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NEWS
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Beckham and Galaxy Routed by DC United
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The team with the best record in Major League Soccer's (MLS) Western Conference, the Los Angeles Galaxy, was in the nation's capital Sunday to take on the hottest team in the league, DC United. A season high 36,000 fans were at RFK Stadium to see how English star David Beckham and his Galaxy teammates would fare. Chris Cox has a report.
It was a big win for the home team, as DC United won its fourth straight match, topping the LA Galaxy in a hot and humid midday game, 4-1.
Beckham was outplayed by United's Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio. Emilio, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP), scored two goals and had one assist in the win. The two goals give Emilio 10 on the season, one behind league-leader Landon Donovan of the Galaxy.
United Head Coach Tom Soehn was pleased with the way his exciting forward played.
"You know, he's very opportunistic at this point," said Tom Soehn. "He created a lot of chances. He could've had a few today, he had a couple, but again it goes as the team goes. If we're doing well as a team, he's going to benefit from it."
Donovan's only highlight of the game was one that he would like to forget. He was hit in the nose with a forearm from United player Marcelo Gallardo, who later scored to give the United a 3-1 lead. Each player was assessed a yellow card after the play. That play brought an emotional reaction from Galaxy Head Coach Ruud Gullit.
"He [Gallardo] scored the third goal," said Ruud Gullit. "He's supposed to be off the field, off the pitch [with a red card]. You know there was blood coming out of his [Donovan's] nose. Gallardo excuses [apologized] also to me because he knew he was lucky to stay on the pitch. I blame also a little bit the fourth official because it's ridiculous, it was just in front of him. If he has no authority what's the point of having him there.
Beckham got a mixed reaction from the Washington fans but says he's used to it.
"I've had a lot worse, but you know that's part of the game," said David Beckham. "It's part of the atmosphere, part of soccer. You know, it's the same all around the world. When you play away from home the fans are less friendly all the time, that's the way it is. You know you accept that and you get on with it. If you win the game you enjoy it."
Beckham did admit his Galaxy club was outplayed by DC United. After an injury-plagued 2007 season, the popular star said he realizes his impact on the game and how playing a full season will help MLS.
"I've played more minutes this year compared to last year," he said. "You know, it's great that the people and the fans turn out, because it's great for the game, it's great for the MLS, and it's good to play in that kind of atmosphere. So, yeah, it was nice to obviously see the amount of fans that turned out today, but I wish the result had been better for us."
There was emotional moment for D.C. United fans as their favorite and locker room leader Ben Olsen took the field in the 75th minute. Playing his first match of the season after recovering from an ankle injury, Olsen took the field to a standing ovation and Coach Soehn said his return is a good sign.
"Well he trained the whole week, and it's important to get Benny back in the mix, he's been out since November," he said. "Everybody knows how valuable he is to us. We just to keep bringing him along slowly and surely."
Next up for David Beckam and the LA Galaxy will be a home game on the Fourth of July, as they will take on the first place team in the Eastern Conference - the New England Revolution.
The team with the best record in Major League Soccer's (MLS) Western Conference, the Los Angeles Galaxy, was in the nation's capital Sunday to take on the hottest team in the league, DC United. A season high 36,000 fans were at RFK Stadium to see how English star David Beckham and his Galaxy teammates would fare. Chris Cox has a report.
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| Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham (r) and DC United's Jaime Moreno, during the game in |
Beckham was outplayed by United's Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio. Emilio, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP), scored two goals and had one assist in the win. The two goals give Emilio 10 on the season, one behind league-leader Landon Donovan of the Galaxy.
United Head Coach Tom Soehn was pleased with the way his exciting forward played.
"You know, he's very opportunistic at this point," said Tom Soehn. "He created a lot of chances. He could've had a few today, he had a couple, but again it goes as the team goes. If we're doing well as a team, he's going to benefit from it."
Donovan's only highlight of the game was one that he would like to forget. He was hit in the nose with a forearm from United player Marcelo Gallardo, who later scored to give the United a 3-1 lead. Each player was assessed a yellow card after the play. That play brought an emotional reaction from Galaxy Head Coach Ruud Gullit.
"He [Gallardo] scored the third goal," said Ruud Gullit. "He's supposed to be off the field, off the pitch [with a red card]. You know there was blood coming out of his [Donovan's] nose. Gallardo excuses [apologized] also to me because he knew he was lucky to stay on the pitch. I blame also a little bit the fourth official because it's ridiculous, it was just in front of him. If he has no authority what's the point of having him there.
