IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Sports

Federer upbeat despite coaching troubles

HAMBURG, Germany: World No 1 Roger Federer confirmed on Monday that he would be bidding to complete his Grand Slam collection without a coach after blaming "lack of communication" for his surprise split with Tony Roche at the weekend.

Senators close to final as Alfredsson cuts down Sabres

OTTAWA: The Ottawa Senators took a huge step toward the Stanley Cup playoffs on Monday when they beat the Buffalo Sabres 1-0 with a lucky goal to take a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

FIFA set to investigate West Ham's Tevez deal

ZURICH, Switzerland: FIFA will investigate the controversial transfer to West Ham United of Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, the world governing body's president Sepp Blatter said yesterday.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Nash wakes up Suns, levelling series

SAN ANTONIO, Texas: Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points and Steve Nash collected 24 points and 15 assists as Phoenix escaped with a 104-98 win over San Antonio, tying their Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece.

Sports

MVP Nash lifts Canada to summit

MOSCOW: Canada's Rick Nash was voted the Most Valuable Player at the world ice hockey championship after leading his team to a record 24th world title with a 4-2 win over Finland on Sunday.

Mickelson conquers all at Sawgrass

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida: Phil Mickelson overhauled playing partner Sean O'Hair with a consummate exhibition of golf to clinch his 31st PGA Tour title by two shots at the Players Championship on Sunday.

Ducks even series with Red Wings

DETROIT: Scott Niedermayer scored in overtime to give the Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday and tie the Western Conference Finals at 1-1.

Boozer powers Jazz past Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO: Carlos Boozer powered the Utah Jazz to a 115-101 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the Game Four win putting the visitors on the brink of a Western Conference finals berth.