Sports briefs for December 6, 2004

Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 | 9:22 a.m.

Moya beats Roddick to clinch Davis Cup

In the best-of-five Davis Cup final against Spain on the slow red clay at Olympic Stadium, Andy Roddick lost both of his matches in the United States' 3-2 loss at Seville, Spain. On Sunday, Carlos Moya beat Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5) to give Spain an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

The Americans' only points came from California twins Bob and Mike Bryan in doubles -- they are 5-0 in Davis Cup play without dropping a set -- and Mardy Fish in a 7-6 (8), 6-2 victory against Tommy Robredo after Spain had already won.

"I think it's just another step for us in trying to win this thing," said team captain Patrick McEnroe, whose team faces Croatia in March in Carson, Calif., in the opening round of the 2005 competition. "It gives me hope we can win one of these."

Roddick was quick to praise the Spanish players.

"When someone accomplishes something like the Spanish team did today, you have to respect that and give them their due credit," said Roddick, who lost to 18-year-old Rafael Nadal on Friday. "They did a great job."

Holding back tears after clinching Spain's second victory in the team event, Moya ran over and reached up through a rail to greet Prince Felipe, heir to the Spanish throne, and his wife, Princess Letizia.

"The Davis Cup is my dream," Moya said. "I can't ask for more. There is nothing bigger than what I've lived today."

Goosen wins by 6

Retief Goosen won the Nedbank Challenge by six strokes at Sun City, South Africe, closing with a 3-under-par 69 while third-round leader Lee Westwood was undone by a triple bogey on the eighth hole and finished with an 80.

Irish women reign

It's football and Notre Dame is No. 1, but this is not American football and these are the Notre Dame women. Their victory on penalty kicks gave them the NCAA title.

Ecclestone setback

A judge in England ruled that Bernie Ecclestone's family trust has too much control over the management of Formula One, a decision that could begin an erosion of the billionaire's 23-year grip on the racing series.