Mahesh not to shoulder singles responsibility

Mumbai, February 6: Mahesh Bhupathi is unlikely to play singles in the Davis Cup Asia Zone tie against China because of shoulder strain.En...

Mumbai, February 6: Mahesh Bhupathi is unlikely to play singles in the Davis Cup Asia Zone tie against China because of shoulder strain.

Enrico Piperno, a close confidant of Bhupathi, told newsmen here yesterday that the Indiaâ€™s number two player felt some soreness in his right shoulder while playing in the Australian Open early this month and is worried that his old shoulder injury may worsen up if he takes up the burden of playing singles. He will be happy to concentrate on his doubles strength, Piperno added.

In any case, Bhupathiâ€™s singles ranking in the world has dived so badly that he has been given a wild card to play in the $50,000 ATP Challenger, which begins here from February 12. Even Indiaâ€™s ace Leander Paesâ€™ ranking is not rosy and though he is the defending champion he is seeded third with a world ranking of 196.

The event is expected to throw a new star, Prakash, 17-year-old son of former legend Vijay Amritraj, who is expected to get second of the four wild cards. Piperno regretted that Americaâ€™sNo.1 junior player of Indian origin, R Ram, will not be available.

After $102 million heist, Louvre moves crown jewels to Bank of France vault

World2 hr ago

The Louvre has moved valuable treasures to the Bank of France after a daring heist exposed security flaws. The transfer of select pieces, including France's crown jewels, was under heavy police escort. The heist, in which priceless items were stolen and damaged, has sparked national outrage and embarrassment for the government.

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