Rajeshwaran loses in semis of Mumbai Open
Mumbai, Feb 8: Young Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran’s dream run came to an end as she went down in straight sets against Jil Teichmann in the semifinals of the Mumbai Open WTA 125 Series here on Saturday. The 15-year-old Rajeshwaran lost 3-6, 1-6 against Teichmann at the Cricket Club of India here. Rajeshwaran had started the tournament as a wildcard entry, and made it to the semi-finals, in what was her first senior tournament. India’s Prarthana Thambore alongside Dutch partner Arianne Hartono will play in the doubles final on Sunday. (PTI)
Reilly Opelka faces possible action for criticising umpire
Dallas, Feb 8: Reilly Opelka faces potential discipline for his post-match comments about a chair umpire he called the “worst ump on tour,” the ATP said in a statement Friday. Opelka was angered that he received a point penalty while serving for the match in the third set against Cameron Norrie at the Dallas Open. Opelka went on to win 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. He was penalised for using profanity while berating a member of the crowd. Opelka said the unidentified fan was repeatedly and intentionally disrupting his serve. “Audible obscenities directed at members of the public constitute a clear violation of ATP rules,” the tour said in its statement. “In such instances, the chair umpire has a responsibility to take appropriate action, regardless of the match score. The ATP will review Mr. Opelka’s post-match comments as part of its standard disciplinary process.” After the match, Opelka said umpire Greg Allensworth failed to stop the fan from disrupting play. “Worst ump on tour,” Opelka said. “He’s real bad. Almost changed the outcome of that match just because he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. And he got emotional, when we were arguing. … He didn’t tell (the fan) to shut up? He was doing it for, like, three points. He didn’t do his job, so I had to tell him, Get out of here.’” (AP)
Odisha govt approves project for construction of block level stadiums
Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: The Odisha government has approved a new project for construction of stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state over a period of five years, and the Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 4124 crore for it. It is aimed at strengthening grassroots-level sports infrastructure, highlighting the government’s dedication towards fostering a robust sports ecosystem while promoting health and wellness across Odisha. The project aims to address critical gaps in rural sports infrastructure, particularly at the block level, where facilities remain underdeveloped. (PTI)