Purcell hit with doping ban

Vitamin overdose KO for Australian star

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Australia's two-times Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month ban after breaching anti-doping rules, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said yesterday.

Purcell admitted to a breach of rules relating to the use of a "prohibited method" after unknowingly receiving an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowed limit of 100 ml in a 12-hour span and entered into a provisional suspension in mid-December.

The world No.12 said at the time he had informed the clinic he was a professional athlete and that the infusion had to be less than 100 ml.

The ITIA said the 27-year-old had received IV infusions of more than 500 ml twice in late 2023 but his full cooperation and information sharing during the investigation had allowed for a 25% reduction in sanction.