NBA Draft grades (1st round)

1. Portland - Greg Oden. As expected, the Blazers nabbed their franchise center. Grade: A

2. Seattle - Kevin Durant. The Sonics made it two cornerstones in two picks. There is no question about the man is in Seattle with the departure of Ray Allen to Boston. Grade: A

3. Atlanta -Al Horford. I still have the opinion that the Hawks should have taken Mike Conley here. Horford will be a nice player and they did get Acie Law later, but he won’t be the leader that Conley will. Grade: B-minus

4. Memphis - Mike Conley Jr. The Grizzlies quickly snatched up Conley after Atlanta passed. Memphis obviously has plenty of needs, but there is talent with Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay on board. Conley has some developing to do, but he should be a great point in the league for a long time. Grade: A

5. Boston - Jeff Green. Danny Ainge was picking for Seattle on this one, which completed the deal to bring Ray Allen to Boston, which also saw the departure of Delonte West and overpaid Wally Szcerbiak.

This was a desperation move by Ainge. Unless you’re a piece away from contending for a title, which the Celtics aren’t even close, there is no reason to make this move other than to appease Paul Pierce. Pierce isn’t a prototypical 3, but that’s where he’s going to have to play full-time now with Allen aboard. Boston isn’t even a .500 team with Allen, and now they are strapped with the contracts of he and Pierce. Grade: D

6. Milwaukee - Yi Jianlian. Most think than Jianlian is the real deal. The Bucks could be a point guard away from really moving up the NBA food chain with Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut in place. Corey Brewer would have been a nice pick here, too, but once Conley was off the board, the Bucks went for the home run. Grade: B-plus.

7. Minnesota - Corey Brewer. Whether or not the Timberwolves keep Kevin Garnett, Brewer has an all-around game with All-Star potential. Small forward was a sore spot for Minnesota, so it also fills a need. Grade: A-minus.

8. Charlotte - Brandan Wright. Ok, Mike, we get it. You like your Carolina homies. This one makes little sense, though. Sure, Wright is athletic with lots of upside, but he’s raw and provides little scoring punch, an area of need with Gerald Wallace hitting the free agent market. The Bobcats have been in the league long enough to where they should be making some strides forward, and that doesn’t seem to be the case with this move. Wright could turn into a nice player, but ownership better hope the Carolina faithful frequent home games to see he, Sean May and Raymond Felton since this move doesn’t make then any better. Grade: D

(Note: The Bobcats used this pick to acquire Jason Richardson from the Warriors. The Bobcats needed a scoring wing and got themselves a pretty good one in Richardson, but they have could just drafted one and not paid Richardson's hefty salary.)

9. Chicago - Joakim Noah. This pick was a little surprising. Noah is a high-energy player that is a good defender, rebounder and is great at cleaning up around the basket. Sounds kind of like Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas. The Bulls needed a low-post scorer, and if they didn’t want to take Spencer Hawes, which I wouldn’t blame them, they should have gotten some perimeter depth to back-up Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. There was plenty of that in this draft. Grade: C

10. Sacramento - Spencer Hawes. The Kings’ frontline definitely needs the help, so in theory this is a good pick. Hawes has a promising low-post game but needs time to develop, which seems to fit in since the Kings appear to be heading for a rebuilding project. Grade: B

11. Atlanta - Acie Law. Most felt Law would still be here, so passing on Conley at 3 wasn’t a huge risk as long as the Hawks were comfortable with Law being their future point. Law is a score-first point guard, much like Chauncey Billups when he entered the league. Grade: B-minus.

12. Philadelphia - Thaddeus Young. Young has tremendous upside and the Sixers don’t appear to be going anywhere soon. Grade: C-plus.

13. New Orleans/Oklahoma City - Julian Wright. The Hornets needed the depth on the wing and get an extremely athletic player in Wright. He should benefit from playing with Chris Paul. Grade: B

14. L.A. Clippers - Al Thornton. The move could pave the way for Corey Maggette to leave town. The Clippers had better get a point for him. Grade: C-plus

15. Detroit - Rodney Stuckey. The Pistons were happy to be able to choose between Nick Young and Stuckley, whom they both were extremely impressed with. Being that Young went the following pick, Joe Dumars’ selection will be compared to Young. Dumars, himself, was from a small school like Stuckey, so maybe he sees some of himself in the youngster. Grade: B

16. Washington - Nick Young. Young, a three-year player at USC, will have a chance to earn minutes right away at the 2-guard position. The Wizards fell apart with injuries down the stretch, which probably benefited them a few spots in the draft. Young was a projected lottery pick by many prognosticators. Grade: A-minus

17. New Jersey - Sean Williams. The Nets needed to get tougher in the post, which describes Williams in general. He’s a capable rebounded and shot-blocker, but has had a problem with attitude at times. Grade: C-plus.

18. Golden State - Marco Bellinelli. This move made a lot more sense once Richardson was traded to Charlotte. Bellinelli should fit in well in the Warriors’ up-tempo offense. Grade: B

19. L.A. Lakers - Jarvaris Crittenton. This move isn’t going to suddenly make Kobe Bryant rescind his trade demand, but the Lakers may have found their point guard of the future. If not, they have another bargaining chip for potential trades. Good value pick here. Grade: A-minus

20. Miami - Jason Smith (to Philadelphia). The Sixers could use help in the post. Smith (7-0, 240) has size and quickly and could become a consistent low-post scorer, but needs to toughen up, especially to satisfy Philly fans’ liking. Grade: B-minus.

21. Philadelphia - Daequan Cook (to Miami). Pat Riley added some talent, very raw talent, to the Heat roster with this move. Most felt he should have stayed at Ohio State at least one more year, but he’s gotten himself a guaranteed contract. We’ll see if he can earn minutes played for the veteran Heat. Grade: C-minus

22. Charlotte - Jared Dudley. It appears Charlotte is preparing for Wallace not coming back by adding a couple of wing players in Richardson and Dudley. As far as the pick, it was probably safe but Wilson Chandler will probably turn out to be a better player. Grade: C

23. New York - Wilson Chandler. If there is one area that Isiah hasn’t been a total flop as a GM, it’s the draft. It looks like Thomas may have made another pretty good selection in wing Chandler, who played two years at DePaul. Grade: B

(Note: Isiah made another good move by acquiring Zach Randolph for Steve Francis, a salary no one wants, and Channing Frye, who is half the player Randolph is.)

24. Phoenix - Rudy Fernandez (to Portland). The Blazers added another talented Spanish guard to go with Sergio Rodriguez. Factor in the addition of Oden to go with LaMarcus Alridge and ROY Brandon Roy, the Blazers have quite a promising young team. Grade: B

25. Utah - Morris Almond. The Jazz needed scoring help on the perimeter and appear to have found it in Almond, an exciting slasher from Rice. Grade: B-plus.

