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* SUMO WRESTLING

Hakuho defeats Ama

Mongolian Hakuho took another step toward promotion to grand champion yesterday with a win over compatriot Ama at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. After being shoved back at the faceoff, ozeki Hakuho used a series of slaps to the head to take control of the bout and then shoved the smaller sekiwake out to improve to a perfect 6-0. Ama, who has never defeated Hakuho, dropped to an even 3-3 record in the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Hakuho won the Spring tourney in March and another Emperor's Cup in this meet would ensure that sumo has two grand champions for the first time since 2003.

* INDY RACING LEAGUEe

Gregoire crashes out

Stephan Gregoire, one of the drivers still trying to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, spun into the wall on Thursday during practice. He was examined at the infield hospital and transferred to Methodist Hospital for observation after complaining of pain in his back. Gregoire, whose top speed of the day was 350.58kph, had just completed a lap at almost 346kph when his Panoz race car got sideways and backed into the wall coming out of the first turn. The 38-year-old Frenchman has been in seven races at Indianapolis, with his best finish eighth in 2000.

* RUGBY UNION

Kiwis name squad

Waikato Chiefs halfback Brendon Leonard and Wellington prop John Schwalger have been rewarded for strong Super 14 form by being named in the All Blacks squad. The 30-man squad was named yesterday ahead of next month's Tests against France and Canada and the following Tri-Nations series against Australia and South Africa. The 22-year-old Leonrd was playing his debut season for the Chiefs this year as understudy to All Black Byron Kelleher but quickly made his mark. "Brendon has been the best attacking halfback in the Super 14 this season and has forced his way into the side based on form," All Black coach Graham Henry said. He added that Schwalger was versatile enough to play either side of the scrum.

* HORSE RACING

Richardson, Prado honored

Dean Richardson and Edgar Prado, two key figures in the Barbaro saga, were honored with a "Special Award of Merit" at Pimlico Racecourse on Thursday. The award, given annually during Preakness Stakes week, is presented to someone who has made a positive impact on the horse racing industry. Richardson, the chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, led the effort to save Barbaro following his catastrophic breakdown in last year's Preakness. Although the story ultimately came to a sad end when Barbaro was euthanized on Jan. 29, Richardson said the experience had lasting value.

* CYCLING

Ivan Basso 'not cooperating'

The Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor says Ivan Basso's decision to stop providing information about the Operation Puerto doping scandal seriously undermines his chances of obtaining a reduced sentence. "There's no ban on Basso actually deciding to speak — he can do so at any moment — thereby obtaining a reduced sentence according to WADA protocol. However, Basso has not collaborated by offering facts and new names and now the law doesn't allow him to obtain one," CONI prosecutor Ettore Torri said at a news conference on Thursday.

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