Monday, June 30, 2008
Bits of Lace
Consistency pays for Park
The major was a first win on the LPGA Tour for Park, and she joined 1998 champion Se Ri Pak, who was the previous youngest winner at the age of 20, and Birdie Kim (2005) as South Korean champions.
Park, the only player to break par in every round, finished on a nine-under-par overall - four shots clear of Sweden's Helen Alfredsson, who birdied the last for a two-over-par 75.
For 43-year-old Alfredsson, it was the second time she had finished second at the US Women's Open, the first time being in 1993.
Giulia Sergas (70), Nicole Castrale (71), Mi Hyun Kim (75) and Paula Creamer (78) finished tied for sixth at three under, with Teresa Lu (74) and Women's US.Amateur champion Maria Jose Uribe (75) rounding out the top 10 at two-under.
"I feel very honoured that I have won this championship at the Interlachen Country Club, and especially with Annika's last event, I really want to share this win with her, too," said Park.
"I am very honoured to win this championship, and this is very, very special to me, and I will never forget this moment.
"I really can't believe I just did this. I mean especially with the with all these big names on the trophy that have been very, very successful. They've done so much for golf and that's just great. Hopefully, I'll put my name on there a couple more times, it will be great."
Park, who was inspired to take up the game as a nine-year-old watching Pak win at Blackwolf Run 10 years ago, started the last day a shot behind American Stacy Lewis but was one ahead after birdies at the first two holes. She was four shots clear and cruising to victory by the time she made her fourth birdie of the day from six feet at the 13th, and she also finished in fine fashion with a chip-and-putt birdie at the last.
"I really would like to thank Se Ri for what she's done for golf, for Korean golf," added Park. "And 10 years ago I was watching her winning this event on TV. I didn't know anything about golf back then. But I was watching her. It was very impressive for a little girl and just looking at her. I just thought that I could do it, too, so I just picked up a golf club maybe a couple of days after that."
Lewis, playing in her first professional tournament, made a double-bogey at the par-five second and went on to shoot 78 and tied for third place on four-under-par alongside South Korean In-Kyung Kim (75) and Brazil's Angela Park (73).
"It's hard to be upset," said 23-year-old Lewis. "I finished third at the US Open, my first pro event. I felt I didn't really play that poorly. I just got above some of the holes and you just can't be there."
Overall, it was a disappointing final US Open for three-time champion Annika Sorenstam, but the Swede, who will retire at the end of the year, finished in spectacular style.
Needing a birdie at the final green to break 80, she holed out with a six iron form 199-yards for an amazing eagle three. It gave her a 78 and she tied for 24th on three-over-par.
"It was just crazy," said Sorenstam, whose final chance to add to her 10 major titles will come at the Ricoh Women's British Open at Sunningdale in August.
"I wanted some memories to take home from this week, and I'll never forget that shot."
World number one Lorena Ochoa carded a final round 74 to finish tied for 31st at one-over-par.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
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Jambhavan today
Friday, June 27, 2008
Cisco certification
Peak Movies today
Casino guide
Nets trade RJ
No picks ahead of Thursday's draft were involved the deal.
The biggest prize in the trade is the high-flying Jefferson, who averaged a career-high 22.6 points last season.
"Richard Jefferson is a hard-working, proven, dynamic performer at the forward position," Bucks general manager John Hammond. "He's an aggressive player with terrific credentials over his career.
"He's been a winner, having gone to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons, and we're excited to bring him to Milwaukee."
For the Nets, the biggest benefit of the deal is salary-cap relief.
Having traded disgruntled point guard Jason Kidd in February, moving Jefferson's maxed-out contract that has three years and $42 million remaining would create an estimated $10 million in long-term savings for the Nets.
Simmons' contract expires after the 2008-09 season, and Yi has only about $7 million left on his contract for the next two years.
