Category Archives: Sport

Jan8

Australian Open Winner Wilander

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Australian Open Winner Wilander

Mats Wilander is among the greats of tennis.  He has earned eight titles from various Grand Slams and thirty three titles in singles.  In many ways, he has continued the great reputation Sweden now has for its tennis players since Bjorn Borg came on the scene in the seventies and started to wow people with his awesome playing style and strength.  In 1988, he was the top player worldwide.

In other years, he did not fail to impress.  In 1982 for instance, he was only seventeen when he won a single title at the Grand Slam for that year against Guillermo Vilas, his opponent favored to win.  He also was the youngest to win that kind of fame and glory in tennis with that triumphant victory.  in 1984, contined to keep his title and fame in the Australian Open against Stefan Edberg, who would later go on to beat him in another game.

He now spends most of his time coaching up and coming players and sharing his talent and wisdom with them.  Wilander in addition to his coaching captains more.  He also has a lot more time to criticize them as he famously did during the 2006 French Open to Roger Federer, claiming he lacked the focus to be truly great.  Wilander will, no doubt, have a few more words to say this year at the Australian Open Tennis Championship. However, unlike others in tennis who famously lack tact, such as John McEnroe, he later apologized to the younger tennis player for his lack of respect.  He is also involved in charitable efforts these days as well.  His child, Erik has epidermolysis bullosa,  a skin condition without any known cure, and as such, he has put a lot of money into various funding ventures seeking to search out a cure for it.  He is one of the greats that has made tennis such a popular sport world wide since its growing popularity in the seventies and eighties.

Oct14

Learning to Scuba Dive in Mallorca

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Learning to Scuba Dive in Mallorca

Jesse and Lila are a young couple that were married two years ago. The wedding was a major event and all of their family and friends were there. Lila organized almost all of the wedding elements and Jesse was in charge of the honeymoon. He surprised his new wife with the trip he planned to Spain. They had a beautiful ceremony and an amazing honeymoon and both of them fell in love with the country of Spain. Two years into their marriage Lila was becoming established in the museum and Jesse had a solid career developing with an architectural firm.

Thinking back on their honeymoon, they remembered that they had developed a strong interest in seeing the rest of the European continent as both of them had been to Britain, Lila had spent a summer in Ireland and Jesse had been to England with his family. However, they also wanted to return sometime and see Scotland together. They also heard some fabulous stories about the Balearic Islands while they were in Spain. They were completely captivated by the beauty of the islands and decided that their next vacation would be to visit them.

They finally got the chance to do this last year. They landed in Palma, Mallorca and felt an immediate sense of connection and belonging. They loved the city from the moment they got off the plain and couldn’t have been more at home staying in one of the 5 star Mallorca hotels. While they were there they took scuba diving lessons and spent a large part of their time on the beach. One of Lila’s favorite places was the old town, which still demonstrated some of its Arabic influences. The cathedral was beautiful and enchanting. Jesse also enjoyed walking through this and other areas, though he mostly favored sitting peacefully with some grilled shrimp on the beach.

Aug26

Indian Tennis Stars and the US Open

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Indian Tennis Stars and the US Open

While a live stream and the usual news coverage will Indian fans in hearing about their favorite players in tennis, the US Open sweepstakes still provides fans the best chance to see experience the thrill of seeing home players and other players from various countries compete.  At the US Open, Somdev Devvarman, a single player from India with rank 161st, did not place into the Grand Slam, his three separate attempts failing.  He will compete against United States tennis player and 16th rank, Alex Bobomolov Jr.  Alex Bobomolov Jr. was one ranked 1st, but after the initial round of a match for qualifying purposes in Flushing Meadows, he is now 133rd.
 
Possessing the advantage on Alex Bobomolov Jr., Somdev Devvarman, however, won against the United Sates player recently in an ATP game that was also a qualifying match in Los Angeles.  Somdev Devvarman started to gain his reputation while in college at the Univeristy of Virginia when he won two consecutive wins during the National Collegiate Athletic Association singles championship.
 
Other scores to look for even though they will not be US Open tennis scores to look for will be are from Prakash Amritraj, and another Indian tennis player.  He will be competing against Alejandro Falla, a tennis player from Columbia who also seeded to 32.  The match will be the first time these two players have ever faced each other in a competitive game.
 
For women representative from Indian there is Sania Mirza, a competitor in women’s singles.  Sania Mirza has been playing tennis since was six years old  and playing it professional as of 2003.  Her father, a sports journalist, along with other members of their family, have helped to train.  She is the premier Asian female tennis star of the moment.   Other Asian notables include Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, who will compete against each other with their other tennis partner.  While the US Open still remains mostly United States orientated in players, star players from other countries provide diverse competition that only invigorates the Grand Slam.

