FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CANADIAN OLYMPIC HISTORY, A CANADIAN ATHLETE HAS WON A GOLD MEDAL ON HOME SOIL!!!!!
I can already see the headlines tomorrow morning-GOLD FOR CANADA, THE DROUGHT IS OVER, 33 YEARS IN THE MAKING-whatever it is, the wait is FINALLY over. Alexandre Bilodeau, a 22 year old moguls World Cup champion from Rosemère, Quebec snagged the gold with a nearly perfect run down Cypress Mountain.
He was the second last to go but the crowd went wild as the scores went up. Frenchman Colas then came roaring down the hill with a sub-23 run. It was nervewracking to wait for HIS scores, but in the end, a misstepped jump resulted in a major deduction. And as the scores showed him to be in 6th place, the crowd went absolutely beserk!
They chanted Bilodeau's name! They chanted CA-NA-DA! CA-NA-DA! Boy, I even had tears in my eyes!! What an evening! What a performance! I can't wait for that "O Canada" tomorrow night!!
-D
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Under the Rain
Under a cloudy sky, fog, and heavy rain last night at Cypress Mountain, Jennifer Heil, the woman that I thought was going to break Canada's gold medal drought on home soil, snagged a silver. She had a great run for sure, but Hannah Kearney of the US (who is half-Canadian by the way) just had a better one.
After her second jump, Heil had a bit of a stumble on the landing but Kearney was nearly flawless, faster, and got more air. Kearney completely deserved it, but I am quite disappointed that our gold medal drought continues.
As for today, long track speed skating will be starting shortly. It's the ladies 3000 M final, featuring a slew of Canadians-Kristina Groves, Cindy Klassen, and Clara Hughes. Groves is probably our best medal hopeful for this event. Klassen, while probably the fan favourite, is not in her best form due to various injuries over the past few years. Nonetheless, that should be an exciting one, starting at 4 Eastern.
Later tonight, there's more moguls action, this time for the men. There are 3 Canadians in the medal mix, the favourite of which for a medal is Alexandre Bilodeau. It'll be interesting to see the Canadian reaction to Dale Begg-Smith, a Vancouverite-turned-Australian who ealier this week said this is not his home. While I like him as a skier, I think anybody with that kind of attitude is haughty and arrogant.
Charles Hamelin had a chance to medal yesterday in the 1500, but apparently, that wasn't even his best event. So hopefully, he'll have better luck the next couple of events.
Check in often!
-D
After her second jump, Heil had a bit of a stumble on the landing but Kearney was nearly flawless, faster, and got more air. Kearney completely deserved it, but I am quite disappointed that our gold medal drought continues.
As for today, long track speed skating will be starting shortly. It's the ladies 3000 M final, featuring a slew of Canadians-Kristina Groves, Cindy Klassen, and Clara Hughes. Groves is probably our best medal hopeful for this event. Klassen, while probably the fan favourite, is not in her best form due to various injuries over the past few years. Nonetheless, that should be an exciting one, starting at 4 Eastern.
Later tonight, there's more moguls action, this time for the men. There are 3 Canadians in the medal mix, the favourite of which for a medal is Alexandre Bilodeau. It'll be interesting to see the Canadian reaction to Dale Begg-Smith, a Vancouverite-turned-Australian who ealier this week said this is not his home. While I like him as a skier, I think anybody with that kind of attitude is haughty and arrogant.
Charles Hamelin had a chance to medal yesterday in the 1500, but apparently, that wasn't even his best event. So hopefully, he'll have better luck the next couple of events.
Check in often!
-D
Friday, 12 February 2010
Let Canada's Games Begin
12:14 AM: Gretzky lights the cauldron in Jack Poole Square. There are tears in the eyes of the crowd that has gathered in the square. What a moment and though it wasn't very dramatic by any means, it is an amazing end to the flame's amazing journey through this country. Just seeing all those people on the downtown streets in Vancouver sums up what the Games mean to this country. The Games of Vancouver have begun! Just imagine all the memories that will be made in the next 16 days...
12:12 AM: Lloyd Robertson and Brian Williams are reminiscing about their own torch runs. It looks like Gretzky has reached his destination.
