Comeback kid proves she still has it
By Matt WilanskyESPN.com
The year-end WTA Tour championships -- where the top eight players will gather in Madrid, Spain, to determine the season-ending No. 1 ranking -- are just over a month away.
Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo are first and second, respectively, in the points race. Henin-Hardenne has reached the final of all four majors, including a win at the French Open, while Mauresmo won the first two Grand Slam titles of her career at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Although they battle for the top spot, one or both of them will have to go through this year's comeback player of the year, Martina Hingis. The former No. 1 player in the world -- who didn't touch a racket on the professional circuit for three years following the 2001 season -- Hingis is on the verge of securing a spot in the year-end championships.
The Swiss entered the 2006 season unranked. In her first tournament, she had an impressive run in an Australian Open tune-up, reaching the Gold Coast semifinals. Two weeks later at the Australian Open, Hingis was cruising, winning her first four matches without dropping a set. However, in the quarterfinals, No. 2 seed Kim Clijsters got the best of Hingis in a well-played, three-set match.
Despite the loss, it was clear she would once again be a factor on the WTA Tour, it was just a matter of whether or not she could get by the game's elite. After that match vs. Clijsters, ESPN analyst Luke Jensen said Hingis "needed that extra gear" if she was going to compete with the best again.
In her first seven events of the year, she reached at least the quarterfinals six times. In May, Hingis won her first tournament in four years with a straight-sets win over Dinara Safina in Rome. As it stands right now, the former No. 1 player in the world has reached four finals and won two titles.
In January, she was ranked No. 349; in May she was all the way up to No. 25. Currently, Hingis is ranked No. 8 on the WTA Tour and sixth in the standings for the year-end championships.
"I'm very happy with my comeback year," Hingis told reporters following her win last week in Kolkata, India. "Getting to the top 10 was a dream and the next dream is making it to the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid."
It's common for a retired player who once dominated his or her sport to have a change of heart and want to compete again at the highest level. And from 1997 through '99, Hingis owned the women's game, winning 24 titles.
In 1997, Hingis became the undisputed No. 1 player in the world, winning 12 titles -- including three of the four Grand Slam events. With her win in the Australian Open, she became the youngest player in the 20th century to capture a major championship at just 16 years old.
For 209 consecutive weeks -- the fourth longest streak since the inception of the rankings system in 1975 -- Hingis reigned over the tennis world with her No. 1 ranking. And aside from a French Open championship, she captured just about every honor there was.
In 1999, she won 71 singles matches; however, at that point she began to notice a difference in the competition. In February 1999, the more powerful Lindsay Davenport claimed the No. 1 ranking from Hingis. The Swiss would recapture the top spot four more times before permanently losing it in 2000.
Players such as Venus and Serena Williams were bigger and stronger than Hingis, and her creativity and movement on the court became less effective. Furthermore, a chronic foot problem was derailing any hope she had of recapturing her once dominant presence. After the 2002 season, she called it quits, despite still being ranked in the top 10.
From 2002-05, Hingis was home in Switzerland skiing and riding horses, but admittedly missed the sport. Her feet felt better and she wanted to give tennis a try again. She was only 25 and believed she could compete with the best. The challenge was going to be her ability to adapt to the current game, which was more powerful than it was in 2002.
"If I want to play the tennis I played three years ago, I would not survive … You have to grow with the game and you have to get better physically and tennis-wise," Hingis said upon her return.
"What Hingis lacks in size and strength she makes up for in vision and anticipation," Brad Gilbert, a former ESPN analyst, said before the Australian Open. "She has great eyes and sees the play earlier than her opponent and reads where the ball is going to go."
With all the uncertainty surrounding Hingis this season, no one knew for sure whether she would succeed. Although it's unlikely she'll repeat the five Grand Slam titles she won between 1997-99, her 2006 season has been above and beyond what anyone could have imagined.
She finds herself being an underdog, something she is not accustomed to, but that's OK. Hingis has proved to all the critics that she has been able to adjust to a new age of tennis and can still compete with the best in the world.
Matt Wilansky is a general editor for ESPN.com.
source:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2606571
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Martina's interview with Gulfnews
Published: 09/30/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)
'I certainly want to add Roland Garros to my kitty'
By A Correspondent
Kolkata: Martina Hingis was the little Swiss Miss who was named after the grand dame of women's tennis a certain Martina Navratilova.
And when she started her career with nine Grand Slam finals in three seasons and five victories, it appeared she could even beat the number of titles held by her namesake.
But then injuries took their toll on Hingis and while her male compatriot Roger Federer was conquering the men's game, she retired from the WTA Tour a victim of her chronic injuries.
However, she never lost her iron-will throughout her time on the sidelines and finally made it back to the court and showed tremendous fighting spirit and skill to gain a world ranking of number nine.
Just a few days before her 26th birthday (September 30), Hingis spoke to Gulf News in Kolkata where she was playing in the Sunfeast Open. Following are excerpts.
Gulf News: How tough was is to stage a comeback after a three-year layoff?
Hingis: It is very difficult, really. But once you decide to do something, you should never be worried about the difficulty of the task. You have to go on doing what is required of you and if you can keep at it you will get what you deserve.
Considering that all of your Grand Slam success was during your teenage years, do you consider yourself a burnout case?
No, Never. For me, injuries forced me out of the tour and nothing else. I was doing extremely well but then the injuries came relentlessly and I had to take a break. At that point I was not sure whether I would be able to stage a comeback so I decided to quit. And last year when I felt I was okay, I begun my journey again.
What changes have you observed in the game since your return?
Well, it has moved its own way. Nothing will stop for you in life, you have to be ready to keep up the pace with it. The game has become more powerful, thanks to the Williams Sisters. They used their power intelligently on the court and with it made the game more athletic. Martina Navratilova was the pioneer on this front though, then Steffi Graf did her bit and recently it's the Williams sisters.
In this era of power-packed women tennis players, what does a comparatively frail girl like Martina Hingis need to do to stay competitive? Does she increase her gym work or spend more time in practicing on courts ...
I always believed that my strongest point is in my court coverage. For that I need to stay as light as possible. It is a part of my game to keep the ball in play as much as possible so that my powerful opponents become tired while sending the ball back to me. That is when I have my chances. So I have to continue doing the same things while trying to add a few more aspects to my game like service and net-play. I'm trying to develop these two parts of my game.
