Australian Open prize fund increases to $ 31 millionOctober 2, 2012 - 14:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Australian Open organizers have increased prize money to a record Australian dollars 30 million ($31.1 million) for the first tennis major of 2013 in response to player concerns about compensation at Grand Slam tournaments, according to The Associated Press. Tournament director Craig Tiley said the A$4 million ($4.15 million) increase, announced Tuesday, October 2 was the largest from one year to the next in the tournament's history. The move followed reports that some players were considering bypassing the tournament if prize money was not increased, particularly for losers in the early rounds. "We're proud of the fact we've gone to record prize money," he said. "We are supporting the lower-ranked players in their quest for compensation." Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood said the prize money boost would make the January tournament the richest in tennis history. "We are proud to announce this major increase in prize money," Wood said. "We have led the world in prize money for these incredible athletes and we want to ensure that the Australian Open continues to make a major contribution to the financial wellbeing of professional tennis players." Wood said tournament officials would confer with player representatives to determine how prize money should be distributed. He said Tennis Australia would have to make savings in other areas of its operations to fund the increase. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Russia accuses West of preparing invasion of CSTO countries NATO is preparing an invasion of the CSTO countries, the number of provocations in the air is growing, Sergei Shoigu has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. |