New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo


School girls in uniform participate in a New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo January 5, 2009. About 3,000 calligraphers, who qualified in regional competitions throughout Japan, took part in the contest to celebrate New Year.


Participants show off their writing at a New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo January 5, 2009. About 3,000 calligraphers, who qualified in regional competitions throughout Japan, took part in the contest to celebrate New Year.


Participants show off their writing at a New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo January 5, 2009. About 3,000 calligraphers, who qualified in regional competitions throughout Japan, took part in the contest to celebrate New Year.


A girl participates in a New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo January 5, 2009. About 3,000 calligraphers, who qualified in regional competitions throughout Japan, took part in the contest to celebrate New Year.


Participants show off their writing at a New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo January 5, 2009. About 3,000 calligraphers, who qualified in regional competitions throughout Japan, took part in the contest to celebrate New Year. The words read: "Joy of living." [Agencies]
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Kylie Minogue spends skiing New Year with toyboy


Australian pop star Kylie Minogue performs during her "KYLIEX2008" tour in Singapore November 25, 2008.

BEIJING, Jan. 6-- Kylie Minogue spent the first week of the New Year on a romantic snowboarding holiday with her Spanish toyboy, model Andres Velencoso Segura.

Kylie Minogue celebrated the New Year with a romantic snowboarding holiday with her Spanish toyboy.

The 40-year-old singer and her new lover, 30-year-old model Andres Velencoso Segura, spent the first few days of January in a £10,000 a week chalet in Chamonix in the French Alps.

A source said: "Andres had never been snowboarding before but Kylie loves it. It shows how much he is into her that he was prepared to give it a go. She paid for an instructor for him and they had a great time."

The couple have been oblivious to onlookers as they have canoodled and giggled on the slopes and in the local bars and restaurants.

The source added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "They looked like a loved-up couple in the bars in the evening. They both looked so happy. It was great to see."

On New Year's Eve the pair dined at a Chamonix restaurant before dancing at local bar No Escape, where they were seen kissing.

Another source said: "They were happily celebrating with friends and locals but enjoyed a few tender private moments too."

The pair were first photographed together at a party in Paris in October, but Kylie - who split with French actor Olivier Martinez in 2007 - insisted they weren't dating.


Australian pop star Kylie Minogue performs during her "KYLIEX2008" tour in Singapore November 25, 2008
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Anne Hathaway attends "Bride Wars" premiere


Actresses Anne Hathaway (L) and Kate Hudson arrive to attend the premiere of the film "Bride Wars" in New York January 5, 2009


Actresses Anne Hathaway (L) and Kate Hudson arrive at the premiere of the film "Bride Wars" in New York January 5, 2009.


Actress Anne Hathaway arrives to attend the premiere of the film "Bride Wars" in New York January 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Robert Pattinson the reluctant idol


Robert Pattinson's arrived at the premiere of "Twilight" November 17, 2008.
BEIJING, Jan. 6 -- Robert Pattinson's sisters used to dress him as a girl and call him "Claudia".

The Twilight star - who plays vampire Edward in the new movie - confessed he wasn't "cool" when he was younger.

He said: "Up until I was 12, my sisters used to dress me up as a girl and introduce me as Claudia.

"Twelve was a real turning point for me as I moved to a mixed school, and then I became cool and discovered hair gel."

Robert also revealed he finds dealing with his huge new female fan base difficult, and isn't as interesting as people may think.

The 22-year-old actor added: "If somebody asks me out on a date, I go out with them! But I never get asked.

"And I never know how to ask other people. I'm not good at the whole 'dinner' thing. I'm a bit of a loner. I'm boring. I stay home, watch TV and eat a lot of fast food. That's really exciting, isn't it?"

Source: chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies
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Sumo champion performs New Year's ring-entering rite in Tokyo


Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Asashoryu performs the New Year's ring-entering rite at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Jan. 6, 2009. Grand sumo champions Yokozuna Asashoryu and Yokozuna Hakuho, both Mongolian-born, performed their ring-entering rite on Tuesday before thousands of sumo fans and visitors in the annual celebration for the New Year.


Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Hakuho (C) leaves after performing the traditional New Year's rite at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Jan. 6, 2009.


Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Hakuho performs the New Year's ring-entering rite at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Jan. 6, 2009.


Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Hakuho performs the New Year's ring-entering rite at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Jan. 6, 2009.
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Gold medal game at 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships


Canada's Alex Pietrangelo collides with Sweden's Sebastian Erixon (3) in the first period during the gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa, January 5, 2009


Sweden's goalie Jacob Markstrom looks back at the puck as he makes a save against Canada in the first period during the gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa January 5, 2009


Swedish goalie Jacob Markstrom makes a save on Canada's Jordan Eberle during the first period of their gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa January 5, 2009


Canada's PK Subban (5) celebrates with teammates Cody Hodgson (18) , Jordan Eberle (14) , Ryan Ellis (8) and John Tavares (19) after scoring a first period powerplay goal against Sweden during the gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa, January 5, 2009


Canada's Stefan Della Rovere collides with Swedish goalie Jacob Markstrom (BACK) in the second period during the gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa January 5, 2009


Canada's Angelo Esposito celebrates with teammates Chris Di Domenico (R), John Tavares (2nd R), and Cody Goloubef (L) after scoring in the second period against Sweden in the second period during the gold medal game at the 2009 IIHF U20 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, January 5, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Liverpool, Everton set for FA Cup clash

BEIJING, Jan. 6 -- Neighbors Liverpool and Everton will face each other in the fourth round of the FA Cup and Manchester United will host Tottenham.

The draw for the last 32 of football's oldest and most famous domestic cup competition was made on Sunday and Liverpool and Everton were the first two names out. Liverpool has won the trophy seven times, the last being three seasons ago, and the last of Everton's five triumphs was in 1995.

The two sides have met 20 times in the competition including the finals of 1986 and 1989, both of which Liverpool won.

Liverpool beat Preston 2-0 on Saturday, while Everton triumphed 1-0 at Macclesfield.

Manchester United beat Southampton 3-0 in the third round on Sunday and the reward was a home game against eight-time FA Cup winner Tottenham. Tottenham beat Wigan 3-1 on Friday.

Arsenal, which beat Plymouth 3-1 on Saturday and has won the title 10 times, goes to Cardiff. Cardiff is the only non-English team to win the trophy - in the 1927 final.

If Chelsea gets past its replay, it would host League Championship club Ipswich in the fourth round. The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by League One team Southend at home on Saturday.

FA Cup holders Portsmouth, which was held to a goalless draw by Championship (second division) Bristol City on Saturday, will face either minor league Histon or Swansea City if they win the replay at Ashton Gate.

Nottingham Forest must visit neighbor Derby in a meeting of two League Championship clubs.

Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies
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Flu strike leaves China ill-prepared for Syria match

SHANGHAI, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese national team completed their two-week training camp in Shanghai on Tuesday after a flu strike had disrupted their preparation for the Asian Cup qualifier against Syria.

China lost 1-0 to second division club Wuxi Zhongbang on Monday, a loss their caretaker coach Yin Tiesheng blamed on the flu which had struck down six players.

"I never expected the flu virus could cause so many troubles. Obviously it had badly affected my training plan," said Yin, who also caught a cold like six of his players.

Yin was upset with his players' performance in their loss to Wuxi Zhongbang, fearing they were not geared up for the forthcoming Syria match.

"Considering their lack of commitment and positive mentality, I now feel very much uncertain about the Asian Cup qualifiers against Syria and Vietnam," he said.

The team will jet off to Tehran, Iran on Tuesday night for a warm-up game with Iran on January 9. Then in five days they will play away against Syria in their first Asian Cup qualifier.

"We hope our players could recover physically and mentally before they take on Iran," said team manager Wei Shaohui, a Chinese Football Association official.