You have three Australian Open titles, one each of Wimbledon and the US Open. But there is no French Open yet …
Yes and I certainly want to add a title from Roland Garros to my kitty. I went so close to winning it in 1999 when I was just three points from the title, when Steffi made a great comeback.
You have now played twice against India's Sania Mirza. What do you think about her game?
When I first played her in Dubai last February, I was really surprised to see the quality of her ground strokes. This time I was better prepared to face her. Her backhand has improved a bit and she is a wonderful talent but she needs to keep on improving.
source:
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Tennis/10071062.html
'I certainly want to add Roland Garros to my kitty'
By A Correspondent
Kolkata: Martina Hingis was the little Swiss Miss who was named after the grand dame of women's tennis a certain Martina Navratilova.
And when she started her career with nine Grand Slam finals in three seasons and five victories, it appeared she could even beat the number of titles held by her namesake.
But then injuries took their toll on Hingis and while her male compatriot Roger Federer was conquering the men's game, she retired from the WTA Tour a victim of her chronic injuries.
However, she never lost her iron-will throughout her time on the sidelines and finally made it back to the court and showed tremendous fighting spirit and skill to gain a world ranking of number nine.
Just a few days before her 26th birthday (September 30), Hingis spoke to Gulf News in Kolkata where she was playing in the Sunfeast Open. Following are excerpts.
Gulf News: How tough was is to stage a comeback after a three-year layoff?
Hingis: It is very difficult, really. But once you decide to do something, you should never be worried about the difficulty of the task. You have to go on doing what is required of you and if you can keep at it you will get what you deserve.
Considering that all of your Grand Slam success was during your teenage years, do you consider yourself a burnout case?
No, Never. For me, injuries forced me out of the tour and nothing else. I was doing extremely well but then the injuries came relentlessly and I had to take a break. At that point I was not sure whether I would be able to stage a comeback so I decided to quit. And last year when I felt I was okay, I begun my journey again.
What changes have you observed in the game since your return?
Well, it has moved its own way. Nothing will stop for you in life, you have to be ready to keep up the pace with it. The game has become more powerful, thanks to the Williams Sisters. They used their power intelligently on the court and with it made the game more athletic. Martina Navratilova was the pioneer on this front though, then Steffi Graf did her bit and recently it's the Williams sisters.
In this era of power-packed women tennis players, what does a comparatively frail girl like Martina Hingis need to do to stay competitive? Does she increase her gym work or spend more time in practicing on courts ...
I always believed that my strongest point is in my court coverage. For that I need to stay as light as possible. It is a part of my game to keep the ball in play as much as possible so that my powerful opponents become tired while sending the ball back to me. That is when I have my chances. So I have to continue doing the same things while trying to add a few more aspects to my game like service and net-play. I'm trying to develop these two parts of my game.
You have three Australian Open titles, one each of Wimbledon and the US Open. But there is no French Open yet …
Yes and I certainly want to add a title from Roland Garros to my kitty. I went so close to winning it in 1999 when I was just three points from the title, when Steffi made a great comeback.
You have now played twice against India's Sania Mirza. What do you think about her game?
When I first played her in Dubai last February, I was really surprised to see the quality of her ground strokes. This time I was better prepared to face her. Her backhand has improved a bit and she is a wonderful talent but she needs to keep on improving.
source:
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Tennis/10071062.html
WTA year end championships race
Here is a Tennis.com article about it.
please read it at the following link:
http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=48054
Excerpts about Martina Hingis...
6. Martina Hingis – Effectively tied with Clijsters and has the chance to overtake her if she can put up some good results – losing her second match in Seoul this week was an opportunity lost. Historically, she likes indoor surfaces a lot, though she hasn't played indoors much in her comeback.
please read it at the following link:
http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=48054
Excerpts about Martina Hingis...
6. Martina Hingis – Effectively tied with Clijsters and has the chance to overtake her if she can put up some good results – losing her second match in Seoul this week was an opportunity lost. Historically, she likes indoor surfaces a lot, though she hasn't played indoors much in her comeback.
Hingis' 26th birthday today!
Here is wishing The Princess of the WTA
"A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
Hoping she has a great year with good health, titles, grand slams and the French Open...
:)
Friday, September 29, 2006
Hingis at Sunfeast Open final presentation ceremony.
Hingis at Sunfeast Open final...
Hingis Claims Kolkata TitleKOLKATA, India -
After surviving some battles during the week, one of the world's best took it up a notch over the weekend in Kolkata. Martina Hingis silenced a rowdy Indian crowd in the semifinals with a 61 60 demolition of national heroine Sania Mirza, then Sunday blitzed unheralded Russian Olga Poutchkova, 60 64, for the Tier III title.
After a string of upsets early in the week on the bottom half of the draw, it was the unseeded, 85th-ranked Poutchkova who emerged as Hingis' final opponent. Contesting just her fifth Sony Ericsson WTA Tour-level main draw, the 18-year-old was given an opportunity to play one of her idols in her career-first final, which she commented on before the championship bout.
"It's amazing to me," Poutchkova said. "I used to watch her in Grand Slam finals when I was 12 and now I'm going to play her. We'll just have to see how it goes!"
But Hingis held tightly to her top billing Sunday evening, easing through the first set and overcoming a spirited challenge from her opponent in the second, rallying back from a 3-1 deficit en route to capturing her second title of the season.
"I played very well; the first set was almost scary," Hingis stated. "When you play a set like that, you can lose concentration. In the second she started playing my forehand and I was surprised, but I started to adjust. She managed to get to 3-1 before I got my concentration back. I stepped up when I had to.
"She's a great young player."
"It was my very first final and it was against Martina Hingis," Poutchkova said afterwards. "I was a little bit nervous, but I feel good about the experience. In the second set she gave me some chances, then she took them away!"
The Sunfeast Open title marks Hingis' 42nd Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles title, augmenting her finals record to 42-24. She won her 41st at the Internazionali d'Italia in Rome, and now becomes the 14th multiple titlist this season.