26. Houston - Aaron Brooks. The Rockets have acquired Mike James to run the show and Brooks could provide some scoring punch off of the bench. Still, it’s hard to get excited about this selection. Grade: C

27. Detroit - Arron Afflalo. I realize that it’s the end of the first round, but this move makes almost no sense. Afflalo is a one-dimensional player. A poor man’s Allan Houston, at best. They’ve already taken a 2-guard in Stuckey when they have Rip Hamilton, at least for one more year, and then this move. I rarely find much to criticize Joe Dumars on, but this may be the worst move of the first round. Detroit would have been better off taking a host of others on the board. Grade: D-minus

28. San Antonio - Tiago Splitter. The wheels just keep turning. Splitter probably won’t play this season, but the Spurs can afford to wait with last season’s first-rounder, Luis Scola, set to join the team. You can bet this move will pay off later. Grade: A-minus.

29. Phoenix - Alando Tucker. The Suns added some wing depth with this move, which may be needed if Shawn Marion is dealt. I’m not sold on Tucker’s game translating to the NBA, but Phoenix had little to lose here. Grade: C

30. Philadelphia - Petteri Koponen. A little-known 19-year-old who has been compared to Steve Nash. Not sure about giving this guy a guaranteed deal. Grade: C-minus.

Transfer News

Darren Bent becomes manager Martin Jol's second signing of the close season after Gareth Bale penned a deal with the spurs earlier this summer.

Post-Draft Thoughts on the Trail Blazers

Now that the 2007 NBA Draft has finished, it's time to take stock of the draft. Portland couldn't really have a bad draft with the first pick and being able to pick up a talent like Greg Oden. Who looks like he will be wearing number 52, the number of former Blazer great Buck Williams. But, that wasn't the only move of the night for Portland.

The other big news of the night was that Portland traded oft-troubled Zach Randolph plus Fred Jones and Dan Dickau to the Knicks. In return, Portland gets Channing Frye and malcontent Steve Francis. The rumors suggest Portland may try to buy Francis out to get cap room and go after a free-agent small forward (Rashard Lewis?), and will keep Frye. I'm not sure why the team would want this trade unless it was all to get rid of Randolph. Frye seems to play the same position as Aldridge and has a similar game. Francis is a lockerroom cancer and hasn't produced like Randolph has in the past few years. If Randolph can stay out of trouble in NY (a big IF), Isiah Thomas and the Knicks really got the better of this deal.

I'll reserve judgment but I am leaning towards maybe this not being the best deal for Portland. I think a better move would have been to hold on to Randolph and then try to get more for him at the February trade deadline.

Seattle, who had the number two pick, drafted a tall, skinny forward from Texas, Kevin Durant. Then Seattle traded Ray Allen to Boston for the 5th pick (Jeff Green), Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak. It looks like Seattle may have fleeced Boston. The second year in a row a Northwest team has done that to Boston.

I really liked what Seattle did in the draft, and it looks awfully similar to Portland's 2006 draft. Portland got a tall, skinny forward from Texas (Aldridge) and a well regarded and well rounded upper-classman (Brandon Roy). The Pacific Northwest appears poised to have some really successful teams for the next decade. That is, if Seattle doesn't relocate.

Portland also managed to buy Phoenix's first round pick (no. 24) again this year. Last year Portland drafted Spanish point guard Sergio Rodriguez and this year the team selected a Spanish shooting guard, Rudy Fernandez. I don't know anything about the pick so I can't judge.

The Blazers also picked up Petteri Koponen (30) and Josh McRoberts (37). Koponen is a Finnish guy that I also know nothing about but did give Portland 3 first round picks. But, McRoberts has the potential to be a quality role player passing from the high pivot. He won't be a star but Portland doesn't need that.

At the end of the 2nd round, Portland also picked up shooting guard Demetris Nichols from Syracuse and Taurean Green, the point guard from two-time NCAA champs Florida. If Nichols makes the squad he could provide the outside shooting necessary to creat space down low. And, Green is a wonderful defender a the PG spot. However, the puts quite the logjam at the position. Jack, Rodriguez, Green and Steve Blake if he signs with Portland as many expect him to do all will be vying for time. Not too mention Steve Francis plays some point, as does Roy. However, the also means Portland may be trying to move Jack as has been rumored.

Overall, a good draft for Portland on the basis of Oden alone. Portland did get rid of Randolph but that may not be the best move, in my opinion. The other five picks? The potential is there with McRoberts, Green, and Nichols but playing time let alone a roster spot will be tough to come by. My money would be on McRoberts and Green. The other two, who knows? They will likely stay overseas for at least one season. But, this draft was all about Oden for Portland. Hopefully, it plays out well. I also smell more trades coming out of Portland.

Other news:

Looks like Golden State is trading Jason Richardson to Charlotte for Brandan Wright (the 8th pick).

Atlanta looks like it got quite the haul with Al Horford at number 3 and Acie Law IV at 11. Atlanta filled its point guard need and Horford is a beast that will give Atlanta some much needed bulk up front. I really think Law is going to end up being a very good PG in the league. Maybe not the level of Chris Paul or Deron Williams but very good.

Vitamin A Swimwear

VA52T-BLK Black Velvet Matte Tricot Cosmo Halter Top Beautiful quality - Vitamin A tops are known for their incredible support and fabulous fit! Our most popular halter style, with far more support than your average string bikini top because every seam contains hidden rubber elastic, even the straps contain hidden rubber: the bold and alluring Cosmo Ring Halter features Vitamin A’s signature rings, metallic platinum underbust strap, and clean finished cups for a very smooth and flattering look without digging in... a favorite style of Jessica Alba, she’s been photographed wearing this top in almost every fabric we offer!
VA52B-BLK Black Velvet Matte Tricot Superstar Ring Bottom
get star style! as seen on the bods of Jessica Alba, Elle Macpherson, and Molly Sims to name a few...Vitamin A’s sleek California cut - super sexy low cut bikini bottom with our hottest signature hardware for 2007. contoured rings to fit any shape of hip comfortably, no digging. hardware imported from Italy does not get hot, crack, or rust. front panel is double lined with clean finished edges for maximum opacity and a very smooth look. back lays flat and smooth, stays put on the beach or in the waves. the superstar bottoms offer very sexy, but not skimpy, back coverage.

The youngest Argentinian offers novel challenge to Federer

Roger Federer is in second round action against Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro on Court One. Federer will hope for a more challenging performance from his opponent so as to give him some practice as he leads an assault on the Wimbledon crown which it seems he is destined to win again in 2007
who is Juan Martin del Potro?
(born September 23, 1988) is a tennis player from Tandil, Argentina.

