Auto racing

SLOWER INDY: Indy Racing League officials hope slower cars will improve safety at this year's Indianapolis 500.

Speeds were down drastically from a year ago at Sunday's opening practice for the race, and they were even slower than in open testing less than two weeks ago. There were no crashes.

Until the final hour Sunday, only one driver, Dan Wheldon, topped 218 mph. Four drivers beat that speed in the final 60 minutes, but only two — Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves — were faster than 219.

Drivers believe things could change significantly when qualifying begins Saturday.

SPANISH GRAND PRIX: So far, it's the perfect year for Michael Schumacher, who won his fifth straight race Sunday, capturing the Spanish Grand Prix and matching the best start to a Formula One season.

The six-time world champion overcame an exhaust problem to record his 75th career victory and fourth straight at the Spanish GP, six times overall since 1991.

Soccer

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U.S. 3, MEXICO 0: Cindy Parlow, Mia Hamm and Lori Chalupny scored second-half goals to lead the U.S. women's national team past Mexico 3-0 Sunday in an exhibition match in Albuquerque to prepare for the Olympics.

Hockey

U.S. PLACES 3RD: Florida defenseman Jay Bouwmeester scored the winning goal, and Canada rallied to beat Sweden for the second straight year in the gold-medal game at the world hockey championships, 5-3 on Sunday in Prague, Czech Republic.

The United States won the bronze medal earlier Sunday with a 1-0 victory in a shootout over Slovakia. It was the first medal at the worlds for the Americans since they finished third in 1996. The Americans placed 13th last year.

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