"As this is my first win in India, it makes the win even more special," said Hingis, who was actually playing her first career tournament in the Asian nation. "I'm very happy with my comeback year. Getting to the Top 10 was a dream and the next dream is making it to the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid."
It was the second straight day that Hingis would silence an anxious, excited crowd. In her highly-anticipated Saturday semifinal against Indian icon Sania Mirza, seeded No.5 at her home event, Hingis dropped just one game in cruising to victory in less than an hour, a contrast to their only prior encounter, a tight two-setter in Dubai this year.
"I felt like she knew where I was hitting the ball before it even left my racquet," said Mirza, who was playing her first semifinal of the year. "She's a great athlete and a great mover on the court. There are only a few girls as fit as her on the Tour. She's a natural athlete. Like Federer, she makes the game look effortless."
"She did have a couple of chances in the second set," said Hingis afterwards, "but it's not easy for her playing at home, with the pressure and expectations."
There was some solace for Mirza in the end, however. She and Liezel Huber went on to win the doubles title with a routine 64 60 win over Yulia Beygelzimer and Yuliana Fedak in the final. Huber and Mirza, the top seeds, had already claimed two titles as a team, both on Indian soil, at Hyderabad two years ago and earlier this year at the brand new Tier III event in Bangalore.
"It's great to win here with Liezel, my mentor," said Mirza, now 3-3 lifetime in doubles finals. "Playing with an experienced player makes all the difference."
"We put the pressure on early, which forced them to keep trying for something extra, and then mistakes were made," added Huber, who is now 15-14 lifetime in Tour doubles finals. "The second set was not as easy as it looks from the score."
Another story with somewhat of a happy ending this week was a return to form for one of the world's former 20 players, Iroda Tulyaganova, who, after missing most of the last three years with an elbow injury and coming into this event ranked outside the Top 300, stormed through the qualifying and made it all the way to the semifinals of the main draw. Not so bad for the 24-year-old Uzbek's first Tour event of the season.
"I qualified and reached the semifinals, which is a fantastic result for me," stated Tulyaganova, a three-time Tour singles titlist who went as high as No.16 in the world and has beaten Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Elena Dementieva and Mary Pierce, among other marquee names. "It gives me a lot of confidence for the future."
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Maria Sharapova's latest blog entry
Too many movies!
9/21/2006 10:01:00 PM
Hi there! Just so you know this is not going to be my most exciting doodle. I was basically in my house for the first five days after I came back from NY, and three of those spent glued to my bed. Well I got some bug and had a fever for a couple of days.....UGH! Not so much for the pain, but the boredom is just awful. I don't think my body was ready for all the partying, therefore couldn't quite deal with the recovery too well. I had all these plans of going to the spa, swimming, and getting rid of my sock tan when I got back...... that went down the drain real fast. Being sick is not fun at all!! First of all you have to go on a tea and lemon diet, then you have to spray that nasty stuff down your throat. WHO NEEDS THAT!!! I watched more movies in three days than I watched this whole year. (Sixteen Candles, Risky Business, You Me and Dupree, When Harry Met Sally, to name a few) At least I can tell my manager that I watched all the old classics he got me for Christmas!! SHHH!! My friend Estelle flew down here for a week so she is keeping me somewhat entertained. We've been getting a few good laughs about my win at the Open, because only a few weeks ago we were quite happy about my win in San Diego. So when I wasn't shivering to death, I spent a few hours signing my fan mail which my mom organizes for me. Estelle and I have the system down very well.....I sign and she puts it in the envelope.
I started training again on Monday....one word....BRUTAL! It's not very fun when you just win the Us Open and you come back on the court and feel like a fish out of water. And this humidity is out of control.....no, I'm not whining.....just requesting the academy to put up some aircon in the indoor center, in the very near future, haha!
I have been listening to Justin Timberlake's new CD over and over and over again! Luv it!
Quote of the week goes to my dad....A group of us were out at lunch and Estelle wasn't eating a lot so my dad says....."Estelle, honey, I know you're in love but you gotta eat!" p.s estelle IS in love!! Lucky girl!
9/21/2006 10:01:00 PM
Hi there! Just so you know this is not going to be my most exciting doodle. I was basically in my house for the first five days after I came back from NY, and three of those spent glued to my bed. Well I got some bug and had a fever for a couple of days.....UGH! Not so much for the pain, but the boredom is just awful. I don't think my body was ready for all the partying, therefore couldn't quite deal with the recovery too well. I had all these plans of going to the spa, swimming, and getting rid of my sock tan when I got back...... that went down the drain real fast. Being sick is not fun at all!! First of all you have to go on a tea and lemon diet, then you have to spray that nasty stuff down your throat. WHO NEEDS THAT!!! I watched more movies in three days than I watched this whole year. (Sixteen Candles, Risky Business, You Me and Dupree, When Harry Met Sally, to name a few) At least I can tell my manager that I watched all the old classics he got me for Christmas!! SHHH!! My friend Estelle flew down here for a week so she is keeping me somewhat entertained. We've been getting a few good laughs about my win at the Open, because only a few weeks ago we were quite happy about my win in San Diego. So when I wasn't shivering to death, I spent a few hours signing my fan mail which my mom organizes for me. Estelle and I have the system down very well.....I sign and she puts it in the envelope.
I started training again on Monday....one word....BRUTAL! It's not very fun when you just win the Us Open and you come back on the court and feel like a fish out of water. And this humidity is out of control.....no, I'm not whining.....just requesting the academy to put up some aircon in the indoor center, in the very near future, haha!
I have been listening to Justin Timberlake's new CD over and over and over again! Luv it!
Quote of the week goes to my dad....A group of us were out at lunch and Estelle wasn't eating a lot so my dad says....."Estelle, honey, I know you're in love but you gotta eat!" p.s estelle IS in love!! Lucky girl!
Hingis wins 2nd title of year : Sunfeast Open
Hingis cruises to Kolkata title
Former world number one Martina Hingis continued her resurgence this year with a two-set win over Olga Poutchkova to win the Kolkata (Calcutta) Open.
The Swiss 25-year-old, playing in her fourth final since coming out of retirement last December, produced some magical touches in a comfortable win.
Poutchkova barely found a return as Hingis stormed through the first set.
And the five-time Grand Slam winner held off a second-set fightback to win her second title of the year 6-0 6-4.
