2021-01-12 11:35:42 GMT2021-01-12 19:35:42(Beijing Time) Xinhua English SYDNEY, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have announced stringent protocols to cope with the risk of COVID-19 during the upcoming Australian Open, coinciding with at least two infections being reported at a qualifying event in Doha. Tennis Australia confirmed to Xinhua on Tuesday that two players, named in media reports as American Denis Kudla and Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, had tested positive and been withdrawn from the tournament. The news further highlighted the monumental risk posed by international sporting events in the age of COVID-19 and the threat to Australia's so far largely successful virus suppression.