February 08, 2009

Nicolas Anelka put Chelsea into last eight of FA Cup

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (R) celebrates scoring his third goal against Waford with team mates Didier Drogba (C) and Salomon Kalou (L) during their fifth round FA Cup soccer match at Vicarage Road, Watford February 14, 2009.Nicolas Anelka put Chelsea into the last eight of the FA Cup with a superb hat-trick after struggling Watford had given them a massive fright in the 3-1 victory at Vicarage Road.

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka, right, celebrates his 3rd goal against Watford with teammates Miroslav Stoch, left, Salomon Kalou, second left, and Didier Drogba during their English FA Cup 5th round soccer match at Vicarage Road, London, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (R) celebrates scoring his third goal against Waford with team mate Salomon Kalou during their fifth round FA Cup soccer match at Vicarage Road, Watford February 14, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Alfie Patton is pictured with his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman and their newly born daughter. 13-year-old Alfie became Britain's one of the youngest fathers after his girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl on Monday, the Sun reported.

Alfie was just 12 when he impregnated Chantelle, then 14, the Sun said.

The boy, who looks more like he's 8, not 13, vowed to be a good father.

"I didn't think about how we would afford it. I don't really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me 10 pounds (21 U. S. dollars)," the innocent-eyed teenager from Eastbourne, south England, told the newspaper.

Alfie bottle feeds his little daughter.

"When my mum found out, I thought I was going to get in trouble ... I didn't know what it would be like to be a dad. I will be good, though, and care for it."

Chantelle and the baby are living with Penny, Chantelle's jobless dad Steve, 43, and her five brothers in a rented council house in Eastbourne. The family live on benefits.

Alfie, who lives on an estate across town with mum Nicola, 43, spends most of his time at the Steadmans' house.

(Agencies)

Singer Jennifer Hudson lifts her award for Outstanding New Artist at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009. Hudson won new artist, outstanding collaboration, and best album with her self-titled CD, and she received a standing ovation

Singer Jennifer Hudson points at President's Award recipient Muhammad Ali, who is accompanied by his wife Yolanda Williams, at the conclusion of her performance at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Singer Jennifer Hudson performs "The Impossible Dream" to pay tribute to President's Award recipient Muhammad Ali (not pictured) at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009

Singer Beyonce performs "Halo" at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Singer Beyonce smiles on stage after performing "Halo" at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actress Rosario Dawson accepts the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith (L) accepts the award for Outstanding Motion Picture for "The Secret Life of Bees" from actress Angela Bassett, as actor Danny Glover stands nearby, at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actor Will Smith accepts the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actor Hill Harper hands his award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series to his mother Marilyn at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actress Halle Berry hosts the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Stevie Wonder performs "Black Man," as host Halle Berry stands nearby, at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actress Halle Berry and actor Tyler Perry host the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009

Actress and host Halle Berry walks on stage at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.

Actors Tyler Perry (L) and Halle Berry host the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Feb. 12, 2009.
Xinhua

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during his semi-final tennis match against Gael Monfils of France at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam February 14, 2009.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and world No. 4 Andy Murray will fight for the title of the 1.44-million-euro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, after both scoring straight-set victories in Saturday's semifinals.

Gael Monfils of France hits a backhand during his semi-final tennis match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam February 14, 2009.

Top-seeded Spaniard, the newly crowned Australian Open champion, had been extended to three sets in his previous two matches, but found life was much easier playing No. 5 seed Gael Monfils of France, beating him in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.

Second-seeded Murray, a Scot, crushed in-form Mario Ancic of Croatia 6-1, 6-2, comfortably.

Going into Sunday's final, Nadal holds a 5-1 head-to-head advantage against Murray in official matches, but Murray won their last encounter at the U.S. Open semifinals last year. The Scot also beat the world's best player in an exhibition match in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates last month.

Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink (L) speaks at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2009. Conducted by Bernard Haitink, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will hold their concerts on Feb. 13 and 14 in Beijing.

Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink attends a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2009. Conducted by Bernard Haitink, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will hold their concerts on Feb. 13 and 14 in Beijing. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

A Koala nicknamed Sam, saved from the bushfires in Gippsland, is cared at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, 100 miles (170 kilometers) east of Melbourne, Australia, where workers were scrambling to salve the wounds of possums, kangaroos and lizards Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. A thirsty koala rescued from the Australian wildfires has become a star on video-sharing website YouTube, providing much-needed relief from the disaster that has killed more than 180 people

A koala named Sam is given a drink of water by Country Fire Authority volunteer fire fighter Dave Tree as he rescued her after deadly fires swept through the area of Mirboo North, about 120km (75 miles) southeast of Melbourne, Feb. 8, 2009.

A koala named Bob (top), rescued from last week's deadly bushfires, puts his paw around new friend and fellow fire survivor Sam as she recovers from her burns at Southern Ash Wildlife Centre near Melbourne Feb.11, 2009.

