Nikkei up 0.23 pct as Sony, blue-chips gain

(Updates to opening)

TOKYO, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The Nikkei share average rose 0.23 percent on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session when it closed at a near 7-year high, as investors continue to pick up blue-chip stocks such as Sony Corp. (6758.T). The Nikkei .N225 was up 40.84 points at 17,662.29 as of 0001 GMT. The broader TOPIX index rose 0.27 percent at 1,760.70.