Head to extend Sharapova deal Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova

Racquet manufacturer Head, plans to extend its contract with Maria Sharapova, despite her positive test for banned drug meldonium.

The Russian, 28, has already lost the backing of Nike and Tag Heuer, while Porsche has suspended its relationship with her.

But Head says it is standing by the five-time Grand Slam champion.

“Maria may have made a mistake, but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her,” it said.

Sharapova will be suspended from March 12 and could face a four-year ban after she tested positive at the Australian Open in January.

Head described Sharapova as “a role model and woman of integrity who has inspired millions of fans around the world to play and watch tennis”.

It added: “The honesty and courage she displayed in announcing and acknowledging her mistake was admirable.

“We look forward to working with her and to announcing new sponsorships in the weeks and months ahead.”

Another positive meldonium test…

Russian biathlete Eduard Latypov has been suspended after testing positive, the Russian Biathlon Union has confirmed.

The International Biathlon Union temporarily suspended the 21-year-old after traces of the banned substance were found in a sample taken last month.

Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova thanked fans for their “loyalty and support” in a Facebook post after her failed drugs test.

The five-time Grand Slam winner, 28, revealed on Monday that she tested positive for meldonium in January.

“I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox full of love and compassion,” wrote the Russian. “Your wonderful words put a smile on my face.”

Sharapova, who faces a ban of up to four years, said she was “determined to play tennis again”.

“I wish I didn’t have to go through this, but I do – and I will,” she wrote.

“I’ve not been online much except the odd search for a new antique coffee table, but my friends made a collage for me with all your beautiful messages and hashtags that you created.

“I spent the afternoon reading them next to my dog, who couldn’t quite understand why this was more important than the walk he was expecting to take.”— BBC.

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