John McEnroe criticized the US Open for not moving Roger Federer into the bottom half of the draw following Andy Murray's withdrawal from the tournament on Saturday because of a hip injury. McEnroe said, "I don't blame Murray at all because he waited as long as he can to see if that hip would react in a positive way. ... I don't know exactly what the rules are but when he pulled out they should have put Roger Federer on the bottom half of the draw and that would be problem solved" (London INDEPENDENT, 8/30).
Rwanda wants to stage the U17 World Cup in '19 -- "possibly in conjunction with Morocco -- and has already communicated that to FIFA," according to Rwanda FA (FERWAFA) President Vincent Nzamwita. He said, "We are in talks with Morocco so that they can help us. The other alternative is to get companies that can work on organizing a memorable event." Last year, Rwanda hosted the Africa Nations Championship (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 8/31).
Ticket sales for this weekend's Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix "have increased nearly 10% from last season," a "boost for a track that recently renewed its F1 contract through '19." The race is expected to draw 160,000 fans over the weekend (MARCA, 8/31).
