Johanna Konta falls short at Indian Wells, while Zoe Smith leads the Great Britain team named for next month’s European Weightlifting Championships. Catch uo on all the latest news from the last 24 hours here.
British number one Johanna Konta’s run at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells came to an end after she was beaten in the fourth round by world number 19 Karolina Pliskova.
Victory over her opponent would have put Konta in with a shout of breaking into the top 20 of the world rankings for the first time.
But despite having the momentum after storming back to take the second set, she was unable to get the better of her Czech opponent and lost out 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3.
Commonwealth Games champion Zoe Smith will lead a 14-strong team at this year’s European Weightlifting Championships as the race to qualify places at Rio 2016 hots up.
The European Championships, taking place in Forde, Norway from April 10-16, represent the final chance for British athletes to qualify for this summer’s Olympic Games.
Hopes will be high following a strong World Championships in which Smith broke two British records on the way to a ninth-place finish in Houston.
British Weight Lifting Performance Director Tommy Yule said: “Qualification for this summer’s Olympic Games remains extremely competitive, such is the standard of Europe’s top athletes.
“Our elite lifters have proven themselves more than up to the challenge however, and have a terrific opportunity in Norway to seal Olympic qualification.” Read more here.
Chris Mears is hoping the roar of the home crowd can spur him on as he continues to ramp up his preparations for the European Aquatics Championships in May.
The London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the European Championships from May 9-22 with the continent's best swimmers and divers set to compete.
Mears made history at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan by winning Great Britain's first-ever men's 3m sycnhro bronze alongside Jack Laugher while also claiming World Series silver in London last season.
"I am really excited about the European Championships being in London," said Mears, who made his Olympic debut at London 2012 and was yesterday named ambassador for the London 2016 European Championships.
"I love competing there and it will be the perfect preparation for the Olympics in Rio." Read more here.
James Guy is convinced the home European Aquatics Championships in May will be the perfect preparation for this summer’s Olympic Games.
The London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the European Championships from May 9-22 with the continent’s best swimmers and divers set to compete.
Guy enjoyed the best year of his career in 2015 as he claimed World Championship gold in the 200m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle while also picking up silver in the 400m free.
The 20-year-old will be making his European debut in London with the Rio 2016 Olympics coming just a few months later.
“I am delighted to be announced as an ambassador for the 2016 European Championships,” said Guy, who is joined by the role by Jazz Carlin.
“The London Aquatics Centre was home to swimming at London 2012 and so to compete there in Olympic year makes this event even more special.
“Following an incredible 2015, I’m looking forward to competing and racing with the best of Europe in May, in what is a very exciting year.”
Sportsbeat 2016