Roland Garros: Rafa Nadal, No.1

The Luniz' "I got 5 on it" is a song Rafa Nadal can now happily sing to his hearts content. In 2 hours 18 minutes, Rafa finished off spirited Robin Soderling 6-4 6-2 6-4 in the French Open Mens Final to win his 5th French Open title. This wasn't just a win, this was an 'ooohh' kind of match where Rafa reintroduced himself as simply supreme in a final on the Philippe Chatrier court.

Everything he needed to do to counter the weapons of Soderling worked well. Shots had consistent depth,  backhand slice on fire, the down the line shot worked more than not and he held a healthy first serve percentage.

Soderling made too many unforced errors to winners, his first serve was unreliable and understandably was frustrated that even when he hit his hardest, flattest shot, the damn ball kept coming back. This was Nadal Befuddlement at its greatest. The longer this continued, the more assured Nadal became and the more inevitable the result became. This was a competitive match up that lost
its teeth as Soderling was unable to take any of his break opportunities while Nadal ravished his. Small but telling differences.

The next best thing to see/hear from this match? Rafa speaking some French in his celebratory speech.

Who knew?!

Not only is Nadal the Champion at Roland Garros again, but as of Monday he jumps Roger Federer as world no. 1.

Congratulations Rafa- Bravo!

(c) images Associated Press 6.6.10

Roland Garros: Ecco Schiavone, Ladies Champion

Francesca Schiavone was a real inspiration in the Ladies Final against Super Sam Stosur. She played an excellent match winning 6-4 7-6 (7-2), even more impressive that she fought back from 1-4 down in the second set. In short, the Stosur forehand wasn't reliable and made too many unforced errors on important moments. A fantastic tournament for the Aussie, nonetheless. 2009- Semi's, 2010- Final, 2011- third time lucky? Why not?

All plaudits fully belong to the brave Italian, who had some wicked support in the crowds.

How many records has she shattered today? Non ti preoccupati, all you need is belief.
First player outside of the top 10 to win a slam in the Open Era. 
First Italian Female player to win a slam.
First Italian (male or female) to reach a slam final in 50 years
Oldest Woman to win a slam since Ann Jones at Wimbledon, 1969.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

With Wimbledon around the corner, Andy Murray would do well to take inspiration from this result- forget the hollabaloo and hype, and just go for it.

(c) images Associated Press 5.6.10

Elle Arrive, Roland Garros!!

Cannot. Hide. My. Excitement. Woooooooooo!!!!

Aside from the tennis, the other great cause for celebration is the return of 'Juke Box' fun! Télévision France's Tennis Club Roland Garros programme gets the players (usually in drag) to channel their inner MJ/Whitney/Abba in a booth with  a back-up band.


First up, a bouncy Jo-Wilfred Tsonga belting out Black Eye Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling' and Andy Murray lip synching 'I Want You Back' with afro. I like how Robin Soderling really went for it with his Abba tribute!

(c) Télévision France 2010

Ugly Betty: Bring on the Movie!

What a final episode. Ugly Betty may have drawn to a close on 14 April in America, but for this fan downloading from my laptop, it was 1 May 2010. The reactions of both sets of watchers were probably very similar- laughter, crying, more laughter, more crying, finished off by smiles.

 

If a show running more than 3 years can produce smiles of contentment at the end of its final ever episode, then you've done well. Did anyone ever watch the final episode of the L Word? Terrible.

Even though the heartbeat of the show is upbeat and adorkable Betty Suarez, I love how UB credited its awesome ensemble cast of characters with their due attention and story development.

Here's my brief summary:

Wilhemina Slater emerges from her coma revitalised by love (hot Connor) and becomes sole Editor-in-Chief at Mode Magazine; Daniel eventually lets Betty go and leaves the mag to start something new; Amanda finds out who her real father is; Marcs' DIY dating therapy succeeds with him ready to pursue a relationship with Troy/Trey; Justin comes out (those scenes in the last three episodes- tears, I tell you); Hilda and "Barbie"/Bobbie get hitched; Ignacio gives his blessing for the girls to move out.

As for the heroine, Betty realises her work at Mode is done and takes up a new job as Editor at a new start up in London. Predictable as the manicurication of Betty from red poncho wearing mess to the sleekly tailored and spectacled woman is, its well done and mighty satisfying to see. Bubba has grown up and the London scenes (contrast to Hilda's stag hol featuring every Britain-for-American TV cliché out there) were surprisingly realistic.

What I liked most, and the reason for posting, was that I loved the ambiguous feel of the ending. Betty bumps into Daniel around Trafalgar Square, where they have a chat. Mother Meade Claire's suspicion that Daniel harbours hidden feelings for Betty has been a running theme through the last last few episodes. When Daniel says he wants to stay in London for 'a while' and asks Betty out to dinner that evening, it hints at the possibility that a romance could blossom between the two on a new, level footing, without conclusively shoe horning us into the fact. For all the storylines, there is enough suggestion about what comes next once we leave them that it leaves a distinct window for a...MOVIE! Sex and the City did a similar trick on their closing episode, but failed to capitalise on the fans goodwill by taking so long to bring the first film out. SATC II, nearly 10 years after the series end, has the distinct feel of a pimped and tired pony taking another lap of honour, not realising its heyday has gone. Not even the accompaniment of a catchy mainstream hip hop ditty on a promo can mask that.

I know audience numbers were dwindling which forced the hasty end of the show, but I would so love to see What Betty Does Next at the cinema. With its technicolour hyper stylised feel, Ugly Betty has the resolution to handle transfer onto the Big Screen. Its roots in telenovella, creative licence and escapist nature are perfect movie fodder.

C'mon, people. DO IT DO IT DO IT. Just don't wait forever...

