North Korean athletes leave for Paris Olympics
SEOUL: North Korean athletes left for the Paris Olympics on Saturday (Jul 20), AFP reporters saw, as they prepared to take part in the summer Games for the first time in eight years.
Tennis Sport News
Denied Accreditation, India's Korean Archery Coach Says He Won't Continue After Contract Expiry
Livid at being denied accreditation for the Paris Games, India's Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki on Saturday said he would not continue after his contract expires on August 30, and lashed out at the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for "poor and hasty administration". Woong Ki, who reached the French capital with the Indian team after overseeing its preparation in Marseille, said he "was removed from the Olympic coaching role at a critical time" and will now be flying back to India with his return ticket already booked.
Rafael Nadal Reaches Bastad Open Semi-Finals After Four-Hour Marathon
Rafael Nadal fought into the semi-finals of the Bastad Open on Friday as he defeated Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 7-5 in three hours and 59 minutes. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is through to the last four of a tournament for the first time since Wimbledon two years ago. "It was very close, long and tiring," said Nadal, whose near four-hour victory was the second longest three-set match of his career -- after the 2009 Madrid semi-final against Novak Djokovic, which lasted 4hr 3min. "For moments he was in control. For moments I was in control. At the end, no one was in control. That's the truth," added Nadal.
Alexander Zverev Clinches Season-Leading 43rd Win, Aims To Be 'Happiest Man On Planet'
Alexander Zverev claimed a season-leading 43rd win on Friday with a straight-sets victory over Zhang Zhizhen of China to edge closer to back-to-back titles at his hometown Hamburg tournament.
Russell planning ahead with help from Djokovic
BUDAPEST : Tennis grand slam great Novak Djokovic has been helping Mercedes Formula One driver George Russell prepare for sporting longevity.
Berrettini takes Swiss Open quarterfinal, improves to 5-2 against Auger-Aliassime
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime was eliminated from the Swiss Open clay-court tennis tournament with a 7-6 (9), 7-6 (2) quarterfinal loss to Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Friday in Gstaad.
So Near Yet So Far: India's 4th-place Olympic Heartbreaks
It's often said that finishing fourth in the Olympics is peak agony. If coming last carries the sting of embarrassment, securing the fourth place inflicts the pain of being so near yet so far, something that can either drive an athlete to future glory or leave them completely crushed. India's affair with near misses at sport's grandest stage has been a long-standing one, beginning way back in 1956. Here is a look at the instances when Indian athletes came close but ended at just that.
Tucked-away tennis and basketball court with beer garden opens in Manchester
The timing of the launch of Courts Club, a new basketball and tennis court with adjoining bar and terrace in the city centre, couldn’t be any more perfect. After weeks of grey clouds and persistent drizzle, Manchester has enjoyed several days of balmy weather this week, set to peak at 26 degrees on Friday – just in time for the opening, Friday July 19.