12:10 AM: It's hard to believe how close they're allowing the the crowd to the truck. They didn't even let us on the road when it came around here in TO. And now Gretzky has gotten a replacement as he continues on this rather long ride to the external cauldron.
12:08 AM: Gretzky stands in the back of a truck, waving to all the screaming supporters that have lined the route. It's one last public leg for a truly public relay. It is quite an amazing moment. Keep in mind that it is pouring in Vancouver and yet so many peope are running alongside the Gretzky.
12:03 AM: Now, Wayne Gretzky will carry the flame to the waterfront to light the external flame. I wonder if this was the original plan or a last minute replacement for another malfunction?
12:00 AM: The Olympic cauldron has been lit inside the stadium in what is an anti-climatic moment. Catriona Le May Doan does not get to light her section of the torch. This was not what I thought it would be...
11:59 PM: There has been a malfunction with the hydraulic system that operates the cauldron. Only three of what is probably four cauldrons has come up from the floor.
11:57 PM: A moment of suspense as all five torchbearers stand in their spots. What will they do? Will they light it together?
11:55 PM: And now the Great One...Wayne Gretzky receives the flame. Now the question is, will he light the cauldron?
11:55 PM: Nancy Greene receives the flame from Nash and a huge ovation to go with it.
11:54 PM: NBA MVP and All-Star Steve Nash receives the flame.
11:54 PM: Hansen passes the flame to Catriona Le May Doan.
11:53 PM: Here comes the majestic music. It's the Olympic torch!!!! The same torch I saw almost two months ago here in Toronto. It looks like Rick Hansen coming in on his wheelchair.
11:49 PM: French singer Garu sings yet another song.
11:48 PM: Hayley Wickenheiser takes the Athletes' Oath in English. Michel Verrault takes the Judges' Oath in French.
11:47 PM: A minute of silence is held for luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. It is a powerful and memorable moment as 60 000 people stand quietly and solemnly for 60 seconds. They lower the Canadian and Olympic flags to half mast.
11:41 PM: The flag-bearing octet arrives at the flagpole, where they stand to watch the Mounties raise the five-ringed flag. The Olympic Hymn is sung. Jacque Rogge still doesn't know the words (see my Beijing Opening Ceremony post).
11:39 PM: Now comes the Olympic flag, carried by: Betty Fox (mother of Terry Fox), actor Donald Sutherland, Formula One driver Jacque Villeneuve, 1948 figure skating champion Barbara Ann Scott, renowned singer Anne Murray, former UN peacekeeping commander Romeo Dallaire, the great hockey player Bobby Orr (who gets a huge ovation from the crowd), and astronaut Julie Payette (who just finished a tour of the International Space Station)
11:32 PM: "Hallelujah" is sung by KD Lang as the crowd romantically waves their flashlights.
11:30 PM: Our Governor General Michaelle Jean bilingually opens the Vancouver Games!!
11:26 PM: Here's Dr. Jacque Rogge.
11:23 PM: Furlong says this is the "proudest night of my life".
11:22 PM: Furlong says with the help of the Olympics flame, we can all aspire to be Olympian. I couldn't have said it better myself.
11:20 PM: Furlong makes multiple references to Nodar, calling on athletes to compete with his spirit.
11:18 PM: John Furlong calls on the world to share the experience of being "a proud Canadian".
11:16 PM: Here comes John Furlong and Jacque Rogge. They begin jointly at the podium to dedicate a moment to Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger who passed away in the luge accident earlier in the day. It is an appropriate, solemn remembrance.
11:11 PM: A poem of Canadian identity is recited by a man who was reportedly discovered on YouTube and it is an inspiring and passionate one! He sums up what this country is all about. He sums up why my parents came to this country. Wow.
11:10 PM: We move into the part of the show highlighting the modernity of this country. The light streaks on the ground are like car lights on a busy highway.
11:07 PM: It's another light show galore as images of winter Olympic highlights are projected onto a mountain in the middle of the stage with acrobats twisting and turning in the air with skis and snowboards strapped to their feet.
11:04 PM: What a cooperative audience they've got in there, waving their flashlights with perfect effectiveness.
