An equipment manager's estranged wife was charged with trying to extort Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino, at first demanding cars and tuition for her children, then later asking for $10 million, according to a federal complaint filed yesterday in Louisville, Ky.

Karen Cunagin Sypher, who also is accused of lying to the FBI in the case, did not enter a plea at a court appearance yesterday and was released on her own recognizance.

Sypher's husband, Tim Sypher, brought Pitino a written list of demands including tuition, two cars of her choice and $3,000 per month, according to the complaint. The demands later escalated to $10 million.

What sort of information Sypher may have been trying to use to extort the coach was not included in the complaint, which only said Pitino believed it was related to an unspecified encounter with the woman in 2003. Pitino took over Louisville's basketball program in 2001.

The 56-year-old coach first brought up the extortion allegations last week, when he said he had reported them to the FBI last month.

Pitino's attorney, Steve Pence, released a statement and said he has directed the coach to have no further comment on the case.

"While Coach Pitino takes no comfort in this prosecution and remains astonished by these events, it marks a turning point that allows him to focus with a clear mind once again on his family and his team," said Pence.

CYCLING

ARMSTRONG IN CLEAR

France's anti-doping agency says it will not seek sanctions against Lance Armstrong over a dispute with a drug tester last month.

The AFLD agency said in a statement yesterday that it "decided to take into consideration the athlete's written explanations" and will not open disciplinary procedures.

HHL

CAPITALS STILL SKATING

Matt Bradley scored his first two playoff goals, Alex Ovechkin added a highlight-reel tally and rookie Simeon Varlamov posted his second shutout of the opening round as the host Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers, 4-0, last night and avoid elimination.

The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 heading to Game 6 tomorrow in New York.

TENNIS

DAVYDENKO IN SEMIS

Third-seeded Nikolay Davydenko rallied for a 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek yesterday and will play top-seeded Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Barcelona Open in Spain.

Fourth-seeded David Ferrer and Fernando Gonzalez of Chile will meet in today's other semifinal.

AUSTRALIA WON'T GO

Tennis Australia says it will not allow its team to travel to India for a scheduled Davis Cup match in May due to security concerns, risking a one-year suspension from the competition and a $100,000 fine.

The International Tennis Federation yesterday rejected Australia's appeal and upheld the decision to hold the match in Chennai as originally planned from May 8 to 10. The winner of the Asia-Oceania Group 1 third-round match will advance to the World Group playoffs.