SPORTS digest

King’s ends drought with first win in 2 years

Hartford

Rex King broke a two-year winless streak by winning the 25-lap Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Big-Block Modified feature on Sunday at Sharon Speedway.

The Bristolville native started fourth and got by his son, Rex King Jr. and Bob Warren on the opening lap for second. King quickly caught leader Dave Murdick and by lap three, Murdick and King began to pull away.

It was the 53rd win of his career.

USA ties Mexico in World Cup qualifier

MEXICO CITY

Michael Bradley scored a stunning early goal from about 40 yards and the U.S. hung on for a 1-1 tie against Mexico in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday night, gaining only its third point at Azteca Stadium as coach Bruce Arena changed seven starters and used a five-man defense to overcome the thin air and short recovery time.

Bradley put the U.S. ahead in the sixth minute when he deflected a poor backpass by Mexican star Javier Hernandez and created his own breakaway.

Carlos Vela tied the score in the 23rd minute with a 23-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Brad Guzan to the near post, and Hector Herrera nearly put El Tri ahead in the 71st with a 30-yard free kick that rebounded off the crossbar.

With its second draw in three road qualifiers, the U.S. continued to recover from its awful 0-2 start last fall and prompted chants of “U-S-A!” from the American Outlaws section in the upper deck.

Power wins crash-filled IndyCar race in Texas

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Will Power won a wild IndyCar race under caution at the repaved and reconfigured Texas track with only eight of the 22-car field actually crossing the finish line Saturday night.

Power finished ahead of Tony Kanaan, who other drivers blamed for an earlier nine-car crash that led to a nearly 31-minute red flag.

The final caution came when Takuma Sato, driving the same car he won the Indianapolis 500 in two weeks ago and pushing for another, got his left side slightly into the grass on the front stretch, with five laps to go. That sent him spinning, and also took out Scott Dixon.

FIFA pulls Qatari refs from qualifiers

ZURICH

FIFA says it has agreed to a request from the United Arab Emirates for Qataris to be stopped from officiating at a World Cup qualifier due to the diplomatic rift between the Gulf nations.

A referee from Singapore has replaced a one from Qatar for the UAE’s match against Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday. He will be assisted by a fellow Singaporean and two officials from Malaysia.

FIFA said in a statement to The Associated Press that “the decision has been taken for sporting reasons and in view of the current geopolitical situation.”

Earlier this week, the UAE joined Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt in severing ties with Qatar after accusing the 2022 World Cup host nation of sponsoring terrorism. Qatar denies it backs extremist groups.

Keyshawn Johnson’s son ticketed for pot

LINCOLN, NEB.

Nebraska freshman receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. has been ticketed for marijuana possession after a resident director reported suspected drug use in a dormitory room.

According to a university police report, officers responding to a call to Selleck Hall on Friday found 4.5 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Johnson’s room. Johnson was ticketed and released for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Johnson, the son of former NFL receiver Keyshawn Johnson, is expected to compete for playing time this season.

A Nebraska athletic department statement said coach Mike Riley was aware of the situation.

Staff/wire report