10:57 PM: The prairie segment of the show begins with a boy running along the wheat fields. He is lifted into the air and gracefully glides and twists in the "wind".
10:52 PM: Woah...are those flames on the heels of their shoes and the tips of their violin bows?
10:50 PM: The crowd gives an enormous ovation to the solo tap dancer. Some more dancers join in. It's one heck of a party scene down there on the floor.
10:48 PM: More fiddling and leaves falling. The bright red maple leaves are pretty good looking.
10:45 PM: Man in a canoe suspended high above the stage pretending to play the violin/fiddle amidst falling maples leaves highlight the "colours of fall" in Canada.
10:37 PM: Sarah McLachlan performs "Ordinary Miracle" along with the orchestra. Great song for this atmosphere. Almost every athlete can relate to an "ordinary miracle" sometime in his or her career.
10:34 PM: Seriously, the light effects are amazing. They're so real. First, it was the ice cracking and now the orca whales swimming in the ocean. I'm impressed.
10:31 PM: THAT is one big bear!! Very very cool with the light effects.
10:25 PM: Commercial break across the channels. Been a great show so far. Let's see what else is next.
10:19 PM: "Bang the Drum", a tribute to the athletes is performed by Nelly Furtado and Bryan Adams. They're standing on the "drum" in the centre of the stadium.
10:18 PM: BC Premier Gordon Campbell cracks me up with his enthusiastic flag waving!
10:14 PM: The crowd goes wild as the Maple Leaf enters the stadium! Canada is here, led by flagbearer Clara Hughes. Listen to the crowd. Look at all those camera flashes and waving flags. What an emotional moment. I'm getting goosebumps.
10:12 PM: Listen to the applause as Americans enter. Many Americans probably made their way up to from Washington state. Very warm welcome for that contingent. Vice President Joe Biden is in the stands with his wife Jill.
10:09 PM: Chinese Taipei makes an entrance with their Olympic flag. They send a luger to Vancouver.
10:07 PM: Sweden is sending a huge contingent. And hey look, it's Peter Forsberg holding the flag!
10:02 PM: The Russians want to win 40 medals in Vancouver? I don't think that's going to happen...they'll be lucky to crack 30.
9:59 PM: And here comes another powerhouse-Norway. The Nordic events are pretty much DESIGNED for them.
9:55 PM: Mexico's lone athlete is 51 years old. He's an alpine skiier who hasn't competed in the Olympics since 1994. He IS the oldest athlete in Vancouver.
9:53 PM: NBC points out that Liechenstein has won 9 medals in Winter Olympic history and they have just a population of 34000.
9:52 PM: Latvia is bringing 58 athletes and many of them are likely to contend too.
9:48 PM: The Jamaican Bobsled Team did not make it to Vancouver, but they do send one athlete though, competiting in ski cross.
9:45 PM: Out of 1.1 billion people, Indian sends a meagre 3 to Vancouver.
9:43 PM: Hong Kong has a team of its own?! My dad says she looks like somebody from the north of China, definitely sent by China, he says.
9:40 PM: Germany sure is a colourful contingent.
9:39 PM: Here's the Georgian contingent. A standing ovation from all those in the stadium in memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger who perished earlier today in training. The Georgian delegate will leave the stadium immediately after marching in. They have those black armbands on. What a moment.
9:35 PM: Look at the dancers on the sides of the entrance, reminds me of Beijing a little bit.
9:33 PM: More flamboyant pants, this time from the Czech Republic.
9:30 PM: Here comes China!!!!!! Much much better uniforms this time around. Han Xiaopeng, the reigning aerials gold medallist, holds our flag.
9:28 PM: Five athletes from Brazil, a nation of almost 200 million... Cayman Islands has 1 athlete and a population of 49000...
9:27 PM: Jacque Rogge is a surgeon?! And wow, Bermuda's lone athlete trots in with shorts on. Never thought that would happen in the Winter Olympics eh? But honestly, they look pretty tacky with those navy blue suits.
9:24 PM: Here comes the first powerhouse of the Winter Olympics. 81 athletes from Austria and theire co-flagbearers are brothers. And hey, look at those colourful pants of the Azerbaijan contingent.
