Davenport pulls out

TOKYO: Former world number one Lindsay Davenport has withdrawn from the $1.34-million Pan Pacific Open next week because of an ankle injury, organisers said on Thursday. Pan Pacific Open organisers said Roberta Vinci of Italy also pulled out with an injury. Samantha Stosur of Australia and Jill Craybas of the United States moved up to the main draw. Maria Sharapova of Russia will spearhead the tournament which runs from January 31 to February 5. — AFP

Woolmer’s denial

KARACHI: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer rubbished suggestions that the hosts had deliberately prepared batsmen-friendly wickets to avoid losing the Test series to India. Indian batsman Virender Sehwag had said after the first Test that the hosts were not willing to risk a green top because India had won the last series on Pakistan soil two years ago. Woolmer said his team could not be blamed for the wickets on offer in the series. — AFP

Ronaldo charged

GENEVA: European football’s governing body UEFA charged Manchester United winger Ronaldo with misconduct during a Champions League game against Benfica. Ronaldo was filmed pointing his middle finger towards the Benfica supporters on December 7. United lost the Group D game 1-2 and were knocked out of the competition. — AFP