After ending 2005 ranked 1,077, Del Potro jumped over 900 positions, largely due to winning three Futures tournaments. As of June 2007, he is the youngest player in the ATP top 100 with a current career high ranking of 55.

On February 11th, 2007, Del Potro debuted playing for Argentina at the first round of the Davis Cup against Austria winning the 4th match and giving Argentina the third point and the classification for the quarterfinals.

Del Potro is 6'5'' (195 cm) tall. Unusual for an Argentine player, Del Potro's favorite surface is hardcourt, not clay.

Del Potro will be debuting in Wimbledon this year.

Rafa is bringing young Kaka to Liverpool?

Lucas Pezzini Leiva (born January 9, 1987 in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul) is a Brazilian midfielder, who currently plays for Liverpool FC. He uses the name Lucas on the back of his shirt. He is nephew of the former Brazilian football player Leivinha and holds an Italian passport.Lucas started his career with Grêmio, making his first team debut on October 22, 2005 in a 1-0 win over Náutico in Serie B. Grêmio went on to win the league that season, gaining promotion to the top tier of Brazilian football.



2006 was a successful year for Lucas and Grêmio, winning the Rio Grande do Sul state championship (the Campeonato Gaúcho) for the first time since 2001, and also coming third in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Lucas also became the youngest player to ever to receive Placar magazine's Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball), given to the best player in the Campeonato Brasileiro — an honour previously won by the likes of Zico, Falcao, Careca, Romario, Kaka and Tevez.

In October 2006 Lucas was brought into the senior Brazilian squad for friendlies against Kuwaiti club Al-Kuwait and Ecuador. Lucas was both the youngest member and one of only two non-Europe-based players in a strong squad. He made his debut for Brazil on October 7, 2006 coming on as a second half substitute against Al-Kuwait. Brazil won the match 4-0. However, this appearance does not count as his first cap as the match was not considered an official friendly match by FIFA.

His form in 2006 led to reported interest from many major European clubs including Palermo, Inter, Juventus, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.

Lucas is the current captain of the Brazilian Under-20 team. He helped the team to victory in the 2007 South American Youth Championship, scoring 4 goals in the process. He is expected to again lead the team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup which will be contested in Canada in July 2007.

On May 13, 2007 Liverpool confirmed the acquisition of Lucas and will join the club from Gremio in time for the start of the 2007-08 season. The transfer fee is rumoured to be worth in the region of €10 million. Lucas will remain with Gremio until the end of their 2007 Copa Libertadores campaign.

Upon signing with Liverpool, Lucas has been dubbed "the Brazilian Gerrard" by some fans due to the similarity of his playing style and his creativity.

Sebastian Vettel; Future Idol

Sebastian Vettel (born July 3, 1987 in Heppenheim) is a German race car driver. He has been the third (test and reserve) driver for the BMW Sauber Formula One team from the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix onwards. By taking part in Friday practice for the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix, Vettel became the youngest ever Formula One driver to drive at a Grand Prix meeting, at 19 years and 53 days. (Mike Thackwell remains the youngest driver to compete in a championship Grand Prix race; Nico Rosberg the youngest to drive an F1 car in private testing. He also became the quickest driver to get a fine in F1, being fined $1,000 nine seconds into his career, after speeding in the pitlane. He also became the sixth youngest driver to start a Grand Prix and the youngest driver to score points in a Grand Prix.
Vettel started racing karts in 1995, winning various titles. In 2003, he upgraded to open-wheel cars, and won the 2004 German Formula BMW Championship with 18 victories from 20 races.

In 2005 he drove for ASL Mucke Motorsport in the Formula Three Euroseries. He was placed fifth in the final standings with 64 points, winning the year's top rookie honours. He did not win any races, but this was largely due to the championship's domination by Lewis Hamilton. Despite, this, he tested the Williams FW27 Formula One car on September 27 as a reward for this Formula BMW success. He then went on to test for the BMW Sauber team.

Vettel finished as runner-up in the 2006 F3 Euroseries, behind series leader Paul di Resta. He also made his début in the World Series by Renault at Misano, winning after Pastor Maldonado was disqualified.However, at the next round at Spa-Francorchamps, his finger was almost sliced off by flying débris in an accident, and he was expected to be out of racing for several weeks. However, he managed to compete in the Ultimate Masters of F3 at Zandvoort the following weekend, finishing in sixth place. He also set third fastest lap time, and it surprised his ASM team boss Frédéric Vasseur. Vasseur said: "I was impressed for sure, because at the beginning of the week I was sure he wouldn't race! But he showed good pace from the first practice session. I can't imagine he's 100 per cent but at least we know we can be competitive in the next F3 Euroseries round at the Nürburgring next weekend - that's important."
Vettel during practice at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Vettel during practice at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Vettel has been BMW Sauber's third driver since the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix, when former incumbent Robert Kubica was called up to replace the departed Jacques Villeneuve for the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Vettel impressed on his testing début by setting fastest time in second Friday Free Practice during the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix. The young German also impressed on his second testing session in the 2006 Italian Grand Prix, setting the fastest time in both Friday practice sessions, a race weekend in which all the BMW cars were quick, with his predecessor Robert Kubica finishing on the podium in the race.

He has been confimed as BMW's test driver for 2007, and is also competing in the World Series by Renault Championship, where he had his first win at the Nürburgring.

Following the serious crash of regular BMW driver Robert Kubica in Canada, Vettel substituted for him at the US Grand Prix and started in seventh position on the grid, finishing in 8th position, thanks to Nico Rosberg's late retirement, to take his first F1 World Championship point and became the youngest driver ever to score a point in Formula One (at the age of 19 years and 349 days), a record previously held by Jenson Button - who was 20 years and 67 days old when he finished 6th at the 2000 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Ricky ''hitman'' Hatton

Richard "Ricky" Hatton MBE (born October 6, 1978, in Stockport, Cheshire, England) is an English boxer.

Hatton is a two-time IBF and IBO Light Welterweight Champion, having relinquished the IBF belt, only to step back down to the weight class and beat Juan Urango. He was the WBA Welterweight Champion, but relinquished this title on 31 August 2006 [1]. Hatton is also the former WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion. He is undefeated with a career record of 43 wins (31 by KO), 0 losses and 0 draws.
Born in Stockport, Cheshire, Hatton was raised on the Hattersley council estate in Hyde, Cheshire.

Both his grandfather and father played for Manchester City Football Club, and Hatton had a trial for the youth team. But Hatton found a local boxing club in Hyde, which he still trains at, and found he enjoyed the sport. Hatton's entrance music is the Manchester City FC club song "Blue Moon" as performed by the band "Supra". Aged 14, Hatton was taken by his uncles Ged and Paul to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium to watch the second fight between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.

