SHARAPOVA NAMES CONNORS AS NEW COACH

LONDON: Maria Sharapova has announced that Jimmy Connors is to be her new coach. The world No 2 split with her previous coach Thomas Hogstedt on Friday, after three years of working together.

In a statement on her website, Sharapova said: “I am happy to announce that Jimmy Connors will be my new coach. I have known Jimmy for many years and we briefly worked together in 2008 just before the Australian Open. I am really excited about our new partnership and looking forward to the upcoming tournaments.”

Third seed at Wimbledon this year, Sharapova, winner of four grand slam singles titles, suffered a surprise second-round 6-3 6-4 defeat to the world No 131 Michelle Larcher de Brito.

The American Connors, who won eight grand slam singles titles, has previously coached Andy Roddick. SCOTTISH LEADER TO BOYCOTT BRITISH OPEN CASTLE STUART: Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, confirmed Saturday he will boycott next week’s British Open over Muirfield’s all-male membership policy. The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers club at Muirfield is hosting golf’s oldest major for a 16th time despite the continuing controversy surrounding the club’s decision not to allow female members.

Salmond will not travel to Muirfield because of the club’s policy, despite the presence of a huge Scottish governmentbacked tourism promotion ahead of next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. “I said a few weeks ago that it’s just indefensible in the 21st century not to have golf clubs open to both males and females,” he said. “I would be delighted if Muirfield decided to set up the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Lady Golfers Club and have playing rights to the course. I just object to clubs where people of both sexes can’t be members of the course.”