It was the 42nd title of Hingis' career and it rarely looked in doubt.
Nineteen-year-old Poutchkova was clearly overawed in her first WTA final and even though she took a 3-1 lead in the second, Hingis turned the screw to seal a comfortable victory.
Former world number one Martina Hingis continued her resurgence this year with a two-set win over Olga Poutchkova to win the Kolkata (Calcutta) Open.
The Swiss 25-year-old, playing in her fourth final since coming out of retirement last December, produced some magical touches in a comfortable win.
Poutchkova barely found a return as Hingis stormed through the first set.
And the five-time Grand Slam winner held off a second-set fightback to win her second title of the year 6-0 6-4.
It was the 42nd title of Hingis' career and it rarely looked in doubt.
Nineteen-year-old Poutchkova was clearly overawed in her first WTA final and even though she took a 3-1 lead in the second, Hingis turned the screw to seal a comfortable victory.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Sunfeast Open: on All India Radio
AIR to present live commentary of Sunfeast Open Tennis
Indiantelevision.com Team
(22 September 2006 8:00 pm)
MUMBAI: All India Radio will broadcast live commentary of semifinals & final matches of the Sunfeast Open Tennis Championship being played in Kolkata.
The Semifinals are slated to be played on Saturday and the final on Sunday. The tournament has evinced interest among Indian fans because of the participation of India’s Sania Mirza and the former world number one Martina Hingis, states an official release.
The commentary will be broadcast alternately in English and Hindi. The commentators are lieutenant General Utkal Bhattacharya in English and Shivendra Chaturvedi in Hindi, the release informs.
Indiantelevision.com Team
(22 September 2006 8:00 pm)
MUMBAI: All India Radio will broadcast live commentary of semifinals & final matches of the Sunfeast Open Tennis Championship being played in Kolkata.
The Semifinals are slated to be played on Saturday and the final on Sunday. The tournament has evinced interest among Indian fans because of the participation of India’s Sania Mirza and the former world number one Martina Hingis, states an official release.
The commentary will be broadcast alternately in English and Hindi. The commentators are lieutenant General Utkal Bhattacharya in English and Shivendra Chaturvedi in Hindi, the release informs.
Sunfeast Open : Hingis won against Sania
Hingis steamrolls Sania to move into final
Kolkata, Sept 23. (PTI): The much-awaited dream semifinal outing at the Sunfeast Open ended on a disappointing note for the indian fans as Sania Mirza found herself to be no match for top seed Martina Hingis and went down in straight sets here today.
Hingis practically gave tennis lessons to her teenage opponent on her way to winning the grossly one-sided tie 6-1 6-0 in only 58 minutes to cruise into the final of the $ 1,75,000 Tier 3 event.
Even as a partisian crowd of 5,000 rooted for the home-spun player at the Netaji indoor stadium, world number 9 Hingis quickly took command of the proceedings and maintained her control right through with her exemplary fitness, silver-quick court coverage and excellent anticipation that left Sania far behind.
In the end, it was the sheer class of the former world number one that proved the decisive factor.
"She was playing too well. I had a bad day. I am not as fit as she is. And I don't know how many girls in the circuit are as fit as her," Sania said after the match, paying compliments to her fancied opponent and summarizing the causes for her emphatic defeat.
Hingis, despite the thumping victory, had some words of encouragement for the 19-year-old Hyderabadi.
"She is a great player. She has a great future. I hope to play against her in future," the 'Swiss Miss' said, as the crowd broke into thunderous applause.
"I knew she has a good forehand. So, I tried to play to her backhand. But I find that her backhand has also improved now," Hingis said.
SOURCE:
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200609231911.htm
Kolkata, Sept 23. (PTI): The much-awaited dream semifinal outing at the Sunfeast Open ended on a disappointing note for the indian fans as Sania Mirza found herself to be no match for top seed Martina Hingis and went down in straight sets here today.
Hingis practically gave tennis lessons to her teenage opponent on her way to winning the grossly one-sided tie 6-1 6-0 in only 58 minutes to cruise into the final of the $ 1,75,000 Tier 3 event.
Even as a partisian crowd of 5,000 rooted for the home-spun player at the Netaji indoor stadium, world number 9 Hingis quickly took command of the proceedings and maintained her control right through with her exemplary fitness, silver-quick court coverage and excellent anticipation that left Sania far behind.
In the end, it was the sheer class of the former world number one that proved the decisive factor.
"She was playing too well. I had a bad day. I am not as fit as she is. And I don't know how many girls in the circuit are as fit as her," Sania said after the match, paying compliments to her fancied opponent and summarizing the causes for her emphatic defeat.
Hingis, despite the thumping victory, had some words of encouragement for the 19-year-old Hyderabadi.
"She is a great player. She has a great future. I hope to play against her in future," the 'Swiss Miss' said, as the crowd broke into thunderous applause.
"I knew she has a good forehand. So, I tried to play to her backhand. But I find that her backhand has also improved now," Hingis said.
SOURCE:
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200609231911.htm
Hingis opens 'Avenue of Stars'
thanx to hingis.org member 'panicrightnow'
hmm...
so what was martina upto now at the sunfeast open?
guess what!??
Tennis player Sunita Rao and company sashayed down the ramp in a fashion show organised on Wednesday night for the ladies participating at the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata.
The more reticent participants of the tournament sat and watched and clapped.
"It was great. Kiran the designer, she made really beautiful dresses, all of them were absolutely gorgeous, so we had a lot of fun," said Sunita Rao.
Designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh said, "They were really keen. They got so excited when they saw the detail and the workmanship. I think it was just the whole spirit of the entire thing, the event. They just took to the clothes so well."
The whole idea was to give the visiting tennis stars a good time and a taste of India. Besides the fashion show, there was also an astrologer, a potter and even a bangle shop.
Those who couldn't make it to the night before showed up this morning at the avenue of stars at a city park. Among them was Martina Hingis, who left a handprint for Kolkata to cherish forever.
