Countries can field up to 6 players

[Brinyi]

Countries can field up to 6 players in women's tennis event at Beijing Olympics

LONDON (AP) — Nations can field six players in women's tennis at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, an increase of two from the 2004 Games.

The International Tennis Federation and the WTA Tour announced the change Thursday after completing negotiations to again award ranking points for the competition.

The WTA rankings will be used to determine the top 56 entries in the 64-player singles draw for women. Nations can be eligible for up to four entries in singles.

WTA Tour chief executive officer Larry Scott said the agreement ensures players are "selected based on merit, which is a principle of the utmost importance and one that is consistent with the spirit of the Olympic Games."

The WTA first awarded ranking points for the Olympic tennis event in 2004. Teams can nominate a separate doubles team if one of the pair is ranked in the top 10 in doubles.

"More of the top women players will be eligible to compete in Beijing and that is good news for everyone," ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said.

Six of the remaining eight singles places will be selected by the ITF's Olympic Committee, taking into consideration a player's singles computer ranking and a geographic distribution of nations entered.

The remaining two places will be chosen by a committee featuring representatives from the International Olympic Committee and the ITF.

The ITF was still in negotiation with the men's tour. The ATP awarded ranking points for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic events.

Tennis will be played Aug. 10-17 in Beijing.

The Associated Press

[sasha]

So, make this more like the other 100 tournaments during the year.

Yawn.

[janie]

So if Russia decides to leave Sharapova off the team because she won't play Fed Cup, she'll get to play anyway? I wonder if IMG engineered this?

[Wagasi]

so Fedcup is now well and truly dead

[Brinyi]

"It was quite difficult in Athens. Taking the bus and not being in control of my own schedule, and many people recognising me in the village. It was not as enjoyable as Sydney, which I loved. I still have not made up my mind (whether to play in Beijing)"

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[Brinyi]

Tsonga, Koubek, Knapp out of Olympics

LONDON (AP)—Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Stefan Koubek and Karin Knapp withdrew Tuesday from the Olympic tennis tournament because of injuries.

The 23-year-old Tsonga, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, is still undergoing physical therapy following a knee operation, according to the French tennis federation.

“In agreement with Bernard Montalvan, doctor for the French team, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga believes he is not ready to participate in the games,” the French federation said in a statement.

Tsonga will be replaced by Michael Llodra for the tennis tournament at the Beijing Games.

The 31-year-old Koubek has a back injury and will be replaced by Chris Guccione of Australia in the men’s singles competition, with Mara Santangelo replacing her 21-year-old Italian teammate in the women’s singles.

Knapp hasn’t played since losing to Maria Sharapova in the third round of the French Open.

[freudo]

Any idea when the draws will appear?