Tiger Woods: Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself...

US Masters, Augusta: I happily avoided blogging about the Tiger Woods debarcle, until recent comments forced my hand.

Tiger, I have only two words for you: GET 'EM

I'm tired of all these bitter Golf journo's still bent out of shape because they've been denied their chance to grill Tiger on details of his affairs. The guy was wrong, he got caught and he's been shamed. His public reputation as a perfect sponsorship vehicle is down the toilet; the rest is a family matter.

Now the dust has settled, Tiger is back doing what Tiger does. He is the biggest sports icon to hit the world since Michael Jordan. Sports fans admired Tiger for his immense focus, talent and ability to deliver under intense pressure like no other. Honestly, what else made him such a prize? Tiger long stood behind a well-guarded veil, so much so that the revelations struck most people as...well, ordinary. Extraordinarily ordinary. Cocktail waitresses and porn stars- that's a first! Sports men are busy people, usually married to beautiful women. Any surprise that when they 'act out' it's with ease and convenience in mind?

So when I hear journalists of the sport like GB's Rupert Bell spout pure bile on Talk Sport (a UK sports radio station) that he "hopes Tiger doesn't win" and that the attendant press for today's press conference should have grilled him. Enough is enough. Why so angry, Bell? This resentment seems more than a little personal, and entirely unprofessional.

Therefore, now Woods is back, I hope he wins a 15th Masters championship. The best PR exercise isn't a press conference or truncated 60 Minutes/Barbara Walters special. Tiger's prodigy is Golf, and it's about time he reminded everyone of that.

Miami Open: Good Friday, Bad Friday

Key Biscayne: Clijsters triumphed in the Battle of the Belgiums aka Womens semi match against Henin. 6-2 6-7 7-6. Tantalising final with Venus Williams awaits.



The 'shock' result was Andy Roddick downing Lemon Drop, Rafa Nadal in the first Mens semi. Such a cute, zesty outfit deserved its time to shine in a final. But alas, Roddick continues to show good form with this 4-6 6-3 6-3 result under his belt.

Photos: Getty Images, Eurosport

Easter Traditions: Fried Fish

On Good Friday, the one thing you'll find in any Caribbean family home is fried fish. 

I don't know if this is an uptake on Christian lore, Jesus feeding the five-thousand
 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, but I know my peeps like to have a good go at replicating the feat.

An alcoholic beverage, doesn't hurt either

But it's really all about the fish heads and hard dough bread.

For you, Uncs x

Champions League: Wenger Boys Lifeline

You've got to love Arsene Wenger. He's like a little wizard tinkering away on experiments in football, while all around him cast doubt and criticise. In tonights hugely entertaining match against champions, Barcelona FC, you could say the wizards' boys largely redeemed their creator.

Arsenal managed the improbable by equalling Barcelona's away tally, 2-2. I say improbable because the first half was an onslaught, with only one team hammering away for goals that never came: Barca.
When asked about being outplayed by the Catalan giants for large parts, Wenger returned with this classic:

          "It's not easy, believe me, but you respect it more than when you've been kicked."


Other Results:

Inter Milan 1(Milito 65') - CSK Moscow 0

Champions League: Mourinho's Homecoming

Photo: Times Online, 30 March 2010

I'm no Mystic Meg, but mark my words: the Silver Fox will be coming to England come the end of summer 2010.


At a pre-Champions League press conference ahead of Inter Milan's quarters match against CSK Moscow, Jose Mourinho was at it again, dropping pitch perfect soundbites like stardust and peppering English journo's with the usual pre-match mind games you'd expect. The subject? Italian Football. Jose informed one and all that he was unhappy with Italian football. Ma perche, Jose? 
                               
                                                “Because I do not like it and because it doesn’t like me.”


This is the football mind-fuck equivalent of requesting your P45. These are the moves of a smart guy softening the ground for his eventual departure. Sure, he wants to win the Champions League with Inter. But he clearly won't be staying on to mount another campaign if they should fail this year. 


The popular and obvious bet for a next destination is probably Real Madrid, who have the size, scope and money to facilitate the ambitions of a successful coach like himself. But it's clear that Mourinho's heart lies in England for club football.


                      “I miss English football and English football misses me, there’s no doubt about that"


With a toss up between coaching Manchester United or Real Madrid, all signs would point to Old Trafford. But that job is not up for grabs. Yet. Whereas there are a couple of legitimate possibilities which may arise in the English game, at the right level. Funny to think that for the clubs I'm thinking about, much of this prospect depends on whether those two teams in particular can retain and attain fourth spot in the Premier League.


Interesting times.


Until that time, we'll just have to make do with the occasional flirt 'n' tease dance afforded to footy fans on Champions League nights when Europes best face one another in the prestigious final 8 stage.


Wednesday Matches, 7.30pm GMT kick off


Inter Milan vs CSK Moscow
Arsenal FC vs Barcelona FC

ATP Miami: Lemon Drop Keeps-a-Rollin' into Quarters

 vs 

Photos: Getty Images/Eveready Battery pack

Key Biscayne: Rafa Nadal aka Lemon Drop  won a nervy match against David Ferrer 7-6 6-4. In fact, I'm going to start calling Ferrer "Eveready" because the guy always gives his all and never quits, just like the handy little batteries. 

The match was tighter than the scoreline suggests. In the end, the deal was sealed by a combination of Rafa eventually pulling the trigger (in one game, Nadal had 5 break points before securing the break) and Ferrer lacking aggression in the latter part of the 2nd set. Some of Rafa's ground strokes were unbelievably short, even he seemed relieved to scramble away with the points.

But, a wins a win, especially after tonight's other disappointment - see below post...Man U, still annoyed..