Aug17

US Open Court of Champions

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US Open Court of Champions

The US Open court of champions is a way that the US Open tennis tournament honors the most storied champions of the event. The ones whose US Open tennis scores have etched them a place in the history books. There is a permanent monument that honors these champions.

The tennis monument is kind of separated into two categories, the Open era, which is what we currently think of when we think of the US Open, has only been around for the last forty years or so. Pete Sampras is part of this era of tennis greatness. Now before the US Open had become the tournament that we know today it was completely different. This was known as the Golden Era in the tournament’s history.

For a player to be eligible to be inducted into the Court of Champions they must have won one singles title and must have been retired for at least five years. The Court of Champions inductions are a fairly new part of the tournament; the first people were inducted in 2003. Those that were first inducted were: Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bill Tilden and Helen Wills. Since then there was quite a big class in 2004 as well: Jack Kramer, Margaret Court, John McEnroe and Steffi Graf. Since then there have not been any more big classed inducted into the court of champions, only about two tops get inducted each year with the exception of Althea Gibson, the only person that =was inducted in 2007. Last year, Pete Sampras was inducted along with Molla B. Mallory. Mallory was a player from the Golden Age of the tournament.

If you get a chance to go to the US Open, this is a great stop that you need to make a part of your itinerary. It’s a great way to learn a little tennis history while you are on the grounds of the Open.

Aug5

Arizona Diamond Backs

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Arizona Diamond Backs

The Arizona Diamond Backs are the Phoenix based major league baseball team. When they arrived in Chase Field in 1998, which was at that time called Bank One Ball Park or BOB for short, they quickly became the local favorite and were ushered in with tremendous support and interest. The ballpark itself is unique among teams in that it is capable of being fully enclosed, air conditioned and also has a swimming pool. This increased exponentially by 2001 when the team, also known as the D-Backs, won the World Series as an underdog against the veteran New York Yankees. This made them one of the fastest teams in history to win a major championship so soon after their expansion. Tickets for sports and other events are conveniently available online.

The 2001 season was an incredible rise in the team’s popularity and with every win, new fans were attracted to them. The rooster that year had some great players and the team itself had a solid chemistry and worked well together. Randy Johnson was one of the main starting pitchers. His height contributes to his nickname of the big unit. Luis Gonzalez is widely known by his nickname Gonzo and remains to be one of the most popular players in the Diamondback’s short history. Steve Finley is one of the best outfielders and almost never let a ball get by him. His catches were phenomenal, and he was another local favorite.

Other team members of the 2001 season include Craig Counsel, who often played shortstop. He is well known for his unique batting posture, which presents him with arms stretched high above him. Mark Grace was the main first base player. He had formerly played for the Chicago Clubs and the fan base there hated to see him go. Phoenix, however, was extremely happy to have him added to the roster and he was one of the team’s more popular players. He batted left handed and was a strong batter and baseman. After he retired from playing he became a highly sought after announcer.

Jun9

Can Federer use his momentum and win Wimbledon

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Can Federer use his momentum and win Wimbledon

Roger Federer has finally captured the one thing that used to hold him back from true greatness. Sure, he had the world number one ranking until he lost that to Rafael Nadal. And his quest for winning more Grand Slam titles than Pete Sampras seems well within reach as well. All of this is because Federer finally made the clay courts, which were once his fiercest nemesis, of Roland Garros his salvation.

Roger Federer took home the 2009 French Open title. Although, defending champion and tennis world number one, and all around Federer rival Rafael Nadal was not in tip top shape due to some knee injuries. Roger took home the trophy that for so long had eluded him.

Could he have pulled it off if Nadal had been in complete health and tip top match form? Probably not, but one players falling from grace is another’s opportunity for victory.

Federer now ties American tennis ace, the king of swing, Pete Sampras for most Grand Slam titles. Despite Sampras never winning a French Open title he still has held the record since his retirement in 2003.

Wimbledon is starting up here soon and Nadal has rested his knees and says he is ready to play again. So it remains to be seen who the stage belongs to this year on the grass court. If Nadal is really in the tip top form like he claims then it could be another chance for Federer to have a 15th title and the passing of Pete Sampras’ record elude him once again. If Nadal is not in prime condition it could be the stage where Federer, most likely, will win Wimbledon and cry like a baby afterwards because he has finally achieved his ultimate goal.

The grass courts of Wimbledon will be a place for either history or comebacks to happen this year.

