“I will have to improve in the next one,” the 25-year-old Pliskova said in a courtside interview. SLAMS FOR SMASHES Badminton is keen on getting its circuit jazzed up, and though everything’s going quite smooth if you ask us, the sport wants to create tennis like Grand Slams. The transfer-that-never-was has evoked echoes of two years ago when Manchester United and Real Madrid fell out over the sale of David De Gea to the Spanish club. Algeria’s preparations were disrupted by a decision to allow African Footballer of the Year Ri. “You have no paparazzi in your country,” they accuse. The Emirates Arena was sold out for quarters, semis and finals — which the organisers knew wouldn’t star a Scottish name. Ironically, she gets asked every time she wins a doubles title, if it’s her last. A particular company may have a strong presence in one of the markets but may like to have an association with a company that has strong foothold in another market. “I have no regrets because I know I have left certain legacy for India hockey in the last four-and-a-half-years. No one’s going away anywhere yet, Viktor’s just gotten started — and his fans promise to traverse many lands following his exploits.