South Korean doubles star Lee Yong-dae and his new partner Shin Baek-choel are through to the semi-finals of the 2009 Yonex German Open after beating Japanese qualifiers Naoki Kawamae and Shoji Sato, 21-14, 12-21, and 21-15 yesterday. Today, the fifth-seeded pair will face England's Robert Blair and Chris Adcock.
In the mixed doubles event, Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung, having also advanced to the semi-final, will meet Zheng Bo and Ma Jin of China. The top-seeded pair beat Chris Adcock and Gabrielle White, 23-21, 21-15 in the quarter-final.
In the same event, Lee Hyo-jung and her women's doubles partner Lee Kyung-won will face Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei of China. They overcame Valeria Sorokina and Nina Vislova of Russia, 21-13, 18-21, and 21-15.
In the men's singles, Wong Choong Hann, seeded third, surprisingly lost to China's qualifier Chen Long 21-9, 19-21, and 16-21. Chen will meet fellow national Gong Weijie in the semi-final.
Saturday (2/28) semi-final fixtures:
Men's singles
1-Bao Chunlai (CHN) v. Eric Pang (NED)
Chen Long (CHN) v. Gong Weijie (CHN)
Women's singles
1-Zhu Lin (CHN) v. Judith Meulendijks (NED)
6-Wang Yihan (CHN) v. 2-Xu Huaiwen (GER)
Men's doubles
5-Lee Yong-dae/Shin Baek-choel (KOR) v. 2-Chris Adcock/Robert Blair (ENG)
6-Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan (USA) v. Kenichi Hayakawa/Kenta Kazuno (JPN)
Women's doubles
1-Lee Hyo-jung/Lee Kyung-won (KOR) v. 3-Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei (CHN)
2-Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung (KOR) v. Pan Pan/Tian Qing (CHN)
Mixed doubles
1-Lee Yong-dae/Lee Hyo-jung (KOR) v. Zheng Bo/Ma Jin (CHN)
5-Xu Chen/Zhao Yunlei (CHN) v. Flandy Limpele (INA)/Anastasia Russkikh (RUS)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Andy Roddick Claims Memphis Title
Top seed Andy Roddick clinches his first title this year by a 7-5, 7-5 triumph over Radek Stepanek. The Czech, who beat Roddick in San Jose semi-final, was lost in one hour and 45 minutes.
Roddick improved head to head 5-1 against Stepanek.
Roddick improved head to head 5-1 against Stepanek.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Roddick advances to Memphis semis
Andy Roddick pulled out a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Sam Querrey to advance to the Regions Morgan Championships semis.
Making his eighth quarter-final appearance at Memphis, top-seeded Roddick collected 11 aces, while the eighth-seeded Querrey powered 15 aces but also double faulted four times.
The world number six, Roddick continued his success in Memphis by converting two of his six break-point chances and winning 77 percent of his first-serve points.
Roddick, who is searching for his 27th career title and first since September in Beijing, won this event in 2002 and reached the finals on two other occasions.
To repeat those successes he will have to beat former world number 1 Lleyton Hewitt, who cruised to a 6-2 6-3 victory over Belgium's Christophe Rochus.
espnstar.com
Making his eighth quarter-final appearance at Memphis, top-seeded Roddick collected 11 aces, while the eighth-seeded Querrey powered 15 aces but also double faulted four times.
The world number six, Roddick continued his success in Memphis by converting two of his six break-point chances and winning 77 percent of his first-serve points.
Roddick, who is searching for his 27th career title and first since September in Beijing, won this event in 2002 and reached the finals on two other occasions.
To repeat those successes he will have to beat former world number 1 Lleyton Hewitt, who cruised to a 6-2 6-3 victory over Belgium's Christophe Rochus.
espnstar.com
Serena Lost in the Williams Battle, Razzano to the Final
Friday's semifinal in Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship was the 19th professional meeting between the sisters with Venus' 6-1 2-6 7-6 (7/3) victory giving her a 10-9 advantage - the first time she has led in the head-to-head series since 2002. Venus will face Virginie Razzano.
Razzano continued her incredible week by reaching the biggest final of her career. The Frenchwoman, ranked 58th in the world, had already beaten world number two Dinara Safina and number five Vera Zvonareva, and she had little trouble brushing aside 16th seed Kaia Kanepi today.
The Estonian broke in the first game but from then on Razzano took over, winning eight games in a row before easing to a 6-1 6-2 victory.
The 25-year-old won her two WTA Tour titles in 2007, in Guangzhou and Tokyo, and last reached a final in the same year.
Razzano said: "I didn't want to give her chances. It's me who is the boss today and if she wants to beat me she has to play better than me today. I wanted to do my best today to go to the final."
