So...Djokovic is the Aussie Open champ! He beat Scot Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. I can't say I expected him to win from the start, but he was the better player in the final. Murray too played some good shots, but all the times when he broke the Serb's serve, it was evened out. Murray was not too happy with himself when he made a lot of unforced errors. Murray's mother was present in the crowd, rooting for him and saying 'Come On!'! This is Djokovic's second Grand Slam title. He dedicated the win to his country Serbia, which is having a lot of trouble, and are also the holders of the Davis Cup.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Clijsters wins Women's Singles!
Kim Clijsters has won her second Grand Slam in a row! The Belgian beat China's Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Li Na started off really well, but then seemed to get a little exasperated when Clijsters hit a few good shots. Clijsters in the presentation ceremony thanked a lot of people, and said that now she can really be called 'Aussie Kim'. She has a large fan following in the nation.
The Indian Express was later derailed in the men's doubles final by the Bryan brothers. They were beaten in two sets. Lee-Hesh haven't played Grand Slams together for nearly ten years now however, and reaching the final is a great way to come back. Bhupathi said, after the match, 'It has taken the best team in the world to beat us.' So true!
The men's singles final is starting in a few minutes. I'm gonna support Murray.
The Indian Express was later derailed in the men's doubles final by the Bryan brothers. They were beaten in two sets. Lee-Hesh haven't played Grand Slams together for nearly ten years now however, and reaching the final is a great way to come back. Bhupathi said, after the match, 'It has taken the best team in the world to beat us.' So true!
The men's singles final is starting in a few minutes. I'm gonna support Murray.
Friday, January 28, 2011
AO Semis. FedEx's out!
The semis of the Australian Open are over. The biggest upset that the latest round threw up was, of course, Roger Federer losing in straight sets to World No.3 Novak Djokovic. The Serb came out on top after a facile 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over the Swiss holder. Federer, in the interview after the match, was rather cheerful, stating that he was playing well and in good shape, only Novak was better that day, as opposed to how upset Nadal was after his loss the previous day.
The other men's singles semifinal featured an expected Andy Murray win over David Ferrer. The Spaniard won the first set, but the World No. 5 bounced back quickly, winning the next three sets. The Scot won 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 7-6. The game was full of even breaks.
In the women's singles semifinals, No.1 Caroline Wozniacki lost to Chinese Li Na 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. Kim Clijsters beat No. 2 Vera Zvonareva in straight sets. Clijsters is expected to win what she thinks will be her last Australian Open final. She is 27 while ninth seed Li Na is 28.
In the Men's Doubles semis, Paes-Bhupathi beat second-seeded Mirnyi-Nestor in a three-setter. They will be playing the top seeded Bryan twins, who beat Butorac-Rojer, in the final today.
Dulko and Penneta won the Women's doubles event.
The other men's singles semifinal featured an expected Andy Murray win over David Ferrer. The Spaniard won the first set, but the World No. 5 bounced back quickly, winning the next three sets. The Scot won 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 7-6. The game was full of even breaks.
In the women's singles semifinals, No.1 Caroline Wozniacki lost to Chinese Li Na 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. Kim Clijsters beat No. 2 Vera Zvonareva in straight sets. Clijsters is expected to win what she thinks will be her last Australian Open final. She is 27 while ninth seed Li Na is 28.
In the Men's Doubles semis, Paes-Bhupathi beat second-seeded Mirnyi-Nestor in a three-setter. They will be playing the top seeded Bryan twins, who beat Butorac-Rojer, in the final today.
Dulko and Penneta won the Women's doubles event.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
NADAL LOST!!!!!!! Round-up of Oz Open Quarters
The biggest shock of the day was, of course, Rafa Nadal going down in straight sets to his countryman David Ferrer. Nadal was obviously not at his best, nor was his health the best, and was pretty shattered when he lost. Hopes of a Rafa Slam were lost. David Ferrer seemed more confident and better, at least today, than the World No. 1.
Andy Murray did not have too much trouble in finishing giant-killer Alex Dolgopolov. The latter had beaten Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling in the previous two rounds, but the Ukrainian could not survive the four-setter against Murray. The Scot will be playing Ferrer in the semis.
Francesca Schiavone, who played in the longest women's match in a Slam, was knocked out by top seed Wozniacki in three sets. Li Na beat Germany's Andrea Petkovic in straight sets. In the semis, Li Na and Wozniacki will be playing each other, while Zvonareva will be playing Clijsters.
The Indian Express beat Llodra/Zimonjic 6-4, 6-4. They'll be playing second-seeded Mirnyi/Nestor in the semis. The Bryan twins won their match in straight sets too, and will be playing Rojer/Butorac for a place in the final.
