Monday, May 11, 2009

GAS PRICES ON THE RISE..or FALL?

LONDON -- Tennis' world governing body suspended French tennis player Richard Gasquet on Monday following a positive test for cocaine, pending a hearing.

The International Tennis Federation said an anti-doping tribunal should be assembled within 60 days to hear the case. Traces of the drug were found in the 22-year-old Gasquet's urine sample at the Sony Ericsson Open, in Key Biscayne, Fla., in March.

Gasquet said Sunday that he was gathering evidence to prove his innocence.

"He's suspended until the end of the hearing," ITF spokesman Neil Robinson said. The ban will cover both the French Open and Wimbledon, which runs through July 5.

Gasquet could face a two-year ban if found guilty.

The Frenchman, who was ranked seventh in July 2007 but has since slipped to No. 21, has played just five matches since pulling out of the Sony Ericsson Open before his second-round match against Albert Montanes of Spain.

Gasquet cited a right shoulder injury for the withdrawal and has since returned to action in Barcelona and at the Rome Masters, where he lost in the third round to Fernando Verdasco on May 1.

Martina Hingis was banned for two years early last year after testing positive for cocaine at Wimbledon. The five-time Grand Slam champion and former top-ranked player failed a test after losing to Laura Granville in June 2007.

Hingis, who has since retired, became the second WTA player suspended for cocaine afterLourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain was banned for three months in 2002.