GLASGOW (AFP) - Holders Sevilla take on Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, the draw for which was made here on Friday.
Sevilla remained on course to become the first side since Real Madrid in 1986 to successfully defend their title with a dramatic come-from-behind win against Shaktar Donetsk on Thursday night.
Spurs, winners of the first edition of the UEFA Cup in 1972 and again in 1984, booked their place in the last eight by beating Portuguese side Braga in the fourth round on Wednesday.
Martin Jol's side are the only British club left in the comeptition after Newcastle were knocked out by AZ Akmaar on Thursday.
The Dutch outfit's reward was a quarter-final match-up against Werder Bremen.
Werder's Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, winners in 1988, face Spanish side Osasuna who enter uncharted territory as this is the first time they've made it this far in a European competition.
The final last eight pairing pits another Spanish side, Espanyol, against Benfica of Portugal.
The first legs will be played on April 5 with the return legs the following Thursday.
The winner of the headline tie between Sevilla and Spurs will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Osasuna in the first semi-final with the second semi contested by Espanyol or Benfica against AZ Akmaar or Werder Bremen.
The draw was made in Glasgow where the final will be staged at Hampden Park on May 16.
UEFA Cup quarter-final draw
AZ Alkmaar (NED) v Werder Bremen (GER)
Bayer Leverkusen (GER) v Osasuna (ESP)
Sevilla (ESP) v Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
Espanyol (ESP) v Benfica (POR)
1st leg - April 5
2nd leg- April 12
Friday, March 16, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Wembley Stadium reconstruction completed
The delayed 800-million-pound reconstruction of Wembley Stadium has been officially completed, the Football Association said Saturday.
The keys to the new 90,000-seat stadium have been handed over by Australian construction firm Multiplex, the FA said in a statement on its website.
But the English game's governing body said it could not confirm that the showcase FA Cup final would take place there on May 19 -- the stadium must first host two "ramp up" events to test the facility.
These will be a community day for local residents to see the stadium on March 17 and the England under 21 team's game against Italy on March 24.
Wembley's re-opening has been beset by repeated delays and financial wrangling which has forced the FA to reschedule England international matches.
Rock band Bon Jovi had been due to open the new stadium last June but they, like veteran rockers the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and the reformed Take That, were forced to move venues after building work overran.
Now singer George Michael is due to play the first concert at the stadium, in northwest London, on June 9.
The keys to the new 90,000-seat stadium have been handed over by Australian construction firm Multiplex, the FA said in a statement on its website.
But the English game's governing body said it could not confirm that the showcase FA Cup final would take place there on May 19 -- the stadium must first host two "ramp up" events to test the facility.
These will be a community day for local residents to see the stadium on March 17 and the England under 21 team's game against Italy on March 24.
Wembley's re-opening has been beset by repeated delays and financial wrangling which has forced the FA to reschedule England international matches.
Rock band Bon Jovi had been due to open the new stadium last June but they, like veteran rockers the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and the reformed Take That, were forced to move venues after building work overran.
Now singer George Michael is due to play the first concert at the stadium, in northwest London, on June 9.
Monday, March 5, 2007
News From Beijing 2008
About 600 performers from Beijing were in Hollywood California Saturday taking part in a large parade showcasing traditional Chinese culture to the American public and promoting the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The event was jointly sponsored by Beijing and Los Angeles municipal governments, and attracted thousands of local residents and tourists. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said during the inauguration of the event that it was a great honour for Los Angeles that Beijing chose it as the only U.S. city to hold such a gala. Los Angeles is competing against Chicago to become the U.S. candidate for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Abu Dhabi to Host World's Richest Cycling Race
Challenging routes and stages in and around Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Persian Gulf state of the United Arab Emirates, have been unveiled for November’s US$1million Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions, one of the world’s richest cycling events, which, for the first time, will pit individual winners and teams from the sport’s three most prestigious European tour events into direct competition.
The ten-day, three-stage 212 kilometre event will see individual and team champions from cycling’s golden trio of European races: Italy’s Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and Spain’s La Vuelta, as well as five wildcard teams, vie for the inaugural title of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions in the Middle East. The race has the official support of the International Association of Cycling Teams.
“This is another powerful component in Abu Dhabi’s evolution into an international, major events destination. Abu Dhabi will now join the international professional cycling circuit as the biggest ‘Grand Slam’ event for this popular sport. The event represents a major commitment to align the UAE capital with the most renowned strategic partners to fulfil the vision of the country’s President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to position the emirate as a destination of global standing,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
“We are building an impressive portfolio of top-tier global sporting events in Abu Dhabi. The Formula One Grand Prix announcement made international headlines earlier this month, and we believe the Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions will emulate that success.”
The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions is to be held annually in the UAE capital for the next five years and will be the grand finale in the sport’s international calendar. This November, cycling’s elite will compete, in front of a spectator turnout anticipated to run into hundreds of thousands, across three stages: a tasking mountain race through the passes of Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s highest point at nearly 4,000 feet which backdrops the garden city of Al Ain, and two flat stages through the capital’s streets which sandwich the mountain leg.
The opening stage will follow a 99 kilometre route that starts and ends at the prestigious seven star Emirates Palace Hotel overlooking the Persian Gulf from Abu Dhabi’s signature Corniche. It will loop around Abu Dhabi island, and three times around the Corniche centre to showcase the capital’s key sightseeing attractions.
Stage two – the mountain race – encompasses an 89 kilometre route starting in the heart of Al Ain city circling the downtown area, passing Al Ain Zoo and then climbing up Jebel Hafeet’s winding passes.
The final 24 kilometre individual time-trial stage is a showcase of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche starting and ending at the Emirates Palace Hotel.
The seven-figure purse on offer is almost double that of July’s Tour de France, the most prestigious date on the cycling calendar and traditionally the one event that crosses the sport’s boundaries and attracts global publicity - a feat Abu Dhabi aims to equal.
“The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions has already generated a lot of attention as it’s the first event of its kind and it’s happening in the Middle East,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. “The routes will cover a lot of Abu Dhabi’s geography so it’s great publicity for the whole emirate – it will highlight the duality of our beautiful natural areas and ultra-modern urban districts.
“One of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s main criteria in deciding which events to support is the international media impact that be created to build substantial and positive awareness of Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions fits this challenging criteria and we congratulate the organisers for their foresight and determination in bringing this event to fruition.”
Unipublic, the Spanish headquartered international cycling events specialist which has over 17 years experience with high profile events and is the sole owner and organiser of the Spanish La Vuelta race, will be responsible for all the event’s technical components including route design and planning, appointment of judges, race logistics and management in line with the sport’s international best practices.
The globally televised Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions will kick-off with a celebratory Pro-Am race - along Abu Dhabi Corniche - which will create a community carnival style event with professional cyclists, amateurs and families participating.
“We anticipate over eight hours of live or delayed broadcast being taken up on a worldwide basis, with a primary emphasis on American and European markets, particularly in Canada, the USA, Latin America, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and France – some of Abu Dhabi’s key tourism target markets,” said Jorge de Sebastian Perez-Manglano, Commercial Director, Unipublic.
“Everyone in the cycling world cannot wait to ride into Abu Dhabi and begin preparations for the world’s richest cycling race.”
With the competing teams only being confirmed upon conclusion of the European races, organisers and cycling enthusiasts across the globe will be watching May’s Giro d’Italia, July’s summer spectacular the Tour de France, and September’s La Vuelta, with added interest to see who’ll be making up the Abu Dhabi field come November 1st.
The ten-day, three-stage 212 kilometre event will see individual and team champions from cycling’s golden trio of European races: Italy’s Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and Spain’s La Vuelta, as well as five wildcard teams, vie for the inaugural title of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions in the Middle East. The race has the official support of the International Association of Cycling Teams.
“This is another powerful component in Abu Dhabi’s evolution into an international, major events destination. Abu Dhabi will now join the international professional cycling circuit as the biggest ‘Grand Slam’ event for this popular sport. The event represents a major commitment to align the UAE capital with the most renowned strategic partners to fulfil the vision of the country’s President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to position the emirate as a destination of global standing,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
“We are building an impressive portfolio of top-tier global sporting events in Abu Dhabi. The Formula One Grand Prix announcement made international headlines earlier this month, and we believe the Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions will emulate that success.”
The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions is to be held annually in the UAE capital for the next five years and will be the grand finale in the sport’s international calendar. This November, cycling’s elite will compete, in front of a spectator turnout anticipated to run into hundreds of thousands, across three stages: a tasking mountain race through the passes of Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s highest point at nearly 4,000 feet which backdrops the garden city of Al Ain, and two flat stages through the capital’s streets which sandwich the mountain leg.
The opening stage will follow a 99 kilometre route that starts and ends at the prestigious seven star Emirates Palace Hotel overlooking the Persian Gulf from Abu Dhabi’s signature Corniche. It will loop around Abu Dhabi island, and three times around the Corniche centre to showcase the capital’s key sightseeing attractions.
Stage two – the mountain race – encompasses an 89 kilometre route starting in the heart of Al Ain city circling the downtown area, passing Al Ain Zoo and then climbing up Jebel Hafeet’s winding passes.
The final 24 kilometre individual time-trial stage is a showcase of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche starting and ending at the Emirates Palace Hotel.
The seven-figure purse on offer is almost double that of July’s Tour de France, the most prestigious date on the cycling calendar and traditionally the one event that crosses the sport’s boundaries and attracts global publicity - a feat Abu Dhabi aims to equal.
