MONACO — Roger Federer started his clay-court season Tuesday by dispatching Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-2, 6-1 with precise shotmaking at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Swiss star, seeded second after Novak Djokovic‘s withdrawal because of a knee injury, hit forehand winners, exquisite drop shots and lobs on the run.
UConn’s Walker leaving
STORRS, Conn. — Connecticut’s Kemba Walker announced he will enter the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-1 guard led the Huskies to a 32-9 record, including an 11-0 postseason run that ended with a national championship.
• UCLA guard Malcolm Lee is leaving school to enter the NBA draft. He plans to hire an agent, ensuring he won’t be eligible to return for his senior season.
• Former Utah standout Will Clyburn is transferring to Iowa State. The 6-foot-7 swingman will sit out next season under NCAA transfer rules, and he’ll be eligible only for the 2012-13 season.
• Butler junior guard Shelvin Mack says he will enter the NBA draft but will not hire an agent.
• The NCAA plans to conduct an investigation into an alleged gambling ring at the University of San Diego but will wait until the FBI completes its work.
The accused include Brandon Johnson, the school’s career scoring leader who is now playing in the NBA’s Developmental League, former assistant coach Thaddeus Brown and ex-player Brandon Dowdy.
• The San Diego Sports Commission confirmed Michigan State and North Carolina will play in the Carrier Classic on Veterans Day, the first NCAA basketball game to be played aboard an aircraft carrier.
Uncle Mo passes exam.
Kentucky Derby contender Uncle Mo had a thorough physical exam after a disappointing run in the Wood Memorial, and trainer Todd Pletcher said the 3-year-old colt came out fine.
Uncle Mo had blood work, an ultrasound of internal organs and other exams. The full results will be known by Thursday.
Footnotes.
Barcelona and Manchester United moved a step closer to a rematch of the 2009 Champions League final as both clubs earned victories to extend their first-leg advantage and reach the semifinals.
Lionel Messi scored his club- record 48th goal of the season in the 43rd minute to give Barcelona a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and secure a comfortable 6-1 aggregate victory.
There was more drama at Old Trafford, where Park Ji-sung secured a 2-1 win for United over 10-man Chelsea, scoring the winner less than a minute after second-half substitute Didier Drogba had equalized for the London club in the 77th. United advanced 3-1 on aggregate.
• Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne landed the sponsorship he needed to enter the Sprint All-Star Race next month at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Good Sam Club signed on to sponsor Bayne in the May 21 race and this Sunday’s event at Talladega.
The Associated Press
