Devils and Kovalchuk submitted the new contract to the league last Friday. (AP)

Niemi heading to Sharks, source says — Former Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi has accepted a one-year, $2 million deal with the San Jose Sharks, a league source said. (From news services)

Pacquiao says he agreed to Mayweather's demands — Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather Jr. for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history but the former pound-for-pound king would not accept the bout, so Pacquiao settled for a fight with Antonio Margarito. Roach also said that negotiations took place for the fight with Mayweather, contradicting Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe. Pacquiao will fight Margarito on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium near Dallas. (AP)

Farrar wins fifth stage of Spanish Vuelta — Tyler Farrar of the United States won the 123.5-mile fifth stage of the Spanish Vuelta from Guadix to Lorca in 5 hours, 3 minutes, 36 seconds. Koldo Fernandez of Spain finished second and Mark Cavendish of Britain was third. Philippe Gilbert of Belgium maintained a 10-second overall lead. (AP)

Gay wins 100 meters at Croatia event — American sprinter Tyson Gay won the 100 meters at the Zagreb (Croatia) World Challenge with a time of 9.92 seconds. Other Americans winning included Dwight Phillips (long jump), Nick Symmonds (800), Justin Gaymon (400 hurdles), Lolo Jones (100 hurdles) and Marshevet Myers (women's 200). (AP)

Wheelchair tennis rained out — The 31st U.S. Open USTA Wheelchair Championships at Dwight Davis Tennis Center were rained out Wednesday. Play is scheduled to continue today, with tickets available at the gate for $5. (News services)