SPORTS DIGEST

A round-up of today's other sports news in brief

Australia lose again

CRICKET:Grant Elliott led the way as New Zealand took a 2-0 ODI series lead over Australia with victory in Melbourne yesterday.

Elliott, who led New Zealand with 61, smashed a four off Ben Hilfenhaus as the Black Caps reached their target of 226 with seven balls to spare and six wickets still in hand.

Stand-in Australia captain Michael Clarke fell two runs short of his century as his side made 225 for five.

Sombre day as Boonen wins in Qatar

CYCLING:The suits worn by British cyclists at the Beijing Olympics have been shredded to stop rivals using their technology.

None of the Team GB cycle squad, who brought home eight gold medals, were allowed to keep the suits as a memento.

British Cycling’s performance director Dave Brailsford wants information about the skin suits to remain a secret ahead of the London Games in 2012.

Brailsford said: We got them back and they were shredded as we believe the technology will hold well for 2012.

Even the manufacture of the suits, which reduce air drag, was done under a veil of secrecy.

Our skin suits were sent out to Japan so that the person who put them together in Japan did not know where they were from and there was no link, explained Brailsford.

Beijing cycling suits shredded

CYCLING: Britain’s Mark Cavendish won the sixth and final stage of the Tour of Qatar as a race overshadowed by the death of Frederiek Nolf was won by his fellow Belgian Tom Boonen.

Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, followed up his victory in Wednesday’s stage four by winning a bunch sprint towards the finish line in Doha.

“Two victories – it’s rather good,” the Team Columbia rider said.

“This Tour of Qatar was useful and important for confidence because I beat high-level sprinters here.” After 21-year-old Nolf was found dead in his hotel room yesterday, Boonen, who trailed home 10th to clinch overall victory, did not show any emotion on the podium yesterday.

“I did not have the heart to ride today,” said the Quick Step rider. “Fred accompanied us all the day.” Nolf’s body has been repatriated to Belgium ahead of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Olympic champion Phelps suspended for three months

SWIMMING:USA Swimming have suspended Michael Phelps for three months following the publication of a picture apparently showing the multi-Olympic champion using illegal drugs.

The 23-year-old, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last year, issued a public apology after the News of the World published a photo of him inhaling from the type of glass pipe used to smoke cannabis, although he stopped short of admitting to using the drug.

However, his national governing body earlier confirmed the three-month ban and withdrawal of financial support.

This was then compounded by the announcement that sponsor Kellogg would not renew their contract when it expires at the end of the month.

The USA swimming statement read: “USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective from February 5th.”

Afolabi next for Maccarinelli

BOXING:Enzo Maccarinelli will now take on rising star Ola Afolabi for the Interim WBO World Cruiserweight title on March 14th next.

The bout will feature on the same card as Amir Khans showdown against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the Men Arena in Manchester.

Maccarinelli, the former WBO world champion, was due to face Argentine Victor Emilio Ramirez, but he will not be ready in time to face the big punching Welshman.

Instead Big Mac faces the dangerous Afolabi, who is Nigerian born and moved to London with his parents where he was raised and now resides in Los Angeles.

Afolabi, 28, is under the famous Duva boxing banner with promoter Dino raving about of his prospect: The most amazing thing about him is that for a man of his obvious tremendous skills, he never had an amateur fight!

“I’ve never seen a fighter with incredible skills despite having no amateur background.”

Top price paid for Pietersen and Flintoff

CRICKET:Former England captains Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff became the highest-priced players in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

Pietersen, who had a reserve price €1 million was eventually sold to Bangalore Royal Challengers for €1.2 million, while Flintoff was snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for the same price.

“We were very keen on Pietersen and I’m glad I got him at the price I paid,” said Royal Challengers team owner Vijay Mallya.

“He is a superb addition to the team and I, of course, would love him to play for six weeks rather than three.” Asked if Pietersen would lead the team, Mallya added:

“The captaincy slot is open, but a decision will be made after a discussion.