Hatton joined the family carpet business on leaving school, but after cutting three of his fingers his father made him a salesman to protect his body.
Hatton's debut fight was on 11 September 1997 against Colin McAuley, while in his second fight Hatton boxed at Madison Square Garden in New York.

On 5 June 2005 Hatton beat Kostya Tszyu, then widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world (although he had only fought one fight, a three-round knockout of Sharmba Mitchell, in the previous 29 months), by a technical knockout after the Australian failed to answer the bell for the 12th round. Hatton was a heavy underdog for this fight, and the victory announced his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene. Prior to the fight the majority of boxing critics had given Hatton little or no chance and this victory was regarded as one of the best victories by an English boxer in the last 20 years. Critics denigrate his generally unimpressive level of opposition prior to the Kostya Tszyu bout (Hatton's only notable win was over ex-champion Vincent Phillips, who was years removed from his peak), but Hatton has expressed his desire to meet the most potent challengers and establish a legacy.

On 26 November 2005 Hatton won the WBA title when he defeated Carlos Maussa in the ninth round of a unification bout. In December, Hatton was named the 2005 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year.

Hatton surrendered his IBF belt on 29 March 2006 after refusing to fulfil a mandatory defence against number one contender Naoufel Ben Rabah, because he intended to move up to the welterweight class.

JFK isThe Best Presidential Golfer

Of the 14 presidents who played golf, John Kennedy was the best.Kennedy loved golf but didn’t want the public to think he was spending too much time on the golf course.

Transfer News

Holland's Under-21 star Ryan Babel said;"Next season I definitely play at Ajax."

David Trezeguet sign a new four year deal, keeping him at the ,until he is 33.

Leroy Lita impress Bolton boss Sammy Lee during the European under-21 championships, that he thinks he'll be the perfect replacement for Nicolas Anelka.

the star released from the New-York Islanders

Alexei Yashin has been released from the New-York Islanders just last week and is now an unrestricted free agent. He can now negociate with any NHL team for a new contract.Among the places that he is considering, Montreal is one of his first choices. He said that he has a nice relationship with Alex Kovalev, Andrei Markov and Saku Koivu.Can Yashin really help the Montreal Canadiens? We all know that Montreal has a big hole at the center position and with Yashin's raw talent, the 6'3'' and 220 pounds center could complete an efficient line along with Alex Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov.I think that Yashin could be a short term solution but the Habs should be very cautious with the amount of money and the duration of the contract that they are willing to offer to him. I think that a deal valued between 2 and 3 Millions for a single season could be a reasonnable price tag. Montreal should not offer a multi-year deal to force the russian player to perform next season.

Were WWE wrestler Chris Benoit murder/suicide?

Pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their seven year-old son Daniel were found dead in their Atlanta home on Monday afternoon.

Officials were investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.

Police believe pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife, his 7-year-old son and them himself at their home in Fayetteville, Georgia. Investigators aren't saying much about a motive, though Benoit's colleagues say they'd received some odd text messages from him before he died.

Royston Drenthe = Edgar Davids?

Royston Drenthe (born April 8, 1987) is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Feyenoord Rotterdam. Drenthe mainly plays as a left back, but he is also suitable for the left winger or left forward positions.
At Feyenoord he came into the D2 team, where Tim Vincken and Gianni Zuiverloon were part of as well. Drenthe played mainly as a left winger during his junior years. As a C player he was invited to join the B squad on a trip to Switzerland. Drenthe misbehaved during the trip and the trainer, Marcel Bout, wanted him to leave the club as a result. Thanks to technical director Rob Baan Drenthe was able to stay and he was only temporarily suspended by the club. After his suspension he continued to play in the C-team before moving to the B-team, where he again had Bout as his coach.

Bout hardly used Drenthe in his line-up. Later, at the end of the season he was named as one of eleven players whose future at the club was questionable. Drenthe then decided to switch teams and moved to Feyenoord's feeder club Excelsior Rotterdam.

Drenthe improved during the two years he played at Excelsior. Coach Marco van Lochem wanted to try him as a left back, which turned out to be a success. Drenthe seemed to be a talent at this position and became a team regular. He impressed the Feyenoord coaches and was asked to join them again.

In 2007, Drenthe was called up by Netherlands national under-21 football team coach, Foppe de Haan, to be part of his squad for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, which was held in the Netherlands. Drenthe was one of the most important players in the second consecutive title of the competition for the Jong Oranje, being chosen by UEFA as the Player of the Tournament and picking up attention from a number of clubs, mainly from the Premier League, of which West Ham, Sunderland and Aston Villa remain most interested in signing him. However, Feyenoord doesn't want to sell, as he still has a contract until 2011.

Kevin Mirallas belgian rising star

Kevin Mirallas (born October 5, 1987 in Liège) is a Belgian football striker.

He played for his home town side Standard Liège at youth level, and has played for Lille OSC since the opening of the 2004-05 season. Mirallas participated in the UEFA Cup in his first season at the club. He has represented Belgium at Under-17, Under-19 levels and Under-21 levels and was one of the leading figures in guiding 2007 Belgium to the semi-finals during the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.

Mirallas can play on either side of midfield or down the centre of the pitch.

Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi (born January 8, 1971) is a Major League Baseball Player and designated hitter for the New York Yankees.

He was the American League MVP in 2000 with the Oakland Athletics, and is a 5-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks 4 times, in on base percentage 3 times, in doubles and in slugging percentage once each, and won the Silver Slugger award twice. He attended Long Beach State.

Through December 2006, he is 4th in the majors of all active players in hit by pitch (127; he has been hit 8 times by David Wells in 30 at bats), 6th in on base percentage (.413), and 8th in walks (1,089).

He also is 3rd in the majors in the 2000s, through 2006, in both OBP (.438) and walks (551), 10th in slugging percentage (.582), 13th in home runs (175), and 16th in RBIs (526). Giambi is also known to have taken performance-enhancing drugs during his career but has indicated he stopped and has apologized recently for past steroid use.

During a game in Toronto against the Blue Jays, Giambi tore tissue in the arch of his left foot while running the bases after a home run. He is now on the diabled list for at least 3-6 weeks.

