Del Potro Survives Afraid To Step In Estoril

Oeiras, Portugal (AP)-Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, survived a scare to beat the Portuguese Pedro Sousa 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the Estoril Open on Tuesday.

Eighth-seeded Argentine, bringing his season debut on clay, broke his opponent's serve a third and seventh games to take the first half an hour.

But Del Potro is a double fault helped the game eight seconds Sousa, ranked 488th, the level of the game.

Argentina again double-faulted to lose his serve in the first game of the final set before breaking twice.

Del Potro is backwards in the rankings after undergoing wrist surgery almost a year ago.

Fifth-seeded Milos Raonic had a minor nuisance meeting eliminate Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-4, while sixth-seeded Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil beat Denmark Frederik Nielsen 7-5, 6-1.

In the women's competition, the fourth-seeded defending champion Anastasiya Sevastova came as Urszula Radwanska rallied to a 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory.

Second-seeded Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia andthird-seeded Czech Klara Zakopalova advanced player after two consecutive victories, spread over Renata Voracova and Beatriz García Vidagany, respectively.

Eighth-seeded Greta Arn, the champion in 2007 when Hungary came through qualifying, beat Portugal Maria Joao Koehler 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Grizzlies Take The Lead In The First Set 3-1 Against The Spurs Always

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)-The Memphis Grizzlies to a victory over the history of the franchise, and Shane Battier  expects a fight from the San Antonio Spurs.

The Grizzlies defeated the Spurs 104-86 on Monday night, and only need a victory to become the second No. 8 seed to knock off the top seed in the best of seven playoffs in the NBA.

Game 5 is Wednesday night in San Antonio, and Battier is to prepare his younger teammates what is ahead.

"This is a very difficult situation," he said. "These guys know how it could be. They will fight as hard as I fought before as a group. We must be able to match the intensity and excellence."

The Spurs have won 61 regular season games and only missed the NBA's best record by dropping the last two games. However, the NBA champions on four occasions to the verge of losing their playoff series 4-1 to open the second time in three years.

Battier think this is extremely dangerous on Wednesday night.

"I'd feel better if it was against a person other than the Spurs," he said. "They are very capable of winning three times in a playoff series. All we have done is kept home court."

Memphis made history by winning the game franchise in the playoffs for the first his first victory, then added his win in the playoffs for the first time at home. A win on Wednesday will put the Grizzlies in 2007 with Golden State Warriors No. 8 seed to eliminate only the best team since the NBA expanded to a best of seven series.

"I know many people did not expect to be here," said Grizzlies guard Mike Conley . "It's not as if we expect to 3.1 at this time. In our locker room we're playing this game just a game. We want you in San Antonio trying to end it. We are focused and want to be able to move to the next round."

Spurs are now placing their hopes to take a position on Wednesday night at home. Coach Gregg Popovich pulled his starters with 5:43 left to start resting for the match.

"They need the juice for the next game," Popovich said.

Conley scored 15 points and seven assists. Darrell Arthur added 14 points for Memphis. Tony Allen  scored 12 and Zach Randolph and OJ Mayo  each had 11 points.

Tony Parker scored 19 of his 23 points in the first half for the Spurs, but also had seven sales. Manu Ginobili had 14 points, Gary Neal finished with 11, and George Hill and Tiago Splitter : 10 each. Splitter, a rookie from Brazil, had not played in the series before.

Tim Duncan with six points for the Spurs to their 35th birthday.

"Obviously the whole team is very frustrated," said Parker. "I mean to go through an entire season and get the first seed, and now we are a party to remove what is most important that we focus on Game 5. This is the most important thing for Game 5 and try to get another opportunity to get a win here. "

San Antonio took 50 to 48 in the leading position at halftime for the first time in the series, and Memphis coach Lionel Hollins ripped his team at halftime.

Grizzlies responded with a 14-0 run to start the third quarter. Marc Gasol , two free throws put Memphis at 11:04 and then remains at 52-50, and Sam Young capped the rise with a dunk. Spurs missed their first five shots, had seven sales in the quarter and put on the line with Memphis in early mistakes.