"The unexpected flu strike had left six players unable to work out normally, and we'll find ways to make up for the training backlog caused by the flu," he said.
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Organizers upbeat about successful FIFA World U-17 Championship

LAGOS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2009 FIFA World Under-17 Championship said it is working round the clock to ensure that the event is successful.

"We are leaving no stone unturned in the task and I can assure Nigerians that we are doing a lot to meet the expectations of our people as well as FIFA, the world soccer governing body," said Malam Mainasara Illo, head of LOC.

Illo added the committee was working to ensure the standard facilities and an impressive performance by the Nigerian team.

"Our task as the LOC is to ensure that the necessary facilities are there for the championship and to provide the ground for a smooth championship. We are doing this in conjunction with the nine state governments that have shown interest in hosting the event."

"We are doing well in the area of facilities and I can say we will be able to present fantastic facilities," he said.
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250 players to take part in All Stars soccer competition in Nigeria

LAGOS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- About 250 female footballers will attend the 12th All Stars Female Football Competition which begins on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Lagos.

James Temidayo, one of the top officials with Nigerian women's soccer governing body, said the participation will hit a record high compared to the past editions.

He said that the aim of the tournament was to prepare the players for the soccer season.
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Brazil's Santos signs Roni

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Santos announced the club has signed Roni on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old was a regular striker in 2008 with the Japanese team of Gamba Osaka.

He had played for the Brazilian teams of Flamengo, Atletico-MG, Sao Paulo and Fluminense before his Asian trip.

The player is expected to be presented on January 12.
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Carter, Yi help Nets past Kings 98-90

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- The New Jersey Nets rallied for a 98-90 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night with all-star Vince Carter's 29 points and Yi Jianlian's 22 points.

Carter scored eight in the fourth quarter, which secured the victory of the Nets. Carter also took over the game in the final minutes with his stable performance.

Yi, the 7-foot(2.12 meters) power forward from China, had 22 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for the Nets. Yi bruised a knee in the second quarter but returned to get 10 points for New Jersey in the third quarter.

The Nets' point guard Devin Harris left the game in the second quarter due to a strained right hamstring. Harris started the game but was unable to return after halftime with the Nets facing a double-digit deficit. He got four points and seven assists within 18 minutes and 30 seconds.

But Carter and Yi helped the Nets storm back. Keyon Dooling shot a 3-pointer that gave New Jersey a 97-86 lead with just 99 seconds remaining.

Kevin Martin of the Sacramento Kings scored 25 of his 36 points in a blistering first half. But he had little help from the rest of the Kings, who have lost nine of their last 10 games.

Former Rider star Jason Thompson added 12 points for Sacramento, and Francisco Garcia finished with 10.

Agencies
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Newspaper says Yi key to Nets comeback

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Washington DC Examiner highly praised Chinese basketball player Yi Jianlian, saying the New Jersey Nets' power forward was the key to the Nets comeback against Sacramento Kings on Monday.

According to the newspaper, Yi Jianlian is never going to be the focus of the Nets offense -- or not anytime soon, anyway.

"He is best in a secondary role, waiting to drop a long jump shot or three-pointer, ripping down a board or contributing with a key block, or playing in the high post to create opportunities for Vince Carter," said the report.

The newspaper said Yi did all those things, helping Carter and the Nets overcome a 12-point halftime deficit to beat the Kings 98-90.

Yi had one of the best games of the season, scoring 22 points (8 of 14), 13 rebounds, two blocks and three assists. He scored 10of those points in the third quarter, when the Nets turned the game around.

"More importantly, his confidence grew throughout the game and his performance was far more physical than it has been of late," said the Examiner.

The Nets sent forward Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks for forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons last summer, and Yi started for the Nets all the 35 games this season and ranked third on the team scorer list by averaging 10.3 points per game.
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Djokovic exits in 1st round of Brisbane International

CANBERRA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Serbia's Novak Djokovic opened his2009 season Tuesday with a surprise defeat in the first round of the Brisbane International, losing in straight sets to Latvia's Ernests Gublis.

Djokovic, currently ranked third in the world, went down 6-4, 6-4 to the 20-year-old Latvian who finished last year at No. 53.