Beckham got a mixed reaction from the Washington fans but says he's used to it.
"I've had a lot worse, but you know that's part of the game," said David Beckham. "It's part of the atmosphere, part of soccer. You know, it's the same all around the world. When you play away from home the fans are less friendly all the time, that's the way it is. You know you accept that and you get on with it. If you win the game you enjoy it."
Beckham did admit his Galaxy club was outplayed by DC United. After an injury-plagued 2007 season, the popular star said he realizes his impact on the game and how playing a full season will help MLS.
"I've played more minutes this year compared to last year," he said. "You know, it's great that the people and the fans turn out, because it's great for the game, it's great for the MLS, and it's good to play in that kind of atmosphere. So, yeah, it was nice to obviously see the amount of fans that turned out today, but I wish the result had been better for us."
There was emotional moment for D.C. United fans as their favorite and locker room leader Ben Olsen took the field in the 75th minute. Playing his first match of the season after recovering from an ankle injury, Olsen took the field to a standing ovation and Coach Soehn said his return is a good sign.
"Well he trained the whole week, and it's important to get Benny back in the mix, he's been out since November," he said. "Everybody knows how valuable he is to us. We just to keep bringing him along slowly and surely."
Next up for David Beckam and the LA Galaxy will be a home game on the Fourth of July, as they will take on the first place team in the Eastern Conference - the New England Revolution.
Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy
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| pain fans celebrate victory against Germany on Sunday (June 29) in the Euro 2008 championship |
Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy when Fernando Torres's exquisite first-half goal gave them a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in a fast and furious Euro 2008 final on Sunday (June 29).
Confident supporters gathered at the site at least four hours ahead of the match to get a good spot to watch the game in the public viewing area where they passed security checks and were hosed down by firemen, allowing them to keep cool before the match in the Mediterranean heat.
Spain, appearing in their first final since 1984 and seeking only their second trophy following their 1964 Euro success on home soil, have seen a steady gathering of support as they became known for their crisp passing, wonderful technique and defensive discipline.
Giant TV screens were set up in Madrid, Coruna, Malaga, Valencia, Zaragoza, Huelva and Santiago de Compostela. Fans in Madrid erupted in cheers as Torres scored after 33 minutes in a display fit for a final as he showed all the speed, determination and quality of finish that summed up his team's whole campaign.
Celebrations in the fan zone were partly overshadowed by minor scuffles between far-right extremists and police after the goal. Police were kept busy chasing troublemakers as emergency medical staff coped with fainting fans in soaring temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
As fans watched the clock tick towards the end of the match, biting their nails in anticipation of victory, their anxiety paid off with the final whistle declaring them European champions
Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy
Your Ad Here
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| pain fans celebrate victory against Germany on Sunday (June 29) in the Euro 2008 championship |
Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy when Fernando Torres's exquisite first-half goal gave them a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in a fast and furious Euro 2008 final on Sunday (June 29).
Confident supporters gathered at the site at least four hours ahead of the match to get a good spot to watch the game in the public viewing area where they passed security checks and were hosed down by firemen, allowing them to keep cool before the match in the Mediterranean heat.
Spain, appearing in their first final since 1984 and seeking only their second trophy following their 1964 Euro success on home soil, have seen a steady gathering of support as they became known for their crisp passing, wonderful technique and defensive discipline.
Giant TV screens were set up in Madrid, Coruna, Malaga, Valencia, Zaragoza, Huelva and Santiago de Compostela. Fans in Madrid erupted in cheers as Torres scored after 33 minutes in a display fit for a final as he showed all the speed, determination and quality of finish that summed up his team's whole campaign.
Celebrations in the fan zone were partly overshadowed by minor scuffles between far-right extremists and police after the goal. Police were kept busy chasing troublemakers as emergency medical staff coped with fainting fans in soaring temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
As fans watched the clock tick towards the end of the match, biting their nails in anticipation of victory, their anxiety paid off with the final whistle declaring them European champions
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
IVANOVIC RELISHES TOP BILLING
Ana Ivanovic is relishing the pressure of being world number one and top seed for Wimbledon.
Ivanovic took over top spot in the world rankings with her French Open triumph earlier this month and is among the favourites to make it back-to-back grand slam titles at the All England Club.
The Serbian star is just 20 years old but - speaking ahead of her second-round clash with France's Nathalie Dechy on Court One - claimed she is only taking the positives from her newly-elevated position.