On another note, how much do you love Nike's Lemon Zest outfit Nadal is sporting in Miami? It's bright, positive, perfect. Stick to those tangy and citrus flavours, Rafa. You're juicy, kid; own it.

Uefa Champions League Mask of Zorro

Bayern Munich beat Manchester United tonight, 2-1, at home in the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals. Honestly, that was a pretty lucky result for Man U. The second half was an onslaught of Bayern possession and attack, laced with poor passes and lack of shape from everyone accept Ferdinand, Vidic and Van Der Sar.

Add to that a suspected twisted ankle for Wayne Rooney... Basta con questa partita!

But enough of that. Let's talk about Martin Demichelis, or rather the fetching mask. When did Zorro take up football?

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

St Patrick's Day, i.e. Heavenly Consumption of Guiness Day, is upon us.

I always like this day, mainly because the Irish (whatever your political affiliation) are a good natured people so a celebration to all things paddy generally feels like just that. It doesn't make your average person nicer, like Christmas or the onset of spring brings tolerance and a smile to a Londoner. But still.

I would have forgotten were this less of a light hearted yet important day, coming in amongst an exciting moment in the sports season, otherwise known as MAD MARCH. March is when the best dual gender tennis tourney of the year, Indian Wells, kicks off in California; Formula One starts up again in Bahrain; the Champions League gets to the nitty gritty quarter finals stage with inevitable casualties, Alpine Skiing World Cup winds down in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER) and of course all the European  football leagues are at the business end of things.

Happily, St Patrick's Day sits alongside all this and even manages to make a diary date out of socialising, going to the pub and drinking Guiness.

Me: Wanna go to the pub?

Friend: (sighs) It's been a busy week you know, I might leave it...

Me: But it's St Patrick's Day!

Friend: (perks up) Oh yeah! No, alright, let's do it. But it's got to be a proper pub. Proper Guiness

And if you're not a fan of the black stuff, try guiness and condense milk. YUM, trust me.

Cardio Tennis

We need to have this in London...ok, maybe the rest of you in UK too...

A new exercise craze is borne in the form of 'Cardio Tennis' which combines the basic principles of tennis with a high-intensity cardiovascular workout. In other words, get the physique of a top tennis player without having their skills. Sounds like a fantasists dream!

The workout burns on average 600 pounds per hour of cardio, and will also improve your tennis technique.

If the Woodlands Golf and Country Club  in Columbia Wisconsin can offer these innovative programs, what's happening with David Lloyd, Virgin Active and the like? Capital city should equal capital, novelty fitness, shouldn't it?

Maybe I should move to WIS instead of staying in Europe?

VWO: Canadian Gold in Ice Hockey Men's final

Ah, I am spent. Exhausted! That was a great final. Congrats to the Canadian Men's Ice Hockey Team, who won in extra time 3-2 against old foe USA.

When a US hockey player levelled up the match with 24 seconds to go, there was a sense of inevitability. You Just Knew. I tweeted as much and watched the similar gasps of OMG and WOW roll on.

I'd like to pretend I know the names of the players, but alas, I don't. I'm here not as a Ice Hockey fiend, but as a lover of a good ruck. USA vs CAN is the definition of a good ruck!

Neither team disappointed, and I have to say, both goalies impressed.

Great way to end the Winter Olympics. I only hope England and Londoners can get as involved in London 2012 as Canadians and other crazy attendees have for Vancouver.

To Go, But Where to Go? That is the question...

When I first started blogging, the intention was 'Just write what you feel like. You're in between jobs, may as well amuse yourself somehow' which was quite true. I have a lot to say, and a lot I'm curious about, hence material is never short in supply! But after some difficult personal times, and a period in the job seeking wilderness, lifestyle blogs have given me genuine food for thought about the potential for where I can go next. 

Initially, I worked in film, tenaciously embroiling myself in London's independent  film scene as a short films producer. It was fun and interesting to network: some people are gems and pretty inspirational in terms of goals and what they had achieved; others were glory seeking tools who I would loathe running into at some ICA, Southbank or BFI event. It's hard work, and harder still to pursue full-time. I think I realised this come the end of 2008 when- honestly- I had enough. Enough of inputting my energies and seeing little progress, enough of being close but not close enough, enough of tactless directors, enough of not being happy. 

When something isn't working, you change it. 

In my heart of hearts, I knew the change needed wasn't just job industries. It was, and is, my life. I'm tired of London- how many people really say that? Wonderful though it is, this is my home and one thing I know from living outside the city and the country years ago, is London means more to me than being here does. If you're a Londoner, you take that with you like an ingrained thread running right through. 

The change was also the need to be challenged, to feel I am growing personally. In the past year or so, things have stagnated: dating, my writing, my health kick, even my friendships. My best friend lives in Leeds, my other amigos are a disparate collection scattered mostly in London, a few around Europe and Middle East. My family I'll always be tight with, no matter where we are. So what was keeping me here? 

Simple: it's me. Although I'm set on pursuing roles within Sports, currently targeting Communication roles, I also know I seriously want the adventures which come with being a foreigner abroad. I don't think you can truly know yourself until you're put to the test- one such test is the travails of living and working in another country. It's what my parents, uncle and cousins have done and countless friends and people I know relocating from here to there for work and opportunity. 

My initial go-to country was Spain, but actually, it could be anywhere. There's a lot to think about and choices to narrow down based on my motivations. The Winter Olympics has brought Canada to my attention- maybe Vancouver or Toronto? All of these snow sports and snow nations are also now making me think of the Nordic countries. Expensive as they are, quality of life is high and an outdoors lifestyle is encouraged. That is what is exciting by some of the Norwegian expat blogs like Return to Norway, Katie Meets Norway and My Little Norway. Maybe a cold climate isn't for me, but the point is to think outside the box and the staleness of existing thoughts. 