9:22 PM: Love the snow-like surface the athletes are walking onto.
9:21 PM: The countries are here already? The show part of this is done already?!
9:20 PM: They're doing some cool things with the lights. Look at all those flags projected in the stands.
9:19 PM: As we watch the First Nations gather in the centre of the stadium, Brian Williams points out that Canada has more than 350 First Nations.
9:13 PM: The four different First Nations welcome the world by extending out their hands. Those totem poles look a bit robotic.
9:09 PM: Up goes the Maple Leaf. This rendition of O Canada is a bit too pop/romantic for an OC, don't you think? But VANOC CEO John Furlong did say this was going to be an intimate ceremony.
9:07 PM: They've definitely set a majestic atmosphere at BC Place with the pompous music. Look at all the camera flashes.
9:04 PM: What an entrance by the snowboarder!! Simply beautiful!!
9:02 PM: Love the video of the snowboarder carving down what is a pure cliff. Wow! The list of Winter Olympics host cities is a bit out of the place though.
9:00 PM: The countdown has begun! An awe-inspiring video of Vancouver beauty kicks it off.
8:55 PM: It's time to light the cauldron once again. Tonight, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring beauty of Vancouver harbour, the XXI Winter Olympics will be officially opened. It's a project nearly a decade in the making, which has inspired unprecedented Canadian pride. Tonight, all the anticipation comes to an end and Canada's Games will begin. I cannot describe in words, as a Canadian, what I am feeling tonight. Watching the pre-ceremony shows right now, I am already getting goosebumps. Alright, here we go-Vancouver 2010-about to begin.
-D
12:12 AM: Lloyd Robertson and Brian Williams are reminiscing about their own torch runs. It looks like Gretzky has reached his destination.
12:10 AM: It's hard to believe how close they're allowing the the crowd to the truck. They didn't even let us on the road when it came around here in TO. And now Gretzky has gotten a replacement as he continues on this rather long ride to the external cauldron.
12:08 AM: Gretzky stands in the back of a truck, waving to all the screaming supporters that have lined the route. It's one last public leg for a truly public relay. It is quite an amazing moment. Keep in mind that it is pouring in Vancouver and yet so many peope are running alongside the Gretzky.
12:03 AM: Now, Wayne Gretzky will carry the flame to the waterfront to light the external flame. I wonder if this was the original plan or a last minute replacement for another malfunction?
12:00 AM: The Olympic cauldron has been lit inside the stadium in what is an anti-climatic moment. Catriona Le May Doan does not get to light her section of the torch. This was not what I thought it would be...
11:59 PM: There has been a malfunction with the hydraulic system that operates the cauldron. Only three of what is probably four cauldrons has come up from the floor.
11:57 PM: A moment of suspense as all five torchbearers stand in their spots. What will they do? Will they light it together?
11:55 PM: And now the Great One...Wayne Gretzky receives the flame. Now the question is, will he light the cauldron?
11:55 PM: Nancy Greene receives the flame from Nash and a huge ovation to go with it.
11:54 PM: NBA MVP and All-Star Steve Nash receives the flame.
11:54 PM: Hansen passes the flame to Catriona Le May Doan.
11:53 PM: Here comes the majestic music. It's the Olympic torch!!!! The same torch I saw almost two months ago here in Toronto. It looks like Rick Hansen coming in on his wheelchair.
11:49 PM: French singer Garu sings yet another song.
11:48 PM: Hayley Wickenheiser takes the Athletes' Oath in English. Michel Verrault takes the Judges' Oath in French.
11:47 PM: A minute of silence is held for luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. It is a powerful and memorable moment as 60 000 people stand quietly and solemnly for 60 seconds. They lower the Canadian and Olympic flags to half mast.
11:41 PM: The flag-bearing octet arrives at the flagpole, where they stand to watch the Mounties raise the five-ringed flag. The Olympic Hymn is sung. Jacque Rogge still doesn't know the words (see my Beijing Opening Ceremony post).
