DHAKA: Canadian Michael Downey has been appointed as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Downey, 56, was Tennis Canada`s president for nine years and succeeds Roger Draper, who leaves in six days.

He takes over an organisation threatened with a funding cut of £10.3m from Sport England if it fails to increase participation.

"I believe there`s a bevy of young talent in Great Britain that can follow Andy Murray to the podium," Downey said.

Source: BBC

BDST: 2000 HRS, SEP 24, 2013
GR/MZR