Kovalainen, Hakkinen foreruner

Heikki Kovalainen is a racing driver, born October 19, 1981 in Suomussalmi, Finland. He is the second race driver for Formula 1 world champions Renault having occupied the role of third driver since 2005.
Kovalainen's career began in karting, much like that of many other F1 racers. His karting career lasted from 1991 to 2000, during which time he finished runner-up in Finnish Formula A in 1999. Then in 2000 he became Nordic champion and won the Elf Masters. He was also elected Finnish Driver of The Year.
Kovalainen began his car racing career in the British Formula Renault championship, which fellow Finn Kimi Räikkönen had won the previous year before moving straight into Formula 1 with Sauber. Kovalainen's apprenticeship in the junior categories of motor sport was more conventional, but was remarkable in that he used Renault power at every step along the way.

He finished fourth in the championship with two wins, two pole positions and three fastest laps, and earned the Rookie of the Year award.

Becker but not Becker

Benjamin Becker (born June 16, 1981 in Merzig, Saarland, Germany) is a professional tennis player.

Becker is not related to former World No. 1 Boris Becker. He won the 2004 NCAA singles title while helping Baylor University to the team title.

In June 2006, he qualified for Wimbledon and defeated Juan Ignacio Chela before losing in the second round to Fernando Verdasco.

At the 2006 U.S. Open, he defeated Filippo Volandri and #30 seed Sébastien Grosjean to reach the third round. On September 3, he defeated Andre Agassi 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Agassi, who had announced the Open would be his final tournament, received an 8-minute standing ovation after the match, which Becker participated in. Becker was defeated the next day by Andy Roddick in the fourth round.

The 2006 U.S. Open sparked Benjamin to become a household name on the ATP Tour. Not only did he defeat the poster boy of the United States of America tennis, Andre Agassi, but he began his tear up the rankings. At the start of 2006, Becker was ranked #421. One year later he has moved all the way to #38 and continues his rise with every tournament.

The 2007 season has been quite a year so far for Benjamin. In reaching his first semi-final appearance in the ATP event held in Delray Beach International Tennis Championships he lost to world #8 James Blake. This match could not have been tighter as it was Blake who won 79 total points to Benjamin's 78 total points. The other semi-final appearance in 2007 was in San Jose at the SAP Open where Becker lost to the tallest man on the ATP Tour (6'10") Ivo Karlovic.

At the end of 2006 Benjamin was awarded Sportsman of the Year in his part of the country. Germany has treated Benjamin with great respect and believes he is part of a new generation of rising stars for German Tennis. Becker's proudest moment this year would have to be representing Germany in the 3-2 victory of a Davis Cup tie against the 2005 Davis Cup Champions Croatia. This tie was very important for Benjamin as it was his unveiling of the Boris Becker tennis clothing line. Boris has been a long time hero of Benjamin as he watched him become an icon not only in Germany but throughout the tennis world. Germany's next tie will be against Belgium on April 6-8, 2007 at the Sleuyter Arena in Ostend, Belgium.


2006 Newcomer of the Year

The 2006 ATP Awards were handed out on March 26, 2007. The Newcomer of the Year was awarded to Benjamin Becker. After completing his first season on the ATP Tour, Benjamin made the fastest rise of any player into the top 50. Climbing 419 positions from the following year solidified this Newcomer of the Year to be the next standout player.


Becker has also played a match against Jiří Novák in Tokyo that finished at 3:24 a.m., making it the latest finish to a match in ATP history.


Becker's primary weapon is a very big serve that he can hit in the 140's (mph).

Highlights

Semifinalist at the ATP San Jose Event

Semifinalist at the ATP Delray Beach Event

Semifinalist at the ATP Tokyo Event

Won the Salinas Challenger Tournament

Winner of Two Canadian Futures Events

Winner of the Singles & Doubles Waco, TX Futures Event

Winner of Laguna Niguel Futures Event

Winner of the Toronto Doubles Futures Event.

#1 NBA Draft

Kevin Durant (born September 29, 1988 in Washington, D.C.) is a 6'9" (6'10" with shoes) American college basketball player who played for the University of Texas at Austin in the Big 12 Conference of the NCAA during the 2006-2007 season. He was selected as the 2006-2007 Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Year and received numerous other awards. After his freshman season, Durant opted to enter the NBA Draft

Durant, a 6' 9" small forward with a 7'4¾" wingspan, was widely hailed by the media as the Big 12's top freshman and a top candidate for Freshman of the Year.He averaged 25.8 points per game and 11.1 rebounds a game his freshman year. In Big 12 play he averaged 28.9 points per game and 12.5 rebounds. His college career high for scoring is 37, which he has achieved on four occasions. Durant had twenty 30-point games his freshman year, including a losing effort against Kansas for the regular season Big 12 title.

In March 2007, Durant was named the NABC Division I Player of the Year, and received the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the Adolph F. Rupp Trophy,becoming the first freshman to win each of these awards. On March 30, 2007, he was selected as the Associated Press college player of the year, becoming the first freshman and the first Texas athlete to receive this award since its inception in 1961. On April 1, 2007 he became the first freshman to receive the Naismith Award[19] and on April 7, 2007, won the John R. Wooden Award

In late February 2007, Durant received an invitation to the Team USA Basketball training camp. He is the second freshman to be invited to the camp (Greg Oden being the other).

Jelena Janković on the way

Jelena Janković (Serbian Cyrillic: Јелена Јанковић, pronounced born on February 28, 1985) is a Serbian professional tennis player.

Janković entered the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) top 15 in late 2006 when she reached the semi-finals of the US Open. At the beginning of 2007, she broke into the top 10 in the WTA rankings, and entered the top 3 when she reached the semifinals of the French Open.

Career

Early career

Janković learned her first tennis skills in Tennis Club 'Red Star'. As a nine-and-a-half year old she was introduced to tennis by her elder brother and fitness coach Marko. She was later trained at the Tennis Academy of Nick Bollettieri. As a junior she won the 2001 Australian Open. In 2001, she started to play on the WTA Tour; she reached the second round at her first tournament at the Indian Wells Masters.

In October 2003, Janković entered the top 100 at No. 90 for the first time after winning her first ITF title in Dubai. Three months later, Janković garnered her first top 10 win against Elena Dementieva 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the 2004 Australian Open. She then lost to Jill Craybas in three sets in the second round. In May, Janković won her first WTA title, a Tier V event, in Budapest, defeating Martina Sucha in the final 7-6, 6-3. Following her win in Budapest, she reached No. 51 in the world. Elsewhere in her 2004 season, she defeated top 20 players Nadia Petrova (twice), Vera Zvonareva, Patty Schnyder and Paola Suarez. Janković finished 2004 ranked No. 28 in the world.

