September 27, 2009

Three Americans win 2009 Nobel Prize for physics

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 6 -- The 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics went to Charles K.
Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith, all from the United States, on
Tuesday.

Photos of three winners of the Nobel Prize in physics for 2009 are seen on a
screen during an announcement ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2009.
Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith on Tuesday won the 2009
Nobel Prize in Physics for discoveries of importance for the internet and data
and telephone communications and the digital camera.

Kao was awarded "for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of
light in fibers for optical communication," and Boyle and Smith were awarded
"for the invention of an imaging semiconductor circuit -- the CCD sensor," the
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Among the three, Kao is a Chinese-American who was born in Shanghai in 1933 and
also holds British citizenship, while Boyle is a Canadian dual national.

The CCD is the digital camera's electronic eye. It revolutionized photography,
as light could now be captured electronically instead of on film. CCD technology
is also used in many medical applications, e.g. imaging the inside of the human
body, both for diagnostics and for microsurgery as well as astronomy, said the
Nobel Committee.

Permanent Secretary of the Royal Academy of Sciences Gunnar Oquist presents
the winners of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics at the session hall of the
academy in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2009.

Kao who was electronic engineer and vice-chancellor of Chinese University of
Hong Kong before retirement made a discovery that led to a breakthrough in fiber
optics in 1966. He calculated how to transmit light over long distances via
optical glass fibers which led to the fabrication of the first ultra pure fiber
in 1970.In 1969 Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith invented the first
successful imaging technology using a digital sensor, a CCD (Charge-Coupled
Device), according to the Committee.

The two scientific achievements have helped to shape the foundations of today's
networked societies by creating many practical innovations for everyday life and
provided new tools for scientific exploration, added the Nobel Committee.

This was the second of this year's crop of Nobel prizes, which are handed out
annually for achievements in science, literature, economics and peace.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences presents the winners of the 2009 Nobel
Prize in Physics at the session hall of the academy in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct.
6, 2009. Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith on Tuesday won the
2009 Nobel Prize in Physics for discoveries of importance for the internet and
data and telephone communications and the digital camera.

All but one of the prizes were established in the will of 19th century dynamite
millionaire Alfred Nobel. The economics award was established by Sweden's
central bank in 1968.

On Monday, the Nobel Medicine Prize went to Elizabeth H. Blackburn, a U.S. and
Australian citizen, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak from the United States.

Nobel died childless and dedicated his vast fortune to create "prizes for those,
who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on
mankind."

The prizes have been awarded since 1901. Each prize consists of a medal, a
personal diploma and a cash award of 10 million Swedish kronor (about 1.4
million U.S. dollars).

(Xinhua)

Elizabeth Taylor to check into hospital to repair a heart valve

Elizabeth Taylor poses as she arrives for a A.R. Gurney's play "Love Letters"
at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles December 1, 2007.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 -- Septuagenarian Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor
announced Tuesday she would check into a hospital to undergo a procedure to
repair a leaking heart valve, but she gave no specific time.

Taylor, 77, made the announcement on her Twitter post "before it gets in the
papers."

"It's very new and involves repairing my leaky valve using a clip device,
without open heart surgery, so that my heart will function better.

"Any prayers you happen to have lying around I would dearly appreciate. I'll let
you know when it's all over. Love you, Elizabeth," she said.

However, Taylor did not say when or where she would receive the procedure.

Actress Elizabeth Taylor arrives for her 75th birthday party at the
Ritz-Carlton in Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada in this February 27, 2007
file photo.

Taylor, who is wheelchair-bound, rarely appears in public, but she managed to
attend the funeral of pop icon Michael Jackson at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in
Glendale early last month and also showed up briefly at the Macy's Passport
AIDS/HIV research fundraiser in Santa Monica, California.

She has been reported to be in failing health in recent years, with heart and
spinal problems. The actress, who has diabetes, had a benign brain tumor removed
in 1997.

(Xinhua)

Ghana in U20 World Cup quarterfinals

Ghana's Daniel Addo (L) vies with South Africa's Kermit Erasmus during the
round of 16 match at the 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, Oct. 6,
2009. Ghana won the match 2-1.