“The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions has already generated a lot of attention as it’s the first event of its kind and it’s happening in the Middle East,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. “The routes will cover a lot of Abu Dhabi’s geography so it’s great publicity for the whole emirate – it will highlight the duality of our beautiful natural areas and ultra-modern urban districts.
“One of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s main criteria in deciding which events to support is the international media impact that be created to build substantial and positive awareness of Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions fits this challenging criteria and we congratulate the organisers for their foresight and determination in bringing this event to fruition.”
Unipublic, the Spanish headquartered international cycling events specialist which has over 17 years experience with high profile events and is the sole owner and organiser of the Spanish La Vuelta race, will be responsible for all the event’s technical components including route design and planning, appointment of judges, race logistics and management in line with the sport’s international best practices.
The globally televised Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions will kick-off with a celebratory Pro-Am race - along Abu Dhabi Corniche - which will create a community carnival style event with professional cyclists, amateurs and families participating.
“We anticipate over eight hours of live or delayed broadcast being taken up on a worldwide basis, with a primary emphasis on American and European markets, particularly in Canada, the USA, Latin America, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and France – some of Abu Dhabi’s key tourism target markets,” said Jorge de Sebastian Perez-Manglano, Commercial Director, Unipublic.
“Everyone in the cycling world cannot wait to ride into Abu Dhabi and begin preparations for the world’s richest cycling race.”
With the competing teams only being confirmed upon conclusion of the European races, organisers and cycling enthusiasts across the globe will be watching May’s Giro d’Italia, July’s summer spectacular the Tour de France, and September’s La Vuelta, with added interest to see who’ll be making up the Abu Dhabi field come November 1st.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens 2007 Official Tournament Draw
Hong Kong - The official tournament draw for the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007 (HKWRS) was held Monday at the Hong Kong Stadium, the venue for the Cup final for this year’s tournament. Twelve elite international women’s sevens teams will take part in the tenth anniversary Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens, to be held on Thursday and Friday March 29 and 30 2007 at So Kon Po Sports Ground across from the Hong Kong Stadium. The Cup final of the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007 will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium on Friday 30 March (kick-off at 6:42pm) as part of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007.
This year’s Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007 has attracted another highly competitive mix of national teams and leading club sides from around the globe.
Defending champions, New Zealand’s Aotearoa Maori, are returning with a goal of maintaining New Zealand’s perfect record as tournament champions in each of the nine Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens played to date. Looking to unseat the Kiwis are last year’s Cup finalists Australia and national representative teams from the Arabian [Persian] Gulf, Canada, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States of America.
Papua New Guinea, on its debut at the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens, and the hosts, the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens Team round out the competitors for 2007.
For the draw the 12 participating teams were divided into pools of four. Four teams, (New Zealand, Australia, United States and China) were seeded based on their past results in the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens and in other recent international and Asia regional women’s sevens competitions. Defending HKWRS Champions New Zealand are the tournament’s top seed in Pool A, followed by last year’s Cup finalists Australia in Pool B and 2006 HKWRS Plate champions the United States in Pool C. 2006 Asian Women’s Sevens Champions, China, are the top seed in Pool D. Following the seeding of the top four teams, the remaining eight competing sides were drawn at random to complete the tournament pools.
Canada, China and the United States will benefit from some recent match experience after appearing in the first ever 2007 Women’s International Sevens Tournament held in San Diego, USA in February. China beat Canada before losing to the USA and the USA ‘B’ and Canada ‘B’ teams to finish fourth overall in the five-team competition. Canada ‘B’ upset the hosts United States in the final by the score of 19 – 7. The results from San Diego point to the increasing parity in international women’s sevens and promise more excitement to come in the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007.
This year’s Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007 has attracted another highly competitive mix of national teams and leading club sides from around the globe.
Defending champions, New Zealand’s Aotearoa Maori, are returning with a goal of maintaining New Zealand’s perfect record as tournament champions in each of the nine Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens played to date. Looking to unseat the Kiwis are last year’s Cup finalists Australia and national representative teams from the Arabian [Persian] Gulf, Canada, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States of America.
Papua New Guinea, on its debut at the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens, and the hosts, the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens Team round out the competitors for 2007.
For the draw the 12 participating teams were divided into pools of four. Four teams, (New Zealand, Australia, United States and China) were seeded based on their past results in the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens and in other recent international and Asia regional women’s sevens competitions. Defending HKWRS Champions New Zealand are the tournament’s top seed in Pool A, followed by last year’s Cup finalists Australia in Pool B and 2006 HKWRS Plate champions the United States in Pool C. 2006 Asian Women’s Sevens Champions, China, are the top seed in Pool D. Following the seeding of the top four teams, the remaining eight competing sides were drawn at random to complete the tournament pools.
Canada, China and the United States will benefit from some recent match experience after appearing in the first ever 2007 Women’s International Sevens Tournament held in San Diego, USA in February. China beat Canada before losing to the USA and the USA ‘B’ and Canada ‘B’ teams to finish fourth overall in the five-team competition. Canada ‘B’ upset the hosts United States in the final by the score of 19 – 7. The results from San Diego point to the increasing parity in international women’s sevens and promise more excitement to come in the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens 2007.
Monday, February 26, 2007
London 2012 Games Costs Could Soar
The cost of London hosting the 2012 Summer Olympic Games could rise to almost four times its original estimate. According to a report the Games could cost nine billion pounds, up from 2.35 billion pounds.
The BBC says the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are discussing the price, prompting some ministers to urge officials not to write a blank cheque for the Games.
The government reportedly believes construction alone could cost 3.3 billion pounds, with an extra two billion pounds allocated as a contingency fund. The nine billion pound figure also includes regeneration costs of 1.8 billion pounds and a one billion pound VAT bill, reports the Telegraph.
According to the report security costs have also risen to at least 900 million pounds.
Shadow Culture Secretary Hugo Swire MP told the BBC, “there is no doubt that there will be real worries across the country about the huge increase in costs. It is time we got a proper explanation from (Chancellor) Gordon Brown on what has gone on and assurances as to what the government is doing to control the ever-increasing budget”.
The DCMS dismissed the report Saturday as “just the latest of many figures” that have surfaced in the press.
A spokesman said, “discussions are going on across government to resolve outstanding issues and we will make an announcement about long-term budget figures when these have concluded”.
Meanwhile London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone announced that Londoners will not have to pay the rising costs of hosting the Games. He said he was freezing the Olympic element of the council tax precept at 38p a week for the average council taxpayer.
Londoners are expected to contribute 625 million pounds to the cost of the Games.
Livingstone said, “today is the first instalment of the guarantee that we will keep to our commitments on the council tax. Next year there will be no increase in the 38 pence payment and my commitment is that it will remain the same the year after that and in every succeeding year”.
Amidst the controversy over rising costs a poll, conducted earlier this month, shows that public support for the Games is at it highest since London was awarded the Games in July 2005.
According to market research commissioned by London 2012 organizers, 79 per cent of the public supported the Games – a four per cent rise from September 2005.
The BBC says the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are discussing the price, prompting some ministers to urge officials not to write a blank cheque for the Games.
The government reportedly believes construction alone could cost 3.3 billion pounds, with an extra two billion pounds allocated as a contingency fund. The nine billion pound figure also includes regeneration costs of 1.8 billion pounds and a one billion pound VAT bill, reports the Telegraph.
According to the report security costs have also risen to at least 900 million pounds.
Shadow Culture Secretary Hugo Swire MP told the BBC, “there is no doubt that there will be real worries across the country about the huge increase in costs. It is time we got a proper explanation from (Chancellor) Gordon Brown on what has gone on and assurances as to what the government is doing to control the ever-increasing budget”.
The DCMS dismissed the report Saturday as “just the latest of many figures” that have surfaced in the press.
A spokesman said, “discussions are going on across government to resolve outstanding issues and we will make an announcement about long-term budget figures when these have concluded”.
Meanwhile London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone announced that Londoners will not have to pay the rising costs of hosting the Games. He said he was freezing the Olympic element of the council tax precept at 38p a week for the average council taxpayer.
Londoners are expected to contribute 625 million pounds to the cost of the Games.
Livingstone said, “today is the first instalment of the guarantee that we will keep to our commitments on the council tax. Next year there will be no increase in the 38 pence payment and my commitment is that it will remain the same the year after that and in every succeeding year”.
Amidst the controversy over rising costs a poll, conducted earlier this month, shows that public support for the Games is at it highest since London was awarded the Games in July 2005.
According to market research commissioned by London 2012 organizers, 79 per cent of the public supported the Games – a four per cent rise from September 2005.
The oldest Olympic champion
Did you know that the world’s oldest Olympic champion is called Roger Beaufrand, and that he was Olympic track sprint champion and world runner-up in the same year? That was 1928.
Olympic champion before he was 20
Born at Garenne-Colombes near Paris (France), Roger Beaufrand discovered the track sprint at the Bois de Vincennes velodrome, where the cycling events for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris were held. In 1925, he won his first victory in a race to identify talented youngsters, and set off to explore the velodromes of Europe. On 7 August 1928, to everyone’s surprise, he beat the leading sprinters of the day and achieved France’s only cycling victory by winning the Olympic sprint title. He was just 19.
