September 07, 2008

Enjoy the game

Lindsey Carmichael of the United States competes in women's individual recurve standing bronze medal match of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games archery event in Beijing, China, Sept. 13, 2008. Carmichael defeated Malgorzata Olejnik of Poland in the match and won the bronze. (Xinhua/Suolang Luobu)

Lindsey Carmichael of the United States celebrates during women's individual recurve standing bronze medal match of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games archery event in Beijing, China, Sept. 13, 2008. Carmichael defeated Malgorzata Olejnik of Poland in the match and won the bronze.

Heath Francis of Australia competes during the men's 400m-T46 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Francis won the gold with 47.69 secs. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

Heath Francis of Australia celebrates after the men's 400m-T46 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Francis won the gold with 47.69 secs.

Ricardo Ten of Spain competes in the SB4 final of men's 100m breaststroke during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Ten claimed the title of the event and broke the world record with a time of 1:36.61

Ricardo Ten of Spain celebrates after the SB4 final of men's 100m breaststroke during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Ten claimed the title of the event with a time of 1:36.61

Yunidis Castillo of Cuba competes during the women's 200m-T46 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Castillo set a new world record with 24.72 secs and won the gold.

Yunidis Castillo of Cuba reacts after the women's 200m-T46 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Castillo set a new world record with 24.72 secs and won the gold.

Markku Niinimaki of Finland competes during the men's javelin throw F53/54 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Niinimaki claimed the title with 29.33 meters.

Huang Lisha of China celebrates after the women's 100m-T53 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Huang won the title with 16.22 secs.

A volunteer helps members of the Mexican delegation at the Paralympic Village in Beijing Sept. 4, 2008. Some 44,000 volunteers are serving for the ongoing Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and 90 percent of them have worked for the Olympic Games last month. (Xinhua Photo)

Volunteers work during a match of the Beijing Paralympic Athletics event at the National Stadium Sept. 10, 2008.

Volunteers help Czech athlete Eva Kacanu before a match of the Beijing Paralympic Athletics event at the National Stadium Sept. 8, 2008

Volunteers are seen on standby during a match of the Beijing Paralympic Athletics event at the National Stadium Sept. 10, 2008. Some 44,000 volunteers are serving for the ongoing Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and 90 percent of them have worked for the Olympic Games last month

Volunteers help American athlete Marlon Shirley during a match of the Beijing Paralympic Athletics event at the National Stadium Sept. 9, 2008.

A volunteer guides athletes at the National Stadium Sept. 10, 2008

Volunteers are seen on standby during a match of the Beijing Paralympic Athletics event at the National Stadium Sept. 11, 2008.

Zhao Dan (L), a Peking University student from China's quake-hit Sichuan Province, helps a Japanese photographer at the National Stadium Sept. 11, 2008

Volunteers work at the National Stadium in Beijing Sept. 10, 2008.

A volunteer checks a keyboard provided for people with visual impairments at the Paralympic Village in Beijing Sept. 5, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Switzerlands' Heinz Frei competes during the men's time trial HC B event of the cycling road at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Frei claimed the title of the event with a time of 22:06.23. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Alejandro Albor (R) of the United States competes during the men's time trial HC C event of the cycling road at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Albor took the third place of the event with a time of 20:59.49.

Germany's Dorothee Vieth competes during the women's time trial HC A/HC B/HC C event of the cycling road at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Vieth took the third place of the event.

The Netherlands' Monique Van der Vorst competes during the women's time trial HC A/HC B/HC C event of the cycling road at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Van der Vorst took the second place of the event.

Britain's Rachel Morris competes during the women's time trial HC A/HC B/HC C event of the cycling road at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Morris claimed the title of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Lisa Mcintosh of Australia celebrates after winning the women's 100m-T37 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Mcintosh claimed the title with 14.14 secs. (Xinhua Photo)

Lisa Mcintosh (R) of Australia competes during the women's 100m-T37 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Mcintosh claimed the title with 14.14 secs.

Viktoriya Kravchenko (C) of Ukraine competes during the women's 100m-T37 final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Kravchenko got the silver with 14.21 secs. (Xinhua Photo)

Amanda Mcgrory (L2) of the United States and Diane Roy (R) of Canada compete during the women's 5000m-T54 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Amanda Mcgrory claimed the title with 12 min 29.07 secs. Diane Roy got the silver. (Xinhua Photo)

Amanda Mcgrory of the United States reacts during the women's 5000m-T54 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Amanda Mcgrory claimed the title with 12 min 29.07 secs

Amanda Mcgrory (front) of the United States competes during the women's 5000m-T54 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Amanda Mcgrory claimed the title with 12 min 29.07 secs

Diane Roy (R2) of Canada competes during the women's 5000m-T54 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 12, 2008. Diane Roy got the silver with 12 min 29.08 secs. (Xinhua Photo)

Gianfranco Zola poses with a scarf after a news conference to announce he is the new manager of West Ham United at Upton Park stadium in London 2:110 Credit Action Images 2:115 Source Action Images 2:120 Caption Gianfranco Zola poses with a scarf after a news conference to announce he is the new manager of West Ham United at Upton Park stadium in London September 11, 2008.