Nadal refused to give any excuses for his loss to his compatriot. He was evidently in pain throughout the match, but he did not want to retire as he had done last year. He said Ferrer was the better player today (and I agree).
Four people remaining. One winner.
Andy Murray did not have too much trouble in finishing giant-killer Alex Dolgopolov. The latter had beaten Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling in the previous two rounds, but the Ukrainian could not survive the four-setter against Murray. The Scot will be playing Ferrer in the semis.
Francesca Schiavone, who played in the longest women's match in a Slam, was knocked out by top seed Wozniacki in three sets. Li Na beat Germany's Andrea Petkovic in straight sets. In the semis, Li Na and Wozniacki will be playing each other, while Zvonareva will be playing Clijsters.
The Indian Express beat Llodra/Zimonjic 6-4, 6-4. They'll be playing second-seeded Mirnyi/Nestor in the semis. The Bryan twins won their match in straight sets too, and will be playing Rojer/Butorac for a place in the final.
Nadal refused to give any excuses for his loss to his compatriot. He was evidently in pain throughout the match, but he did not want to retire as he had done last year. He said Ferrer was the better player today (and I agree).
Four people remaining. One winner.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
European Leagues Review
Time for some football. Here's a review of the weekend matches in the major European leagues.
English Premier League.
Manchester United pulled off an expected win against Birmingham City 5-0, with Berbatov scoring yet another hat-trick, his third this season, with ever-red Giggs and Nani scoring the other two goals. Chelsea seem to be back in the form they were looking for, with a 4-0 win away at Bolton. Drogba, Anelka, Malouda and Ramires scored for the Blues. Arsenal beat Wigan 3-0 at home, Robin van Persie scoring a hat-trick. Liverpool beat Wolves away 3-0.
La Liga.
Barcelona continued their unbeaten run witha 3-0 win over Racing, Pedro, Messi and Iniesta doing the scoring. Real Madrid remained for points behind with a 1-0 win over Mallorca, the lone goal being netted by Benzema.
Bundesliga.
Holders Bayern Munich moved up to third with a 5-1 win over Kaiserslautern. Leaders Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by Stuttgart. Schalke 04 beat Hannover 96 1-0, while Werder Bremen lost to FC Koln 3-0.
Serie A.
UEFA Champions League holders were beaten 3-1 by Udinese, their first loss under new coach Leonardo. Leaders AC Milan beat Cesena at home 2-0, while Juventus were held to a goalless draw by Sampdoria. Napoli and Roma won their matches against Bari and Cagliari respectively, while Lazio lost to Bologna 3-1.
English Premier League.
Manchester United pulled off an expected win against Birmingham City 5-0, with Berbatov scoring yet another hat-trick, his third this season, with ever-red Giggs and Nani scoring the other two goals. Chelsea seem to be back in the form they were looking for, with a 4-0 win away at Bolton. Drogba, Anelka, Malouda and Ramires scored for the Blues. Arsenal beat Wigan 3-0 at home, Robin van Persie scoring a hat-trick. Liverpool beat Wolves away 3-0.
La Liga.
Barcelona continued their unbeaten run witha 3-0 win over Racing, Pedro, Messi and Iniesta doing the scoring. Real Madrid remained for points behind with a 1-0 win over Mallorca, the lone goal being netted by Benzema.
Bundesliga.
Holders Bayern Munich moved up to third with a 5-1 win over Kaiserslautern. Leaders Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by Stuttgart. Schalke 04 beat Hannover 96 1-0, while Werder Bremen lost to FC Koln 3-0.
Serie A.
UEFA Champions League holders were beaten 3-1 by Udinese, their first loss under new coach Leonardo. Leaders AC Milan beat Cesena at home 2-0, while Juventus were held to a goalless draw by Sampdoria. Napoli and Roma won their matches against Bari and Cagliari respectively, while Lazio lost to Bologna 3-1.
Oz Open - Round 4
So........the Round 4 of The Aus Open is over!! The big surprise in the men's singles is Robin Soderling going down to Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov. Soderling lost 6-1, 3-6, 1-6, 6-4, 2-6 in a closely contested five-setter. The rest of the big names are all in, save for Andy Roddick who went down in straight sets to Chennai Open champ Stan Wawrinka. FedEx played a four-setter against Tommy Robredo. He eventually won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, but dropping three sets in two rounds is not characteristic Federer. Nadal beat No. 15 Marin Cilic in straight sets and is still firm fave to win the title and complete his 'Rafa Slam'.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, The women's singles fourth round featured a marathon match lasting over four-and-a-half hours. Francesca Schiavone came out on top. Top seed Wozniacki, No.2 Zvonareva and #3 Clijsters all made it through to the quarters.
In the third round of the men's doubles, Lee-Hesh beat Granollers-Robredo 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The Indo-Pak Express however went down fighting to Llodra-Zimonjic in three sets.
