Nadal loses, Federer advances at Qatar Open

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was eliminated from the Qatar Open on Thursday, while Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the tuneup for the Australian Open.

Nadal lost to Gael Monfils of France 6-4, 6-4, and Federer saved three set points to defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-2, 7-6 (6). The Swiss star trailed 5-1 and 6-3 in the tiebreaker, reeling off five straight points to win.

``I had a strong finish,'' Federer said. ``I am not thinking ahead. I want to win the title.''

Federer will face Andy Murray, who defeated Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-4, 6-2.

Nadal, who cruised through his first two matches of the season-opening event, was broken twice in the first set and once in the second. He finished with only 10 winners, while Monfils had 35.

``Today wasn't my day,'' Nadal said. ``Monfils served really well. If he wants to improve his ranking, he will have to play like he did today. I knew it won't be easy at the start of the season, but I am happy with my game.''

The 14th-ranked Frenchman had eight aces to none for Nadal. Monfils, who reached the 2006 Qatar Open final, is playing as a wild card.

World Wrestling to cut 10 percent of staff

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) - Sports entertainment company World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said Friday it will cut 10 percent of its staff as part of a broader cost-cutting plan.

The company behind such television shows as "Friday Night SmackDown" said the staff reduction would occur across all areas of global operations, yielding expected annual savings of $8 million in compensation and benefit costs.

The cuts are part of a broader campaign to reduce costs by $20 million this year through stronger cost controls and other steps. World Wrestling Entertainment expects to record a $3 million restructuring charge against its first-quarter earnings as a result of the move.

NBA TV Top 10- January 8

MLB suspends 2 players for using banned substance

NEW YORK (AP) — Phillies reliever J.C. Romero and Yankees minor league pitcher Sergio Mitre were suspended for the first 50 games of next season after testing positive for a banned substance.

The suspensions were announced Tuesday by Major League Baseball.

Romero earned two wins in Philadelphia's World Series victory over Tampa Bay last season. He has called the penalty unfair, ESPN.com reported Monday night. He contends the supplement he took during the season was legal because he bought it over the counter at a nutrition store in the United States. An arbitrator decided against Romero in November.

Mitre is with the New York Yankees' Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Triple A team.

AP Source: Bradley, Cubs agree to $30M, 3-yr deal

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs and free agent Milton Bradley reached a preliminary agreement Monday on a $30 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The deal is subject to a physical scheduled for Thursday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.

Adding Bradley was one of the top priorities this offseason for the Cubs, who got swept out of the playoffs for the second-straight year after a lineup loaded with right-handers struggled against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2008 NFL Coach of the Year award

Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them.

Atlanta's Smith edged Miami's Sparano by one vote Sunday for The Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award.Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23 1/2 votes and Sparano 22 1/2 from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

Eagles fly past Vikings with 26-14 playoff victory

MINNEAPOLIS(AP) — All but forgotten as postseason contenders, Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles have a playoff win.

Next up: the Super Bowl champions.

Brian Westbrook caught a short pass out of the backfield and zigzagged through the Minnesota defense for a devastating 71-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, and the Eagles spoiled the Vikings' first home playoff game in eight years with a 26-14 victory Sunday.