Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Cry God for Rooney, England and St George! Suddenly the nation's going cross-eyed with World Cup fever

By Daily Mail Reporter

Putting his shirt on it: Ryan O'Dell from Coleford, Gloucestershire, has painted his house with England colours


England's cricket fans are known as 'The Barmy Army' - but they have nothing on the nation's football fans.

With World Cup fever in full swing, patriots are showing their dedication to the flag in some impressively ostentatious ways.

Whether it's a turf pitch laid in the front room, a horse in full kit or even the Korma Capello curry, England's army of football fans are proving themselves barmier than anyone else.


On home ground: Dan Taylor, from Sutton Coldfield, has laid a turf pitch in his front room


Football's coming gnome: There's no doubt who Dave Evans, from Oldbury, West Midlands, is supporting after decorating his house, and if he needs an extra touch he can add this little mascot to his garden


Roo-neigh: Colt Ambrette Absolute - Brett for short - is a sure-footed striker


Where's the fluffy dice then? Tony Baddams spent a week doing up his terraced house


Cheers: Lynne Ackland gets one in at The London Inn at Braunton, Devon


On the wings: Andy Jackson, left, and Chris Horsley are very mobile with their patriotic Vauxhall Corsa, while Peter Jones shows his spirits aren't flagging at The Willow Tree pub in Winchester


The Devon massive: Landlord Darren Luxton has decked out the roof of his pub with the country's biggest St George's Cross - 50ft by 25ft - at The Windmill in Plymouth, Devon


Patriot games: One fan in Peterborough gives his home an instant makeover while B&Q in Havant, Hampshire, shows support in its own way


source: dailymail

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Teen tennis star has breast reduction surgery in bid to boost her game

By Daily Mail Reporter

Before: Romanian tennis star Simona Halep in the Junior French Open in 2008. Last summer she had breast reduction surgery to improve her game


Having a large chest guarantees attention, but Romanian tennis hopeful Simona Halep couldn't get rid of hers soon enough.

The 18-year-old, who was a junior champion at the French Open in 2008, had a growing male fan base thanks to her 34DD breasts.

But the extra weight on her chest was uncomfortable and caused severe back pain, which affected her performance on the court.

In a bid to boost her game, she spent last summer recovering from breast reduction surgery, which took her cup size down to a more modest 34C.


After: Halep, pictured on Monday, is yet to reap the rewards of her surgery after she was beaten at the French Open by Samantha Stosur


She revealed her new-look figure at this year's French Open tournament in Paris.

Unfortunately Halep, who is ranked 114 in the world, was still beaten on Monday by former semi-finalist, Australian Samantha Stosur.

Explaining her decision to fans, who petitioned in an attempt to get her to reconsider, she said: 'It’s the weight that troubles me. My ability to react quickly, my breasts make me uncomfortable when I play.

'I don’t like them in my everyday life, either. I would have gone for surgery even if I hadn’t been a sportswoman.'


Personal choice: Halep admits that she has never liked her breasts, and would have had surgery even if she hadn't been a sportswoman


Olympics or bust: 400m hurdler Jana Pittman-Rawlinson, before her breast implants were removed earlier this year


But she is not the first sportswomen to have been forced to undergo a breast reduction to improve her chances, and if the experiences of other athletes are anything to go by it may take her some time to get used to her new body.

Australian 400m hurdler Jana Pittman-Rawlinson, 27, who had breast implants after the birth of her son, had them removed earlier this year in an effort to improve her chances in the London 2012 Olympics.

'Every time I raced I panicked about whether I was letting my country down, all for my own vanity,' she said.

'I absolutely loved having bigger boobs, but I don’t want to short-change Australia either.'

Darts player Andy Fordham experienced a similar situation after he lost lost an incredible 10st (63.5kg).

He said: 'The only problem with playing darts now is that my weight loss has affected my balance. It’s been like learning to throw in a new body.'


source: dailymail

Monday, May 10, 2010

The WAGS come out to play as Chelsea hit Whisky Mist after landing Premiership cup

By Daily Mail Reporter

New WAG on the block: Christine Bleakley sensibly downs some water after drinking in Whisky Mist with Frank Lampard


Hours after clinching this year's Premiership title with a stunning 8-0 win over Wigan, Chelsea F.C. hit the West End to celebrate.

Led by Captain John Terry, 'The Blues' dined at Nobu Berkeley in Mayfair before continuing the festivities at the Whisky Mist nightclub.


Well refreshed: The One Show host kept herself hydrated after the celebrations
Joining the team were their WAGs were rugby player Danny Cipriani, reality TV star Chantelle Houghton and even some Arsenal rivals as they partied until the early hours of this morning.


But one player flying solo was embattled Ashley Cole, who split from his pop star wife Cheryl in February.