"Obviously, there are different ways of dealing with pressure," said Ivanovic, who lost just three games in her opening victory over Rossanna De Los Rios.
"Becoming number one, it takes more pressure, but also you have to see pressure for what it is. It's a reflection of your own ambition.
"If you see it as a positive thing, it means that you put yourself in a position to do something memorable. So if you look at it that way, it can be very motivating."
Former champion Serena Williams was also in action on day three, the sixth seed facing a potentially-tricky encounter with Poland's Urszula Radwanska.
Elder sister Venus yesterday enjoyed a straight-sets victory over Britain's Naomi Cavaday, although the four-time winner had to come back from 3-1 down in the opening set in the 7-6 (7/5) 6-1 win.
"I thought she played excellent. She took her chances, really took advantage of her opportunities and played with poise on this occasion, Centre Court in front of a home crowd,"," said the 27-year-old seventh seed.
"I thought she did really well with that. She served well and really returned the ball with force and ran a lot of balls down, so I was impressed with her game.
"I felt that my level was good. I think it's nice to have a really challenging opponent early on, especially having not played since the French Open."
Two more former champions also advanced to the second round, Maria Sharapova easing through in straight sets against French qualifier Stephanie Foretz and Lindsay Davenport battling past Renata Voracova in three sets.
Davenport missed Wimbledon in 2006 through injury and announced her retirement in December that year after learning she was pregnant with her first child.
However, the American returned to the tour in 2007 after the birth of son Jagger and is back at the All England Club for the first time in three years despite suffering from a knee injury which forced her to withdraw from the warm-up event at Eastbourne last week.
"Jagger travels with me and it's obviously more of a challenge than life used to be just because there's always something going on and to look after him," the 32-year-old said.
"But we have a great time. He's a lot of fun to hang out with. There's a lot of downtime when you're on the tennis tour. He definitely occupies my time.
"I did not think I would be back here at Wimbledon, it's a real treat, a real honour and privilege. I'm real excited to be back here and be able to play.
"I've had some of my greatest memories here. What started off as a grand slam that I probably liked the least definitely turned into one I liked the most in the latter part of my career."
One match suspended by bad light last night saw number five seed Elena Dementieva on course to progress to round two against Italy's Maria Elena Camerin.
The Russian led 6-3 3-3, with game seven of the second set yet to get under way. more details
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ex-Fener coach Loew to use experience with Turks against them
Ex-Fener coach Loew to use experience with Turks against them | |
India will miss Harbhajan Singh
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Bell in doubt for one-dayer
A game of touch rugby has left England batsman Ian Bell in doubt for Wednesday nights crucial fourth one-dayer against the Black Caps at the Oval.
Bell injured his knee during the game which the team use to warm-up. more details
Mourners celebrate 'courageous' Jane McGrath
Mourners both laughed and cried as they bid farewell to Jane McGrath at her funeral in Sydney today. MORE DETAILS
he most memorable day in Indian cricket history
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tennis: unassuming gardener saves ASB ClassicWed, 04 Jun 2008 05:19p.m.
The future of the ASB Classic is safe after securing after the sponsorship needed to keep New Zealand’s only international women's tennis tournament alive.
A financial backer has come to the rescue, but he is not in the mould of your typical wealthy businessman.
When you think of a financial backer, you think Italian suits and fast cars, but the saviour of the ASB Classic prefers tennis shoes and track pants, that is because he is a gardener.
“I love all sport, and the outdoors, and avoid getting in an office wherever possible,” says Graham Windross.
Te
Tennis: unassuming gardener saves ASB ClassicWed, 04 Jun 2008 05:19p.m.
Graham Windross
The future of the ASB Classic is safe after securing after the sponsorship needed to keep New Zealand’s only international women's tennis tournament alive.
A financial backer has come to the rescue, but he is not in the mould of your typical wealthy businessman.
When you think of a financial backer, you think Italian suits and fast cars, but the saviour of the ASB Classic prefers tennis shoes and track pants, that is because he is a gardener.
“I love all sport, and the outdoors, and avoid getting in an office wherever possible,” says Graham Windross.
Tennis enthusiast Graham Windross is the managing director of wholesale nursery Zealandia, and his company's come up with 500 thousand dollars to save the ASB Classic.
But unlike other high profile backers who like to mix business with pleasure, Windross is modest about his role in rescuing the tournament.
“I'm sure somebody else would've come along if I hadn't you know I just saw it as an opportunity the same as I’m sure Terry does and it's amazing what he's done for soccer and I think that's fantastic as well so no, just pleased to be able to help.,” Windross says.
