Golf: Elliot set for pain in Spain after his ban

ELLIOT SALTMAN, handed a three-month ban a fortnight ago by the European Tour after being found guilty of cheating, was set for a frosty reception from fellow players when he lines up today on a third-tier circuit in Spain.

The 28-year-old was a late entry for the Hacienda De Alamo Open, an event on the Hi5 Tour, joining his two brothers, Lloyd and Zack, in the line-up in Murcia. Hi5 Tour officials contacted their counterparts at Wentworth to make sure it was fine for the oldest of the Saltman siblings to play in the 54-hole tournament and were told he was eligible due to the fact his ban only applies to the European Tour and the European Challenge Tour.

Nigel German, the Hi5 Tour's Spanish representative, said: "Our standpoint is that Elliot has played over 30 rounds on the Hi5 Tour and has been nothing other than exemplary. We have no issues with him playing."