New York ? Neither her words nor her play indicated that Serena Williams was distracted one bit Thursday at the U.S. Open.

She would have been forgiven if they had, of course, given that her older sister Venus withdrew from the tournament 24 hours earlier and revealed a recently diagnosed immune system disease.

Focused as ever, Serena absolutely overwhelmed Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands 6-0, 6-1 to reach the third round, showing precisely why many consider her the favorite to win a fourth championship at Flushing Meadows and 14th Grand Slam title overall.

Thursday winners Serena, Novak Djokovic (two), Roger Federer (seven), Caroline Wozniacki (two), and Francesca Schiavone (two) combined to lose 14 games in five matches.

College athletics

NU’s Osborne slams Big 12

Lincoln, Neb. — Two days before Nebraska plays its first football game as a member of the Big Ten, athletic director Tom Osborne took a not-so-subtle swipe at his school’s previous conference.

Osborne said at a booster luncheon Thursday that the Big Ten probably would still be around in 100 years because of the stability that results from the way finances are handled. Without mentioning Nebraska and Colorado’s exits from the Big 12 or the imminent departure of Texas A&M, Osborne said the Big 12’s revenue-sharing plan lends itself to instability.

“When there are inequities, eventually something is going to give somewhere,” Osborne said. “It doesn’t mean it will happen, but it makes it more difficult.”

Source: Vols offer AD job

A person familiar with the situation says Tennessee has offered its open athletic director’s job to Alabama assistant athletic director Dave Hart.

Golf

PGA gets 10-year TV deal

Norton, Mass.– Even without Tiger Woods dominating golf, the PGA Tour announced its longest network television deal in history Thursday that secures broadcast rights for the next 10 years.

The tour agreed to a nine-year deal with CBS Sports and NBC Sports. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem did not disclose financial terms, although he said there was an increase in the rights fee and players would see modest advances in prize money.

College Football

Sooners DE Lewis cleared

Norman, Okla. — Starting defensive end Ronnell Lewis has been cleared to play for top-ranked Oklahoma this season.

Three Buckeyes suspended

Columbus, Ohio — Three more football players are in hot water at Ohio State.

As a result, Ohio State might be in even more trouble with the NCAA.

The school reported late Thursday afternoon that running back Jordan Hall, defensive back Corey Brown and defensive back Travis Howard each received impermissible benefits of $300 or less earlier this year.

All three were suspended for the Buckeyes’ season-opening game on Saturday against Akron at Ohio Stadium.

Track

Pistorius left off relay team

Daegu, South Korea — Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius was left off South Africa’s team for the 1,600-meter relay final today, a day after helping the squad qualify at the world championships.

Baseball

Royals recall RHP Chavez

Detroit — The Kansas City Royals have recalled right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Omaha.

Chavez has pitched only one inning with the Royals this season, on June 5 against Minnesota. He allowed two runs, three hits and a walk