11:39 PM: Now comes the Olympic flag, carried by: Betty Fox (mother of Terry Fox), actor Donald Sutherland, Formula One driver Jacque Villeneuve, 1948 figure skating champion Barbara Ann Scott, renowned singer Anne Murray, former UN peacekeeping commander Romeo Dallaire, the great hockey player Bobby Orr (who gets a huge ovation from the crowd), and astronaut Julie Payette (who just finished a tour of the International Space Station)
11:32 PM: "Hallelujah" is sung by KD Lang as the crowd romantically waves their flashlights.
11:30 PM: Our Governor General Michaelle Jean bilingually opens the Vancouver Games!!
11:26 PM: Here's Dr. Jacque Rogge.
11:23 PM: Furlong says this is the "proudest night of my life".
11:22 PM: Furlong says with the help of the Olympics flame, we can all aspire to be Olympian. I couldn't have said it better myself.
11:20 PM: Furlong makes multiple references to Nodar, calling on athletes to compete with his spirit.
11:18 PM: John Furlong calls on the world to share the experience of being "a proud Canadian".
11:16 PM: Here comes John Furlong and Jacque Rogge. They begin jointly at the podium to dedicate a moment to Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger who passed away in the luge accident earlier in the day. It is an appropriate, solemn remembrance.
11:11 PM: A poem of Canadian identity is recited by a man who was reportedly discovered on YouTube and it is an inspiring and passionate one! He sums up what this country is all about. He sums up why my parents came to this country. Wow.
11:10 PM: We move into the part of the show highlighting the modernity of this country. The light streaks on the ground are like car lights on a busy highway.
11:07 PM: It's another light show galore as images of winter Olympic highlights are projected onto a mountain in the middle of the stage with acrobats twisting and turning in the air with skis and snowboards strapped to their feet.
11:04 PM: What a cooperative audience they've got in there, waving their flashlights with perfect effectiveness.
10:57 PM: The prairie segment of the show begins with a boy running along the wheat fields. He is lifted into the air and gracefully glides and twists in the "wind".
10:52 PM: Woah...are those flames on the heels of their shoes and the tips of their violin bows?
10:50 PM: The crowd gives an enormous ovation to the solo tap dancer. Some more dancers join in. It's one heck of a party scene down there on the floor.
10:48 PM: More fiddling and leaves falling. The bright red maple leaves are pretty good looking.
10:45 PM: Man in a canoe suspended high above the stage pretending to play the violin/fiddle amidst falling maples leaves highlight the "colours of fall" in Canada.
10:37 PM: Sarah McLachlan performs "Ordinary Miracle" along with the orchestra. Great song for this atmosphere. Almost every athlete can relate to an "ordinary miracle" sometime in his or her career.
10:34 PM: Seriously, the light effects are amazing. They're so real. First, it was the ice cracking and now the orca whales swimming in the ocean. I'm impressed.
10:31 PM: THAT is one big bear!! Very very cool with the light effects.
10:25 PM: Commercial break across the channels. Been a great show so far. Let's see what else is next.
10:19 PM: "Bang the Drum", a tribute to the athletes is performed by Nelly Furtado and Bryan Adams. They're standing on the "drum" in the centre of the stadium.
10:18 PM: BC Premier Gordon Campbell cracks me up with his enthusiastic flag waving!
10:14 PM: The crowd goes wild as the Maple Leaf enters the stadium! Canada is here, led by flagbearer Clara Hughes. Listen to the crowd. Look at all those camera flashes and waving flags. What an emotional moment. I'm getting goosebumps.
10:12 PM: Listen to the applause as Americans enter. Many Americans probably made their way up to from Washington state. Very warm welcome for that contingent. Vice President Joe Biden is in the stands with his wife Jill.
10:09 PM: Chinese Taipei makes an entrance with their Olympic flag. They send a luger to Vancouver.
10:07 PM: Sweden is sending a huge contingent. And hey look, it's Peter Forsberg holding the flag!
10:02 PM: The Russians want to win 40 medals in Vancouver? I don't think that's going to happen...they'll be lucky to crack 30.
9:59 PM: And here comes another powerhouse-Norway. The Nordic events are pretty much DESIGNED for them.
9:55 PM: Mexico's lone athlete is 51 years old. He's an alpine skiier who hasn't competed in the Olympics since 1994. He IS the oldest athlete in Vancouver.
