A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Odesnik cleared to make return
TENNIS: Wayne Odesnik has been cleared to return to tennis next week after having the second year of his ban from the sport suspended by the International Tennis Federation.
The 25-year-old American was given the ban in May after violating anti-doping rules but has been rewarded for providing “ongoing substantial assistance” in the fight against drugs.
The case became public in March when Odesnik pleaded guilty to transporting human growth hormone into Australia ahead of the Brisbane International in January.
He was fined more than €4,700 but never tested positive and has always denied taking the drug.
Because of the unusual nature of the offence, Odesnik was free to carry on playing until the ITF had completed their investigations, and he did just that before accepting a voluntary suspension in April.
The former world number 77, who has now lost his ranking, was particularly heavily criticised by other American players, led by Andy Roddick.
Dominguez insists she is innocent
ATHLETICS: World steeplechase champion Marta Dominguez again protested her innocence after appearing yesterday before a Madrid court to give evidence as part of the Spanish investigation into doping.
Dominguez, who also insisted she aims to compete again, was one of the 14 people – including doctors, pharmacists, trainers and coaches – questioned by the Spanish civil guard a fortnight ago as part of the widespread anti-doping probe, dubbed “Operation Galgo (Greyhound)”.
Dominguez told Spanish news agency EFE last week she had “never trafficked doping substances” and the 35-year-old reiterated her stance yesterday to reporters outside a Madrid court after her hearing.
“I’m innocent, I’m very clear about that. In my house they’ve not found any banned substances,” she said.
“I’ve not doped and a lot of damage has been done to my image, my family and to my loved ones,” she added.
Final accolade for McDowell
SPORTS AWARDS: US Open champion and Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell was named RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year last night.
In 2010, the Portrush golfer claimed his first PGA Tour victory by becoming the first Irishman to win the US Open, before going on to play a pivotal role in the European Ryder Cup winning team with an incredible putt on the 16th hole of the deciding singles match.
The Team of the Year award was presented to the Irish Men’s Senior Boxing team, winners of an unprecedented five medals at the European Championships.
Snooker’s Dennis Taylor was honoured with the RTÉ/Irish Sports Council Hall of Fame Award.
This year marks 25 years since his 1985 World Championship win in which he beat world number one Steve Davis on the black ball.
Katich could yet make shock return
CRICKET: Injured Australia opener Simon Katich has revealed he is set to make a shock return in time for the fifth Ashes Test, increasing the pressure on Phillip Hughes to find form in the St Stephen’s Day Test in Melbourne.
Katich damaged his Achilles’ tendon during the second Test defeat to England in Adelaide and was initially expected to miss the rest of the summer.
But the veteran left-hander has revealed his comeback plans are ahead of schedule and he may be fit for the Sydney Test.
Hughes replaced Katich for the third Test in Perth but failed twice as Australia pulled off a series-saving win.
“I’ve been having treatment on it every day for the last few weeks and it’s all going really well,” Katich said.
Asked if he’d be fit in time for Sydney, he replied: “I’m a long shot but you never know.”
Fehily leaving Kauto to McCoy
RACING: Noel Fehily has stood himself down from the ride on Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day.
The rider has proved an able deputy in recent weeks for Ruby Walsh, who is recovering from a leg injury. Fehily suffered a wrist injury at Newbury last month, only for it to be ruled not as bad as first feared and he successfully returned to action this month.
Nicholls revealed he offered the ride to Tony McCoy, who accepted.
Arum reveals Pacquiao has chosen Mosley as next foe
BOXING: Manny Pacquiao will fight Shane Mosley, a former champion in three divisions, on May 7th in Las Vegas, promoter Bob Arum confirmed yesterday.
The fight, to be held at the MGM Grand, will be contested at the welterweight limit of 147lb, Top Rank promoter Arum said.
“Mosley is very dangerous, he’s a very slick fighter, very experienced,” said Arum. “Manny’s style is made to order for Shane. It should be a very, very interesting fight.”
After considering Mosley, lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto, Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) told Arum of his choice last week in the Philippines.
He (Pacquiao) liked Mosley because Mosley is better known than the other two,” Arum said. “It is a name selection. He picked the guy that is known to more people because that is going to generate interest in the fight.”
Arum said Pacquiao (32), would have preferred to meet Floyd Mayweather Jr.
