ATLANTIC CITY: Shannon Briggs, thought to be washed up in the heavyweight division, posted the biggest victory of his career and possibly ended George Foreman's when he beat a majority-decision victory over the former champ.

Briggs, using a solid left jab and strong combinations, edged Foreman in a bout last night that lacked the big punches that both had been known for.

Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 114-114, but Calvin Claxton had it 116-112 and Larry Layton scored it 117-113 -- both in favor of Briggs. Briggs, who was knocked out by Darroll Wilson in a showcase fight in March of 1996, improved to 30-1, while Foreman lost for just the fifth time in 81 career fights.

Hingis bags `Player of the Year' award

NEW YORK: World No. 1 Martina Hingis of Switzerland was awarded the Player of the Year trophy at the 1997 WTA tour awards at this week's season-ending Chase Championships. American Venus Williams won the `Newcomer of the year' title.

The winners: Player of the year Martina Hingis (Switzerland); Newcomer of the year Venus williams (US); Most improved player Amanda Coetzer (South Africa); Comeback player of the year Mary Pierce (France); Doubles team of the year Gigi Fernandez (US) & Natasha Zvereva (Belarus); Most exciting player Monica Seles (US); Sportsmanship award Amanda Coetzer.

Officials want coach Ignatiev out

ST PETERSBURG: Kremlin impatience with Russia's failure to reach the World Cup finals took a more personal turn when the sports minister dropped heavy hints that national coach Boris Ignatiev should quit. A 1-0 play-off defeat in Italy last week denied Russians a place in the finals for the first time in 20 years.

The head of the football association and some of the players have defended Ignatiev's record. In the job for just 16 months, he is Russia's third coach in as many years.