Still in search of excellence
A few days ago in Béziers, where Roger Beaufrand now lives, another award was added to the Olympic medal, two national championship titles and 100 Grand Prix wins: the Legion of Honour. It was another exceptional champion, Jean-Claude Killy, triple Olympic gold medallist in 1968 in Grenoble, who had, as he himself put it, the privilege of presenting it for the first time to a citizen of the world, Olympic champion in 1928 and bearer of the Olympic torch in 1968, in whose veins and eyes the Olympic flame has never ceased to burn. After leaving the velodrome, “Roger continued to seek excellence, always inspired by the Olympic spirit, always eager to learn, trying his hand at chess, bridge, astronomy, viticulture and fine arts, becoming the director of an art gallery in Paris… and he even took up skiing!” In his congratulatory message, IOC President Jacques Rogge recalled that: “Roger Beaufrand more than ever symbolises what an Olympic champion should be: an example and an ambassador for the fundamental values of sport which are excellence, friendship, generosity, respect for others and solidarity”. A champion whom everyone will want to welcome again next year in 2008 for his 100th birthday: an Olympic year and a year ending in 8, a year dear to the world’s oldest Olympic champion!
A cycling champion after a champion hockey player
Roger Beaufrand became the oldest living Olympic champion after the death of Feroz Khan in April 2005. Both champions could well have met in Amsterdam in 1928, as Feroz and his Indian team-mates won the Olympic hockey tournament. Feroz alone scored five goals, three in a row, in the match where India beat Belgium 9-0. A total of 2,883 athletes (277 of them women) from 46 National Olympic Committees took part in the 109 events staged at the 1928 Games in Amsterdam.Source: Olympic News
What kind of food will athletes at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing eat?
Mostly western, as most athletes at the Games will be coming from western countries, according a Beijing Organizing Committee of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) officer before the Spring Festival.
"Because the majority of athletes come from Western areas, the BOCOG has decided to mainly provide western-style food, although we hope that foreigners will also try Chinese food as well," Xiang Ping, vice director of the BOCOG Games Services Department, said.
Xiang said that the athlete's diets will not only meet their daily nutrient requirements, but will also be in accordance with various religious traditions.
The BOCOG has picked up an experienced diet supplier that has participated many previous Olympic Games but Xiang declined to release the name of the supplier for commercial reasons.
A group of dieticians and culinary experts will test the prospective menu and evaluate it before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes a final decision.
"I believe that creating the menu through such a complex process will be appreciated during the Games," Xiang said.
"Because the majority of athletes come from Western areas, the BOCOG has decided to mainly provide western-style food, although we hope that foreigners will also try Chinese food as well," Xiang Ping, vice director of the BOCOG Games Services Department, said.
Xiang said that the athlete's diets will not only meet their daily nutrient requirements, but will also be in accordance with various religious traditions.
The BOCOG has picked up an experienced diet supplier that has participated many previous Olympic Games but Xiang declined to release the name of the supplier for commercial reasons.
A group of dieticians and culinary experts will test the prospective menu and evaluate it before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes a final decision.
"I believe that creating the menu through such a complex process will be appreciated during the Games," Xiang said.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Stenson on top of the world after Match Play triumph
Swede Henrik Stenson, who holed the winning putt for Europe at last year's Ryder Cup, celebrated the biggest victory of his career on Sunday.
The 30-year-old from Gothenburg reeled off successive birdies to complete a 2&1 triumph over defending champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship final.
Despite struggling with his swing for much of a topsy-turvy day at Dove Mountain's Gallery Golf Club, Stenson became the first Swede, and only the second European, to win a World Golf Championships (WGC) event.
"This one is definitely the biggest one of my career," Stenson told reporters after clinching his maiden PGA Tour title and his sixth on the European Tour.
"Winning a WGC event is as close to winning a major without doing it, I guess. Obviously this gives me confidence and a push in the right direction."
The big-hitting Stenson, who broke through on the European Tour by winning the 2001 Benson and Hedges International Open, has triumphed in his last two starts.
Three weeks ago, the Dubai-based Swede held off world number one Tiger Woods and Ernie Els to win the Dubai Desert Classic by a stroke with a birdie at the last.
"Winning back-to-back is something I haven't done before, and those are two great tournaments as well," he said.
"Dubai is one of the most prestigious ones on the European Tour."
The 30-year-old from Gothenburg reeled off successive birdies to complete a 2&1 triumph over defending champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship final.
Despite struggling with his swing for much of a topsy-turvy day at Dove Mountain's Gallery Golf Club, Stenson became the first Swede, and only the second European, to win a World Golf Championships (WGC) event.
"This one is definitely the biggest one of my career," Stenson told reporters after clinching his maiden PGA Tour title and his sixth on the European Tour.
"Winning a WGC event is as close to winning a major without doing it, I guess. Obviously this gives me confidence and a push in the right direction."
The big-hitting Stenson, who broke through on the European Tour by winning the 2001 Benson and Hedges International Open, has triumphed in his last two starts.
Three weeks ago, the Dubai-based Swede held off world number one Tiger Woods and Ernie Els to win the Dubai Desert Classic by a stroke with a birdie at the last.
"Winning back-to-back is something I haven't done before, and those are two great tournaments as well," he said.
"Dubai is one of the most prestigious ones on the European Tour."
Thursday, February 22, 2007
WGC Accenture Match Play Championship 2007
Feb. 21-25 @ The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona
The field for the WGC Match Play Championship is comprised of the Top 64 available golfers from the Official World Golf Rankings, who are seeded 1-64 according to their rankings.
The golfers face off in single-elimination, 18-hole, match-play matches. In the first round, the No. 1 seed plays No. 64; No. 2 plays No. 63; and so on.
On the final day, the last two golfers play a 36-hole championship match, while the two semifinal losers play each other in an 18-hole consolation match to determine third and fourth places.
WGC Accenture Match Play Championship - Past Winners:
2006 - Geoff Ogilvy def. Davis Love III, 3-and-2
2005 - David Toms def. Chris DiMarco, 6-and-5
2004 - Tiger Woods def. Davis Love III, 3-and-2
2003 - Tiger Woods def. David Toms, 2-and-1
2002 - Kevin Sutherland def. Scott McCarron, 1-up
2001 - Steve Stricker def. Pierre Fulke, 2-and-1
2000 - Darren Clarke def. Tiger Woods, 4-and-3
1999 - Jeff Maggert def. Andrew Magee, 1-up (38 holes)
The field for the WGC Match Play Championship is comprised of the Top 64 available golfers from the Official World Golf Rankings, who are seeded 1-64 according to their rankings.
The golfers face off in single-elimination, 18-hole, match-play matches. In the first round, the No. 1 seed plays No. 64; No. 2 plays No. 63; and so on.
On the final day, the last two golfers play a 36-hole championship match, while the two semifinal losers play each other in an 18-hole consolation match to determine third and fourth places.
WGC Accenture Match Play Championship - Past Winners:
2006 - Geoff Ogilvy def. Davis Love III, 3-and-2
2005 - David Toms def. Chris DiMarco, 6-and-5
2004 - Tiger Woods def. Davis Love III, 3-and-2
2003 - Tiger Woods def. David Toms, 2-and-1
2002 - Kevin Sutherland def. Scott McCarron, 1-up
2001 - Steve Stricker def. Pierre Fulke, 2-and-1
2000 - Darren Clarke def. Tiger Woods, 4-and-3
1999 - Jeff Maggert def. Andrew Magee, 1-up (38 holes)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Blue Canyon ready to host another thriller
There is a great sense of anticipation as the US$2.44 million Johnnie Walker Classic fast approaches at the Blue Canyon Golf and Country Club in Phuket, March 1-4.
Every year the Classic is a showcase for top quality golf, but whenever it is held in Thailand it seems to produce something extra special.
The event was first held in Thailand at the Blue Canyon in 1994 and attracted a stellar field including Nick Faldo at the peak of his game, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Fred Couples and Ian Woosnam. It was Norman who ultimately triumphed and he was particularly proud of his victory, commenting " the leaderboard looked like the British Open."
Also in the field was a certain young gentleman by the name of Tiger Woods, then just 18 years old and playing as an amateur. Tiger placed 34th and said later he was delighted as it was the first time he had made the cut in a Tour event.
Tiger returned four years later when the Blue Canyon hosted the event again and anyone who witnessed it will never forget the 1998 drama, If ever a tournament lived up to its name it was this one, a real 'classic' which climaxed with a gripping play-off duel between Woods and Ernie Els. It was pure theatre.
To force a play-off in the first place Tiger, who was well down the leaderboard after the third round, had to overcome a staggering eight-shot deficit on the final day. The already large gallery expanded by the minute as Tiger picked up shot after shot in one of the most extraordinary rounds of golf witnessed in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.
Tiger finished with a seven-under 65 and then had to sit in the clubhouse for nearly two hours waiting for Els to complete his round. The South African star faded on the back nine and came home in 73 to set up a memorable play-off.
Tiger, who had been expecting Els to complete his victory, rushed to the practice tee to warm up, only to find no golf balls. So he took a couple of practice swings and then raced back to take on Els. The rest is history.
They played the 18th twice in the play-off. The first time Els almost clinched victory with a 15-foot putt that missed by inches. On the second extra hole Tiger needed a 14-footer. He didn't miss and the crowd erupted as Tiger embraced his mother Kultida, a native of Thailand.
Two years later at the Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Bangkok, Tiger did it again, this time in less dramatic circumstance. He was on a hot streak at the time having won three of the four majors and nine other tournaments. It came as no surprise that he ran away with it finishing on 25-under after the four rounds.
In 2004 it was at the Alpine again and Spain's Miguel Angel Jiminez took the honours after an exciting battle with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn who had led for the first three rounds.
While it would be too much to expect a repeat this year of the 1998 thriller, the 2007 Johnnie Walker Classic has attracted some of the world's most exciting golfers and the star-studded field is not likely to let the golfing public down.