9:53 PM: NBC points out that Liechenstein has won 9 medals in Winter Olympic history and they have just a population of 34000.
9:52 PM: Latvia is bringing 58 athletes and many of them are likely to contend too.
9:48 PM: The Jamaican Bobsled Team did not make it to Vancouver, but they do send one athlete though, competiting in ski cross.
9:45 PM: Out of 1.1 billion people, Indian sends a meagre 3 to Vancouver.
9:43 PM: Hong Kong has a team of its own?! My dad says she looks like somebody from the north of China, definitely sent by China, he says.
9:40 PM: Germany sure is a colourful contingent.
9:39 PM: Here's the Georgian contingent. A standing ovation from all those in the stadium in memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger who perished earlier today in training. The Georgian delegate will leave the stadium immediately after marching in. They have those black armbands on. What a moment.
9:35 PM: Look at the dancers on the sides of the entrance, reminds me of Beijing a little bit.
9:33 PM: More flamboyant pants, this time from the Czech Republic.
9:30 PM: Here comes China!!!!!! Much much better uniforms this time around. Han Xiaopeng, the reigning aerials gold medallist, holds our flag.
9:28 PM: Five athletes from Brazil, a nation of almost 200 million... Cayman Islands has 1 athlete and a population of 49000...
9:27 PM: Jacque Rogge is a surgeon?! And wow, Bermuda's lone athlete trots in with shorts on. Never thought that would happen in the Winter Olympics eh? But honestly, they look pretty tacky with those navy blue suits.
9:24 PM: Here comes the first powerhouse of the Winter Olympics. 81 athletes from Austria and theire co-flagbearers are brothers. And hey, look at those colourful pants of the Azerbaijan contingent.
9:22 PM: Love the snow-like surface the athletes are walking onto.
9:21 PM: The countries are here already? The show part of this is done already?!
9:20 PM: They're doing some cool things with the lights. Look at all those flags projected in the stands.
9:19 PM: As we watch the First Nations gather in the centre of the stadium, Brian Williams points out that Canada has more than 350 First Nations.
9:13 PM: The four different First Nations welcome the world by extending out their hands. Those totem poles look a bit robotic.
9:09 PM: Up goes the Maple Leaf. This rendition of O Canada is a bit too pop/romantic for an OC, don't you think? But VANOC CEO John Furlong did say this was going to be an intimate ceremony.
9:07 PM: They've definitely set a majestic atmosphere at BC Place with the pompous music. Look at all the camera flashes.
9:04 PM: What an entrance by the snowboarder!! Simply beautiful!!
9:02 PM: Love the video of the snowboarder carving down what is a pure cliff. Wow! The list of Winter Olympics host cities is a bit out of the place though.
9:00 PM: The countdown has begun! An awe-inspiring video of Vancouver beauty kicks it off.
8:55 PM: It's time to light the cauldron once again. Tonight, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring beauty of Vancouver harbour, the XXI Winter Olympics will be officially opened. It's a project nearly a decade in the making, which has inspired unprecedented Canadian pride. Tonight, all the anticipation comes to an end and Canada's Games will begin. I cannot describe in words, as a Canadian, what I am feeling tonight. Watching the pre-ceremony shows right now, I am already getting goosebumps. Alright, here we go-Vancouver 2010-about to begin.
-D
Pre-Olympic Preparations
First things first, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died during a training run this afternoon in Whistler. It's always sad when somebody dies young (he was just 21), but it's sadder when it comes on the eve of one of the greatest celebrations on Earth. I really think they should give him a moment of silence tonight during the Opening Ceremony. It is just very very tragic.
Speaking of the OC, I will be live blogging it tonight, starting at 9 PM EST. I had such a blast blogging the 08 Beijing Games, and though this time I can't live blog on a daily basis, I will write as many updates as possible.
In all honesty, I am very very excited about Vancouver 2010. It's more special because I got to see the Olympic torch up close. Going to be a very very fun rest of February. My guess for first Canadian to win gold on home soil: Jen Heil. You just wait for it tomorrow night.