To go, but where to go? Practicalities must come first this year, and I have some key commitments. What I am doing, is preparing myself for opportunities.

1. Free the mind- let go of outdated or old plans which no longer work. Allow new goals to form

2. Languages- Spanish and French are the ones I'll focus on. Spoken widely in most sports, and most parts of the world. Classes start on Saturday.

3. Get Bridesmaid Fit- my mates CJ and D are getting married next March, and I'm one of the bridesmaid. This means photos for life, this means I must be up to par and in vintage condition!

4. Make the most of my time- even when working a budget and not hitting up bars, there's more I can get out of my time. I can make sure I do that.

5. Plan a course of MA study in a travels-well trade (Wilkommen, PR/Marketing)

I still want this blog to be based around Sport, especially the events I attend and can brief about obtaining cheap tickets. The detour is just for me. It came into my head and I wanted to mark it whilst the clarity of thought burned bright.

...And in a VWO-related story, Canada's Womens Ice Hockey team took the gold today. Well done, ladies

Tennis: "World's Worst Tennis Pro"

Poor Robert Dee. Quien es? Who's that, you ask? He's a GB tennis player I only heard about in a Eurosport report today. Turns out, Mr Dee was roundly labelled 'World's Worst Tennis Pro' in pretty much all of the UK national papers sometime in 2008. Since then, his tennis might not be winning him money, but his litigation success suing every offending rags ass has!

What interested me about the story was the fact that only one of the 30 media groups, The Daily Telegraph, haven't apologised despite being taken to the High Courts. In doing so, they teased out the core argument Dee has about why it's 'technically' unfair to label him this way: in 2008, he had no ranking, so how can he be judged by comparison to the ranked fraternity?

Hmn. Fair enough, I can understand the grounds of slander. Some of the articles even went as far as to suggest his career was "doomed to failure". But if the technicalities of The Telegraph's story are true (54 consecutive losses, allegedly), I think they have every right to write their story.

In real terms, the piece is only interpretation of statistics- sometimes you can put a positive spin on it, sometimes you have cause to call a duck a duck. So is this a battle of the assertion or semantics?

This is purely my opinion, but professional sports is competitive and tough. Taking the lows with the highs is part of the journey. The persistence to force an apology from a resolute newspaper suggests there isn't much belief in the likelihood of achieving success in the sport as a player, so the concern is already onto prospective other roles in tennis and trying to limit damage to Dee's reputation. Well, if you couldn't 'bring it' as a player in a notable way, what reputation is there to protect? Isn't that a bigger concern for you as a future coach?

And if we're talking about summer camp or David Lloyd gym coaching, and not LTA and ITF-affiliation to develop top 100 juniors and seniors, is negative press from 2008 really even a factor?
.

Winter Olympics: La Championne Olympique, Amy Williams

WOO HOO she did it. Williams comes through in first place!!

Amy Williams' final run at the Skeleton event was actually her best- so much for nerves. GB's other Skeleton lady, Shelley Rudman- silver medallist at the Turin Winter Games '06, only started to get to grips with the course on the final run and she finished in 6th place.

GOLD baby;-) 

Hey, for us Brits, this result is huge. Snow isn't our thing, but maybe more people will view Winter Sports in a different frame now.

Results

1. Amy Williams GBR              3:35.64 (total time for 4 runs)

2. Kerstin Szymkowiak GER     3:36.20

3. Anja Huber GER                  3:36.36

Winter Olympics: GB Gold Medal Hope Amy Williams

Women's Skeleton: Can Briton's Amy Williams hold tight in first position and take the Olympic Gold? Today's final brings on two more runs, and it's no foregone conclusion.

I'll be rooting for you Amy- Go On Girl!!

LOVIN' the Winter Games!

I know, everything has gone wrong with this thing: a fatal accident, technical errors lighting the rings at the Opening Ceremony, bad ice (Speed Skating) and bad weather (everyone else up them hills).

Yet still...I'm loving these games. The win of Czech Martina Sabilkova in the Womens' 3000m Speed Skating, the gruel and precision fest that is Biathlon, getting into Luge and Moguls (I thought this was a rich entrepreneur, not a sport. Who knew?!).

Not even geography and messed up time zones can't diminish my love. I'm on a dedicated regime of staying up through the night like a GMT chump, last evidenced a few weeks back for the Australian Open. But that's Tennis- mi amor mejor!

I think this dedication has been fostered by a few key ingredients:

a) Canadians Go Grrrr...the unbridled ambitions of Canada and Canadians for someone, anyone, native to be the first to win at an Olympics held on home soil for ever. Forever ever? Forever. So when the breakthrough came unexpectedly, but gloriously, in the Mens Moguls, the sense of relief and crazy maple flag waving celebration was intense. When Alexandre Bilodeau came bobbing across the finish line, I was with them fans, waving my imaginary cowbell. Buoyed by a new sense of possibility, fans in Vancouver and Whistler are cheering down the roof whenever a Canadian athlete steps up to perform. What's not to love about this patriotism?

b) Something New, Something Pretty...well, not 'new' but all these winter sports are new to me! As I've said before, I'm not a snow bunny. But all of these ice and snow sports has brought on new found appreciation. Figure and Speed skating, I already loved. Curling and Hockey, I knew existed. Biathlon, Cross Country, Ski Jumping, I never thought about. In fairness, as a Brit the last jumper I remember was the hapless Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards. Most famous accomplishment? Placing last in the 70m and 90m ski jump events at the '88 Olympics. Sure, he had pluck and spirit to fight his way into eligibility, but watching the world fawn over a glorified loser just doesn't endear this girl to a sport. Vancouver 2010 sets that mistaken record straight.

