体坛英语新闻：NBA cancels 43 pre-season games

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The NBA announced the cancellation of 43 pre-season games and the postpone of training camps indefinitely.

The representatives for the NBA owners and players union are still at an impasse over a new collective bargaining labour agreement after a series of talks.

Camps were set to open on Oct. 3, with pre-season games following six days later.

But with no deal in place and time running down, the league, as expected, decided to scratch all preseason contests scheduled from October 9 through October 15.

"We have regretfully reached the point on the calendar where we are not able to open training camps on time and need to cancel the first week of pre-season games," NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said. "We will make further decisions as warranted."

Both sides have agreed to meet next week with hopes of ending the now 85-day old lockout, so that the November 1 regular season opener can be played.