Easy win for Abhimanyu; Malikaa out
Paris: Producing a dominating show, Abhimanyu Vannemreddy subdued China's Sheng Tang in straight sets to keep his French Open hopes alive but Malikaa Marathe was knocked out of the Rendez-vous event after losing both her matches, here on Friday. Abhimanyu, who was a last-minute replacement of injured Siddanth Banthia, knocked out the Chinese 6-2, 6-2 in his opening Group I match. Banthia, winner of the Indian leg of Rendez-Vous, had pulled out of the event due to an injury. Since Abhimanyu had ended a runner-up to Banthia, he made the cut for the event.
FFT interested in helping India
Paris: The French Tennis Federation (FFT) is keen to offer coaching programs and facilitate construction of more clay courts in India but they also have an advice for the country's national federation - back talented players to the hilt. Samuel Primaut, FFT's Director Development, said they have plans in place for India. Primaut said: "We have plans for India. Our best coach at the National Tennis Centre and someone from the National Technical Department (NTD) can go and educate your coaches. We had sent Bernard Pestre to Pune sometime back. We can also host few Indian kids for training." FFT, in association with All India Tennis Association, had launched in 2015 the Rendez-Vous event for Under- 18 boys, which gives an opportunity to kids from six countries to earn a wildcard entry into the junior French Open.
lara backs England to win CT
london: Former West Indies captain Brian lara has tipped England to win the Champions Trophy beginning next week. While disappointed not to be watching the West Indies in action at this year's tournament, lara — who led his country to Champions Trophy glory in 2004 — insists England have what it takes to go all the way on home soil. lara said: "I think in these conditions, England will be my firm favourites. England, in the past, would have maybe an Ian Botham or a (Andrew) Flintoff, but now you can look at the entire team and it's very one-day cricket oriented." England will kick off their Champions Trophy against Bangladesh at The Oval.