Sports briefs for May 24, 2004

Monday, May 24, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

Wie gets free pass to U.S. Women's Open

Michelle Wie received a special exemption today to play in the U.S. Women's Open, the first time an amateur has been given a free pass to the biggest tournament in women's golf.

"She is an exceptional talent and has proven herself against the best players in the world," said Jeanne Myers, chairman of the USGA Women's Committee.

Wie, a 14-year-old from Hawaii who just finished the ninth grade, has become one of the biggest attractions in golf.

Davenport falls in final

Top-seeded Lindsay Davenport was upset in the Strasbourg Open final Saturday by Claudine Schaul, a 66th-ranked player who won her first title. Schaul won 2-6, 6-0, 6-3.

Beckham's coach fired

David Beckham's coach was fired today, a day after Real Madrid finished fourth to complete a dismal season in the Spanish League.

Carlos Queiroz was dismissed and replaced by Jose Antonio Camacho.

"We are the world's most prominent team and we cannot afford a year like this," team president Florentino Perez said.

Va. stuns Princeton

Virginia defeated two-time defending champion Princeton 10-4 to win the NCAA women's lacrosse championship Sunday behind four goals by Amy Appelt. Virginia ended Princeton's 28-game winning streak to earn its third NCAA title.

Iran plans boycott

Iran said today it will boycott wrestling and fencing tournaments in Atlanta and New York next month to protest American forces' actions in Shiite holy cities in Iraq, dealing a setback to the sports diplomacy between the two nations.