The International Badminton Federation said it needs to transform its image from one of a backyard barbecue activity to a sport of global interest like Formula One. ”Our target is to promote the game to the audience,” IBF deputy president Punch Gunalan said. ”We must show countries like the United States that badminton is exciting and not just a garden game.
Former world number one Kim Clijsters captured her second Indian Wells WTA title in three years on Saturday, capping a remarkable run in just her second tournament back from injury. The 21-year-old Belgian continued her stranglehold on American Lindsay Davenport by beating the world number one 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the final.
Defending champ Roger Federer posted his tour-leading 25th victory of 2005 on Saturday to set up a showdown with Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the Indian Wells Masters Series event. Four-time grand-slam winner Federer fired seven aces en route to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Guillermo Canas in the first of two semifinals on Saturday.
Roger Federer continued to roll over his opponents and Lindsay Davenport had an equally easy time as both top seeds breezed into the next round of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters Series event. ”I felt I was always in control,” said Federer. ”I am feeling well and I have had two quite comfortable matches so far.”
Former world number one Kim Clijsters continued her comeback from injury on Wednesday, overpowering Nicole Pratt 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of the ,1-million Pacific Life Open. The 21-year-old Belgian needed just 49 minutes to dispatch the Australian, covering the court with a wide selection of shots and hammering 16 winners to Pratt’s four.
Tiger Woods starts the 2004 PGA Tour season healthy and hungry for his first major victory in 18 months. The 28-year-old American begins the new campaign at the ,3-million Mercedes Championship in Hawaii this week after missing the 2003 event because of knee surgery.