The IAAF World Athletics Championships in London next month are "expected to have the highest attendance figures in the event's history" after organizers announced on Friday that more than 650,000 tickets have been sold. The championships, which began in '83, have "completely sold out for the opening night at the London Stadium." More than a quarter of a million spectators are expected over the first weekend (REUTERS, 7/28).
England women's cricket head coach Mark Robinson asked the England & Wales Cricket Board to "arrange an extra overseas tour for his team in March next year." The current schedule does not contain any int'l fixtures for England's women after the Women's Big Bash League and before the English summer starts. Robinson believes his squad needs "more matches against strong opposition" if it is to capitalize on its World Cup win. The ECB confirmed that it is "in discussions to try and arrange a tour but that there are no firms plans" (SUNDAY TIMES, 7/30).
The Int'l Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday confirmed the inclusion of Spain men and Belgium women as "replacements for India in the Hockey Pro League set to take off" in Jan. '19. The two teams were approved as the first reserves in June (SPORT STAR LIVE, 7/28).