InfoAnda - Chinese tennis finally comes of age

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Jonas Brothers get an upgrade in Mexico City | Entertainment | | 7 December 2008
Nintendo sees lowest profit in 27 years, slashes 3DS price | | 28 July 2011
Taiwan's Ma seeks to calm uproar over US beef | 30 October 2009

U.S. online video viewing off 12 percent in February:ComScore | 25 March 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Chinese tennis finally comes of age

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search ADVERTISEMENT Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Chinese tennis finally comes of age AFP - 2 hours 41 minutes ago Send IM Story Print Chinese tennis finally comes of age MELBOURNE (AFP) - – It has been a long time coming but Chinese tennis finally came of age on Wednesday. Li Na's upset victory over Venus Williams at the Australian Open coupled with Zheng Jie's stunning run gave the world's most populous nation two players in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time. It has sparked huge interest in China with national broadcaster CCTV, newspapers and websites giving their exploits blanket coverage. "More history beckons for Chinese tennis," screamed the Global Times, a headline emulated across the Chinese media. This stems from the number of Chinese journalists in Australia to cover the tennis. They are usually outnumbered by their Japanese colleagues but this year at least a dozen Chinese media are at Melbourne Park -- far more than usual. Li and Zheng have been predicting great things for some time but it is only since they left China's state sports system to manage their own careers that the pieces have started to fall into place. In December 2008, the nation's top four women's players -- Li, Zheng, Peng Shuai and Yan Zi -- became the first Chinese athletes to be granted unprecedented freedom in managing their careers. It has meant they can select their own schedules, coaches and back-up teams, and also not have to hand over a significant portion of their prizemoney to the Chinese Tennis Association. The move initially raised doubts about whether the players would survive on the WTA tour, but Li and Zheng, in particular, have thrived. Li's come-from-behind 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 upset of Williams is expected to propel her into the world's top 10 -- the first time a Chinese player has made the grade. Zheng is forecast to move to 20 in the world after her 6-1, 6-3 quarter-final demolition of Russian Maria Kirilenko. "For Zheng Jie, for me, for my country and my fans, it is a good thing," said a delighted Li, whose bubbly personality and improved English has won over the media here. "Tennis in China right now is getting bigger and bigger." Zheng feels that with Li and her doing so well and high-profile tennis tournaments like the China Open and Shanghai Masters now on the WTA schedule, the growth of the game has only just started. "I feel tennis is very quickly going up (in popularity) in China," she said. "You can see a lot of the newspapers coming here from China," she added. "I think it (started to become popular) from 2004, Li Ting and Tian Tian won the gold medal from the Olympic Games." Li and Tian's Olympic medal was certainly a breakthrough, but so was Zheng and Yan's Grand Slam doubles title at the 2006 Australian Open, and her run to the Wimbledon semis in 2008. The growing profile of tennis has already trickled down to the children in China with many parents now encouraging their kids to play rather than other sports, according to Yan. "Table tennis and badminton are still the most popular but more mums and dads are taking their children to tennis clubs now," Yan said. Yet despite the presence of the Chinese women on the world tour the Chinese men have still not made any impact. "Maybe men need to work harder," Zheng said. They may also need to break free from the state sports system, which remains largely modelled on the old communist structure where children are identified for a certain sport, then funnelled into government programmes. The model has been unquestionably successful, with China topping the gold medal count at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but has drawn criticism at home and abroad for focusing on results rather than the welfare of athletes. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles China, Dalai Lama's envoys no sign of compromise AP - 1 hour 6 minutes ago China woman wants Jessica Alba surgery to win boyfriend AFP - 1 hour 30 minutes ago Pig heads found at two Malaysian mosques: police AFP - 1 hour 32 minutes ago Filipino priests to make mass confession AFP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago North Korea warns South of more artillery firing Reuters - 2 hours 1 minute ago News Search Top Stories Haiti queues for aid amid fresh aftershocks GM clinches last-minute deal to sell Saab to Spyker IMF says global recovery stronger, but still frail UN panel defends climate change evidence British economy crawls free of record recession More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended New York woman falls, rips Picasso painting Haitian police shoot scavengers indiscriminately British economy crawls free of record recession Ericsson cuts 1,500 more jobs, profit plunges GM clinches last-minute deal to sell Saab to Spyker More Most Viewed » Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100 Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Germany boosts Afghan efforts ahead of conference