A Koala nicknamed Sam, saved from the bushfires in Gippsland, is recovering at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, Australia, where workers were scrambling to salve the wounds of possums, kangaroos and lizards Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009.
chinanews.cn

Vancouver Organizing Committee CEO John Furlong holds up the Olympic torch, during ceremonies marking the one year count down to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Whistler, British Columbia February 12, 2009.

Photo taken shows conponents of Olympic torch for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. The Olympic torch is unveiled by the Vancouver Olympic Committee, in Whistler, British Columbia, February 12, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the quarterfinal of the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and second-seeded Andy Murray both scored hard-fought victories to reach the semifinals of the 1.44-million-euro ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Friday.

Nadal, the newly crowned Australian Open champion, was extended Friday evening to three sets by No. 7 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, but eventually won 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4. This is the second consecutive three-set match for the world's best player in as many days.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts during his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.

World No. 4 Murray won the first set against unseeded Frenchman Gael Gicquel 7-6, but Gicquel took the second set 6-4. When Murray was 3-0 up in the deciding set, Gicquel retired citing a left groin injury.

In an afternoon quarterfinal match, Croatia's unseeded Mario Ancic beat Russia's Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets, 6-4 , 6-2.

In a late-night all-French quarterfinal, 5th seeded Gael Monfils will take on Julien Benneteau.

In Saturday's semifinals, Murray will take on Ancic, while Nadal will face the winner of the Monfils-Benneteau match.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during his quarterfinal match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Fe比 13, 2009.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts during his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.

Andy Murray of Britain reacts during his quarterfinal tennis match against Marc Gicquel of France at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb. 13, 2009.

Marc Gicquel of France reacts hits a backhand during his quarterfinal tennis match against Andy Murray of Britain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Messi scores in Argentina's friendly win against France

PARIS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi scored a second-half goal to hand Argentina a 2-0 friendly win over France on Wednesday.

Argentina's Lionel Messi (C) reacts after scoring against France during their international friendly soccer match at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille February 11, 2009.

The victory ensured Diego Maradona of maintaining his perfect start as Argentina coach.

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez collected a Sergio Aguero cross from the right and fired past France keeper Steve Mandanda to put the visitors ahead four minutes before the interval.

Messi's goal seven minutes from time nailed the second victory for Maradona at the helm of national team since last November.

Argentina's head coach Diego Maradona (R) reacts after Argentina's Lionel Messi scored against France during their international friendly soccer match at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille February 11, 2009.

The Barcelona forward slotted the ball past Mandanda following an impressive slalom through the defence.

Maradona started his job with a 1-0 win over Scotland in November but he knew World Cup finalists France would be a tougher nut to crack.

Argentina went ahead in the 41st minute when Aguero lofted the ball for Gutierrez, who fired into Mandanda's right top corner.

Argentina's head coach Diego Maradona reacts after Lionel Messi scored against France during their international friendly soccer match at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille February 11, 2009.

Raymond Domenech substituted Anelka with Karim Benzema in the 65th minute but without effect as Gourcuff and Ribery, who were under the tight supervision of Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano, could not feed him the ball.

In the 81st minute, Aguero made room for Carlos Tevez, whose impact was almost immediate as he launched a counter attack from his own half to set up Messi for his team's second goal.

Russia's national soccer coach Guus Hiddink advises his players during a training session for the Euro 2008 soccer tournament in Basel June 23, 2008.

BEIJING, Feb. 12 -- Russia coach Guus Hiddink will take over as Chelsea manager until the end of the season from next week, it was confirmed Wednesday.

"It's never enough time to prepare a team in one week but this is an exceptional situation. Chelsea have good players and they should be in top form and that should make my job easier," he said.

Hiddink said he planned to attend Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round tie at Watford on Saturday.

Chelsea's manager Luiz Felipe Scolari listens during a news conference at their training ground in Cobham, Surrey in southern England January 2, 2009.

Chelsea confirmed the appointment on its Website.

"Chelsea Football Club are delighted to confirm Guus Hiddink will become temporary coach until the end of the season. He is due to meet the players this week," it said.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the Russia Football Union for their understanding and cooperation."

The Dutchman said he intended to contact his predecessor at Chelsea, Luiz Felipe Scolari, to discuss the team. Scolari was sacked by the fourth-placed Premier League club on Monday.

"I haven't done it yet but I will call him in the next day or two," said Hiddink.

He added he had not signed a contract with Chelsea nor intended to.

"I don't have to sign one. It's not a question of money," said Hiddink who has a close friendship with billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Hiddink revealed on Tuesday that he would be taking charge on a temporary basis at Chelsea for three months until the end of the current season and planned to continue as Russia coach.

He said he would be flying to Amsterdam later yesterday before travelling on to London.

Asked if he intended to bring any assistants with him to Stamford Bridge, he replied: "Not at this time."

"I always want to see the situation in the team myself first before making any changes if they have to be made," he said.

Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

Photo taken on Feb. 11, 2009 shows the calf born with a white heart-shaped pattern on his forehead at the Yamakun farm in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. Born on Jan. 25, the calf has been named "Heart" by the owner of the farm, considering the Valentine's Day approaches.