Changes to the women's tennis tour put the tournament at risk, but new sponsorship means the Classic can now attract top 10 players with more prize money, and the same points on offer as a corresponding tournament in Brisbane.
It also means fans can enjoy watching Marina Erakovic continue her development.
It is all thanks to an unassuming gardener, with a passion for tennis. nnis enthusiast Graham Windross is the managing director of wholesale nursery Zealandia, and his company's come up with 500 thousand dollars to save the ASB Classic.
But unlike other high profile backers who like to mix business with pleasure, Windross is modest about his role in rescuing the tournament.
“I'm sure somebody else would've come along if I hadn't you know I just saw it as an opportunity the same as I’m sure Terry does and it's amazing what he's done for soccer and I think that's fantastic as well so no, just pleased to be able to help.,” Windross says.
Changes to the women's tennis tour put the tournament at risk, but new sponsorship means the Classic can now attract top 10 players with more prize money, and the same points on offer as a corresponding tournament in Brisbane.
It also means fans can enjoy watching Marina Erakovic continue her development.
It is all thanks to an unassuming gardener, with a passion for tennis.
Soccer fans gear up for Euro 2008
Soccer fans gear up for Euro 2008
Lee Kormish, Special to The StarPhoenixPublished: Wednesday, June 04, 2008
We are at the dawn of one of the most exciting times for a soccer fanatic: Euro 2008. Happening every four years, what some deem the highest level of international competition kicks off Saturday. Sixteen countries survived qualification and will vie for European supremacy. With the final taking place in Vienna on June 29, here is a preview of the event.
WHERE CAN I WATCH?
The European time zone does not play to Canadian favour. You will have to take time off work or school to catch the games live. The start time for almost two weeks of doubleheaders is 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Rogers Sportsnet and TSN split duties to broadcast games live as well as evening replays.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
NBA: Celtics to face Lakers
: 31st May 2008
Pierce: Led the Celtics to victory in game six
The Boston Celtics will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 89-81 to win the Eastern Conference.
Paul Pierce scored 27 points to help the Celtics overturn a fourth-quarter deficit and clinch the best-of-seven series 4-2.
Chauncey Billups finished with 29 points for Detroit, who lost for the third straight season in the sixth game of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ray Allen managed 17 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 as Boston reached the finals for the first time since 1987, when they also met the Lakers.
Los Angeles booked their place on Thursday when they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 to win the Western Conference.
Led by reigning MVP Kobe Bryant, the Lakers ended the Spurs' reign as defending champions by winning the series 4-1.
The Lakers and Celtics - two of the most storied franchises in the history of the NBA - have met on 10 previous occasions in the finals.
Anez Sez WELL DESERVED
Monday, Orlando Magic President and CEO Bob Vanderweide gave General Manager Otis Smith and Assistant GM Dave Twardzik contract extensions. The deals are well deserved!
Heck, I am of the belief that Bobby V. should have granted Otis a lifetime deal back in February of 2006 when Otis, somehow, dumped the mercurial Steve Francis and his gross contract on Isiah Thomas's doorstep. That deal, to me, should have earned Otis the Executive of the Year Award for the lifetime of Francis's contract.
Actually, Otis is being rewarded for a full body of work. He's built a nucleus of young, talented and winning basketball players here in Orlando. He's also being rewarded for playing a major part in altering the culture of this franchise. You sit down and talk with Otis and I guarantee you not a sentence goes by without him uttering the word "championship". This franchise is pointed upward thanks in large part to O!
Would Otis and Dave like a do-over in the drafting of Fran Vazquez in 2005? Sure. Was JJ Redick the pick in 2006? That's up for debate, though I am not willing to give up on JJ making an impact on this team just yet. The point is that I do not know of any perfect NBA execs...
Red Auerbach, the patriarch of the Boston Celtics, built that franchise on the strength of great drafts and shrewd trades. However, even Red had his share of blemishes. The ole Celtic fan in me still has a hard time forgiving the late and great Red Head for trading Danny Ainge to Sacramento for Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine in 1989.
Speaking of Ainge, the current GM in Boston, Celtic fans were ready to run him outta Beantown on 'The T' after his C's recorded a scant 24 wins in 2006-2007. Yet, Ainge gets a little help from his friend Kevin McHale in trading for KG and all of a sudden the guy's a genius and the NBA's Executive of the Year.