French report calls for burqa ban
Obama to take questions via YouTube, answer them online
IMF sees stronger but still fragile global recovery
Israel says Turkish leader fueling anti-Semitism
Siemens denies giving Iran censorship technology
Search for victims, answers in Lebanon plane crash
UN panel defends climate change evidence
Minister: Israel rejects UN Gaza war probe call
Arab Israeli's Auschwitz visit raises criticism
US-TECH Summary
U.S. urges Kurds to settle disputes with Baghdad |
EBay to stop, change listing fees for some sellers
Damaged Picasso Painting To Be Repaired
Nokia drops music package from flagship X6 model
Shifting Ground Forces Evacuation Of San Antonio Homes
U.S. concerned about arms flowing to South Sudan |
China's Baidu wins court case against music groups
Facebook Page Prompts School Officials To Suspend Student, Issue Detention To Others
Internet companies voice alarm over Italian law
Kremlin urges Caucasus leaders to back new envoy |
Suicide bomb injures nine near US base in Kabul
U.N. arms forum seen stuck on bomb-making material |
Sarkozy beats Star Wars in bid to reassure France |
Nokia drops music package from flagship X6 model
Clinton: Critics of US Haiti relief misguided
IRS requires firms to report iffy tax breaks
NASA ends effort to free rover from Martian sand
PROMISES, PROMISES: Skepticism on Obama tax credit
EBay to stop, change listing fees for some sellers |
Judge OKs Alaska diocese plan for abuse victims
China issues warning over US arms sales to Taiwan
Correction: Obit-Stovitz story
Hong Kong lawmakers seek 'referendum' on democracy
NYC mayor denies White House ambitions for 2012
Sri Lanka war victors vie in presidential poll
Lawyer seeks FBI probe in Pa. arts student beating
Britain the best? Chinese ambassador not so sure
FCC seeks info on early mobile termination fees |
Feds end probe of W.Va. congressman; no charges
Internet companies voice alarm over Italian law |
Troops to 'help' Thai police face protesters
N.Korea declares 'no sail' zone: Seoul
Abortion doc case focuses on slaying, not debate
Nokia drops music package from flagship X6 model |
Corruption watchdog slams Indonesian president
China's Baidu wins court case against music groups |
Opium farming surges in northern Myanmar: group
China sentences four more to death for Urumqi riot
Car bomb wounds 6 near US base in Afghan capital
Argentina courts Chinese investors for mining sector
'Precious' aims to extend Sundance's Oscar glory
Malaysia likely emerged from recession: think-tank
Japan rejects economic project offer on disputed islets
LG books 4th-qtr net profit amid higher sales
China, Taiwan hold talks on trade pact
US truck, bus drivers banned from texting while driving
Sundance films turn cameras on the paparazzi |
'World's best restaurant' El Bulli to shut for two years: chef
For Neil Sedaka, breaking up a career is hard to do
For Neil Sedaka, breaking up a career is hard to do |
China court sides with Baidu in music piracy case
Ashley Judd to release memoir at age 41 |
'Precious' aims to extend Sundance's Oscar glory
Rosie lets kids do talking in TV film on families |
Vienna Opera Ball to pay tribute to Chopin
Poet wins Costa book award for tribute to late wife |
Somali-born hip-hop star to feature at World Cup
Asian voices make themselves heard at music industry fest
Sundance loves rock 'n' roll with Jett, 'Runaways'
Rosie lets kids do talking in TV film on families
Iraq militants using new tactics to foil security
World powers mull Yemen after foiled US jet 'attack'
Afghanistan wins $1.6 billion in debt relief: IMF |
Haiti queues for aid amid fresh aftershocks
Sri Lanka president wins re-election: report |
China says won't limit Google's Android mobile platform
Cold weather claims more lives in Europe
North Korea fires more artillery: report |
GM clinches last-minute deal to sell Saab to Spyker
Study: Holocaust survivors battle depression
Mexicans Say U.S. Drug Crackdown Feeds Violence
Man rescued from rubble 14 days after Haiti quake |
Suicide bomb injures nine near US base in Kabul
Facebook may "lock in" its Internet dominance
Mars Rover In Sand Trap, Becomes Stationary Lab
London meeting to bolster Yemen in al Qaeda fight |
Zelaya to exit Honduras in win for coup leaders |
eHarmony settles lawsuit over same-sex matching
U.S. Posts First Rise In Teen Pregnancy Since 1990s, Abortion Rate Also Up
Apple tablet can't save print on its own: analysts
FDA: Nipro Corp. Recalling 2M Medical Needles
Israel to shun UN call for Gaza probe: minister
posts best quarter of Bartz era
Buzz builds for Apple's tablet launch
New technology gives 3-D views of arteries
FCC seeks info on early mobile termination fees
Google Voice slips past Apple onto iPhone
Apple tablet can't save print on its own: analysts |
Facebook may lock in its Internet dominance |
China says won't limit Google's Android mobile platform |
