Horse racing: : Curlin ran a half mile in 52.80 seconds in his first official workout on Santa Anita Park's synthetic surface. Curlin, thoroughbred racing's all-time money-winning horse, is under consideration to defend his title in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita, depending on how he adapts to the new Pro-Ride surface. Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown might run in the Classic.
Cycling: : Italian Leonardo Piepoli twice tested positive for an advanced blood booster during this year's Tour de France, officials said, and German cyclist Stefan Schumacher's team suspended him for suspected use of the same substance. The two became the second and third riders to test positive for CERA, an advanced version of the blood booster EPO, at this summer's Tour.
Tennis: : Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt will make his comeback from hip surgery at the Sydney International tournament in January ahead of the Australian Open. Hewitt said his recuperation from an operation after the Beijing Olympics is going well.
Baseball: : Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks had surgery to repair a cartilage tear in his left knee and is expected to be ready for spring training. Weeks was injured Saturday in the National League Division Series against the Phillies when he jammed his knee running out a grounder and got tangled up with first baseman Ryan Howard. ... Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a brawl with police at a weekend wedding reception in Galveston, Texas.
Television:: The new Women's Professional Soccer league that launches next year will have a live Sunday night broadcast each week on the Fox Soccer Channel. The deal runs through the 2011 season and includes a 2012 option for both sides.
Auto racing:: Denny Hamlin was released from the hospital, a day after a tire failure led to a crash at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. He complained of a headache and possibly had a concussion after the crash Sunday.
Hockey:: Hurricanes forward Scott Walker is expected to miss six weeks after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left hand. ... The Canucks traded defenseman Lukas Krajicek and a minor league forward to the Lightning for defenseman Shane O'Brien and right wing Michel Ouellet. ... The Capitals have sent 2007 first-round draft pick Karl Alzner and Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, to Hershey of the American Hockey League.
