Title-chasing Harumafuji improves record to 13-0

Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to close in on a second consecutive title and promotion to yokozuna at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.

Harumafuji, winner of the Nagoya Basho in July, looked to be heading for his first defeat after fellow ozeki Kisenosato slid him back over the sandy surface and up against the ridge at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

But Harumafuji turned the tables and Kisenosato (10-3) could not find a response as the Mongolian stood firm to claim a well-earned force-out win and move to 13-0 with two days remaining.

Harumafuji still has Hakuho breathing down his neck, however, the lone yokozuna serving up several juicy shots to Kakuryu's head before shoving the ozeki out to stay firmly in title contention.

Hakuho is the only wrestler who can catch Harumafuji after Kisenosato, Kyokutenho, Takayasu and Kakuryu all lost for the third time.

Harumafuji can clinch the title on Saturday if he beats Kakuryu and Hakuho loses to nemesis Kisenosato.

At sekiwake, Goeido moved into the winner's column at 7-6 after sending No. 4 maegashira Aminishiki (8-5) packing with a well-timed head lock throw, and Myogiryu (9-4), making his debut at sumo's third-highest rank, then shattered Kyokutenho's slim title hopes by bulldozing the summer title winner out in a matter of seconds.

Ninth-ranked Takayasu also dropped to 10-3 when he was crushed out by fifth-ranked maegashira Tochiozan, who secured a majority of wins at 8-5.

Also Friday, battle-weary Georgian wrestler Kokkai has decided to call time on his career and submitted retirement papers to the Japan Sumo Association.

Kokkai's stablemaster Oitekaze said the former komusubi, currently a 12th-ranked juryo division wrestler, has knee, neck and shoulder problems and no longer has the drive to keep on fighting.

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Teen breaks 200 breast world record

GIFU — Schoolboy Akihiro Yamaguchi set a new world record in winning the men's 200-meter breaststroke final on Saturday at the National Sports Festival.

Special achievement: Swimmer Akihiro Yamaguchi shatters the world record in the 200-meter men's breaststroke on Saturday in Gifu, finishing his race in 2 minutes, 7.01 seconds at the National Sports Festival in Gifu. KYODO

Yamaguchi, 18, powered home in 2 minutes, 7.01 seconds at Nagaragawa Swimming Plaza, slicing 0.27 off the previous world mark set by Hungary's Daniel Gyurta at the London Olympics.

The third-year high school student, who had earlier reached the final with a meet record, broke the national mark of former two-time 100 and 200 Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima had held for 11 years by 0.50.

"To be honest, I was aiming to go under 2.7," said Yamaguchi. "I am looking forward to next year's world championships (in Barcelona, Spain). I want to be a successor to Kitajima-san, a swimmer I look up to. I think I can cut it in the 200 at the world level and want to challenge in the 100, too."

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Pistorius starts defense with record

LONDON — Oscar Pistorius on Saturday began the defence of his three Paralympic sprint titles with a bang, breaking the world record in the T44 200 meters to qualify for the final.

The 25-year-old "Blade Runner" stormed round the bend and pushed through to clock 21.30 seconds, just weeks after becoming the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics.

"I just wanted to come out tonight and have a good race," he said. "It makes me so happy to be here. I'm happy with the time. Tomorrow's the big race (the final) and I am looking forward to it.

"To run in front of such an amazing stadium is mind-blowing."

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Babe Ruth jersey sold for record sum

NEW YORK — A baseball jersey worn by Babe Ruth has sold for more than $4.4 million, a record for any item of sports memorabilia, according to the buyer and seller.

SCP Auctions said the circa 1920 New York Yankees uniform top is the earliest known jersey worn by The Bambino and it fetched $4,415,658 at the company's April auction, which ended Sunday. SCP Auctions says that price broke the previous record of $4,338,500 set in 2010 for James Naismith's founding rules of basketball.

Lelands.com said it submitted the winning bid for Ruth's jersey, which had been displayed for years at The Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum in Baltimore.

Suzan French, a spokeswoman for Lelands.com, said the company plans to sell the jersey privately rather than re-auction it.

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Darvish raises record to 6-1

ARLINGTON, Texas — Expectations for Yu Darvish were every bit as big as the contract he signed to move from his native Japan.

Team ace: Texas starter Yu Darvish fires a pitch in the first inning against Oakland on Wednesday. The Rangers beat the A's 4-1. AP

He continues to meet and perhaps even exceed them.