Simmons, 28, spent two awful seasons in Milwaukee after fleecing the Bucks for a five-year, $47 million contract. The small forward struggled with various injuries last season, averaging 7.6 points in 70 games.
The move to New Jersey allows the 6-11 Yi to play in a bigger media market, something he wanted to do before being drafted by the Bucks sixth overall last season. The 20-year-old Chinese big man, who has been compared to Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds last season.
"We feel that Yi can be a very special player," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "He is a 20-year-old seven footer who shoots the ball extremely well, and he is an excellent addition to our frontcourt."
Jefferson, 28, gives new coach Scott Skiles a veteran presence and a slasher to go along with sharpshooter Michael Redd, who also has been on the trading block.
Selected 13th overall in 2001, the 6-7 Jefferson helped the Nets reach a pair of NBA Finals. He has career averages of 17.4 points, 5.4 assists and 3.0 assists in 489 games.
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Closest meet in years
Malik held the view that India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all have equal chances of winning it. "I wouldn't say any team are the favourites," he told reporters.
"India are a strong and balanced side but we showed in the tri-series final they can be beaten. So in a way this Asia Cup I think is going to be the closest one in recent years," he added.
Twenty Pakistani probables began their training in a conditioning camp for the continental tournament with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, the notable player, missing from action. He was dropped after his poor form continued in the recently-concluded Kitply cup and has been replaced by young Sarfraz Nawaz.
Malik said his team's only advantage would be playing in home conditions.
"Other than that all three top teams are balanced and can win on their day. The pitches also don't make much of a difference as there is no dew problem in Karachi at this time of the year even at night time," he said.
The Pakistan skipper said he is expecting high scoring games in the super four stage from June 28. He also said he is looking forward towards the match against India on June 26.
"The June 26 match against India is obviously going to be a big one as they are playing in Pakistan after a while now," he said.
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Malik warns against complacency
Malik, who returned home from India after a private visit, said his team's confidence is high following its triumph in the tri-series event in Bangladesh earlier this month but made it clear that the result would matter little when the hosts begin their campaign in the Asia Cup.
"There is no doubt that the victory in Bangladesh has boosted our confidence," the experienced all-rounder told reporters.
"But the Asia Cup will be a different tournament altogether and we will have to start from scratch," he added.
Pakistan is being billed as favourites because of their current record and home advantage. They launch their title campaign on the opening day of the contest with an easy game against minnows Hong Kong.
But Malik warned that there would be no easy games in the tournament.
"We will work hard and give our best in each of the (Asia Cup) matches, no matter which side we are playing against in the event," said the Pakistan skipper.
After Pakistan's win over India in Bangladesh, PCB officials have been fulsome in their praise for the national squad and are confident they would win the crown.
Senior Middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf did not attend the opening day's training. Malik said that Yousuf could not join the team because of domestic reasons and will attend the camp from Saturday.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
super cars
Hamilton cuts fast
Hamilton, who delighted his army of followers by setting the fastest time of the week with a lap of one minute 19.170seconds, said: "At lunchtime, there were so many people waiting outside my garage, it was insane!."
The McLaren driver added: "Driving into Silverstone this morning felt really cool,
"I couldn't believe how many fans were at the track so early in the morning. They're pretty special, the most dedicated F1 supporters in the world.
"At the start of the day I was really eager to get out on the track. This place is so super-fast, it feels amazing in an F1 car."
"At lunchtime, there were so many people waiting outside my garage, it was insane!
"Whilst I couldn't say hi to all of them, their support always gives me a special lift at this place."
With McLaren testing a number of new parts on the car, Hamilton was happy enough with his day's work which saw him complete 88 laps.
"Today's test was really encouraging," added Hamilton.
"The changes we've made in the last few tests have really improved the car which feels strong around here.
"I now can't wait to be racing in front of my home crowd again."
Hamilton will be back on track next Friday for practice in front of a sell-out 65,000 crowd, followed by further sell-outs of 85,000 on Saturday for qualifying, and then 90,000 on race day.
