Basketball: Violence mars final

Panathinaikos were named Greek basketball champions after the referees called off the fourth game of the league finals against Olympiakos when it was interrupted by fans for a second time at Olympiakos' home arena yesterday.

The abandonment, about one minute before the scheduled end, handed Panathinaikos their eighth consecutive Greek title and 12th in the last 13 seasons.

Panathinaikos, already ahead 2-1 in the best-of-five finals series, were leading 76-69 and about to shoot two free throws when Olympiakos fans seated behind the two baskets threw plastic bottles and arena seats.