Both players dropped serve twice to open the second set before Djokovic held for a 3-2 lead.

But he was in trouble again in the ninth game, facing two breakpoints at 15-40 and dropping serve when he lost a scrambling rally.

Gulbis closed out at love, sealing the win in 1 hour, 28 minutes with an ace, his fourth of the match.

Second-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who lost to Djokovic in the last Australian Open final, beat Argentina's Agustin Calleri 6-2, 7-5 and is now favored to win the inaugural Brisbane title.

Fifth-seeded Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic crushed Australian Brydan Klein 6-0, 6-4, No. 7 Richard Gasquet of France overcame American Taylor Dent 7-5, 6-4, and No. 4 Robin Soderling of Swedenhad a 6-3, 6-3 win over Julien Benneteau in a second-round match.

On the women's side, second-seeded Victoria Azarenka missed twomatch point chances before sealing a 7-6 (4), 7-5 win over Jarmila Gajdosova of Slovakia and No. 3 Marion Bartoli of France beat Hungary's Melinda Czink 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Tathiana Garbin of Italy rallied for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia's Alisa Kleybanova.
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Nigeria to host Ghana's junior table tennis team

LAGOS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in collaboration with the Recreation Club, Ibadan, will host Ghana's junior table tennis team in Lagos on Jan. 14 and 15.

The championship is tagged U-20 Junior International Championship and it is aimed at discovering talents in Nigeria and Ghana for future international championships.

Babatunde Obisanya, NTTF coach, said Tuesday that the championship for both male and female was to produce a standard team for Africa, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

The two countries will each present a team for the two categories.

Obisanya explained that the championship was also to maintain the sporting relationship between the two West African nations.

"We are working toward retaining the relationship through bringing our young players together and preparing them ahead of advanced championships," he said.

The championship, whose organizers hoped would be an annual event, would also be used to access the standard of the players.

"This type of grassroots program will go a long way in developing the game of table tennis and producing competent players for the country," Obisanya said.
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Coma stretches lead by winning fourth motorbike stage at Dakar Rally


Spain's Marc Coma riding his KTM, followed by police motorbikers, arrives at Puerto Madryn, 1,377 (875 miles) south of Buenos Aires, during the second stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn, January 4, 2009.

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spanish KTM star Marc Coma stretched his lead on the overall standings of the Dakar Rally motorcycling section after winning the fourth stage, a 459km special from Jacobacci to Neuquen.

Coma saw off Frenchman Cyril Despres by 1 minute 17 seconds and American Jonah Street by 1 minute 21 seconds.

Street's showing was enough to take him second overall.

David Fretigne of France, fourth on the day, stands third overall.
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Spaniard Sainz wins fourth stage at Dakar Rally


Volkswagen Motorsport driver Carlos Sainz of Spain attends a news conference for the Central Europe Rally (CER), a part of the Dakar Series, in Budapest April 18, 2008.

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spaniard Carlos Sainz edged Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah by six seconds to win the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally car division on Tuesday.


Spain's Carlos Sainz and co-driver Michel Perin compete in their Volkswagen during the second stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn, January 4, 2009.

The Spaniard extended his lead over rival Al-Attiyah to 3 minutes 46 seconds on the overall standings.

France's 2006 champion Luc Alphand, who lost a lot of time on Monday, was third in the stage over two minutes behind.
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Tickets for China GP in April go on sale

BEIJING, Jan. 7 -- The 2009 Chinese Grand Prix is being moved up on the Formula One calender as the season's third race to avoid a clash of dates with the inaugural ATP Masters series in Shanghai.

The F1 Chinese Grand Prix will be held from April 17 to 19 this year after Australia (March 27-29) and Malaysia (April 3-5).

In the previous five years, Shanghai staged the event in September and October.

Motor racing's governing body, the FIA, made the changes as per the wish of the host country.

The ATP Masters series will be held in Shanghai from October 10 to 18. It will replace the year-ending Tennis Masters Cup, which the city has hosted for four straight years at the Qizhong Tennis Center.