Three top ten players will be competing including Ernie Els, currently ranked fifth. Although Els has not won the Classic in Thailand he has been champion twice in Australia _ Queensland in 1997 and Perth in 1999 _ and would definitely like to make it Phuket 2007 to claim a hat-trick. Unlike some of the European stars the 'Big Easy' thrives on the tropical heat. He loves the sun on his back when he's out on the fairway.
Also in Phuket will be Australia's Adam Scott, ranked third in the world and undoubtedly one of the most exciting young golfers. He clearly enjoys playing in this part of the world, winning the Classic in Beijing in 2005 and edging Els in the Barclays Singapore Open last year. He will definitely be one of the favourites to pick up the US$416,000 first prize in Phuket.
Another previous winner of the JW Classic is South Africa's Retief Goosen, one of the most consistent golfers in the world. currently ranked sixth, Goosen won the 2002 Classic in Perth and enjoyed 11 top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour last year.
Other top players heading for Phuket are Ryder Cup stars, Paul Casey from England ranked 14th in the world and Scotland's 18th-ranked Colin Montgomerie. Adding to the Ryder Cup flavour will be two European captains. Ian Woosnam led Europe in last year's victory and won the JW Classic in Singapore back in 1996. Then there's evergreen Sam Torrance who has played more than 700 tournaments on the European Tour and captained Europe's winning Ryder Cup side in 2002.
With the top Thai and Asian stars also competing everything is set for a true 'classic' showdown.
If this year's Johnnie Walker Classic is half as exciting as the previous editions held in Thailand it will be an event to savour.
Every year the Classic is a showcase for top quality golf, but whenever it is held in Thailand it seems to produce something extra special.
The event was first held in Thailand at the Blue Canyon in 1994 and attracted a stellar field including Nick Faldo at the peak of his game, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Fred Couples and Ian Woosnam. It was Norman who ultimately triumphed and he was particularly proud of his victory, commenting " the leaderboard looked like the British Open."
Also in the field was a certain young gentleman by the name of Tiger Woods, then just 18 years old and playing as an amateur. Tiger placed 34th and said later he was delighted as it was the first time he had made the cut in a Tour event.
Tiger returned four years later when the Blue Canyon hosted the event again and anyone who witnessed it will never forget the 1998 drama, If ever a tournament lived up to its name it was this one, a real 'classic' which climaxed with a gripping play-off duel between Woods and Ernie Els. It was pure theatre.
To force a play-off in the first place Tiger, who was well down the leaderboard after the third round, had to overcome a staggering eight-shot deficit on the final day. The already large gallery expanded by the minute as Tiger picked up shot after shot in one of the most extraordinary rounds of golf witnessed in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.
Tiger finished with a seven-under 65 and then had to sit in the clubhouse for nearly two hours waiting for Els to complete his round. The South African star faded on the back nine and came home in 73 to set up a memorable play-off.
Tiger, who had been expecting Els to complete his victory, rushed to the practice tee to warm up, only to find no golf balls. So he took a couple of practice swings and then raced back to take on Els. The rest is history.
They played the 18th twice in the play-off. The first time Els almost clinched victory with a 15-foot putt that missed by inches. On the second extra hole Tiger needed a 14-footer. He didn't miss and the crowd erupted as Tiger embraced his mother Kultida, a native of Thailand.
Two years later at the Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Bangkok, Tiger did it again, this time in less dramatic circumstance. He was on a hot streak at the time having won three of the four majors and nine other tournaments. It came as no surprise that he ran away with it finishing on 25-under after the four rounds.
In 2004 it was at the Alpine again and Spain's Miguel Angel Jiminez took the honours after an exciting battle with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn who had led for the first three rounds.
While it would be too much to expect a repeat this year of the 1998 thriller, the 2007 Johnnie Walker Classic has attracted some of the world's most exciting golfers and the star-studded field is not likely to let the golfing public down.
Three top ten players will be competing including Ernie Els, currently ranked fifth. Although Els has not won the Classic in Thailand he has been champion twice in Australia _ Queensland in 1997 and Perth in 1999 _ and would definitely like to make it Phuket 2007 to claim a hat-trick. Unlike some of the European stars the 'Big Easy' thrives on the tropical heat. He loves the sun on his back when he's out on the fairway.
Also in Phuket will be Australia's Adam Scott, ranked third in the world and undoubtedly one of the most exciting young golfers. He clearly enjoys playing in this part of the world, winning the Classic in Beijing in 2005 and edging Els in the Barclays Singapore Open last year. He will definitely be one of the favourites to pick up the US$416,000 first prize in Phuket.
Another previous winner of the JW Classic is South Africa's Retief Goosen, one of the most consistent golfers in the world. currently ranked sixth, Goosen won the 2002 Classic in Perth and enjoyed 11 top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour last year.
Other top players heading for Phuket are Ryder Cup stars, Paul Casey from England ranked 14th in the world and Scotland's 18th-ranked Colin Montgomerie. Adding to the Ryder Cup flavour will be two European captains. Ian Woosnam led Europe in last year's victory and won the JW Classic in Singapore back in 1996. Then there's evergreen Sam Torrance who has played more than 700 tournaments on the European Tour and captained Europe's winning Ryder Cup side in 2002.
With the top Thai and Asian stars also competing everything is set for a true 'classic' showdown.
If this year's Johnnie Walker Classic is half as exciting as the previous editions held in Thailand it will be an event to savour.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Olympics 2012: green games or greenwash?
Tony Blair says the London 2012 Olympics will be the 'greenest games of the modern era.' But given his recent record, you won't be too surprised to learn it'd take a world-beating long jumper to leap the gap between sound bite and reality.
Energy
The 'greenest games' will feature an 'energy self-sufficient' athlete's village. That's what London promised in its bid to host the games. Wrong.The Olympic Development Authority's 'sustainable development strategy' promises only 20 per cent of the site's power will be from renewables.
Despite this, somehow the games will set 'new standards for the sustainable design and construction of major sports venues and infrastructure.' That's a long way from the original promise. An ODA spokesperson said: 'We are providing flexibility so the village can be energy self-sufficient in the future.' What that means is that when whichever consortium ends up owning the village decides to stump up a lot more money, then the site could become energy self-sufficient. But by that time, it seems hell will have frozen over and the ice caps will have turned into flying pigs.
Darren Johnson, London Assembly Green Party member, says the sustainable development strategy 'falls well short of the Mayor's own 'preferred' sustainable construction standards.'
Nature
An ODA spokesperson says: 'The Lower Lea Valley has been neglected for decades but will be completely regenerated and tens of thousands more trees, shrubs and plants will exist in 2013 than do in 2007.'
That regeneration is, according to campaigners, set to see: common land redefined as 'brownfield' land ripe for redevelopment, a traveller site relocated on top of a tree nursery and 100-year old allotments concreted over. That is, if the regeneration even happens. The 'legacy' plans for what happens after the games are still missing in action. And many campaigners are worried they'll be scaled back conveniently immediately after the games have run.
Transport
You'd expect the 'greenest games' to feature sustainable transport. Good news: 100 per cent of spectators will arrive via 'public transport, walking and cycling.' Bad news: of that 100 per cent, 10 per cent of arrivals will drive to London before park-and-riding. Quite how that counts as 'public transport' beats me. Only four per cent of journeys are actually planned to be via bicycle or foot. And what of the Olympic family of officials, athletes, media, IT support, corporate sponsors? Nearly 5,500 cars and coaches will move this lot round London and the site.
Another dome?
The 'greenest games'? It's enough to make one turn beet red. And there's much more.
There's an argument brewing over whether digging up radioactive waste on the site will turn people still living in the area, and athletes and spectators later, luminescent green. There's huge housing blocks set to dominate Stratford (several over 40 storeys tall) and turn the Lea Valley from green lung to concrete canyon. And there's McDonalds as a key sponsor – promoting locally-grown burgers, no doubt.
Want to get a handle on how the Olympic games are set to transform London for the better? Look to the Millennium Dome. And shudder.
Energy
The 'greenest games' will feature an 'energy self-sufficient' athlete's village. That's what London promised in its bid to host the games. Wrong.The Olympic Development Authority's 'sustainable development strategy' promises only 20 per cent of the site's power will be from renewables.
Despite this, somehow the games will set 'new standards for the sustainable design and construction of major sports venues and infrastructure.' That's a long way from the original promise. An ODA spokesperson said: 'We are providing flexibility so the village can be energy self-sufficient in the future.' What that means is that when whichever consortium ends up owning the village decides to stump up a lot more money, then the site could become energy self-sufficient. But by that time, it seems hell will have frozen over and the ice caps will have turned into flying pigs.Darren Johnson, London Assembly Green Party member, says the sustainable development strategy 'falls well short of the Mayor's own 'preferred' sustainable construction standards.'
Nature
An ODA spokesperson says: 'The Lower Lea Valley has been neglected for decades but will be completely regenerated and tens of thousands more trees, shrubs and plants will exist in 2013 than do in 2007.'
That regeneration is, according to campaigners, set to see: common land redefined as 'brownfield' land ripe for redevelopment, a traveller site relocated on top of a tree nursery and 100-year old allotments concreted over. That is, if the regeneration even happens. The 'legacy' plans for what happens after the games are still missing in action. And many campaigners are worried they'll be scaled back conveniently immediately after the games have run.
Transport
You'd expect the 'greenest games' to feature sustainable transport. Good news: 100 per cent of spectators will arrive via 'public transport, walking and cycling.' Bad news: of that 100 per cent, 10 per cent of arrivals will drive to London before park-and-riding. Quite how that counts as 'public transport' beats me. Only four per cent of journeys are actually planned to be via bicycle or foot. And what of the Olympic family of officials, athletes, media, IT support, corporate sponsors? Nearly 5,500 cars and coaches will move this lot round London and the site.
