Sports briefs

TENNIS

Serena won't play French Open

Serena Williams pulled out of the French Open, a decision that was expected because the 13-time Grand Slam singles champion has been off the tour for more than 10 months. Williams, who won the 2002 French Open, hasn't competed since early July, sidelined by two foot operations and blood clots in her lung. She returned to practice last month. Her older sister Venus is also in doubt for the French, which starts May 22. Venus hasn't played since January because of a hip injury.

Federer loses

Roger Federer's preparation for the French Open took a hit with a 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) loss to Richard Gasquet in the third round of the Italian Open. Rafael Nadal overcame a virus to beat Feliciano Lopez, 6-4, 6-2. The start of the match was delayed about 20 minutes because Nadal considered withdrawing.

HOCKEY

Rangers ink forward Wilson

Jason Wilson, a 6-3 power forward who was the Rangers' fifth-round selection in last June's draft, has agreed to an entry-level contract. Wilson, 21, scored 18 goals and had 43 points in 64 games with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL.

Russia beats Canada in world hockey

Russia has advanced to the semifinals at hockey's world championships, defeating Canada, 2-1, on Ilya Kovalchuk's winning goal in the third period at Bratislava, Slovakia. Russia will play Finland in Friday's semis, and the Czech Republic will meet Sweden. Jarkko Immonen scored twice to help Finland beat Norway, 4-1.

COLLECTIBLES

Garden memorabilia for sale

Madison Square Garden and Steiner Sports Collectibles have teamed up to offer fans and collectors the opportunity to own a piece of the Garden. MSG-Steiner Collectibles will offer a variety of exclusive MSG memorabilia, including authentic seats, which were the first items made available Thursday. Additional memorabilia, including game-used Knicks and Rangers jerseys, will be available at a later date. "We have the seat you sat in for the '94 Stanley Cup run and Larry Johnson's four-point play, and the seat you stood next to when you went to see Elton John or Billy Joel for the fifth time," said Scott O'Neill, president of MSG Sports.

MEDIA

Chicago TV anchor found dead

Daryl Hawks, a 38-year-old TV sports anchor from Chicago, was found dead in his hotel room in Atlanta, where he was staying while covering the Chicago Bulls-Atlanta Hawks NBA playoff series. Police say they do not suspect foul play. -- AP