Razzano continued her incredible week by reaching the biggest final of her career. The Frenchwoman, ranked 58th in the world, had already beaten world number two Dinara Safina and number five Vera Zvonareva, and she had little trouble brushing aside 16th seed Kaia Kanepi today.
The Estonian broke in the first game but from then on Razzano took over, winning eight games in a row before easing to a 6-1 6-2 victory.
The 25-year-old won her two WTA Tour titles in 2007, in Guangzhou and Tokyo, and last reached a final in the same year.
Razzano said: "I didn't want to give her chances. It's me who is the boss today and if she wants to beat me she has to play better than me today. I wanted to do my best today to go to the final."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Roger Out of Dubai and Davis Cup
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer announced that he withdrew from both Dubai and the Davis Cup tie in the United States.
"This was a hard decision to make as I am missing not only one of my favorite events on tour in Dubai but I am also missing out on an opportunity to help my country try and move on to the next round of Davis Cup."
"After injuring my back last fall, I did not have enough time to strengthen it completely. As a precautionary measure, I will use the next few weeks to make sure the back injury is fully rehabilitated and I am ready for the rest of the 2009 season," said Federer.
Consequently, the rivalry in Dubai decreases as one of the best tennis player in the world is absent.
rogerfederer.com
"This was a hard decision to make as I am missing not only one of my favorite events on tour in Dubai but I am also missing out on an opportunity to help my country try and move on to the next round of Davis Cup."
"After injuring my back last fall, I did not have enough time to strengthen it completely. As a precautionary measure, I will use the next few weeks to make sure the back injury is fully rehabilitated and I am ready for the rest of the 2009 season," said Federer.
Consequently, the rivalry in Dubai decreases as one of the best tennis player in the world is absent.
rogerfederer.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Eduardo Shines Again!
Arsenal's long-missing striker Eduardo scored two goals as Arsenal dismissed Cardiff 4-0 in a repeated third-round match of the FA Cup. The Gunners, who had gone for a goalless draw in Cardiff's hometown Ninian Park, needed a win badly after being held in their two previous Premier League matches.
Arsenal dominated the match and created many shots, starting with Bendtner's chance only five minutes from the kick-off. He had another fine opportunity when Cardiff goalkeeper Tom Heaton fisted away Carlos Vela's ball, but his shot did not result in a goal.
In fact, it was Eduardo who was crowned with high praises. He scored his first goal in the 20th minute and the second through penalty in the 60th minute. The other two goals were scored by Nicklas Bendtner ('33) and Robin van Persie, Eduardo's substitute, in the 88th minute.
"It was the best day of my life," he said. "It was a special moment to score, very emotional. I celebrated by kissing my wedding ring - because my wife and daughter and family supported me right through this."
However, he is out for two weeks due to hamstring injury.
espnstar.com
Arsenal dominated the match and created many shots, starting with Bendtner's chance only five minutes from the kick-off. He had another fine opportunity when Cardiff goalkeeper Tom Heaton fisted away Carlos Vela's ball, but his shot did not result in a goal.
In fact, it was Eduardo who was crowned with high praises. He scored his first goal in the 20th minute and the second through penalty in the 60th minute. The other two goals were scored by Nicklas Bendtner ('33) and Robin van Persie, Eduardo's substitute, in the 88th minute.
"It was the best day of my life," he said. "It was a special moment to score, very emotional. I celebrated by kissing my wedding ring - because my wife and daughter and family supported me right through this."
However, he is out for two weeks due to hamstring injury.
espnstar.com
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Williams eases into the semi-final
World number one Serena Williams cruised into the semi-finals of the Open GDF SUEZ as the home favourites tumbled.
Williams, the Australian Open champion, was far too good for France's Emilie Loit this evening as she triumphed 6-4 6-1.
Loit is ranked 134th in the world and although she made a decent fist of things in the first set, she was broken four times in all by the in-form American.
Williams will next play third seed Elena Dementieva, who ended the hopes of another French player, Nathalie Dechy, with a 6-3 6-2 victory.
World number three Jelena Jankovic, however, was made to fight all the way by promising French teenager Alize Cornet before clinching a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win.
Amelie Mauresmo made sure it was not a whitewash of French players in today's final match, however, as the eighth seed set up a last-four clash with Jankovic by shocking world number 10 Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-0.
Williams, the Australian Open champion, was far too good for France's Emilie Loit this evening as she triumphed 6-4 6-1.
Loit is ranked 134th in the world and although she made a decent fist of things in the first set, she was broken four times in all by the in-form American.
Williams will next play third seed Elena Dementieva, who ended the hopes of another French player, Nathalie Dechy, with a 6-3 6-2 victory.