The players remaining are fewer and the SCORES section in the newspapers shorter. Who will stick it out till the end and claim the title?
As I mentioned in an earlier post, The women's singles fourth round featured a marathon match lasting over four-and-a-half hours. Francesca Schiavone came out on top. Top seed Wozniacki, No.2 Zvonareva and #3 Clijsters all made it through to the quarters.
In the third round of the men's doubles, Lee-Hesh beat Granollers-Robredo 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The Indo-Pak Express however went down fighting to Llodra-Zimonjic in three sets.
The players remaining are fewer and the SCORES section in the newspapers shorter. Who will stick it out till the end and claim the title?
Monday, January 24, 2011
India lost 5th ODI!!
India has lost the final ODI, the one that decided the whole series, including perhaps the Test series which was drawn 1-1.
India allowed SA to get to 250 in a match that was again interrupted by rain. I believe at that point, when India allowed Amla to whack and when SA had crossed 200 with seven wickets in hand. Amla scored an unbeaten 116 of 132 balls and naturally was awarded man of the match.
India started off badly, losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leaving the field early. India was without Sachin, Sehwag and Gambhir, and many of the other reputed batsmen fell for single-digit scores, with Raina managing a double-digit score, but only just. Yusuf Pathan launched a blitzkrieg suddenly, raising India's batteres hopes,with 8 sixes and 8 fours in his 105 off 70 balls. After a spate of sixes, he attempted one more and the sinking ball was promptly pouched by du Plessis. Zak and Munaf were batting and they needed less than five runs an over to win, but tail-enders as they are, Zaheer swung unnecessarily at a ball which was caught easily by a jubilant Morne Morkel.
India's dreams of winning an ODI series on South Africa were thwarted again.
India allowed SA to get to 250 in a match that was again interrupted by rain. I believe at that point, when India allowed Amla to whack and when SA had crossed 200 with seven wickets in hand. Amla scored an unbeaten 116 of 132 balls and naturally was awarded man of the match.
India started off badly, losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leaving the field early. India was without Sachin, Sehwag and Gambhir, and many of the other reputed batsmen fell for single-digit scores, with Raina managing a double-digit score, but only just. Yusuf Pathan launched a blitzkrieg suddenly, raising India's batteres hopes,with 8 sixes and 8 fours in his 105 off 70 balls. After a spate of sixes, he attempted one more and the sinking ball was promptly pouched by du Plessis. Zak and Munaf were batting and they needed less than five runs an over to win, but tail-enders as they are, Zaheer swung unnecessarily at a ball which was caught easily by a jubilant Morne Morkel.
India's dreams of winning an ODI series on South Africa were thwarted again.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Aus Open 3rd Round, Longest Match in Women's
The 3rd Round of Aus Open is over. The top 8 seeds are through to round fourof the men's singles. Favourite Nadal won his match against Tomic 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. FedEx beat Chennai Open finalist Xavier Malisse 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. Viktor Troicki retired hurt against No.3 Djokovic. Marin Cilic beat John Isner in a five-setter 4-6, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6, 9-7.
11th seed Justine Henin lost surprisingly to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 7-6. Venus Williams retired hurt after just one game against German Andrea Petkovic. Kim Clijsters beat Alize Cornet 7-6, 6-3 with ease while Vera Zvonareva beat Lucie Safarova 6-3, 7-6.
I just witnessed the longest match in women's Grand Slam history finish. Francesca Schiavone beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 in an epic match at Hisense Arena that lasted 4 hours and 44 minutes - a world record. Schiavone saved a remarkable six match points before converting her third. After 4 hours and 44 minutes - Game, Set and Match!!
Our Lee-Hesh are to play Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo, a Spanish duo which is seeded 13th. If Bopanna and Qureshi beat Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic, there will be an Indian Express vs Indo-Pak Express quarterfinal clash!
One week of exciting hard court tennis to go. Who will win??
11th seed Justine Henin lost surprisingly to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 7-6. Venus Williams retired hurt after just one game against German Andrea Petkovic. Kim Clijsters beat Alize Cornet 7-6, 6-3 with ease while Vera Zvonareva beat Lucie Safarova 6-3, 7-6.
I just witnessed the longest match in women's Grand Slam history finish. Francesca Schiavone beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 in an epic match at Hisense Arena that lasted 4 hours and 44 minutes - a world record. Schiavone saved a remarkable six match points before converting her third. After 4 hours and 44 minutes - Game, Set and Match!!
Our Lee-Hesh are to play Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo, a Spanish duo which is seeded 13th. If Bopanna and Qureshi beat Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic, there will be an Indian Express vs Indo-Pak Express quarterfinal clash!
One week of exciting hard court tennis to go. Who will win??