"An avenue of stars is what it's called. I think it'll be fun, every year will add to the mould and keep growing and it's hopefully something the city of Kolkata is going to treasure for a long time," said Mahesh Bhupathi, MD of Globosport, the company that has organised this tournament.
another report:
'Sunfeast Open - Avenue of Stars' inaugurated in city
Walkway on the banks of Hooghly to be star tourist attraction
Calcutta, September 21, 2006: Tennis icons participating in the Sunfeast Open 2006 descended on the Millennium Park this morning to unveil the 'Sunfeast Open - Avenue of Stars'. The ceremony forms part of the Sunfeast Open 2006 currently being hosted in the city.
Designed on the lines of Hollywood's Hall of fame, the Avenue of Stars would be a tribute to world-famous icons in various fields. With primary focus on tennis, the Avenue of Stars will feature hand prints of famous tennis stars visiting the city in future editions of the Sunfeast Open 2006. The initiative is aimed at establishing a historical tourism spot in order to promote tourism in the City of Joy, and to consolidate Calcutta's position as India's ultimate tennis destination.
The Avenue of Stars at the Millennium Park, along the banks of the Hoogly, providing a spectacular view of the Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) on one side and the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Howrah Bridge) on the other, was given a glittering official opening at the hands of Mrs. Bharati Deveshwar.
Martina Hingis and Mahesh Bhupathi were the first tennis icons to imprint their hands on the Avenue of Stars walkway at the inauguration. With the opening of the Avenue of Stars, names of Martina Hingis and Mahesh Bhupathi have been etched in the memory of the city forever. Sunfeast plans to develop the walkway with imprints of many more global icons in future.
The Sunfeast Open - Avenue of Stars will be opened to the public and visitors from all over the world from September 22, 2006 onwards.
see the picture here:
http://www.msnspecials.in/photogallery/photogallery.asp?id=a2006821211156453#photos
Cruelty to pets
i was searching on the web for some pictures of dogs and chanced to visit this site:
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/FactsPhotos.htm
the pictures are indeed cruel and shocking and reek of neglect by the pet owners! such kind of people must never own pets.
if you have pets please do take care of them...
warning: pictures are graphic.
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/FactsPhotos.htm
the pictures are indeed cruel and shocking and reek of neglect by the pet owners! such kind of people must never own pets.
if you have pets please do take care of them...
warning: pictures are graphic.
How add google video to blogger?
hmm and after that success. i will share the 'secret' of uploading a 'google video' to blogger...
please visit the following link:
http://www.bloghacker.net/how-to-add-google-videos-to-blogger-platform/2006/08/21/
The page has indept, easy and step-by-step instructions on adding videos.
please visit the following link:
http://www.bloghacker.net/how-to-add-google-videos-to-blogger-platform/2006/08/21/
The page has indept, easy and step-by-step instructions on adding videos.
Greg Chappel showing his finger to Kolkata crowd
| So this is the infamous incident: Greg Chappel showing his finger to Kolkata crowd | |
Greg Chappell : Mahishasur video
Lol so Greg Chappell as 'Mahishasur'! Look no further, here is a video about the 'making' of the demon...
LOL
watch it here:
http://www.business-standard.com/general/bsvideo.php
After the infamous 'finger' incident... Chappell is getting 'treatment' in Kolkata
LOL
watch it here:
http://www.business-standard.com/general/bsvideo.php
After the infamous 'finger' incident... Chappell is getting 'treatment' in Kolkata
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Playing more exciting than titles: Hingis
Playing more exciting than titles: Hingis
For Martina Hingis the joy of playing tennis is more alluring than just winning a Grand Slam.
Talking to the reporters after winning a hard fought battle against Israeli Tzipora Obziler on Wednesday, she said: "I never said winning another Grand Slam was the only thing in my life. Words have been put in my mouth but for me playing tennis and getting the high out of it is much more important."
She admitted her serve was not as good as it was in the first game.
"The first game was a perfect one. I was hitting winners and serving perfectly. It was feeling so good. I thought why I could not repeat it over and over again. Today maybe after missing a point I was thinking about it and that was the difference. It matters."
Asked about the positives from the match, she said: "If I were to think about the positives I would think about the first match. Yes, it was a hard win."
On her quarter-final opponent Tamarine Tanasugarn, she said: "I am looking forward to playing Tamarine. I played her twice and was winner on both occasions. I hope to continue the same way on Friday when I meet her."
And then added with oodles of laughter: "Hope she is tired after two matches today."
--Indo-Asian News Service
For Martina Hingis the joy of playing tennis is more alluring than just winning a Grand Slam.
Talking to the reporters after winning a hard fought battle against Israeli Tzipora Obziler on Wednesday, she said: "I never said winning another Grand Slam was the only thing in my life. Words have been put in my mouth but for me playing tennis and getting the high out of it is much more important."
She admitted her serve was not as good as it was in the first game.
"The first game was a perfect one. I was hitting winners and serving perfectly. It was feeling so good. I thought why I could not repeat it over and over again. Today maybe after missing a point I was thinking about it and that was the difference. It matters."
Asked about the positives from the match, she said: "If I were to think about the positives I would think about the first match. Yes, it was a hard win."
On her quarter-final opponent Tamarine Tanasugarn, she said: "I am looking forward to playing Tamarine. I played her twice and was winner on both occasions. I hope to continue the same way on Friday when I meet her."
And then added with oodles of laughter: "Hope she is tired after two matches today."
--Indo-Asian News Service
another visit report
CALCUTTA, India -- Martina Hingis prayed at Mother Teresa's tomb Tuesday, a visit she called an "inspirational experience."
The Swiss tennis star is in India for the first time and was accompanied by five other players -- Melinda Czink of Hungary, Arvane Rezai of France, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, Sandy Gumulya of Indonesia and Liezel Huber of South Africa.
They were received by senior nuns of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. They offered flower bouquets at the tomb and visited nearby "Nirmala Sishu Bhavan," a center for destitute children.
"The visit to Mother House was very important and an inspirational experience. People can hardly emulate the things she has done," Hingis said. "Mother Teresa had a vision and goal that people should try to achieve. ... If my game and my smile help people in some way, I shall remain thankful."
Hingis, playing in a tournament in Calcutta, gave $20,000 to the former Nobel Peace Prize winner's charity organization.
Mother Teresa, who was born in what is now Macedonia, devoted her life to serving the poor in India and elsewhere. In 1929, she came to Calcutta, where she later founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and died in 1997 at age 87.
