Federer advances into second week

Tennis: When Roger Federer misfired on an important shot Friday at Wimbledon, England, his knees buckled and he stomped behind the baseline, miffed at his mere mortality.

The moment quickly passed, and Federer advanced to the second week at Wimbledon by beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

Federer earned a berth in the fourth round Monday against a familiar foe – Robin Soderling. Federer beat Soderling in the French Open final this month to complete a career Grand Slam and win his 14th major title, tying Pete Sampras’ record.

The No. 2-seeded Federer is seeking his sixth Wimbledon title, and he’s a heavy favorite with defending champion Rafael Nadal absent because of bad knees.

While Federer played on Centre Court, where the new retractable roof remained open for the fifth consecutive day, two-time champion Serena Williams was assigned to Court 2 and arrived 6 minutes late for her match. Otherwise Williams remained right on schedule, beating Roberta Vinci 6-3, 6-4.

Fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic, who could face Federer in the semifinals, defeated American Mardy Fish 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Soderling reached the fourth round for the first time in seven appearances at Wimbledon by defeating Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-4.

“It’s tough to play against Roger,” Soderling said. “I’ve played him 10 times, and after the match I never felt like I played well. But I mean, it’s not because of me. I think it’s because of him.”

Unseeded Dudi Sela became the first Israeli man in 20 years to reach the fourth round when he beat No. 15 Tommy Robredo 7-6 (8), 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. The 22nd-seeded Ivo Karlovic hit 46 aces, the last on match point, to upset No. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5).

In women’s play, 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka made a successful Centre Court debut by beating Sorana Cirstea 7-6 (2), 6-3. Gisela Dulko, who upset 2004 champion Maria Sharapova in the second round, was eliminated by No. 10 Nadia Petrova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva, a semifinalist last year, cruised past qualifier Regina Kulikova 6-1, 6-2.

Perry maintains lead at Travelers

Golf: Kenny Perry followed up his opening 61 with a 68 and held on to a two-stroke lead when thunderstorms halted the second round of the Travelers Championship at Cromwell, Conn.

Perry, who tied the course record Thursday, said he hit the ball better, but lost his touch with the putter. He had just three birdies despite hitting 16 greens.

He and the rest of the morning golfers played through off-and-on showers that slowed already soft greens.

Ryan Moore shot a 65 to move into second place and said conditions allowed him to go for the pin all day.

•Shin on top in Rochester: South Korean star Jiyai Shin shot a 4-under 68 and for a three-stroke lead at the storm-plagued Wegmans LPGA in Rochester, N.Y.

Play was interrupted by thunderstorms for nearly five hours, then called off for the day at 8:37 p.m. Dozens of players will complete their second round this morning.

Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., was even through 14 holes and is 2 under overall, good for a tie for 29th.

•Funk in front: Fred Funk is the leader in the clubhouse at the rain-delayed Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in Endicott, N.Y.

Funk shot an 8-under 64 to gain a two-shot lead over Jay Haas and Lonnie Nielsen.

•Daly must pay up: Professional golfer John Daly has been ordered to pay almost $272,000 in legal fees for his unsuccessful libel lawsuit against The Florida Times-Union.

NASCAR qualifying rained out

Auto racing: A midafternoon downpour washed away NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying in Loudon, N.H.

The lineup for Sunday’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 will be set by owner points, with series leader Tony Stewart starting from the pole despite crashing and having to move to a backup car in practice.

It’s the third time this season that Cup qualifying has been rained out.

•Franchitti takes pole: Dario Franchitti hasn’t lost his touch at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va.

The former IndyCar Series champion and 2007 race winner on the smallest oval in the series won the pole position for tonight’s series visit to the 0.75-mile oval. Scott Dixon, Franchitti’s Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, earned the outside spot on the front row.

Turkoglu likely leaving Orlando

Miscellany: A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Hedo Turkoglu’s agent said that he sent a notice to the Orlando NBA team earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent.

Orlando’s payroll will likely dip into the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history, and Turkoglu is looking for a big payday after helping the Magic reach the NBA finals last season. He will be a free agent Wednesday.

•Niedermayer to return: Scott Niedermayer has told the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks he intends to return next season.

The defenseman, who turns 36 in August, informed general manager Bob Murray of his decision Thursday evening. A Ducks spokesman said the team hopes to sign Niedermayer to a new contract soon.