Today's an almost surreal day. First news that greeted me was the shocking and tragic death of the King of Pop, MJ. 

My reaction?

"Whaaaaat!".

Not the what, what, but the Chris Rock/Tucker (cann't tell the difference between the both of them) kinda Whaaaat?!

Anyway, been following the news, and all major news wires are showcasing the man and his legend. And it's a nice touch on the part of our local radio stations to do a tribute.

It's funny how all the accolates pour in once someone passes away given that MJ has been receiving a fair amount of stick from few parties before his death (and after it as well I'm sure).

Anyway, it's been pretty shocking to know that one of music's most iconic and cross cultural artist has died. And needless to say the masses of people he has inspired throughout his life, no matter how weird some of his behaviour may have been. At the end of the day, in terms of talent, artistry and entertainment, Michael is among the top of the order.

I like what the ever reflective John Mayer said on his Twitter site.

"I truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson."

Twitter seems rather cool. weird.

And I thought no news could surpassed Murray's masterclass drubbing of Gulbis at Wimby.

Moving on to better news. Malaysia is about to host an ATP 250 level tournament!

And given the lineup, it promises to be pretty exciting!

Davydenko, Nikolay
Ferrer, David
Gonzalez, Fernando
Monfils, Gael
Nishikori, Kei
Soderling, Robin
Verdasco, Fernando

Sweet.

Especially Ferru! That guy's a fighter on the court. And I know a certain someone would be anticipating her Swedish meatball. ;)

Click here for more info.

It's apt to end with this. Inspirational.

Murray, Gulbis. Tantalising.

Hot off the press.

Expect sparks in their second round matchup!

Wimby!

Wimbledon begins today! From the 22 June till 5 July, expect tennis fans from all around to be glued to the telly as we witness the most significant and steeped in tradition tournament.

Fed begins his conquest against Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun at Centre Court with this being the latter's first time playing at the esteemed court.

Yen-Hsun himself having a story to tell of. Click here to read it all from ATP's Deuce Mag.

So will this be the place where Rog will achieve his unprecedented 15th Grand Slam? 

Montage taken from HC Foo's tennis blog.

Here are some pictures of both Marat and Roger preparing for the tournament. Maybe a repeat of last year's semis? I hope!

Taken off Wimbledon's FB page. Be a fan! 

And with me back in Muar, Astro is no longer an illusion.

Some key matches I will be looking out for:

Yen-Hsun Lu(TPE) v. Roger Federer(SUI) [2]

Daniela Hantuchova(SVK) v. Laura Robson(GBR)

Evgeny Korolev(RUS) v. Igor Andreev(RUS)[29] (Plenty of hard-hitting here)

Check out Wimbledon's official site for the latest in draws and updates.

So let Wimby begin!

How is it that I managed to draw my tennis partner in the first round?!

Unbelievable.

Viva!

Ok, half time here from assignments.

Here's what I've gotten as a result of my research for my feature story.

Spot the difference. This is taken from wiki yo!

Funny? no? Apparently ESPN had to apologise to the FAM for using the wrong logo during a live telephone call to FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad on Sportscenter Asia.

Seems like the staff from Sportscenter Asia got hold of the wrong one. News taken from -  Click

Nonetheless, it's pretty hilarious!

Yeahh

The Great Destresser

Nooo

1st Week

Hello, hello! This blog is morphing into a sports blog I dare say. I'll post something more personal when I get my first dog or car. See how la yea? Anyways,

The biggest shocker of the week (Sorry, it's not the loss of Susan Boyle) would definitely be the defeat of Rafa to Swede Robin Soderling.

The score of 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 certainly doesn't help Rafa's cause. His first defeat on the Parisian courts and thus ending his record 31 match-winning streak.

Nadal must be feeling a bit peeved. Looking at the history between these two players. You gotta check this video out!

 

And it doesn't stop there, our reigning lady champion is knocked out as well.

Ana Ivanovic is shown the exit by No.9 seed Victoria Azarenka. The 6-2, 6-3 scoreline says it all about the former World No.1 whose decline is ever evident since her victory one year ago on French clay.

Other upsets would be the Nole Djoker's loss to German No.29 seed Philipp Kohlschreiber.

And of course Mr.Safin himself. I was following his match with French wildcard Josselin Ouanna with interest. Ouanna another talented French teenager who posseses a good forehand. 

The final bow for Safin? Click.

And 'The Magician' Fabrice Santoro waves goodbye to the French crowd after a record-equalling 20 straight French Open appearances.

All in all, Fed Ex is in with a realistic chance of getting his career Grand Slam. Allez Roger!

And here comes Week two..

All pictures © FFT