Bjorkman fined for flare-up with umpire

LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) Jonas Bjorkman has been fined 1,500 doller for unsportsmanlike behaviour for an outburst during yesterday's fourth round Wimbledon defeat by Czech Tomas Berdych, organisers said today.

The 35-year-old former semi-finalist hurled abuse and branded umpire James Keothavong ''absolutely useless'' after the official overruled a line call when the Swede held a break point in the third set of his four-set loss.

Afterwards the 19th seed accused officials of ''trying to make sure that everyone can see them on the court'' and called for hawkeye to be used outside the two show courts.

Bjorkman is the 18th player to be fined by the International Tennis Federation at the championships with Frenchman Julien Benneteau the most out of pocket following a 5,000 dollar first week reprimand for verbal abuse.

REUTERS DH PM1905