Djokovic beats Nadal, will play Federer

Third-seeded Novak Djokovic defeated second-seeded Rafael Nadal, 7-5, 6-3, Saturday night to earn a showdown with Roger Federer in the final of the Rogers Cup at Montreal.

Federer, the world No. 1, took a step toward a third Rogers Cup title with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek in the early semifinal of the $2.45-million Masters Series event.

“Novak’s absolutely a tough player at this moment,” Federer said. “He’s got a good serve and return, and he always makes you work hard.”

Federer reached his seventh final in 10 tournaments this year. The Rogers Cup is his first tournament since winning his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title July 8.

“I was very happy with the way I played,” he said. “It was a tough match with a lot of crucial points and a lot of shots played on reaction.”

He will be going for his 50th title against Djokovic, who has lost to the Swiss ace in their four previous matches.

Federer has won 16 consecutive matches at the Rogers Cup, with tournament wins in 2004 and 2006 in Toronto.

Djokovic did not lose a service game against Nadal, and has lost only once on serve in 40 chances in the tournament.

It was the first time since 1989 that the top three seeded players reached the semifinals in this event. The last time the top two seeded players played the final was 2004, when Federer beat Andy Roddick.

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SOCCER

Eriksson wins opener in Premier League

Sven-Goran Eriksson made a successful debut in the English Premier League, guiding Manchester City to a 2-0 victory at West Ham.

On the season’s opening day, two of Eriksson’s eight signings, Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni, scored the two goals at Upton Park. Another addition, Elano, played a standout game on the right wing.

“I am delighted, of course,” said Eriksson, who was considered a flop as England’s coach by failing to get the national team past the quarterfinals of two World Cups.

American forward DaMarcus Beasley helped Glasgow Rangers defeat St. Mirren, 2-0, in the Scottish Premier League. His run and pass set up Daniel Cousin’s second goal in the 79th minute after Barry Ferguson scored the first in the 52nd.

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GOLF

Matthew, Lincicome share lead in Sweden

Catriona Matthew and Brittany Lincicome shared the third-round lead at the Scandinavian TPC in Loddekopinge, Sweden. Tournament host Annika Sorenstam again played poorly and was nine strokes back.

Matthew eagled two holes on the back nine en route to a six-under-par 66, and Lincicome shot a 71. Both were at five-under 211, taking a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Ladies European Tour event.

Louise Stahle had a 69 and was second at 212. Laura Diaz, the second-round leader, slipped to a 75 and was at 214

Sorenstam, the three-time defending champion, shot a 74 and was at four-over 220. She hit only three fairways and missed her few birdie chances.

Amanda Blumenherst made short work of defending champion Kimberly Kim in the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Carmel, Ind. The two-time college player of the year at NCAA champion Duke defeated the 15-year-old Kim, 5 and 3.

Blumenherst advanced to today’s 36-hole final at Crooked Stick Golf Club against Maria Jose Uribe, who beat Ha Na Jang, 2 and 1.

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HORSE RACING

Jambalaya wins Arlington Million

Jambalaya found a seam down the stretch and used it to catch and pass defending champion The Tin Man and win the 25th Arlington Million at Arlington Heights, Ill.

The Tin Man, at age 9, was bidding to become the first consecutive winner of the lucrative race but was caught inside the 16th pole by the Canadian horse and beaten by three-quarters of a length in a rousing finish.

John Henry, who claimed the first Arlington Million in 1981, is still the only two-time winner, having also won in 1984.

Jambalaya’s victory entitles the 5-year-old gelding to an automatic entry in the $3-million Breeders’ Cup Turf.

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BOXING

Ponce De Leon keeps title with KO

Daniel Ponce De Leon knocked out Rey Bautista in the first round, retaining his World Boxing Organization super-bantamweight title and recording Mexico’s only victory in a six-fight World Cup of Boxing against the Philippines at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

In the co-main event, Filipino veteran Gerry Penalosa upset Jhonny Gonzalez with a seventh-round knockout on a perfect liver punch to claim the WBO bantamweight title.

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CYCLING

Landis crashes, but he finishes second

Floyd Landis finished second in a mountain bike race at Leadville, Colo., despite a crash that left last year’s Tour de France champion with a bloody leg.

Landis, unable to defend his 2006 Tour title because of a positive drug test, was runner-up to five-time winner Dave Wiens in the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race.

Landis, riding on a surgically repaired hip, had scrapes on his elbows and forearms and bandages on three fingers. His right leg was wrapped in blood-soaked gauze from just above his knee to his hip.

He said he went down about an hour into the 100-mile race while going downhill.

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HOCKEY

Coyotes acquire winger Vrbata from Blackhawks

The Phoenix Coyotes acquired right wing Radim Vrbata from the Chicago Blackhawks for center Kevyn Adams. Vrbata was the Blackhawks’ second-leading scorer last season, with 41 points. Adams was acquired in January from the Carolina Hurricanes and played 33 games with the Coyotes.