Look at Mitch Kupchak in Los Angeles. Last May, after winning 42 regular season games and being eliminated from round one by Phoenix, Kobe Bryant demanded that his old buddy Jerry West take over for the embattled Kupchak. Kobe had one foot in Chicago in October. Yet, a few months later, Kupchak robs Memphis blind in getting Pau Gasol. Now, Kobe and Laker fans are smitten with ole Mitch as his Lakers go into the Finals series with Ainge's Celtics.
Go on down the line...Detroit's Joe Dumars, considered one of the best bosses in the NBA, is not without blemish. Joe would love a mulligan after drafting Darko Milicic in 2003 ahead of guys like Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.
The point is that in this fickle business of NBA basketball, everybody makes mistakes. The key to NBA front office longevity, though, is to make sure that the list of positives far outweighs the list of negatives.
Otis Smith has done just that.
French Open win for Russian tennis star Dinara Safina
The French Open has meant victory for Russian tennis star Dinara Safina who defeated compatriot Maria Sharapova with a 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 score in the fourth round.
Sharapova, although the top seed, had been struggling in earlier matches and many tennis commentators and fans were tipping Safina as the favourite to win.
Sharapova, although the top seed, had been struggling in earlier matches and many tennis commentators and fans were tipping Safina as the favourite to win.
Having missed two set points in the opener, Safina saved a match point in the second set and then managed to gain the upper hand in the final decider.Following the game a triumphant Dinara Safina said: "I knew I could beat her but I put too much pressure on myself and was way too passive. I was too dependent on her and I was 2-5 down in the second set and facing a match point.
"But I hit a winner on her match point and it changed things. Before I was just running and playing the ball back. But I had to focus on myself and not wait for her mistakes and let her dictate."
Maria Sharapova entered the French Open as the new world number one tennis player but she has never enjoyed clay and found it hard in her previous matches last week.
Gretna resign from the Scottish Football League
By Kenny MacDonald
GLASGOW (Reuters) - Debt-ridden Gretna quit the Scottish Football League on Tuesday just six years after being admitted to senior football.
"The administrators sent in a formal resignation in writing and we accepted it with immediate effect," SFL chief executive David Longmuir told Reuters.
"We are now inviting applications for a new club to join. It is very sad, but we did what we could to help Gretna and gave them every possibility.
"However, the administrators (Wilson Field Ltd) have said they cannot go on any further with the club and were unable to give a commitment to playing football."
Gretna, who played minor league football in England until joining the SFL in 2002, charged through the divisions to reach the Scottish Premier League, making the Scottish Cup final in 2006 and playing in the UEFA Cup.
Their first taste of the top flight was short-lived, however, as they finished bottom of the standings this season to be relegated and, after multi-millionaire backer Brooks Mileson pulled out, were placed in administration, which earned them a 10-point deduction.
Last week they were relegated to the Scottish third division (fourth tier) because of their perilous financial situation.
Administrators have been unable to find a buyer for the club and have been trying to sell the ground in a bid to meet debts.
Drogba given the freedom of Milan but Essien set to stay at Chelsea
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks certain to play in Italy next season but will have to choose between city rivals AC Milan and Inter.
Milan president Adriano Galliani has claimed that talks with Chelsea over signing Drogba are already at an advanced stage, but Inter are set to step up the chase after appointing Jose Mourinho as their new manager yesterday.
Scroll down for more
Milan bound: Didier Drogba looks set to go to either Milan or join up with Mourinho at Inter
The Ivory Coast international has a close relationship with the former Chelsea boss and has kept in touch ever since he lost his job last September.
Scroll down for more
Old pals: Then-Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho (left) shares a joke with striker Didier Drogba during training
The Chelsea hierarchy are keen to sell having grown fed up with Drogba's attitude last season and are ready to cash in on the 30-year-old for around £20million.
Galliani believes Drogba will end up at Milan despite manager Carlo Ancelotti's failure to get the club into the Champions League next season.
He said: "Carlo Ancelotti wants Drogba. I do not see anything wrong in a transfer, talks have already begun."
True blue: Michael Essien looks dejected following his team's defeat in the Champions League final but the Ghanaian is happy to remain at the Bridge
Mourinho will not give up without a fight and his appointment is set to ensure Inter will also chase Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho.
But he is not expected to be able to prise midfielder Michael Essien away from Stamford Bridge.
Essien is understood to be happy at the club and is not looking to move having signed a new five-year contract only 12 months ago.
The Ghanian international has emerged as one of Chelsea's key players and his value has gone up since he joined from Lyon for £24.4m in 2005.
