 | PTF hopeful of Olympics entry
09 June 2012
|
| 
KARACHI: Despite Aisamul Haq Qureshi’s semi-finals exit from the French Open, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) remains hopeful of the country’s representation at this year’s London Olympics.
Aisam, who needed to win in the final to confirm a London berth, crashed out in the last-four of the men’s doubles event and failed to earn enough ATP points to be ranked among the top-10 — a prerequisite to confirm participation in the event. However, PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yousuf said the federation had applied for a wild-card entry and a decision by the International Tennis Federation is expected on June 14.
“The Olympic dream isn’t over yet,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “We’re doing everything we can to get the wild-card entry. Aisam did his best and we’re getting this opportunity because of him. If we get the wild-card entry, it’ll be historic. We have also taken this matter to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). They will make sure that the International Olympic Association (IOC) considers our case.”
Yousuf added that Pakistan had a very good chance since there was enough room for the ITF to accommodate Aisam and the country’s top-ranked player Aqeel Khan.
“We have submitted the entries and we are positive. Aisam has played his heart out, and Aqeel is also eligible now since he’s earned the ranking points this year.”
The closing date for the wildcards is June 21.
“Going to the Olympics is not only going to benefit the players but it will also take tennis to a new level in Pakistan. More people will take up the sport and it will definitely make a huge mark internationally.” | | See Also in Sports News
|
|  Liverpool manager’s son found not guilty
25 May 2013
LONDON: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers voiced his family’s relief after his footballer son Anton was cleared Friday in a sex case at England’s central criminal court.
Anton Rodgers, 20, and three Brighton team-mates were found not guilty of sexual assault and voyeurism.
The retrial, at the Old Bailey in London, followed an earlier trial in which a jury could not agree verdicts.
Brendan Rodgers said: “The last 18 months have been extremely traumatic for us as a family, but we are ... Full Story |  Chaotic end as Giro hit by snow, doping positive
25 May 2013
VAL MARTELLO, Italy: The 96th edition of the Giro d’Italia is facing a chaotic finale as wintry weather in the Dolomites forced the cancellation of Friday’s stage and changes to Saturday’s final day in the high mountains.
Despite the white-out, it proved something of a black Friday for organisers who woke to the news that 2007 race winner Danilo Di Luca was out of the race after reportedly testing positive for the banned blood booster EPO (erythrpoietin).
Amid unseasonably cold conditions ... Full Story |  Champions League: Bayern, Dortmund eye glory in historic final
25 May 2013
LONDON: The home of English football will reverberate to the roar of German voices tonight when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund collide at Wembley Stadium in the first all-Bundesliga final in Champions League history.
It is only two years since Barcelona confirmed their status as Europe’s pre-eminent side by outclassing Manchester United in the same arena to win the 2011 tournament, but the way that Bayern and Dortmund have torn through this season’s competition suggests a new continental ... Full Story | |
|
|
|
