Somdev, Prakash play higher-ranked opponents in US Open qualifiers

New York, Aug 25: India’s No 1 Somdev Devvarman will take on American Alex Bogomolov Jr in the first round of the US Open tennis qualifiers.
Somdev, ranked 161, is tied 1-1 with the 16th-seeded Russian-born American, who is ranked 133rd.

Bogomolov Jr beat Somdev in their first meeting in Calabasas challenger last year, but the Indian avenged the defeat, beating the American in straight sets at the LA Tennis Open qualifiers in July.
Somdev's former Davis Cup teammate Prakash Amritraj, ranked 253, will meet 159th-ranked Alejandro Falla of Columbia in the first round in his bid to qualify for the US open. (IANS)

Jaitley assures players of fair selection

New Delhi, Aug 25: The players’ mutiny in the Delhi and District Cricket Association spearheaded by Virender Sehwag ended today with DDCA President Arun Jaitley accepting their demand of fairness in selection process.

The uproar had started after Sehwag alleged that there was corruption and nepotism in the selection process, claiming interference by the all-powerful Sports Committee. The star Indian opener had threatened to quit the Delhi Ranji team if things did not change.

Jaitley denied allegations of interference against the Sports Committee but assured that the selection process would be made more transparent after meeting Sehwag and another revolting player Gautam Gambhir late last night.

“Steps are required to ensure that the selection process is fair. No interference is acceptable and would not be tolerated. The players’ suggestions were well-intentioned,” Jaitley told reporters here. “I told them (the players) and my colleagues that steps should be taken to ensure that the standard of fairness is maintained. It’s obvious that we require selectors who are experienced, who have a strong spine to be fair and firm,” he said.