Two Koreas trade fire; North warns of more
Sri Lanka: Initial results show president leads
eHarmony settles lawsuit over same-sex matching |
NKorea says it will continue firing artillery
Planes get too close on approach to LAX
Australia to protest death sentence for guard in Kabul
Obama approved secret operations in Yemen
US redefines Yemen strategy
China-Tibet talks resume amid bitter climate
China says no curb on Google mobile technology |
Bangladesh upholds execution for ex-president's killers
CBO: Federal deficit projected at $1.35T
Land mine blast wounds 7 Philippine army soldiers
Chinese tennis finally comes of age
Early Ore. vote results come gushing in
Al-Qaeda seeks WMD, US unprepared: reports
Dalai Lama envoys hope to revisit autonomy plan
4 men accused of scheme with La. senator's phones
LA gold trader to stand trial in wife's stabbing
Pig heads left at Malaysian mosques amid tensions
Ex-Guatemalan leader arrested after US request
Dems lack workable plan and retreat on health care
Athens woos Beijing for massive bonds sale: report
Russia's UC Rusal slides in Hong Kong debut
Quincy Jones, John Mayer to headline LA music expo
Samsung executive commits suicide: police
SKorea's current account surplus hits record high
Japan's exports grow for first time in 15 months
S.Korea c/a surplus triples; outlook weak
China says no limits on use of Google's Android
PAKISTAN
IMF, World Bank announce debt relief for Afghanistan
Avatar becomes highest-grossing movie |
Julianne Moore, Matt Dillon on TV pilot wish lists |
Japan Airlines gets new president
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Clint Eastwood voted favorite movie star |
Quincy Jones, John Mayer to headline LA music expo
Quincy Jones, John Mayer to headline LA music expo |
NBC, Conan O'Brien back in business |
Cage's former Vegas home sells for nearly $5M
Memo to Sundance filmmakers: Be distinct |
Sam Worthington takes on "Dracula Year Zero"
"Frozen" could have been a killer chiller
Thin comedy "Extra Man" may disappoint
Frozen could have been a killer chiller |
Sam Worthington takes on Dracula Year Zero |
Football legend Cantona scores in Paris theatre debut
Thin comedy Extra Man may disappoint |
Lyric Opera of Chicago announces 2010-11 season
Jessica Simpson working to send shoes to Haiti
Anne Hathaway set to announce Oscar nominations
Attacker hits Israeli chief justice with sneaker
Russian parliament ratifies European Court reform
China says no curb on Google mobile technology
Yemen pledges urgent reforms to tackle al Qaeda |
Iranian pilgrims attacked in Iraqi capital
Five Taliban officials removed from sanctions list: UN
London meeting marks sea-change in Afghan approach |
Israel slams Iran as world recalls Holocaust |
Iran official: German diplomats involved in riots |
Haiti quake raises fears of child-eating spirits |
Economic woes cloud first Obama State of the Union
Bomb kills 3 children in NW Pakistan, say police
Malaysia arrests 10 suspects in anti-terror swoop
Clinton to press China FM on Internet issue |
Google's older sister in China urges it to stay |
Coalition standoff unnerves Thai markets
Officials fear another whooping crane die-off
Witness says gay marriage would help children
U.S. technology distributors on track to recovery |
Police: Bomb kills 3 children in NW Pakistan
Hong Kong lawmakers condemn attack on democracy push
Obama's goal: Get agenda moving, people believing
Myanmar court postpones verdict on American
Backroom health care deals fuel voter anger
Analysis: Another goal pared back: Mideast peace
Walkout blocks speeches by Hong Kong democrats
Falungong says China blocked Hong Kong dance shows
Australian sentenced to death in Afghanistan
Taiwan trade talks off to a 'good start': China
Toyota halts US car sales over safety
China: Theaters must meet domestic movie quota
Pakistani o/n rates higher; rupee flat; stocks down
Swedish rapper testifies in LA murder trial
Canon's 4Q profit surges on brisk camera sales
Japan's exports rebound on strong Chinese demand
Taiwan to keep China bank investments ban: report
S.Korea won up on exporters; N.Korea risks weigh
Seoul shares hit 7-week closing low; LG Elec down
Seoul shares post lowest close in 7 weeks
Pete Doherty fined for carrying heroin in court |
Bin Laden's ex-driver in the spotlight at Sundance
After Mamma Mia!, fans can sing along with ABBA |
Next Harry Potter movies coming in 3D |
Spain seeks EU-wide lifeline for battered women
Toyota Suspends Sales Of Selected Vehicles Previously Recalled
Spanish star is latest chef to chuck in apron
Florida Teen Found Guilty Of Attempting To Kidnap Child
Poet Reid surprise winner of Costa Book of the Year
Jersey Shore cast closer to deal |
Civil Rights Group Settles 50-Year-Old Lawsuit
Would-be Gaza migrants face endless hurdles
ACORN Videographer, 3 Others Charged With Plot To Tamper Senator's Phones
Brown Seeks Help Of Hillary Clinton To Save Stormont Power-Sharing Deal
"Jersey Shore" cast closer to deal
China: Theaters must meet domestic movie quota
Bhutto, an icon and martyr, remembered at Sundance
'Avatar' soars to new box office record
Julianne Moore, Matt Dillon on TV pilot wish lists
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01