Briefs | Serena Williams takes clay-court Family Circle Cup

Tennis

Williams beats Zvonareva in final: American Serena Williams captured the Family Circle Cup title Sunday, defeating Vera Zvonareva of Russia 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in Charleston, S.C., for her first clay-court title since the 2002 French Open.

Williams' third title of the year was expected to lift her from No. 9 to No. 6 in the world rankings. She is 19-1 in matches this year after winning her 31st career title. Williams improved to 5-1 against Zvonareva.

Granollers-Pujol upsets Blake: Seventh-seeded Marcel Granollers-Pujol of Spain upset American James Blake 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 in the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston for his first ATP title.

The top-seeded Blake led 3-0 in the third set. "Right now, I'm very upset about it, very disappointed," Blake said, adding he was pleased to reach the final of a clay-court tournament for the first time.

Federer takes first title of year: Roger Federer of Switzerland earned his first title in five tournaments this year, and it took a leg injury to his opponent to ensure victory for the world's top-ranked player.

Federer captured his 54th career title, winning the Estoril Open in Oeiras, Portugal, when second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia retired with a left-leg injury while trailing 7-6 (7-5), 1-2.

Davydenko said, "Maybe I can finish match, but I don't want to lose 6-2."

Maria Kirilenko of Russia defeated Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-2 to win the women's championship.

Softball

Finch strikes out 10: Jennie Finch pitched a perfect game for the U.S. softball team, defeating Louisiana-Lafayette 2-0 Saturday night in Sulphur, La., during the pre-Beijing Olympics exhibition tour.

Finch struck out 10 and the U.S. team improved to 25-1 on its tour. Finch pitched a no-hitter April 11 against UNC-Greensboro.

Women's basketball

Fowles dominates: Sylvia Fowles collected 25 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks to help the U.S. team beat Cuba 92-60 at the Good Luck Beijing Tournament in China.

The United States lost to Australia 74-60 in the opener Saturday.

Fowles, an All-American at Louisiana State, was drafted by the WNBA Chicago Sky earlier this month.

Storm forward Swin Cash scored 12 points for the U.S. team, which is coached by ex-Storm coach Anne Donovan.

Soccer

Olympic draws: The U.S. women's team will be in a group with Norway, Japan and New Zealand in the 12-team Olympic tournament in Beijing.

Meanwhile, in the 16-team men's field, largely limited to players under 23, the United States is in a group with Japan, Nigeria and the Netherlands.

MLS matches: Jack Jewsbury's fourth-minute goal gave league-leading Kansas City a 1-0 victory over the host Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

In another MLS match, FC Dallas beat Chivas USA 2-0.

Boxing

Calzaghe wins, but criticizes his performance: Light-heavyweight Joe Calzaghe of Wales improved to 45-0 when he beat American Bernard Hopkins in a 12-round split decision Saturday night in Las Vegas.

"I'm very critical of my performance," said Calzaghe, who was making his U.S. debut. "Obviously, I'm very satisfied, but I felt that I didn't fight my best. The fans didn't get to see what I can really do, and a lot of that is because of how Bernard fights. He doesn't try to win — he just tries to make you lose."

Hopkins (48-5-1) repeatedly said he won the bout.

Diving

Boudia, Foster win titles: David Boudia of Noblesville, Ind., won the 10-meter men's title and Nancilea Foster of Conroe, Texas, took the 3-meter crown, capturing their events for the second consecutive year at the spring national championships in Minneapolis.

Horse racing

Mitchell, Bejarano top Santa Anita standings: Mike Mitchell won 33 races to lead all trainers at the Santa Anita meeting that ended Sunday.

Rafael Bejarano, who had 67 victories, was the leading jockey for the season at the Arcadia, Calif., track.

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