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Germany in finals
Glass TIles and their uses
Sidwell to Aston Villa
Sidwell's future at Stamford Bridge has been the subject of intense speculation all summer after he failed to hold down a place in the Chelsea side last season.
Aston Villa are thought to be leading the chase for the former Reading star with a host of other Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation.
Sidwell's agent Eric Walters says the player wants to talk with new Chelsea boss Scolari before making a decision on his future and he would be entitled to a pay-off if he does leave Stamford Bridge just one year after arriving on a free transfer.
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Williams backs F1 hopes
The Moscow City Racing event has been confirmed for Sunday, July 13, with Nico Rosberg to represent the team in the first display of F1 in the Russian capital as he will drive past the Kremlin, taking in the embankment of the Moskva river.
A thrilled Rosberg said: "This is just great. I know Williams race cars have demonstrated in some impressive locations over the years, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to downtown Buenos Aires, or in the centre of London. But for a spectacle, driving past the Kremlin will take some beating."
With supremo Bernie Ecclestone known to be keen on staging a grand prix in Russia, the exhibition will test the water.
Rosberg added: "There is clearly a massive appetite for Formula One in Russia, and it is great to be contributing to spreading the sport's popularity."
Team principal Frank Williams will join Rosberg on the trip, and he added: "It was with great pleasure we accepted the offer to take part in Moscow City Racing.
"This will be our first visit as a team to Russia, a country of great interest to us. Demonstrating our cars at such a global landmark is an extraordinary privilege.
"I personally will also be fascinated to make the journey to Moscow and see the reaction to Formula One at first hand."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bible cruises
The growth of millionaires
The number of millionaires in the Asia-Pacific grew 8.7 percent from a year ago to 2.8 million people and their combined wealth soared 12.5 percent to $9.5 trillion, excluding the value of their homes and consumables, Merrill Lynch and Capgemini said at a news conference in Singapore on Wednesday.
Asia was home to some of the world's fastest-growing populations of millionaires, their annual World Wealth Report said, with India, China, Indonesia, South Korea and Singapore in the top ten in terms of growth.
The number of millionaires in India rose 22.7 percent to 123,000 people, the fastest growth in the world, and millionaires in China grew 20.3 percent to 415,000, making it home to the fifth-largest number of millionaires in the world, displacing France in that position.
Li Ka-shing, who controls a vast telecoms and property empire in Hong Kong and China, ranks as the world's 11th richest man, according to Forbes.
Globally, millionaires grew 6 percent to 10.1 million people and their wealth rose 9.4 percent to $40.7 trillion in the same period, the Merrill/Capgemini report said.
Kong Eng Huat, Merrill Lynch's Southeast Asia head of wealth management, said that in five years millionaires in Asia would have more combined wealth than those in Europe.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Rap Music
Ronaldo future uncertain
Monday, June 23, 2008
Drug Pills
Cink wins the championship
Cufflinks
Fabregas on the spot
Casillas, who had kept his side on level terms with a fine save with his feet from Mauro Camoranesi, helped Spain end a string of three straight penalty shoot-out defeats on June 22 in major tournaments - in the 1986 World Cup, Euro 96 and the 2002 World Cup.
Neither side really got into their stride during the first half although David Villa's powerful free-kick towards the far post forced Buffon into action.
Spain were on the front foot after the re-start and Giorgio Chiellini made a crucial tackle inside the area on David Silva who tried to punish the Italians for a defensive error.
But it was Italy had the best chance of the game in the 62nd minute with Camoranesi's close-range strike forcing Casillas to make a desperate save with his feet after confusion in the box.
Gianluca Zambrotta made a vital clearance with Villa ready to hit the target from Fabregas' brilliant cross, but there was no way of avoiding extra time.
Silva fired inches wide after Chiellini had blocked Fabregas' powerful strike inside the area after the re-start.
