TENNIS

Venus Williams, who, like her fellow American Jennifer Capriati did, has turned professional at the age of 14, has decided to miss the 1995 Grand Slam events and concentrate on smaller tournaments. Williams was one of the last 14-year-olds to beat a 1 January rule change by the WTA Tour. Now, new pros must be 15 to enter WTA Tour events and can enter only four smaller events in their first year. At 16, players can enter Grand Slam events.

Henri Leconte, the last Frenchman to reach the final of the French Open, has been given a wild card for this year's tournament, which starts on 29 May.