Sharapova to carry Russian flag at Oly.

MOSCOW – French Open champion Maria Sharapova will become Russia’s first woman flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, Olympic Committee (ROC) chief Alexander Zhukov said Tuesday. “We have reached an agreement that Sharapova will carry Russia’s flag at the Olympics opening,” Zhukov told the press. “I think it’s a logical choice. Last month she won the French Open to complete her career Grand Slam.” “I was happy when I received an sms from our tennis federation chief Shamil Tarpishchev with an offer to carry my country’s flag,” Sharapova was quoted as saying. “I just couldn’t believe it’s true.” — AFP