Scoreboard

Australian open rematch

Martina Hingis will get another chance against Jennifer Capriati in a rematch of last year's Australian Open final. Capriati, the defending champion, outlasted fourth-seeded Kim Clijsters in yesterday's semifinals at Melbourne Park. Three-time winner Hingis advanced to her sixth consecutive Australian final when she rallied for a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Monica Seles.

Hingis says she believes she has the upper hand for the rematch with Capriati. "It will be great to play her in the finals. Now it's the other way around - she has to defend the title, and I'm the rookie."

Capriati admits that Hingis is in an unusual position as underdog. "For the first time, going up against her, it's like I'm the one favored to win," Capriati says. "I know definitely how she feels, being in that position, because I was in that position last year."

Adam Vinatieri proved he can make big kicks in a New England snowstorm. On Sunday, he might have to do it again in similar conditions in Pittsburgh.

"Pittsburgh is a nasty place in January," Vinatieri said. "The river is there. They've got some wind. They've got some cold weather. It could be snowing."

Last Saturday night, Vinatieri trotted onto the snow-covered Foxboro Stadium turf and kicked a 45-yard field goal to tie the game with 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter. His 23-yarder in overtime gave the Patriots a 16-13 overtime win over the Oakland Raiders. "It was tough last week, but [for Pittsburgh] ... you prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

Not many people thought the Philadelphia Eagles would reach the NFC championship game this season. Even fewer give them a chance against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. "We've been the underdog all year, so it's nothing new to us," quarterback Donovan McNabb said. "We know it's going to be a dogfight, and we're just excited about the opportunity."