Friday, January 21, 2011
India - SA 4th ODI
India has lost a match to SA which was interrupted by rain! SA scored 265 in 50 overs, aided by JP Duminy's unbeaten 71 off 72 balls and Hashim Amla's 64 off 69 balls. Yuvi took an unexpected 3 for 34 with a commendable economy of 4.25, but some other reputed bowlers like Zaheer, Munaf and Bhajji got hit with and economy of above six.
India was set a target of 191 from 32.5 overs, one that they could have got easily if they played like they play in T20. Virat Kohli got stranded on 87 not out as India couls only manage 142 in 32.5 overs for six wickets. Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who starred in SA's first win, picked up two wickets for 25 runs. Four of the six wickets were catches.
The 5-match series is now level at 2-2. The virtual final will be played on Sunday, January 23.
India was set a target of 191 from 32.5 overs, one that they could have got easily if they played like they play in T20. Virat Kohli got stranded on 87 not out as India couls only manage 142 in 32.5 overs for six wickets. Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who starred in SA's first win, picked up two wickets for 25 runs. Four of the six wickets were catches.
The 5-match series is now level at 2-2. The virtual final will be played on Sunday, January 23.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Australian Open
The Australian Open has finished two rounds. I expect Nadal to win the men's even and Clijsters to win the women's trophy, but there can always be upsets. If Nadal wins he will be holding all four Slams, but not is a calendar year (a 'Rafa Slam'!). Many tennis purists including FedEx agree this is not a proper Grand Slam, but 4 Slams in a row is not a joke. I find it surprising the Wozniacki is the top seed even though she has never won any Slams. I guess Clijsters or maybe Zvonareva will win, because they have that winning material which Wozniacki is yet to find.
del Potro has recently returned from injury, and he just lost to Marcos Baghdatis. That's sad, it's not a great comeback to lose in the second round. Federer also seemed to have some hiccups facing Gilles Simon. He'll be playing Chennai Open finalist Xavier Malisse. Nadal has nemesis Robin Soderling is his half, who I expect he'll play in the semis. If Federer gets that far, he'll probably play Davis Cup winner Novak Djokovic, if the latter survives countryman Viktor Troicki. Last year's finalist Andy Murray could also pose a threat.
As for the women's draw, top seed Wozniacki has Venus Williams and French Open holder Francesca Schiavone in her half, while no.2 Vera Zvonareva has Kim Clijsters and Samantha Stosur. If the above six and Sharapova and Justine Henin make it to the quarters, they promise to be exciting.
Our Chennai Open men Lee-Hesh are seeded 3rd and will soon be playing Lopez-Monaco, an unseeded pair from Spain and Argentina.
Looking forward to a great week of tennis ahead. May the best players win!
del Potro has recently returned from injury, and he just lost to Marcos Baghdatis. That's sad, it's not a great comeback to lose in the second round. Federer also seemed to have some hiccups facing Gilles Simon. He'll be playing Chennai Open finalist Xavier Malisse. Nadal has nemesis Robin Soderling is his half, who I expect he'll play in the semis. If Federer gets that far, he'll probably play Davis Cup winner Novak Djokovic, if the latter survives countryman Viktor Troicki. Last year's finalist Andy Murray could also pose a threat.
As for the women's draw, top seed Wozniacki has Venus Williams and French Open holder Francesca Schiavone in her half, while no.2 Vera Zvonareva has Kim Clijsters and Samantha Stosur. If the above six and Sharapova and Justine Henin make it to the quarters, they promise to be exciting.
Our Chennai Open men Lee-Hesh are seeded 3rd and will soon be playing Lopez-Monaco, an unseeded pair from Spain and Argentina.
Looking forward to a great week of tennis ahead. May the best players win!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Blog! On CWC also
I can't believe I've got a blog! Anyway since it's about sport let me start off.
The Cricket World Cup is here in 31 days, and naturally everyone is looking forward to it. There are 14 nations after one World Cup. Who will win? For once the Aussies seem to be having a little trouble in getting their team together and are not really among the hot favourites. England has been doing rather well lately, and South Africa boasts of some really good players like Kallis and Steyn. India of course have home support (and the pressure that comes with it) and a balanced side of young and experienced players. Sri Lanka also have a good side that can win!
So who will win the World Cup? We'll have to wait till April to find out.
The Cricket World Cup is here in 31 days, and naturally everyone is looking forward to it. There are 14 nations after one World Cup. Who will win? For once the Aussies seem to be having a little trouble in getting their team together and are not really among the hot favourites. England has been doing rather well lately, and South Africa boasts of some really good players like Kallis and Steyn. India of course have home support (and the pressure that comes with it) and a balanced side of young and experienced players. Sri Lanka also have a good side that can win!
So who will win the World Cup? We'll have to wait till April to find out.
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