World number three Jelena Jankovic, however, was made to fight all the way by promising French teenager Alize Cornet before clinching a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win.
Amelie Mauresmo made sure it was not a whitewash of French players in today's final match, however, as the eighth seed set up a last-four clash with Jankovic by shocking world number 10 Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-0.
Four American to the Quarter-final of San Jose
American Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, James Blake, and Sam Querrey reach the San Jose quarter-final .
Top seed Roddick will face German Tommy Haas, after conquering Ernest Gulbis 6-3, 7-6 (3) .
Compatriot Mardy Fish advanced to quarter-final to compete against Juan Martin del Potro, who gain 6-2, 6-2 win over Japanese Kei Nishikori . Meanwhile, Fish beat another American, John Isner, in uneasy three sets, 6-2, 6-7 (4) 7-5.
James Blake book a quarter-final clash with six-seeded local player Sam Querrey. Blake downs Florent Serra of France 6-3, 6-4 while Querrey vanquished Denis Gremelmayr of Germany 6-3, 6-2.
Top seed Roddick will face German Tommy Haas, after conquering Ernest Gulbis 6-3, 7-6 (3) .
Compatriot Mardy Fish advanced to quarter-final to compete against Juan Martin del Potro, who gain 6-2, 6-2 win over Japanese Kei Nishikori . Meanwhile, Fish beat another American, John Isner, in uneasy three sets, 6-2, 6-7 (4) 7-5.
James Blake book a quarter-final clash with six-seeded local player Sam Querrey. Blake downs Florent Serra of France 6-3, 6-4 while Querrey vanquished Denis Gremelmayr of Germany 6-3, 6-2.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
German Open Grand Prix Draw
German Open will be the first European badminton tournament in 2009 season. It is going to start in February 24-March 9, 2009.
In the draw for the German Open released yesterday, Korean mixed doubles Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung become the top seed players.
They will not find difficult opponents to the road into final, because compatriot Han Sang-hoon/Hwang Yu-mi and Chinese Xu Chen/Zhao Yunlei are in the bottom half.
In the men's singles, Malaysia's Wong Choong Hann has avoided Bao Chunlai and must be through to the semi-finals. Choong Hann could find himself up against Chinese junior Gong Weijie if he makes the last four.
Korean men's doubles player Lee Yong-dae, who used to be Jung Jae-sung's partner and now the world number one, pairing with Jung, will play with his new partner Shin Baek-choel. This newly-formed doubles pair will be able to show their potential. They are likely to face second-seeded Chris Adcock and Robert Blair.
In the women's doubles, Korea has two pairs who became the two top seeds. They are Lee Hyo-jung/Lee Kyung-won and Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung.
First round selected match:
Men's singles
1-Bao Chunlai (CHN) vs. Yuhan Tan (BEL)
3-Wong Choong Hann (MAS) vs. Mattias Wigardt (SWE)
5-Andrew Smith (ENG) vs. David Snider (BEL)
Women's singles
1-Zhu Lin (CHN) vs. Olga Konon (POL)
2-Xu Huaiwen (GER) vs. Linda Zechiri (BUL)
3-Petya Nedeltcheva (BUL) vs. Larisa Griga (UKR)
Men's doubles
5-Lee Yong-dae/Shin Baek Chool (KOR) vs. Juergen Koch/Peter Zauner (AUT)
7-Hwang Ji-man/Han Sang-hoon (KOR) vs. Kenichi Hayakawa/Kenta Kazuno (JPN)
1-Richard Eidestedt/Andrew Ellis (ENG) vs. Adam Cwalina/Wojchiech Szkudlarczyk (POL)
Women's doubles
1-Lee Hyo-jung/Lee Kyung-won (KOR) vs. Sarah Bok/Gabrielle White (ENG)
2-Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung (KOR) vs. Laura Choinet/Weny Rahmawati (FRA)
3-Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei (CHN) vs. Huang Bing/Chloe Magee (IRL)
Mixed doubles
1-Lee Yong-dae/Lee Hyo-jung (KOR) vs. Wouter Claes/Nathalie Deschamps (BEL)
2-Rasmus Bonde/Helle Nielsen (DEN) vs. Mohd. Razif Abdul Latif/Woon Khe Wei (MAS)
3-David Lindley/Suzzane Rayapphan (ENG) vs. Flandy Limpele (INA)/Anastasia Russkikh (RUS)
In the draw for the German Open released yesterday, Korean mixed doubles Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung become the top seed players.
They will not find difficult opponents to the road into final, because compatriot Han Sang-hoon/Hwang Yu-mi and Chinese Xu Chen/Zhao Yunlei are in the bottom half.
In the men's singles, Malaysia's Wong Choong Hann has avoided Bao Chunlai and must be through to the semi-finals. Choong Hann could find himself up against Chinese junior Gong Weijie if he makes the last four.