Not to mention, Whistler mountain is simply gorgeous.

Gah. I want to go to there...

c) Twitt-Informed...checking out the Olympian and fan tweets keep me updated in a nice, random way. For informative articles and interviews, there's ESPN's Bonnie D Ford, and for a behind the scenes perspective, Twitter comes through with Olympic athlete tweets.

d) Big Ass Medals...it says something about an event when the baubles look like they weigh enough to do ligament damage. They wreak of high self esteem, pomp and ceremony. In other words, major Olympic Bling.

Look at the curves, the matte finish, the ring detailing. Doesn't it look smooth and substantial?

I want to go to there...



d) Hot Boys...last but not least, because you should NEVER underestimate the power of lust. And there's plenty to go around here. It's like an Benneton sponsored smorgasbord of hotties. Just when Tennis was starting to get a bit samey, and Football a little smutty, along comes Something New. A mix bunch of grrrr men, aint no weeds to be found!


My Hottie Podium took time to whittle down, and it goes a little something like this:

BRONZE: Simon Fourcade (CAN), Biathlon

I had to include one of these iron men, if only for the sexiness of their sport. Biathletes cross the line spent, wiped out, exhausted- ALL of them, standard. This mental and physical extreme fortitude is sexy. Couple that with their all-in-ones, make shift rifles and fleet footedness in snow. Fourcade cuts a dashing figure eyeing up a target.  (photo: www.homorazzi.com)                                                    

SILVER: Shani Davis (USA), Speed Skating

The steely focused 1000m defending Olympic Gold medallist has the nut cracker thighs to rock those teeny tight suits. Also a fan of using huge headphones when listening to tunes during recovery phases, a la Beijing Hottie Michael Phelps. I don't know why this adds to his hotness; but it does.

Nb: Normal sized man-thigh mortals should not attempt to recreate this look.

                                                                    (Photo:Jasper Juinen/Getty)  

GOLD: Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR), Alipne Skiing

So good looking, this one broke my focus from the exciting run of Defago: "Pan back, camera man! Pan BACK!!"

Norway seems to be disproportionately blessed with top talent, of both sexes. Winter or Summer Games, they never disappoint.

Despite the baggy clothes and dude-ish appearance, Aksel has emerged as my number one WOC (Winter Olympics Crush).
I think the evidence speaks for itself.

(photo: Christian  Jansky)

No matter what the naysayers say, it's a case of so far so good at the Winter Olympics.
Vancouver is rolling with the punches, and still standing with a week to go- a little bruised, sure, but not K.O.

Winter Olympics: Wishing Vancouver's OC Well

After the tragic death of Georgian Luge competitor, Nodar Kumaritashvili, it's natural to feel underwhelmed by the prospect of an entire fortnight of sport at the Winter Olympics. It's hardly all fun and games now, is it? Only 21-years old and finishing up his final practice. The timing of death can be so cruel.

ESPN's Bonnie D Ford posted a twit pic from Vancouver (left), with the simple by line: "seats are filling in now..." and it reminded me of the magical  anticipation at a major sports gathering. 


As if fanning the flames of excitement for competition and feats to come, it is the Opening Ceremony that sets this process in motion more than anything else. Long as it often is; it sets the tone.

This is why I'm wishing for an awe-inspiring Opening Ceremony to uplift competitors, officials and spectators. To remind us all that, though Sport might not feel like the most important thing in life right now, the Games is enriching and revelatory simply because the occasion demands it. There's an athlete out there who is going to defy us with speed, precision, guts and balls. Another for whom this fortnight can't pass soon enough, for the disappointment.

We should remember that while the Winter Games begins under a tragic and senseless cloud, a young athlete came here with the will and spirit to compete HARD. He relished the chance to be here. If anything can help inspire his Georgian team mates and international peers, I hope it's to make the best of the opportunity he's been denied.

 The best of Opening Ceremonies-this one due to begin at 2am GMT- have a way of emoting a sense of the impossible made possible. And on this night, the occasion demands it.

Photo: Vancouver Opening Ceremony, Bonnie Ford 2010

Player to Watch: Petra Martic (CRO)

19-year old Petra Martic came onto centre court at the WTA 18th Paris Open against Yanina Wickmayer, a virtual nobody. But damn it, she stepped off it with the scalp of a top 20 player, the vocal support of a hard-to-please Paris crowd and my ear marking as ONE TO WATCH!

More importantly, she's got the WTA media reps taking note and scrambling for interviews like the one below- all good stuff.




What makes Martic so impressive? She's cool and composed, even under pressure; she's got a full arsenal of weapons in the vein of a Henin; excellent court craft like a Hingis, and the makings of a rocket-reliable serve. Quite simply, the girl's got game and is engaging to watch. Never mind her self-possessed interviews and grace on court that sees her switch gears with no muss, fuss or fanfare.

Though Thursdays match against Agnes Szavay brought on a disappointing 6-2, 6-4 defeat, thanks to a lethargic first set appearance, Martic still demonstrated her skills and future weight to come back from 3-0 down to 3-4 in the 2nd set.

With everyone's head focused on Come Back Kids, I'm bucking the trend and looking to new players coming through the ranks. Petra says her goal in 2010 is to break the top 50. I'm not betting against her.

How to Get...French Open Tennis tickets NOW

Ooh la la, allez allez, it's Roland Garros ticket time again!!

Once upon a time, the purchase of French Open tickets was like playing on the lotto- you put in your bid, and wait to hear if you've been chosen. That random, that French. I loved it. But things changed in 2009, moving to a far more democratic and capitalist first come first serve system that works pretty well.