As he emerged from Whisky Mist in the early hours of this morning, it appeared he may have ripped his white T-shirt as he had bits of material hanging out from his hoodie as he stumbled out of the club.


Night off: Joe Cole and wife Carly left their new baby Ruby at home for a rare night out together


Slimline: Carly appeared to have regained her slim figure just two months after giving birth
Despite not having a WAG to share his joy with, the 29-year-old defender looked in good spirits as he arrived at the club.

Following the Vanessa Perroncel scandal earlier this year, Terry was on his best behaviour and stayed close to his devoted wife Toni all night.

Earlier that day, the couple had put on a show of togetherness as they celebrated Chelsea's first Premiership win in four years with their twins Georgie John and Summer Rose, who turn four next week.


Happy again: Chelsea captain John Terry cuddles his long-suffering wife Toni


What a beautiful game: Terry kisses his medal as he heads home


Flying solo: Ashley Cole looked smart as he arrived at the party, but ended up leaving a tad worse for wear. There was no sign of his estranged wife Cheryl


Toni brought the twins on to the pitch as Terry held the Premiership Cup above his head.

The festivities also marked the first time One Show host Christine Bleakley had joined boyfriend Frank Lampard for a team celebration.

The Northern Irish presenter, 31, was seen downing a bottle of water in the back of her taxi as she and Lampard headed home following the boozy night.


Celebrate: Midfielder Michael Ballack and his wife Simone


Surprise guests: Wannabe WAG Chantelle Houghton and rugby player Danny Cipriani joined in the fun

Last night's celebrations also marked Joe Cole's wife Carly's first night out since giving birth to their daughter Ruby in March.

After proudly introducing the two-month-old child to the other players and their families on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, the couple called in a babysitter so Carly could have a night off.

The fitness trainer, 25, showed off her slimline post-baby body in a pair of black satin trousers, huge platform boots and a sheer black top.


Rivals: Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (left) and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor put aside their rivalries to party with Chelsea


Boys' night out: Arsenal teammates Samir Nasri (left) and Bacary Sagna

A surprise attendee at the party was Celebrity Big Brother winner Houghton, who was spotted at both Nobu and Whisky Mist.

Wearing a pair of latex leggings and sheer black top, perhaps the Essex girl was trying to land another football boyfriend.

The reality TV star, who was briefly married to Ordinary Boys singer Samuel Preston, dated Tottenham Hotspurs player Jermain Defoe for four months.


Happy family: John and Toni lift the Premier League trophy as they celebrate at Stamford Bridge with their twins Georgie and Summer, who turn four next week


Loyal WAG: Toni was thrilled to be standing by her man


Born blue: Joe and Carly Cole took turns holding little Ruby, who was wrapped in a Chelsea scarf


Biggest fans: Lampard hugged his daughter Isla, who turns three on May 20, and Luna, four, kept close too


Family affair: Florent Malouda cuddles his son Aaron (left), while Didier Drogba dances across the pitch with his son Keyran


Sweet victory: Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after their triumph


source: dailymail

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba peel down to their posing pants in World Cup photoshoot

By Daily Mail Reporter

Six-pack stars: Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo on Vanity Fair's cover. Each player was photographed separately by celebrity snapper Annie Leibovitz


It's World Cup year, so we shouldn't be surprised to see stars proudly parading in their colours of their country.

But have Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo taken it a little too far this time?

Chelsea striker Drogba and former Manchester United forward Ronaldo took part in a photoshoot for Vanity Fair magazine - posing in just a pair of tight pants in the colours of their nations.


Suited and booted: Drogba and Ronaldo wearing more clothes


Drogba pulled on the green, gold and white of the Ivory Coast flag, while Real Madrid ace Ronaldo dons a red pair in a nod to his native Portugal.

'In America, these men might not enjoy the same name recognition as the stars of the NFL,' the magazine notes, 'but for most of the planet, they are more than just showstoppers. They are gods.'

The pair peeled off for renowned celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, famous for her portrait of a pregnant and nude Demi Moore and more recently, her controversial topless shot of teen star Miley Cyrus.

Other football stars involved included American Landon Donovan, Ghana midfield star Sulley Muntari, Brazilain aces Alex Pato and Kaka, Cameroon's Samuel Eto’o and German captain Michael Ballack.

England’s representative is Carlton Cole, who could face the unenviable position of not actually being picked for the World Cup despite his involvement in the photoshoot.

Before going in front of the camera Drogba insisted on using a set of dumbells to pump up his muscles.

Let's hope Drogba and Ronaldo are wearing a bit more when they step out in South Africa this summer, when the pair feature in the so-called 'group of death': Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

More than that, the pair face off in very first group game on June 15, when no doubt each will be hoping the other really is 'pants'.


