Mirza refuses to play in all Indian events
Tennis
Sania Mirza will boycott all Indian tournaments, including next month’s Bangalore Open, after mounting criticism of her in her home country. Mirza, 21, who in 2005 became the first Indian to win a WTA tour event, has said that she had thought about ending her playing career because of the situation.
The world No29 has been summoned by a court in Bhopal after allegedly showing disrespect to the Indian flag, which is punishable by a jail sentence if proved, during the Hopman Cup in Perth last month. Mirza has also faced opposition from Muslim groups for playing in tennis attire.
Ding delivers
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Snooker
Ding Junhui compiled century breaks in three consecutive frames and at one stage amassed 368 points without reply during his 4-2 win over Peter Ebdon in the Malta Cup at the Portomaso Hilton last night. Mark Selby, winner of the Masters at Wembley last month, lost 4-2 to Stephen Hendry, while John Higgins, the world champion, triumphed 6-0 over Alex Borg, a wild-card invitee.
Greene retires
Athletics
Maurice Greene, the former Olympic 100metres champion, has announced his retirement because of injury. The 33-year-old, who took gold in the 100metres and 4x100metres relay at the 2000 Games in Sydney, has not been competitive for some time - his last medal in a leading championships was a silver at the 2004 Olympics in Athens - and has decided to quit.
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Prieto gets call-up
Tennis
Alberto Mancini, the Argentina coach, has called S?bastian Prieto into his team for the Davis Cup tie against Great Britain that starts on Friday without Andy Murray, who is injured. The doubles specialist replaces Juan M?naco, who twisted an ankle during the Movistar Open doubles semi-final in Viña del Mar, Chile, a tournament won by Prieto with Jos? Acasuso.
Stout on a roll
Rackets
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Jamie Stout continued his stunning winning streak, beating Alex Titchener-Barrett to take his first Lacoste British Open Championship at Queen’s Club in West London only a week after winning the US Open. Titchener-Barrett, back to form after shoulder surgery, had put out Harry Foster, the world champion, in the semi-finals, but found Stout, the New York professional, too sharp.
Hooper departs
Rugby union
Leeds Carnegie have confirmed the departure of Stuart Hooper, their captain, when his contract expires at the end of the season. He could move to Bath, who are looking for a second-row replacement after Steve Borthwick decided to join Saracens on a four-year deal. Shane Drahm and Drew Hickey, of Worcester Warriors, will join Kubota Spears, the Japanese club.