2005

2005 is considered Janković's breakout season. In March, at Dubai, she advanced to the final following Serena Williams's retirement in the semifinal. Janković then lost in the final to Lindsay Davenport 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. She made her first Tier I semifinal in Berlin, losing to Nadia Petrova 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. In June, she reached her first grass court final at Birmingham, but lost to Maria Sharapova 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. In October, Janković reached her third final of the year in Seoul, ranked No. 17 in the world, her highest ranking at that time, losing to 16-year-old Nicole Vaidisova 7-5, 6-3. Her ranking at the end of the season eclipsed her 2004 record at No. 22.

2006

In 2006, Janković lost ten straight matches, not winning a match from late January into early May. She reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open before losing to Venus Williams in three sets. She reached the semi-finals in Strasbourg, retiring against Vaidišová in the second set.

At the French Open, she upset the Number 25 seed Marion Bartoli before losing to World No. 1 Amélie Mauresmo 6-3, 6-3. At Wimbledon, she stunned defending champion Venus Williams in three sets in the 3rd round, on the "Graveyard Court." She then lost to Anastasia Myskina 6-4, 7-6.

Following her run at Wimbledon, she reached her fifth career final at the JP Morgan Chase Open, defeating Sania Mirza, Ana Ivanović, and then Serena Williams in the semifinal, becoming the only player in 2006 to defeat both Williams sisters. Ultimately, she lost to Elena Dementieva in the final. The final outcome was 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. In the third set, Dementieva was actually leading 5-0 before some spirited play and aggressive shot-making earned Janković the next four games. However, she was unable to even the score and fell short.

At the 2006 US Open, Janković defeated Vaidisova in the third round, defeated 2004 US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth, and beat 2004 US Open and French Open finalist Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal, she lost to Justine Henin-Hardenne 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, after having been up 6-4 4-2, and one point away from 5-2 in the match. Janković lost her train of thought after arguing with the chairperson over a service call judged out; it was later proven the ball was indeed out.

At Janković's first tournament following the US Open, she reached the semifinals at the Tier II China Open, losing to Amelie Mauresmo 6-1, 3-6, 7-6. At 6-5 in the third, Janković served for the match, but was broken at 15-40.

After Beijing, Janković made the Guangzhou semifinal, retiring against Anna Chakvetadze 0-2 in the second. Then, in her last four events of the year, she reached the quarterfinals three times, losing to Kuznetsova, Vaidisova, and Poutchkova, respectively.

Due to her success in the latter part of the year, Janković finished the season ranked just outside the Top 10, at No.12

2007

To begin the 2007 season, Janković won her second title at the Tier IV ASB Classic tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, defeating Vera Zvonareva in the finals. In her second tournament, the Tier II Medibank International event, Janković reached her second final in a row, defeating 7th ranked Martina Hingis, home favorite Australian Sam Stosur, No. 1 seed Amelie Mauresmo, and Nicole Vaidisova along the way for a 9-0 start to 2007. In the final, Janković was defeated by Kim Clijsters in an intense and controversial match. In the final, Janković again lost her cool over a number of calls that went against her and ended up losing after serving for the match in the second set.If Janković had won the finals match against Clijsters, she would have entered the top 10. She made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open, where she was eliminated by the eventual champion Serena Williams 6-3, 6-2. Though she lost in the fourth round, she entered the top 10 at number 10 for the first time in her career.
Amélie Mauresmo and the chair umpire rush to a fallen Jelena Janković at the Dubai Tennis Championship 2007.
Amélie Mauresmo and the chair umpire rush to a fallen Jelena Janković at the Dubai Tennis Championship 2007.

At the first Tier I event of the year in Tokyo, Japan, Janković defeated Zheng Jie in straight sets in the second round, but ended up losing to countrywoman Ana Ivanović 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinal. In late February 2007, she entered the 2007 Dubai Tennis Championship and reached the semi-finals relatively unchallenged, before she retired from the match with an ankle injury against Amélie Mauresmo. The following week, she continued her streak in the Middle East at Doha, reaching the semifinals again, losing to Justine Henin in 3 sets; the result brought her ranking to a career-high #9. At Miami, Janković reached the third round before losing to Italian Mara Santangelo in three sets 6-2, 6-7, 4-6.

Janković kicked off her clay-court season as the number two seed at a tournament in Amelia Island. She lost in the quarter-final to fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic in straight sets, 7-5 6-3. She then traveled to Charleston for the Family Circle Cup, winning her first Tier I title, defeating Venus Williams in a semifinal match that lasted more than 2 1/2 hours 3-6 6-3 7-6, and defeating Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-2, in a match that featured very windy conditions. That win moved Janković to number 7 in the world rankings.

Janković's next tournament was the J&S Cup in Warsaw, where she was the number 4 seed. She lost to Justine Henin 5-7 6-2 4-6 in the semis. Although she lost, the result saw her ranking rise to a new high of 6. She then played at the Qatar Telecom German Open where she lost in the quaterfinals to Justine Henin in another 3 set match 6-3, 4-6, 4-6. Though she was leading 4-0 in the third set, Janković lost the next 6 games.

Janković's next competed at the Tier I tournament in Rome, Italy, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. Janković came into the tournament as the No.3 Seed, and one of the heavy favorites to carry home the title. In the final, she successfully defeated, No. 2 seed, Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5, 6-1. The win put Janković as the No.4 ranked player on WTA Tour, and extended her lead at the top of the Race to the Championships.

As No.4 seed and a heavy favourite in 2007 French Open, she reached another Grand Slam semi-finals, where among others she defeated Venus Williams and Nicole Vaidisova before falling to Justine Henin in two sets, 6-2 6-2. This is her strongest performance in Roland Garros to date. Her performance in the 2007 French Open brings her ranking up to break the top 3 barrier at number 3, when it is released on 11th June.

Janković continued her impressive run in this season by capturing the DFS Classic title in Birmingham, beating first seed Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. In the match, Sharapova had led a set and a break, as well as 6-4, 3-6, 3-0 before Jelena fought back to win on a Sharapova forehand error. This is her first victory over Sharapova, having lost to her in the same tournament finals in 2005. Jelena then entered the Ordina Open in the Netherlands, where she reached the final the following week Janković became the first player since Chris Evert in 1974 to win 50 matches in a year in half a year. In the finals she ended up losing to Anna Chakvetadze in three sets due to a hamstring injury. She is currently at Wimbledon Championship as a third seed in ladies singles.

Anderson the next Eric Cantona

His full name is Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira.

He signed for Brazilian Club Gremio in 1993. When he was just five years old.

Made his first team debut for Gremio when he was 18 years old.

He appeared at the FIFA U17 World Cup and won the Adidas Golden Ball for the most valuable player of the tournament. Previous winners include Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal.

During his time at Gremio, he helped them to win promotion to Brazil’s top division, scoring the crucial goal in a game against Nautico.

Anderson made only five first team appearances for Gremio before joining FC Porto.