The Swiss tennis star is in India for the first time and was accompanied by five other players -- Melinda Czink of Hungary, Arvane Rezai of France, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, Sandy Gumulya of Indonesia and Liezel Huber of South Africa.
They were received by senior nuns of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. They offered flower bouquets at the tomb and visited nearby "Nirmala Sishu Bhavan," a center for destitute children.
"The visit to Mother House was very important and an inspirational experience. People can hardly emulate the things she has done," Hingis said. "Mother Teresa had a vision and goal that people should try to achieve. ... If my game and my smile help people in some way, I shall remain thankful."
Hingis, playing in a tournament in Calcutta, gave $20,000 to the former Nobel Peace Prize winner's charity organization.
Mother Teresa, who was born in what is now Macedonia, devoted her life to serving the poor in India and elsewhere. In 1929, she came to Calcutta, where she later founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and died in 1997 at age 87.
Sunfeast Open update - 3
Women tennis stars walk the ramp
Kolkata, Sept. 21 (PTI): International tennis players participating in the Sunfeast Open tennis tournament walked the ramp as Pakistani band 'Fuzon' provided the background score.
Tennis players like Galina Voskoboeva, Melinda Czink, Sunitha Rao and Arantxa Parra Santonja took to the ramp in Indian ensembles designed by Kiran Uttam Ghosh at a party for Sunfeast Open players at a hotel here last night.
Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi inaugurated the event, which showcased the diverse cultures and art forms of the country. Besides, it provided the international tennis players with an opportunity to experience the traditional Indian 'mela'.
Fuzon, which has won accolades from both sides of the border for its hit album 'Sagaar', played semi-classical compositions from different albums and new Bollywood movies.
source:
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200609211613.htm
Kolkata, Sept. 21 (PTI): International tennis players participating in the Sunfeast Open tennis tournament walked the ramp as Pakistani band 'Fuzon' provided the background score.
Tennis players like Galina Voskoboeva, Melinda Czink, Sunitha Rao and Arantxa Parra Santonja took to the ramp in Indian ensembles designed by Kiran Uttam Ghosh at a party for Sunfeast Open players at a hotel here last night.
Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi inaugurated the event, which showcased the diverse cultures and art forms of the country. Besides, it provided the international tennis players with an opportunity to experience the traditional Indian 'mela'.
Fuzon, which has won accolades from both sides of the border for its hit album 'Sagaar', played semi-classical compositions from different albums and new Bollywood movies.
source:
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200609211613.htm
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Sunfeast open: round 1 interview
Calcutta: Finally, the wait came to an end. The city got to see the former world No. 1, Martina Hingis, in action against Melinda Czink in the first round of the Sunfeast Open. And watched awe-struck as she steamrolled Czink 6-1, 6-2 in a mere 47 minutes.
On court for a brief chat after the match, she laughed at the suggestion that she was in a hurry as she had an appointment to keep. And added that she hoped to have several such appointments all through the week.
At a press meet soon after, Hingis spoke at length about her game and everything else.
Following are excerpts
So, how did you feel about the match today?
I played really well. Melinda is a good player. Moreover, she beat the crowd favourite Sania Mirza here last year. I didn’t want to disappoint the crowd and I came out with my best.
Are you satisfied with your current form?Well, I’m certainly satisfied with it if it is always like it was today. The last six-seven months on the Tour have been generally quite satisfactory. Though, of course, my performance at the Grand Slams haven’t been too well. I have to bounce back.
How was the comeback after the three-year hiatus?
Everyone has been extremely welcoming, specially in Australia. It is like being at home over there.
Would you like to make a comment on your namesake, Martina Navratilova?
I don’t think it is quite appropriate to talk about her here.
Did you like playing on the surface here at the Indoor?
Firstly, I enjoy playing indoors. In Switzerland, because of the snow, we are forced to play indoors for seven months a year, sometimes even eight. I have, kind of, grown up playing indoors. (Chuckles) And even here, don’t you think it’s a much smarter idea to play indoors, than sweat it out in the heat outside?
What prompted you to come here?
Tennis gives me the opportunity to visit countries — places which I probably wouldn’t otherwise travel to. The chance to make a lot of friends, both on and off the Tour. I am grateful for what tennis has given me …
Are you still bothered by your ankle injuries?
The ankles are fine. But sometimes, when there are too many tournaments one after the other, and I have to follow a strict regimen, I need to balance my schedule so as not to overdo it.
How did you motivate yourself to return to the Tour?
I missed it real bad when I wasn’t playing and I was never really away from it in that sense of the term. I watched a lot of tennis, I commentated. I worked hard for 5-6 weeks pre-season and thought I was ready to play again.
Are you looking forward to playing against Sania?
It would definitely be great to play against Sania, but we both have to first get there.
And what do you think about her game?
Sania is very talented. She has powerful groundstrokes. I’ve played just once against her — in Dubai. If she can put the right energy and technique together, she will go a long way. But then, she has to keep improving to keep abreast with the others.
Has the WTA circuit changed in your absence?
It certainly has. The girls now are more athletic. The Williams sisters have brought perfect technique, greater power and a lot of good sense to the game.
Which top players would you like to play against?
I’d like to play against all the top 10 players and beat them as well Mauresmo, Henin-Hardenne, Clijsters, Sharapova and the other Russian girls. That’s what you play for, don’t you?
Your immediate target?
To qualify for the year-end Championships.
Finally, a word about Mahesh Bhupathi?
He’s the best partner I’ve ever had and I’m proud of my first mixed doubles title. It is unfortunate that we could do only one round at the French Open. I couldn’t carry on with both singles and the doubles because of the rain and bad scheduling.
source:
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060919/asp/sports/story_6764792.asp
On court for a brief chat after the match, she laughed at the suggestion that she was in a hurry as she had an appointment to keep. And added that she hoped to have several such appointments all through the week.
At a press meet soon after, Hingis spoke at length about her game and everything else.
Following are excerpts
So, how did you feel about the match today?
I played really well. Melinda is a good player. Moreover, she beat the crowd favourite Sania Mirza here last year. I didn’t want to disappoint the crowd and I came out with my best.
