Happy Birthday Li Na!

Today is Li Na's 28th birthday and I'm lucky enough to be invited to her surprise birthday bash.

Together with the linesmen, ballboys/ballgirls, media and organisers, we started off by singing the birthday song (Malay version) and followed by the English version.

The bouquet of flowers was from HCFoo's Tennis Blog ;-)

Hope Li Na will have a great year ahead and perhaps win the Grand Slam this year ;)

(Images by HSFoo)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 4 Results & OOP for Day 5

Magdalena Rybarikova outplayed young Thai star, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn 6-4, 7-5 to book her place in the quarterfinals.

In another match, Tatjana Malek, who pulled off an upset by defeating Li Na on Tuesday, lost to Channelle Scheepers in three sets 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

In doubles, sisters Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova pulled off an upset by defeating first seeds Alisa Kleybanova and Yan Zi in two sets 6-3, 7-6 (5).

Here's the complete results for Day 5.

Singles
Sybille Bammer (AUT) def. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) – 6-3, 6-0
Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) def. Tatjana Malek (GER) – 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) def. Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (THA) – 6-4, 7-5
Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) def. Zheng jie (CHN) -6-2, 6-3

Doubles
Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) & Arina Rodionova (RUS) def. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) & Yan Zi (CHN) - 6-3, 7-6 (5)
Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) & Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) def Sarah Borwell(GBR) & Kops-Jones (USA)
Ekaterina Dzehalevich (BLR) & Tatjana Malek (GER) def Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) & Darya Kustova (BLR)

Tomorrow’s singles feature match will see Rybarikova take on first seed Elena Dementieva at 6pm on Centre Court.

Another match worth watching for is the one between up and coming Chinese Taipei player Chang Kai-Chen who will be meeting Sybille Bammer.

In the doubles match, Vitalia Diatchenko and Chanelle Scheepers will take on Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie.

Here's the OOP for tomorrow.

(Via Carbon Media)

Li Na, Kimiko Date, Klepac, Kapshay, Marosi, Jurak at Pro-Am Tennis Tourney

Six professional and four amateur players participated in the WTA Malaysian Open 2010’s inaugural Pro-Am this morning at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort.

The pro players were Li Na, Kimiko Date-Krumm, Andreja Klepac, Veronika Kapshay, Katalin Marosi and Darija Jurak. The amateur players including Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Youth and Sports and renowned local singer Ning Baizura.

Local celebrity Ning Baizura getting signatures from Jurak and Kimiko.

After the match, my sister managed to take picture with her idols Li Na and Kimiko.

Ain't Li Na cute with that smiley face? And Kimiko sure knows how to pose for an elegant shot ;)

(Images by Carbon Media, HSFoo)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 3 Results & OOP for Day 4

Ayumi Morita

Elena Dementieva and Alisa Kleybanova seeded first and fourth respectively, maintained their winning form and progressed to the next round of the Malaysian Open 2010 at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club today.

Dementieva proved too strong an opponent for Bojana Jovanovski, winning comfortably 6-2, 6-3.

Kleybanova had a tougher match however, as she was pushed to three sets by Alla Kudryavtseva nder the sweltering afternoon heat, but prevailed in the end with a 7-6 (4), 3-6, 4-6 score.

In another mamatch Yan Zi, who knocked out fifth seed Melinda Czink in the first round, lost to Ayumi Morita 6-2, 6-1.

In doubles, second seeds Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie booked their place in the next round against Vitalia Diatchenko and Chanelle Scheepers after defeating Yayuk Basuki and Yurika Sema 1-6, 6-3, 10-3.

Check out the complete results below and followed by today's OOP.

Click on images for larger view

Today's singles feature match will see promising youngster Chang Kai-Chen take on third seed Zheng Jie at 6pm on Centre Court.

In doubles, first seeds Alisa Kleybanova and Yan Zi will face the pairing of Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova.

(Via Carbon Media)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Taste of Tennis in Kuala Lumpur

Yesterday, the WTA players including Veronika Kapshay, Ksenia Palkina, sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova and Ekaterina Ivanova had the opportunity to learn about Malaysian cuisine.

In a cook-along session, held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club the players learned how to make local food such as roti canai and roti jala.