This season for FC Porto, he appeared in 15 games, nine of them from the start and grabbed two goals. But he would have played more frequently were it not for a broken leg suffered in October.

In eighteen months at FC Porto, he won two Portuguese titles including a domestic double in 2005/2006.
after play for gremio and Porto, Anderson agreed to join Manchester United in June 2007

Brazil’s World Cup winning coach Mario Zagallo said of Anderson “everything suggests that he is going to be a superstar, a prodigy as he has undisputable quality.”

Despite having never appeared for Brazil at full international level, he has been called up by Brazil coach Dunga for the Copa America in Venezuela next month.

NBA Rising Star

Top NBA Draft 2007

1) Kevin Durant - Texas - (18)

2) Greg Oden - Ohio State -

3) Spencer Hawes - Washington -

4) Mike Conley - Ohio State -

5) Javaris Crittenton - Georgia Tech -

6) Thaddeus Young - Georgia Tech - (18)

7) Petteri Koponen - Honka Espoo -

8) Artem Zabelin - Avtodor Saratov -



20

1) Al Horford - Florida -

2) Josh McRoberts - Duke -

3) Jeff Green - Georgetown -

4) Ante Tomic - KK Zagreb -

5) Daequan Cook - Ohio State -

6) Marcus Williams - Arizona -

7) Roy Hibbert - Georgetown -

8) Sean Williams - Boston College -

9) Dominic James - Marquette -

10) Wilson Chandler - DePaul -



21

1) Brandon Rush - Kansas -

2) Corey Brewer - Florida-

3) Marco Belinelli - Fortitudo Bologna -

4) Glen Davis - LSU -

5) Nick Young - USC -

6) Jason Smith - Colorado State -

7) Rodney Stuckey - EWU -

8) Jared Dudley - Boston College -

9) Sean Singletary - Virginia -

10) Gabe Pruitt - USC -



22

1) Joakim Noah - Florida -

2) Tiago Splitter - Tau Vitoria -

3) Acie Law - Texas A&M -

4) Rudy Fernandez - DKV Joventut -

5) Marc Gasol - Akasvayu Girona -

6) Aaron Gray - Pittsburgh -

7) Herbert Hill - Providence -

8) Morris Almond - Rice -

9) Jared Jordan - Marist -

10) Chris Richard - Florida -



23+

1) Al Thornton - Florida State -

2) Alando Tucker - Wisconsin -

3) Derrick Byars - Vanderbilt -

4) JR Reynolds - Virginia -

5) Brandon Heath - San Diego State -

6) Mario Boggan - Oklahoma State - none

7) Reyshawn Terry - UNC - none

8) Stephane Lasme - UMASS - none (24)

9) Chris Daniels - TAMU-CC - none

10) Carl Landry - Purdue - none
Bookmark/Search this post with:

Copa America 2007 schedule

2007 Copa America schedule

Copa America, South America's regional championship, will take place from June 26-July 15 in Venezuela. Tweleve teams will compete, ten from South America and two invited guests (Mexico & USA).

Here are the groups and their schedules:

Group A
Venezuela
Uruguay
Bolivia
Peru

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 26	20:45	Venezuela - Bolivia	San Cristóbal
June 26	16:00	Peru - Uruguay	Mérida
June 30	18:15	Venezuela - Peru	San Cristóbal
June 30	16:00	Bolivia - Uruguay	San Cristóbal
July 3	18:30	Bolivia - Peru	Mérida
July 3	20:45	Uruguay - Venezuela	Mérida

Group B
Brazil
Mexico
Chile
Ecuador

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 27	20:45	Brazil- Mexico	Puerto Ordaz
June 27	18:30	Chile - Ecuador	Puerto Ordaz
July 1	16:00	Brazil - Chile	Maturín
July 1	18:15	Mexico - Ecuador	Maturín
July 4	18:30	Mexico - Chile	Puerto la Cruz
July 4	20:45	Ecuador - Brazil	Puerto la Cruz

Group C
Argentina
Paraguay
Colombia
USA

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 28	20:45	Argentina - USA	Maracaibo
June 28	18:30	Colombia - Paraguay	Maracaibo
July 2	20:45	Argentina - Colombia	Maracaibo
July 2	18:30	USA - Paraguay	Barinas
July 5	18:30	USA - Colombia	Barquisimeto
July 5	20:45	Paraguay - Argentina	Barquisimeto

The top two teams of each group and the best two third place teams advance to the playoffs.

July 7 - Quarter finals - Estadio Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui
July 7 - Quarter finals - Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal
July 8 - Quarter finals - Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Maturín
July 8 - Quarter finals - Estadio Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara, Barquisimeto

July 10 - Semi finals - Estadio Olímpico de la Ciudad Universitaria, Caracas
July 11 - Semi finals - Estadio Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz

July 14 - Third place - Estadio Olímpico de la Ciudad Universitaria, Caracas

July 15 - Final - Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo

As far as television in America and Canada goes, GolTV will air these games in English. In America, a Spanish version of the games will air on Univision and TeleFutura, however the two stations have not annoucned their exact lineup yet. That said, Univision will air nine games in total including all Mexico matches while TeleFutura will air the other 17 games.

Wimbledon 2007 tv schedule

Date Time Round Channel
June 24 2:30 PM Preview Show ESPN2
June 25 2:30 - 3:00 PM Preview Show NBC
June 25 7:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 26 2:00 - 4:00 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 26 7:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 27 1:00 - 4:00 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 27 7:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 27 7:00 PM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 28 1:30 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 28 7:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 28 9:00 PM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 29 2:00 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 29 7:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 29 7:30 PM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 30 1:30 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
June 30 8:00 AM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 30 3:00 PM (Live) Early Round ESPN2
June 30 8:00 PM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
July 1 2:00 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
July 1 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Live) Early Round NBC
July 1 5:00 PM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2
July 2 1:00 AM (Highlights) Early Round ESPN2

