Harkleroad leads U.S. to Fed Cup victory

L.A. Times Archives

Feb. 5, 2008 12 AM PT

From Times Staff and Wire Services

Shaking off nerves, 22-year-old Fed Cup rookie Ashley Harkleroad rallied from a 4-1 second-set deficit to beat Sabine Lisicki, 6-4, 7-5, to clinch the United States’ victory over Germany in a quarterfinal match Monday at San Diego.

Harkleroad’s victory followed Lindsay Davenport’s 6-1, 6-2 win over Julia Goerges in reverse singles, sending the U.S. into a World Group road semifinal in April against defending Fed Cup champion Russia, which probably will be led by Maria Sharapova, who recently won the Australian Open.

The United States finished 4-1 against Germany after Davenport and Lisa Raymond won the doubles, 6-2, 6-0, over Tatjana Malek and Anna-Lena Groenefeld.

The U.S. hasn’t won the Fed Cup since 2000.

Eleni Daniilidou defeated Victoria Azarenka, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5, to advance to the second round of the Open Gaz de France tournament at Paris.

BASEBALL

Granderson, Tigers agree to five-year deal

Outfielder Curtis Granderson and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a five-year, $30.25-million contract that includes a club option for 2013 that could make the deal worth up to $43.25 million.

Granderson had a breakout season last year, hitting .302 with 23 homers, 122 runs and 74 RBIs along with 38 doubles, 23 triples and 26 stolen bases.

He joined Willie Mays and Frank “Wildfire” Schulte as the only players in major league history with 20 steals, 20 homers, 20 triples and 20 doubles.

Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins became a part of the 20-20-20-20 club later in the season.

JURISPRUDENCE

Charges to be dropped against Sprewell

Prosecutors in Harrison, N.Y., are dropping their case against former basketball star Latrell Sprewell, who was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their children.

Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for Westchester County Dist. Atty. Janet DiFiore, said the charges would be dismissed in a year if Sprewell stays out of trouble.

An order of protection against Sprewell on behalf of Candace Cabbil remains in effect, Chalfen said.

Battery charges were dropped against Glen Rice after the man allegedly beaten by the former NBA star in Miami said he didn’t want to pursue the case.

The wife of Dodgers coach Don Mattingly was arrested on Saturday for allegedly refusing to leave the former Yankees star’s residence in Evansville, Ind. Kim Mattingly, who is separated from her husband, was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. She was released from Vanderburgh County Jail on $50 bond.

SOCCER

Cameroon, Egypt advance in African Cup

Cameroon needed extra time to beat Tunisia, 3-2, at Kumasi, Ghana, and reach the semifinals at the African Cup of Nations.

Defending champion Egypt also advanced, beating Angola, 2-1, to complete the final four. Cameroon will face host Ghana and Egypt takes on Ivory Coast in Thursday’s semifinals.

The United States men’s team will play its first home qualifier for the 2010 World Cup at the Home Depot Center in Carson on June 15 against Barbados or Dominica.

MISCELLANY

Canada hires Robitaille as assistant GM

Luc Robitaille, president of business operations for the Kings, has been named an assistant general manager for Canada at the 2008 hockey world championship, scheduled for May 2-18. Steve Yzerman will be the general manager.

Rick Monday, who is starting his 15th season as a Dodgers broadcaster, was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a luncheon at the Lakeside Golf Club.

Times staff writer Larry Stewart was presented with the Good Guy award.

Four former UCLA players, wide receiver Brandon Breazell, defensive end Bruce Davis and safeties Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes, have been invited to the NFL scouting combine to be held in Indianapolis from Feb. 20-26.

Former Southern Methodist football coach Phil Bennett, fired with four games remaining last season, was hired as Pitt’s defensive coordinator.

Former world figure skating champion Kimmie Meissner, whose season-long struggles included a seventh-place finish at the recent national championships, announced she is leaving coach Pam Gregory to train with Richard Callaghan.

The LPGA Tour’s Samsung World Championship is moving from Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert to the Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links.