Grand Slams to keep 32 seeds in 2019
London: The four major tennis tournaments will continue to seed 32 players for men's and women's singles draws, after the Grand Slam Board (GSB) has announced it had reversed an earlier decision to halve the number. Having indicated last year that the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open would only have 16 seeds from 2019, the organisation in charge of the Grand Slams Thursday said that the current format would remain in place next year. "Following a full year of Grand Slam match analysis and feedback from all other constituencies, especially players and broadcast partners, the Grand Slam tournaments have decided there is no compelling reason to revert to 16 seeds," the GSB said in a statement. "Accordingly, all 2019 Grand Slam tournaments have agreed to continue with 32 seeds in singles."
Hi congratulates just-retired Sardar
new delhi: Hockey India (HI) on Friday congratulated just-retired Sardar Singh on his glorious international career, saying he was a "true ambassador of the game". Sardar called time on his 12-year career on Wednesday after he was dropped from the national camp probables for the Asian Champions Trophy and the World Cup. "In the best and worst of times, Sardar Singh has exemplified steely determination. His qualities and dedication as a player makes him a true ambassador of the game," HI president Rajinder Singh said in a statement. "He has inspired an entire generation of youngsters with his performances and as captain. His contribution to the sport will be cherished and Hockey India would like to congratulate him for his achievements."
Shubhankar to represent India at WC
melbourne: Shubhankar Sharma is set to make his debut at the ISPS HANDA Melbourne World Cup of Golf later this year as he was one of the first 28 players announced by tournament officials on Friday. To be held at The Metropolitan Golf Club from November 22 to 25, it will see 56 players vie for the largest prize-money purse in Australian golf, with $ 7 million on offer. "I'm really excited to qualify for my first World Cup of Golf at The Metropolitan. Since the start of the year, I made this event as one of my goals to try and qualify as it has so much history, tradition and a wonderful list of past champions," said Sharma. "To have the opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event like this is truly an honour and I will be give it everything to try and win the WCup for my country."
Open to coaching an int’l team: pep
manchester: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Friday revealed that he would be interested in taking up the coaching job for an international team. "If the opportunity came I would like to be a national team coach. If it can be done, I would like to do it," Guardiola told the Universo Valdano show. The former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, Guardiola refused to name any specific country he would like to be associated with in future. Though, refused to coach Argentina. "No, for sure not there," he said, referring to the intense demands of that job. If rumour is to be believed, Guardiola had been shortlisted for the Argentina coach's job after their World Cup debacle.
Manisha enters final of Polish tourney
new delhi: Indian boxer Manisha (54kg) Friday advanced to the final after upstaging former European champion Viktoria Kuleshova in the 13th International Silesian Championship for women in Gliwice. Manisha, who claimed a Silver in the world youth championships last month, fetched a 5-0 verdict in the semifinals. "Manisha showed tremendous progress in performance and played well as per expectation" coach Rafaelle Bergamasco said from Gliwice. In the junior category, Tingmila Doungel (48kg) claimed a Gold medal after beating Germany's Maria-Elena Avram in the summit clash.
