*TENNIS: Former star player Ilie Nastase has resigned after eight years as head of the Romanian Tennis Federation over criticism that he spent too much money on a Davis Cup match against France, which Romania lost 5-0. … Guillermo Coria beat qualifier Francesco Aldi at the Brasil Open, his first win on the ATP Tour in 19 months.
*AUTOS: Racing team owner Derrick Walker says he expects the Champ Car to merge with the Indy Racing League this season despite Champ Car officials saying the series still plans to run its 2008 schedule. … Lewis Hamilton, racially taunted by fans 10 days ago in Barcelona, returned to Spain and was the fastest in a test session.
*TRACK: Sprinter Dwain Chambers will run for Britain at the world indoor championships after winning a legal fight to capture a place on the team. Chambers was banned for two years between 2003-05 after testing positive for the steroid THG.
*ALSO: Five-time national champion Blaine Wilson earned a spot on the U.S. men’s gymnastics team. … Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos settled his libel lawsuit against the Miami Herald over an article alleging that he had may have carried an illegal object in riding 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide. … Austrian skier Maria Holaus will miss the rest of the World Cup season due to injuries to both knees.
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Edited by Lee Gordon from Tribune news services.
