Track and field: LaShawn Merritt wins 400 at World Championships

Track and field • LaShawn Merritt of the United States reclaimed the world title in the men's 400 meters Tuesday in Moscow, pulling away from the pack early and winning by more than half a second.

Merritt crossed in 43.74 seconds, the fastest time of the year. Merritt also won the world title in 2009.

American teammate Tony McQuay earned the silver in 44.40, and Luguelin Santos of the Dominican Republic took the bronze in 44.52.

Nick Symmonds wound up second in the 800, giving the U.S. the highest medal in that event ever at the worlds.

"I tried to run the race just like I envisioned it," said Symmonds, who was beaten by Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia. "Now, I have the next five days left for sightseeing and celebrations."

FIFA asks Russia to explain anti-gay law

Soccer • FIFA has asked authorities in 2018 World Cup host Russia for "clarification and more details" about a new anti-gay law, joining the International Olympic Committee in seeking answers from Moscow.

Legislation prohibiting "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors" has provoked an international furor since President Vladimir Putin signed it off in June and sparked growing concern at the IOC leading to the Sochi Winter Games in February.

Wyoming player will serve jail time

Basketball • A Wyoming basketball player accused of kicking a man in the face during a bar fight last winter has been ordered to serve jail time and pay $58,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge.

Luke Martinez of Bismarck, N.D., entered the plea Monday in circuit court in Laramie, according to Joshua Merseal, deputy Albany County prosecutor.

From wire reports