We continue to see some great tennis going on down there in Melbourne.
This tournament has been a unique one-beginning with the Hit for Haiti campaign that was organized in a day's time, which raised almost half a million Australian Dollars.
Then, as early round action got underway, the rain came for a visit (it's January in Melbourne-it NEVER rains!) After the rain came the upsets. Sharapova was given a quick hike by her fellow compatriot Maria Kirilenko. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Robin Soderling, Flavia Pennetta, and Elena Dementieva all bounced by the second round.
Janina Wickmayer, the lady who fought her way into the semi-finals at last year's US Open, had reached the 4th round in Melbourne. Justine Henin, who is playing her first tournament in two years looks to be in great shape, beating seeds along the way to a 4th round berth. Her countrywoman Kim Clijsters hasn't had as much luck, losing yesterday to Nadia Petrova.
On the men's side, no big surprises so far. Del Potro had an exciting 5 setter earlier on, but everything's unfolding as expected. I would love to see Del Potro in the final again, but I really hope Federer will get to add to his 15 titles. That'll be exciting to watch!
-D
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Australia!
Can't believe it's that time of the year again!!
The 2010 Australian Open is starting on Monday!
The big stars are lined up for the big show once again and there's plenty of them in action on Day 1, including Nadal, Del Potro, Jankovic, Sharapova, Clijsters, Murray, Safina, the comeback girl Justine Henin, and a whole host of others. Interestingly, Peng Shuai and Zhang Jie are to face eachother in Round 1 (you probably don't care unless you're Chinese).
I think my pick for this tournament's final will be Federer vs. Del Potro again. That should be real interesting to see, but of course, Djokovic and Nadal always have a decent shot. But then again, remember what happened 2 years ago?
How Andy Murray starts his year will also be fascinating to watch. As we remember, he ran out of steam against Marin Cilic last year at the US Open, which was quite pathetic actually.
Otherwise, should be real exciting! Maybe there'll be another story like Oudin?
-D
PS Sorry for not posting for so long. Been very busy with school and other things.
The 2010 Australian Open is starting on Monday!
The big stars are lined up for the big show once again and there's plenty of them in action on Day 1, including Nadal, Del Potro, Jankovic, Sharapova, Clijsters, Murray, Safina, the comeback girl Justine Henin, and a whole host of others. Interestingly, Peng Shuai and Zhang Jie are to face eachother in Round 1 (you probably don't care unless you're Chinese).
I think my pick for this tournament's final will be Federer vs. Del Potro again. That should be real interesting to see, but of course, Djokovic and Nadal always have a decent shot. But then again, remember what happened 2 years ago?
How Andy Murray starts his year will also be fascinating to watch. As we remember, he ran out of steam against Marin Cilic last year at the US Open, which was quite pathetic actually.
Otherwise, should be real exciting! Maybe there'll be another story like Oudin?
-D
PS Sorry for not posting for so long. Been very busy with school and other things.
Friday, 1 January 2010
New Year's Thoughts
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVERBODY!!!!
Here's a little something I wrote a couple days ago, thought you might be interested:
So tomorrow is another New Year's Eve and the world will once again march into a new decade. That means that we've now finally lived a FULL AND COMPLETE decade on this planet. And boy am I living a different life than when this one began.
I was not even 7 years old at the time and it's pretty hard to believe I'll be turning 17 in a couple of months. A lot has happened in the world this decade and I think you've probably watched enough flashbacks on TV in the past week. Right now, as I usually do at the end of a year, I find myself a little sentimental about the time, the events, and the people that have gone by, but this year, I feel sentimental (and proud) more so for how much I've grown and matured in the past 10 years.
There have just been so many changes in my life since 2000. I could write all night about those. But I find it fascinating to think about how those changes have shaped me and will continue to shape me. It's amazing the different people I've met that have helped in that process. One of the things that has shaped me and changed me the most is all the friends that I have. I am inspired by them every single day and they make me see the world in a completely new way. I am grateful they have supported me throughout 2009 and I can say I love all of them like family.
It's scary to think that 10 years from now, I will be 26 turning 27. Wow. I mean, I'm having so much fun right now I really can't imagine living in a different environment. I have the best family and friends in the world. I love going to school and doing all that I do there. But in 10 years, I will be expected to have a university degree, a job, and perhaps a home of my own. I don't know about you, but that's pretty daunting.
