USAIN BOLT has "no problem" with plans by the World Anti-Doping Agency "to test the hair follicles of athletes in a bid to clamp down on drug cheats in sport." Bolt: "This is the first I'm hearing it. But I think that anyway you can crack down on drug use in sports, I have no problem with it" (REUTERS, 1/11). ... British heptathlete JESSICA ENNIS-HILL has announced that she will miss this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow because of "some very unexpected and exciting news" -- namely, that "she is expecting her first child." However, the 27-year-old, who last year married her long-time partner ANDY HILL, "insisted she planned to defend her Olympic title" at the 2016 Rio Games. While "there are smiles" in the Ennis-Hill household, the organizers of the Commonwealth Games "will be ruing the loss of a major star." MO FARAH has admitted that the games are "not on my list" for 2014, and Bolt "is yet to commit" (GUARDIAN, 1/10). ... Australia Davis Cup captain PAT RAFTER has come out of retirement to team up with LLEYTON HEWITT in the men's doubles at this year's Australian Open. Rafter "hasn't played on tour since he teamed with another Australian," JOSH EAGLE, in the 2004 Australian Open doubles (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/13). ... Mercedes-Benz has named German golfer MARTIN KAYMER as new brand ambassador beginning this week. Kaymer will promote the Mercedes trophy (Mercedes-Benz).
