Individual Sports Vocabulary

an athlete's best-ever performance in an event

“She set a personal best in the 100 meters.”

winning all major championships in a sport in one year

“Only a few have achieved the calendar grand slam.”

a point that if won gives victory in a match

“She saved three match points before winning.”

a ranked player given a favorable tournament position

“The top seed advanced to the finals.”

preliminary rounds to enter a main competition

“He fought through qualifying to reach the main draw.”

a system for equalizing chances between competitors

“Her golf handicap dropped to single digits.”

a single movement or hit in racket or club sports

“She won by two strokes.”

a contest or round, especially in boxing or wrestling

“The championship bout went the distance.”

a division of a match or competition

“He was knocked out in the third round.”

a preliminary race to determine finalists

“She won her heat easily.”