LONDON — Roger Federer raced to one of his easiest wins over rival Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, routing the Spaniard 6-3, 6-0 to earn a semifinal berth at the ATP World Tour Finals.
From 3-2 in the first set, Federer ran away with it, and not even Nadal’s trademark defensive abilities could handle the pace and accuracy of the 16-time Grand Slam champion’s forehand.
The 26th match between the former No. 1s was over in exactly 1 hour. Federer finished with 28 winners to Nadal’s four. Federer trails 17-9 in the series.
“I’ve definitely seen Rafa play better, but I’ve also definitely played worse,” Federer said.
Andy Murray, citing a groin strain he suffered during practice last week, pulled out of the tournament. He will be replaced by Janko Tipsarevic, who will play Tomas Berdych today.
Loud music might have led to Halman’s stabbing
AMSTERDAM — Police said an argument about loud music could be the reason Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death.
Police spokeswoman Patricia Wessels said loud music “appears to be the reason the victim walked downstairs,” but police are still trying to piece together what happened after that.
Police said they are still interviewing the brother of Halman as a suspect in the death of the 24-year-old Dutch player, who was killed in the early hours of Monday morning at an apartment in Rotterdam.
• The Miami Marlins acquired left-hander Wade LeBlanc from the San Diego Padres for catcher John Baker. LeBlanc went 5-6 with a 4.63 ERA for the Padres last season. Baker, who was limited to 16 games last season after having elbow reconstruction surgery in September 2010, batted .271 with 14 home runs and 89 RBIs in 212 career games with the Marlins.
Coyotes re-sign Turris
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Center Kyle Turris ended his holdout by agreeing to a two- year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. The deal is contingent on Turris passing a medical examination.
• Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers will be out for at least a month because of a broken wrist.
Arkansas forward Powell out for season
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas junior forward Marshawn Powell, the team’s leading scorer (19.5) and leading returning rebounder (10.8) from last year, will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Razorbacks coach Mike Anderson said an MRI revealed torn ligaments and that Powell will require surgery. His timetable for a return is six to eight months.
Footnotes.
Talks between the NBA and its locked-out players could resume as early as next week, according to Billy Hunter, executive director of the players union.
• Kurt Busch lost his second crew chief in three seasons when Penske Racing confirmed that Steve Addington has left the organization.
• NASCAR suspended Truck Series driver Jack C. Smith indefinitely for violating its substance-abuse policy.
Denver Post wire services