On the other hand though, I do have a lot of dreams and aspirations for the coming decade. There's a ton of things I'm definitely looking forward to, but again, I love my life so much now I think it might be hard to move on. But anyhow, now is now; later is later. I will just be grateful for all that I have and be optimistic about the future with the help of my dreams.
I've generally been not too bad in terms of New Year's resolutions. For 2010, I'd like to finish a few things I didn't get a chance to finish this year and just to make the most of everyday. I know that sounds so cliché but I do feel excited to get out of bed every morning. What more can I ask for?
If there is one thing different about this New Year's Eve, it's that I don't feel very excited about it. I don't think that's because New Year's is in any way less significant for me, I just think it's because now, I've begun to cherish every other day of the year a lot more.
-D
Here's a little something I wrote a couple days ago, thought you might be interested:
So tomorrow is another New Year's Eve and the world will once again march into a new decade. That means that we've now finally lived a FULL AND COMPLETE decade on this planet. And boy am I living a different life than when this one began.
I was not even 7 years old at the time and it's pretty hard to believe I'll be turning 17 in a couple of months. A lot has happened in the world this decade and I think you've probably watched enough flashbacks on TV in the past week. Right now, as I usually do at the end of a year, I find myself a little sentimental about the time, the events, and the people that have gone by, but this year, I feel sentimental (and proud) more so for how much I've grown and matured in the past 10 years.
There have just been so many changes in my life since 2000. I could write all night about those. But I find it fascinating to think about how those changes have shaped me and will continue to shape me. It's amazing the different people I've met that have helped in that process. One of the things that has shaped me and changed me the most is all the friends that I have. I am inspired by them every single day and they make me see the world in a completely new way. I am grateful they have supported me throughout 2009 and I can say I love all of them like family.
It's scary to think that 10 years from now, I will be 26 turning 27. Wow. I mean, I'm having so much fun right now I really can't imagine living in a different environment. I have the best family and friends in the world. I love going to school and doing all that I do there. But in 10 years, I will be expected to have a university degree, a job, and perhaps a home of my own. I don't know about you, but that's pretty daunting.
On the other hand though, I do have a lot of dreams and aspirations for the coming decade. There's a ton of things I'm definitely looking forward to, but again, I love my life so much now I think it might be hard to move on. But anyhow, now is now; later is later. I will just be grateful for all that I have and be optimistic about the future with the help of my dreams.
I've generally been not too bad in terms of New Year's resolutions. For 2010, I'd like to finish a few things I didn't get a chance to finish this year and just to make the most of everyday. I know that sounds so cliché but I do feel excited to get out of bed every morning. What more can I ask for?
If there is one thing different about this New Year's Eve, it's that I don't feel very excited about it. I don't think that's because New Year's is in any way less significant for me, I just think it's because now, I've begun to cherish every other day of the year a lot more.
-D
Monday, 28 December 2009
End of Year Chat
It's the winter holidays.
I'm slightly bored. Don't have much to say.
But hey, the Raptors are on a four game winning streak! It's the first of their season. Their next game will be against Charlotte, which hopefully won't be a repeat of that blowout a few weeks back.
It would be awesome to say that the Raptors have found their groove, but honestly though, they were playing against a Detroit squad that was short of their biggest stars like Gordon and Prince. Besides, the Raptors nearly squandered their lead yesterday afternoon. They played so well defensively in the first half, limiting Detroit to 38% and leading by 18 at the half. But when the thrid quarter came, Detroit went on a scoring high, draining 57% of their shots. The Raps were lucky to hold them off for a 7 point victory.
It just seems that the Raptors' victories are so tenuous all the time, unless they're playing against teams like New Jersey. But hey, look at how the Leafs have turned around their season. It just shows that in sports, anything can happen.
Was watching bobsleight and skeleton the other day-looks really really dangerous.
I'm planning to go to this: http://www.hhof.com/html/exOlyGold.shtml this week. Seems like a really neat display.
-D
I'm slightly bored. Don't have much to say.
But hey, the Raptors are on a four game winning streak! It's the first of their season. Their next game will be against Charlotte, which hopefully won't be a repeat of that blowout a few weeks back.
It would be awesome to say that the Raptors have found their groove, but honestly though, they were playing against a Detroit squad that was short of their biggest stars like Gordon and Prince. Besides, the Raptors nearly squandered their lead yesterday afternoon. They played so well defensively in the first half, limiting Detroit to 38% and leading by 18 at the half. But when the thrid quarter came, Detroit went on a scoring high, draining 57% of their shots. The Raps were lucky to hold them off for a 7 point victory.
