Putin: Russian doping scandals could be U.S. election meddling

MOSCOW » President Vladimir Putin is suggesting that a recent flurry of Russian sports doping allegations could be an American attempt to interfere in next year’s Russian presidential election.

On Thursday, four Russian crosscountry skiers were found guilty of doping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In all, six Russian skiers have been found guilty by an International Olympics Committee commission.

Putin noted that international sports organizations have a complex skein of “relationships and dependencies.” He said “and the controlling stake is in the United States,” where sponsors and television broadcasters are concentrated.

“In response to our alleged interference in their elections, they want to create problems during the election of the president of Russia,” he said Thursday.

Golf: Kizzire opens with 62

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO » Patton Kizzire carried some momentum from last week in Las Vegas by running off six straight birdies in the middle of his round for a career-low 9-under 62 and a two-shot lead in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. HAINAN, CHINA » Ashleigh Buhai shot a 4-under 68 to take a onestroke lead after the second round of the Blue Bay LPGA tournament.

MLB: Yanks interview coach

NEW YORK » Longtime Yankees coach Rob Thomson emphasized his ability to speak with players as he became the first person to audition for the manager job that opened when Joe Girardi was jettisoned last month. Thmoson has been with the Yankees for 28 seasons.