Global Sport

The association said in a statement that Aravinda made rude gestures at the photographer — representing an international news agency — on Monday and later used foul language without any provocation. The incident took place when the photographer, Anurudha Lokuapuarachchi, was taking pictures of Whatmore’s first day with the players at the practice session.

Fina to rule on full-length swimsuits

LAUSANNE: World swimming’s governing body today said it would rule on whether to allow full-length bodysuits in its championships.

The suit, which covers everything apart from head, hands and feet, made its international championship debut at the European Championships in Istanbul last week when Britain’s Paul Palmer won the 400metres freestyle in one made by Adidas.

Tim Lees, Speedo national marketing manager in Australia, said: “We want to keep swimming as a level playing field and whatever Speedo comes up with will be available to the entire Australian team. It’s not a gimmick.”

Man United player banned for life

BRUSSELS: Manchester United hopeful Ronnie Wallwork has been banned for life after he assaulted a referee when he was on loan to second division club Antwerp, a Belgian Soccer Union spokesman said on Tuesday.

The spokesman said Wallwork had grabbed referee Amand Ancion by the throat after pre-season favourites Antwerp lost a play-off match on May 23, which effectively ended their hopes of promotion to the first division.

Fellow Manchester United player Danny Higginbotham, who had been expected to be drafted into the English club’s team this season, was banned for one season — until May 25 — for insulting the referee.

Schumacher may play supporting role

BERLIN: Ferrari star MichaelSchumacher, a top Formula One driver, could find himself in an unexpected supporting role if he returns from injury this season. But the two-time world champion, injured in a high-speed crash at the British Grand Prix last month, told Germany’s RTL television Sunday night he could accept driving behind teammate Eddie Irvine. “I could live with the situation, because Eddie has driven for me often enough. Why shouldn’t I pay that back?” said Schumacher. “Even if one may not like doing it, that’s life.”

Woods wins showdown with Duval

THOUSAND OAKS: Tiger Woods went prime time, winning his showdown over David Duval under floodlights at Sherwood country club and the spotlight of a national television audience. Fittingly, Woods closed out a 2-and-1 victory on the par-3 17th with a two-putt par. He won the first four par-3s to take a commanding lead, and hung on when Duval made one mistake too many.