Incredible hulk: Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Almeria in the Spanish League in December


source: dailymail

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Britain wins first Olympic gold in 30 years as Amy Williams slides her way to glory in skeleton

Gold medalist Amy Williams is carried by Germany's bronze medalist Anja Huber (L) and silver medalist Kerstin Szymkowiak


Britain ended a 30-year wait for a solo Winter Olympic gold medal today after Amy Williams slid her way to glory in the skeleton bob.

The 27-year-old from Bath was more than half a second quicker than the rest of the field at Vancouver 2010 after the final heat.

She becomes Britain's first gold medallist in an individual discipline at the Winter Olympics since ice skater Robin Cousins, who triumphed at Lake Placid in 1980


Winner: Amy Williams picked up Britain's first individual Winter Olympic gold medal for 30 years today


Williams, nicknamed 'curly wurly' because of her frizzy hair, hugged team-mates and wrapped herself in a Union Flag after her win at the track in Whistler, Canada
She was leading going into the fourth and final run, and held off Kerstin Szymkowiak from Germany

She also beat the home favourite Mellisa Hollingsworth, who ended up fifth - and survived a protest against the legality of her helmet

Her win marks Britain's first medal at this year's Winter Olympics. Williams' team-mate Shelley Rudman, who won a silver at Turin four years ago, missed out on the podium this year.

Williams described her triumph as 'crazy'. She told the BBC: 'I am absolutely speechless. It's all a blur. I can't even remember half of it.

'I just came out the bottom and looked at my coach.'


Amy waves at the finish during the final run of the women's skeleton


The athlete - whose sled is called Arthur - was competing at her first Winter Olympics.

She reputedly complained of 'not really liking it' after her first go on the skeleton, but she managed to win a silver medal after entering the World Push Championships in 2002.

Last year she won a silver medal in the World Championships and another silver in the World Cup race in Whistler, Canada.

Her Olympic triumph continues a fine run of British skeleton sliding since the sport was reintroduced to the Winter Olympics at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

Alex Coomber won bronze eight years ago, followed up by Rudman's silver. Rudman finished sixth this year.

Skeleton's international governing body rejected a protest filed on Thursday by the United States team which claimed that ridges on Williams' helmet gave her an illegal aerodynamic advantage.


Fan club: Amy Williams' supporters brave the cold to cheer her on in the skeleton competition in Vancouver


But International Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Federation jury president Wolfgang Strauss said the helmet's manufacturer confirmed the ridges were 'an integral part' and it was ruled legal for racing.

Williams led from the first round, also setting the fastest time in the third heat.

Andy Hunt, Team GB's chef de mission in Vancouver, paid tribute to her performance.

He said: 'It was absolutely extraordinary. It's a great night for Amy, and great night for Team GB. We are delighted for her.

'Right from the outset she was in the lead and she maintained that throughout. It's just an extraordinary achievement.'

Mr Hunt also praised her focus after the protest was made.

'She absolutely kept her cool and kept her focus and look what she delivered.'

UK Sport chief executive of UK Sport John Steele added: 'It takes a lot of endeavour, sacrifice and team work to become an Olympic champion and I would like to congratulate Amy, British Skeleton and all those behind the scenes who have contributed to this success.'

British Skeleton received a record £2.1m of lottery and exchequer funding for Vancouver through UK Sport.


Amy's proud parents Ian and Jan congratulate their daughter after her record-breaking win


source: dailymail

Saturday, February 13, 2010

WINTER OLYMPICS 2010 PICTURE SPECIAL: Vancouver's spectacular opening ceremony overshadowed by tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili

By Chris Cutmore
Spectacular: A snowboarder jumps through the Olympic rings to get the show underway (above) and artists perform next to a giant polar bear (below)

It is supposed to be a celebration, a time where athletes come together to showcase their sports and recognise the Olympic spirit before the heat of competition takes over.

But as the 2010 Winter Games opened in Vancouver last night, the spectacular ceremony was overshadowed by the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, whose fatal high-speed crash at the Whistler Sliding Centre happened just hours earlier.

A snowboarder got the show underway with a jump through the Olympic rings and later a huge, glittering polar bear lit up the stadium as 60,000 spectators packed into the stadium to witness the 2,500 competing Olympians from 82 nations parade.


But the booming fireworks and dazzling light shows were tempered by a minute's silence for Kumaritashvili, the sight of the Olympic flag flying at half-mast and the Georgian team, who were given a standing ovation, wearing black armbands.

The cauldron containing the Olympic flame, which will burn throughout the 17 days of competition, was lit by Canadian ice-hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, while the host team were led out by Clara Hughes, the defending 5000m speed skating champion.