London will host the coming editions of the Masters Cup from this year.

"Last year, just before the Chinese GP, we got the schedule for both the two events. We spoke to Bernie (Ecclestone) about the possibility of changing the dates for the Chinese GP ... Or else, the final of both the events would have been on the same date - October 18," said Yang Yibin, an official with Juss Event, a management company which handles both the Chinese GP and ATP series in Shanghai.

"Formula One has two legs in Asia in a season, which made the change possible. Changing the tennis dates would have meant moving the dates somewhere in January. It would be too cold to hold any matches," Yang said.

According to Juss Event, 40 percent of the Formula One fans in Shanghai are also avid followers of tennis as well.

"Moving the Chinese GP in Spring would warm the Chinese sports market and balances the two events," said Qiu Weichang, deputy chief of Shanghai Sports Bureau.

Ticket sells for the 2009 Chinese GP starts tomorrow.

The three-day ticket for the H and K stands on Turn 14 of the Shanghai Circuit will cost 1,980 yuan (US$289), down from 2,580 yuan, while tickets for the B stands on the first turn has been priced at 1,280 yuan and 980 yuan from its earlier 1,880 yuan.

Those buying tickets between January 8 to February 14 will enjoy a further 10 percent discount. Race day ticket prices have also been slashed.

The Chinese GP has set up a hotline - 962123 - for those looking for more information on ticket sales.

Source: Shanghai Daily
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Will Smith voted 2008's top moneymaking movie star


Singer Eason Chan of Hong Kong speaks after receiving the Most Popular Male Singer in the Asia-Pacific region award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Hong Kong singer Joey Yung performs while holding an award for having one of the top 10 songs of 2008 during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.


Singer Joey Yung celebrates with her trophy after being awarded the most popular female singer in the Asia-Pacific region during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Singer Miriam Yeung (R) of Hong Kong reacts beside presenter Eric Tsang (L) after winning the Best Female Singer award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Singer Miriam Yeung (2nd R) of Hong Kong reacts beside singers Denise Ho (3rd R) and Joey Yung (R) after winning the Best Female Singer award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Singer Miriam Yeung (C) of Hong Kong celebrates with her trophy after winning the Best Female Singer award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.


Singer Leo Ku of Hong Kong weeps after receiving the Best Male Singer award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Singer Leo Ku of Hong Kong celebrates with his trophy after winning the Best Male Singer award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.


Hong Kong singer Kay Tse waves after winning an award during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.


Hong Kong singer Jade Kwan waves to fans after winning one of the 10 top songs of 2008 during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.


Hong Kong singer Raymond Lam waves to fans after winning one of the 10 top songs of 2008 during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009


Hong Kong singer Hins Cheung performs after winning one of the 10 top songs of 2008 awards during the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards presentation ceremony in Hong Kong January 3, 2009.(Chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)
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Will Smith voted 2008's top moneymaking movie star


Actor Will Smith (R) takes a photograph with Carolina Panthers Steve Smith during the premiere of his movie "Seven Pounds" in Charlotte, North Carolina December 11, 2008.

BEIJING, Jan. 5 -- No name on the marquee was more pleasing to theater owners in 2008 than Will Smith, according to a survey of movie exhibitors.

Smith, star of "Hancock" and "Seven Pounds," was voted the star who generated the most box office revenue for theaters in an annual survey by Quigley Publishing Co.

Smith is only the second black actor to be chosen in the Quigley poll, which since 1932 has asked movie exhibitors to vote on the 10 stars who brought in the most business. Sidney Poitier topped the poll in 1968.

Smith's superhero summer blockbuster, "Hancock," grossed US$228 million. "Seven Pounds," currently in theaters, has pulled in a somewhat lackluster US$39 million in two weeks.

Following Smith, in order, were Robert Downey Jr. ("Iron Man," "Tropic Thunder"), Christian Bale ("The Dark Knight"), Shia LaBeouf ("Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull") and LaBeouf's "Indiana Jones" co-star Harrison Ford.

