IN BRIEF (Page 15)

Athletics

Isinbayeva to launch season in Shanghai

Pole vault world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva will make her first appearance of the season at next month's Diamond League meet in Shanghai, the Russian athletics federation said on Thursday. Media reports suggested Isinbayeva was considering retirement after failing to win her third consecutive gold at last year's London Olympics and then missing the indoor season. The flamboyant Russian has struggled to maintain her dominance since the 2009 World Championships. The Shanghai meet will take place on May 18.