Korean men's doubles player Lee Yong-dae, who used to be Jung Jae-sung's partner and now the world number one, pairing with Jung, will play with his new partner Shin Baek-choel. This newly-formed doubles pair will be able to show their potential. They are likely to face second-seeded Chris Adcock and Robert Blair.
In the women's doubles, Korea has two pairs who became the two top seeds. They are Lee Hyo-jung/Lee Kyung-won and Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung.
First round selected match:
Men's singles
1-Bao Chunlai (CHN) vs. Yuhan Tan (BEL)
3-Wong Choong Hann (MAS) vs. Mattias Wigardt (SWE)
5-Andrew Smith (ENG) vs. David Snider (BEL)
Women's singles
1-Zhu Lin (CHN) vs. Olga Konon (POL)
2-Xu Huaiwen (GER) vs. Linda Zechiri (BUL)
3-Petya Nedeltcheva (BUL) vs. Larisa Griga (UKR)
Men's doubles
5-Lee Yong-dae/Shin Baek Chool (KOR) vs. Juergen Koch/Peter Zauner (AUT)
7-Hwang Ji-man/Han Sang-hoon (KOR) vs. Kenichi Hayakawa/Kenta Kazuno (JPN)
1-Richard Eidestedt/Andrew Ellis (ENG) vs. Adam Cwalina/Wojchiech Szkudlarczyk (POL)
Women's doubles
1-Lee Hyo-jung/Lee Kyung-won (KOR) vs. Sarah Bok/Gabrielle White (ENG)
2-Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung (KOR) vs. Laura Choinet/Weny Rahmawati (FRA)
3-Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei (CHN) vs. Huang Bing/Chloe Magee (IRL)
Mixed doubles
1-Lee Yong-dae/Lee Hyo-jung (KOR) vs. Wouter Claes/Nathalie Deschamps (BEL)
2-Rasmus Bonde/Helle Nielsen (DEN) vs. Mohd. Razif Abdul Latif/Woon Khe Wei (MAS)
3-David Lindley/Suzzane Rayapphan (ENG) vs. Flandy Limpele (INA)/Anastasia Russkikh (RUS)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Andrei Arshavin at Arsenal!
Premier League outfit Arsenal have finally confirmed the signing of Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin.
The Gunners agreed a deal for the player with his former club, Zenit St Petersburg, just minutes before yesterday's 5pm transfer deadline and had to wait until today for the move to be ratified by the Premier League.
That has now been forthcoming and the 27-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee, signing what the north Londoners call a "long-term" contract.
Arsenal were forced to delay naming Arshavin as their player until late this afternoon as it was one of a number of transfers awaiting approval by the Premier League board because of administrative delays caused by the severe snow which crippled London's transport networks yesterday.
Zenit St. Petersburg receives £16.5 million for the transfer.
"Arsenal is one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager," declared Arshavin, who is likely to be allowed some time to build-up full match fitness after the Russian domestic season finished in November.
"I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great club win trophies.
"I am happy to be an Arsenal player, it was my dream."
Arshavin has always been keen to join the Gunners, and is reported to have been prepared to take a pay cut to push through the deal after flying into London by a privately-hired jet.
The Russian, who starred at Euro 2008, revealed the prospect of playing under Wenger played a big part in his decision.
"I moved because I like the Arsenal style, Wenger as a coach and I like some of their players," Arshavin said.
"Every time I talked to Arsene Wenger, he said: 'I want you to come to Arsenal'. He had confidence in me."
Arshavin, who has played 41 times for his country, admitted he was glad such a drawn-out transfer had finally been successfully completed.
"It was a very hard few days for me, but now it doesn't matter because I am a Gunner. It is great."
Arshavin, who will wear the number 23 shirt, is unlikely to make his debut in Sunday's north-London derby against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
The Russian believes it will take him up to two weeks to return to full fitness, but insisted he will have no problems adapting to the English game.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tears in Australian Open Final
The dear three-times Australian Open champion Roger Federer shed tears after a tough final match against Rafael Nadal. He fought hard but ultimately he was unable to carry home the Australian Open trophy.
On the podium, Federer said, "Hi, guys," and then broke down after a fan shouted, "I love you, Federer!" He couldn't continue and let the master of ceremonies to announce the winner.
Sunday (2/1) final results:
Mixed Doubles
Sania Mirza/Mahesh Bhupathi (IND) def. Nathalie Dechy (FRA)/Andy Ram (ISR) 6-3, 6-1
Men's singles
Roger Federer (SUI) def. by Rafael Nadal (ESP) 5-7, 6-3, 6-7 (3) 6-3, 2-6
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