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Del Piero undecided on future
He was a late substitute in Sunday's quarter-final which saw Italy lose on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes.
"Penalties are something else, but the important thing is that we have remained united as a group throughout this tournament," Del Piero told PA Sport.
"Now I will go on holiday and then decide what to do about my international career."
The Juve forward, who finished as the top scorer in Serie A this season, could not hide his disappointment after the Azzurri's Euro 2008 adventure was brought to an end having had limited playing time in Roberto Donadoni's side.
"We are bitter and hurt," said Del Piero. "It was a very level game and then when you lose on penalties it's always painful."
Spain won 4-2 on penalties after goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved Antonio Di Natale and Daniele De Rossi's spot-kicks.
"I think Di Natale and De Rossi did a great job on the pitch," admitted Del Piero, who did not take a penalty.
Del Piero knows what De Rossi and Di Natale are experiencing.
The finger of blame was put on the Juventus forward when he missed two goalscoring chances in Italy's 2-1 loss to France in the Euro 2000 final.
However, Del Piero bounced back and played a vital role in Italy's World Cup triumph in Germany two years ago.
Friday, June 20, 2008
New Dirt devil accucharge
Wade makes the Olympic team
Thursday, June 19, 2008
London Parking spaces
Kubica accepts Kimi stance
The Pole was aided in Montreal by McLaren star Hamilton's crash into the back of Raikkonen's Ferrari in the pit lane at 30mph.
Both were forced to retire, with Kubica taking full advantage as he went on to take the chequered flag and in the process become a serious contender for the crown.
In his post-race summation, Raikkonen insisted Kubica's win was a blessing for him as he was happy neither Hamilton nor Massa had claimed the 10 points.
The obvious inference is that the reigning world champion sees the BMW Sauber driver as less of a threat than Massa or Hamilton.
Although Kubica feels far from under-estimated by Raikkonen, the 23-year-old said: "Realistically, looking at the situation of me and my team, I don't put me as a title contender.
"In the end, normally the fastest car and fastest driver wins the title, although in some seasons the most consistent driver wins.
"The only way we have been able to achieve this position for now, leading the championship, has been without making any mistakes.
"We have raced with very good strategy, good reliability. We have improved our car a lot in that direction.
"Reliability, for now, is a hundred percent perfect and the guys in the workshop have made a really big step forward in this area.
"Last year, in the end, we lost a lot of points by not finishing races.
"But in Kimi's case, I would worry more about Felipe and Lewis than myself."
Kubica appreciates the races in Monaco - where he finished second - and Canada were on circuits that can often throw up remarkable races and result
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Entertainment Portal
Thram and Makele quit
Blackberry Medical applications
France knocked out
Cuflinks
Woods wins the US Open
Monday, June 16, 2008
Pets Blog
Kiwis call up Elliot
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Value Counseling
Nadal and Djokovic cruise
Rafael Nadal outclassed Jonas Bjorkman, beating the Swede 6-2, 6-2 in the second round of the Artois Championships at the Queen’s Club, London. Nadal attacked from the start never allowing Bjorkman in to the game, winning in it in just 65 minutes. In another game, world no. three Novak Djokovic won his match against Croatia's Roko Karanusic 6-2, 7-6. The Serb was tested late in the second set, but held his own to win the tie breaker and walk away with the match.
Rent a car
Scolari to take over as the boss of Chelsea
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bookies banking on Woods return
Of his troublesome knee, he said: "It's a little sore, but not anything I haven't dealt with before. I'm good to go and I plan on playing competitively. Come game time on Thursday, I'll be ready."
Woods has good memories of the course. in 1991 he was 15 when he won the Junior World Championship 15-17 division and has also triumphed six times as a professional on the public course, including in each of the last four seasons in the Buick Invitational.
"The golf course is in perfect shape," Woods said.
