SHORT CORNER
Nishikori downs Dimitrov
AFP
Kei Nishikori showed he was back to his best form as he downed Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Thursday.
Nishikori proved too consistent for the Bulgarian in a high-quality match, securing crucial breaks at 5-5 in both sets.
Afterwards, the 29-year-old said his goal was to get back into the top five after seeing his ranking plummet to 39 in April last year due to persistent injuries.
"I'm trying to go top five, that's my next goal," Nishikori said. "The last couple of months of last year I was playing great tennis and I think I'm doing that now, this week."
He will now play Frenchman Jeremy Chardy for a place in Sunday's final and will go into the match as a firm favourite following Chardy's three-set struggle over qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama.
Bellamy steps down over bullying allegations
Reuters
Cardiff City under-18 coach Craig Bellamy has denied allegations that he bullied an academy player but stepped down from his role on Thursday pending an investigation from the Premier League side.
British media reports said Cardiff had received a complaint against former Wales captain Bellamy over his alleged treatment of a young English player who has since left the club.
Cardiff have begun an investigation Bellamy said that he was fully cooperating.
"I am aware of the allegations that have been made against me via the media," Bellamy said in a statement.
"I understand the need for Cardiff City to undertake a full investigation in response to these allegations -- and my own suggestion -- I have temporarily removed myself from my coaching position in order to co-operate fully with the club's inquiry.
"Obviously, I am saddened both by the allegations and the manner in which they were made and I categorically refute them."
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