Are you satisfied with your current form?Well, I’m certainly satisfied with it if it is always like it was today. The last six-seven months on the Tour have been generally quite satisfactory. Though, of course, my performance at the Grand Slams haven’t been too well. I have to bounce back.
How was the comeback after the three-year hiatus?
Everyone has been extremely welcoming, specially in Australia. It is like being at home over there.
Would you like to make a comment on your namesake, Martina Navratilova?
I don’t think it is quite appropriate to talk about her here.
Did you like playing on the surface here at the Indoor?
Firstly, I enjoy playing indoors. In Switzerland, because of the snow, we are forced to play indoors for seven months a year, sometimes even eight. I have, kind of, grown up playing indoors. (Chuckles) And even here, don’t you think it’s a much smarter idea to play indoors, than sweat it out in the heat outside?
What prompted you to come here?
Tennis gives me the opportunity to visit countries — places which I probably wouldn’t otherwise travel to. The chance to make a lot of friends, both on and off the Tour. I am grateful for what tennis has given me …
Are you still bothered by your ankle injuries?
The ankles are fine. But sometimes, when there are too many tournaments one after the other, and I have to follow a strict regimen, I need to balance my schedule so as not to overdo it.
How did you motivate yourself to return to the Tour?
I missed it real bad when I wasn’t playing and I was never really away from it in that sense of the term. I watched a lot of tennis, I commentated. I worked hard for 5-6 weeks pre-season and thought I was ready to play again.
Are you looking forward to playing against Sania?
It would definitely be great to play against Sania, but we both have to first get there.
And what do you think about her game?
Sania is very talented. She has powerful groundstrokes. I’ve played just once against her — in Dubai. If she can put the right energy and technique together, she will go a long way. But then, she has to keep improving to keep abreast with the others.
Has the WTA circuit changed in your absence?
It certainly has. The girls now are more athletic. The Williams sisters have brought perfect technique, greater power and a lot of good sense to the game.
Which top players would you like to play against?
I’d like to play against all the top 10 players and beat them as well Mauresmo, Henin-Hardenne, Clijsters, Sharapova and the other Russian girls. That’s what you play for, don’t you?
Your immediate target?
To qualify for the year-end Championships.
Finally, a word about Mahesh Bhupathi?
He’s the best partner I’ve ever had and I’m proud of my first mixed doubles title. It is unfortunate that we could do only one round at the French Open. I couldn’t carry on with both singles and the doubles because of the rain and bad scheduling.
source:
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060919/asp/sports/story_6764792.asp
Vote for Swiss Athletes of the year: Hingis
Please vote for Hingis and Federer:
http://www.blick.ch/sport/artikel44322
the site is in German. click on the atheletes name and click on Abstimmen
currently Hingis and Federer lead in both the male and female athelete category.
http://www.blick.ch/sport/artikel44322
the site is in German. click on the atheletes name and click on Abstimmen
currently Hingis and Federer lead in both the male and female athelete category.
SunfeastOpen update: hingis at Mother Teresa tomb
Martina visits Mother House, donates for 'Sishu Bhavan'
Kolkata, Sept. 19 (PTI): "The visit to Mother House is very important and inspirational," said tennis star Martina Hingis after going round the global headquarters of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity here today.
"People can hardly emulate the things she (Mother Teresa) has done." Martina told PTI after her visit.
"She (Mother Teresa) has a vision and goal that people should try to achieve. It is so difficult to live a life like her and attain whatever she has got."
"If my game and my smile helps people in some way, I shall remain thankful," she said.
At the Mother House, Martina offered floral tributes and prayers.
She was accompanied by her mother Melanie Molitor and Indian star Mahesh Bhupathi's wife Sweta, besides tennis players Tamarine Tanasugarn (Thailand), Leizel Heuber (South Africa), her husband and Melinda Czink (Hungary).
Heuber is Sania Mirza's partner in the doubles.
Later, she paid a visit to 'Sishu Bhavan', the home for destitute children, and interacted with the inmates there.
Martina donated USD 20,000 to the 'Sishu Bhavan.'
The former world number, who is playing at the Sunfeast WTA open, also visited a pictorial exhibition on the Mother's life at the 'Sishu Bhavan'.
another report:
Martina visits Mother Teresa's tomb
Kolkata, Sept 19: Tennis star Martina Hingis today visited Mother House, the global headquarters of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, and offered floral tributes.
Accompanied by her mother Melanie Molitor and Mahesh Bhupathi's wife Sweta, Martina placed bouquets at the tomb of Mother Teresa and offered prayer.
Later, she paid a visit to Sishu Bhavan, the home for destitute children, and interacted with the inmates there.
Martina, who is playing at the Sunfeast WTA Open here, also visited a pictorial exhibition on the Mother's life at the Sishu Bhavan. (Agencies)
another report:
Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) From the competitive tennis court to the soulful company of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, it was a morning well spent for Martina Hingis, who visited Mother House Tuesday.
A favourite of all the visitors to the city, Mother Teresa's house was also the destination for the visitor from Switzerland as she spent about an hour at the Missionaries of Charity.
She also went to Sishu Bhawan to interact with the nuns and the orphaned inmates.
Hingis was accompanied by her mother Melany, two other players of Sunfeast Open, Swetha Bhupathi of Globosports and a few ITC officials.
"This is the place Hingis always wanted to visit and felt at peace with herself after visiting it," Swetha said.
Kolkata, Sept. 19 (PTI): "The visit to Mother House is very important and inspirational," said tennis star Martina Hingis after going round the global headquarters of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity here today.
"People can hardly emulate the things she (Mother Teresa) has done." Martina told PTI after her visit.
"She (Mother Teresa) has a vision and goal that people should try to achieve. It is so difficult to live a life like her and attain whatever she has got."
"If my game and my smile helps people in some way, I shall remain thankful," she said.
At the Mother House, Martina offered floral tributes and prayers.
She was accompanied by her mother Melanie Molitor and Indian star Mahesh Bhupathi's wife Sweta, besides tennis players Tamarine Tanasugarn (Thailand), Leizel Heuber (South Africa), her husband and Melinda Czink (Hungary).
Heuber is Sania Mirza's partner in the doubles.