"It's totally different than what we play here in January. It's going to be a great test. The way they have set it up with different tees, different lengths. It can play so many different ways that it's going to be very interesting to see how the scores turn out."
Having come back from his surgery, Woods knows he needs to hit the fairways and putt well if he is to triumph on Sunday.
He added: "I've come closer, I think, in more Opens. I've had a lot of high finishes in US Opens, but I've won only two.
"If you look at my record, it's actually been pretty good over the years. Since 2000, I've had some pretty high finishes, but I've only won one since 2000. But I've been there on the back nine on most of them."
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Scolari to keep faith in attacking style
"We have our own style, we won't change," he said. "We know they have specific strong points, but we have to have faith in our own technical qualities. And sometimes the best form of defence is attack."
He added: "We are working on a few specific things. We have looked at a few videos, examined certain players for set-pieces.
"And we need to make sure we are closer to our opponents because of the long balls they send to their forwards.
"But my players are very motivated and focused for this match."
Scolari also revealed his starting XI will be the same team that eased to a 2-0 win over Turkey in their opening pool match last Saturday.
"There is no use thinking about the first match - if we don't beat the Czech Republic, it will be all or nothing in our last match (against Switzerland)," said the former Brazil coach.
"What I fear about the Czech Republic is their history, their tradition, and I think it will be a very even match."
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Tuncay relaxed ahead of Swiss clash
Turkey lost 2-0 in their meeting with Portugal, in what was a frustrating game for Middlesbrough man Tuncay.
"I wasn't able to make the difference as I wanted against Portugal," said Tuncay, who had no shots on goal and struggled to impose himself on proceedings.
"But I hope I can do it against Switzerland.
"I feel no pressure going into the game.
"We lost the first game and we had one day to grieve about it but now our focus is on the game against Switzerland."
Tuncay is hoping his experience this season in the Barclays Premier League will come to good use in this tournament.
"I have learned a lot during the year I have spent in the Premier League," said the former Fenerbahce star.
"It took me time to adapt to the Premier League but it has been very important in my football career."
Turkey go into the encounter having to do without Newcastle midfielder Emre, who is unavailable with a hamstring injury, while defensive duo Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan are doubtful.
Despite the setbacks, Tuncay is confident his team will come out triumphant.
"We have players who are out injured and Switzerland have the big advantage of playing at home but we are very confident," he said."We will go out on the pitch determined to win, we are really motivated."
Switzerland acting captain Ludovic Magnin has warned Turkey to prepare for a battle.
Kobi Kuhn's side conceded a 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic and are determined to progress past the group stages.
"We want to show to the world that we can football and play it well," said Magnin."Turkey are a strong team but defeat is not something in our minds.
"For us, the game against Turkey is crucial and we will go out ready to give everything we have."
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Ivanovic pulls out
The 20-year-old Serb also admits, however, that she would like a break after her exertions at Roland Garros.
Ivanovic said: "I have a problem with my abductor. I am also mentally exhausted after the French Open - I am not ready to compete so soon after winning my first grand slam.
"I have taken this decision with some regret, and I hope I can finally play in Eastbourne next year."
Ivanovic, who moved top of the rankings after winning the French Open last week, has pulled out of the Wimbledon warm-up event citing a right abductor problem.
The 20-year-old Serb also admits, however, that she would like a break after her exertions at Roland Garros.
Ivanovic said: "I have a problem with my abductor. I am also mentally exhausted after the French Open - I am not ready to compete so soon after winning my first grand slam.
"I have taken this decision with some regret, and I hope I can finally play in Eastbourne next year."
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Mccullum loves IPL
The two finalists of this summer's Twenty20 Cup will join two teams from India, Australia and South Africa in a tournament which will earn a £2.5million jackpot for the winners - a huge increase in prize money from the £1million which was first suggested.
A venue for the competition has yet to be finalised, but both the Middle East and India have been suggested, and McCullum enthused: "It sounds like a pretty good idea to me.