-D
Speaking of the OC, I will be live blogging it tonight, starting at 9 PM EST. I had such a blast blogging the 08 Beijing Games, and though this time I can't live blog on a daily basis, I will write as many updates as possible.
In all honesty, I am very very excited about Vancouver 2010. It's more special because I got to see the Olympic torch up close. Going to be a very very fun rest of February. My guess for first Canadian to win gold on home soil: Jen Heil. You just wait for it tomorrow night.
-D
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Random Chat
Really think Raptors should have won last night's game against Indiana. Bosh and Bargnani combined for almost 70 points. The D was just too weak. 130 points to the Pacers?! That's almost as bad as Atlanta's 149.
The new Leafs looked fabulous last night. But can't judge 'em too quickly though. Dion Phaneuf was agressive and even had an assist. Giguere was solid. Sjostrom also got a point. Hopefully, they'll keep playing like that. I still doubt the Leafs will make the playoffs though. They're too far behind the 8th place threshold. Maybe next year? (So cliché)
SI came out today with its Olympic predictions. They got Canada in second place with 30 medals. I think 30 might just be enough for first in Vancouver. They also have us at 10 golds, which I think is very fair. Can't wait for the games-the countdown is down to single digits now!!!
-D
The new Leafs looked fabulous last night. But can't judge 'em too quickly though. Dion Phaneuf was agressive and even had an assist. Giguere was solid. Sjostrom also got a point. Hopefully, they'll keep playing like that. I still doubt the Leafs will make the playoffs though. They're too far behind the 8th place threshold. Maybe next year? (So cliché)
SI came out today with its Olympic predictions. They got Canada in second place with 30 medals. I think 30 might just be enough for first in Vancouver. They also have us at 10 golds, which I think is very fair. Can't wait for the games-the countdown is down to single digits now!!!
-D
Sunday, 31 January 2010
He Did it Again!
Oh well, both Chinese ladies bounced out in their semi-final matches, but wow-I'm still very impressed with both Li Na and Zheng Jie. Li put on a fight too, eventually succumbing to Serena Williams 7-6, 7-6. Zheng, on the other hand, was blown out in her match, albeit to a very worthy opponent in Justine Henin.
And a couple nights later, Justine Henin failed to complete her comeback story, losing to Serena in a very exciting, three-setter. Henin looked dead in the first set before charging back to take the second. Serena, however, put on the finishing touch by taking the third 6-2. She's now won 5 AO titles-that's also VERY impressive!
And early this morning EDT, Roger Federer took his 16th title with a straight sets victory over Andy Murray. While Murray began to show some form late in the third set, it was too little too late as Federer rallied to an easy victory. This just proves how LEGENDARY Federer is on the court. And though Murray is still missing that Grand Slam trophy on his mantlepiece, I think he will capture it sooner rather than later.
So there's another Australian Open for ya-can't wait for the French. I hope Nadal returns to form and puts on a show in Paris.
-D
And a couple nights later, Justine Henin failed to complete her comeback story, losing to Serena in a very exciting, three-setter. Henin looked dead in the first set before charging back to take the second. Serena, however, put on the finishing touch by taking the third 6-2. She's now won 5 AO titles-that's also VERY impressive!
And early this morning EDT, Roger Federer took his 16th title with a straight sets victory over Andy Murray. While Murray began to show some form late in the third set, it was too little too late as Federer rallied to an easy victory. This just proves how LEGENDARY Federer is on the court. And though Murray is still missing that Grand Slam trophy on his mantlepiece, I think he will capture it sooner rather than later.
So there's another Australian Open for ya-can't wait for the French. I hope Nadal returns to form and puts on a show in Paris.
-D
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Can It Actually Happen...
Wow! What can I say? Another day, another Chinese woman has made the AO Semis.
This is completely unprecedented-having two Chinese players in the semis of a Grand Slam. The excitement is just ineffable! Even sweeter is the fact that Li Na, the player who tenaciously knocked out Venus Williams yesterday, is from my hometown of Wuhan. When she came back to win that third set yesterday, I was jumping up and down!