It just seems that the Raptors' victories are so tenuous all the time, unless they're playing against teams like New Jersey. But hey, look at how the Leafs have turned around their season. It just shows that in sports, anything can happen.
Was watching bobsleight and skeleton the other day-looks really really dangerous.
I'm planning to go to this: http://www.hhof.com/html/exOlyGold.shtml this week. Seems like a really neat display.
-D
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Torchfever
So last Thursday, the glorious Olympic torch came to town! And thanks to VANOC organizers, the torch route went right through my neighbourhood!But even more exciting, a Grade 12 student at my high school was a torchbearer along the route not too far down from our school. A lot of us went down there to cheer him on. Even a ton of teachers came too. It actually was a really big deal for all of us!
To see the Olympic flame on TV is one thing, but to see it in person is quite another. It was about 4 in the afternoon when our torchbearer came out along with the rest of the torchbearers along that particular stretch. Everyone was so excited. We were taking pictures, waving flags...it was true Canadian pride at work.
And then we made our way out to where Imad (our torchbearer) was supposed to begin his run. After more picture taking, the police cars and torch motorcade started coming down the road. Everyone was jumpy and restless. And then came the flame. I got goosebumps watching the exchange, and it wasn't from the cold either.
The most exciting part of the day was actually running alongside Imad as he jogged his 300 metres. It was quite epic to see the 50 or so supporters that came out, all running alongside him. As I was running, I was thinking to myself: This is soooo cool!!
So after about a minute or two, Imad finished his run. He passed the flame on to the next torchbearer. And all of us just stood there in awe, not able to stop ourselves from smiling and cheering. This experience was just so awesome for everybody. I mean, when's the next time any of us will be able to run alongside the Olympic flame?
-D
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Roy Halladay/Olympic Torch
Today, Roy Halladay ended his Blue Jays career by putting on a Phillies cap in front of a plethora of inquisitive reporters. I can't say I was surprised but I'm very happy Roy's not in the AL East. Hopefully, he'll get a run at a championship that he so deserves but hopefully, when the Doc makes his return to the Rogers Centre perhaps next summer, the fans will give him a standing ovation even if the cap he tips will be a Phillies.
Cliff Lee was traded to the Mariners in the Halladay deal. That should make the West very interesting. Speaking of the West, Hideki Matsui signed on with the Angels for a one year deal today. John Lackey and Mike Cameron both signed with the Red Sox. I don't expect the Jays to compete next year, but hopefully, their year will come. Boy is a lot happening in baseball!
Tomorrow, the Olympic torch is set to be relayed not too far from where I live. On top of that, we have a student from our school who will be running the torch. That's really really exciting and we'll definitely be there to cheer him on!! In the evening, I will also be making my way down to Toronto City Hall for the celebration event.
Will post pics of the exciting stuff later!
-D
Cliff Lee was traded to the Mariners in the Halladay deal. That should make the West very interesting. Speaking of the West, Hideki Matsui signed on with the Angels for a one year deal today. John Lackey and Mike Cameron both signed with the Red Sox. I don't expect the Jays to compete next year, but hopefully, their year will come. Boy is a lot happening in baseball!
Tomorrow, the Olympic torch is set to be relayed not too far from where I live. On top of that, we have a student from our school who will be running the torch. That's really really exciting and we'll definitely be there to cheer him on!! In the evening, I will also be making my way down to Toronto City Hall for the celebration event.
Will post pics of the exciting stuff later!
-D
Friday, 11 December 2009
Recapping My 2009 Predictions
So this year, on January 2nd, which actually seems like yesterday, I posted 10 predictions on what I thought might happen in the world of sports in 2009.Well...let's see how I did.
1. With the why they're playing, Team Canada will win the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Canada indeed did, capturing their 5th straight Junior Hockey Title! In a short few weeks, we'll be looking at Team Canada on the ice again, trying for their 6th consecutive gold.
2. Brian Burke proves to be the magical potion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, turning that team around, and bringing them to the playoffs.
The Leafs were...well, the Leafs once again this year. They failed to make the 2008-2009 postseason, and though Burke has made some significant moves, it's probably doubtful that they will make the postseason next April. But who knows, we've bounced back from a 0-7-1 start and are now only 5 points out of the 8th playoff spot.
