In Brief: Murray: There are no excuses

Press Association

TENNIS: Andy Murray believes there are no excuses for athletes accidentally taking a banned substance and that Viktor Troicki and Marin Cilic were "unprofessional" in the actions which led to their recent suspensions.

He said: "You need to know the rules. I personally myself would never go and buy something over the counter in a pharmacy – it's just unprofessional.

"Any supplement that you're taking, whether it's a protein shake or fish oils, or anything like that, you get it checked.

"We are professional athletes now - there's no excuses.

"I think 10 or 15 years ago, when people didn't think drug-taking happened in sport, then people might have thought 'yeah, we can just buy stuff over the counter in any old pharmacy' but look, we can't do that."

DE KOCK LANDS FIRST CENTURY

CRICKET: Quinton de Kock hit his first century for South Africa as the Proteas wrapped up their one-day international series against Pakistan with a 28-run win in Abu Dhabi.

Wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock hit 112 from 135 balls from the top of the order as the Proteas finished on 266 for five.

Dale Steyn then claimed career-best figures of five for 25, as he effectively derailed Pakistan's pursuit with three wickets in the 47th over.

MARC SETS PACE

MOTO GP: Marc Marquez struck the first blow in his duel with Jorge Lorenzo to be crowned MotoGP world champion as he set the pace in practice in Valencia.

Repsol Honda rider Marquez and Yamaha Factory Racing's Lorenzo are set for a decisive weekend at the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana, where one of the two will walk away with the title.