Gianfranco Zola poses after a news conference to announce he is the new manager of West Ham United at Upton Park stadium in London Sept. 11, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Hammers poised to offer Zola top post

BEIJING, Sept. 10 -- Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola is the frontrunner for the manager's job at West Ham United.

Zola is currently joint coach of Italy's under-21 side, which was in action against Croatia last night. His appointment as Hammers manager is widely expected to be announced Wednesday or Thursday.

West Ham director Mike Lee said Zola and Roberto Donadoni, who stepped down as Italy coach following the team's disappointing quarterfinal exit from the year's European Championship, "really shone" in interviews this week.

However, Zola appears to be the strong favorite after Britain's Press Association reported yesterday that Donadoni formally withdrew his application after apparently becoming dismayed by the recruitment process.

Despite playing for cross-London rival Chelsea for seven years, Zola is likely to be a popular choice among Hammers fans given his commitment to attacking football.

The former Italian international was a model professional, one of the most exciting strikers to grace the English Premier League, and was voted Chelsea's greatest ever player in a fan poll in 2007.

Michael Laudrup and former West Ham defender and Croatia coach Slaven Bilic were also under consideration to succeed Alan Curbishley, who quit last week and accused the club's board of selling players against his wishes.

Meanwhile, Brazil legend Zico has revealed he would be interested in succeeding Kevin Keegan as Newcastle United manager.

A number of big names have been linked with the St. James' Park hot seat, vacated by Keegan last week, and now former Japan and Fenerbahce boss Zico has joined that list.

One of the alleged reasons behind Keegan's departure was the club's use of a director of football but Zico, who made 88 appearances for Brazil, has no qualms with the Northeast side's internal structure.

"The Newcastle job is one that I would be very interested in taking. It would be a privilege and an honor," he told the Daily Mail. "I am used to working alongside technical directors so this isn't an issue for me. It's normal for me to work in those conditions."

The former Brazilian international enhanced his reputation in Europe after leading Fenerbahce to the quarterfinals of last season's Champions League.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)

British, German riders become biggest winners in Para-equestrian Freestyle

British and German riders became the biggest winners in the Para-equestrian Freestyle Tests of Grade Ia, Ib and III that finished here Thursday.

Members of Britain's equestrian team wave during the Overall Team awarding ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Equestrian event at Hong Kong Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) Sept. 11, 2008. British team won gold, German team took silver and Norwegian team took bronze. (Xinhua Photo)

Representing Britain, Sophie Christiansen, scoring 76.166 points, and Anne Dunham, 73.333, net gold and sliver in the Grade Ia Test respectively, while the bronze went to Laurentia Tan from Singapore, who scored 70.167.

At the Individual Championship held earlier, Dunham came first,and Christiansen, second, and Tan was the bronze medalist.

"The Individual Freestyle Gold medal is amazing, I've worked hard for it," said the Grade Ia gold medalist.

Members of Germany's equestrian team wave during the Overall Team awarding ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Equestrian event at Hong Kong Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) Sept. 11, 2008. British team won gold, German team took silver and Norwegian team took bronze.

Grade Ib rider Lee Pearson, representing Britain, who already got a gold in the Individual Championship Test, successfully defended the first place by getting high score 77.057.

"I just want to cry, I'm over the moon. I've managed to keep my 100 percent success rate," said the 34-year-old defender who has got nine gold medals in a row since the Sydney 200 Games.

Pearson said that it was not the easiest test he has ever done and his horse has changed his life. "He is a young new horse and it's been a long journey for us to get here."

The silver medal of the Grade Ib test went to British rider Ricky Balshaw with 70.444 and Brazilian rider V De Luthenay got bronze with 67.333.

At the Grade III test, Germany rider Hannelore Brenner, scored 74.223, getting her third gold in the Games, including those gaining at the Individual Championship and overall Team Tests.

"The horse is a little bit stressed and it is not easy to rider her since she is emotional. But I know the horse can get good marks for me," said Brenner.

British rider Simon Laurens, scoring 73.499, got gold, while Denmark's A Dalskov Lykke, 73.222, gained bronze at the Freestyle Test of the same grade.

Members of Norway's equestrian team wave during the Overall Team awarding ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Equestrian event at Hong Kong Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) Sept. 11, 2008. British team won gold, German team took silver and Norwegian team took bronze. (Xinhua Photo)

Prizes were given to winners of the above Tests as well as the overall Team Test. Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Henry Tang and some other guests presented the prizes.

