LOS ANGELES (AP) - Candace Parker is returning to action for the
Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Mercury.
      The team said on Friday that last season's WNBA MVP and rookie
of the year will be in the lineup for the first time since giving
birth to her daughter on May 13.
      Parker, who played college ball for Tennessee, was cleared by
doctors to begin practicing Tuesday. She has not played at all this
season.
      Last season, Parker started all 33 games she played in, led the
league in rebounding and led all rookies in scoring and rebounding.
      Parker's return couldn't come at a better time for the Sparks
(3-5). The preseason favorites to win the WNBA title are
next-to-last in the Western Conference and have yet to win a road
game.
     
      (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)