I'm not saying that it will likely happen, but we COULD, POTENTIALLY see an ALL-CHINESE Grand Slam final. That would be the biggest sporting spectable in China since the Olympics! Fingers crossed that the miracle will happen, but it will be nonetheless very exciting to see Zheng Jie and Li Na take on their semi-final opponents today.
Bold prediction of the day: Marin Cilic will upset Andy Murray once again.
-D
This is completely unprecedented-having two Chinese players in the semis of a Grand Slam. The excitement is just ineffable! Even sweeter is the fact that Li Na, the player who tenaciously knocked out Venus Williams yesterday, is from my hometown of Wuhan. When she came back to win that third set yesterday, I was jumping up and down!
I'm not saying that it will likely happen, but we COULD, POTENTIALLY see an ALL-CHINESE Grand Slam final. That would be the biggest sporting spectable in China since the Olympics! Fingers crossed that the miracle will happen, but it will be nonetheless very exciting to see Zheng Jie and Li Na take on their semi-final opponents today.
Bold prediction of the day: Marin Cilic will upset Andy Murray once again.
-D
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Now Things Are Interesting...
Oh the tennis! Where to begin?
After another high drama day on the courts at Melbourne Park, this AO is headed towards one very interesting ending.
The two highlight matches of the day - Nadal v. Murray and Cilic v. Roddick sure brought out some drama! The Cilic v. Roddick match went 5 sets, Cilic's third of the tournament, and third victory, no less. Roddick found himself two sets down early, but battled back in the next two to tie it up. However, the pain in his shoulder/arm bothered him throughout the match, and Cilic eventually came out on top in a marathoner: 7-6 (4), 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3.
In the primetime match, Rafael Nadal also succumbed to injury. He was never in form as Murray took the first two sets 6-3, 7-6 (2). Trailing 3-0 in the third set, Nadal retired, much to the disappointment of the crowd at Rod Laver. That certainly leaves the door wide open for Federer to add to his mantlepiece.
Justine Henin continued her sizzling comeback run in the women's quarterfinals. She beat Nadia Petrova effortlessly and moved on to the semis. I wonder if this story has the same ending as that last lady who made her comeback on the courts after a two-year absence.
On the other hand, Zheng Jie, from China (woot!), made her second semi-final at a Grand Slam tournament, beating Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-1, 6-3. Now, fingers crossed for that other Chinese player, Li Na (who is from my hometown, no less!) as she plays Venus Williams when day breaks in Melbourne.
Federer and Davydenko will duel it out today as well. Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Novak Djokovic are slated to face eachother in a rematch of the 2008 final. Serena Williams is up against Victoria Azarenka in the quarters.
Things are getting real interesting down there in Melbourne...
-D
After another high drama day on the courts at Melbourne Park, this AO is headed towards one very interesting ending.
The two highlight matches of the day - Nadal v. Murray and Cilic v. Roddick sure brought out some drama! The Cilic v. Roddick match went 5 sets, Cilic's third of the tournament, and third victory, no less. Roddick found himself two sets down early, but battled back in the next two to tie it up. However, the pain in his shoulder/arm bothered him throughout the match, and Cilic eventually came out on top in a marathoner: 7-6 (4), 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3.
In the primetime match, Rafael Nadal also succumbed to injury. He was never in form as Murray took the first two sets 6-3, 7-6 (2). Trailing 3-0 in the third set, Nadal retired, much to the disappointment of the crowd at Rod Laver. That certainly leaves the door wide open for Federer to add to his mantlepiece.
Justine Henin continued her sizzling comeback run in the women's quarterfinals. She beat Nadia Petrova effortlessly and moved on to the semis. I wonder if this story has the same ending as that last lady who made her comeback on the courts after a two-year absence.
On the other hand, Zheng Jie, from China (woot!), made her second semi-final at a Grand Slam tournament, beating Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-1, 6-3. Now, fingers crossed for that other Chinese player, Li Na (who is from my hometown, no less!) as she plays Venus Williams when day breaks in Melbourne.
Federer and Davydenko will duel it out today as well. Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Novak Djokovic are slated to face eachother in a rematch of the 2008 final. Serena Williams is up against Victoria Azarenka in the quarters.
Things are getting real interesting down there in Melbourne...
-D
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