3. The Boston Celtics, lead by the Big Three, repeats as NBA Champions.
They were good, but not good enough, as the Orlando Magics beat them in a tough and exciting series in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. This year, it looks like they are good again, but potentially not good enough. But you never know what might happen down the road.
4. Usain Bolt will break his own World Record in the 100 M Sprint...again. Do I dare say at the World Athletic Championships in Berlin?
I was so happy that Bolt proved me right. Boy, that man is just so fast-shaving more than .1 of a second off his own record. The new mark is now set at 9.58...how low can he go?
5. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal continue to rule the tennis world, splitting the four grand slams. Federer takes the Aussie Open and reclaims Wimbledon. Nadal takes Roland Garros and breaks through in Flushing Meadows.
Nadal had a fabulous start to the tennis season, but an injury bug bit him hard, forcing him out early at the Roland Garros and missing the entire Wimbledon tournee. Federer did win 2 Grand Slams, but it was the French and the Wimbledon instead of the Aussie. Nadal met with kid star Juan Martin Del Potro in the semis in New York and succumbed to the eventual champion in straight sets.
6. In the 2009 World Aquatic Championships, Michael Phelps goes with a less rigorous program and takes home 4 gold medals.
He did go with a less rigorous program and still walked away with 5 golds. Now that there seems to be some competition in the swimming arena, London 2012 should be really fun.
7. The National League, after more than a decade, finally takes the MLB All Star Game in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
The NL players went down in defeat again. The AL team struck first, then lost the lead, before retiring 18 straight NL batters and squeezing in 2 runs of their own. It was the shortest ASG in 21 years, at 2 hours and 31 minutes. At least we saw President Obama throw out a first pitch.
8. Japan wins their second straight title in the World Baseball Classic.
YES THEY DID!
9. Liu Xiang audaciously comes back from his defeat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to reclaim the World Champion title, beating Dayron Rubles by a hair.
Liu Xiang's Achilles heal is still recovering from the 2008 injury he suffered in Beijing. So even though he didn't get to run on a track against Rubles this year, you can be sure that Liu will be back in shape for 2010.
10. Nastia Liukin once again beats her teammate Shawn Johnson at the 2009 World Gymnastic Championships for the Women's All-Around gold medal.
Yes, it was the Americans atop the podiums but it wasn't Liukin and Johnson. Instead, Bridget Sloan winning the gold and Bridget Bross winning the silver.
So this year, I went 3-10. That's better than '08 and come 2010, I'll be pumping out 10 more of those predictions.
-D
Sunday, 6 December 2009
It's December!
There's like three weeks left in 2009! That's unbelievable.
It's also quite unbelievable that the Leafs are catching up to the Raptors' record! Though if the Raptors can play like they did last night against the Bulls, I think the Leafs might have a hard time keeping pace.
The Roy Halladay rumours are still circulating. There's talk that he may be traded to the Yankees for Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes. That would be a fatal mistake for Alex Anthopoulos. If Doc is to be traded, then the least he could do is send him out of this division so the Jays aren't victims of their own boobytraps.
It's also quite unbelievable that the Leafs are catching up to the Raptors' record! Though if the Raptors can play like they did last night against the Bulls, I think the Leafs might have a hard time keeping pace.
The Roy Halladay rumours are still circulating. There's talk that he may be traded to the Yankees for Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes. That would be a fatal mistake for Alex Anthopoulos. If Doc is to be traded, then the least he could do is send him out of this division so the Jays aren't victims of their own boobytraps.
There's a lot of Olympic fever right now in Canada. The torch is making its rounds through cities and towns across this great land. I think this weekend, the flame is in Montreal. In a short 10 days time, it will be in Toronto!! I'm really excited, and last night, I found out something that almost made me pee in my pants.
As it turns out, VANOC just released their detailed street route of the torch relay in Toronto last Friday. I took a look at it, and on Thursday, December 17, the torch is slated to go right by where I live. Now, that's exciting! It will be after school's out too, so I definitely look forward to making the 5 minute walk to see the torch go through my neighbourhood.
There will also be an event that evening at Nathan Phillips Square, which should be really exciting and jam packed with people. Plus, it'll be the second last day of school before the holiday break! Can you blame me for being excited?!
-D
P.S. When's it gonna start snowing here in TO?
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