Sydney  - A Hong Kong high-roller who walked out of Sydney's Star City casino millions of dollars richer didn't pad his wallet with winnings from the baccarat tables.

Luck had nothing to do with it, Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper admitted Friday.

The casino cashed a dud cheque written out for 11.5 million Australian dollars (7.5 million US dollars) and let the unnamed gambler leave after he cashed in his chips.

Melbourne  - Jelena Dokic made more than a run to glory with her surprise Australian Open quarter-final. The comeback player also headed straight for the bank - the result of a new 680,000-dollar sponsor contract.

The 25-year-old, who nearly quit the game two years ago due to depression after a flame-out as a teenaged star and a split with her dominating father, has signed a deal with Australia's Jetstar airlines.

Melbourne  - Former great Patrick Rafter has voiced his doubts about the desire of deposed Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic after the Serb's retirement during his quarter-final with Andy Roddick.

During a television match commentary, the double US Open champion and one of the most popular of the former Aussie players, had his say about the increasingly controversial Djokovic.

Rafter said that the 21-year-old had a history of "pulling the pin" (with four retirements in Grand Slam matches).

Sydney  - Retired Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has denied he is in a sexual relationship with Brazilian housemate Daniel Mendes.

"Over the last few days there have been a series of press articles published, speculating about my friendship with Daniel Mendes," the five-time Olympic gold medallist said in a statement published Friday.

"In the past, on several separate occasions, I have answered questions about my sexuality openly and honestly with the media ... my situation in this regard has not changed."

Melbourne, Jan. 29 : The daughter of swimming legend Dawn Fraser is investigating how a racist email urging immigrants to leave if they fail to assimilate was circulated from her address.

When contacted last night Dawn-Lorraine Fraser confirmed the email titled Australia - The Right to Leave came from her company email.

She denied sending it and said she would "have to check" her outbox to find out who had forwarded the email, which was sent to The Daily Telegraph yesterday morning.

She was unable to comment further as she said she was unwell and had been in bed.

Brisbane, Jan. 29 : A 40-year old Ipswich woman, who was eight-and-a-half months'' pregnant, was forced to lift her shirt after being wrongly accused of shoplifting at the Springfield Lakes 1st Choice Liquor store on Monday.

The woman, who was taking her time with her purchase, was buying a birthday present for a friend.

The distraught woman was told if she refused the search in full view of other customers, police would be called.