Nicaraguan investigators have released new evidence that points to suicide in the death of former boxing champion and Managua Mayor Alexis Arguello.

The rising star of the governing Sandinista party, a movement he once bitterly opposed, died at his home of a single gunshot to the chest early Wednesday.

Assistant judicial police chief Glenda Zavala said traces of gunpowder were found on the 57-year-old Arguello's hands, suggesting he shot himself. There were no other signs of violence in the room where he was found.

Nicaraguans formed long lines yesterday at an open-casket ceremony at the Palacio de la Cultura in the capital. The Hall of Fame boxer was best known for his classic brawl with Aaron Pryor in 1982 that Ring Magazine called the "Fight of the Decade."

Golf

* Anthony Kim has set the course record at Congressional with an 8-under 62, giving the defending champion a two-shot lead over tournament host Tiger Woods and two others in the AT&T National at Bethesda, Md.

* Martin Kaymer, of Germany, leads the French Open by three strokes after one round, tying the course record with a 9-under 62.

* Morgan Pressel, Song-Hee Kim and Laura Diaz made the most of defending champion Paula Creamer's absence at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Sylvania, Ohio, each shooting a 7-under 64 for a one-shot lead.

Pro Football

* The NFL suspended Jets linebacker Calvin Pace for four games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Pace will miss New York's first four games of the season and be eligible to return for the Monday night game at Miami on Oct. 12.

* Suspended quarterback Michael Vick has submitted a revised bankruptcy plan that funnels more of his future earnings to creditors, although a judge did not immediately rule on the proposal. Vick filed the new Chapter 11 plan in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News, Va. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review Vick's status after the former Atlanta Falcon completes his 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring.

* Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney is making his first official trip as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, a day after being sworn in by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Rooney is traveling to Dublin and will meet with Ireland President Mary McAleese today.

* The Carolina Panthers claimed rookie tight end Andrew Davie off waivers from the New York Jets.

Philly File

* Temple received oral commitments from Hershey Walton, a 6-4, 320-pound offensive lineman from Reading High, and Marquise Goods, a 5-11, 175-pound cornerback from Orange (N.J.) High.

* Kale Beers has been promoted to associate athletic director for external affairs at La Salle University, where he is a 14-year employee.

Sport Stops

* Northern Iowa offensive lineman Austin Steichen and two other men have been arrested in Arnolds Park, Iowa, in connection with an alleged assault. Police said Steichen and the others were arrested Tuesday after a fight that left an unidentified man unconscious. Steichen, who will be a senior next season, was charged with willful injury, public intoxication, disorderly conduct and simple assault.

* Jeremy Mayfield missed the deadline to enter tomorrow night's Spring Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway after successfully fighting NASCAR to get back behind the wheel following a failed random drug test. His only hope for participating in the Coke Zero 400 is as a relief driver, a change NASCAR must approve. *