The top 10 were rounded out by Adam Sandler, Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig.

Last year's winner, Johnny Depp, who didn't have a film released this year, didn't make this year's poll, nor did seven-time winner Tom Cruise.

Anne Hathaway ("Rachel Getting Married") was voted the top "star of tomorrow" along with Chris Pine of "Bottle Shock."

Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies
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Wizards beat Cavaliers 80-77


Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lebron James reacts during the NBA games against Washington Wizards in Washington, the United States, Jan. 4. 2009. Washington Wizards won 80-77.


Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lebron James (Top) dunks the ball during the NBA games against Washington Wizards in Washington, the United States, Jan. 4. 2009. Washington Wizards won 80-77.


Nick Young of Washington Wizards (R) goes to the basket during the NBA games against Cleveland Cavaliers in Washington, the United States, Jan. 4. 2009. Washington Wizards won 80-77.


Antawn Jamison of Washington Wizards (Top) goes to the basket during the NBA games against Cleveland Cavaliers in Washington, the United States, Jan. 4. 2009. Washington Wizards won 80-77.
(Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
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Should Yi Jianlian play in the NBA All-Star game?


Detroit Pistons center Rasheed Wallace (L) drives against New Jersey Nets forward Yi Jianlian, of China, during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on Wednesday, December 31, 2008.

BEIJING, Jan. 5 -- The rosters for this year's NBA All-Star game are beginning to take shape following the third round of votes. Chinese player Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets, buoyed by a strong Chinese voting contingent, is third among the forwards in the Eastern Conference balloting.

With a gap of 150,000 votes, Yi may have the chance to start in the All-Star game by catching up with Boston's Kevin Garnett, who is now in second place.

But an article in the Beijing Youth Daily notes that controversy has arisen in China over whether Yi Jianlian is qualified to play in the All-Star game at all.

Supporters say because the NBA has gone through a process of globalization in the past 20 years, the composition of its fans has also changed accordingly.

China's 350 million basketball fans have become an important group for the NBA, so it is not surprising that Yi, a Chinese national, rank thirds in the voting. They believe the votes cast by Chinese fans should carry equal weight with those cast by American or German fans, and they have called on others to be self-confident in participating in the vote.

But others argue that Yi's skills are not good enough for him to become a starter in the All-Star game. They say some fans have voted for him repeatedly or even resorted to manipulating computer software in an attempt to give him enough votes to be included on the All-Star game's roster. Those that believe Yi's skills as a basketball player are below par say the level of All-Star game is lowered by such tactics, which constitute cheating. They also note that forcing the NBA's global fans to accept the voting results of Chinese fans is not good for the future development of Yi, whom they believe is not qualified to take part in the All-Star game at present.

Source: CRIENGLISH.com
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Bibby hits a buzzer beater to ground Rockets


Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10) prepares to shoot a three -point shot over Detroit guard Allen Iverson (1) in the first half of NBA basketball action in Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 21, 2008.

BEIJING, Jan. 5 -- Mike Bibby shot a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds to give the Atlanta Hawks a 103-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The Rockets suffered a losing streak.

Bibby, the Hawks' point guard, scored off a pass from Joe Johnson to give Atlanta their sixth successive home win.

"It was a good pass," Bibby told reporters. "I told myself if I caught it I was going to shoot it. And there was enough space to get a good shot up."

The win came a day after the Hawks had lost in overtime to the New Jersey Nets on Vince Carter's three-pointer at the buzzer.

"You don't want to lose two in a row," Bibby added. "We toughed it out and got the energy we needed at the end of the game."

Josh Smith added a season-high 29 points and Johnson had 14 assists and 14 points to help the Hawks win for the seventh time in eight games.

Houston's Aaron Brooks had a chance to tie the score as time expired but missed a three-pointer.

Reserve Carl Landry paced the slumping Rockets with 18 points. Center Yao Ming added 16 points and 15 rebounds. All 16 of Yao's points came in the first half.

"They were coming at him, but we've worked on that," Rockets coach Rick Adelman told reporters.