(Image by Carbon Media)

Amanmuradova, Kustova, Scheepers, Zhang Shuai, Kimiko Date, Grandin & Diatchenko visit children's home

Seven players from the WTA Malaysian Open 2010 visited the Taman Megah’s Handicapped & Disabled Children’s Home yesterday, bringing smiles to the underprivileged kids living there.

They were Akgul Amanmuradova, Darya Kustova, Chanelle Scheepers, Zhang Shuai, Kimiko Date-Krumm, Natalie Grandin and Vitalia Diatchenko who handed out oranges and goodie bags to the kids.

Chanelle Scheepers handing out oranges to people at the Home.

Kimiko Date-Krumm handing out goodie bags.

(Images by Carbon Media)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 2 Results & OOP for Day 3

Newly crowned world no.10 Li Na crashed out of the Malaysian Open after losing to Tatjana Malek (GER) 1-6, 7-5, 2-6.

Top seed Elena Dementieva and no.3 seed Zheng Jie both progressed to the second round after her easy defeat over Russians Ekaterina Bychkova and Elena Bovina respectively.

Other singles matches saw young Asian players like Chang Kai-Chen and wildcard recipient Noppawan Lertcheewakarn move into the next round.

Here's the complete results for Day 2 at the Sony Ericsson WTA Malaysian Open:

Singles
Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) def. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 6-0, 3-0 (ret)
Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) def. Stefanie Voegelle (SUI) 6-2, 6-1
Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) def. Zhang Shuai (CHN) 7-6 (4) 7-5
Magdelena Rybarikova (SVK) def. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 7-5, 6-3
Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (THA) def. Ksenia Pervak (RUS) 6-1, 6-4
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) def. Yurika Sema (JPN) 6-3, 6-2Zheng Jie (CHN) def. Elena Bovina (RUS) 6-4, 6-3
Sybille Bammer (AUT) def. Anna Gerasimou (GRE) 7-5, 6-4Tatjana Malek (GER) def. Li Na (CHN) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2
Elena Dementieva (RUS) def. Ekaterina Bychkova (RUS) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) and Arina Rodionova (RUS) def. Yuliya Beygelzimer (UKR) and Yuliana Fedak (UKR) 7-6 (4), 4-6, 10-6
Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) and Yan Zi (CHN) def. Melinda Czink (HUN) and Natalie Grandin (RSA) 6-2, 6-1
Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) and Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) def. Trang Huynh Phuong Dai (VIE) and Jawairiah Noordin (MAS) 6-4, 6-2
Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) and Darya Kustova (BLR) def. Olga Govortsova (BLR) and Ipek Senoglu (TUR) 6-3, 7-5

Meanwhile here's the OOP and event highlights for Day 3:

Click on image for larger view

11AM-12PM: Players’ visit to Taman Megah Handicapped and Disabled Children’s Home
1PM: Start of main draw
3PM: Malaysian Cuisine Cooking session with players at Bukit Kiara Equestrian Resort
4.30-5.00PM: Autograph session
6.00PM: Feature Match of the day
7.30-8.00PM: Autograph Session

(Via Carbon Media; Li Na's image by Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters)

Kimiko Date-Krumm out of Malaysian Open but in for the spa

Kimiko Date-Krumm may have pulled out from the Malaysian Open 2010 due to ankle injury but she is still committed to the tournament's promotional event.

Together with Andreja Klepac, they spent a relaxing day at The Golden Horses Health Sanctuary yesterday's afternoon, receiving pampering foot reflexology spa treatment.

(Images by Carbon Media)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010 officially kicks off!

I had a soaking wet yet awesome time at the Malaysian Open 2010 yesterday. Met a lot of friends whom I got to know from ATP Malaysian Open last year.

Especially thanks to Dunlop Sporting Goods director Mr Alan Tang who gave me tickets for the entire tournament week. Now I have a lot of ticket allocation job to be done so that most friends, if not all have the opportunity to witness this inaugural tournament.

It was really hot at the tournament site. So my advice is don't dress in black, wear a cap and bring mini towel, umbrella and enough WATER!

So, yesterday, the four qualifier spots in the main draw of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Malaysian Open 2010 were decided today at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club.

The singles matches of the main draw also kicked off in the afternoon, even though there was a brief delay due to rain.