"Everybody began to smell blood," said Conley. "I think we started to make some more shots and we have them. A couple more stops, a layup just over a little more than flying. "

The Grizzlies have all the fans and waving a rally towel, pick up the sound of every Spurs lose or error. Arthur closed the quarter by hitting a pair of jumpers to put Memphis up 78-65.

Battier made a 3-pointer to give Memphis the command 94-75 with 5:43 left, the party starts in earnest in the city desperately winner of the tenth year, the NBA Grizzlies' here.

"They have set foot on the neck and never leave," said Popovich. "They did a great job."

Grizzlies had their packed-sixth of the season and the fans could not have been more electric. They were buzzing with a sense of expectation rather than hope for a victory against the same team that swept Memphis in the playoffs in his first trip series in 2004.

Duncan, Parker and Ginobili have been in this team, and they are still the Spurs. Ginobili was asked whether they feel old right now.

"We've been feeling old for five years. I do not think it's a matter of experience, old or young," said Ginobili. "We are not the most athletic team in the league, and as hard as we said a week after we started playing. They are young, athletic. They play hard, and we could not find answers in the third quarter."

Ben Smith Scores In OT, Force Game Seven Blackhawks

CHICAGO (AP)-Ben Smith , listening to the advice of his teammates Blackhawks, who won them the Stanley Cup a year ago. Even when they lost the first three games of the series this year round opening of the Vancouver Canucks, who still had a chance.

"Never again to lose the fourth game. Rehashed more of the kids," Smith said Sunday night after his overtime goal gave the Blackhawks a 4-3 victory and sent the cartoon series back to Rogers Arena and deciding Game 7 on Tuesday.

"He would not say it's fantastic. It's something that we all had hoped. Down 3-0 do not panic," said Smith. "Nobody quit."

Vancouver had the best record in the NHL this season and had command of the series. And the Canucks on Sunday night came hard and fast when it became a game notable for the deafening United Center. Coach Alain Vigneault said it was the best game in Vancouver in the series, despite the loss.

When a diamond in Chicago to win games 4 and 5, Vignali blender. He went to a backup Cory Schneider  and the goal, having struggled with Roberto Luongo  had produced 10 goals in 40 shots over the last two games.

It turns out that Luongo was back on the ice in the third period and overtime Sunday because Schneider was injured, he called it spasms, after attempting to stop a penalty kick equalizer Michael Frolik.

"I was a little surprised, but Alain just wanted to shake and give a different look and Mo get his game back in shape and try to maximize my chances and give my team a chance to win," said Schneider, who finished with 17 saves and turned a game of 5-on-3 Chicago power for one minute, 43 seconds.

So who will play in Game 7?

"I have no idea. In reality they have never spoken. Lu looked good in the third period and overtime in a fixed place," Schneider said.

Luongo and Schneider said they have discovered Saturday on the transition.

"It's not something I'm used to, but of course when I came, I thought the boys really tightened defensively and not give up much of the remainder of the third and playing me a chance entering the game, "said Luongo, who had 12 saves.

"I was really happy with how we played the second half of the game. We're going to take this and try to build this game 7."

Chicago is trying to become the fourth team to win the series in seven NHL games after falling behind 3-0. Philadelphia did last year against Boston in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

"Anything can happen in Vancouver, says Smith, a rookie who made his NHL debut in October." I'm just trying to take a deep breath every once in a while '. ... They got some great players. E 'nerve-wracking when they had the wheel. They really wanted us to us in time. "

At 15:30 of overtime, and Niklas Hjalmarsson Smith (notes) shot that bounced off Luongo point.

"I was just trying to fight for the position of the body," said Smith, who has three goals in the series.

"I have a piece of it with my (stick) button and do not know exactly what happened," said Luongo. "I think Smith is roughly at me on the rebound."

Daniel Sedin , Alexandre Burrows  and Kevin Bieksa scored for the Canucks. Bryan Bickel  and Dave Bolland added goals for the Blackhawks.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford  32 saves including 12 in overtime, when it looked like the Canucks win any.

