Briefly: National sports

Andy Roddick advanced to the final of the Tennis Masters Canada with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Nicolas Kiefer of Germany on Saturday in Toronto, setting up a rematch of his Wimbledon final against Roger Federer.

Earlier, Federer extended his unbeaten streak to 22 matches with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Thomas Johansson.

Both Roddick and Kiefer had a hard time converting break opportunities in the first set. Kiefer had a triple-break point in the fifth game but Roddick used his cannon-like serves to come back with five straight points. Roddick later had two set points but Kiefer came back to tie it at 5.

Roddick hit four consecutive aces to go up 6-5 and then broke Kiefer’s serve to take the set. Roddick got another break to take a 4-2 lead before closing out the match in about 90 minutes.

In the early match, Federer rallied from a sloppy first set that included several unforced errors and came out strong in the second, breaking Johansson to take commanding 4-1 before closing it out.

“Lindsay Davenport overcame a jammed right knee to beat Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-4 in the Acura Classic semifinals in Carlsbad, Calif., and extended her winning streak to 13 consecutive matches.

Davenport will play for her third title in as many weeks today, giving her a chance to equal her California slam of 1998. That’s when she won titles at Stanford, Los Angeles and Carlsbad leading up to the U.S. Open, where she earned her first Grand Slam title.

She will play French Open champion Anastasia Myskina of Russia. Myskina defeated fellow Russian Maria Sharapova 7-5, 6-2.

“Despite a wrist injury which is healing well, Kim Clijsters will not be ready to play at the U.S. Open next month, her Web site said.

Clijsters visited a doctor Friday to reevaluate her recovery from surgery last month to remove a cyst from her left wrist.

However the No. 2-ranked player will not be ready to play at the U.S. Open, according to a statement released on her Web site.

Hockey

Niedermayer signs with Ducks

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks agreed to terms with forward Rob Niedermayer on a one-year contract.

Niedermayer was limited to 12 goals and 16 assists in 55 games last season, his first full campaign with Anaheim, because of two groin injuries.

He was acquired during the 2002-03 season from Calgary and helped the Mighty Ducks reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time. Niedermayer played all 21 postseason games in 2003 — posting three goals and 10 points. Anaheim lost Game 7 of the finals to New Jersey, which was led by Rob’s brother, Scott.

“Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Aleksey Morozov will play in Russia this season even if the NHL resolves its labor situation in time for opening day.

The Penguins’ second-leading scorer last season with 16 goals and 50 points, Morozov grew impatient with the lack of a Pittsburgh contract offer and signed a one-year deal with Ak Sars Kazan of the Russian SuperLeague. The deal also includes an option for a second season.

Morozov made $1.5 million last season in Pittsburgh when he had a career-worst 33-game scoreless streak, and was guaranteed at least a 10 percent raise if he returned.

“Tim Connolly accepted a one-year qualifying offer from the Buffalo Sabres, making him one of three players to re-sign with the team.

The team also reached deals with backup goaltender Mika Noronen and defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick. Both were scheduled for salary arbitration hearings within two weeks.

Connolly will make $1.36 million, 10 percent more than last year.

Soccer

Manchester United loses again

Andriy Shevchenko deflected in a free kick in the 90th minute and AC Milan beat Manchester United 9-8 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie in East Rutherford, N.J., sending the English FA Cup champion home from its three-game U.S. exhibition tour without a victory.

The late equalizer frustrated Manchester United, which lost to Bayern Munich on penalty kicks July 25 in Chicago following a 0-0 tie and lost to Glasgow Celtic 2-1 in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

United goalkeeper Tim Howard sent the final penalty attempt off the left post, giving the Italian League champions the victory.

Shevchenko’s goal set up the penalty finish, redirecting Kaka’s free kick from just outside the left side of the penalty area at the 6-yard box.

Track and field

El Guerrouj wins 1,500

Hicham El Guerrouj of Morroco won the 1,500 meters at the Heusden IAAF Grand Prix II meet in Heusden, Belgium, finishing in 3 minutes, 29.18 seconds.

“I think this is good preparation for the Olympics and I’m very satisfied and happy with this run,” said El Guerrouj, whose time was the fastest this year. “I have been preparing for these games for eight years now.”

Former Washington State standout Bernard Lagat of Kenya had the previous fastest time of 3:29.21.