MOSCOW, April 28: Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova will represent Russia in the women’s singles at the Beijing Olympics, the country’s federation chief Shamil Tarpishchev said on Monday.

“We can send four single players and two doubles to Beijing,” Tarpishchev told the press.

“Sharapova and Kuznetsova will definitely play in the women’s tournament, while the other girls will fight it out for the two remaining places.”

Sharapova is set to become one of the biggest names competing in Beijing and is certain to attract huge media attention.

“In the men’s squad only Nikolay Davydenko has already gained his pass to the Games, while the other (players) still have chances to qualify. I can say nothing about our doubles for the moment,” he said.—AFP