Global Sport

Bevan, who was to be Sussex vice-captain this year, is to have a year off from his original contract because of the World Cup in England in May and June and has signed a new three-year deal to return to Hove in 2000. Sussex responded quickly by signing another Australian left-hander, Michael Di Venuto as their overseas player.

Korda hits out at ban

DUBAI: Petr Korda has hit out at the Czech Tennis Federation’s decision to ban him from playing in or for his home country.

After beating Alberto Martin of Spain 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Dubai Open, Korda said: “I can’t understand why they have done such a thing. The officials have always been very good to me.”

The Federation banned Korda on Friday pending further investigation of his positive dope test at last year’s Wimbledon championships.

“The whole thing is affecting my game. Though I am slowly coming back into the groove, especially after those two good rounds at the Australian Open, I would like the thing to be sorted out fast.”

“Frankly speaking, the ban doesn’t affect me since I hardly live in the Czech Republic,” said Korda, a resident of Monte Carlo.

North Korea’s woman football player leaves for the US

SEOUL: A North Korean football player has left Pyongyang for the United States to take part in a game between a women’s world team and the United States, officials said today.

Kim Sun-Hui is one of the 15 players from across the world selected to play in the match. It is rare for North Korean athletes to go to the US as the two countries have no diplomatic ties.

“The first world women’s football team is composed of the best players of 15 countries including North Korea, China, Russia, Brazil and Germany. The team will participate in the World Cup Games to be held in the United States this year,” said Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency.