The flu didn't get to Cristie Kerr during the week. The weather didn't get to her over the weekend. And none of her competitors could stop her from collecting a second LPGA State Farm Classic victory Monday at Springfield, Ill.
"It's pretty amazing," Kerr said. "An amazing, long week."
Kerr held off late challenges by Anna Nordqvist and Na Yeon Choi at the rain-delayed tournament, shooting a 3-under 69 in the final round at Panther Creek Country Club to secure the first LPGA Tour victory by an American since Michelle Wie won the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in November.
Kerr, who also won the title in 2004, finished at 22-under 266, a shot ahead of Nordqvist and Choi.
"That definitely motivates me to be the top American and top player on tour," said Kerr, who won $255,000 to move into the second on the money list $60,000 behind Ai Miyazato. "I'm just happy not to have to answer, 'Why are there no American winners anymore?' "
Juli Inkster, second after a first-round 65 had her tied for second, shot 68-71 on the weekend to end in 35th.
Karrie Webb made her way into a tie for 11th with a final-round 65. Michelle Wie finished at 6 under, tied for 52nd.
Stosur ousts Oudin
Australia's Samantha Stosur, coming off a loss in the French Open final to Francesca Schiavone, defeated Melanie Oudin 6-4, 6-4 Monday at the Aegon International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, England.
Stosur eliminated an American opponent who last year beat Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon to reach the fourth round as a qualifier.
Among the men, third-seeded Gilles Simon of France made a successful return from a knee injury. In his first match since March, Simon beat Russia's Evgeny Korolev 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4.
American James Blake, who has dropped to No. 110 after a similar injury, lost 7-6 (3), 7-5 to fourth-seeded Julien Benneteau of France.
Unicef Open: At Den Bosch, Netherlands, top-seeded Justine Henin of Belgium made a successful return to grass after a three-year absence, beating Germany's Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-2 in the first round.
On the men's side, Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands ousted compatriot and sixth-seeded Thiemo de Bakker 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4) and Belgium's Xavier Malisse defeated "lucky loser" Rajeev Ram of the U.S. 6-3, 6-2.
Big tab for Astrodome
The iconic Houston Astrodome could become a convention and science center under a $1.35 billion-dollar proposal unveiled by Harris County officials and complex operators Monday, if taxpayers are willing to pay at least a third of the cost.
Officials' three-option plan also includes a proposal to level the building - the nation's first indoor air-conditioned multi-use stadium - and replace it with a plaza, although even that project carries a hefty price tag at $873 million, said Mark Miller general manager of SMG-Reliant Park.
Cycling: Lance Armstrong's RadioShack team complained of unfair treatment Monday after being refused an invitation to take part in the Spanish Vuelta race. RadioShack was the most prominent absentee from the list of 22 teams that will compete.
The Vuelta is considered among the top three multi-stage races, along with the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia.
At Schwarzenburg, Switzerland, Frank Schleck of Luxembourg led a late breakaway Monday to win the third stage of the Tour of Switzerland, and Lance Armstrong gained ground in the standings.
Auto racing: Les Richter, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection for the Los Angeles Rams who became a top NASCAR executive after retiring from the NFL, has died. He was 79. His family said he died Saturday at Riverside (Calif.) Community Hospital.
RailHawks play today
The Carolina RailHawks begin their quest for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at 7 p.m. today at WakeMed Soccer Park's Field 2 when they host the Charlotte Eagles of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division. All tickets costs $5. Call 919-859-5425, or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com.