Apr29

To Catch the Fish, To Watch the Fish

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To Catch the Fish, To Watch the Fish

The town of Goa in India has many beaches. And thus, many activities surrounding the sand, the sun and the water. Many while on vacation, or those living locally, fish. This is the best place to try it out if it’s not something on has experienced before. This is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, as well as the opportunity to get that prize catch. Many go fishing in groups, but this is a solitary activity as well. Many people come back with snapper, salmon and rock-fish. The lucky may even catch grouper or a stingray. The beach of Agonda is the most popular fishing hole in Goa. Equipment is provided there should one not have their own. Bait, such as sardines, worms, and shrimp can be purchased at the beach as well. For the Goa beach hotel, the busy season for fishing is between October through April. The waters are calm and the fish are plentiful. Most find that the swimmers close to shore scare the fish, so it is necessary to head further out to sea, any local fisherman would be happy to take those out who are a bit nervous about heading out on their own.

And for those that prefer to look at the fish rather than hook them, there are many locations that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. As the fishermen have noticed, the waters around Goa are relatively shallow and are well known for the abundance and the variety of the marine life. There is not the dramatic underwater landscapes some coves and bays boast of, no long reefs of coral, but there is so much life under the waters that it is a fascinating experience in and of itself. This is a calm sport, that soothes the soul. There are also ruins along the sea floor, of ships from WWII. The serene water makes diving and searching the ruins easy to accomplish. Instructors will accompany beginners , so those not familiar with diving will feel comfortable. The best time for diving along the coast of Goa is consequently the best time for fishing, October through April. The monsoons have subsided, the water and the weather are clear, and the sea is calm and welcoming.

Apr24

Art and Sport in Madrid

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Art and Sport in Madrid

Although Madrid may not be as beautiful architecturally as some of the other main cities of Spain, the the culture, the energy and the nightlife makes up for that. Known throughout Europe as having some of the best dance clubs and trendy bars, many travel to Madrid throughout the year. Most of the activities, and various museums are located in a small, compact area downtown. The city itself is compact, and getting around is easy, most times one is able to get by foot. Madrid has been the capital city since 1562. Not only is it the capital but it is also the exact, geographical center of the entire Peninsula.

Any tours of Europe have included Madrid as an important city, most important for any traveling that surrounds and concerns the art galleries and museums of the entire continent. One of the most famous museums in the world is the Prado. This museum is located in a section of Madrid called Museum Mile. The Thyssen Bonemiza Museum is well known as well, and is one of the most extensive and one of the most important collections. This museum, and many of the museums in this district house some of the most famous European and Spanish works of art, as well as the work of the masters of the Renaissance on through to contemporary art. Some are more focused on the Spanish artists such as Picasso, Dali, and Miro.

And if the art is not something one is interested there are various other options also within walking distance from the Madrid best hotels. The largest building in the country is the Plaza de Toros . This is where the bullfights occur regularly. They are quite dramatic and exciting, however for many the brutality and blood is just a bit too much. Close by is the arena where the two famous football teams play, either Atletico de Madrid or the team Real Madrid provide excitement a little less blood thirsty than that provided at the bullring.

Mar27

Richest Horserace in the World

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Richest Horserace in the World

The Dubai World Cup will run for the 14th time on Saturday, March 28th at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, UAE. The race, which was first run in 1996, has become the richest race in the world with $21.25 million (USD) up for grabs in seven separate races.

The World Cup race is an invitation-only event that features 14 horses from around the world. The two kilometer race is a “Group 1 Flat Race” on a dirt track. Thoroughbreds must be four-years-old and older to compete for the $6 million prize. This year’s horses represent Australasia, Europe, North America, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

The racecourse will host 50,000 spectators on Saturday, many of whom will be staying at five star Dubai hotels or moored in their private yachts along the coast. There will be numerous onsite parties and social events as well as the horseracing.

The festivities on Saturday include six other races. The Dubai duty Free and the Dubai Sheema Classic both offer purses of $5 million and are the world’s richest horseraces run on turf. Two races will offer $2 million prizes: the UAE Derby and the Dubai Golden Shaheen, while another, the Godolphin Mile has a $1 million prize. The opening race will be the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians.

This will be the final year for the Dubai World Cup at the nad Al Sheba Racecourse. In 2010 the event moves to a new Meydan racecourse.

Jun25

The Tennis Channel Covers Tennis News

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The Tennis Channel Covers Tennis News

I love the summertime and I love it because it’s tennis season. The French Open was disappointing though because Nadal won again, no shock there. I like it better when it’s undecided. I knew Nadal was going to win but I hoped Federer would.

Roger Federer has been ranked number one for a really long time and he only lacks the French Open title to complete his career Grand Slam.