New Zealand, Jun19: The New Zealand Olympic Committee has stretched its own rules to approve the selection of Marina Erakovic for the London Games.
The NZOC requires New Zealand athletes selected for an Olympics to have strong likelihood of finishing in the top 16 in their events.
Erakovic is ranked No. 45 in the world and now takes her place in the 64-strong draw for the women's Olympic tournament.
Secretary-general Kereyn Smith said the NZOC “makes no apologies” for delaying its decision on Erakovic's selection. She said the committee had taken into account Erakovic had twice beaten top-16 players this season and had reached the last 16 in four tournaments in 2012.