CAIRO, Oct. 6 -- Ghana overcame South Africa 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the
quarterfinals of FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The first halftime ended with a goalless draw despite efforts from both sides.

Ghana's Dominic Adiyiah (rear) vies with South Africa's Thulani Serero during
the round of 16 match at the 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, Oct.
6, 2009. Ghana won the match 2-1.

Then South Africa scored first when its forward Kermit Erasmus succeeded to
score at the 60th minute of the match.

However, Ghana tried hard to equalize until its midfielder Andre Ayew scored the
first goal for his team about ten minutes later.

The second halftime ended when the result was 1-1, so the referee gave two
periods of extra time.

At the first extra time, at the 99th minute of the match, Dominic Adiyiah,
forward of Ghana succeeded to score the second goal for his team through a
powerful shot.

The match witnessed eleven yellow cards and one red card. South Africa was
yellow carded five times while Ghana was yellow carded six times and red carded
once.

Ghana's Andre Ayew (R) vies with South Africa's Ace Bhengu during the round
of 16 match at the 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, Oct. 6, 2009.
Ghana won the match 2-1.

(Xinhua)

Costa Rica in U20 World Cup quarterfinals

Costa Rica's David Guzman Perez (R) vies with Egypt's Afroto during the round
of 16 match at the 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 6, 2009. Costa
Rica won the match 2-0.

CAIRO, Oct. 6 -- Costa Rica stunned Egypt 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the
quarterfinals of FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Costa Rica's Marcos Urena Porras (R) vies with Egypt's Hosam Hassan during
the round of 16 match at the 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 6,
2009. Costa Rica won the match 2-0.

At the 21st minute of the first halftime, Defender of Costa Rica, Jose Mena,
succeeded to score to put his team ahead.

After the goal, Egyptian players tried hard to equalize but in vain to end the
first halftime 1-0 for Costa Rica.

One minute before the end of the match, midfielder of Costa Rica, Diego Esrrada,
succeeded to score the second goal for his team, to end Egypt's hopes and to end
the match 2-0 for his country.

The match witnessed seven yellow cards. Costa Rica was yellow carded three times
while Egypt was yellow carded four times.

(Xinhua)

Bondarenko loses to Kuznetsova 1-2 at China Open

Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine returns the ball during the third round match of
women's singles against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia at China Open 2009 in
Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2009. Bondarenko lost 1-2.

Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia returns the ball during the third round match of
women's singles against Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine at China Open 2009 in
Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2009. Kuznetsova won 2-1.

F1 Motorboat World Championship starts in Liuzhou

Motorboat racers compete on the Liujiang River in Liuzhou, southwest China's
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2009. The Liuzhou stop of F1 Motorboat
World Championship started on Tuesday with 19 players from 9 teams of 11
countries and regions taking part in the game.

Jerusalem March during Jewish holiday of Sukkot

Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat marches with tens of thousands of people at the
Jerusalem March October 6, 2009. Jews and visitors from all over the world
gathered in Jerusalem on Tuesday and staged a massive and festive parade across
the holy city. The procession, known as the Jerusalem March, is an annual
traditional event during the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Chinese tourists participate in the Jerusalem March October 6, 2009. Jews and
visitors from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem on Tuesday and staged a
massive and festive parade across the holy city. The procession, known as the
Jerusalem March, is an annual traditional event during the week-long Jewish
holiday of Sukkot.

Tens of thousands of Jews and visitors from all over the world gather in
Jerusalem on Tuesday October 6, 2009 and stage a massive and festive parade
across the holy city. The procession, known as the Jerusalem March, is an annual
traditional event during the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Brazilian tourists participate in the Jerusalem March October 6, 2009. Tens
of thousands of Jews and visitors from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem
on Tuesday and staged a massive and festive parade across the holy city. The
procession, known as the Jerusalem March, is an annual traditional event during
the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Bulls sink Jazz in last-second London thriller

Deron Williams(left) of Utah Jazz breaks through during an NBA pre-season game
at the O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz
by 102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of the rookie James Johnson.

