Three Share the Lead at European Masters

Garry Houston of Wales, Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden and David Carter of England each shot 6-under-par 65s yesterday to grab a share of the lead at the European Masters in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland.

Defending champion Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia opened with 5-under 66s, leaving them one stroke back along with Peter Hedblom of Sweden.

"I feel I haven't played a bad round here yet," said Donald, an Englishman who plays mostly in the United States. Last year, he won by five strokes while Garcia tied for third. . . .

Heather Bowie chipped in for an eagle on the fourth hole and had a bogey-free 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the LPGA State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill.

Sherri Turner birdied five of her first six holes and was tied for the lead before hitting a 7-iron into the water and making a bogey at the par-3 16th. She's a stroke back at 6 under along with Natalie Gulbis and Tina Barrett .

· HOCKEY: New Jersey Devils assistant coach Bob Carpenter said he will not coach with the team this season, citing personal reasons.

Carpenter, who played for the Washington Capitals from 1981 to 1987 and again in the 1992-93 season, said several factors influenced his decision, including his father suffering a stroke in June, which will cause him to need several operations.

Carpenter was the first American-born NHL player to score 50 goals in a season, with 53 in 1984-85 for Washington.

· PRO BASKETBALL: Tyson Chandler and the Bulls agreed to a multiyear contract, keeping the restricted free agent and former No. 2 overall draft pick in Chicago.