Serena Williams ‘embarrassed’ by Simona Halep at WTA Finals in Singapore
SERENA Williams won just two games as she crashed to her heaviest defeat in 16 years and raised concerns over a knee injury that could dash her hopes at the WTA Finals.The 18-time grand slam champion was a shadow of her dominant best as she slumped 6-0 6-2 to Romania’s Simona Halep, her biggest loss since she was 16 and without a tournament win to her name.
The seismic defeat ended a run of 16 straight victories at the year-ending tournament for the 2001, 2009, 2012 and 2013 champion, whose bid for a title hat-trick is now hanging in the balance.
“My forehand was off today again — I guess it went on an early vacation,” Williams said. “Lord knows my serve was as well My serve was at best in the 10-and-under division in juniors. Actually embarrassing I think describes the way I played. Yeah, very embarrassing.”
Given the high profile of the season finale in Singapore, it was a career low for the 33-year-old who had not been beaten so soundly since losing 6-1 6-1 to Joannette Kruger in Oklahoma City in 1998.
She signalled that she was a long way from recovering from the left knee injury which forced her to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing earlier this month.
“Oh, God no. I’m nowhere near 100 per cent,” she said, when asked about her injury.
“That has nothing to do with today’s match. I think Simona played really well and the best match of her career.”
========================================
JAB Nigeria to honour Gibson Nwosu in Awka
By Eddie Akalonu
Joint Association of
Boxers, JAB, in Niogeria has concluded arrangement for the conferment
of Boxing Transformation Icon of our time award on Obi Gibson Nwosu
in Awka Anambra State.
According to JAB Nigeria
charman, Raphael Ikediobi, whose also doubles as chairman for Africa,
an investiture Obii Nwosu will take place in Awka on 31,
October,saying :it is being done in recognition of his contribution
to boxing.” The event which organisers say has Govenor Willy
Obiano as Special Guest of Honour, has a limited number of exhibition
fights in both men and women and children. It will be recalled that
Obi Gibson Nwosu is a WBC sanctioned fight promoter who is plying his
trade in Est Africa. JAB is a body which not only sanctions
professional boxing fights in the world, but also engages in policies
that enhance boxer's welfare, regulates contracts terms between
boxers and promoters.
============================================================
Kosovo Granted Provisional Olympic Recognition
Lausanne, Switzerland (SportsNetwork.com) - The executive board
of the International Olympic Committee granted provisional recognition
to the Kosovo Olympic Committee on Wednesday.
The IOC also proposed that the country be granted full recognition at the next IOC session in December in Monaco.
The decision would allow Kosovo to take part in qualifications for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio as well as future competition.
The executive board acknowledged that Kosovo has "met the requirements for recognition as outlined in the Olympic Charter", which include the technical requirements of Kosovo being recognized as a country.
Kosovo currently has 13 affiliated national federations for Olympic sports that include table tennis, archery, judo, sailing, weightlifting, modern pentathlon, wrestling, boxing, curling, taekwondo, gymnastics, skiing and handball.
=========================================
Kevin among top 10 players with most Red Cards
The IOC also proposed that the country be granted full recognition at the next IOC session in December in Monaco.
The decision would allow Kosovo to take part in qualifications for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio as well as future competition.
The executive board acknowledged that Kosovo has "met the requirements for recognition as outlined in the Olympic Charter", which include the technical requirements of Kosovo being recognized as a country.
Kosovo currently has 13 affiliated national federations for Olympic sports that include table tennis, archery, judo, sailing, weightlifting, modern pentathlon, wrestling, boxing, curling, taekwondo, gymnastics, skiing and handball.
=========================================
Kevin among top 10 players with most Red Cards
Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is among the top 10 players who have been sent off the most since 2010.
The Schalke ace is ranked 10th on the table with five red cards in the last four years.
The 27-year-old was dropped from Ghana’s World Cup squad after he criticized his manager and will need to work on his disciplinary problems.
Real Madrid defender Sergo Ramos is joint- ranked with Chilean Gary Alexis Medel Soto who have picked up 9 red cards each.
10. Kevin-Prince Boateng - 5
9. Lee Cattermole - 5
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic -5
7. Mario Balotelli- 5
6. Alejandro Arribas Garrido - 6
5. Martín Gastón Demichelis - 6
4. Mathieu Debuchy-6
3. Dejan Lovren - 7
2. Gary Alexis Medel Soto - 9
1. Sergio Ramos - 9
The 27-year-old was dropped from Ghana’s World Cup squad after he criticized his manager and will need to work on his disciplinary problems.
Real Madrid defender Sergo Ramos is joint- ranked with Chilean Gary Alexis Medel Soto who have picked up 9 red cards each.
