Sports briefs 5/10/04

Miscellaneous

The International Cricket Council said Sunday it plans to expand the game to 100 countries by the end of 2005 in an attempt to globalize the sport. Currently, only 10 nations play at test level. The ICC currently has enrolled 89 countries -- 10 full members, 27 associate members and 52 affiliate members. Only four countries -- Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh -- were given test status in the last 52 years. Mani said he expected six associate member countries to join the 10 full members before the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. The ICC will spend $100 million for the development of cricket between 2000 and 2007, half of which will be allocated to Asia.

Motorsports

Michael Schumacher equaled the best start to a Formula One season Sunday by winning the Spanish Grand Prix for his fifth consecutive victory. The six-time world champion overcame an exhaust problem to record his 75th career victory and fourth in a row at the Spanish GP. He matched Nigel Mansell's record start in 1992.

Tennis

Venus Williams pulled out of the German Open final because of an ankle injury, giving the title to Amelie Mauresmo. The injury could threaten Williams' chances of playing the French Open. Williams, the latest top female player to be injured, twisted her left ankle against Croatia's Karolina Sprem in Saturday's semifinal. Williams, who has been battling injuries all year, was unsure if her ailing ankle would force to skip the clay-court major at Roland Garros, which starts in two weeks.

Carlos Moya began the year aiming for a top-eight finish. After winning the Italian Open and reaching a No. 2 ranking, he might have to rethink his goals. Moya showed his clay-court mastery in the final against David Nalbandian -- a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory highlighted by a dazzling between-the-legs shot. The Spaniard's play was reminiscent of 1998 when he won the French Open. Shortly after that Roland Garros victory, Moya rose to No. 1 for two weeks in 1999.

-- From wire reports