Another dome?
The 'greenest games'? It's enough to make one turn beet red. And there's much more.
There's an argument brewing over whether digging up radioactive waste on the site will turn people still living in the area, and athletes and spectators later, luminescent green. There's huge housing blocks set to dominate Stratford (several over 40 storeys tall) and turn the Lea Valley from green lung to concrete canyon. And there's McDonalds as a key sponsor – promoting locally-grown burgers, no doubt.
Want to get a handle on how the Olympic games are set to transform London for the better? Look to the Millennium Dome. And shudder.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Indonesian Open Preview
Simon Dyson, the holder and an Asian specialist, must have a great chance of successfully defending his title against what is a fairly mediocre field at Damai Indah Golf & Country Club in Jakarta.
And with very few big name Europeans teeing-up, the top prize is more than likely to be won by a member of the Asian Tour.
Once again, Thongchai Jaidee may be the man to beat - even though he is yet to win in Indonesia.
He did, however, finish in a tie for third 12 months ago and few would be surprised if the 37-year-old Thailand golfer improved on that performance this time around.
Six to follow
Shiv Kapur: The up-and-coming Indian is considered one of Asia’s stars of the future. Looked good at Abu Dhabi last month where he played himself into contention with rounds of 70-66-68. However, a final round of 75 left him eight strokes behind winner Paul Casey but the experience will have done him no harm.
Ignacio Garrido: The 35-year-old Spaniard has found some form in recent weeks, following a top-20 finish in Dubai by tying for third in Malaysia last week.
Frankie Minoza: The experienced pro from the Philippines has returned to form after a few years in the wilderness. A recent winner in his home country.
Chinarat Phadungsil: The exciting Thai teenager is unlikely to emerge victorious, but is beginning to fulfil his obvious potential and could make an impression having finished tied for seventh in Malaysia.
Thamanoon Srirot: The consistent pro from Thailand usually plays well when east meets west.
Thaworn Wiratchant: Winner of the Indonesia Open two years ago - the first time that the event was co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
And with very few big name Europeans teeing-up, the top prize is more than likely to be won by a member of the Asian Tour.
Once again, Thongchai Jaidee may be the man to beat - even though he is yet to win in Indonesia.
He did, however, finish in a tie for third 12 months ago and few would be surprised if the 37-year-old Thailand golfer improved on that performance this time around.
Six to follow
Shiv Kapur: The up-and-coming Indian is considered one of Asia’s stars of the future. Looked good at Abu Dhabi last month where he played himself into contention with rounds of 70-66-68. However, a final round of 75 left him eight strokes behind winner Paul Casey but the experience will have done him no harm.
Ignacio Garrido: The 35-year-old Spaniard has found some form in recent weeks, following a top-20 finish in Dubai by tying for third in Malaysia last week.
Frankie Minoza: The experienced pro from the Philippines has returned to form after a few years in the wilderness. A recent winner in his home country.
Chinarat Phadungsil: The exciting Thai teenager is unlikely to emerge victorious, but is beginning to fulfil his obvious potential and could make an impression having finished tied for seventh in Malaysia.
Thamanoon Srirot: The consistent pro from Thailand usually plays well when east meets west.
Thaworn Wiratchant: Winner of the Indonesia Open two years ago - the first time that the event was co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Emirates – bringing rugby to the world
Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, yesterday became a sponsor of one of the world’s biggest sporting events in an agreement making it Official Airline of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France.
This agreement, signed between Emirates and the Rugby World Cup Limited, sees Emirates extend its sport sponsorship portfolio even further, making it one of the largest and most impressive in the world.
With this sponsorship, the world’s fastest growing airline will:
* Acquire the status of Official Airline Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007
* Feature in Rugby World Cup 2007 publicity, including branding on perimeter boards at 10 venues throughout France and 2 in the UK
* Enjoy ticket and hospitality facilities for all matches throughout the tournament
Emirates is developing a sophisticated activation programme to bring this sponsorship to life around the world. It will include a substantial programme in France, targeting several major cities in particular, plus of course the southern hemisphere countries where Emirates will help to bring fans to the event.
Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services & Dnata, said: “Emirates is delighted to sponsor and support Rugby World Cup 2007. Rugby is a game that we are passionate about and we are excited to carry on supporting the global development of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a phenomenal event, always played in fantastic spirit and with the audiences that it attracts; it is a perfect fit for our brand. We are all looking forward to the kick-off in September.”
Dr Syd Millar, IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, said: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Emirates has joined the impressive list of Tournament Sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2007. Emirates has been a committed supporter of rugby for many years and has a long standing association with world class sporting events and the appointment of a world leader in the Airline industry further highlights the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament as a major event on the world sporting calendar."
Emirates has a strong affiliation with rugby and as well as the Rugby World Cup 2007, Emirates sponsors the IRB referees and match officials, four tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series: the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, the Emirates Airline London Sevens and the Series finale, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens in Scotland and the shirt sponsors of the England and Samoa sevens teams. In Australia, Emirates sponsors the Emirates Western Force in Australia.
Emirates has an impressive global sports sponsorship portfolio and in addition to rugby, Emirates is also a strong supporter of football as sponsor of Arsenal Football Club, Arsenal’s home ground – the Emirates Stadium, Paris Saint Germain Football Club, Hamburg Football Club and as an Official Partner of FIFA.
Emirates is the official sponsor of the Australian cricket team at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup and is also heavily involved in sponsorship of golf, horseracing and sailing.
This agreement, signed between Emirates and the Rugby World Cup Limited, sees Emirates extend its sport sponsorship portfolio even further, making it one of the largest and most impressive in the world.
With this sponsorship, the world’s fastest growing airline will:
* Acquire the status of Official Airline Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007
* Feature in Rugby World Cup 2007 publicity, including branding on perimeter boards at 10 venues throughout France and 2 in the UK
* Enjoy ticket and hospitality facilities for all matches throughout the tournament
Emirates is developing a sophisticated activation programme to bring this sponsorship to life around the world. It will include a substantial programme in France, targeting several major cities in particular, plus of course the southern hemisphere countries where Emirates will help to bring fans to the event.
Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services & Dnata, said: “Emirates is delighted to sponsor and support Rugby World Cup 2007. Rugby is a game that we are passionate about and we are excited to carry on supporting the global development of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a phenomenal event, always played in fantastic spirit and with the audiences that it attracts; it is a perfect fit for our brand. We are all looking forward to the kick-off in September.”
Dr Syd Millar, IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, said: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Emirates has joined the impressive list of Tournament Sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2007. Emirates has been a committed supporter of rugby for many years and has a long standing association with world class sporting events and the appointment of a world leader in the Airline industry further highlights the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament as a major event on the world sporting calendar."
Emirates has a strong affiliation with rugby and as well as the Rugby World Cup 2007, Emirates sponsors the IRB referees and match officials, four tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series: the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, the Emirates Airline London Sevens and the Series finale, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens in Scotland and the shirt sponsors of the England and Samoa sevens teams. In Australia, Emirates sponsors the Emirates Western Force in Australia.
Emirates has an impressive global sports sponsorship portfolio and in addition to rugby, Emirates is also a strong supporter of football as sponsor of Arsenal Football Club, Arsenal’s home ground – the Emirates Stadium, Paris Saint Germain Football Club, Hamburg Football Club and as an Official Partner of FIFA.
Emirates is the official sponsor of the Australian cricket team at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup and is also heavily involved in sponsorship of golf, horseracing and sailing.
Beijing launches "politeness"
Beijing initiated its first "Polite Queueing Day" on Sunday.
This comes as part of a directive to improve manners in the city ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The 11th day of each month will now be designated as a "Polite Queueing Day" in the Chinese capital.
Members of the public were sworn in at the ceremony on the Wang Fu Jing shopping street before signing a volunteers card.
"The foreigners will have a good impression of the Chinese people if we behave well," a local resident said.
The "Polite Queueing Day" campaign will be promoted at sporting and other cultural events in the lead up to the 2008 Games.
Beijing authorities are also urging the public to avoid swearing and to keep the city's streets clean and tidy.
People are being asked to be courteous at sporting venues, and to treat others with sincerity and honesty.
This comes as part of a directive to improve manners in the city ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The 11th day of each month will now be designated as a "Polite Queueing Day" in the Chinese capital.
Members of the public were sworn in at the ceremony on the Wang Fu Jing shopping street before signing a volunteers card.
"The foreigners will have a good impression of the Chinese people if we behave well," a local resident said.
The "Polite Queueing Day" campaign will be promoted at sporting and other cultural events in the lead up to the 2008 Games.
Beijing authorities are also urging the public to avoid swearing and to keep the city's streets clean and tidy.
People are being asked to be courteous at sporting venues, and to treat others with sincerity and honesty.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Abu Dhabi to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009
On Saturday, In front of an elated crowd of tens of thousands of people, Formula One Management confirmed that Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has secured the rights to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2009.
“A Formula 1 Grand Prix is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 demonstration on the streets of Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009 - click to enlarge
“For Abu Dhabi, and indeed the whole of the UAE, the opportunities that are presented by increased international attention and connectivity will deliver very real macroeconomic benefits.”
Abu Dhabi, the capital, and largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, will provide an idyllic location for one the world’s most popular sports. With over 200 natural islands, offering some of the most untouched beaches in the region, it is fast becoming one of the most sought out destinations in the world.
Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone commented on the decision, “We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Formula One family, and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi’s hospitality, the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the FIA Formula One World Championship is a wonderful addition to the Formula One calendar.”
