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Agence France-Presse

Amateur Jordan Smith sensationally upset a star-studded field to collect an A$1 million (US$670,000) prize on Wednesday by winning the pressure-packed “One Point Slam” ahead of the Australian Open.
The innovative sudden-death contest at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena pitted 24 professionals led by Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity wild cards.
Each match consisted of just one point: win and you advanced, lose and you were out.
The amateur field comprised winners of eight state championship rounds played across Australia, along with eight others who came through qualifying this week.
Eight wild cards went to celebrities, including Mandarin pop idol Jay Chou. The Taiwanese star lost in the first round without hitting the ball after an ace from Victorian state champion Petar Jovic.

The 16 top-seeded professionals had first-round byes before the competition morphed into a grand slam-style knockout from the last-32 stage onwards.
Instead of a traditional coin toss, a game of “rock, paper, scissors” decided who served.
Crucially, the amateurs were allowed two serves but any current ATP- or WTA-ranked players only one.
Australia’s Smith, who qualified as the New South Wales champion, beat world No 117 Joanna Garland in the final, having upset Sinner and Amanda Anisimova along the way.
Taiwan No 1 Garland beat Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Maria Sakkari.
“Coming in tonight, I was just happy to win one point,” said Smith, who planned to buy a house with his winnings.
“I was nervous, but I enjoyed being out here. Was a great experience.”

Top-ranked Alcaraz fell to women’s world No 52 Sakkari, while three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev was beaten by Anisimova before she was sent packing by Smith.
Swiatek lost to Spain’s Pedro Martinez.
“This event is the ultimate grass roots-to-grand slam experience,” Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley told reporters.
“The AO One Point Slam is tennis at its most exciting – one point, one shot at glory. Fast, unfiltered and open to everyone.”
The Australian Open starts at Melbourne Park on Sunday with Sinner defending the men’s title and Madison Keys the women’s.


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Australian Open

Jay Chou out early at ‘One Point Slam’ event before amateur stuns Sinner on way to winning

Mandarin pop singer-songwriter and actor Jay Chou during the One Point Slam event on Wednesday, ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AP

Italy’s Jannik Sinner (right) hugs One Point Slam winner Jordan Smith of Australia. Photo: AFP

Joanna Garland of Taiwan lost in the final to Jordan Smith. Photo: EPA

Mandarin pop star Jay Chou to take on top tennis pros at Australian Open ‘Slam’ event

Jay Chou will play in the event on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday with a wild card. Photo: Instagram@jaychou

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Hong Kong’s Virginia Lo improved her best marathon time to 2:39:23 at the National Games in November. Photo: China News Service

Virginia Lo about to cross the finish line at last year’s Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Edmond So

Virginia Lo said she has learned how to handle the Hong Kong course. Photo: China News Service

Sport

Tennis

Mandarin pop idol among celebrity wild cards in 48-strong field for Australian Open warm-up event that also starred the top professionals


Mandarin pop idol among celebrity wild cards in 48-strong field for Australian Open warm-up event that also starred the top professionals.


Jay Chou out early at ‘One Point Slam’ event before amateur stuns Sinner on way to winning

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Mandarin pop idol among celebrity wild cards in 48-strong field for Australian Open warm-up event that also starred the top professionals

Mandarin pop idol among celebrity wild cards in 48-strong field for Australian Open warm-up event that also starred the top professionals