"(Yao's) got to be solid when he gets the ball. That one play he made, he doesn't pass the ball off the dribble like that. He's got to pick it up and pass it out."

Adelman believed the Hawks should have been called for more fouls when Yao had the ball.

"It amazes me how he never gets any calls," he said. "When he moves through the lane like that, they don't look at anybody pushing on his body."

The defeat was the fifth in seven games for Houston.

Heat 101, Nets 96

At Miami, Dwyane Wade scored 29 points and made three key blocks in the closing minutes as the Miami Heat overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the New Jersey Nets 101-96 in overtime in the NBA on Saturday.

Wade did it all in the Heat's biggest comeback victory of the season.

The superstar went up high for two blocks on 7-footer Brook Lopez, including one in overtime, and swatted a jumper by Vince Carter into the stands in the final minute of regulation. Wade's 3-point play with 37.2 seconds left in overtime stretched Miami's lead to 96-88.

Trailing by 16 points in the first quarter, the Heat rode a season-high 19 points from Yakhouba Diawara and 17 points from Michael Beasley. Miami's biggest previous comeback was from 15 down against Indiana on Dec 22.

Keyon Dooling had 23 points, and Carter had 20 for the Nets.

Pacers 122, Kings 117

At Indianapolis, Danny Granger scored 13 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter in Indiana's second straight victory.

T.J. Ford had 16 points and seven assists, and Troy Murphy added 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Kevin Martin led Sacramento with a season-high 45 points, making 13 of 24 shots and a career-high seven 3-pointers. The Kings are 1-8 in their last nine games.

Source: China Daily
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Real Madrid defeats Villarreal at 1-0

MADRID, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Spanish club Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 1-0 on Sunday, in its first match with new players Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra.

Arjen Robben cut in from the touchline and shook off three Villarreal players as he sent a curling shot past Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez from the edge of the penalty area in the 32nd minute.

Huntelaar and Diarra both made debuts for Madrid in the team's first encounter of 2009.
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Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 in Spanish league

MADRID, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Arjen Robben scored a brilliant goal to help Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 in the Spanish league on Sunday.

The former Chelsea man jinked his way through several opponents, leaving Spanish star Marcos Senna sprawling on the ground before unleashing an unstoppable 31st minute winner.

It was coach Juande Ramos's second league win in charge and Real climb to third but they need Barcelona, who came from behind to defeat Real Mallorca 3-1 on Saturday, to start slipping up.

Villarreal, which remain without a win at Madrid's stadium, dropped to seventh place with 29 points after managing only one victory in its past seven league games.

In late matches, Sevilla dropped to fourth place by drawing 1-1 with last-place Osasuna, while Deportivo La Coruna won 2-1 at Getafe and rose to sixth.

After 17 games, Barcelona lead the league with 44 points, 11 more than Valencia. Madrid and Sevilla follow with 32, while Atletico Madrid and Deportivo have 30.
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One Chinese remains in Dakar Rally

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Only one of the four Chinese racers has survived the Dakar Rally after Chen Jianguo on motorbike and Lu Ningjun on car abandoned the race on Sunday.

Wei rides for the Chinese team of Jincheng. He was 187th during the second stage with a time of 7 hours, 39 minutes and 1 seconds, 5:24:13 away from Dutch Frans Verhoeven, who won the second stage of motorbike on Sunday.

Wei was 184th overall.
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Dutch Verhoeven wins second stage in motorcycle in Dakar Rally

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Dutchman Frans Verhoeven on Sunday won the second stage of motorcycle competition at the Dakar Rally, held in the cities of Santa Rosa (La Pampa) and Puerto Madryn (Chubut).

Verhoeven clocked two hours, 14 minutes and 48 seconds, sending French Cyril Despres to second place at 41 seconds. Another Frenchman David Fretigne was third, 1 minute 4 seconds adrift.
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S Korean swimmer Park begins training in U.S.

SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korean swimmer Park Tae-hwan, who won a gold medal at the 400m freestyle event in Beijing Olympics, has moved to the United States for training, the Korea Times reported on Monday.

