Azarenka back after child custody battle

PARIS: Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka is returning to compete in Europe after a custody battle over her son prevented her from leaving the United States.

The 28-year-old Belarus star confirmed she would be lining up at the Madrid Open from May 5 in a post on Twitter on Monday.

“Mommy and Leo’s adventures begin. Europe here we come. first stop — see you in Madrid,” Azarenka announced, accompanied by a selfie with her son. The 2012 and 2013 Australian Open winner has only played in two tournaments since July 2017 after a judge in California ruled that her son should not leave the state until custody was resolved.

4-NATION MEET GOOD EXPOSURE: JHINGAN

MUMBAI: Indian football team defender Sandesh Jhingan is hopeful the four-nation tournament here in June will be a good test for the side. The AIFF is hosting the inaugural Intercontinental Cup from June 1 to 10. Apart from India, South Africa, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei are the other teams. “The more better teams you play, the better you get. The tournament is the right opportunity to test ourselves. It will be good preparation ahead of the Asian Cup (next year). South Africa, New Zealand are good sides and I believe we need to play good teams,” said Jhingan.

FERRAN EXTENDS STAY

PANJIM: FC Goa have announced that Indian Super League top scorer Ferran ‘Coro Corominas has extended his stay with the football club till the next edition of the tournament. The Spanish striker was in sensational form throughout the ISL, netting a record breaking 18 goals through the campaign, including back to back hattricks against Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC.

WADA COMPLIANT: AIBA

LAUSANNE: The International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Monday claimed it has become WADA-compliant since adopting a revamped anti-doping programme, which was cited as an area of concern by the IOC when it threatened to expel the sport from the 2020 Olympics. “Following the review of the International Boxing Association’s Corrective Action Report (CAR), the World Anti-Doping Agency concluded that all non-conformities have been addressed appropriately by AIBA,” the AIBA said.

PRAJNESH LEAPS TO 176

NEW DELHI : Making a huge jump, India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran on Monday leapfrogged 84 places to a career-best singles rank of 176, following his maiden title-triumph on the ATP Challenger circuit.

The Sunday’s win in Anning in China gave the left-hander 125 points, pushing him inside top200 for the first time in his career.