TENNIS

Karlovic captures first career title

Unseeded Ivo Karlovic used his booming serve to stop qualifier Mariano Zabaleta of Argentina 6-4, 6-1 to win the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at Houston and capture his first ATP tour title.

The 6-foot-10 Croat closed out the win on his second match point with a 140-mph ace. He arched his back and clenched his fists before going over to shake hands with his coach.

Agassi inadvertently hits wife with racket, Graf requires stitches: Steffi Graf required three stitches after husband Andre Agassi inadvertently hit her in the face with his racket during a fundraiser that followed the final of the U.S. Clay Court Championships.

Graf and Agassi were holding hands her left to his right while rallying with a couple of youngsters when Agassi's follow-through struck his wife in the face.

The doctor who paid $70,000 for a trip to play tennis with the couple stitched up the multiple Grand Slam winner.

Jankovic wins Family Circle Cup: Jelena Jankovic won the biggest match of her career, battling a swirling wind at Charleston, S.C., to defeat Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-2 for the $1.3 million Family Circle Cup.

Safin beats Nieminen in first round of Monte Carlo Masters: Marat Safin overcame a shaky start to beat 15th-seeded Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the Monte Carlo (Monaco) Masters.

Almagro defends title at Valencia Open: Nicolas Almagro won his second straight Valencia (Spain) Open title by beating Potito Starace of Italy 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

PRO FOOTBALL

Chiefs guard Shields retiring

Pro Bowl guard Will Shields is retiring after 14 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 35-year-old announced his decision on his Web site www.willtosucceed.org. He said the physical requirements of football had become more difficult with each passing day.

TRACK AND FIELD

Phillips wins Mount SAC long jump

Two-time world champion Dwight Phillips won the long jump at the Mount San Antonio College Relays at Walnut with a leap of 26 feet, 9 inches.

Allyson Felix, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist in the women's 200 meters, won her professional debut in the women's 400 in 51.74 seconds. Felix defeated Liberia's Kou Lougon by 1.32 seconds.

SOCCER

Mathis leads New York to victory

Clint Mathis had a goal and an assist in his return to New York, leading the host Red Bulls to a 3-0 victory over FC Dallas in an MLS match played in a heavy, wind-swept rain.

Chicago scores late to tie Colorado: Chad Barrett fired a shot through goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul's legs in the 85th minute to give the visiting Chicago Fire a 1-1 tie with the Colorado Rapids.