ITALIAN GOLFER FAILS DRUGS TEST

An Italian golfer has failed a drugs test, according to the Italian Olympic Committee.
His name is Alessandro Pissilli. He is a professional and plays on the Italian Pro Tour.
Pissilli tested positive for finasteride during the Omnium National Championship near Turin on June 29 after a test was requested by the Italian Golf Federation.
Finasteride, most commonly used in treating hair loss, is not performance-enhancing but is on the banned list because it can be used as a masking agent.
The European Tour and the other major international circuits are formulating an anti-doping policy which is planned to come into effect next year.
The Italian Olympic Committee, which acts as the country's anti-doping body, has been on a crusade to clean up sport with athletes, from volleyballers to cyclists, being brought in for doping hearings.
Pissilli has been suspended by the Italian Golf Federation. He could face a two-year ban if found guilty of a doping violation.
His local golf club in Florence released a statement, saying he had informed authorities at the time of the test that he had taken the drug for almost two years to treat a prostate problem.