Tennis: Austrian player banned after failing doping test

Heineken Open entrant Stefan Koubek has been banned from tennis for three months after failing a doping test, Radio Sport reported today.

The 27-year-old Austrian has been a regular visitor to the Auckland tournament and is currently ranked 60th in the world. He achieved a career high 20th in March 2000.

Tournament director Graham Pearce said it was obviously very disappointing to lose Koubek, but they had a good replacement in Brazilian Ricardo Mello, ranked 83rd.

Pearce said they have not been officially advised of Koubek's withdrawal, but expected to confirm it this week.

The tournament runs from January 10-15.

- NZPA