S Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province ready to hold 2010 World Cup

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The construction of Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is well on track and KwaZulu-Natalis ready to host the World Cup next year, Premier Sbu Ndebele said on Friday.

"We are very excited about the spectacular progress being made on the new 70,000 seater Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. On behalf of the provincial government, we want to commend the construction workers at the stadium for this progress," he said in a statement.

On Monday it will be 500 days to go before kick-off.

Ndebele said he had no doubt the stadium would not be a white elephant after the soccer tournament.

"We have no doubt that the new, more than R2 billion stadium, which will host 2010 World Cup group matches and one of the semifinals, ranks among the best sports facilities in the world.

"Our sport complex will be more like the ones in South Korea, where they also have museums."

Ndebele said the province had moved from a province of gloom toa province of prosperity.
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The Pitts, Miss France at "Button" premiere in Paris


U.S. actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose for photographers as they arrive for the premiere of the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by director David Fincher in Paris January 22, 2009


Miss France 2009 Chloe Mortaud poses for photographers as she arrives for the premiere of the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by director David Fincher in Paris January 22, 2009


U.S. actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose for photographers as they arrive for the premiere of the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by director David Fincher in Paris January 22, 2009


U.S. actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose for photographers as they arrive for the premiere of the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by director David Fincher in Paris January 22, 2009


U.S. actor Brad Pitt (C), French composer Alexandre Desplat (L) and Director David Fincher pose for photographers as they arrive for the premiere of the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in Paris January 22, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Labrador tops dog club's most popular list


Mei Li, a labrador retriever, sits during the American Kennel Club's most popular purebred dog in America news conference in New York Jan. 21, 2009. For the 18th consecutive year, the labrador retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released by the AKC.


A golden retriever puppy yawns during the American Kennel Club's most popular purebred dog in America news conference in New York Jan. 21, 2009. For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released by the AKC. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Mouthwatering chocolate facial


A woman receives a chocolate facial treatment at a chocolate exhibition in Mexico City January 23, 2009


A woman receives a chocolate facial treatment at a chocolate exhibition in Mexico City January 23, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Howard breaks NBA All-Star voting record


Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard reacts after being fouled by the Boston Celtics during first-quarter NBA basketball action in Orlando, Florida January 22, 2009.

BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- "When I first heard about leading the votes, I was shocked, to be honest with you. I really didn't expect it, considering you've got Kobe, LeBron and Dwyane Wade, " said Dwight Howard Friday.

He collared 3.15 million ballots, ranking No. 1 in NBA All-Star Game voting, far exceeding Houston Rockets' Yao Ming previous record of 2.56 million in 2005.

"Wow, what a blessing! That is what I took it as, a blessing from God and then the fans. It's just a great honor and I was surprised, but like always I thank the fans for everything they have done for us," he added.

Dressing in a Superman cape to gain a resounding victory in the Slam Dunk Contest, Howard stole the spotlight in New Orleans. He'll target to defend this title in Phoenix, the night before the All-Star showcase.

The top five vote-getters gain the highest totals than ever before, namely, forward LeBron James (2,940,823) of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guards Kobe Bryant (2,805,397) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade (2,741,413) of the Miami Heat and forward Tim Duncan (2,578,168) of the San Antonio Spurs. At center, Yao Ming got 2,532,958 votes and he will start for the sixth time.

Vote-getter Top 10 for NBA All-Star Game:

1. Dwight Howard , 3150181 ballots, in 2009

2. LeBron James, 2940823 ballots, in 2009

3. Kobe Bryant, 2805397 ballots, in 2009

4. Dwyane Wade, 2741413 ballots, in 2009

5. Tim Duncan, 2578168 ballots, in 2009

6. Yao Ming, 2558278 ballots, in 2005

7. Yao Ming, 2532958 ballots, in 2009

8. LeBron James, 2516049 ballots, in 2007

9. Yao Ming, 2451718 ballots, in 2007

10. Michael Jordan, 2451136 ballots, in 1977


Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James drives the lane while playing the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Chicago Jan. 15, 2009.


Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots a layup from under the basket against Houston Rockets guards Von Wafer (L) and Carl Landry (3rd L) during their NBA basketball game in Houston Jan. 13, 2009.


Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade (L) gets past the defense of Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant during third quarter NBA basketball action in Miami Dec.19, 2008.


San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Charlotte Bobcats Emeka Okafor (50) during an NBA basketball game at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina Jan.19, 2009.


Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (L) of China moves to the basket defended by Indiana Pacers forward Troy Murphy during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Indianapolis Jan. 23, 2009.


Michael Jordan
Agencies
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Pacers beat Rockets 107-102


Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (L) of China moves to the basket defended by Indiana Pacers forward Troy Murphy during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Indianapolis January 23, 2009.
Indiana won 107-102.


Houston Rockets guard Von Wafer scores after getting past Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Indianapolis January 23, 2009.


Houston Rockets guard Von Wafer, right, misses a dunk while being defended by Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Phelps selected USOC sportsman of year

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Multi-Olympic champion Michael Phelps was named the U.S. Olympic Committee's sportsmen of the year on Thursday.


Michael Phelps swims during his heat in the men's 200m butterfly at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska in this July 1, 2008.

The sportswoman award went to all-around gymnastics champion Nastia Liukin and swimmer Natalie Coughlin, who won six medals in Beijing.

Erin Popovich was selected Paralympian of the year and the U.S. men's volleyball team, which won a gold medal in the aftermath of the attack and killing of coach Hugh McCutcheon's father-in-law, was team of the year.

Phelps broke Mark Spitz's record by winning eight gold medals in Beijing Olympics last summer.
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Khokhlova,Novitski win Euro ice dance gold

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russians Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski claimed the European championship ice dance title on Friday.

The duo pulled off a technically daring performance to Niccolo Paganini's "Caprice 24" to score 97.31 points in free skate for a total of 196.91.

The result was more than 10 points ahead of Italians Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali who scored 186.17.

Siblings Sinead and John Kerr from Britain took the bronze with185.20 points.
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Ivanovic beats Brianti at Australian Open


Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0


Alberta Brianti of Italy returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Brianti lost 0-2.


Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates scoring during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0.


Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0.


Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0.


Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves during the second round match of women's singles against Alberta Brianti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Ivanovic won 2-0.
Xinhua
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Djokovic beats Chardy at Australian Open


Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of men's singles against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Djokovic won 3-0 (7-5, 6-1, 6-3).


Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of men's singles against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Djokovic won 3-0 (7-5, 6-1, 6-3).


Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of men's singles against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Djokovic won 3-0 (7-5, 6-1, 6-3).


Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during the second round match of men's singles against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Djokovic won 3-0 (7-5, 6-1, 6-3).


Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures during the second round match of men's singles against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 21, 2009. Djokovic won 3-0 (7-5, 6-1, 6-3). (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)
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Handicrafts made of corn husk displayed


Ulicsni Arpadne displays handicrafts made by herself in Kunhegyes of Hungary on Jan. 19, 2009. Ulicsni Arpadne, a retired teacher of a kindergarten in Kunhegyes made varies handicrafts by the husk of a kind of corn that was planted by herself.


Ulicsni Arpadne displays a handicraft made by herself in Kunhegyes of Hungary on Jan. 19, 2009. Ulicsni Arpadne, a retired teacher of a kindergarten in Kunhegyes made varies handicrafts by the husk of a kind of corn that was planted by herself.