Park, 20, left for the United States last weekend. He will practice at the University of Southern California (USC) for six weeks. He is to be trained by the USC Swimming team head coach Dave Salo, who has coached many long distance swimmers, such as Larsen Jensen, who earned the silver medal in the 1500-meter freestyle event at the 2004 Summer Olympic in Athens, the daily newspaper said.

"I will train very hard to put in good performances at the World Championship. I hope my fans give me support and encouragement," Park was quoted as saying upon his departure from South Korea.

Park is to focus on training for his main event - the 1500-meter race - rather than the 400-meter sprint, local media said.

"First of all my goal is to break my record in the 1500 meters. Though I haven't shown good performances in that event, I will rebound and do better. I will try to cut my time by .1 seconds in the turnaround," Park said.
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2010 Games security to be friendly, cost less than 1 bln

OTTAWA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The security for the 2010 Winter Olympics will be carried out in a subtle and friendly way, and cost less than one billion Canadian dollars (800 million U.S. dollars), the top officer for the job said Sunday.

The security budget for the games will not surpass 1 billion, but the exact figure will only be released after the federal and British Columbia provincial governments settled their agreement, Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told Canadian Press.

The billion dollar ceiling was floated by former Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, who said late 2008 that the budget was at least double the original figure of 175 million, but less than 1 billion.

The Integrated Security Unit in charge of the Games is led by the RCMP, but also includes Vancouver municipal police departments, the military, border services officials and private security.

Mercer refused to give any specifics on security plans or the number of personnel who will police the Games, but reports have hinted at an estimated number of 12,000, of which 4,000 will be soldiers.

At an exercise in November, more than 500 people from 70 different agencies were involved in running scenarios for the Games. Two further exercises are planned in 2009, said Mercer.

Military camps are planned for the Sea-to-Sky highway linking Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. in order to patrol the backcountry and keep watch on the vital Games artery.

Secure zones will be established around all venues and hand-held screening equipment will be used at entrances.

A network of surveillance cameras will also be in place, and the equipment that can scan for biological or nuclear threats will also reportedly be deployed.

As to reports that terrorists are a threat and may go as far as infiltrating contractors to gain access to security planning, Mercer said, "our threat at present is low."

"I know where the security plans are, the security plans are secure, they're safe, they're locked up and they're not in any danger of being leaked or be in the hands of anybody we wouldn't want them to be in."

Mercer said his goal is not only to ensure safety, but also best service.

"I'd be personally disappointed if anybody left here and all they remembered was security," he said.

"So our goal is to do it the Canadian way. Security will be there, security will be subtle, security will be friendly based on the threat level we're at today."
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New-Year-Welcoming celebration in Singapore'S Chinatown


A performance is held during a celebration in Chinatown in Singapore, on the night of Jan. 3, 2009. A New-Year-Welcoming celebration named "Hope and Happiness" was held in Singapore on Saturday.


Lion dance is performed during a celebration held in Chinatown in Singapore, on the night of Jan. 3, 2009.


Children wait to perform during a celebration held in Chinatown in Singapore, on the night of Jan. 3, 2009. (Xinhua/Gao Chuan)
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UK couple has "black-and-white twins" twice


Britain's Dean Durrant pose with his wife Alison Spooner and their four daguthters. The mixed-race couple produced another set of twins in which one sibling appears to be black and the other white. (Photo: news.cn)


Britain's Dean Durrant pose with his wife Alison Spooner and their two daughters, Lauren and Hayleigh, who were born in 2001 with strikingly different skin tones and eye colors. (Photo: news.cn)
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Painted bus in Panama City


A bus with colorful paintings runs in Panama City, Panama, Jan. 2, 2009. The local authorities of the capital city has made a decision to purchage 420 new buses instead of the old uncomfortable buses which were dubed as "Diablo Rojo", red evil, due to frequent traffic accidents they caused.


A bus with colorful paintings runs in Panama City, Panama, Jan. 2, 2009.







(Xinhua/Han Shuo)
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