Kim Coon

BOURG-EN-BRESSE, France (AP) — Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali has a firm grip on the yellow jersey as the 12th stage of the Tour de France gets underway.

ROME (AP) — The World Cup final referee says Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer was disoriented and confused after taking a heavy blow to the head early in Sunday's match.

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — Germany has climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings after winning the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — The 143rd edition of the British Open is underway at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England. Masters winner Bubba Watson and U.S. Open champ Martin Kaymer (KY'-mur) are seeking their second major title of the year. Reigning British Open champ Phil Mickelson tees off later today.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers must decide how Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy's conviction on charges of assault on a female and communicating threats will affect his future in Carolina. Carolina made Hardy its franchise player in March, signing him to a one-year, $13.1 million deal after a 15-sack season last year. But talks of a long-term deal fizzled after Hardy was first arrested.

MONTGOMERY-SPEEDING ARREST

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — David Howell hit the first shot of the 143rd British Open on Thursday. He also was the first to hit in the rough, and the first to make a bogey.

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Ben Crane traveled 24 hours to get to Royal Liverpool and he might not even get to play in the British Open.