MotoGP champ Stoner cleared to defend Indy title

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- A right ankle injury will not keep reigning world champion Casey Stoner from defending his Indianapolis Grand Prix title.

The 26-year-old Australian was declared "fit to ride" by doctors Sunday morning and will start sixth in the 22-motorcycle race.

Stoner was atop the speed chart in Saturday's qualifying when his bike wobbled and the two-time world champ flew over the handle bars and tumbled through the grass. When he tried to walk off, he called for medical attention and was taken away on a stretcher.

Repsol Honda, Stoner's team, issued a statement Sunday saying doctors found several small chip fractures and four torn ligament in the ankle.

Stoner wore protection around the ankle Saturday night and says it's the first time he couldn't walk away from a crash.

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