Yuki Bhambri seeded sixth at Youth Olympic Games

Singapore: Yuki Bhambri was seeded sixth in the singles tennis event of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games and drew Germany`s Kevin Krawietz as his first round opponent. Yuki, who will also be India`s flag bearer, is the lone Indian representative in the both singles and doubles boys event and no Indian girl is competing in either singles and doubles events. Yuki has partnered Philippines` Jeson Patrombon for the boys doubles event and the pair will open its campaign against fourth seeds Mate Pavic of Czech Republic and Damir Dzumhur of Croatia.The action will begin at Kallang Tennis Centre here on Sunday and three junior Grand Slam champions, including 2009 Australian open champion Yuki, are contesting the boys` singles. Current world number one and Wimbledon junior champion Marton Fucsovics of Hungary has been given the top billing. Brazil`s Tiago Fernandes, who won Australian Open boys title early this year, is seeded third. Young athletes aged between 14 and 18 years will compete in a total of 26 sports.Up to two boys and two girls per country are taking part in the singles and doubles events. Unlike the regular Olympic Games, players can partner someone from another country in the doubles. World ranking points are also available, with the YOG Tennis Event being a Grade A event on the 2010 ITF Junior Circuit. "With nearly 40 countries from seven regions, it is exciting to see tennis so well represented at the first Summer Youth Olympic Games.” "Performance and universality are two of the cornerstones of the Youth Olympics, and I am confident that the quality of entry and range of participants will contribute to a successful tennis event in Singapore," ITF President and IOC member Francesco Ricci Bitti said. PTI