Gary Meenaghan

Both top-ranked players, and finalists at last week's Qatar Open, have now opted out of the event on fitness grounds.

The Dane brushed aside Zheng Jie to set up a quarter final clash with Marion Bartoli, while Agnieska Radwanska rallies twice to keep her title defence on track.

The newly installed world No 1 faces Marion Bartoli on Centre Court at the Aviation Club in the second round.

Former world No 1 says she has found her hunder back and is enjoying the game like she did as a kid.

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici is ready to return to the ground that kick-started his career - and the Australian stopper cannot wait to test himself against Manchester United's strike-force.

The young American fails to replicate form that saw her beat Serena Williams

Luciano Spalletti says racist spectators are in a minority at his club's home games but the Premier League club are concerned by the manifesto of a fan group of the Russian club, reports Gary Meenaghan.

Arabian Gulf footballers have often struggled to attract the attention of scouts in Europe. Brian McDermott, Reading's former scout turned manager, believes the crux of the problem is the 'phenomenal' salaries on offer.

Reading manager speaks to Gary Meenaghan during his team's short-trip to Dubai about his unusual route to the top tier of English football.

QPR, Sunderland and Swansea City also taking take advantage of snowfall in UK and gap in fixture list to head to UAE to train.

Chief executive tells Gary Meenaghan how an overhaul in the Scottish League has the Glasgow club looking to England.

Charles Green, Rangers' chief executive, talks exclusively to The National about his hopes of using the local knowledge he acquired from three years spent in Dubai to revive the club.

Rangers chief executive Charles Green tells Gary Meenaghan why it is in the best interests of the club and where the money will be spent.The club is stable and financially secure. Yet he still wants to sell naming rights to the famous Ibrox Stadium.

Cheered on by 3,300 supporters in Dubai, the Lions of Mesopotamia win their Group C opener to move on from their Gulf Cup final disappointment.

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed a 20th Grand Prix will not be added to the calendar this year - but expects the inaugural Russian Grand Prix to join the schedule in 2014.