Sports Shorts: Jury finds USTA mostly liable for Bouchard fall

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) was found by a jury mostly liable when Canada's Eugenie Bouchard fell in a training room at the 2015 US Open, resulting in her withdrawal and a concussion, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before ruling in Bouchard's favour in the lawsuit against the USTA.

The jury decided the tennis association will have to pay 75 percent of the damages owed to Bouchard but also found the tennis player bore contributory negligence, assessing her 25 percent of the total negligence, the newspaper reported.

"When you get 75 percent or better, you can't ever complain about that," Bouchard's attorney Benedict Morelli told The New York Times.

"If somebody gives you three-quarters of the enchilada, you can't complain."

The USTA told Reuters it was not commenting at this time, while representatives for Bouchard could not be immediately reached for a statement.

Bouchard, a former world number five and Wimbledon finalist, was seeking damages for her physical and emotional suffering as well as lost earnings both on and off the court after not playing a complete match for the remainder of 2015.

The 23-year-old told the jury on Wednesday that she took two steps into the training room after a mixed doubles match before slipping on the wet floor, falling and hitting her head on the tile floor.

"I was laying there shocked, staring at the ceiling," she said.

Tennis association lawyers said Bouchard should have known not to be in the room without a trainer or tournament personnel

The damages phase of the trial will begin on Friday. 

Rani named captain for women's tour of Korea

Ace striker Rani Rampal was today named captain of a 20-strong Indian women's hockey team for next month's season-opening away series against Korea, where fit-again forward Poonam Rani will make a comeback.

India will play five matches against the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre, from March 3 to 12.

Defender Sunita Lakra will be Rani's deputy during the trip. With celebrated goalkeeper Savita rested for the tour, Rajani Etimarpu will be joined by debutant Swati to guard the Indian goalpost in Korea.

The Korea Tour will be the Indian team's first event after its historic Asia Cup success where the side beat China 5-4 in a penalty shootout to lift the title in November last year.

"Doing well in the season's first event is always important to gain confidence and momentum for the rest of the year. Also, Korea Tour will help us analyse the areas that requires improvement ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where we aim to finish on the podium," chief coach Harendra Singh said.

On selecting a balanced team with young and experienced players, Harendra Singh said, "It is good to see experienced players Deepika and Poonam overcome injuries and return to the squad.

"We have a good mix of experienced players who will play an important role of guiding some of the youngsters in the team."

With the team consistently improving in terms of fitness and speed, Harendra is confident of a good show in Korea.

"The girls are consistently scoring well in the Yo-Yo Tests which indicate their speed, fitness level is improving.

"Most of the girls participated in the National Championship in Ranchi where they performed well for their respective teams and I was also there to watch some of the matches. I am sure they will carry forward this good form in Korea too," he added.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu, Swati

Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra (VC), Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam

Midfielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Udita

Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Poonam Rani.