3 June 2015

ITF bans UAE & Ukraine players after positive Dubai tests

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has banned players from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Ukraine, after they tested positive for similar substances at the same Dubai tournament, although there is no suggestion that the cases are connected. The ITF banned Hamad Abbas Al Janahi from the UAE for two years from 27 May 2015, after the 24-year-old provided a urine sample on 21 February at the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. ‘That sample […] was found to contain a metabolite of methylphenidate and 1,3-dimethylbutylamine, which are Prohibited Substances under section S6(b) (Stimulants) of the 2015 WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods, and are therefore also prohibited under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (the “Programme”)’, read a 27 May ITF statement.

Al Janahi argued that his positive test was the result of medication he is prescribed for attention deficit disorder. “From the age of ten I have taken these medications, but I have never, ever, cheated in my life as a tennis player”, he told Gulf News. “This is entirely my fault. I see this as a lesson for all of us […] It’s too late to do anything. I have to accept the suspension from the ITF and just put in all the hard work to return stronger and fitter.” Team Emirates told the newspaper that by the time it knew about the situation, it was too late to launch an appeal.

Ukranian Kateryna Kozlova (pictured) also tested positive at the same event for 1,3-dimethylbutylamine, however the 21-year-old argued that the substance had entered her system through a supplement. ‘The ITF accepted that Ms Kozlova had therefore established the means by which the 1,3 dimethylbutylamine entered her system, and that she met the preconditions of Article 10.5 of the 2015 Programme (reduction of the period of ineligibility based on no significant fault or negligence)’, read a 27 May ITF statement. ‘Ms Kozlova’s commission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 of the Programme was confirmed, and it was determined that she is suspended from participation for a period of six months, back-dated to commence from 16 February 2015, and so ending at midnight on 15 August 2015’.

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