"They threw a lot online," said Crawford, another rookie. "It was probably the biggest game of my career. A lot of fun to win. "

By playing 4-on-4 opens the third season the Canucks ahead goal in Bieksa's rebound 58 seconds in

About a minute and a half later, Frolik was awarded the penalty shot when Dan Hamhuis  him down on a breakaway. Frolik skated in, faked a hand and the other was to beat Schneider, who was awarded the game twisted.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford made 32 saves, including 12 in overtime, when it looked as if the Canucks win every second.

"I have not heard from the crowd," Frolik said. "I focused on myself, tried this and hoped it worked."

After Schneider replaced Luongo, the Canucks dominated the game and had the chance to take the lead again, but Chris Higgins  attempt hit the post with just over 5 minutes to do.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford made 32 saves, including 12 in overtime, when it looked as if the Canucks win every second.

NFL Says Law Firm Can Not Bring New Players To The Court

Minneapolis (AP)-NFL has rejected a request from the office of a conflict of interest waiver to represent a group of players seeking to join the anti-trust battle against the league.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Thursday that the league was informed of the negative. The firm was later identified as Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis.

Aiello said it would be inappropriate to allow the company to work with players in a claim against the NFL, while one of its partners represent the league in licensing music for shows on the network NFL and NFL Films.

"We do not know the details of the claims to be claimed or the players allegedly involved, can not consent to the company's request to grant a waiver," Aiello said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Cafferty Faucher Bryan CLOB lawyer said that his company had "discussions about some players who want a more representative voice" in the legal battle. CLOB but said Thursday he is referring to the NFL, not Cafferty Faucher, and said his firm has represented the NFL in all cases.

Sports Business Journal reported that the group wants its voice in the negotiations of the work is about 70 players upset by the collective bargaining talks broke off last month. Clobes told the AP the number is "far from the 70" and the discussions did not indicate dissatisfaction with the representation of 10 players from which the applicants in a lawsuit filed March 11.

It had expired when the CBA and the union disbanded to pursue the antitrust case. The league responded by ordering the lockout.

Players asked U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson to stop immediately all Lock 'hearing on April 6. His decision is expected soon.

NFL has also supported the filing in court Thursday that the players do not earn millions of dollars in damages after a federal judge sentenced a different league of disputes over four billion U.S. dollars income from broadcasting rights.

U.S. District Judge David Doty decided on March 1, NFL not to maximize revenue from both parties to share when he negotiated the last round of TV contracts are extended networks.

The players wanted recipes "on the table" in 2009 and 2010, but lawyers for the league said Thursday there is nothing to indicate network would have paid over these years to eliminate labor laws that would stop the money from the NFL, but no games were played in 2011.

The league argues that because a special master to Doty already awarded $ 6.9 million in damages for the players, there is no legal basis for their request. NFL wrote that lawyers for the players "never claimed, argued or briefed the issue of punitive damages" so far, and accused them of trying to "guess" special master Stephen Burbank with this strategy.

The players called the "war chest" of $ 4 billion to stay away from the owners to not be used to "continue to fund" the blockade against them. They also requested at least three times the total amount of damages awarded by the court.

Doty will chair a hearing May 12 to review the claim.

Players use a written complaint by the finance expert David Schulte in his last appearance on March 31 to claim damages, but the NFL responded Thursday that the prior testimony of Schulte before the special master in contradiction with the last request.

According to court documents, Schulte Burbank said he had no "idea" of how to evaluate precisely the appropriate amount of damages.

NFL, Players Locked Out For Now Conclude Discussions

Minneapolis (AP)-The four sessions long and intense mediation between the NFL and its players locked out, the judge decided to give both sides a long pause.

When they meet in mid-May, the view of the discussions could be completely different.

The executive vice president Jeff Pash, the NFL's chief negotiator, said Wednesday that U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan said the two sides, which probably will not meet again until May 16 because some questions about his judicial calendar.

Meanwhile, the U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson is expected to decide before the players, a request to immediately lift the blockade now 40 days old.

Also to come: District Judge David Doty has scheduled a hearing for May 12 at the request of the players of the damage after it failed in March that the NFL does not maximize revenue for both parties when it renegotiated $ 4 billion in contracts TV with potential labor dispute.