Darvish pitched 7? strong innings and Adrian Beltre had a two-run homer to help the Texas Rangers beat the Oakland Athletics 4-1 on Wednesday night.

"He was very efficient and made them swing the bat," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "Broke his cutter out tonight and moved his fastball around the zone."

Darvish (6-1) gave up one run and four hits while striking out seven to win his sixth game in seven decisions and give a weary Rangers bullpen a rest.

After giving up a run in the first, Darvish settled down and retired 11 of the last 15 batters he faced. He lowered his ERA to 2.60. Texas committed more than $107 million to acquire Darvish.

Mike Adams struck out Johnny Gomes, who represented the tying run, for the final out in the eighth. Joe Nathan struck out the side in the ninth his eighth save.

"No matter what the situation, I try to throw as many innings as I can and go as long as possible," Darvish said through an interpreter.

"I was able to throw with less effort," Darvish said. "Getting taken out in the middle of the eighth is something that I'm not completely satisfied with."

Angels 7, White Sox 2

In Anaheim, Albert Pujols welcomed his new hitting coach to town with a go-ahead three-run homer and Vernon Wells added a two-run shot to lead Los Angeles to a victory over Chicago.

Rays 2, Red Sox 1

In St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeremy Hellickson pitched six solid innings, Luke Scott had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly, and Tampa Bay snapped Boston's five-game winning streak.

Blue Jays 8, Yankees 1

In Toronto, Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, J.P. Arencibia added a two-run drive and the Blue Jays beat New York.

Toronto tagged Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda (3-5) for seven runs and eight hits.

Indians 9, Mariners 3

In Cleveland, Ubaldo Jimenez overcame a shaky start to get the win and the Indians pounded out a season-best five doubles to beat Seattle.

The Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki was 0-for-4 with a walk.

Twins 11, Tigers 7

In Detroit, Jamey Carroll hit a two-run double in the sixth to give Minnesota the lead, and the Twins outlasted the sloppy Tigers, who made four errors in the first three innings.

Orioles 4, Royals 3 (15)

In Kansas City, Adam Jones homered with one out in the 15th, lifting Baltimore to a victory over the Royals.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Marlins 8, Braves 4

In Atlanta, Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and possibly saved two runs with a diving catch and Miami beat the Braves, adding another win to their impressive May record.

The Marlins are 12-3 this month after a slow 8-14 start in April.

Padres 4, Dodgers 2

In San Diego, Chase Headley homered, doubled and drove in three runs, and the Padres rallied to beat Los Angeles.

Nationals 7, Pirates 4

In Washington, Adam LaRoche broke open a tight game with a three-run double for his 1,000th career hit after homering for No. 999, and Gio Gonzalez took over the NL strikeout lead from teammate Stephen Strasburg by fanning 10 in seven innings in a win over Pittsburgh.

Phillies 9, Cubs 2

In Chicago, Carlos Ruiz hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning and Philadelphia used Hector Luna's first career grand slam to pull away against the Cubs.

Reds 6, Mets 3

In New York, Todd Frazier homered twice, Brandon Phillips hit a tying single off Jon Rauch in the eighth and Cincinnati beat the Mets.

Cardinals 4, Giants 1

In San Francisco, Jaime Garcia matched his career high with nine strikeouts, David Freese hit a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning, and St. Louis beat the Giants.

Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 1

In Denver, Jamie Moyer handcuffed Arizona at the plate and in the field, pitching neatly into the seventh and driving in two runs with an infield single to lead Colorado.

Moyer (2-3) allowed one earned run and six hits in 6? innings, walked two and struck out five.

Astros 8, Brewers 3

In Houston, Carlos Lee had three hits, including his first homer since April 22, and three RBIs to back another solid outing by Bud Norris as the Astros beat Milwaukee.

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Bills give Williams record $100 million contract for defender

Jackpot: Defensive end Mario Williams poses with Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey (right) and general manager Buddy Nix on Thursday after signing a six-year, $100 million contract with the team. AP

NEW YORK — Megatron and Mario, the richest players in the NFL.

When linebacker-end Mario Williams signed a six-year contract Thursday with the Buffalo Bills worth $100 million, $50 million guaranteed, he became the highest-paid defensive player in league history. Williams' mega-deal followed by one day the $132 million contract the Detroit Lions gave their star receiver, Calvin Johnson.