The results of the Team Test already came out on Sept. 8, with Britain, Germany and Norway winning gold, sliver and bronze respectively.

Speaking after completion of the Equestrian Events Thursday, Henry Tang said that the competition was an inspirational occasion which has left the city with an Olympic and Paralympic legacy.

"We have achieved our mission of staging two Games of equal splendor. Each rider deserves a gold medal. The courage, determination and talent of the competitors have been an inspiration to us all and something we will never forget," Tang said.

He said that he was delighted that Hong Kong has been able to provide world-class facilities and organizational expertise to help make this a successful competition.

The five-day Para-equestrian Events ended on Thursday.

South Korean athlete Lee Ji-Seok presents his gold medal to his wife Park Kyoung-Sun after winnning in the Mixed R4-10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 final with a total of 704.3 in Beijing Paralympic Shooting event at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall Sept. 11, 2008. This is Lee's second gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Lee was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2001. It was Park, a nurse then, who took good care of him during his rehabilitation and later encouraged him to train for shooting.
(Xinhua/Ren Yong)

South Korean athlete Lee Ji-Seok poses with his wife Park Kyoung-Sun after winnning in the Mixed R4-10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 final with a total of 704.3 in Beijing Paralympic Shooting event at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall Sept. 11, 2008. This is Lee's second gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Lee was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2001. It was Park, a nurse then, who took good care of him during his rehabilitation and later encouraged him to train for shooting.

South Korean athlete Lee Ji-Seok is helped by his wife Park Kyoung-Sun after the final of Mixed R4-10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 of Beijing Paralympic Shooting event at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall Sept. 11, 2008. Lee got the gold medal in the event with a total of 704.3. This is Lee's second gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Lee was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2001. It was Park, a nurse then, who took good care of him during his rehabilitation and later encouraged him to train for shooting.

South Korean athlete Lee Ji-Seok celebrates with his wife Park Kyoung-Sun stands behind after the final of Mixed R4-10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 of Beijing Paralympic Shooting event at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall Sept. 11, 2008. Lee got the gold medal in the event with a total of 704.3. This is Lee's second gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Lee was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2001. It was Park, a nurse then, who took good care of him during his rehabilitation and later encouraged him to train for shooting.

South Korean athlete Lee Ji-Seok poses for photos with his wife Park Kyoung-Sun after winnning in the Mixed R4-10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 final with a total of 704.3 in Beijing Paralympic Shooting event at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall Sept. 11, 2008. This is Lee's second gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Lee was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2001. It was Park, a nurse then, who took good care of him during his rehabilitation and later encouraged him to train for shooting.
(Xinhua/Ren Yong)

Gold medal-winners of Italy wave to spectators in the awarding ceremony for the mixed coxed four LTA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008.

Italy's Alessandro Franzetti, Graziana Saccocci, Daniele Signore, Luca Agoletto, and Paola Protopapa(R-L) react after the mixed coxed four LTA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008. The Italian team claimed the title of the event with 3 mins 33.13 secs.

Italian champions(C) pose for photos with US silver medalists(L) and British bronze winners in the awarding ceremony for the mixed coxed four LTA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008.

Emma Preuschl, Tracy Tackett, Jesse Karmazin, Jamie Dean and Simona Chin of the United States compete in the mixed coxed four LTA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008. The United States won the silver medal of the event with 3 mins 37.61 secs

British team row their boat in the mixed coxed four LTA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008. British team won the bronze of the event with 3 mins 38.37 secs

Gold medalist Mourad Idoudi of Tunisia (C), silver medalist Joze Flere of Slovenia (L) and bronze medalist Martin Zvolanek of Czech react during the ceremony of men's discus F32/51 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 11, 2008.

Slovenia's Joze Flere competes during men's discus F32/51 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 11, 2008. Flere won the silver medal with 10.99 meters.

Czech's Frantisek Serbus competes during men's discus F32/51 final at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 11, 2008. Serbus got the seventh place of the event.

Prawat Wahoram of Thailand kisses his medal during the awarding ceremony of men's 5000m T54 final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 11, 2008. Wahoram won the gold medal with 10 minutes and 22.38 seconds.

Australian silver medalist Kathryn Ross(L) hugs China's Zhou Yangjing in the awarding ceremony for the mixed double sculls TA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008.

Medalists hug each other in the awarding ceremony for the mixed double sculls TA final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games rowing event on Sept. 11, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

olympic spirit

Enjoy the game

I come, I join, I win

Paralympic volunteers add splendor to the Games

Time trial HC C event of cycling road

Australia Lisa Mcintosh wins women's 100m-T37 final

U.S. Amanda Mcgrory wins gold in women's 5000m-T54 final

Gianfranco Zola takes over at West Ham

British, German riders become biggest winners in Para-equestrian Freestyle

Darling, your love means everything

With hard work, they finally make it to the podium

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