EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, Aug 7 (AFP): Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus had his passport, a portable radio and a portable CD player stolen from his hotel bedroom.

Samsonov, knocked out in the last 16 by China's Ma Lin, at least was reunited with his passport, which was discarded by the thief and returned to the world championships venue by a passer-by who found it near some bushes.

The theft completed a disappointing week for top-seeded Samsonov, who had won the European title here at the same venue last year,

SHE'S GOT THE BOTTLE

A doping test On new mixed doubles champion Zhang Yingying hit a hitch following her victory with partner Ma Li ri in the first final of the week on Friday.

Sixteen-year-old Zhang took three hours to produce a urine sample as required by organisers.

That meant that her doping escort also had to work overtime. Event rules state that the escort must not leave a competitor from the moment he or she finishes her match until the sample is produced.

The intention of the rule is to prevent a masking pill being taken.

‘I'VE STARTED, SO I'LL FINISH’

A Swede and a Russian proved victorious in the rankings tournaments, which were concluded Friday.

These events can significantly boost the world ranking of players eliminated in the early stages of the main tournament.

Magnus Molin of Sweden was the victor in the men's event while the women's event went to Russia's Svetlana Gan-ina. -