Former Radio Televisyen Malaysia sportscaster DATUK HASBULLAH AWANG, "the voice of Malaysian sports," died on Thursday at the age of 63 at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. Hasbullah was known for "witty comments and his experience in covering major events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and SEA Games" (THE STAR, 2/12). ... Scottish Championship side Rangers keeper STEVE SIMONSEN "has been banned for two games after being found guilty of betting on 55 games following a hearing before an independent panel." His two-match punishment for breaching Scottish FA gambling rules includes a "one-game suspended ban until the end of the season" (BBC, 2/12). ... Former EPL side Aston Villa Manager PAUL LAMBERT "suffered the indignity of being sacked by telephone in a sour end to his reign." Lambert was "stunned after receiving a call" from CEO TOM FOX on Wednesday afternoon informing him "he was to be dismissed after two-and-a-half years" (London TELEGRAPH, 2/12). ... The Italian Tennis Federation (FIT) suspended DANIELE BRACCIALI and POTITO STARACE for 40 days "while they continue to be investigated over match-fixing allegations." The Italian pair "are suspected of having fixed the results of matches as part of a betting scam." The allegations "emerged as part of an investigation into match-fixing in football carried out by the prosecutor of Cremona" (PA, 2/12). ... Two-time open water world champion VLADIMIR DYATCHIN "announced his retirement on Thursday soon after the Russian anti-doping agency banned him for two years for doping offences." His suspension "has been backdated, beginning on July 4." However, he "immediately announced his retirement from the sport" (REUTERS, 2/12).
