From staff and wire reports

Diaz takes lead at Jamie Farr

Laura Diaz, who shot a career-low 64 at last year's Jamie Farr Classic at Sylvania Meadows Golf Club near Toledo, opened ine stroke higher yesterday to lead this year's tournament. Diaz leads by one stroke over defending champion Rachel Taske, who shot a 5-under-par 66. Diaz, 28, from Scotonia, N.Y. sank birdie putts of 60 and 40 feet to vault into the lead.

Thistledown stops; Northfield goes on

Thistledown lost the last two live races on its seven-race card. Simulcasting partner, River Downs in Cincinnati, was unaffected by the blackout and was able to complete its program. Bettors at Thistledown holding wagers on the River Downs races, although in the dark, were able to hear audio from Thistledown's PA system. Meanwhile, a few miles down the road at Northfield Park, simulcasting on out-of-state signals continued as usual.

Clarett's tutor won't talk

The former teaching assistant who charged that star Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett receiverd preferential treatment in the classroom won't talk to a university committee investigating her allegations. "They'll use information that's not true," Norma C. McGill said yesterday. "I don't trust OSU with my information. I'll trust an NCAA investigator.

Rockers postponed by blackout

Last night's Rockers game against the Connecticut Sun was postponed because of yesterday's power failure in downtown Ccleveland. There was no makeup date announced by the team. One other WNBA game - Houston at New York - was also postponed.