Peirsol leaves mark far back in his wake

Aaron Peirsol smashed his own world record in the 200-meter backstroke Friday, turning in an eye-catching performance even at a world championships where 35 records have fallen. His time of 1 minute, 51.92 seconds wiping out the mark of 1:53.08 he set at the U.S. nationals three weeks ago.

Japan's Ryosuke Irie also went under the record (1:52.51) but wasn't even close to Peirsol.

Michael Phelps claimed his third gold medal of the championships, swimming the leadoff leg of the 800 freestyle relay won by the United States in a world record of 6 minutes, 58.55 seconds. Ricky Berens, David Walter and Ryan Lochte swam the other legs.

NHL

The NHL is investigating Marian Hossa's contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and Chris Pronger's deal with the Philadelphia Flyers, according to newspaper and ESPN reports.

The league confirmed that it is looking into the deals to determine whether they circumvent the salary cap by loading pay early in the contract.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Tito Ortiz has returned to the UFC. Fedor Emelianenko doesn't appear close to joining him.

UFC President Dana White announced a deal to bring back Ortiz, a popular mixed martial artist who left the league last year in a dispute with White over money.

White said efforts to sign Emelianenko failed because the Russian heavyweight's handlers are demanding a co-promotion deal. Emelianenko is considered the world's top fighter. White is eager to match Emelianenko against UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar, a former NCAA wrestling champion for the Gophers.

FIGURE SKATING

Michelle Kwan chose school over skating. The nine-time U.S. champion announced she will not return to competitive skating in hopes of making the Vancouver Olympics. Instead, she will begin classes for a master's degree in international affairs at Tufts University.

"Skating will always be a part of me," said Kwan, 29. "But in the bigger picture of my life, I have always wanted to find a career that will allow me to make a positive contribution and difference in the world."

AROUND THE HORN

Auto racing: Rain washed out NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying Friday in Long Pond, Pa., putting Tony Stewart on the pole because he is the points leader.

NBA: Tyler Hansbrough will sit out up to two months because of a right shin injury, but the Indiana Pacers believe their first-round draft pick will be healthy for the start of the season. ...Hakim Warrick, a 6-9 forward, agreed to a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

WNBA: The New York Liberty fired coach Pat Coyle and promoted Anne Donovan to interim coach. The team has a 6-11 record.

Tennis: Wimbledon champion Serena Williams lost to Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, Calif.

College football: Hawaii coach Greg McMackin was suspended for 30 days without pay and has volunteered to take an additional 7 percent pay cut from his $1.1 million salary for making a derogatory comment about Notre Dame.

Minnesota Scene: Paris Rosen of Apple Valley failed to become the first rider to land a front flip in competition when he tried it in Freestyle Moto X Best Trick at the X Games in Los Angeles. He rotated too little on his first attempt and was unable to try again because of pain. Kyle Loza won for the third consecutive year. ... The St. Paul Saints hit the end of a five-game winning streak, losing 9-4 to the Explorers in Sioux City.

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