Finally, there may be a fourth group of lawyers and the players in the mediation table, with a law firm in Philadelphia to talk with another group of players to join the fight.

"We had some discussions are other players who want to make their voices matter," said Bryan Clobes Faucher and Cafferty.

These discussions are ongoing, but all these elements combined can tip the lever on one side or the other where there was little of it, perhaps increase the chances of mediation ordered by the court will produce much needed progress in the preseason game first just 3 1 / 2 months.

"There are a lot of uncertainty right now," said Pash. "I think when we're together again we'll know more. Popular legal position will be clearer."

Both parties stated that the meeting was positive and productive Boylan.

"I believe that everything was considered useful and is really where we are," said Jim Quinn, a lawyer for the players.

Hall of Famer Carl Eller agreed.

"I feel very positive 2011 season," said Eller. "I believe that everything that came here 2011 season and the idea is not only easy to get to this point. So I think that everyone has worked in this direction. Watching them work for what makes me feel much more optimistic. I certainly say we are going to have a season 2011. "

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will begin the season despite a long period of navigating the legal system.

"We planned to play all season and we negotiate as hard as you can get that done," said Goodell subscribers the Giants' a break during a mediation session conference call to the Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis.

Later, he reiterated this commitment in a forum with the fan 49's, said "a number of pressing issues that must be addressed responsibly."

"This has a negative impact on everyone, especially our fans," Goodell said of the lockout. "We have to get these things fixed right away. We believe there is plenty of time to get there. On behalf of the 32 clubs, we will do everything we can to ensure our full season play this year. "

Goodell, Packers CEO Mark Murphy, president and Falcons, Rich McKay owners Pat Bowlen of Denver, Jerry Jones of Dallas and Jerry Richardson of Carolina attended Wednesday's session. Players Ben Leber  and Mike Vrabel joined Eller and lawyers for the players.

Goodell said all parties remain committed to ending a work stoppage in the NFL first time since 1987, before the game is lost. Preseason begins August 7 and the first regular season game is scheduled for September 8, less than five months from now.

"I think the fans want solutions. I want solutions," he said. "I think players want solutions and I think teams want solutions. Therefore we have to work on that in the negotiations and find a way to get to this point."

Players like MVP quarterback Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (white) filed for an injunction and a class action antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. The lawsuit was combined with two other similar requests for retirees, former players and recruits to be, with the lead plaintiff in this group Eller.

Nelson ordered the parties to mediation, while it considered the request, and they met after 16 days Boylan does not speak in front of a federal mediator in Washington.

"I think you can not sort this as a table of stock in what is happening up and down on a given day, but it is always good to be able to converse with humans," Pash said.

Pash said he felt the negotiations were very fruitful in the league and retired players and the owners are committed to improving the performance and care of their former players.

The league and players disagree sharply on how to allocate more than $ 9 billion in annual revenue.

The owners originally wanted double the money than go to cost about $ 1 billion to about $ 2 billion, but fell during the first round of mediation. The players have requested that all financial information on all 32 teams, and so far the league has not opened its books to your liking.

Other important issues for the players understand the benefits of retirees and the desire to extend the NFL regular season 16-18 games. NFL wants also decreased by nearly 60 percent of the guaranteed wage to draft first-round pick, the block for five years and divert the savings to pay and veterans benefits.

More than 525 million dollars U.S. for the first round of guaranteed payments in 2010. The league wants to reduce this figure of 300 million, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

In other news, The Sports Business Journal Wednesday that a group of about 70 "mid-tier" players had to hire a law firm and dismay that the negotiations broke down last month. But Clobes said the number is "far from the 70" and does not indicate any dissatisfaction with how things are progressing.

"The players have a very skilled lawyer," said CLOB. "If we were to get involved, it would, so we can add and bring our expertise, not because we thought that prosecutors do not make a credible job. They do an incredible job. "

Faucher Cafferty also represents clients before the former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon of the class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and the sale of use of its resemblance to other athletes in video games and other media.

DeMauro Smith, head of the players union, said he was not aware of the development. Vrabel said he has not heard a report, either, but more than the players "is not a place (the table), with Ben and me."

AP Sports Writers Tom Canavan and Janie McCauley contributed to this report.