SPORT | IN BRIEF
Lloyd quits as Davis Cup skipper
TENNIS: Great Britain Davis Cup captain John Lloyd last night resigned from the much-maligned role.
National chiefs the Lawn Tennis Association ordered a review after Britain’s humiliating defeat to Lithuania earlier this month. They now face a play-off against Turkey in July to avoid relegation to the competition’s lowest level.
Lloyd said: “I have been a Davis Cup player, captain and now it is time for me to become a fan.”
British No1 Andy Murray, who pulled out of Davis Cup duty this year, is expected to be closely consulted on the appointment of Lloyd’s successor.
Tim Henman has distanced himself from the position while Greg Rusedski, his British rival during the 1990s, has been linked with an interest.
Scotland name unchanged team
RUGBY UNION: Scotland boss Andy Robinson is confident Kelly Brown will recover to face Ireland after naming an unchanged side for Saturday’s final Six Nations match. Flanker Brown was hurt in a clash of heads with Ugo Monye in last week’s draw with England but Robinson said: “The progress he’s made has been very good and we’re expecting him to be fit.”
Olazabal to miss Masters
GOLF: Two-time winner Jose Maria Olazabal has pulled out of next month’s Masters as he is suffering from long-standing rheumatism.
The Spaniard, 44, has not missed the tournament since 1996 but his manager Sergio Gomez said: “He can’t swing properly, so we won’t be going.”
Jordan buys his local NBA team
BASKETBALL: Court icon Michael Jordan has become the first ex-player to own an NBA team after spending $275m (£180m) on a controlling interest in the Charlotte Bobcats.
Five-time MVP Jordan, 47, said: “I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state of North Carolina.”