Queiroz suspended

PORTUGAL'S Sports Institute has suspended national football team coach Carlos Queiroz for six months after ruling that he disrupted an anti-doping test ahead of the World Cup.

The institute, which governs the National Anti-Doping Agency, said an inquiry found that Queiroz insulted an anti-doping team sent to test the Portugal squad ahead of the tournament in South Africa, and that his aggressive behaviour disrupted their work. - Sapa-AP

Ferdinand back on ball

RIO Ferdinand completed 45 minutes of action for Manchester United's reserve team on Wednesday after three months out with a knee injury.

The 31-year-old defender could now make his return for United's first team against Everton in the Premier League on September 11. That game begins a crucial week for the club, opening their Champions League campaign against Rangers three days later before hosting Liverpool on September 19. - Sapa-AP

Pascal to fight Hopkins

LIGHT-heavyweight boxing champion Jean Pascal will defend his title against Bernard Hopkins in December at Quebec City.

The fight is scheduled for December 18. Pascal last fought in August when he beat Chad Dawson on points after the fight was stopped in the 11th to retain his WBC light-heavyweight title.

The 45-year-old Hopkins hasn't fought since winning a unanimous decision in his long-delayed rematch with Roy Jones Jnr in April. - Sapa-AP

Gay leaves rival behind

AMERICAN sprinter Tyson Gay ran 9.92sec to win the 100m at the Zagreb World Challenge on Wednesday night, leaving Jamaican rival Nesta Carter trailing in second in 10.07.

Gay and Carter are tied for the world lead at 9.78 - Gay reached it in London in August and Carter in Rieti last Sunday.

Michael Rodgers of the US was third in 10.14sec. - Sapa-AP

Swearing KP says sorry

KEVIN Pietersen has apologised for swearing in a Twitter outburst that revealed he had been dropped from England's cricket team for the forthcoming series of one-day matches against the touring Pakistanis.

Pietersen used a profanity in the post that was quickly deleted on Tuesday.

The batsman now said: "It was something that wasn't meant for the public domain and I apologise for it entering the public domain, and I also want to apologise for the language I used." - Sapa-AP

Babe Boks prevail

SOUTH Africa scored their second victory of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 when they defeated Kazakhstan 25-10 at Guildford on Wednesday.

South Africa have now won six of their eight matches this year and two of their four fixtures at this tournament.

South Africa will play Wales in the ninth place play-off match on Sunday. - Sapa

Alex picks Owen

MANCHESTER United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been included in Alex Ferguson's 25-man Premier League squad despite his continuing injury woes.

There is still no date set for the former Bayern Munich star to return from injury. - Sapa-AFP