Sports

Sports Shorts

AUTO: Hamlin wins in New Hampshire

Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR race at Loudon, N.H., yesterday, getting the mistake-free trip he needed to win for the series-leading fifth time this year. Jimmie Johnson finished second and took the lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Jeff Gordon was third.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Singapore Grand Prix for the second straight year, jumping up to second place in the Formula One drivers’ championship. Hamilton’s teammate, Jenson Button, finished second at Marina Bay ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who increased his championship lead from 27 to 29 points.

SOCCER: Terry quits English team

Former England captain John Terry unexpectedly ended his nine-year international career, quitting before he was due to face a racism hearing because his place in the team had become “untenable.” Despite being cleared in court of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match last year, the Chelsea defender was facing a lengthy ban if found guilty by a Football Association panel this week.

Robin van Persie’s penalty kick gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over 10-man Liverpool. Van Persie beat Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 81st minute after Antonio Valencia was fouled by Glen Johnson.

Laurent Koscielny spared Arsenal from a first loss of the Premier League season at Manchester City, clinching a 1-1 draw against the defending champions.

HOOPS: Curtis’ Martin commits to URI

Staten Island boys basketball standout Hassan Martin verbally committed to Rhode Island yesterday, he told The Post. The versatile 6-foot-7 Curtis HS star picked Dan Hurley’s program over Providence and St. Joseph’s, joining top Detroit point guard E.C. Matthews in the Rams’ recruiting class. “They’re trying to build a powerhouse,” Martin said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. I just need to work hard and hopefully we’ll make it far in the tournament some day.” — Zach Braziller

GOLF: Lewis holds off teen Thompson in LPGA

In Prattville, Ala., Stacy Lewis won the Navistar LPGA Classic for her third LPGA Tour victory in five months, closing with a 3-under 69 to beat defending champion Lexi Thompson by two strokes.

Lewis, who reclaimed the No. 2 spot in the world rankings, parred the final two holes after a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 16 gave her the final cushion. Thompson, 17, shot a 66 to rebound from a third-round 74.