Barbora Zahlavova Strycova banned from tennis 6 months for doping

LONDON — The International Tennis Federation says Czech player Barbora Zahlavova Strycova has been banned six months for doping.

The 26-year-old Strycova tested positive for the stimulant sibutramine on Oct. 16 at the Luxembourg Open. She says the drug got into her system through a supplement and denied taking it to enhance her performance.

The ITF says it does not dispute the claim, but still banned her for the doping violation.

The ban for the 124th-ranked player has been backdated from Oct. 16 and all her results since then will be wiped out. She will be eligible to return on April 15.