IN BRIEF

Williams' Michael to join McLaren

WILLIAMS technical director Sam Michael will join McLaren as sporting director from next season, the Woking-based Formula One team said yesterday. McLaren said Michael would join their senior management team as well as taking specific responsibility for the development and management of trackside operations.

Haze hampers SEA Games Preparation

PREPARATIONS for the SEA Games in Palembang, one of the two venues hosting the 26th SEA Games in November, has been hampered by the recent drought and haze. According to an online portal (Republika) from Indonesia, landscaping works to beautify the Jakabaring Sports Complex, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, was hampered by the drought.

Bobcats owner Jordan slapped with fine

THE National Basketball Association has slapped Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan with a $100,000 fine for comments about the league's labour dispute, ESPN reported Monday. The NBA prohibits owners from speaking publicly about the collective bargaining process. League spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the penalty but declined to comment on the amount of the fine.

Lawes banned for two World Cup games

ENGLAND lock Courtney Lawes was banned for two World Cup games yesterday for kneeing Argentina's Mario Ledesma, but escaped a stiffer sanction that could have ended his tournament. Lawes, who pleaded not guilty to the offence committed during England's hard-fought win in Dunedin, will miss England's next two Pool B matches against Georgia and Romania but will be available for the last game against Scotland.

Longo's husband and coach faces charges

VETERAN rider Jeannie Longo's husband and coach Patrice Ciprelli is facing disciplinary action following allegations he bought erythropoietin (EPO) in 2007, the French cycling federation (FFC) said yesterday.

Spain quietly confident for Davis Cup semis

SPAIN coach Albert Costa says his team is favorite to win the Davis Cup semi-final against France this week but will still have "to prove it on the court." "We are playing at home and the ranking of our players says that we are favorities," he said yesterday.

Agencies