The French Open tournament runs for two weeks from 18 May-6 June 2010. It's held at the Stade de Roland Garros (hence the name), and despite rumours about a move, for now the tournament is staying put. This is good news. Despite the chaos rain can cause with both the premier courts, Suzanne Lenglen and Philippe Chatrier, being sans roof, getting to the grounds in the 16th arrondissement (district) is easy peasy- just follow the crowd. Once inside the grounds, a spectator is well catered for with a central food and drinks courtyard and an easy to navigate village layout.

With cheap Eurostar tickets from London, cheap TGV rail options from around Europe and cheap flights all other the continent to Paris, getting there won't be a problem. Accommodation for long or super short stays won't be a problem either (more to follow on these).

Getting inside, might. That's why I'm giving you the scoop on buying tickets NOW and leave the remaining logistics to later.

The French Federation, the governing body for French Tennis and the Slam, sells tickets to the general public via their website. This year, the 'betting'/buying will commence on Tuesday, 2nd February at 1pm. I'm not sure if this is GMT or CET. For all those one hour behind GMTers like me, I recommend checking in from 12pm...just in case. Trust me, for the best dibs on all tickets, you need to get in fast. But even with a delay of a few days, there will likely be tickets available. But forget finals, and for some reason Week One sells out very quickly. Before this date, there will be a holding page notifying you of the re-opening of the site. Members of the FFT get first dibs on tickets from January, and they tend to raid the Finals. Last year, El Salmone and I booked a few days after the firesale, and we still got tickets for the Ladies Day Semi's.

Step by step, ooh baby:


Create an Account
You will need to create an account on the website, providing a username (Nom d'utilisateur), password (Mot de passe) and a nominated email address for correspondence. This should be in the top right hand corner. The FFT will send confirmation of your new account from this address billetterie.rg2010@fft.fr.

Select a Day, Select your Ticket

The premier and biggest court is Philippe Chatrier (left), where Finals and Semi's are held. Throughout the earlier rounds, PC is used for the marque matches and where you'll likely see Roger Federer as world no.1 and Rafa Nadal as world no.2 (currently). The other big court is Suzanne Lenglen (pic below), slightly smaller. Size is an advantage on Lenglen if you're booking late because even the top tier seats provide good views and you're not as high in the eaves as an equivalent ticket on the grander, imperious Chatrier. The third option is Court No. 1 (€21-44). All ticket options give access to the smaller courts, which is in heavy use for the Singles and Doubles events in Week One. The fourth and cheapest option is to buy for the annex courts alone (€15-21)- anyone interested in seeing the stars of tomorrow, lots of Juniors tennis will be played here.


You need to select a day, seat location and quantity of tickets. The closer to the court, the more it costs (Cat 1). The further on in the tournament it is, the more expensive. Prices on PC and SL vary hugely depending on category (1-3). Wk 1 from €41- 67, a Quarters match €47-83, and €80-105 for Finals on PC. Check the price guide, Grille Tarifaire.

NB: From 3rd June 2010, Suzanne Lenglen becomes an annex court. From 30 May, Court 1 becomes an annex court. This means ticket holders from those dates can watch other matches (Doubles, Juniors, Wheelchair etc.) on these two courts.

Ticket Delivery Options

You can choose the e-ticket option, where a barcoded label is emailed to you to print out and take with you to the grounds. The advantage of this is flexibility. The queues tend to be shorter and you can change and choose who to allocate tickets to (in case you, as purchaser, cannot attend).

The other option is receiving a paper copy by post. This takes longer, and honestly, nothing beats the thrill of holding a ticket in your hand. However, there is no flexibility to change the name on the tickets of who will be attending. e.g if I input the attendees as Tessa Howard and Shaun Jones, these will be the names printed on the tickets. Come the day of entry, if the ticket supervisors ask to see some ID and the names on the ticket don't match up, entry will be denied. 

I suspect this is an attempt to dissuade unofficial ticket hawkers making purchase and re-selling at a ridiculously inflated price. So long as it's an official ticket seller though, viva same inflated prices. Being legit is a helluva drug.

Again, I chose hardcopy tickets last year sent by recorded mail. As there are less people around by the Semi's (less tennis left, remember), the queue was non-existant. Don't expect the same in Week One.

First things first: if you want to go, go buy your tickets now!

Quick Vocab

Days of Week

Dimanche- Sunday
Lunedi- Monday
Mardi- Tuesday
Mecredi- Wednesday
Jeudi- Thursday
Vendredi- Friday
Samedi- Saturday

Key Words
Nom d'utilisateur- username
Mot de passe - password
A partir de- From...(as in 'from this date on,...')
Devenir/devient- to become/becomes (Verb/3rd person conj, as in 'court no. 1 becomes an annex')
Grille Tarifaire- Ticket Prices
CATÉGORIE - ticket category/price band
Grand Public- that's us, the general public!

Carling Cup: Man United beats out City

Woo Hoo, I have a sore throat, but I don't care 'cause United are going to Wembley! 

(c) 27 Jan 2010 Press Association photography

Man United played local rivals (*cough* upstarts!) Man City at Old Trafford in the final leg Carling Cup semi-final, 2-1 on the night (4-3 agg).

I won't bother to be impartial- screams of 'IN YO' FACE!' are how I got this sore throat in the first place as Wayne Rooney headed in a Ryan Giggs cross in the 92nd minute. For analysis, check sports writer Henry Winters Daily Telegraph article.


Overall, this Manchester derby was hard fought and tight, but the aggressors in the 2nd half were Man United. The introduction of Adebayor and Ireland solidified City's offensive play, and Tevez not only scored a crafty goal but had a few other chances.

