Tennis: TIU bans Australian Nick Lindahl for 2013 match-fixing scandal

Australian former tennis player Nick Lindahl has been banned for seven years and fined US$35,000 (S$50,227) for match-fixing in a 2013 tournament. PHOTO: AFP

(Reuters) - Australian former tennis player Nick Lindahl has been banned for seven years and fined US$35,000 (S$50,227) for match-fixing in a 2013 tournament, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) has said.

Two other players, Brandon Walkin and Isaac Frost, were also disciplined by the ITU, which is responsible for policing tennis.

"Although Mr Lindahl, 28, retired from the sport in 2013, today's decision prevents him from resuming playing professional tennis for the seven years of the ban," the TIU said in a statement.

"He is also prohibited from attending any tournament or event organised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of the sport for that period," it added after a hearing held by independent anti-corruption hearing officer Richard H. McLaren.

In April last year, Lindahl avoid a jail term after pleading guilty to match-fixing charges relating to a game in 2013.

Walkin, 22, a singles player ranked No. 1,066, was given a six-month suspension after being found guilty of attempting to contrive the outcome of the event.

Frost, who failed to co-operate with TIU during the investigation, served a provisional ban between Oct 2013 and Sept 2014.

McLaren decided no additional suspension or fine must be imposed on the 28-year-old.

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