They may have a tougher task convincing Carvalho to stay, while Lampard is expected to have more talks over his future later this week.
Keeper Petr Cech's contract talks have been put on hold and are now likely to take place after Euro 2008.
The NBA finals begin Thursday night in Boston.
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No games scheduled.
QUESTIONABLE
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Tony Allen might not be back from an injury to guard Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant when the NBA finals begin Thursday night. The Celtics guard injured his Achilles' tendon in a post-practice pickup game during the Eastern Conference finals and hasn't played since.
CONTRACT EXTENSION
The Orlando Magic signed general manager Otis Smith to a multiyear contract extension. Smith was promoted to full GM in 2006, after sharing the title for a season with Dave Twardzik, who remained assistant general manager. The Magic also extended Twardzik's agreement, the team said Monday.
ZO'S FUTURE
Alonzo Mourning, whose season ended when he sustained severe knee and leg injuries in a game last December, said Monday that if his body gets healthy, he'd like to come back and play one more season before finally calling it a career. The 38-year-old Mourning averaged 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 25 games this season for the Heat.
SPEAKING
"I get the pleasure of seeing him play every night, but they could have went a different way. I'm glad to see the organization stand behind a guy who has been able to give his all for them, for them to step up and actually give him some players and some help, so that he can reach his goals as a basketball player.'' - Boston forward Kevin Garnett on teammate Paul Pierce during the Celtics' day off Monday.
Indiana boy spells 'guerdon' to win spelling bee
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Updated Fri. May. 30 2008 11:20 PM ET
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- As it turned out, Sameer Mishra provided more than just comic relief at the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He ended up winning the title.
The 13-year-old from West Lafayette, Ind., who often had the audience laughing with his one-line commentaries was all business when he aced "guerdon'' -- a word that appropriately means "something that one has earned or gained'' -- to win the 81st version of the bee Friday night.
"I don't know about comedy lines, but my parents have been telling me since the beginning that I should always stay calm, cool and collected,'' said Sameer, who likes playing the violin and video games, and hopes one day to be a neurosurgeon.
Sameer, appearing in the bee for the fourth time and a top 20 finisher the last two years, clenched both fists and put his hands to his face after spelling the winning word. He won a tense duel over first-time participant Sidharth Chand, 12, of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., who finally stumbled on "prosopopoeia,'' a word describing a type of figure of speech.
Sameer was a crowd favourite throughout the tournament. When told one of his words in the semifinals was a dessert, he deadpanned: "That sounds good right now.'' He rolled his eyes and muttered "wonderful'' when told that one of his words had five different language roots. He once asked "Are you sure there are no alternate pronunciations?'' and later uttered "That's a relief'' after initially mishearing the word "numnah'' (a type of sheepskin pad).
And what did he have to say while hoisting the heavy trophy? "I'm really, really weak.''
Sameer is coached by his sister, Shruti, a high school senior and three-time spelling bee competitor. The first-place finish won him US$35,000 in cash and more than $5,000 in other prizes.
Third place went to Tia Thomas, 13, from Coarsegold, Calif., who was eliminated on "opificer'' (a skilled or artistic worker). She started the word with an "e'' instead of an "o'' and received a standing ovation and a hug from her mother. Tia was one of the favourites, appearing in her fifth and final bee after an eighth-place finish a year ago.
The finals were aired live in prime time on ABC, and it appeared for a while that the broadcast could run late into the night. Twenty-four of the first 25 words were spelled correctly, with the dictionary-familiar competitors breezing through words such as "brankursine,'' "cryptarithm,'' and "empyrean'' with barely a hitch.
Rose Sloan was so familiar with "alcarraza'' (a type of jug) that the 13-year-old from River Forest, Ill., couldn't stop laughing in glee when pronouncer Jacques Bailly uttered it. She was later eliminated on "sheitel'' (a wig worn by Jewish women).
Austin Pineda, 14, of Perris, Calif., was the only early casualty, putting an extra "l'' in "tralatitious'' (handed down) as he nervously twirled his bangs with his index finger.
It was somewhat surprising who didn't make the finals. There were no Canadians -- and no Matthew Evans.
Matthew, also a favorite to win in his fifth and final appearance, was stunningly eliminated during the semifinal round Friday when he misspelled "secernent,'' a word dealing with secretion and one that somehow eluded him as he studied his personal 30,000-word list. He ended it with "-ant.''