Given the intensity of this second leg following a very heated first at the sky blue's Eastlands ground, it was nice to see things defuse a little by the match end. Ok, Craig Bellamy took a penny on the head thrown by some errant fans. But that aside, City manager Mancini (he of the chic cashmere blue/white scarves) gamely waved and signed autographs for United fans and both sets of players shook hands at the end.

On TV, it seemed like City striker Adebayor received a warm reception by United fans when he warmed up on the touchline, recognition of the empathy we all feel for the Togo national football team who pulled out of the African Cup of Nations tournament two weeks ago in Angola following a gun attack on their team bus. Touching.

A second view (Match of the Day, 10:55pm) revealed there was no such love! Unless you can mistake hand waves with the five-finger shuffle variety?

"The Dapper Italian" Roberto Mancini cuts a fine figure in his jacket 'n' knotted scarf combo. Someone should send a MMS to "Chortle Cheeks" Ancelotti- he's letting the Italian manager style side down.

But wait- spot the similarity below? A case of 'follow the leaders style' for Man City owner and Chief Exec

(c) 19 Jan 2010 Press Association

Man of the match: Darren Fletcher

Surprise player of the match: Carrick edges Nani...just. Neither has inspired my confidence for a while now, but tonight they worked very well. Carrick paired effectively with Fletcher, and both guys played their part setting up the first goal and scoring the second (Carrick). Keep it up, Nani...

Thank God He's Ours Player: Rooney (the "White Pele") and Ferdinand. One is exciting and dangerous upfront, and the other provided a welcome authority at the rear.

AO Quarter Finals: Serena and Azarenka- Eye of the Tigers

(c) Associated Press photographs

I'm knackered after the final women's 1/4 match. As ever, Serena Williams shows you can never say never by winning 5 games on the bounce in the 2nd set from 0-4 down and eventually taking the match 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.

The prognosis midway in the 2nd set was easy: Vika all the way. She hit with authority, confidence, commitment, and Serena was an uneasy passenger in for a very bumpy ride. In her on court interview, Williams admitted: "[during that time] I thought if I lose here and at doubles, I can probably catch a flight home on Friday"

Azarenka was a revelation. For the majority of the match, she looked like the winner. She would surely have been my pick to go onto win if she succeeded here, so imperious was her form.

But to be an 11-time Slam winner - and a damn tenacious one at that - takes some spirit and inner calm. Man, did this come to the rescue like Old Faithful in the nick of time.

For all my waxing lyrical on the magical come back of Serena, it's impossible to dismiss Victoria's play and mental fortitude today. She really didn't do much wrong- her game plan, pace and length of shots were all outstanding. The difference, I thought, was in the impact of their serves. Serena's first serve stats were 50% against 77% for Vika, yet was only winning 57% off her first serve compared to 67% for Serena. Added to that, Williams routinely started ripping return winners from her serve with embarrassing ease. Her down the line shots were taken so early Vika barely moved. BLAPS.

Serena racked up 57 winners and 14 aces; a mere 3 of which came from the first set. These are some schizophrenic stats. http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/stats/day15/2501ms.html

Vika really did a superb job at hemming Serena into corners and making life out there thoroughly unpleasant. She did everything; which is why I also feel for her with this loss. I also think it could be a benchmark moment for her- if she needed motivation to improve the weaker areas of her game (serves), this was it. If she needed proof that pretty much all other areas of her game stacks up against the best player on the tour, the same match should give her that confidence.

All in all, exciting and enjoyable stuff. There is always something a little special when you see a 'passing of the guard' moment; this bore convincing hallmarks. So that moment didn't turn out to be now? This match is a sign that Victoria Azarenka could be the heir aparent to Serena Williams.

Only the Queen ain't for bowing just yet...

AO Quarter Finals: Na Li does a Houdini into Semi's

I'm choosing to focus on the positives from the Venus Williams- Na Li with this post. Here goes.

Battler Li fought back from a set down, a seeming body transplant (with a 12-year old once-a-year recreational player, so woeful was the hitting) and some 57 unforced errors to overcome a lumbering Williams to take it 2-6, 7-6, 7-5. This is a huge deal for Chinese tennis, with two women ("pocket rocket" Jie Zheng) into the semi's of a slam for the first time. Go China.

So that's the positive- the symbolic result. The actual match? Do.Not.Get.Me.Started


Suffice to say, this was no match- in prospect or reality- to compare to any of the men's 1/4 duals. Like vintage turkey tennis, it limped, wheezed and spluttered itself across the finish line, by which time, it really did not matter who won. The tiring pattern of continual breaks of serve (each others) and umpteenth errors gave the match an unnaturally long feel with only splatters of tennis fitting of a 1/4. We had so many 2nd serves I began to assume some new rule had banned the use of a first.

A little like 'Nam, or Iraq for modern reference, it was a relief to just get the hell out of there.

Higher hopes for the Serena Williams- Victoria Azarenka match. Already we're off to a bright start: Vika broke Serena's serve, up 1-0 and currently at deuce.

(c) WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images

AO Quarter Finals: Rafa Knees Out in Oz

Ugh. It's been over 10 hours since the Nadal vs Murray quarter final, since Murray led 6-3, 7-6, 3-0 in a thrilling dual. And still Nadal's early withdrawal still occupies my thoughts. It's those pesky knees again, children.

As a tennis fan and a rank n file obsessive, I felt the tear between common sense and emotional sense to proceedings on Rod Laver.
1) Murray deserves due credit. Most news sources from Espn, The Herald and Times Online concur that the standard of play and shot making was consistently incredible. From both, in fact. The boy earned his Semi's place and should feel confident about getting to that final and 'taking' his first GS title: Muzza isn't in a mood to wait any longer.

