Digest

TENNIS

Alcaraz 'really looking forward' to China trip

Carlos Alcaraz confirmed on Monday that he will come to China for the first time in the fall, with the Spanish sensation set to headline Beijing's ATP 500 tournament.

The reigning US Open champion and the youngest-ever world No 1 (a feat he achieved last September at 19) will lead a glittering cast of top men's players at the combined China Open, which also consists of a WTA 1000 tournament.

The China Open is making a much-anticipated return from a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year's tournament — the 20th edition of the event — will offer a record prize purse of at least $11.6 million.

"I am going to play in the China Open this year. I really look forward to meeting you in Beijing," Alcaraz, the current world No 2 said in a video message. "I have heard the venues are great, the fans are passionate and China has an amazing history and culture, and of course the Chinese food."

The ATP tournament runs from Sept 28-Oct 4, while the WTA event is scheduled from Sept 30-Oct 8.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Team China sets out for World Games in Berlin

The Chinese delegation has set out for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, which will kick off in Berlin on Saturday.

A total of 89 Chinese athletes will participate in 11 sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, soccer, weightlifting and table tennis. The average age of the Chinese team is 21, while the youngest athlete is 14.

According to the Chinese delegation, the team's aim is to showcase the athletes' brave spirit and display the development of Chinese Special Olympic sports.

This year's Special Olympics will see over 7,000 athletes from 190 delegations compete over nine days of competition. This is the 10th time China is participating in the event.

Apart from the sporting action, a series of activities to support people with intellectual disabilities will be held during the event.

VOLLEYBALL

Coach Cai wants to see upward curve continue

The head coach of China's women's volleyball team, Cai Bin, said on Monday that his team still has significant room for improvement as it begins the second week of matches in the FIVB Women's Nations League in Hong Kong, China.

China concluded the first week of the Nations League as one of three unbeaten teams, with four wins in as many matches.

However, Cai wants to see even better performances from his team.

"After the winter training stint, we made some changes to the starting lineup. We are making progress but still have ample room for improvement," he said.

The Nations League matches in Hong Kong will feature eight teams and take place from June 13-18. China was due to face Canada at the Hong Kong Coliseum on Tuesday night, followed by matches against Bulgaria, Poland, and Italy.

"We will approach each opponent seriously and hope to deliver impressive performances for the local fans. Every team is formidable, and the outcome will depend on the details on the court," said Cai.

"At the moment, it is important to maintain a stable squad. However, if circumstances permit, we will consider fielding some young players," he added.

TRACK&FIELD

US sprinter Bowie died during labor: reports

Olympic medalist and former 100-meter world champion Tori Bowie died due to complications from childbirth, an autopsy report has found, multiple American media outlets reported on Monday.

Bowie, 32, was found dead at her home in Orange County, Florida last month after local law enforcement conducted a well-being check on her following concerns from friends and family.

USA Today reported on Monday that the Orange County Medical Examiner Office found Bowie was eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death.

The report said officials believed Bowie may have suffered complications including respiratory distress or eclampsia, a condition linked to high blood pressure that causes seizures.

The American anchored the US team to a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she also earned silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.

She won the 100m world title at the World Athletics Championships in London the following year and remains the lone American woman to win an Olympic or world 100m title since Carmelita Jeter in 2011.

US sprinting great Justin Gatlin paid tribute to Bowie as a "fierce competitor and great teammate". "Tori was a beautiful human being and had a smile that made you want to smile too," Gatlin said. "A true legend that made her mark in our sport and hearts."

Agencies - Xinhua