Johnson's haul is the most for any NFL player at any position.

Other than Peyton Manning, whose search for a new team continues, Williams was the most sought free agent in this year's class; Johnson already was under contract in Detroit.

"It's one of those things you don't get many chances like this, and opportunities to come in and be the guy who can help the team get across the hump," said Williams, who was in Buffalo since the free agency period opened Tuesday, having been flown in from his home in North Carolina. "And that's definitely what I'm here for. My whole intention is to come here, work with guys like Kyle (Williams) and (Marcell) Dareus and make this thing happen."

The first overall draft pick by Houston in 2006, Williams became a pass rushing force and all-around standout at end before moving to linebacker in the Texans' new 3-4 alignment last year. But he played only five games in 2011 before a torn chest muscle sidelined him.

Buffalo targeted Williams to upgrade a defense that ranked 26th overall and 28th against the run. The Bills had only 29 sacks last year; Williams has 53 for his career.

Earlier Thursday, guard Ben Grubbs agreed on a five-year, $36 million contract with New Orleans, where he will replace All-Pro Carl Nicks, who left the previous day for NFC South rival Tampa Bay. Grubbs gets $16 million guaranteed, including a $10 million signing bonus.

"Ben comes to us from an offense in Baltimore that experienced a lot of success, both running the football and in pass protection," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He was a big part of that and we believe that he can come right in and fit into our program without missing a beat."

Nicks is considered one of the league's best pass blockers and was a key part of the Saints' record-setting offense. Grubbs made the Pro Bowl last season with the Ravens.

Another offensive lineman switching teams was Steve Hutchinson, a five-time All Pro with seven Pro Bowls who left Minnesota for Tennessee. Hutchinson changed teams as a free agent once before, in 2006 when he left Seattle for the Vikings. The Seahawks gave him a transition designation, but then couldn't match the deal he got with Minnesota, which included stipulations the Seahawks couldn't handle under the salary cap.

"I still see him playing at a high level, even in his 11th NFL season," said Titans coach Mike Munchak, himself a Hall of Fame guard. "He brings experience and success to our line and into the locker room."

Kansas City agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with tight end Kevin Boss, who spent one season with Oakland after four with the New York Giants. The Chiefs' starter at the position, Tony Moeaki, missed all of 2011 with a torn left knee ligament.

San Diego bolstered its receiving corps by adding Eddie Royal in a three-year agreement.

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Hakuho calls time on Baruto's perfect record

Yokozuna Hakuho drew a line in the sand Sunday, beating ozeki Baruto to deny the Estonian goliath a 15th win on the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Sting in the tail: Hakuho (right) pushes Baruto out of the ring on the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday. KYODO

Baruto was trying to become the first wrestler at sumo's No. 2 rank to win a tournament with a perfect 15-0 mark since Hakuho achieved the feat at the 2007 summer basho, but Hakuho had other plans for sumo's jolly giant in the grand finale at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

With his mother and wife in the audience looking on, Baruto came flying out at the charge and attempted to grab Hakuho's arm, but the yokozuna escaped his grasp before heaving Baruto out for a first loss in front of another full house.

Hakuho, who had been bidding to win his third straight title, finished his campaign with a 12-3 mark.

"I feel great. I tried my best till the end. Next basho I will give it my all," said Baruto, who will need to continue to perform at a high level to make a run at promotion to sumo's highest rank of yokozuna.

Asked if he felt much pressure during the 15-day meet, Baruto said, "Not really. I just remained focused on my own sumo each day. If I can continue to perform well like I did at this meet I have confidence that I can reach my ultimate goal, yokozuna," he said.

In other noteworthy bouts, Kisenosato unleashed a salvo of strikes against Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu (10-5) before wrapping his left hand around his opponent's mawashi and escorting him over the edge to finish his ozeki debut at 11-4.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku, who needed a majority of wins, escaped with his eighth victory in an intense battle with Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji (11-4), getting his left hand inside before muscling his rival over the straw bales.

Sekiwake Toyonoshima was twisted down to his knees by Kitataiki (2-13) to end on an unflattering 5-10 mark.

Kakuryu chased out Myogiryu after a series of quick shoves to pick up his 10th win, further building his case for a run at ozeki at the spring basho in March.

Mongolian sekiwake Kakuryu received his first Outstanding Performance Prize after being the first to send Hakuho to a defeat on the 10th day.

