FIFA Unveils Complex European World Cup Qualifying Draw, Emphasizing UEFA Nations League

FIFA has announced a more intricate draw for European World Cup qualifying groups, placing greater importance on the UEFA Nations League standings than traditional FIFA rankings. The new system will see the top seeds for the 12 groups determined by the Nations League quarterfinalists and top-ranked teams outside the top eight. This will mean the full draw cannot be finalized until after the Nations League quarterfinals in March 2023, leaving teams uncertain about their opponents for several months.

Top Seeds Advance in Cincinnati Open Qualifying

Nuno Borges and Magdalena Frech, the top seeds in the men’s and women’s draws of the Cincinnati Open, secured their spots in the main tournament by winning their qualifying matches on Monday. Meanwhile, six American players, including Taylor Townsend and Alex Michelsen, advanced in the main draw.

Bagnaia Sets New Lap Record in Assen Qualifying, Aims for Third Straight Win

Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning double world champion, set a new lap record at Assen during Friday’s qualifying session, showcasing his dominance ahead of the Dutch MotoGP weekend. Looking to secure his third consecutive victory, Bagnaia aims to close the gap on championship leader Jorge Martin, who is just 18 points ahead. The qualifying session also saw Aleix Espargaro’s final outing at Assen before his retirement, while Prima Pramac Racing announced their multi-year partnership with Yamaha, marking a significant change in the MotoGP landscape.

Emma Raducanu Withdraws from French Open Qualifying for Summer Focus

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has made the strategic decision to withdraw from the French Open qualifying event, opting instead to prioritize training and preparation for the upcoming grass and hard-court seasons. This move comes as a surprise to many who expected Raducanu to attempt to qualify for the main draw at Roland Garros, similar to her impressive run at the 2021 US Open. Raducanu’s decision stems from her desire to lay a solid foundation and minimize the risk of injuries. She intends to use this time to enhance her fitness and durability for the demanding tournaments ahead. Despite entering the French Open with a protected ranking of 103, Raducanu remained outside the main draw cutoff and was not granted a wild card. Despite a promising start to the clay-court season, Raducanu’s recent performances, including an early exit at the Madrid Open, have raised concerns about her physical and mental readiness. This latest withdrawal highlights Raducanu’s focus on long-term success and her unwavering commitment to reaching her full potential.

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