When the 13-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M., heard the bell, he slumped his shoulders, lowered his head and slowly walked offstage, a rare standing ovation echoing behind him. He stayed in the comfort room for more than a half-hour, and his eyes were still red when he emerged.
"It's disappointing,'' said Matthew, choking back tears. "I know a lot of people were rooting for me.''
All seven representatives from Canada were vanquished in a span of about 20-minutes in the first semifinal round. No Canadian has ever won the bee, but Canada always fields a strong contingent. Nate Gartke of Spruce Grove, Alta., was last year's runner-up.
"Seven up, seven down,'' said Pam Penny of Ancaster, Ont., whose daughter, 10-year-old Veronica, was eliminated on the French-rooted word "DetagGere.'' "Very disappointing. Especially for Canadians to go down on French words.''
Among the spectators was 94-year-old Frank Neuhauser, the winner of the first national bee in 1925. Asked to spell his winning word from 83 years ago, Neuhauser rattled off the letters to "gladiolus'' as if he were racing through his ABCs.
"It's an easy word,'' said Neuhauser, who attracted a long line of teen and preteen autograph-seekers. "Nobody could miss it, but the second (-place) girl did.''
Neuhauser's prize was $500 in $20 gold pieces. He also was feted with a parade through his hometown of Louisville, Ky.
"It was a lot easier back then,'' Neuhauser told the audience. "There were only eight competitors instead of 288. I'd never make it now.''
The 288 spellers that entered this year's bee was a record. Forty-five of them made it past the preliminary and quarterfinal rounds Thursday to compete on Friday.
Soccer-Euro-Switzerland coach Kuhn seeks strength from setbacks
FEUSISBERG, Switzerland, June 3 (Reuters) - Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn said his team would gain strength from the setbacks that have rocked their Euro 2008 preparations.
Kuhn, 64, resumed training with the squad at their base in central Switzerland on Tuesday, one day after his wife was taken to hospital following an epileptic attack.
The co-hosts have also been hit by injuries in the build-up, leading to the withdrawal of striker Blaise Nkufo, defender Steve von Bergen and reserve goalkeeper Fabio Coltorti.
Influential midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta is still not certain to play in the tournament's opening game against Czech Republic on Saturday after straining his ankle in training two weeks ago.
"I can assure you that we did not orchestrate any of these things but it's true that events like this do not just have negative results," Kuhn told a news conference.
"They also bring a sense of solidarity and standing together and that is certainly an important factor for our first match on Saturday. I think the injuries and everything else that has happened will give us even more strength.
"I am happy to be here after hearing good news about my wife's medical situation which is now under control. I can now focus fully on the team with my head, stomach and heart."
Swiss preparations were disrupted last week when striker Marco Streller said he would retire from international football after being repeatedly whistled and abused by his own fansRobot soccer-players clinch penalty shootout
In a nail-biting finale to the recent RoboCup Open tournament in Germany, a Dutch team of soccer-playing robots defeated a German team in a penalty shootout to take the crown as champions of the German Middle Size League. Teams in this league are formed of six three-wheeled players, each weighing around 35kg and moving at speeds of up to 4m/s.
In the semi-final, the Dutch Team Tech United Eindhoven conquered the Brainstormers Tribots from Osnabrück, Germany, who had not been beaten since 2004. In the final, the Dutch team triumphed over the world number 3, the CoPS Team from Stuttgart.
Each of the Dutch robot players acts autonomously without remote control and has its own role such as goalkeeper, defender or striker. The players co-operate with each other in a team effort and communicate via wireless Ethernet.
A camera pointing up towards a parabolic mirror provides each player with a 360-degree view of its surroundings which it uses to determine its position. A feature that distinguishes the Dutch players from their rivals is an active ball-handling mechanism. Two levers equipped with motor-driven wheels allow the ball to be pulled as well as pushed.
The robot’s kicking mechanism can produce flat as well as lob shots - a feature that proved to be extremely effective in the semi-final. Each player is controlled by a mini-PC and uses EtherCAT communications to interface with drives, sensors and actuators. EtherCAT was chosen because of its low CPU load and the fact that it did not need any hardware extensions to the PC.
Attention now moves to Suzhou, China, where the world RoboCup championships will be held in July. The ultimate goal of the RoboCup project is to develop a team of autonomous humanoid robots that will be able to beat the human world soccer champions by 2050.
Sameera romancing Ishant Sharma?
The news is doing the rounds that Sameera and Ishant became close after meeting a few times at the recent IPL matches. It is said that they are more than just good friends with their relationship turning serious. Sameera was even spotted cheering Ishant when Kolkata Knight Riders played.