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Kashiwabara record helps Toyo build lead

HAKONE, Kanagawa Pref. — Ryuji Kashiwabara rewrote his own fifth-leg record as Toyo University built a commanding lead of more than 5 minutes after the first half of the Tokyo-Hakone collegiate ekiden road relay on Monday.

Road warrior: Toyo University's Ryuji Kashiwabara competes in the Tokyo-Hakone collegiate ekiden on Monday. KYODO PHOTO

Kashiwabara and four teammates covered the 108-km course from Tokyo's Otemachi district to the spa resort of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture in a record 5 hours, 24 minutes, 45 seconds.

Waseda University, the 2011 Tokyo-Hakone ekiden champion, placed second and will start Tuesday's 109.9-km return trip 5 minutes, 7 seconds after Toyo.

Meiji University is an additional 14 seconds behind in third.

Kashiwabara clocked 1:16:39 in the uphill 23.4-km fifth and final leg of the day — 29 seconds faster than the previous record he set two years ago.

"I almost started to cry when I found out my teammates were taking the lead into my leg," the senior captain said. "My job was to extend the lead. I felt the pressure to produce a strong run, but I was able to enjoy my last Hakone ekiden run in the end.

"We also have good runners for the return trip. I just hope each of them will put in solid runs and we'll win in convincing fashion."

Waseda sophomore Suguru Osako ran the fastest time in the opening leg but Keita Shitara put Toyo in front in the second leg.

Kashiwabara first came into the national spotlight in 2009 when the then-freshman broke former Juntendo University ekiden star Masato Imai's fifth-leg record by 47 seconds in the annual race.

He then broke his own record a year later with 1:17:08.

Kashiwabara has outclassed other runners in the fifth leg in all four years of his college career.

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Kauto Star wins King George VI, sets record

KEMPTON, England — Kauto Star won the King George VI Chase for an unprecedented fifth time on Monday, dethroning the younger defending champion Long Run on Monday.

Ruby Walsh's mount beat the 11-8 favorite Long Run by a length and a quarter at Kempton Park to surpass Desert Orchid's record of four victories.

"This is a fairytale," Walsh said. "He's beaten a 6-year-old and he's 12 next week. To keep a horse going as long as that is amazing. You can say what you want about the best steeplechasers of all time, but he's outlasted them all."

Last season Kauto Star had been left trailing 19 lengths in third behind Long Run, which then went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup to leave his older rival's career on the line.

But Kauto Star firmly re-established himself as Britain's leading steeplechaser over 3 miles (4.8 km) on Monday with a 16th Grade One victory and 23rd overall from 40 starts.

"He's just awesome," trainer Paul Nicholls said. "I don't know why he wasn't quite right last year . . . he's just the best. If he gets to Cheltenham in that form, he'll be the one to beat (in the Gold Cup)."

Sent out at 3-1, the French-bred gelding was in front with a circuit to go and as the pace quickened heading down the back straight, produced some sensational leaps.

Long Run stayed on tenaciously in the home straight, but with Sam Waley-Cohen on board failed to match Kauto Star's impressive speed and jumping.

"This was the biggest day of my racing life — 24 years or so," owner Clive Smith said. "It's unbelievable and I'm so proud. He's such a magnificent animal. He's got such a heart. He wants to go on. He's a lion."

Walsh had to settle for second earlier in the day as Binocular, with Tony McCoy on board, defended his Christmas Hurdle title, beating Rock On Ruby by a neck.

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Two in chase for NFL's worst record

New York — Indianapolis and St. Louis are the last teams standing for the NFL draft's top pick next April.

Minnesota eliminated itself Saturday by winning its third game, 33-26 at Washington. Because its schedule was stronger than either the Colts or the Rams played, the Vikings can't select first even if all three teams finish 3-13.

The Colts remain the front-runner and if they lose at Jacksonville (4-11) next Sunday, they have the chance to choose Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, considered the top prospect in the draft. The Rams would get the No. 1 spot if Indy wins and they lose at home to San Francisco.

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Weaver ups record to 5-0

Backhand stab: St. Louis third baseman Daniel Descalso goes to the ground to field a grounder off the bat of Danny Espinosa in the third inning of the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Descalso threw out Espinosa on the play. AP PHOTO

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jered Weaver became the major league's first five-game winner, striking out eight in a six-hitter for the Los Angeles Angels in a 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

Howie Kendrick and Vernon Wells homered for Los Angeles, which has won 11 of its last 14 games. Jeff Mathis drove in a run on a suicide squeeze and also scored.