"I don't know the ins and outs of it but any sort of tournament that can generate the incomes, profile and fan-base they are doing has to be good for the game.
"As long as they continue to get the best players out there in a competitive environment wanting to do well and wanting to perform, I'm sure the tournament will be a success."
He added: "It would be great to have a Champions League like they do in football and have the hype around it - it will be great for the game to have that sort of following."
England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke and chief executive David Collier have been in discussion with their international counterparts this week.
The 15 matches over a 10-day period will take place immediately after the end of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which concludes on September 28.
Shane Warne's IPL champions Rajasthan Royals and runners-up Chennai Super Kings will be joined by Victoria, Western Australia, the Titans of Pretoria, and KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins.
"We're extremely grateful to our great friends from Australia, India and South Africa for their hard work and determination to get this tournament off the ground," said Clarke.
"The ECB Twenty20 Cup will be even more fiercely contested this season in the knowledge that the two teams who reach the final will qualify for the Champions League and the chance to win 5million US dollars."
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Pietersen to play in IPL
Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas was the only English player involved the lucrative Twenty20 league, playing a supporting role for eventual winners Rajasthan Royals and there were fears that he could have compromised his England prospects.
But the ECB, having announced a winter itinerary which does not clash fully with the IPL and recalled Mascarenhas to the one-day side for the forthcoming series against New Zealand, now appear to be softening their initially frosty stance.
And Collier now seems to have opened the door to England's top players to cash in on the sub-continent next summer - albeit for a limited period.
"It's never been a question of stopping them (appearing), it's a question of which tournament takes precedent at which time," said Collier on Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"It looks like after the West Indies tour there will be a 10-day window before the players need to report back for the first home Test.
"Clearly that's something the coach, Peter Moores, will be looking at and it will be interesting to the players."
Pietersen, a big-hitting one-day batsman with a media profile to match, would be the pick of the England ranks, while a number of others - notably Andrew Flintoff - would also attract interest.
"It's fairly common knowledge that that IPL would like more of our players to play and, with very close co-operation with the board in India, there is a possibility of players playing in the future.
"But similar to the Aussies who played for short periods this year, it doesn't seem like it could be for longer than about 10 days."
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Blake wins
"This was one of my better service performances of probably all year," the 28-year-old said. "On this kind of surface, you want to serve well. It gives you plenty of reward. After the first couple of games I was feeling more confident and everything started to fall into place."
Local heroes Tommy Haas and Nicolas Kiefer pleased their home fans with hard-earned victories over Radek Stepanek and Robin Haase.
Haas saved three set points in a tight 6-7 (7/0) 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 victory over the sixth-seeded Czech, while Kiefer came from one set down to beat Haase 4-6 6-3 6-2.
Last year's finalist Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus eased his way into the second round courtesy of a 6-4 7-5 victory over Czech qualifier Jan Hernych.
Elsewhere, Belgian Steve Darcis defeated countryman Oliver Rochus 6-1 6-4 and fourth-seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny toppled countryman Dmitry Tursunov 6-3 6-1.
Frenchman Fabrice Santoro edged Germany's Rainer Schuttler 7-6 (7/4) 6-4, Frenchman Michael Llodra knocked off eight-seeded Croatian Ivan Ljubicic 6-7 (6/8) 7-6 (7/5) 7-5 and Czech Jan Vacek saw off American qualifier Scott Lipsky 3-6 6-3 6-2.
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Wie qualitfies over the US Open
The 18-year-old Wie finished one shot behind Kelli Kuehne in the event, which saw each participant play 18 holes at both the Woodmont Country Club and Manor Country Club. She birdied three of her final four holes at Woodmont to finish at 1-under 70 before carding a 3-under 67 at the Manor.
"It feels good to be playing good again," Wie said. "I'm pretty pleased with my round and I'm really happy to be playing at the U.S. Open."
