Barty fit for China Open after calf problem
Ashleigh Barty said on Sunday that she expects to be fit for this week's China Open after the Australian world No 1 struggled with a calf problem in Wuhan.
The 23-year-old lost to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in Friday's semifinal at the Wuhan Open and needed treatment on her left calf halfway through the second set.
The French Open champion, the top seed in Beijing this week, said: "I haven't been on court since my match in Wuhan.
"We'll look to get on court this afternoon (for practice) and kind of test it out.
"From how it's been going, it's been marginally better than we expected, which is good.
"I'm sure that we'll have no issue. It's just about now ticking the boxes and making sure it's alright to go."
Barty has a bye in the first round in Beijing. The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni is using the power of football to empower the teeming youth of the state who are talented in the round leather game.
The Executive Director of Yobe State Sports Council, Dr. Abubakar Ago told Daily Trust that the governor magnanimously approved the appointment and payment of allowances to over 70 youth football players.
He said the lucky players and officials were given appointment letters and paid their monthly allowances last Thursday as a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to youth empowerment.
Ago explained that the beneficiaries are 25 players from the Feeder Team of Yobe Desert Stars, 30 U-15 players and 15 coaches including backroom staff for the two cadet teams.
“On Thursday, September 26, our sports loving governor, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni fulfilled one of his campaign promises when he approved that over 70 football playing youths should be placed on monthly allowances.
“He magnanimously approved that 25 members of the Desert Stars Feeder Team, 30 players of the U-13 La Liga team and 15 officials attached to the teams should be placed on monthly allowances.
“The 70 beneficiaries were given their appointment letters and also paid their allowances to demonstrate the commitment of government.
“This kind gesture is in fulfilment of the governor’s promise to empower the youth of Yobe State. This support will no doubt engender grassroots football development,” he said.