Johansson in semis

ST PETERSBURG: Defending champion Thomas Johansson beat Wesley Moodie 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Friday to advance to the semi-finals at the St Petersburg Open. Wild card Ernest Gulbis, playing in his first ATP event, defeated Jan Hernych 7-6 (6), 6-7 (4), 6-2. At one set all, Johansson rallied from 0-40 to break in the eighth game of the third set. He hit a crosscourt forehand winner to set up breakpoint and Moodie netted a volley on the next rally. Johansson served the match out with two aces. — AP

Nielsen to lead Aussies

SYDNEY: Academy head coach Tim Nielsen will lead Australia’s team at next month’s Hong Kong International Cricket sixes tournament, Cricket Australia said on Friday. Nielsen, a former South Australian wicketkeeper, has been appointed captain-coach of the team for the two-day annual tournament, beginning on November 11. Australia is in Pool One with India and the West Indies. — AFP

Gay takes lead

PALM HARBOR: Brian Gay of the US fired a bogey-free seven-under 64 to seize lead after the first round of the $5.3 million PGA Chrysler Championship. Gay was two shots in front of Mark Calcavecchia, with Steve Elkington, Daniel Chopra, Duffy Waldorf and Heath Slocum three strokes back. Gay has never won in eight seasons on the PGA Tour, with a pair of runner-up finishes. — AFP