Wesley Matthews of Utah Jazz goes for basket during an NBA pre-season game at
the O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz by
102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of the rookie James Johnson.

Eric Maynor(right) of Utah Jazz goes for basket during an NBA pre-season game at
the O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz by
102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of the rookie James Johnson.

Kirk Hinrich(left) of Chicago Bulls shoots during an NBA pre-season game at the
O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz by
102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of the rookie James Johnson.

Wesley Matthews(central) of Utah Jazz breaks through during an NBA pre-season
game at the O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah
Jazz by 102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of the rookie James Johnson.

James Johnson(second from the left) of Chicago Bulls blocks Mehmet Okur's
shot during an NBA pre-season game at the O2 stadium in London, Britain, Oct. 6,
2009. Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz by 102-101 with a 0.1 second buzzer-beater of
the rookie James Johnson.

(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

China's wildcard Zhang upsets Safina at China Open

Zhang Shuai of China returns a shot to World number one Dinara Safina of Russia during the second round match of women's singles at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2009. Zhang Shuai won 2-0.

BEIJING, Oct. 5 -- Wildcard Zhang Shuai from China made the biggest news at the ongoing China Open tennis tournament, beating world No. 1 Dinara Safina in the second round on Monday.

The 20-year-old, only ranked 226 in the world and spending much of her time playing the ITF events, battled two hours to outlast the Russian 7-5, 7-6(5) for a berth in the last 16 and the biggest-ever victory in her career.

"I look different on and off the court. I am a modest guy but it does not mean I don't have confidence," said Zhang, who played for the first time on the Main Court of any WTA tournaments.

"I think I was cooler than Safina. She surely played below level and sometimes rushed a little bit," added Zhang. "As a lower ranked player, I did not have pressure to face her. I just wanted to learn from her and play my game.

"I have played against the top ranked stars before. Technically speaking, I am in a different league of course, but not that bad. It is competing experience that finally matters."

Zhang, who even didn't have her image added on the WTA official website, looked a little nervous at the start, committing double fault in her first serve game.

Safina, still looking for her first Grand Slam title to underline her credentials, broke Zhang at love in the sixth game to lead at 4-2, but the Chinese girl started to hit top gear and play solid game from the baseline, breaking back to level the match.

Zhang pushed hard and forced Safina into some uncharacteristic errors before the Russian dropped serve again to hand in a 7-5 first set loss.

Safina never felt comfortable in the second set while Zhang seemed to play a game much above her level.

After trading break, the match headed for a tiebreak where Zhang, capitalising on her opponent's unforced errors, stormed to a 4-0 lead.

The 23-year-old Russian managed to pull within 4-3 but the momentum was not at her side.

World number one Dinara Safina of Russia returns a shot to Zhang Shuai of China during the second round match of women's singles at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2009. Safina lost 0-2.

Serena Williams wins 2-0 against Ekaterina Makarova at China Open

Serena Williams of the United States smiles during the second round match of women's singles against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Williams won 2-0.

Serena Williams of the United States returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Williams won 2-0.

Ekaterina Makarova of Russia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Serena Williams of the United States at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Makarova lost 0-2.

(Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Sharapova wins Azarenka 2-1 at China Open

Maria Sharapova of Russia returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Sharapova won 2-1.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Maria Sharapova of Russia at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Azarenka lost 1-2.

Maria Sharapova of Russia appeals for a Hawk-Eye challenge during the second round match of women's singles against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Sharapova won 2-1.

(Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Water scooter tournament held in Liuzhou, China's Guangxi

A contestant performs during a water scooter tournament held in Liuzhou, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 5, 2009. The finals of the 2009 World Water Scooter Tournament ended in Liuzhou on Monday.

Players take part in a chase event during a water scooter tournament held in Liuzhou, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 5, 2009. The finals of the 2009 World Water Scooter Tournament ended in Liuzhou on Monday.

A contestant takes part in a chase event during a water scooter tournament held in Liuzhou, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 5, 2009. The finals of the 2009 World Water Scooter Tournament ended in Liuzhou on Monday.