allowing only one break

SAO PAULO - Top-seeded Tommy Haas defeated qualifier Potito Starace 7-6 (2), 6-3 to reach the clay-court Brazil Open quarter-finals Wednesday. Joe Morgan Jersey . The 12th-ranked Haas served well throughout the match at the Ibirapuera arena, allowing only one break point to the 152nd-ranked Italian. Both players held serve until the first-set tiebreak, when Haas stepped up his game to easily clinch the set. The German then broke Staraces serve two times in a row late in the second set to close out the match in 1 hour, 30 minutes. Hass will next play Argentinas Horacio Zeballos, who defeated countryman Guido Pella 6-3, 6-4. Second-seeded Nicolas Almagro of Spain, a three-time winner in Brazil, was upset by Federico Delbonis of Argentina 6-3, 3-6, 2-6. Kyle Farmer Jersey . James Erskine said Tuesday that Thorpe was "quite sick" in a Sydney hospital but dismissed media reports the swimmer might lose the use of his left arm. "Hes not in the intensive care," Erskine said. Gary Redus Jersey . "We were left with the overall impression that the team wasnt trending toward being able to compete for a Stanley Cup," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said in a news conference at the clubs arena. "And that was just a clear signal and why it was time to make those changes.DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed pitcher Liam Hendriks off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. The Blue Jays announced the move Friday. Infielder Brent Morel was designated for assignment. The 25-year-old Hendriks went 1-3 with a 6.85 ERA in 10 games last season with Minnesota. The right-hander from Australia is 2-13 with a 6.06 ERA in thhree season with the Twins. Josh VanMeter Jersey. Hendriks was claimed by the Chicago Cubs off waivers from Minnesota last December. Later in the month, the Orioles claimed him. The 26-year-old Morel spent last season in the Chicago White Sox system, mostly in Triple-A. He has played 194 games in the majors and hit .229 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. ' ' '