Two tickets each time you compete, GB athletes told

NATHAN CLEVERLY has pulled out of his world title defence against Robin Krasniqi on April 28 because of a viral infection. The WBO light-heavyweight champion’s withdrawal came a day after George Groves, another Frank Warren fighter, pulled out of his challenge for Robert Stieglitz’s WBO super-middleweight title because of an undisclosed training injury. Groves had been due to fight in Germany on May 5. GUAN TIAN-LANG will become the youngest golfer to compete on the European Tour when he tees off in the China Open tomorrow. Guan, who will be 13 years and 173 days, will beat the record of Chinese compatriot Lo Shik-kai, who was 107 days older at the 2003 Hong Kong Open. Guan booked a place in the 156-man field after finishing fourth in a qualifying event. BRITAIN’S Olympic athletes will be given two free tickets for family or friends each time they compete at the Games in London. For some, such as a sprinter who makes it through to a final and then runs in the relay rounds, it could mean up to 10 free tickets. UK Athletics said they would fund all the tickets from their own resources. The federation would not put a figure on the cost beyond admitting that it was a ‘considerable investment’. With the athletics team expected to number around 75 and tickets costing a minimum of £50 for semifinals and final sessions, it will cost a five-figure sum. ‘This is essentially a performance decision — the last thing we want athletes to be worrying about is the cost and availability of tickets for their mum and dad, boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife,’ said Niels de Vos, UKA chief executive. Holly Bleasdale, British pole vault record-holder, added: ‘Having people close to me there and supporting me is a big boost. I always compete to my best when I’m happiest. It’s a massive confidence booster.’ UK Athletics are the first national federation to agree to pay for tickets the London 2012 Organising Committee have promised for athletes’ families, but that does not help with the problem identified by Sir Chris Hoy’s father. He complained that two tickets for each appearance would mean an athlete faces the unenviable choice between parents and spouses. HAILE GEBRSELASSIE has confirmed his participation in next month’s 10k Bupa Great Manchester Run. The veteran Ethiopian (above) has crossed the line first for the last three years and is chasing a fifth title. ‘Although I will not be taking part in the Olympic marathon I am looking forward to coming to Manchester again and to a course which I love,’ he said.

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