MARTINA HINGIS is returning to Wimbledon "for the first time in seven years" to play in the women's doubles tournament. Her partner is Russia's VERA ZVONAREVA, a former doubles winner and singles runner-up (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/11). ... Cyclist BRADLEY WIGGINS "has been included" in England's 31-member Commonwealth Games team. Wiggins will compete in the road race event. Olympic champions LAURA TROTT, JOANNA ROWSELL, DANI KING, ED CLANCY, STEVEN BURKE, JASON KENNY and PHILIP HINDES "have also been selected" (BBC, 6/11). ... Real Madrid and Spanish national team member SERGIO RAMOS was appointed as UNICEF Spain ambassador during an event with youth in Curitiba, Brazil. His appointment came during the kickoff of the Team UNICEF initiative, which aims to use sport to promote peace, respect, and also encourage cooperation and leadership among young people. It also focuses on protecting children from violence (UNICEF).
BLATCHE ON BOARD: NBA Brooklyn Nets center ANDRAY BLATCHE became a Filipino on Wednesday after President BENIGNO AQUINO "rushed through a special citizenship law to ensure the powerful centre could play for the Philippines" at this year’s FIBA World Cup. Aquino's spokesperson EDWIN LACIERDA said, “We confirm that the president signed (the bill) granting Filipino citizenship to Mr. Blatche.” Philippines "will be one of the biggest underdogs at the World Cup, and politicians had been desperate to lure Blatche." In contrast to the many bills that can languish in Congress for years amid lengthy debates, legislators "swiftly passed the Blatche naturalisation law" (AFP, 6/11).
