American claims New York Marathon

American Meb Keflezighi wiped away tears after winning the New York City Marathon on Sunday - for his historic victory for his country, for his recovery from an injury he once feared might end his career.

Keflezighi, 34, became the first American man since 1982 to win the NYC Marathon, the latest twist in the story of a family that fled war to thrive in a new home.

"It can't get any better," Keflezighi said.

Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia was the women's winner, capping a stunning comeback of her own on a day when a record field of nearly 44,000 started the 40th edition of this race. Two-time defending champion Paula Radcliffe fell back to fourth, hobbled by tendinitis behind her left knee.

Six Americans finished in the top 10 for the first time since 1979.

Keflezighi became an American citizen in 1998. He was born in the East African nation of Eritrea, growing up in a hut with no electricity.

When he was 10, his family moved to Italy; two years later, they came to the United States. Keflezighi began running in junior high in San Diego, then went on to star at UCLA.

Keflezighi pulled away from Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya in the 23rd mile to beat the four-time Boston Marathon champ by 41 seconds. His time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 15 seconds was a personal best.

Morocco's Jaouad Gharib finished third, and Ryan Hall, who won the U.S. trials in New York two years ago, was fourth. Defending champion Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil did not finish.

"Definitely today wearing that USA jersey got the crowd going," he said. "Definitely wore it with big honor and pride."

Tulu won in 2:28:52. Ludmila Petrova, a 41-year-old Russian, was second.

Samuelson sets age-group record: Former N.C. State star and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit

Samuelson, 52, finished in 2 hours, 49 minutes, 9 seconds to break the NYC Marathon 50-plus division record of 2:53:53 set by S. Rae Baymiller in 1993.

Samuelson finished 17th overall in the women's division.

Redick scores career-high 27

Former Duke star J.J. Redick scored a career-high 27 as the Orlando Magic used a season-high 17 3-pointers to beat the host Toronto Raptors 125-116 on Sunday.

Redick received an encouraging telephone call from his coach at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski, after Orlando's win at New Jersey on Friday.

"Coach K called me right after the game," Redick said. "He said, 'It's right there, you're going to have one of your games where you knock down five or six 3s.' I didn't know it would be this soon."

Redick made five of eight 3s.

Celtics 97, Hornets 87: Paul Pierce scored 27 points Sunday as host Boston improved to 4-0 with a victory over New Orleans.

Heat 95, Bulls 87: Dwyane Wade scored 25 points Sunday to push his career total to 10,005 as host Miami improved to 3-0.

Serena claims sister act

Serena Williams bested big sister Venus again Sunday, winning 6-2, 7-6 (4) in the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar, for her third victory of the tennis season.

"It feels great," Serena said. "I totally didn't expect to come here and win."

Serena sealed the match with a crosscourt forehand winner and celebrated with a simple fist pump before hugging her sister at the net.

Roberts wins $1 million

John Cook won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup at Sonoma, Calif., by five strokes for his second Champions Tour title in three weeks, while Loren Roberts held on to win the season points title.

Cook closed with a 3-under 69 to finish at 22-under 266. He broke the tournament record of 268 shared by Jim Thorpe and Andy Bean.

Roberts had a 66 to tie for sixth at 13-under 275 and win the points title and $1 million annuity for the second time in three years.

World Match Play Championship: Ross Fisher of England beat American Anthony Kim 4 and 3 to win the 36-hole event at Casares, Spain.

Vettel takes F1 race

Sebastian Vettel won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, and Mark Webber hung on for second to give Red Bull a one-two finish in the final Formula One race of the season.

Brawn GP driver Jenson Button, who had already wrapped up the drivers' championship, was third.