Ksenia Pervak, Anna Gerasimou, Yurika Sema and Elena Bovina all overcame their opponents in the final round of qualifying and will continue to battle in the US$220,000 tournament.

Check out the complete Main Draw singles here.

Click on image for larger view

In yesterday's earlier singles Main Draw, Anastasia Rodionova defeated 8th seed Belarusian Olga Govortsova 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 while another Belarusian Darya Kustova fell to Ekaterina Ivanova, also in three sets.

The Official Opening Ceremony of the event also took place yesterday evening on Centre Court with Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Youth and Sports, in attendance as the Guest-of-Honour.

He officially opened the tournament after a lion dance performance and a short sparring session with Kimiko Date-Krumm as his partner against China’s Li Na and Yan Zi.

Today's singles matches will feature the tournament’s 1st seed Elena Dementieva and 2nd seed Li Na in action.

Check out the OOP for Day 2 below.

Click on image for larger view

Other highlights for today include a players’ visit to The Mines Resort & Golf Club at 11AM as well as two autograph sessions which will be held at 4.30PM and 730PM in the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort Sponsors Village.

(Images by Carbon Media)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Main draw & OOP unveiled

The main draw for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Malaysian Open 2010 was held on Saturday afternoon and was attended by Elena Dementieva and Ekaterina Ivanova.

Both Zheng Jie and Li Na are placed in the opposite sides of the draw; setting up a potential all-Chinese final between the two.

Check out the complete Main Draw Singles and OOP below.

Click on the images for larger view

And here's the Doubles Main Draw.

Click on the image for larger view

Too bad many players did not turn up at this tournament, which includes crowd-puller at the recent Asia/Oceania Fed Cup Kimiko Date-Krumm, Sania Mirza, Sabine Lisicki and Jelena Dokic.

(Image by Carbon Media)

Czink, Molik, Voskoboeva, Kai-Chen, Yan Zi, Lertcheewakarn visit to the Kassim Chin Humanity Foundation

Melinda Czink, Alicia Molik, Galina Voskoboeva, Chang Kai-Chen, Yan Zi and Noppawan Lertcheewakarn took time out to visit to the Kassim Chin Humanity Foundation this morning.

Melinda Czink hands out Mandarin oranges and a red packet to the children.

Alicia Molik with the children from the Kassim Chin Humanity Foundation.

The players were greeted by more than 60 children from the Foundation.

Malaysian Open 2010's 5th seed Czink said, “We players, lead a privileged life and it is great and necessary for us to give back to the kids who are not as privileged. It helps put things into perspective and I hope we can try and motivate and encourage them through this visit today. It is important for them to know that they can achieve what they want through hard work and perseverance.”

Interacting with the kids, Molik said, “These small gifts that we have are great. It obviously means a lot to them and it is great to see the smile on their faces. If I would bring a gift from Australia, I would bring Vegemite, which is something traditional to Australia”.

Thanks to Carbon Media for the press release.

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Tickets giveaway for Astro Sports subscribers

ASTROLIFE IS GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO WATCH MALAYSIA OPEN 2010

100 winners for the Prelim Round Court (a set of tickets from 22nd to 25th Feb)
25 winners for the Season Centre Court (a set of tickets from 26th to 28th Feb)

Those interested please email below details to astrolife@astro.com.my:

Name:
IC No:
Astro Account No:
Contact No:

T&C Astro account must be active and subscribed to sports package.

Hurry! Send in your details before the end of this Sunday (deadline: Feb 21 before midnight).

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Qualifying OOP

Here's what you've been waiting for - the qualifying OOP for the WTA Malaysian Open 2010!

Please click for larger view.

As mentioned in the local papers, Malaysia no.1 Jawairiah Noordin did not get Wildcard into the Main Draw due to her poor performance in the Asia/Oceania Zone Fed Cup recently. Better luck next time girl!

So if you're into short skirts and tennis, head to the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort tomorrow onwards as the Sony Ericsson WTA Mini Asian Tour will take place from February 22 – 28.

Qualifying matches will start at 10AM. Free admission.

And please don't forget to head to the practice courts too. That's the best place and time to meet the players!

It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since I update this blog...

I've lost my passion to blog ever since I started believing that this is the beginning of the end of Rafael Nadal's career.

I hope I'm wrong just like this picture of Nadal and Shakira...