Wie is coming off a sixth-place finish at the Ladies German Open last week. Prior to that outing, she had struggled, missing the cut in four of seven events after being forced to withdraw from the 2007 U.S. Open due to a wrist injury.
"When you are struggling week after week, it takes a toll on your confidence," Wie said. "Nobody really gave up on me. My managers, (coach David Leadbetter), my parents, my trainer, everyone, they never gave up on me. They are always telling me, 'You are going to get through it and you are going to get better,' and I feel like I've put in a lot of hard work. I'm glad it's starting to show."
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Murukami to play in debut
However, his appearance at the year’s second major will provide him with the added impetus to reach for greater heights in a topsy-turvy career which he nearly gave up the game as a disgruntled amateur some years back.
“I’ve always wanted to see what a major championship is all about,” said Murakami, who earned his US Open berth by topping the sectional qualifying in Japan last month.
“I’m really excited as it’s my first major and I’m determined to enjoy the experience, which means playing in all four rounds. But it’ll be a real challenge as the course is set up tough.
“I’m truly proud to be representing the Philippines and the Asian Tour and I’ll be doing my best.”
Murakami, winner of the Iskandar Johor Open, Malaysia on the Asian Tour last season, has competed at Torrey Pines previously during his amateur days but said the famous course was so much harder now.
“It was short back then but they’ve lengthened it,” he said. “The course is very tight and long now. Although the rough is not high, it’s sticky. If you’re in rough, you can only can chip out.”
His golfing journey has been up and down. Murakami, who is of Japanese-Filipino parentage, became a name to look out for when he won the 1999 Philippine Amateur Championship as a 16-year-old.
He featured in the national amateur team for several years but quit the game abruptly, saying he was disillusioned after being overlooked by officials. During his sabbatical, Murakami caddied for the country’s leading player Frankie Minoza for a full season in Japan in 2003 which he said gave him the appetite for golf again.
“Frankie would often tell me that I could hit the ball as good, if not better than the guys on Tour and that I should be playing competitively again. I enjoyed the experience of caddying for him as I found out why he's the best Filipino golfer.
“The way he plays, the way he thinks, his attitude on the golf course, everything was spot on. He influenced me to start playing golf again and he's my mentor,” said Murakami.
The first Filipino since Felix Casas in 2002 to qualify for the US Open, Murakami is hoping to make an impression at Torrey Pines.
“When I was an amateur, I never thought that I would play in a major. It was only after I turned professional that I set it upon myself that I wanted to play in a major at least once in my lifetime,” said Murakami.
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Huntelaar still in doubt
The Ajax striker was the Eredivisie's top scorer last season with 33 goals, but played no part for the Oranje as they opened their Euro 2008 campaign with a 3-0 win against world champions Italy in Group C on Monday.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Dr Tom Tooma
Germany prevail over Poland
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tutu to follow Gavaskar speech
A series of significant names in cricket have delivered the speech in the past, such as Barry Richards, Sunil Gavaskar and Geoffrey Boycott. The lecture is designed to encourage and foster the Spirit of Cricket. This year’s Lecture will be streamed live via the Lord’s website.
Following the Lecture, notable television broadcaster Mark Nicholas will host a Question and Answer session with a panel of guests this will also be streamed live.
The panel will consist of MCC President Mike Brearley, England batsman and recent man of the series against New Zealand Andrew Strauss and former South African cricketer Richards, as mentioned above. Richards delivered his speech in 2002.
More than 1,400 invited guests will be in attendance.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Ivanovic vs Safina
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hair loss
Vaughan getting frustrated
It has allowed many players to play for counties without being regarded as an overseas player with Glamorgan the only county so far not to go down that route.
Warwickshire's director of cricket Ashley Giles, who is also an England selector, has become so frustrated by the situation he has slammed counties as being "lazy" rather than search for English talent.
