Sports briefs

CYCLINGRussian tests positive at Tour

Russia's Alexandr Kolobnev became the first cyclist at this year's Tour de France to fail a doping test, the International Cycling Union said Monday. Kolobnev was in 69th place entering Tuesday's 10th stage. The UCI said a urine sample collected Wednesday tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that can be used to mask other drugs. He has four days to request a "B" sample analysis.

GOLFOpen trio: McIlroy, Els, Fowler

Coming off a record-breaking win at the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy is paired with Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler for the first two rounds of the British Open, which begins Thursday at Royal St. George's. Defending champion Louis Oosthuizen will play with Phil Mickelson and Martin Kaymer.

HOCKEYJirik, NHL's first Czech, dies

Jaroslav Jirik, 71, the first Czech allowed to play in the NHL during the nation's communist era, died in a plane crash. The one-seater Jirik was piloting went down shortly after takeoff and caught fire, police in Brno, Czech Republic, said. Jirik, a right wing, played only three games for the Blues in the 1969-70 season. He had 83 goals in 134 international games for Czechoslovakia.

NFLDeputy kills former Bengal

A California deputy shot and killed former Bengals running back David Lee "Deacon" Turner in front of a Bakersfield convenience store after he allegedly hit an officer with a bag holding two cans of beer. Turner, 56, played in the NFL from 1978-1980.

Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones might face up to a year in jail in Nevada for violating a probation stay-out-of-trouble order following his weekend arrest in Cincinnati, Las Vegas' top prosecutor said . . . Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel confirmed he is retiring to become linebackers coach at his alma mater, Ohio State.-- AP