Nadal starred in Shakira's new music video 'Gypsy' which took place in the city of Barcelona.

Both of t were seen also having dinner at a restaurant in Barcelona during the filming, fueling suspicions of a possible romance.

Well, Nadal aside, I think I better start working on some posts for the WTA Malaysian Open which is just three days away.

Later.

Malaysian Open Women's Tennis 2010: Key players announced!

The Malaysian Tennis Classic 2010, which is part of the Sony Ericsson WTA Mini Asian Tour is now officially known as The Malaysian Open.

Thanks to Joash of Carbon Media Management for sending me the press release of this women's tennis tournament as I couldn't make it to their presser due to work commitment.

The WTA event will take place at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort from February 22-28, 2010 right after the Chinese New Year.

The players list released by the organiser, Carbon Media Management are Elena Dementieva, Li Na, Sabine Lisicki, Jie Zheng, Melinda Czink, Magdalena Rybarikova, Jelena Dokic, Sania Mirza, Kimiko Date Krumm, Tamarine Tanasugarn.

Unofficial names of players who may also be gracing the Malaysian shores are Vania King, Chang Kai-cheng, Lucie Safarova and Sybille Bammer.

The tickets are extremely affordable! Regular season ticket only costs you RM328!

You can get your tickets via TicketPro outlets or via their ticketing hotline +603 7880 7999 or website.

TENNIS WATCH: Malaysian Tennis Classic, Serena living On The Line, Oudin & Querrey at NASDAQ, Uncle Toni lookalike

Great news for fellow Malaysians!

Next year, we'll be having both ATP and WTA events! What a dream come true!

Officially announced in the Sony Ericsson WTA website, the Malaysian Tennis Classic sanctioned by LTAM will begin on February 22, 2010, right after the Chinese New Year :D

Thanks to Hamdan for the tips!

*******

Serena Williams memoir already hit the bookstore.

For more info regarding the content of the autobiography, read it from Black Tennis Pro's.

*******

No... giant-killer Melanie Oudin did not get arrested for defeating Elena Dementieva and Maria Sharapova.

Together with fellow American Sam Querrey they were at the NASDAQ earlier this week to ring the opening bell at the stock exchange.

Check out Querrey's nerdy look...

*******

Am I the only one who think Jesse Witten look like Uncle Toni?

By the way, I enjoyed Witten's performance at the US Open. He proves chubby guys can play good tennis too :D

TENNIS WATCH: The Hewitts, ATP & WTA's marriage in Cincinnati, Ivanovic's cutting cost, Safina's coconut, comeback Kim wins again

Australian weekly magazine New Idea has apologised to Lleyton Hewitt's wife Bec for labelling her brother Shaun Cartwright as her 'new lover' in an April news story.

The magazine surely have no idea that the Hewitts are still very much in love.

*******

The ATP and WTA events in Cincinnati will become a combined tournament in 2011 and will be held two weeks before the U.S. Open.

The current WTA and ATP events in Toronto and Montreal will remain in separate cities, but will occur during the same week, three weeks before the U.S. Open.

*******

Is Ana Ivanovic cutting cost due to her recent slump?

Speaking about her shrinking entourage, Ivanovic said, "Now I'm actually traveling with my mom mostly, and before I used to have four or five people. So I'm like, Where has everyone gone?"

"No, I feel really good, because also made me realise more thing on my own, what I'm doing and what helps me to play good, these kind of things, rather than relying on people telling me certain things."

*******

Recently Dinara Safina hurt her left hand while trying to open a coconut.

Safina said, "In Los Angeles, I would say I lost a bet with a coconut. I was trying to open a coconut, and actually didn't open very good because the knife slipped and it went straight into my hand.

Safina shoud ask Zeljko Krajan to do it instead.

*******

Kim Clijsters continues her successful comeback win by defeating Patty Schnyder 6-2, 7-5 in Cincinnati.

Clijsters who retired in May 2007 and gave birth to a daughter in February 2008, knocked out 12th-seeded Marion Bartoli in straight sets on Monday.

She is scheduled to meet 6th-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova in the next round. Clijsters has won six of her seven matches against Kuznetsova.

If everything goes well, she will probably meet top-seeded Dinara Safina in the quarterfinal match.