But, most nagging, is the emotional response:
2) Rafito, noooo!! (I won't miss that unfortunate Nike orange top paired with the gold-check shorts though. Confused.com. Please change. Block bright colours and dynamic prints welcome; just not together!)

After consuming my fair share of post press conferences, and various opinions, concern was quick to follow:
3) What's really wrong with Rafa and how will this impact on the season(s) to come? 

In his press conference, Nadal explained he was experiencing pain from late on in the second set. Knowing he couldn't mount a come back, i.e. go to 5 sets, and remembering the ill effects of playing through pain that started from the ATP Rotterdam event last year, the prudent thing was to retire:


Q. Could you let us know what the condition is, what the latest story is with the knee. It's very unusual for you to stop during a match.
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes, well, is not a lot of history because was during the match. Was in the end of the second set in one drop. And I feeled similar thing to what I had last year.
And, yes, after that I can't go down after that, no? So was impossible to win the match. When I have the chance to play, I never retired. Anyway, like I know I going to lose like I did in Rotterdam like last year. I say sorry to Andy for that.
I felt pain still there without no one minimum chance to do nothing, the same time is hard for me be five more games there without try nothing, no? So I don't know if I still playing can go worst or something. So I said, well, no repeat the same mistake like I had last year. I go to the limit, but not cross the limit, no?


We have to hope the prognosis is no worse, so Rafa is back in the mix for the season. But also that Team Nadal is pro-actively finding ways to lighten Rafa's load in training and his play - whether they choose to openly acknowledge it or not.

The standard response when asked about such changes has been prickly:


Q. Are there any changes you're going to make to your training style or your playing style?
RAFAEL NADAL: Don't start, guys, with these questions right now. I think is not the right moment. I think I changed the style to play. If you see my matches 2005 or 2004, 2006, I run a lot compared to now, no?


On one hand, Rafa is right- that old message to take a more aggressive approach is clearly kicking in. He's not running around following the dictates of an opponents play as much.

But there remains big questions about 'what else' he can do to lighten his load, to shorten points, to save a little for the moments when needed, in the hope his body can endure the 11-month tour season. Only he and his team can answer that.

My own question is this: does Rafa believe he can only play in the manner he does to have the confidence to compete at the highest level? He might not know. History so far has shown us that Nadal continually improves- he's a whole lot more than a gutsy big armed road runner.
An athlete at the height of any sporting discipline will understand exactly what, why and how they perform as they do. They also possess more control. Because of this, they are in the rarefied position of being able to adapt to injury and age, utilising their experience, fitness and calm in key moments to compete like winners...in a modified way.

With some careful tweaking, practice and belief, Nadal too can find a way to adjust to his new reality, and possibly gain a new edge.


(c) Lucas Dawson/Getty Images (top) and PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images (above)

Snowing Flakes and Skis

The Met Office must be very proud of itself- for ONCE their weather predictions for the UK came true. Bang on point, in fact. Last night, all across the UK temperatures dropped below 0 and by 9pm in London and the South little white flakes started to fall. It started so gently, barely noticeable. Watching it fall from the window makes you feel all cosy and warm (*helps being inside for the that, truth be told*).

Usually, the UK -save a village or two that ends up looking like Charmonix- tends to get the kind of snow that turns slushy and icy quickly. But this time round, it's the soft powdery kind that crunches underfoot aka perfect for SNOW MEN and SNOW BALLS!

So for kids and those 'working from home' (oh-kay...), the snow's not bad at all. A little colder, but hey- burn some extra fossil fuels and va bene.
The problem comes with having to go out in the stuff. Yeah: 'the stuff'. Out there on the pavements, in trodden down, second hand compacted snow, the crunchy stuff becomes little white sheets to death!

Exageration aside, how you feel about snow does depend on what you have to do in it.

Sky News showed a woman on skis in the city centre, waiting for a green light to crossover. She's a doctor.

Meanwhile, I trekked out for a job interview (call me!) and by the final stretch of road coming back home, my feet were frozen and my gloved fingers tingling.

At that point I remembered how I really felt about snow as a child- fun for the short term, but after half an hour (neck-high in the snow man build) I'd be knocking on the door asking my Mum for a hot chocolate and blanket: "For-get this!" Even then, I knew I was more of a sun 'n' sea breeze kinda gal.

Still, it is beatiful to look at...for now

How to Get Cheap Tickets to European Football and Tennis Events- Intro

2010 is a massive year for Sports. While South Africa plays host to large chunks of the world for the Fifa World Cup and India has the 2010 Commonwealth Games, I thought I would create more posts on how to sort out trips to sporting events taking place all the time in Europe.

No four-year wait for a Serie A or La Liga partida or the French Open and Wimbledon tennis tournaments. Being weekly and annual events, these sports offer plenty of opportunity to go and witness a live match at reasonable, if not plain old cheap, prices. I do it all the time. Last year, my brother (El Salmone) and I caught the last days of Beckham at the San Siro with AC Milan and Ladies Day (Women's Semis) at the French Open/Roland Garros. Both awesome spectacles and both reasonably priced when you plan things right- and I'm going to show you how.

After the shock of Rafael Nadal's early exit from Roland Garros in 09, wouldn't you want to be there to see him avenge that sad memory in typical Rafa-on-Clay indestructibility? His early form at the Abu Dhabi World Challenge Finals indicate he's back, with improvements.

For the Federer fans, the opportunity to see him try to retain the trophy or witness his silky prowess at June's Wimbledon?

Ugh hmn, too right you do!

More how-to posts will follow, with reliable recommendations and a thorough breakdown on handy logistics so you're good to go and not hampered by lack of conversational Spanish, Italian or French.

Starting with: How to Get- French Open 2010 Tickets

Photos: Wayne Rooney (Nike), Rafael Nadal (Getty Images)