The 2009 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by ALDAR Properties, one of the UAE’s leading property development companies, and designed by renowned Formula 1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
Already under construction, the track is situated on a 2,550 hectare, natural leisure island, Yas Island, situated on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and only minutes away from the expanding Abu Dhabi International Airport.
“Abu Dhabi will bring its own unique culture, landscape and fans to the F1 experience,” said HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak. “The track design alone is an indication of the visionary approach we are taking and I am confident we will deliver something truly special.”
“Spectators will enjoy high speed action played out on three distinct sections of the 5.6km circuit, including high speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns, a street section and a marina section. Each section of the circuit combines to deliver an unrivalled viewing experience” HE added.
“A Formula 1 Grand Prix is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 demonstration on the streets of Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009 - click to enlarge
“For Abu Dhabi, and indeed the whole of the UAE, the opportunities that are presented by increased international attention and connectivity will deliver very real macroeconomic benefits.”
Abu Dhabi, the capital, and largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, will provide an idyllic location for one the world’s most popular sports. With over 200 natural islands, offering some of the most untouched beaches in the region, it is fast becoming one of the most sought out destinations in the world.
Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone commented on the decision, “We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Formula One family, and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi’s hospitality, the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the FIA Formula One World Championship is a wonderful addition to the Formula One calendar.”
The 2009 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by ALDAR Properties, one of the UAE’s leading property development companies, and designed by renowned Formula 1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
Already under construction, the track is situated on a 2,550 hectare, natural leisure island, Yas Island, situated on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and only minutes away from the expanding Abu Dhabi International Airport.
“Abu Dhabi will bring its own unique culture, landscape and fans to the F1 experience,” said HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak. “The track design alone is an indication of the visionary approach we are taking and I am confident we will deliver something truly special.”
“Spectators will enjoy high speed action played out on three distinct sections of the 5.6km circuit, including high speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns, a street section and a marina section. Each section of the circuit combines to deliver an unrivalled viewing experience” HE added.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Windsurfing contest begins in Vietnam tourist resort
A two-day windsurfing competition began Friday in Vietnam's beach city of Phan Thiet with 60 surfers from 13 countries participating.
Contestants will compete in a two-legged 800m race high wind slalom, sailing zigzag between obstacles and considered the most exciting surfing event.
It is being organized on Mui Ne beach together with Mui Ne Jibe’s, a bar, café-restaurant, and surf club.
Sailors from Russia, Germany, Switzerland, England, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, France, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, and host Vietnam are competing for men’s, women’s, and junior titles.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2007 Official Merchandise Shop Opens in The Landmark
The Official Merchandise Shop for the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 celebrated its grand opening on Thursday at Shop B11 – 12, The Landmark in Central, Hong Kong.
The shop was christened with a fashion shoot featuring five members of the recently announced Hong Kong Rugby Football Union Sevens training squad including Hong Kong Sevens 2006 squad members Andy Yuen and Kenzo Pannell and three hopeful debutants for the Hong Kong Sevens 2007: Colin Bisley, Nick Hurrell and Fan Shun Kei.
Also attending the shop's opening were Mr Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union; Mr Rod Mason, Tournament Operations Director of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 and Mr Robert Perkins, Managing Director of Kukri Sports Limited.
This year’s line of Official Hong Kong Sevens is the largest ever produced with over 50 items across a full range of stylish and sporty gear for men, women and children. This year’s Official Merchandise is again being manufactured by Hong Kong Rugby Football Union kit sponsor Kukri Sports.
Among the most eagerly anticipated items on offer in the Hong Kong Sevens merchandise range is the official event jersey, which this year is a classic harlequin rugby jersey with a surprising twist: an image of the famous Hong Kong Stadium South Stand on the back. Another bestselling item is the Hong Kong National Team Jersey which this year comes in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes in both the official (blue) and alternate (red) versions. After completely selling out of all women’s items at last year’s Hong Kong Sevens, the 2007 product range features an expanded number of items for women.
The Official Hong Kong Sevens merchandise can be purchased at the shop or ordered from the official Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 website. It is also available for sale from local sporting clubs: the Hong Kong Football Club, the Hong Kong Cricket Club and the Kowloon Cricket Club as well as at the Hong Kong International Airport and Royal Sporting House outlets in Times Square, Cityplaza, Tsimshatsui, Festival Walk and Shatin.
The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium from March 30 to 1 April, 2007.
The shop was christened with a fashion shoot featuring five members of the recently announced Hong Kong Rugby Football Union Sevens training squad including Hong Kong Sevens 2006 squad members Andy Yuen and Kenzo Pannell and three hopeful debutants for the Hong Kong Sevens 2007: Colin Bisley, Nick Hurrell and Fan Shun Kei.
Also attending the shop's opening were Mr Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union; Mr Rod Mason, Tournament Operations Director of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 and Mr Robert Perkins, Managing Director of Kukri Sports Limited.
This year’s line of Official Hong Kong Sevens is the largest ever produced with over 50 items across a full range of stylish and sporty gear for men, women and children. This year’s Official Merchandise is again being manufactured by Hong Kong Rugby Football Union kit sponsor Kukri Sports.
Among the most eagerly anticipated items on offer in the Hong Kong Sevens merchandise range is the official event jersey, which this year is a classic harlequin rugby jersey with a surprising twist: an image of the famous Hong Kong Stadium South Stand on the back. Another bestselling item is the Hong Kong National Team Jersey which this year comes in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes in both the official (blue) and alternate (red) versions. After completely selling out of all women’s items at last year’s Hong Kong Sevens, the 2007 product range features an expanded number of items for women.
The Official Hong Kong Sevens merchandise can be purchased at the shop or ordered from the official Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 website. It is also available for sale from local sporting clubs: the Hong Kong Football Club, the Hong Kong Cricket Club and the Kowloon Cricket Club as well as at the Hong Kong International Airport and Royal Sporting House outlets in Times Square, Cityplaza, Tsimshatsui, Festival Walk and Shatin.
The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2007 will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium from March 30 to 1 April, 2007.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Stalwarts join the stars
Ryder Cup stalwarts Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam will join three of the world's top 10 players in Phuket for the $2.44 million Johnnie Walker Classic.
Woosnam captained Montgomerie and the European team to victory over the United States last September and the pair are the latest additions to a stellar field, along with former US Masters champion Mike Weir, for the March 1-4 tournament.
The co-sanctioned Classic, one of Asia's most prestigious events, has twice been held on the Thai island since its first edition in 1990 and will again be played at the Blue Canyon Country Club.
Already confirmed were world number three Australian Adam Scott and South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who are fifth and eighth respectively in the global standings.
Englishman Paul Casey, the winner of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship two weeks ago, is also set to play at the revamped Blue Canyon, which has undergone a major facelift since it staged the 1994 and 1998 events.
Montgomerie comes to Phuket off the back of a successful 2006, where he came close to victory in the US Open and made a record fifth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance for Europe.
The 1993 Johnnie Walker Classic is one of 35 career titles for Woosnam, who was an inspirational skipper for Europe at the K Club last year.
Weir makes his debut in the event and will be hoping for a successful start to 2007 after a neck injury hampered his progress over the last two years.
Phuket came close to losing the tri-sanctioned event after Thailand's military-backed government announced a ban on alcohol advertising, which was postponed days after it was due to take effect.
Woosnam captained Montgomerie and the European team to victory over the United States last September and the pair are the latest additions to a stellar field, along with former US Masters champion Mike Weir, for the March 1-4 tournament.
The co-sanctioned Classic, one of Asia's most prestigious events, has twice been held on the Thai island since its first edition in 1990 and will again be played at the Blue Canyon Country Club.
Already confirmed were world number three Australian Adam Scott and South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who are fifth and eighth respectively in the global standings.
Englishman Paul Casey, the winner of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship two weeks ago, is also set to play at the revamped Blue Canyon, which has undergone a major facelift since it staged the 1994 and 1998 events.
Montgomerie comes to Phuket off the back of a successful 2006, where he came close to victory in the US Open and made a record fifth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance for Europe.
The 1993 Johnnie Walker Classic is one of 35 career titles for Woosnam, who was an inspirational skipper for Europe at the K Club last year.
Weir makes his debut in the event and will be hoping for a successful start to 2007 after a neck injury hampered his progress over the last two years.
Phuket came close to losing the tri-sanctioned event after Thailand's military-backed government announced a ban on alcohol advertising, which was postponed days after it was due to take effect.
Visit the crazy Finns to see their crazy events in 2007
Finland: A land of Ice and Snow with a bunch of reserved golden locked people. Right? Wrong. While Finland has its fair share of ice and snow, the Finns are far from reserved. Only in this part of the world will you find Wife Carrying Championships, Sauna World Championships, Mobile Throwing World Championship and a whole handful of other strange and wonderful championships that are held each year.
It is in this cold part of the world where you find single and extremely good looking blonde nords gathering at the Haku Päällää, an annual matchmaking festival in Kurikka. There is also the Visuvesi Kissing Competition and the Kutemajärvi Sex Festival.
On the more serious note, what Finland really is famous for is Lordi, last year’s Eurovision Song Contest winner. 2007 will be a big year for Finland with not just a Finn holding the crown, but also the world’s largest music event being held in Helsinki in May.
Finland is also the home of popular sports such as Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking has taken Europe by storm and, along with the Swamp Soccer World Championships and the Aquajogging World Championships, Finland should be a great place to enjoy your sports.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Chelsea Football Club - Ticket and Chelsea Accommodation
Come and see the "Boys in Blue" play an English Premier League home match at Stamford Bridge. After a summer of big spending, expectations are high for Chelsea as they battle for top spot in the league as well as Europe.
