Sport in Brief: 12/04/2009

My Tour place in danger, claims Lance

Lance Armstrong believes there is a "very high likelihood" he will not be allowed to compete in this year's Tour de France. The 37-year-old is facing the possibility of sanctions from the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) after being accused of violating rules during a random test in March.

The American is accused of "not respecting the obligation to remain under the direct and permanent observation" of the tester. He expects the matter to be taken further by the AFLD. "They want to open up disciplinary hearings," Armstrong said. "I know my comeback wasn't welcomed by a lot of people in France. I suspect this will escalate and we'll see more antics out of the AFLD. There's a likelihood they'd prohibit me from riding."

Charges over star's death

A 22-year-old man has been charged with three counts of murder after an car accident which killed the Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two friends on Thursday. The Orange County district attorney said Andrew Gallo had been charged with three counts of murder, fleeing the scene and driving under the influence of alcohol. Adenhart, 22, and his friends died hours after the pitcher turned in a starring performance for the Angels against Oakland Athletics.

Fury’s victory in a hurry

Tyson Fury, the 6ft 9in heavyweight from Manchester, took only 48 seconds to knock out his fifth opponent, Matthew Ellis, at York Hall, London last night, writes Alan Hubbard. The 35-year-old from Blackpool was counted out in his second knock-down. Fury will now make his US debut on the Carl Froch-Jermain Taylor world title bill in Connecticut on 25 April. In a high-calibre, blistering battle, Londoner John O’Donnell, 23, took the Commonwealth welterweight title on a controversial split decision from champion Craig Watson. A return fight looks a certainty.