Date Time Round Channel
July 2 7:00 AM (Live) Round of 16 ESPN2
July 2 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Delay) Round of 16 NBC
July 2 4:00 PM (Delay) Round of 16 ESPN2
July 2 7:30 PM (Highlights) Round of 16 ESPN2
July 3 1:30 AM (Highlights) Round of 16 ESPN2
July 3 7:00 AM (Live) Round of 16 ESPN2
July 3 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Live) Women's QF NBC
July 3 1:00 PM (Live) Women's QF ESPN2
July 3 7:00 PM (Highlights) Women's QF ESPN2
July 3 11:35 PM - 11:50 PM (Highlights) Women's QF NBC
July 4 1:00 AM (Highlights) Women's QF ESPN2
July 4 7:00 AM (Live) Men's QF ESPN2
July 4 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Live) Men's QF NBC
July 4 1:00 PM (Live) Men's QF ESPN2
July 4 7:00 PM (Highlights) Men's QF ESPN2
July 4 11:35 PM - 11:50 PM (Highlights) Men's QF NBC
July 5 1:00 AM (Highlights) Men's QF ESPN2
July 5 7:00 AM (Live) Women's SF ESPN2
July 5 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Live) Women's SF NBC
July 5 10:00 PM (Highlights) Women's SF ESPN2
July 5 11:35 PM - 11:50 PM (Highlights) Women's SF NBC
July 6 3:00 AM (Highlights) Women's SF ESPN2
July 6 7:00 AM (Live) Men's SF ESPN2
July 6 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Live) Men's SF NBC
July 6 11:35 PM - 11:50 PM (Highlights) Men's SF NBC
July 7 12:30 AM (Highlights) Men's SF ESPN2
July 7 3:00 AM (Highlights) Men's SF ESPN2
July 7 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Live) Women's Final NBC
July 7 2:00 PM (SportsCenter) Women's Final ESPN2
July 7 11:35 PM - 11:50 PM (Highlights) Women's Final NBC
July 8 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Live) Men's Final NBC
July 8 3:00 PM (SportsCenter) Men's Final ESPN2

Wimbledon 2007

Wimbledon 2007: Women's Top 10 Preview
[1] Justine Henin BEL. The 6-time Grand Slam champion (Roland Garros 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007; Australian Open 2004; U.S. Open 2003) is trying to win her first Grand Slam title in London despite making the final twice (losing to Venus Williams in 2001 and Mauresmo last year). My prediction at Roland Garros was that whomever won the Henin-S. Williams quarterfinal would most likely win the tournament, and I believe the same thing applies on the grass courts of Wimbledon. So does Jon Wertheim, calling the Henin-Williams Wimbledon quarterfinal the "de facto final." Serena didn't show up for that Paris showdown, however it is very unlikely these two steely competitors will have two "dud" matches in a row. This time the American will prevail. Quarterfinalist.

[2] Maria Sharapova RUS. Sharapova has salvaged her annus horribilis by making her first Roland Garros semifinal by winning a match that Patty Schnyder refused to win. As the site of her first major breakthrough, Sharapova is comfortable on the green stuff, but there's no question her serve and strokes are not as powerful as the 17-year old who stunned Serena Williams in 2004. This time it is likely that the woman who took out the defending champion in 2005 on her way to winning a 3rd Wimbledon title will bounce Sharapova from the tournament: Venus Williams in the 4th round. Fourth Round.

[3] Jelena Jankovic SRB. Many, many tennis watchers think Jelena simply plays too much tennis! But, hey, if she hates to practice and it works for her I say keep on doing what ya been doin'. She has the game and the confidence to go very far in this tournament. However, if she really doesn't get past people like Lucie Safarova or Shahar Pe'er like others have predicted then she should take a month off competitive tennis before getting back on the grind for the U.S. Open Series. Yeah, right. Semi-Finalist.

[4] Amelie Mauresmo FRA. I saw this year's Eastbourne Final and many observers are reading too much into Henin's 3rd set tiebreak win (despite Mauresmo serving for the match at 5-4). Since Mauresmo hasn't played that much tennis this year due to her appendix removal, I think it was incredibly important that she show Henin that she could hang with her on grass, and the Frenchwoman did that, for three sets of very close, beautiful grass court tennis. The defending champion also had a beautiful draw. I believe that Eastbourne result is more helpful to Mauresmo's chances than Henin's. We'll see. Semifinalist or Finalist.

[5] Svetlana Kuznetsova RUS. The "most talented of the Russians" is unfortunately also the most mentally fragile. She has the game to win this title and I would be shocked if she doesn't do exactly that within the next 5 years. However, 2007 will not be her year. Quarterfinalist or earlier.

[6] Ana Ivanovic SRB. The pulchritudinous Serb teen is having a fabulous 2007, making her first Grand Slam final last month in Paris and winning her second Tier 1 title a few weeks before that in Berlin. She has an all-court game and should be able to get deep in the draw but I doubt she will live up to her seeding and make the quarterfinal with Mauresmso. Fourth round or earlier.

[7] Serena Williams USA. As usual, the Williamses have to do things their own way. No grass court preparation prior to Wimbledon? We'll just play doubles instead! A chance at seeing Venus and Serena Williams on the court together will at the very least provide a compelling reason for people to shell out for Wimbledon's online streaming video coverage. Serena Williams hates to lose and I am sure that she has been thinking about that quarterfinal loss to Henin in Paris every single day as a motivator for off the court training. We'll see the results during the beginning of the second week when Wimbledon schedules all four Ladies' quarterfinals on the same day. And this time the Real Serena Williams will show up. Quarterfinalist or Champion.

[8] Anna Chakvetadze RUS. Four titles from her first four Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final apperances is impressive and I like this Russian's chances against anyone whose last name is not -Ova or Williams. Maybe we should start adding "-vic" to that list. I don't like Anna's chances of getting past Jankovic in the quarters if she does manage to get past a wily Hingis in the 4th round (which is doubtful). Fourth Round or Quarterfinalist.

[9] Martina Hingis SUI. "Chucky" has been winning titles at Wimbledon since she was a tween. She knows how to play on grass and she's wily enough to win a lot of matches she should lose. However, she can be overpowered and it is likely Jelena Jankovic, Anna Chakvetadze or even Sybille Bammer can take her out. Quarterfinalist or earlier.

[10] Daniela Hantuchova SVK. Congratulations to Daniela for making a return to the Top 10 after an inauspiciously long absence. She even won another title (her second!) at the Pacific Life Open this year. She clearly has been working hard and it shows. Unfortunately, she's in Serena Williams quarter of the draw and I don't like Hantuchova's chances against a Serena who has just come off wins against Samantha Stosur and Anastasia Rodionova. 4th Round.

Angora Fire

South of Lake Tahoe, which straddles the Nevada-California state line, a large fire destroyed at least 165 homes over the weekend of June 23, 2007. This image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite shows the Angora Fire on June 24. The area in which MODIS detected actively burning fire is outlined in red. A plume of brownish-gray smoke spreads northeast.

According to the June 25 report from the National Interagency Fire Center, the Angora Fire was burning in timber and grass, was about 1,800 acres, and was zero percent contained.

The large image provided above has a spatial resolution (level of detail) of 250 meters per pixel. The MODIS Rapid Response Team provides twice-daily images of the region in additional resolutions and formats, including an infrared-enhanced version that makes the burned area stand out from the surrounding, unburned vegetation.

NASA image courtesy the MODIS Rapid Response Team, Goddard Space Flight Center