Sharapova pulls out of Australian Open

Russia’s Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Australian Open, she announced on Sunday.

The 2008 Australian Open champion said she was making steady progress from a shoulder injury but was not fit enough to compete in the first grand slam of the year, starting January 19.

“I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year’s Australian Open,” she said in a statement.

“My shoulder is doing great but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels.”

Sharapova won her first Australian Open title last year when she beat Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic in the final at Melbourne Park but has not played since August.

The 21-year-old won her first 18 matches in 2008 to briefly reclaim the number one ranking before injury struck at Montreal, forcing her to withdraw from last year’s Beijing Olympics and the US Open.

“I know she has been working around the clock to try and get back from the shoulder injury. In the end, time beat her this year,” Australian Open tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

“We wish her well with her return to tennis and look forward to seeing her back in Melbourne next year.”

Patel gets county nod to play in IPL

England One-day player Samit Patel has been granted permission by his county club Nottinghamshire to play in the second edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 24-year-old all-rounder, who has an incremental central contract with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has been registered for the IPL players’ auction in February.

Patel has already attracted interest from Delhi Daredevils, but his participation is still subject to an agreement between Nottinghamshire, the ECB and the IPL team being reached.

“It’s an opportunity for Samit that we have to embrace, because it gives him a chance to enhance and hone his one-day skills,” Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, said.

“We’ve got plans in place to make sure that we have adequate cover in all areas of the squad, and he’ll go to India with our blessing.”

Patel, who toured India last year with the England one-day team and also found a place in the West Indies bound ODI squad, said he is excited about taking part in the IPL, which is fast becoming the most high-profile cricket arena in the world.

“The Indian Premier League is a great tournament and I’m looking forward to the possibility of playing alongside and against the best players in the world,” said Patel who made his debut in the One-day series against South Africa last year.

“I enjoyed the time that I spent in India this winter and I want to continue to develop my game and make progress with Notts and England. I remain committed to Notts and I want to make a contribution to a successful season in 2009,”

If bought in the February auction, Patel would become the first player with an ECB contract to feature in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament in India.

Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas did play for Rajasthan Royals but was not centrally contracted and needed only permission from his county.