Later, she paid a visit to 'Sishu Bhavan', the home for destitute children, and interacted with the inmates there.
Martina donated USD 20,000 to the 'Sishu Bhavan.'
The former world number, who is playing at the Sunfeast WTA open, also visited a pictorial exhibition on the Mother's life at the 'Sishu Bhavan'.
another report:
Martina visits Mother Teresa's tomb
Kolkata, Sept 19: Tennis star Martina Hingis today visited Mother House, the global headquarters of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, and offered floral tributes.
Accompanied by her mother Melanie Molitor and Mahesh Bhupathi's wife Sweta, Martina placed bouquets at the tomb of Mother Teresa and offered prayer.
Later, she paid a visit to Sishu Bhavan, the home for destitute children, and interacted with the inmates there.
Martina, who is playing at the Sunfeast WTA Open here, also visited a pictorial exhibition on the Mother's life at the Sishu Bhavan. (Agencies)
another report:
Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) From the competitive tennis court to the soulful company of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, it was a morning well spent for Martina Hingis, who visited Mother House Tuesday.
A favourite of all the visitors to the city, Mother Teresa's house was also the destination for the visitor from Switzerland as she spent about an hour at the Missionaries of Charity.
She also went to Sishu Bhawan to interact with the nuns and the orphaned inmates.
Hingis was accompanied by her mother Melany, two other players of Sunfeast Open, Swetha Bhupathi of Globosports and a few ITC officials.
"This is the place Hingis always wanted to visit and felt at peace with herself after visiting it," Swetha said.
Sundfeast Open update 1
Hingis wonders about lack of top players from India
Kolkata, Sept 19: After registering a comfortable win in her first competitive match on Indian soil, 'Swiss Miss' popped the million-dollar question: why doesn't the world's most populous nation have that many top tennis players?
"There are so many people in india. So why don't you have so many tennis players," she asked in the post-match media conference after steamrolling past Hungarian Melinda Czink in the opening round of the USD 175,000 Sunfeast Open.
In contrast, her country Switzerland had tennis clubs everywhere.
"We are fortunate that in Switzerland we have tennis clubs everywhere, in every village. Everyone gets to play," she said, explaining the success of players like Roger Federer and herself.
Asked how she rated Sania Mirza, Hingis said "she is very talented. She has great groundstrokes. But she needs to make use of all her shots as part of a right strategy."
"She has to improve every day. The other girls are not sleeping," Hingis said with a chuckle.
Hingis, who won the Australian Open mixed doubles title partnering Mahesh Bhupathi, said that she enjoyed playing with the lanky Indian.
She said that due to the gruelling schedule, however, it was difficult to play both singles and doubles.
On the French Open, where she left Bhupathi after playing only the first round, Hingis said: "I was very tired."
"And this is the reason I am playing only singles here," said the former world number one player.
Hingis said she was satisfied with her form yesterday. "I am happy with the way I played," she said.
On how she motivated herself after a three-year injury-induced sabbatical, Hingis said: "It's because I missed it (the circuit) so much. It's great to be back in the circuit, to know that people have missed you. I have friends all over who have welcomed me."
Hingis said that she was aware that Czink had ended Sania's run here last year. "So, I did not want to disappoint the crowd."
Hingis said that she enjoyed playing indoors. "It's a smart move rather than playing outside in the heat here."
With the world of tennis having changed from the time she was the numero uno player, Hingis said "I have to work hard. I worked out for six to seven weeks in the pre-season to get into the groove.
"The girls are much fitter now. The trend was started by Martina Navratilova, then Steffi Graf. The Williams sisters had the perfect technique."
On whom she would love to beat to regain her number one status, Hingis said: "Sharapova, Mauresomo, Henin-Hardenne, Clistjers when she is fit.
"All these girls are great opponents and I need to beat them in order to get back."
Bureau Report
source:
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=323616&ssid=92&sid=SPO
Kolkata, Sept 19: After registering a comfortable win in her first competitive match on Indian soil, 'Swiss Miss' popped the million-dollar question: why doesn't the world's most populous nation have that many top tennis players?
"There are so many people in india. So why don't you have so many tennis players," she asked in the post-match media conference after steamrolling past Hungarian Melinda Czink in the opening round of the USD 175,000 Sunfeast Open.
In contrast, her country Switzerland had tennis clubs everywhere.
"We are fortunate that in Switzerland we have tennis clubs everywhere, in every village. Everyone gets to play," she said, explaining the success of players like Roger Federer and herself.
Asked how she rated Sania Mirza, Hingis said "she is very talented. She has great groundstrokes. But she needs to make use of all her shots as part of a right strategy."
"She has to improve every day. The other girls are not sleeping," Hingis said with a chuckle.
Hingis, who won the Australian Open mixed doubles title partnering Mahesh Bhupathi, said that she enjoyed playing with the lanky Indian.
She said that due to the gruelling schedule, however, it was difficult to play both singles and doubles.
On the French Open, where she left Bhupathi after playing only the first round, Hingis said: "I was very tired."
"And this is the reason I am playing only singles here," said the former world number one player.
Hingis said she was satisfied with her form yesterday. "I am happy with the way I played," she said.
On how she motivated herself after a three-year injury-induced sabbatical, Hingis said: "It's because I missed it (the circuit) so much. It's great to be back in the circuit, to know that people have missed you. I have friends all over who have welcomed me."
Hingis said that she was aware that Czink had ended Sania's run here last year. "So, I did not want to disappoint the crowd."
Hingis said that she enjoyed playing indoors. "It's a smart move rather than playing outside in the heat here."
With the world of tennis having changed from the time she was the numero uno player, Hingis said "I have to work hard. I worked out for six to seven weeks in the pre-season to get into the groove.
"The girls are much fitter now. The trend was started by Martina Navratilova, then Steffi Graf. The Williams sisters had the perfect technique."
On whom she would love to beat to regain her number one status, Hingis said: "Sharapova, Mauresomo, Henin-Hardenne, Clistjers when she is fit.
"All these girls are great opponents and I need to beat them in order to get back."
Bureau Report
source:
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=323616&ssid=92&sid=SPO
Test Post
Test test test
is this working?
let me see...
Ahha
This has turned out to be a test post page for blogger...
Saturday, September 16, 2006
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