Photo taken on Feb. 11, 2009 shows the calf born with a white heart-shaped pattern on his forehead at the Yamakun farm in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan

The calf born with a white heart-shaped pattern on his forehead stays with his owner at the Yamakun farm in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, on Feb. 11, 2009. Born on Jan. 25, the calf has been named "Heart" by the owner of the farm, considering the Valentine's Day approaches

A staff worker shows Poker printed with labor laws on a job fair in Longquan Township in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 11, 2009. With over 20 companies supplying more than 1500 vacancies for migrant workers, the job fair is a series of actions implemented by Haikou city to promote the migrant workers' employment.

Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva clears 5.04 metres at her third attempt to set a new women's pole vault world record at the Monaco grand prix in Monte-Carlo July 29, 2008.

BEIJING, Feb. 12 -- Russian Olympic champion and pole vault world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva has agreed a multi million-dollar contract with China's largest sportswear retailer Li Ning.

The agreement, worth 1.5 million U.S. dollars annually for five years according to a person with knowledge of the offer, is significant because of the amount of money and the entry of a Chinese company into the athletics marketing world with a high-profile athlete.

"There is no athlete on the track circuit that earns that kind of money," said a person familiar with the negotiations.

That includes the base contract for Jamaican double sprint world record holder Usain Bolt, he said. "It is out of synch in regards to the track market."

Wang Shiyong of Li Ning's branding department said, however, that no deal had been finalized. "I cannot confirm it at this moment," he said.

"It is under negotiation. We will announce it later when we get to an agreement."

Isinbayeva's agent, Daniel Wessfeldt, said that he could not "comment at this point."

Bonuses for world records, world and Olympic championships could add to Isinbayeva's earnings, experts said.

Isinbayeva, the IAAF female athlete of the year, has been under contract to Adidas, the world's second-largest sports goods maker.

The world record holder is set to begin her indoor season this weekend at Donetsk, Ukraine, which would be her first opportunity to wear her new company's attire at a meet.

Li Ning was founded by the 1984 Olympic triple gymnastics gold medalist who last August lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games. It has around 10 percent of the Chinese market.

While Isinbayeva is its first high-profile signee, the firm has deals with National Basketball Association players Shaquille O'Neal of the Phoenix Suns and Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers, according to O'Neal's NBA biography and a Li Ning news release about Davis.

Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

Phelps apologizes to Chinese fans, appreciates their support

BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps has released an apology video on a website to his Chinese fans for his "regrettable" behavior after a photo showing him smoking a marijuana pipe was published recently.

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.

He showed his great appreciation of Chinese fans' support during his difficult times. "My Chinese friends, as many of you know, I recently engaged in a behavior which was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me."

"The past few days have been tough for me, but I've received support and encouragement online from so many Chinese friends. I will learn from these mistakes, train hard, and make you proud again."

At the same time, Phelps expected the young Chinese to learn from his lesson. He said, "To the young people of China, please learn from this lesson. Be positive to life, and do the right things. I've had so many great experiences in China over the past few years and have enjoyed learning about your culture and your history."

Phelps also expressed his willingness to return China. "I look forward to returning to China soon."

Phelps won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, four years after he won six gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

(Agencies)

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi arrives at the red carpet before the screening for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi (C), Hong Kong actor Leon Lai (L) and Japanese actor Ando Masanobu arrive at the red carpet for the screen of the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Dieter Kosslick (C), director of the Berlin film festival, greets Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi (R) and Hong Kong actor Leon Lai before the screening for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Japanese actor Ando Masanobu, Chinese actress Chen Hong, Chinese director Chen Kaige, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and Hong Kong actor Leon Lai (L-R) arrive at the red carpet before the screening for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Chinese director Chen Kaige (L) signs for fans at the press conference for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Chinese director Chen Kaige attends the press conference for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Chinese actress Chen Hong attends the press conference for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi attends the press conference for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.

Japanese actor Ando Masanobu attends the press conference for the film "Forever Enthralled" at the 59th International Film Festival Berlin (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 10, 2009. "Forever Enthralled" would compete with 17 other films for the coveted Golden Bear.(Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

olympic spirit

Nicolas Anelka put Chelsea into last eight of FA Cup

British boy becomes father at 13

Jennifer Hudson dominates NAACP Image awards

Nadal, Murray to fight for Rotterdam title

Bernard Haitink performs in Beijing

Koala saved from bushfire a new star

2010 Olympic torch unveiled

Nadal, Murray through to Rotterdam semifinals

Messi scores in Argentina's friendly win against France

Hiddink takes over at Chelsea

Calf born with heart-shaped pattern on forehead in Japan

Poker cards printed with labor laws

Star pole vaulter Isinbayeva seals rich Li Ning deal

Phelps apologizes to Chinese fans, appreciates their support

"Forever Enthralled" screened at 59th Berlinale

Sponsored Links

Blog Archive

Followers