Ulicsni Arpadne displays a handicraft made by herself in Kunhegyes of Hungary on Jan. 19, 2009. Ulicsni Arpadne, a retired teacher of a kindergarten in Kunhegyes made varies handicrafts by the husk of a kind of corn that was planted by herself. (Xinhua/Meszaros Janos)
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Two men saved after 25 days at sea in icebox


Two men from Myanmar are seen January 17, floating in a large icebox at sea off the northern coast of Australia after their fishing boat sank. The two men, aged in their twenties, were spotted in the icebox by a routine aerial border patrol off Cape York, Australia's northernmost tip, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reported. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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"Forever Enthralled" promoted in Japan


Chinese director Chen Kaige (R) and actor Yu Shaoqun pose at a press conference in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 21, 2009. Chen Kaige and the cast members arrived in Tokyo to promote "Forever Enthralled", a biopic about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, which will be released in Japan on March 7


Chinese director Chen Kaige (R) and actor Yu Shaoqun pose for photos at a press conference in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Jan. 21, 2009. Chen Kaige and the cast members arrived in Tokyo to promote "Forever Enthralled", a biopic about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, which will be released in Japan on March 7. (Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)
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Michelle Obama at "We Are the Future" kids inaugural concert


Future U.S. first lady Michelle Obama speaks to the audience as she and her daughters Sasha and Malia attend the "We Are the Future" kids inaugural concert in Washington January 19, 2009. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20.


Future U.S. first lady Michelle Obama leaves the stage after speaking to the audience during the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20.


Future first lady Michelle Obama applauds next to her daughter Sasha as they attend the "We Are the Future Kids" inaugural concert in Washington January 19, 2009. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20


Miley Cyrus performs at the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20.


Future U.S. first lady Michelle Obama slaps hands with young relatives of future Vice President Joe Biden as she takes to the stage to make remarks to the audience during the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will take The Oath of Office on January 20.


Miley Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus perform together at the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20.


Children in the audience cheer as singer Miley Cyrus performs at the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will take The Oath of Office on January 20.


Miley Cyrus performs at the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future" concert in Washington January 19, 2009. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on January 20.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Michelle Obama's inaugural outfit: cheerful message of hope

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The choice of the United States' first black first lady was applauded as a cheerful message of hope and a vote for the American fashion industry as Michelle Obama wearing a yellow dress by designer Isabel Toledo on her husband's Inauguration Day Tuesday.


U.S. President Barack Obama takes the Oath of Office as the 44th U.S. President with his wife Michelle, daughters Malia (2nd R) and Sasha (R) by his side at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 20, 2009. Obama became the first African-American president in U.S. history.
"Mrs. Obama is an unusual woman with great fashion instincts and innate style. And she has always supported lesser-known designers like Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez and Isabel Toledo." said Patricia Mears, deputy director of the Museum at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology.


Newly-inaugurated US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First lady Michelle Obama (L), former President George W. Bush (2nd R) and his wife Laura Bush (R) walk down the steps during the departure ceremony in Washington D.C. Jan. 20, 2009.

Michelle accessorized the dress with unusual green gloves from J. Crew and green shoes.

Toledo, a Cuban-born American designer known for her creativity and technique, designed the outfit with hopes Obama would choose it for the ceremony, though Toledo did not know for certain until Tuesday morning.

"There is nothing that comes close to this moment," Toledo said. "It's not just my moment and hers, but it's the world's...It's not only what she's wearing. It's what the moment represents."


U.S. President Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States during the inauguration ceremony in Washington, January 20, 2009.


U.S. President Barack Obama, the newly sworn in 44th President of the United States, and his wife Michelle wave as they walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade in Washington January 20, 2009


U.S. President Barack Obama walks back into the U.S. Capitol alongside his wife Michelle, and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (3rd R) and his wife Jill (4th R), after former U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, departed the U.S. Capitol on the presidential helicopter following the inauguration ceremony where Obama was sworn in as the 44th U.S. president in Washington, January 20, 2009


Newly-inaugurated US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First lady Michelle Obama (L) talk to former President George W. Bush (2nd R) and his wife Laura Bush (R) during the departure ceremony in Washington D.C. Jan. 20, 2009.
Agencies
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