Cycling
Astana’s pro team license is under UCI review
AIGLE, Switzerland – The governing body of cycling will ask its license commission to review the Astana team’s status after a series of doping cases.
The International Cycling Union said the Kazakh team will appear before the license commission “for an assessment of the team’s level of compliance with the ethical criteria so that the appropriate measures can be then taken.”
This comes after brothers Maxim and Valentin Iglinskiy tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO). A third Astana rider, llya Davidenok, was notified of a positive test for “anabolic androgenic steroids” in August.
Astana withdrew from this weekend’s Tour of Beijing after Iglinskiy opted not to contest his positive test. The decision is in accordance with the rules of the Movement for Credible Cycling, which Astana is part of along with 10 other World Tour teams.
Golf
Stenson upsets McDowell; Reed defeats Casey
ASH, England – Defending champion Graeme McDowell’s comeback fell short, while Henrik Stenson rallied from three holes down with success Thursday at the World Match Play Championship.
McDowell fell to Mikko Ilonen of Finland 2 and 1 in their second pool match at the London Club. It only was McDowell’s third defeat in 18 matches in the event.
Ilonen raced to 4 up after 10 holes before McDowell fought back with birdies on 11, 13 and 15 to be 1 down. But Ilonen, the Irish Open champion, birdied the 17th to seal the win.
Only their pool leader Joost Luiten of the Netherlands, and Victor Dubuisson, remain unbeaten going into the final round of pool play Friday to determine the quarterfinalists.
Stenson, the top seed in the 16-man event, produced a startling finish of eagle-birdie-birdie to overcome Francesco Molinari of Italy 2 and 1.
Pablo Larrazabal holed a chip shot from the rough for birdie at the last hole to defeat Stephen Gallacher 1 up.
Ryder Cup-winning hero Jamie Donaldson won 4 and 3 against Jonas Blixt of Sweden, American Patrick Reed won his first match in the event, 2 and 1 over 2006 champion Paul Casey of England, and George Coetzee of South Africa remained in quarterfinal contention by beating 2013 runner-up Thongchai Jaidee 2 and 1.
MLB
Rangers go to the Pirates’ bench for next manager
A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press the Texas Rangers chose Pittsburgh Pirates’ bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager.
The person confirmed multiple reports Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Rangers.
Banister got the nod over two other finalists, interim manager Tim Bogar and Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash. Bogar led the Rangers to a 14-8 record to end the regular season after manager Ron Washington’s sudden resignation Sept. 5.
The 49-year-old Banister has been Pittsburgh’s bench coach the last four seasons and in the Pirates organization for 29 seasons.
Tennis
Injuries sideline Davydenko into early retirement
MOSCOW – Former third-ranked player Nikolay Davydenko confirmed his retirement from tennis.
Davydenko made his announcement on the sidelines of the Kremlin Cup tournament Thursday in Moscow.
The 33-year-old Russian said a series of injuries in recent years prompted him to retire. Davydenko won 21 tour titles and the 2009 ATP finals but never managed to reach a Grand Slam final despite being a four-time semifinalist.
Associated Press
