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Jun 29, 2009

Lindsay Davenport gives birth to girl; Mirka next in line

Former world no.1 player Lindsay Davenport has given birth to her second child.

Davenport and husband Jon Leach have named their baby girl Lauren Andrus Davenport Leach on Saturday morning.

The husband and wife team already have a 2-year-old son, Jagger.
Davenport’s agent Tony Godsick said, “Lindsay and Lauren are doing great, and Jonny and the other man of the family, Jagger, Lauren’s brother, are ecstatic.”
It's going to be Mirka's turn up next.


(Images by Getty Images)

Jun 28, 2009

ATP 250 Malaysian Open '09 - The Launch

On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a media launch organised by IMG at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

I did not know it was the launch of an ATP 250 event as the invitation only stated 'a major annual sports and entertainment event for Malaysia'.

But I sort of know that it was a tennis event - or else why would they want to invite me.

As soon as I registered myself as a tennis blogger (the Media Director was a bit surprised), I took my 'goodie bag' (still not knowing it was the launch of the Malaysian Open) and searched for a place to check out the 'freebies' in the bag.

In the 'goodie bag' - An official guide to pro tennis 2009, ATP World Tour 2009 season book and a ATP 250 Malaysian Open notebook.

Now I bet you can imagine how happy I was when I finally saw the ATP 250 and Malaysian Open logos on the bag!

Then I met up with loose cannon who introduced to me the reporters and people from the press like the Malay Mail and NST.

Being kiasu, I quickly went into the conference room and grabbed the front seat so that I can get a good view to record some footage.

While most people from the media were still outside, I wassitting inside enjoying the slide show - I couldn't believe my eyes that Kei Nishikori, Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzalez, David Ferrer, Gael Monfils and Nikolay Davydenko were some of the players who will be here in September!



With a James Blunt's song in the background, I got goosebumps and a chill running down my spine. I can't remember how many tweets and text messages I've sent out sharing the great news.

So, Kuala Lumpur won the right to host the prestigious ATP World Tour 250 for a period of five years from this year until 2013.

The Malaysian Open, to be organised by IMG, a world leader in sports and lifestyle marketing, will carry a total prize money of USD947,750, more than the amount offered at Thailand Open which is to be held on the same week.

This event will be held at the 16,000-capacity indoor Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 26 till Oct 4. Very, very near to my house indeed!

The Malaysian Open joins the Thailand Open, China Open, Japan Open and Shanghai Masters as Asian events on the ATP Tour schedule.
"There is great demand for cities to host ATP World Tour events and in particular within the Asian region," said Brad Drewett, CEO of ATP International.

"Kuala Lumpur presented a very strong application to become part of the ATP World Tour."
Here's the launch video which I want to share with you.



Tournament director Nick Freyer, who is also IMG Senior Vice-President and Head of Tennis for Asia, confirmed the participation of the 6 players mentioned earlier in this post.

If you haven't watch the welcome messages in my previous blog post, here we go again:





Freyer who received a 'special phone call' in the middle of his speech, later invited the Prime Minister to announce the participation of another player, who turned out to be 2009 French Open runner-up Robin Soderling.

Initially I thought that gimmick 'phone call' came from Roger Federer!


Now during the Q&A session, I managed to ask a question. I was glad when the tournament director assured that wildcards will be given based on merits. I'll be disappointed if wildcards will be given to local players whom I believe not ready to play at this level yet.

The event ended on high note when the Prime Minister officially launched the event and the official website (www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com).

Right after the event, I quickly dashed to the registration counter, got myself the press kit and an extra 'goodie bag' for Esther.

Before I end this post, let me share with you some information which I've got regarding the Malaysian Open. I bet you want to know things like the schedule of event, ticket price, venue and facilities, etc.

Stay tune for more as HCFoo's Tennis Blog will provide you with more info regarding the Malaysian Open.

(Images by HCFoo)

Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova outclassed by teens on Wimbledon Day 6

American Melanie Oudin pulled the biggest upset on Day 6 by beating the struggling former world no.1 Jelena Jankovic, 6-7 (8), 7-5, 6-2.

When the 124th ranked Oudin (pronounced Oo-dan') concluded the match of her life she had to ask where to find the exit from the court. Still finding her way around the All England Club, Oudin has made her way into the fourth round.



French Open champion and birthday girl Svetlana Kuznetsova did not get the birthday present she hoped for when she was also knocked out of Wimbledon by unseeded teenager Sabine Lisicki.

The Russian was outclassed 6-2, 7-5 in just one hour and 26 minutes.

(Via AFP, Images by Getty Images)

Justin Timberlake & Chace Crawford spotted at Wimbledon

Is Justin Timberlake the biggest celebrity to have graced Wimbledon this year?

Someone needs to fill up that seat.

Dressed casually in a jeans, black T-shirt and granddad cap, Justin was there to support his friend Andy Roddick in the third round clash against Jurgen Melzer.

Roddick dropped the third set but eventually won 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3.

Another celebrity spotted at Wimbledon was Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford.


Coffee, tea or me?

(Images by Getty Images)


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