Wickmayer, Malisse cleared to play; ITF lifts ban

[joeybee12]

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_ylt=Av.WpsAL23KabJe04knEc1E4v7YF?slug=ap-wickmayer-banlifted&prov=ap&type=lgns

LONDON (AP)—U.S. Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer earned a major off-court victory Wednesday when officials lifted her one-year ban for violating anti-doping rules.

The 20-year-old Belgian was banned in November for breaking World Anti-Doping Agency regulations by failing to report her whereabouts for drug testing three times.

Another Belgian, 2002 Wimbledon semifinalist Xavier Malisse, was banned at the same time and also had his suspension lifted Wednesday.

“The ITF has removed both Mr. Malisse and Ms. Wickmayer from the list of suspended players, and both are eligible to participate with immediate effect,” the International Tennis Federation said in a statement. Neither player failed a doping test, and Wickmayer claims she was not properly informed of the online reporting requirements for drug-testing that led to her ban.

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Good news...they need to re-think these rules.