Former England defender and coach DON HOWE "has died, aged 80." Howe earned 23 int'l caps and played at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden "where he was part of the defence that shut out eventual champions Brazil in a 0-0 draw.
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After finishing his club career, Howe "established himself as one of the country's top coaches" (REUTERS, 12/23). ... JUSTIN LANGER "will sub in as Australian coach in a one-day series in the West Indies next year," however DARREN LEHMANN is "not retiring any time soon," planning "another crack at drought-breaking Ashes glory" in England in '19.
Lehmann "has been encouraged to take an extended rest in June next year, allowing his obvious successor Langer to get a first taste of international coaching in charge of a tri-series in the Caribbean against the Windies and South Africa" (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 12/27). ... Indian Olympian cyclist SUPRABHAT CHAKRABARTY "passed away on Thursday morning following a heart attack." He "leaves behind his wife, son and daughter." A five-time National champion, "fondly known as 'Khaja' in cycling circles," he was a key member of the national squad that took part in the first edition of the Asian Games in '51 in Delhi, 1952 Olympics in Helsinki and World Peace Race the same year (PTI, 12/25). ... Speaking for the first time since he tested positive for cocaine during the 2015 Tour de France, LUCA PAOLINI "admitted to using the drug." During the interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolini "also revealed an addiction to sleeping tablets, calling himself a slave to the pills."
The veteran rider "has been on the sidelines since the 'adverse analytical finding' was revealed on July 10" (CYCLING NEWS, 12/27). ... Sweden's ROBIN SODERLING, the player best-known for being the first man to beat RAFAEL NADAL at the French Open, "has retired from professional tennis because of a long-running illness."
The 31-year-old, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, "has not played an ATP World Tour event since 2011 due to mononucleosis, an energy-sapping viral illness" (REUTERS, 12/25). ... Pakistan cricketer YASIR SHAH "has been provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test."
Yasir, 29, "tested positive for banned substance chlortalidone following the second one-day international against England in Abu Dhabi last month" (BBC, 12/27). ... A-League side Sydney FC captain ALEX BROSQUE "has put his future in the club's hands, declaring he will sign a new contract at the end of the season if the club wants him to stay."
The 32-year-old ruled out leaving Sydney FC for any other club "despite being off contract" and told coach GRAHAM ARNOLD to delay talks of a new deal until other players have re-signed (SMH, 12/27).
