Jankovic back on top

PARIS: Jelena Jankovic of Serbia was confirmed as regaining the World No 1 ranking on Monday following her win in the WTA tournament at Stuttgart on Sunday. She takes over from Serena Williams in the sixth changeover at the top since Justine Henin retired in May. Jankovic held the top ranking for just one week in August before being overtaken by compatriot Ana Ivanovic. Serena dropped to second, while Russians Dinara Safina and Elena Dementiva and Serbian Ana Ivanovic completed the top five. Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetzova, Venus Williams, Vera Zvonavera and Agnieszka Radwanska are also in the top 10. — AP

Karlsson triumphs

ST ANDREWS: Robert Karlsson won his second successive European Tour event as the Swede held his nerve to claim the Dunhill Links Championship in a play-off here on Sunday. Karlsson birdied the first play-off hole at St Andrews to pip Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher after the trio had finished tied on 10 under par. Karlsson won the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany the week before the Ryder Cup. — AFP

B’desh name squad

Dhaka: Bangladesh have included three youngsters to boost their depleted squad for an upcoming one-day series against New Zealand, selectors announced. Opener Imrul Kayes, middle-order batsman Naeem Islam and paceman Mahbubul Alam Robin were the newcomers in a 14-man squad for the three-match series starting here on Thursday. The trio, belonging to the country’s cricket academy, had consistently done well in domestic leagues and on overseas tours over the past one year, chief selector Rafiqul Alam said. The squad contains none of the 13 players who recently defected to the rebel Indian Cricket League, including seven current or former internationals. The selectors also recalled wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and fit-again seamer Syed Rasel. — AFP