In memory: Georgia flag-bearer Iason Abramashvili and his team wearing black armbands (above) and the Olympic flag flying at half-mast (below)


Great Britain's flag-bearer was skeleton slider Shelley Rudman - the team's only medallist at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

The ceremony was dedicated to Kumaritashvili, while IOC president Jacques Rogge said: 'It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of Nodar Kumaritashvili of the Georgian team, who passed away this morning in a training accident on the luge track.



Proud day: Shelley Rudman holds the flag as she leads Great Britain's team out


Legend: Wayne Gretzky waves to spectators as he arrives to light the cauldron


Dazzling: The fireworks display after Gretzky lit the Olympic cauldron


'We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, team-mates and country.'

John Furlong, chief executive of Vanoc, the organising committee, said: 'May you carry his (Kumaritashvili's),Olympic dream on your shoulders and compete with his spirit in your hearts.'


Sombre: Former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch (left), current President Jacques Rogge (right) and his wife Ann observe a minute's silence for Nodar Kumaritashvili (above) and a shrine dedicated to his memory (below)





source: dailymail

Sunday, February 7, 2010

New Orleans Saints 31 Indianapolis Colts 17: Peyton Manning denied glory as Saints grab first Superbowl triumph

Party time: Drew Brees celebrates after defeating Indianapolis Colts

New Orleans Saints made the most of their first Super Bowl appearance in the 42-year history of the franchise by defeating Indianapolis Colts 31-17 at Miami's SunLife Stadium.

The NFC-champion Saints came from 10-0 down at the end of the first quarter - equalling the largest deficit overturned to win a Super Bowl - and still trailed by a point at 16-17 heading into the fourth before dominating the final period to deny Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning and his side a second Super Bowl victory in four years.

It was an emotional occasion for the city of New Orleans, less than five years after it bore the brunt of Hurricane Katrina, as a series of bold calls from head coach Sean Payton helped them claim the title.

The Colts had gone into a 10-0 lead thanks to a Matt Stover field goal and Manning's 19-yard touchdown pass into the end zone for 23-year-old, second-year wide receiver Pierre Garcon, Stover returning to kick the extra point.

The second quarter saw a more assertive Saints display as they outgained the Colts by 143 yards to 15, yet only came away with two Garrett Hartley field goals to show for their dominance and went in 10-6 down at half-time. But they stunned the Colts by opting for an onside kick-off at the start of the second half - and recovered the ball through Jonathan Casillas after a lengthy melee.


Take that: Tracy Porter intercepts for a touchdown in Florida

The Saints took the lead for the first time in the game when quarterback Drew Brees threw his first touchdown pass, running back Pierre Thomas making the reception and jinking 20 yards into the end zone behind some excellent blocking. Hartley kicked the extra point to put New Orleans into a 13-10 lead.

The Colts reacted by running the ball, with Joseph Addai collecting the hand-off from Manning four yards out and side-stepping his way into the end zone before Stover added a point as Indianapolis regained the lead at 17-13.


Wide of the mark: Colts' Matt Stover misses a field goal

Hartley's 47-yard field goal with 2:06 remaining in the quarter made him the first kicker ever to land three goals from 40 yards or more in the Super Bowl and left the Saints a point behind, setting up a perfectly poised last 15 minutes.

The Colts suffered a setback at the end of the first drive of the fourth quarter when Stover missed a field goal attempt from 51 yards and the Saints took advantage on the next possession as Brees sent a short pass right for Jeremy Shockey.


Agony: Peyton Manning trudges off after the defeat

Shockey had been injured when his former team New York Giants won the Super Bowl against New England Patriots two years ago but he was front and centre to collect Brees' pass and the Saints opted to go for two extra points rather than one from a kick.

The plan looked to have backfired when Brees' pass to Lance Moore was ruled incomplete but Payton challenged the decision and was it overturned on review to give his side a 24-17 lead with 5:46 left on the clock. The catch also saw MVP Brees equal Tom Brady's Super Bowl record of 32 completions.


Rockers: The Who's Roger Daltrey (left) and Pete Townshend woo the crowd

The Colts' comeback was derailed with 3:24 left when, having advanced to the New Orleans 31-yard line, Manning's pass intended for wide receiver Reggie Wayne was picked off by Tracy Porter.

The defensive back raced 74 yards back upfield for an interception touchdown and, with Hartley landing the extra point, the Saints were 31-17 up.

Back came the Colts for one last throw of the dice but as they camped on the New Orleans goal-line, Garcon was penalised for pass interference inside the end zone and Manning was forced back 10 yards to the 13.

The Colts quarterback tried again and with less than a minute left on the clock Indianapolis were on the five-yard line on fourth down. Manning threw again into the end zone and again looking for Wayne, but the pass was incomplete and the game was effectively over.

The Saints ate up the clock and Brees, his team-mates and the city of New Orleans began an impromptu Mardi Gras in Miami.



source: dailymail

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