It was the fifth career complete game for Weaver (5-0), who lowered his ERA to 1.23. The right-hander had no walks while throwing 80 of his 119 pitches for strikes.

Matt Harrison (3-1) struck out five while allowing three runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Rangers have lost six of eight.

Indians 7, Royals 5

In Kansas City, Justin Masterson remained unbeaten in four decisions and Cleveland, after being stymied for five innings by Luke Hochevar, rallied to beat the Royals.

Masterson (4-0) shut down Kansas City after allowing two runs in the first.

Red Sox 5, Athletics 3

In Oakland, Kevin Youkilis and Jed Lowrie homered off the previously untouchable Gio Gonzalez and Boston got its first road win of the season after seven straight losses, beating the Athletics.

Hideki Matsui went 2-for-4 with a walk for Oakland.

Yankees 6, Blue Jays 2

In Toronto, Bartolo Colon pitched into the seventh inning to earn his first win in two years and Curtis Granderson homered for New York.

Colon (1-1) allowed two runs and five hits in 6? innings to win for the first time since May 26, 2009, when he led the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The 2005 AL Cy Young Award winner struck out seven and walked two in his first major league start since July 24, 2009, for the White Sox.

Rays 4, White Sox 1

In St. Petersburg, Fla., Wade Davis pitched seven solid innings, John Jaso homered and Tampa Bay won for the eighth time in nine games.

Orioles 5, Twins 4

In Baltimore, Matt Wieters and Vladimir Guerrero homered, and Adam Jones drove in two runs to lead the Orioles to their second straight victory after an eight-game skid.

Tigers 3, Mariners 2

In Seattle, Rick Porcello pitched 6? innings of one-run ball, leading Detroit to the win.

The Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Rockies 10, Giants 2

In Denver, Jorge De La Rosa overcame a shaky start to pitch seven sharp innings and Ty Wigginton tied a career high with four RBIs, helping Colorado beat San Francisco.

De La Rosa (3-0) gave up two runs and four hits to help the Rockies salvage the finale of the three-game series against the surging Giants.

Buster Posey had both RBIs for San Francisco.

Phillies 4, Brewers 3

In Philadelphia, Shane Victorino hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and Placido Polanco had a three-run shot, leading the Phillies to the win.

Nationals 8, Cardinals 6 (1st)

Cardinals 5, Nationals 3 (2nd)

In St. Louis, Lance Berkman had three hits and two RBIs and the Cardinals got four innings of one-hit relief in a Game 2 victory that gave them a doubleheader split.

Laynce Nix homered and drove in two runs in Game 1 for Washington, which chased Jake Westbrook (1-2) with a six-run third.

Jaime Garcia (3-0) allowed one earned run in five-plus innings and Colby Rasmus got his fourth RBI of the day as the Redbirds won the nightcap.

Cubs 2, Padres 1 (11) (1st)

Padres 5, Cubs 4 (2nd)

In Chicago, Ryan Ludwick had three hits, including one of the Padres' three home runs, and San Diego salvaged a split of a doubleheader.

Cameron Maybin and Chris Denorfia also homered off Cubs starter James Russell (1-3) as the Padres rebounded from a loss in 11 innings in the afternoon opener. The teams were forced to play the doubleheader after Tuesday night's game was rained out.

Chicago's Kosuke Fukudome was 4-for-7 on the day, including a two-out single in the ninth inning of the nightcap.

Dodgers 6, Braves 1

In Los Angeles, Jon Garland tossed a four-hit complete game on Dodgers rookie manager Don Mattingly's 50th birthday.

Andre Ethier had three hits, including his 100th career homer, to extend his hitting streak to a major league-best 17 games.

Diamondbacks 3, Reds 1

In Cincinnati, Ian Kennedy overcame a nasty spill on the mound while pitching into the sixth, and Arizona earned its third consecutive win.

Astros 4, Mets 3

In New York, Hunter Pence hit a blistering go-ahead home run in the eighth to spark Houston.

Marlins 6, Pirates 0

In Miami, Chris Coghlan drove in three runs, two of them on a second-inning infield single, and Ricky Nolasco struck out eight in seven innings for Florida.

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