With high expectations for the 2006/2007 English Premier League season, don't miss your opportunity to see one of the country's top clubs in action.
Your package includes two nights accommodation in The Hotel at Chelsea with breakfast and a ticket to a Chelsea FC English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. You also get a 3 course dinner at the hotel on the night of your arrival.
3 days / 2 nights Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Monday, January 22, 2007
Drug tests to rise 25 percent at 2008 Olympics
Around 4,500 dope tests will be conducted during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, rising up by 25% from Athens Games 2004, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) said in Beijing on Wednesday.
"As part of its zero tolerance approach to fighting doping, the International Olympic Committee has decided to increase the number of tests by a large amount," BOCOG executive vice president Yang Shu'an told reporters when attending an exhibition themed "The Olympic Movement and Anti-doping Drive".
"Final numbers are to be confirmed but are expected to be around 4,500, a 25 percent increase on Athens 2004," he added.
More than 3,500 tests were conducted during the Athens Games, also a 25 percent rise on the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.
The exhibition, which will run through Saturday, reviews a number of doping cases in the past years and provides video display of anti-doping test process as well as computer inter-action means for visitors to test their knowledge about the anti-doping combat.
It is the first of its kind proposed by Beijing to target a wider audience instead of a number of specialists in the history of the Olympic Games. Similar exhibitions are expected to be organized in 2007 and 2008 in various parts of China.
"As part of its zero tolerance approach to fighting doping, the International Olympic Committee has decided to increase the number of tests by a large amount," BOCOG executive vice president Yang Shu'an told reporters when attending an exhibition themed "The Olympic Movement and Anti-doping Drive".
"Final numbers are to be confirmed but are expected to be around 4,500, a 25 percent increase on Athens 2004," he added.
More than 3,500 tests were conducted during the Athens Games, also a 25 percent rise on the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.
The exhibition, which will run through Saturday, reviews a number of doping cases in the past years and provides video display of anti-doping test process as well as computer inter-action means for visitors to test their knowledge about the anti-doping combat.
It is the first of its kind proposed by Beijing to target a wider audience instead of a number of specialists in the history of the Olympic Games. Similar exhibitions are expected to be organized in 2007 and 2008 in various parts of China.
Bahrain: Middle East’s motor sport hub to host 2007 Grand Prix for another year
The Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and sought after motor sport event in the world and, with millions of followers around the world, is a highly vied for event for the tourism industry.
To cater for the world-wide population of F1 racing fanatics, the Grand Prix does a tour of some of the world’s most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art racing circuits and the only one in the Middle East for the 2007 Grand Prix will be in Bahrain.
“This will be the fourth Grand Prix hosted by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which translate into an accolade for the nation and its people,” said BIC Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “We are proud to hone the world of motorsport in the region. The circuit has kick started many regional championships and has complemented the new circuits that have developed in the past two years and the new ones on the rise.”
In fact, the countdown for the eagerly awaited Gulf Air sponsored 2007 Bahrain Grand Prix has begun with a regional tour of the Middle East.
The road show will begin in Grand Prix host city Bahrain on January 17 and from there, will move through Muscat, Beirut, Cairo, Kuwait, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai and the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. This will be the fourth time that this Gulf Air-BIC sponsored roadshow has been run and will be making 2007 an especially big year in an attempt to overshadow the success of all previous ones.
As manager sports marketing and sponsorship Hisham Abu Al Fateh said: “The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the Middle East’s only F1 race and we want this event to be a shining example of the region’s emergence as a hub for motor sports.”
About F1 season 2007
To cater for the world-wide population of F1 racing fanatics, the Grand Prix does a tour of some of the world’s most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art racing circuits and the only one in the Middle East for the 2007 Grand Prix will be in Bahrain.
“This will be the fourth Grand Prix hosted by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which translate into an accolade for the nation and its people,” said BIC Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “We are proud to hone the world of motorsport in the region. The circuit has kick started many regional championships and has complemented the new circuits that have developed in the past two years and the new ones on the rise.”
In fact, the countdown for the eagerly awaited Gulf Air sponsored 2007 Bahrain Grand Prix has begun with a regional tour of the Middle East.
The road show will begin in Grand Prix host city Bahrain on January 17 and from there, will move through Muscat, Beirut, Cairo, Kuwait, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai and the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. This will be the fourth time that this Gulf Air-BIC sponsored roadshow has been run and will be making 2007 an especially big year in an attempt to overshadow the success of all previous ones.
As manager sports marketing and sponsorship Hisham Abu Al Fateh said: “The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the Middle East’s only F1 race and we want this event to be a shining example of the region’s emergence as a hub for motor sports.”
About F1 season 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Premiership clubs to get even richer in £625m TV deal
PREMIER League clubs will see incomes rise by between £10 million to £20 million each from next season after the agreement of a £625 million deal for overseas television rights.
The 20 teams competing in the Barclays Premiership will share in an astounding £2.725 billion pot over the next three seasons - 60 per cent or £1 billion more than the current three-year deal.
There will also be a positive spin-off with an extra £23 million, making a total of £38 million a year, being ploughed into grass-roots football.
Last season's champions Chelsea earned £30.4 million from Premier League TV money while bottom club Sunderland earned £16.8 million. From next season, the champions can expect to bring in close to £50 million and the side finishing bottom around £26 million.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "By focusing on the quality of the game, their players and their grounds, the clubs have produced a competition that people want to watch - both at matches and at home.
"That is the basis of our commercial success and I am confident that we will continue to invest in the best players and facilities to keep the Premier League where it is today - the most watched domestic football competition in the world."
Sports minister Richard Caborn welcomed the deal as being good for grass-roots football. Caborn and culture secretary Tessa Jowell both met the European Commission last year during their dispute with the Premier League, to urge them to allow a collective agreement because of the positive benefits.
Caborn said: "This is good news. It shows the Premier League is the number one domestic league in world football and I'm also pleased because it means a massive boost for the grass-roots with the amount of money increasing from £15 million a year to around £38 million a year."
The £2.725 billion is made up of £1.7 billion for domestic rights sold to Sky and Setanta, £400 million from highlights for broadcast on the internet and mobile phones, plus the latest £625 million overseas rights deal. The overseas deal is around double that agreed for the current three-year global rights deal.
Scudamore has travelled to India and is expected to announce tomorrow a number of international football projects that the Premier League are due to finance as a result of the new TV deals.
The 20 teams competing in the Barclays Premiership will share in an astounding £2.725 billion pot over the next three seasons - 60 per cent or £1 billion more than the current three-year deal.
There will also be a positive spin-off with an extra £23 million, making a total of £38 million a year, being ploughed into grass-roots football.
Last season's champions Chelsea earned £30.4 million from Premier League TV money while bottom club Sunderland earned £16.8 million. From next season, the champions can expect to bring in close to £50 million and the side finishing bottom around £26 million.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "By focusing on the quality of the game, their players and their grounds, the clubs have produced a competition that people want to watch - both at matches and at home.
"That is the basis of our commercial success and I am confident that we will continue to invest in the best players and facilities to keep the Premier League where it is today - the most watched domestic football competition in the world."
Sports minister Richard Caborn welcomed the deal as being good for grass-roots football. Caborn and culture secretary Tessa Jowell both met the European Commission last year during their dispute with the Premier League, to urge them to allow a collective agreement because of the positive benefits.
Caborn said: "This is good news. It shows the Premier League is the number one domestic league in world football and I'm also pleased because it means a massive boost for the grass-roots with the amount of money increasing from £15 million a year to around £38 million a year."
The £2.725 billion is made up of £1.7 billion for domestic rights sold to Sky and Setanta, £400 million from highlights for broadcast on the internet and mobile phones, plus the latest £625 million overseas rights deal. The overseas deal is around double that agreed for the current three-year global rights deal.
Scudamore has travelled to India and is expected to announce tomorrow a number of international football projects that the Premier League are due to finance as a result of the new TV deals.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Preview
United Arab Emirates resident Thomas Bjorn believes local knowledge could help him scoop the first prize at this week's $2 million Abu Dhabi Championship.
"It's a highly competitive field brimming with the world's top players but I have a significant advantage...which might just swing it," the 35-year-old Dane said.
"As a UAE resident, whatever I can do to help raise the profile of the game in my adopted home is a massive incentive for me."
Bjorn, restricted by a foot injury when he tied for 24th place in 2006, will need to be at his best this week to eclipse the likes of world number eight Retief Goosen, ninth-ranked Padraig Harrington and number 11 Sergio Garcia.
Britain's Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie, Robert Karlsson of Sweden and American Chris DiMarco will also be chasing the first prize of $333,330 in the second edition of the tournament.
The biggest sporting event held in the UAE capital was won last year by DiMarco.
Playing in his first European Tour competition outside the majors and World Golf Championships, the New Yorker shot a closing 67 to edge out Sweden's Henrik Stenson by one stroke.
The big-hitting Stenson will bid to go one better when he returns to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for Thursday's opening round.
Harrington, who topped last year's European order of merit, is looking forward to his debut appearance in the tournament.
"I missed the inaugural event but the feedback was that Abu Dhabi was a lush, green environment quite at odds with common perceptions of desert landscapes," said the Irishman.
"It will be a great way to start my year."
World Match Play champion Casey and eight-times European number one Montgomerie will also be making their first competitive outings of 2007.
American Notah Begay III, who earned his European Tour card at qualifying school in November, returns to the circuit proper for the first time since 2000.