Vaughan has become equally irritated by the Kolpak movement, although he believes if the players are top quality they can provide huge benefits to emerging English players.
"I'm slightly concerned about it," he admitted. "There are a number which have obviously taken over a couple of the teams but I can only speak from my experience at Yorkshire.
"We have two very good ones in Jacques Rudolph and Deon Kruis who have added a lot to the team as well. As much as they can be a negative there are a lot out there who can improve the standards and the training.
"A lot of the young players at Yorkshire are looking up to those two now so I can only speak from my experience and the two we've had have been very good."
But other counties - particularly Northamptonshire and Leicestershire - have hired lesser-talented Kolpak players - a situation which Vaughan believes can undermine England's talent pool.
"Looking around the whole circuit, there seem to be a few who aren't doing that and that's my biggest concern," said Vaughan.
Online Shopping
Prandelli rejects links with Chelsea
Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody
Ronnie to City?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Zookoda
Saunders sacked
Plies
Ancelotti to stay in Milan
Busta Rhymes
Jimmy adams is president
Following the 2008 Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), Annual General Meeting, held in Austin, Texas, FICA today confirmed the appointment of former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams as FICA President for the next two years.
Adams succeeds former South Africa great Barry Richards, who has served as FICA president since the inception of FICA in 1999.
Adams brings a wealth of experience to the position, having played 54 Tests and 127 ODI’s for the West Indies, between 1992 and 2001, in addition to representing Jamaica, Orange Free State and Nottinghamshire in first-class cricket.
“Cricket is both at an uncertain but exciting time, with the advent of Twenty 20 and the formation of a number of a new competitions such as Stanford Twenty 20, Indian Premier League and the Indian Cricket League,” Adams said
“It is important that the games’ governors, together with the players map out a mutually beneficial road map as we enter this exciting era.
“I look forward to my association with FICA and serving the interests of the players worldwide.”
FICA CEO Tim May paid tribute to Richards’ efforts: "Barry has made a significant contribution to the player cause across the world for an extended period - Barry’s wise counsel and knowledge of cricket matters will be missed and I am sure that I represent the voice of players from across the world when I thank Barry for his tireless and passionate contribution to FICA.
“We believe that Barry’s successor Jimmy has similar qualities and will provide a significant asset to FICA and international players.
“Jimmy not only represented the West Indies with passion and distinction throughout his career but is also held in the highest regard across the cricketing fraternity.
“We are excited and proud that Jimmy has accepted our invitation to lead FICA and I am sure that Jimmy’s term will be both successful and rewarding for FICA and its associated members,” May said.
2pac lyrics
Asif detained in Dubai
The Reuters news agency reported that Asif, who had been detained on Sunday on the way home from playing for Delhi in the Indian Premier League, is likely to be bailed. The Pakistan Cricket Board, which learnt of Asif's detention late on Sunday, have sent a team of officials to sort the matter out.
“Yes, he has been detained by authorities at Dubai airport for the last 36 hours,” Nadeem Akram told Reuters from Dubai. “We are co-ordinating with the Pakistan embassy and handling this issue.
“The substance recovered from him has been sent for tests. He is detained not arrested. We will now follow the legal procedures and we have hired lawyers for this purpose.”
Another official said on condition of anonymity that the controversy was “a big embarrassment for Pakistan cricket”.
It is the latest embarrassment for hapless Pakistan in a long line of them in recent years, that also have seen Asif and Shoaib Akhtar banned for testing positive for illegal substances only to have their bans overturned on appeal a month later in December 2006.
There was also the incident at The Oval in August 2006 when umpire Darrell Hair penalised the team for tampering with the ball, only to have that claim quashed at an independent hearing through lack of evidence.
Akhtar was sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in September for striking Asif with a cricket bat, while the team coach Bob Woolmer tragically died in his hotel room last March, a day after the team had been eliminated by minnows Ireland. His death was treated as murder before that was ruled out at a later inquiry.