Sports briefs for February 1, 2005

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005 | 9:12 a.m.

Hingis defeated in comeback attempt

Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis' tennis comeback was spoiled today when Marlene Weingartner of Germany beat her 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 in a first-round match at the Volvo Women's Open in Pattaya, Thailand. Hingis started well, winning the first set easily, but looked far slower than she did before taking a two-year break to recuperate from a severe ankle injury. The five-time Swiss Grand Slam champion last competed in a WTA tournament in October 2002 at Filderstadt, Germany, where she lost to Elena Dementieva.

Hingis was composed after the loss, telling reporters the match had been "a nice experience," but that she had no set plans for an extended comeback or to play other tournaments.

"I might play exhibitions," she said. "My life has been very good over the past couple of years and I feel comfortable with it."

Conte denies leaks

Victor Conte denied leaking grand jury testimony from Barry Bonds and other prominent athletes days after his home was raided by the FBI as part of an investigation into the release of the information. Conte, the founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative who is among four people indicted for allegedly distributing steroids, is being investigated by a grand jury trying to find out who leaked testimony to the San Francisco Chronicle in violation of secrecy rules and a court order. Conte was subpoenaed to appear before the San Francisco panel today and turn over the contents of the hard drive in a computer from Burlingame-based BALCO.

Jockey listed critical

Jockey Gary Boulanger underwent two operations and was in critical but improving condition Monday after being thrown from his horse at Gulfstream Park. The 37-year-old Canadian showed signs of progress at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood after doctors Sunday removed his spleen and a blood clot on his brain, said his agent, Cory Moran.

American injured

U.S. ski star Lindsey Kildow escaped serious injury when she steamed down the slope and crashed into several photographers during downhill training at the world championships in Italy. She bruised her back and wrist but plans to ski today and Wednesday during more training leading to Sunday's downhill. Two other skiers were injured during opening downhill training. Germany's Isabelle Huber tore a knee ligament, ending her season. Russia's Alena Kasakova injured her left knee and was taken to a hospital for tests.