Begay was a room mate of Tiger Woods during their days at Stanford University.
"It's a highly competitive field brimming with the world's top players but I have a significant advantage...which might just swing it," the 35-year-old Dane said.
"As a UAE resident, whatever I can do to help raise the profile of the game in my adopted home is a massive incentive for me."
Bjorn, restricted by a foot injury when he tied for 24th place in 2006, will need to be at his best this week to eclipse the likes of world number eight Retief Goosen, ninth-ranked Padraig Harrington and number 11 Sergio Garcia.
Britain's Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie, Robert Karlsson of Sweden and American Chris DiMarco will also be chasing the first prize of $333,330 in the second edition of the tournament.
The biggest sporting event held in the UAE capital was won last year by DiMarco.
Playing in his first European Tour competition outside the majors and World Golf Championships, the New Yorker shot a closing 67 to edge out Sweden's Henrik Stenson by one stroke.
Harrington, who topped last year's European order of merit, is looking forward to his debut appearance in the tournament.
"I missed the inaugural event but the feedback was that Abu Dhabi was a lush, green environment quite at odds with common perceptions of desert landscapes," said the Irishman.
"It will be a great way to start my year."
World Match Play champion Casey and eight-times European number one Montgomerie will also be making their first competitive outings of 2007.
American Notah Begay III, who earned his European Tour card at qualifying school in November, returns to the circuit proper for the first time since 2000.
Begay was a room mate of Tiger Woods during their days at Stanford University.
Ivanovic unveils AO outfit
Serbian teenage tennis star, Ana Ivanovic, debuted her new adidas on-court outfit for Australian Open 2007 on a floating catwalk in Melbourne yesterday.
One of the most promising female players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Ivanovic’s performances have already seen her awarded the WTA’s most improved player for 2006 and finish last year at No.16 in the world.
“I love fashion but when I'm on court, fit and comfort are the most important. With adilibria I get both so I'm really happy," Ivanovic said.
Ivanovic was actively involved in the design of the adilibria tennis collection. She met with the adidas design team several times, providing input and feedback on a range of preliminary concept drawings.
She has also provided feedback on colours and silhouettes for future seasons.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Alonso tips himself to win title
Fernando Alonso believes he can win a third consecutive world title despite his move from Renault to McLaren.
The Spaniard, 25, said at the launch of McLaren's new car that his team were favourites to win the title, despite not winning a race last year.
"I have full confidence in ourselves," said the double world champion.
"All the information I have about the aerodynamics and engine is so promising that if it transfers to the track we will have a very good car."
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Football coach Kuhn crowned "Swiss of the Year"
Television viewers across the country have named the coach of the national football team, Jakob "Köbi" Kuhn, Swiss personality of 2006.
The 63-year-old Kuhn is the fifth winner of the main prize and succeeds Peter Sauber, the founder of Switzerland's former Formula One racing team.
Actress Stephanie Glaser and snowboard Olympic gold medallist Tanja Frieden came second and third respectively in Saturday's award ceremony in Zurich.
Kuhn said he was very pleased with the prize. "It's an award for the whole football team which did so well," he told the SonntagsBlick newspaper.
Kuhn took the Swiss squad to the last 16 at last year's football World Cup in Germany, where they lost to Ukraine after a penalty shoot-out.
The 63-year-old Kuhn is the fifth winner of the main prize and succeeds Peter Sauber, the founder of Switzerland's former Formula One racing team.
Actress Stephanie Glaser and snowboard Olympic gold medallist Tanja Frieden came second and third respectively in Saturday's award ceremony in Zurich.
Kuhn said he was very pleased with the prize. "It's an award for the whole football team which did so well," he told the SonntagsBlick newspaper.
Kuhn took the Swiss squad to the last 16 at last year's football World Cup in Germany, where they lost to Ukraine after a penalty shoot-out.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Clijsters Stops Jankovic Streak In Sydney
Kim Clijsters stopped the victory run of Jelena Jankovic, salvaging a match point to lift a second title in four years at the Medibank International on Friday.
The Belgian third seed used her experience to defeat the surging Serb who already owns a title in 2007 and brought a nine-match win streak into the final. Clijsters secured a 4-6, 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 win.
Clijsers saved a match point at 4-5 in the second set as a nervous Jankovic failed on two attempts to serve out the upset victory.
After more than two and a half hours, Clijsters moved through, securing her position as a title favourite at the Australian Open starting Monday.
The Belgian third seed used her experience to defeat the surging Serb who already owns a title in 2007 and brought a nine-match win streak into the final. Clijsters secured a 4-6, 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 win.
Clijsers saved a match point at 4-5 in the second set as a nervous Jankovic failed on two attempts to serve out the upset victory.
After more than two and a half hours, Clijsters moved through, securing her position as a title favourite at the Australian Open starting Monday.
Europe in command
Defending champions Europe got off to a flying start on the first day of the Royal Trophy, surging to a healthy 3 1/2-½ lead over Asia after the foursomes matches.
Seve Ballesteros's team, hoping to repeat their victory from the inaugural contest last year, made the early headway after three of their four partnerships registered convincing victories over the hosts at the Amata Springs Country Club.
Seve Ballesteros's team, hoping to repeat their victory from the inaugural contest last year, made the early headway after three of their four partnerships registered convincing victories over the hosts at the Amata Springs Country Club.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Beckham quits Real for LA
David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and join side Los Angeles Galaxy on a £128million ($250million) five-year deal.
The former England captain will leave Real in June and begin his new career in Major League Soccer in August.
Beckham said in a statement released to PA Sport: "This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.
"After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
"I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
The former England captain will leave Real in June and begin his new career in Major League Soccer in August.
Beckham said in a statement released to PA Sport: "This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.
"After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
"I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Malaysia F1 test
Malaysia's Sepang circuit will host an official Formula One test for the first time after the Australian season-opener in March. Sole supplier Bridgestone confirmed on Monday that they would be providing tyres for the rare session in the Far East from March 27-29.
The 11 teams, who have set up a committee to coordinate limited testing during the season, had sought a Malaysian test after the March 18 race in Melbourne to avoid the expense of shipping freight from Australia to Europe and then back to Malaysia.
This year's race at Sepang on April 8 comes three weeks after Melbourne, rather than just two in the past. Last season Malaysia hosted its race on the weekend immediately after the Bahrain season-opener.
Bahrain is this year's third race, on April 15.
>> 2007 Formula One season - The 2007 Formula One season will be the 58th FIA Formula One World Championship season. Scheduled to begin on 18 March, it will end on 21 October, after seventeen Grands Prix.
"Almost all of the teams are based in Europe and it would make sense for them to commit their personnel to test the cars in Sepang instead of flying them back to the other side of the globe," circuit spokesman Azhar Ghazali told Malaysia's Star newspaper website.
Teams have traditionally been limited to testing in Europe once the championship has started.
The 11 teams, who have set up a committee to coordinate limited testing during the season, had sought a Malaysian test after the March 18 race in Melbourne to avoid the expense of shipping freight from Australia to Europe and then back to Malaysia.
This year's race at Sepang on April 8 comes three weeks after Melbourne, rather than just two in the past. Last season Malaysia hosted its race on the weekend immediately after the Bahrain season-opener.
Bahrain is this year's third race, on April 15.
>> 2007 Formula One season - The 2007 Formula One season will be the 58th FIA Formula One World Championship season. Scheduled to begin on 18 March, it will end on 21 October, after seventeen Grands Prix.
"Almost all of the teams are based in Europe and it would make sense for them to commit their personnel to test the cars in Sepang instead of flying them back to the other side of the globe," circuit spokesman Azhar Ghazali told Malaysia's Star newspaper website.
Teams have traditionally been limited to testing in Europe once the championship has started.
Golf: Qatar line-up named
Former winner Ernie Els, world number eight Retief Goosen and 11th-ranked Sergio Garcia will compete for a record prize fund of $2.2 million at this month's Qatar Masters in Doha.
Britain's Darren Clarke, Paul Casey and Lee Westwood, Chris DiMarco of the U.S. and Swedish title holder Henrik Stenson have also confirmed their entries for the Jan. 25-28 event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
"I strongly believe, with the calibre of players we have lined up, this year's Qatar Masters has the strongest in-depth field of all the events being staged in the region," tournament manager Chris Myers told the European's Tour official website.
Officials said the 10th anniversary would bear no resemblance to past editions, with improved hospitality facilities and activities.
Unlike other tour events in the region, entrance is free of charge to the public.
"The Qatari Government is striving to cement the country's position as the sporting centre of the Middle East," said a spokesman for the tournament sponsors.
"The 2006 Asian Games, the recent Qatar Tennis Open and March's MotoGP are just three examples of that ambition."
The Qatar Masters champion will pick up a first prize of $366,660.
Britain's Darren Clarke, Paul Casey and Lee Westwood, Chris DiMarco of the U.S. and Swedish title holder Henrik Stenson have also confirmed their entries for the Jan. 25-28 event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
"I strongly believe, with the calibre of players we have lined up, this year's Qatar Masters has the strongest in-depth field of all the events being staged in the region," tournament manager Chris Myers told the European's Tour official website.
Officials said the 10th anniversary would bear no resemblance to past editions, with improved hospitality facilities and activities.
Unlike other tour events in the region, entrance is free of charge to the public.
"The Qatari Government is striving to cement the country's position as the sporting centre of the Middle East," said a spokesman for the tournament sponsors.
"The 2006 Asian Games, the recent Qatar Tennis Open and March's MotoGP are just three examples of that ambition."
The Qatar Masters champion will pick up a first prize of $366,660.
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