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Asif detained for drug possession
Asif
Pakistan's Mohammad Asif has been detained at Dubai airport for possession of illegal drugs, the country's Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.
The fast bowler was stopped on his way to Lahore from Mumbai after playing for the Delhi Daredevils in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.
Nadeem Akram, human resources manager for the PCB, told Indian news channel CNN-IBN that a powder had been found in Asif's wallet.
Akram added that Asif had been given the substance by a hakeem, a traditional Islamic healer.
He said: "Yes, he has not been arrested he has been detained at Dubai airport.
"Apparently it was some drugs given to him by a doctor. It was a very small quantity, it was in his wallet. A small bit of powder.
"It is a medicine given to him by a hakeem in Dubai. It had been given to him some 5-6 months ago and he had forgotten about it."
He had earlier said: "We are co-ordinating with the Pakistan embassy and handling this issue.
"The substance recovered from him has been sent for tests. We will now follow the legal procedures and we have hired lawyers for this purpose."
Akram added that Asif will appear before the magistrate on Tuesday while sources on the board said he will likely be bailed.
They added they had only learnt of his detention late on Sunday and immediately sent a team to sort out the matter.
"Obviously it was a big embarrassment for Pakistan cricket but we first have to see what is the real case," an unnamed official added.
The PCB is due to hold a news conference later on Tuesday.
On Monday, Asif was named in the Pakistan squad to play in the triangular series in Bangladesh from June 8th against India and the hosts.
The 25-year-old received a one-year ban from the PCB in 2006 after testing positive for the banned steroid Nandrolone but the ban was later overturned on appeal.
MacGill retirement could 'open door' for Warne return
The sudden retirement of Au The sudden retirement of Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill (pictured here in 2006) over the weekend could see bowling great Shane Warne come out of international retirement, cricket commentators have said.The sudden retirement of Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill over the weekend could see bowling great Shane Warne come out of international retirement, cricket commentators said Monday.
MacGill called quits on his 44-Test career Sunday midway through the second Test against the West Indies in Antigua after admitting that at 37 he was no longer up to the rigours of international cricket.
The veteran, who spent much of his playing career in Warne’s considerable shadow, only made the Australian tour of the Caribbean after overcoming serious knee and wrist injuries.
Only last month Warne, who retired from international cricket following the fifth Test against England in Sydney in January 2007 with a then world record 708 Test wickets, raised the prospect of playing again for Australia.
Warne, a year older than MacGill at 38, reportedly said: “If Australia really needed me and there was no-one else around, and (captain) Ricky Ponting thought I could do the job, you would weigh up the options.
“If Stuey MacGill fell over and broke his leg, and there were no other spinners around, and Ricky came out and said, ‘Mate, can you please help us out for this one-off tour? We need you’, that is something I would weigh up.”.
Former Australian leg-spinner and radio commentator Kerry O’Keefe said Warne, who has been playing in the domestic Indian league, could well make a shock international return.
“He definitely could come back,” O’Keefe said Monday. “I think it’s now going to be a possibility if he has a desire to do it.
“Obviously, he has to come back and play first-class cricket… and whether or not the grind of Test cricket as a player, and not a captain, is as attractive for him, we’re going to find out I guess, because this will generate a lot of interest now.
“I think Warney would be worth a phone call, just asking ‘what’s doing Shane?’”
Warne has admitted he misses playing international cricket and said that he would be up to the task of returning to the top level if called upon.
“If I wanted to keep playing I don’t think there would be an issue with me being the No.1 spinner and performing,” Warne told an Australian newspaper last month.
“I would still love to be playing international cricket, and miss it because I devoted 20 years to first-class cricket. It is a big part of my life.”
Australian selectors now have to decide who will be the team’s first-choice spinner for Australia’s four-Test tour of India in October following the retirements of MacGill and Brad Hogg.
MacGill said he will play out the current Antigua Test, with young left-arm spinner Beau Casson likely to make his debut in the third and final Test starting in Barbados next week.
Australian selectors had hoped MacGill could provide a bridge between the retirement of Warne and the emergence of a new frontline spinner but, just eight Tests into the post-Warne era, no obvious heir apparent has appeared.
MacGill said the fear of not playing his best cricket was at the back of his retirement decision.
“Unfortunately, now my time is up. As I said many times last summer, there is no way I will ever walk onto a cricket field unless I can guarantee that I can dismiss top order batsmen consistently,” MacGill said.
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