In brief: Alexander wins Ironman world title again

Triathlon: Craig Alexander ran away with the Ironman World Championship on Saturday, setting a course record in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, to win the event for the third time.

The 38-year-old Australian, also the 2008 and 2009 winner, finished in 8 hours, 3 minutes, 56 seconds in the 140.6-mile race that includes a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride through lava fields and marathon run in and around Kona village.

“I wish I could tell you how it feels,” Alexander said. “It’s unbelievable. I wish everyone in the world could feel what I felt in the last mile. It’s the finish I’ve been dreaming of.”

Alexander, who also won the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon this past summer, leapt across the finish line, collapsed flat on his back and received hugs from his family. He admitted he had been suffering from cramps during the final miles of the run.

The previous course record was 8:04:08 by Belguim’s Luc Van Lierde in 1996.

Ironman rookie Pete Jacobs, also from Australia, was second in 8:09:11. Germany’s Andreas Raelert was third in 8:11:07.

In the women’s division, Britain’s Chrissie Wellington, who also won at Coeur d’Alene, this year, hung on for her fourth world title, finishing in 8:55:08. The 34-year-old Wellington ran the last 100 yards trailing a huge Union Jack and burst into tears as she broke the tape. Her parents were there to greet her with hugs.

Bolland sparks Blackhawks victory

NHL: Dave Bolland scored two goals while Andrew Brunette, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp each had one to lead Chicago to a 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars in the Blackhawks’ home opener.

• Kessel’s hat trick carries Leafs: Phil Kessel had three goals and an assist and the Toronto Maple Leafs held off the Ottawa Senators 6-5 in Toronto for their second victory in two games this season.

Howard ruptured his Achilles tendon

Baseball: The Philadelphia Phillies say first baseman Ryan Howard has a torn Achilles tendon and it’s uncertain if he will be ready for spring training next year.

The power-hitting first baseman was injured on the final play of Philadelphia’s season-ending loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the NLDS Friday night, falling as he ran out of the batter’s box on a grounder.

• MacPhail leaves Orioles: The Baltimore Orioles announced that president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail will not seek an extension and is leaving the club after four-plus years.

Buck Showalter will remain the Orioles’ manager.

Baird has chance to end winless streak

Golf: Briny Baird drove the 17th green and made a 15-foot eagle putt for a 7-under 64 to take a two-shot lead at the Frys.com Open in San Martin, Calif., and give him a chance to finally win a PGA Tour event.

Baird has gone 347 tournaments over 12 years on tour without hoisting a trophy. But he has been around long enough to know that anything that happen in the final round, especially with Ernie Els and Paul Casey in the last group.

Tiger Woods shot a 68 and was nine shots behind.

Spokane’s Alex Prugh failed to make the cut after rounds of 76 and 72.

Former Pullman resident Kirk Triplett shot a second-round 78 to miss the cut with a 152.

• Faxon takes lead: Brad Faxon moved into position for his first Champions Tour title, shooting a 7-under 65 in windy conditions to take a one-stroke lead in the Insperity Championship in The Woodlands, Texas.

• Leader Yang ties record: Local youngster Soo-Jin Yang tied the course record with a 65 as she took over the lead of the LPGA’s Hana Bank Championship in Incheon, South Korea, one stroke ahead of world No. 1 Yani Tseng.

Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., is 11 shots back after a second-round 70.

American gymnasts top qualifying

Miscellany: The American Kiddie Corps looked as if they’d been on the big stage for years, responding to the loss of Beijing Olympics captain Alicia Sacramone with a commanding performance that topped qualifying at the women’s world gymnastics championships in Tokyo and secured a spot at the 2012 London Games.

• Vettel takes F1 pole, as usual: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel earned the pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan, putting himself in the perfect place to claim the Formula One championship in today’s race.

• Amazombie victorious: Amazombie circled the field at the top of the stretch and took the lead on his way to a three-quarters of a length victory in the $250,000 Ancient Title Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., while The Factor faded to fourth.

• Wade’s team wins: Dwyane Wade made two free throws with 3.2 seconds left to lead his team to a 141-140 win in the South Florida All-Star Classic at Florida International University in Miami.

The game featured Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay and other locked-out NBA players.