BEIJING: World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her title at next week’s Wuhan Open following a brief injury layoff but local hero Zheng Qinwen is out.
Sabalenka won her fourth Grand Slam crown in New York last month but missed this week’s China Open in Beijing with what she called a small injury.
The 27-year-old from Belarus is expected to return to action for the WTA 1000 event in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where she is the reigning champion and a three-time winner.
The main draw starts on Monday with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff — who plays the semifinals in Beijing on Saturday — also among the top seeds.
In a blow to the tournament and home hopes, local favorite and Olympic champion Zheng pulled out on Friday having recently returned from elbow surgery.
The Chinese world number nine, who considers Wuhan her hometown, retired from her last-32 match at the China Open on Monday.
Zheng, runner-up to Sabalenka last year, said in a video: “Unfortunately my body has not returned to its best condition.
“After discussing with doctors and my team, I regretfully and unfortunately withdrew from this year’s Wuhan Open.
“I’m very grateful for the support from all tennis fans, especially those from my hometown.”
Sabalenka to defend Wuhan title after layoff but Zheng out
https://arab.news/24kuz
Sabalenka to defend Wuhan title after layoff but Zheng out
- World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her title at next week’s Wuhan Open following a brief injury layoff but local hero Zheng Qinwen is out
Pitching masterclass leads Mid East Falcons to series-saving win over Mumbai Cobras
- Abu Dhabi and India franchises will meet on Sunday night in Baseball United Season 1 championship-decider
DUBAI: Kazuki Yabuta struck out eight and allowed only four hits and one run in 6.1 innings, and Haru Yoshioka had a perfect 2.2 relief with seven strikeouts, including a Fire Ball strikeout to end the game, to give Mid East Falcons a 5-1 win over Mumbai Cobras and tie the United Series (1-1).
Gregori Cano went 2-for-3, with a solo home run in the third inning, and Munenori Kawasaki went 2-for-4 with one run scored and a one-run double that represented the beginning of Mid East’s four-run attack in the eighth inning.
Jake Hjelle went 1-for-3 with an RBI, which was the Falcons’ third run of the game. The other two runs came on consecutive walks with the Money Ball in play, resulting in two RBIs for Federico Celli.
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the third and final game of the United Series will take place at Baseball United Ballpark.
In other highlights, Chase Gearing took the loss after 3.1 innings of relief work, in which he allowed four hits, three earned runs, and two strikeouts.
Raul Shah went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, as the standout man in the Cobras offense.
Lord de Vera and Lou Helmig left three and two men on base, respectively, for a total of five at key moments in the game.
