Sport around the Globe - March 1, 2005
March 01, 2005 Edition 1
Athletics
Verdict on sprinters delayed: the The Greek Athletics Association has postponed the judgement on two top sprinters for missing doping tests, including one on the eve of last year's Olympics. Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, who face career-ending bans for allegedly avoiding three drugs tests in two months, were expected to learn their fate yesterday, but the date has been pushed back by two weeks due to late evidence they introduced.
Kenya ban top runner: Two-time London marathon runner-up Susan Chepkemei of Kenya has been banned from all competition until the end of the year for not showing up at an official training session for the world cross-country championships in France on March 19 and 20. The suspension will prevent the 29-year-old Chepkemei, who competed in Puerto Rico on Sunday, from running in next month's London marathon.
Cricket
Tsunami match in doubt: The International Cricket Council's second tsunami appeal match, due to be played in Kolkata next month, has been put on hold as hot weather is expected in the eastern Indian metropolis. Asian Cricket Council president Jagmohan Dalmiya said he would leave it to the ICC to decide the fate of the fixture, originally scheduled for February, but postponed due to the non-availability of top players.
Lee full toss 'accidental': Australia captain Ricky Ponting has defended paceman Brett Lee over alleged dangerous bowling. Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum had an angry exchange of words with Lee during Saturday's match in Auckland after being struck on an arm by a waist-high full toss. Ponting said Lee must work hard to eliminate beamers, but insisted they were accidental. "He won't do anything like that on purpose."
Golf
Toms returns to top 10: American David Toms moved back into the world's top 10 after cruising to a record victory in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Carlsbad, California, on Sunday. The 2001 US PGA champion, 38, produced superb golf all week before crushing compatriot Chris DiMarco 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final. He climbed seven places to ninth in the official rankings.
Netball
SA team head Down Under: South Africa face a tough three-test series against world No 2 Australia in the next two weeks. The Proteas will meet the eight-time world champions in Perth (on Saturday), Adelaide (March 9) and Melbourne (March 12).
South Africa team: Martha Mosoahle (capt), Charlene du Toit (vice-capt), Sindy Gumede, Christine Markgraaff, Manzo Machoga, Alicia Senekal, Nthabiseng Moabi, Lizanne Helmand, Karin Venter, Noma Matjila, Alicia Janse van Rensburg, Simnikiwe Malusi. Coach: Marlene Wagner.
Rugby
Pelous out of SA tour: France captain Fabien Pelous has asked coach Bernard Laporte not to consider him for the tour of South Africa and Australia in mid-year in order to rest and prepare himself for the 2007 World Cup. The veteran lock, who should win his 100th cap in the Six Nations test against Ireland in Dublin on March 12, complained of feeling physically exhausted after Saturday's 24-18 loss by Wales in Paris.
Aussies appoint Mitchell: Former New Zealand coach John Mitchell has been named coach of Australia's fourth franchise due to join the expanded Super 14 next year. Mitchell, who will sign a three-year deal to take charge of the Perth-based outfit, has agreed to help the Wallabies if required. He had an 86% success rate with the All Blacks until he was axed after the 2003 World Cup.
Soccer
Peers back Mourinho: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho enjoys the support of the League Managers' Association following his sending-off during Sunday's English League Cup final. He put a finger to his lips when Chelsea drew level to force extra time. The fourth official promptly ordered him from the bench for inciting Liverpool fans. "I thought (his action) was fairly innocuous," LMA vice-chairman Frank Clark said yesterday.
FA charges Prutton: Southampton midfielder David Prutton has been charged with improper conduct following a red card against Arsenal in Saturday's English Premier League match at St Mary's. Prutton yesterday publicly apologised, but is still expected be handed a lengthy ban for pushing the referee and using "threatening words and/ or behaviour" towards a match official. The case will be heard by the FA tomorrow.
Jol won't go home: Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol has moved quickly to allay the fears of supporters that he may leave the English Premier League club for a similar post at struggling Dutch giants Ajax. "My future is at Spurs; I'm happy here," said the 48-year-old Dutchman who turned Spurs' fortunes around since replacing Frenchman Jacques Santini as manager earlier this season.
Tennis
Davenport wants equal pay: World No 1 Lindsay Davenport has again criticised Wimbledon for failing to offer equal prize money to men and women. The Dubai Open yesterday became the third tournament - after the Australian and US Opens - to make no difference between genders in awarding prize money. "I think it is highly insulting (to women) when prize money is taken away (like at Wimbledon and the French Open)," she said.