10. Kevin-Prince Boateng - 5
9. Lee Cattermole - 5
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic -5
7. Mario Balotelli- 5
6. Alejandro Arribas Garrido - 6
5. Martín Gastón Demichelis - 6
4. Mathieu Debuchy-6
3. Dejan Lovren - 7
2. Gary Alexis Medel Soto - 9
1. Sergio Ramos - 9
===============================================================
Schumacher May Recover In time, Says Doctor
A FRENCH physician who treated Michael Schumacher for nearly six months after the Formula One champion struck his head in a ski accident says he is no longer in a coma and predicted a possible recovery within three years.
JEAN-FRANCOIS Payen, a doctor at the Grenoble hospital that treated Schumacher after his injury in December 2013, said he has visited the Schumacher family at home in Switzerland to track his patient's progress.
"Life after a head injury is punctuated by stages," Payen told RTL radio on Thursday. He predicted a convalescence of one to three years. "We hope, but we have to give him time." Schumacher was with his 14-year-old son in the French Alps when he fell, hitting the side of his head on a rock, cracking his helmet.=======================================================================
Christiano's Anfield Curse
*Ronaldo
has not scored there in five visits
Cristiano Ronaldo
will arrive at Anfield on an amazing run of form in front of goal. His
goalscoring stats this season are simply unbelievable.
However, the Real
Madrid man has never scored at Anfield, despite playing there five times during
his time at Manchester United.
In United colours,
Ronaldo's record at Anfield stands at three wins, one draw and just one defeat,
in the 2005-2006 FA Cup.
His first
appearance came during the 2004/05 campaign and saw him set up Rooney for
United's winner (1-0). The following year, in the Premier League, Liverpool and
United played out a goalless draw. During the 2006/07 campaign, the Red Devils
again won 1-0, with Ronaldo this time setting up O'Shea for their winner. He
played his last game there during the 2007/08 season, and again it ended in a
1-0 away win, courtesy of Carlos Tevez. Cristiano was injured when United
visited Anfield during the 2008/09 season, his last before moving to Real
Madrid.
However, it isn't
just Cristiano who cannot find the net at Anfield. Real Madrid also failed to
score during their 4-0 defeat there during the 2008/09 Champions League
campaign. In fact, they failed to score in their other two games against the
Reds: the 1981 European Cup final (1-0) and the first leg of the 2008/09 tie
(1-0).
Read more: CR7's Anfield curse - MARCA.com
Bangalore Marathon Runners Take Wrong Turn, Take Bus To Finish Line
A marathon ended
in farce in Bangalore after the pilot car overshot a turn, forcing the top
three runners to take a long detour before abandoning the race -- and taking a
bus to the finish line.
The leaders, who
missed the U-turn at the 16km-mark, ran four extra kilometres before officials
finally stopped them and told them they had taken the wrong route, a newspaper
reported on Monday.
Realising they had
no chance of recovering ground, the three abandoned the 42-km race in the
southern city of Bangalore on Sunday and borrowed money from spectators
to take a bus to the finishing line.
"There were
no officials on the road where we were supposed to take the U-turn," one
of the runners, Inderjit Patel, told the Times of India. "We were just
following the pilot car."
"It was too
late when we were told what had happened. There was no point continuing the race.
I am not bothered about missing the prize money, but disappointed that we had
to suffer this humiliation."
Race organisers
admitted the mistake and apologised. But there were other screw-ups in the
race, which was flagged off by Olympic gold medallist and multiple world
champion distance runner Haile Gebrselassie of Ethopia.
Runners had to
line up at the start behind a row of heavy-set security guards who were slow to
get out of the way when the flag went down, causing many competitors to trip
over them.
-
See more at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/sports-news/othersports/bangalore-marathon-lead-runners-take-wrong-turn-take-bus-to-finish-line/article1-1277382.aspx#sthash.mNEJ9f7N.dpuf
He spoke on the Enyimba F.C. website followin Nigeria's African Cup of Nations qualifier 3-1 win over Sudan in Abuja..
How do you react to your appointment as Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee?
Anyansi Agwu: Thank you. I must say that I feel honoured. This is a very important position so I'm honoured and humbled at the same time because it means that there is confidence in me to take on bigger challenges. This is a time when our football has undergone some challenges so it is an important time to be given such a responsibility. The tasks we are faced with are quite tough, Nigerian football was in total crisis and we as a board have come in the midst of it, so we have to work very hard for the football itself and make sure the Super Eagles rise again. So again I feel honoured and optimistic about the future of our football.
What do you see as major challenges facing football?
Anyansi Agwu: I admit that a lot is expected from us but I won't say it is daunting because we came in well aware of the challenges. Remember that I was a member of the previous Technical Committee, so it is a case of stepping up what had been done in the past. I have been called to serve in this position and I will do everything I can within my capacity to make sure that I live up to the challenges.
But I will do it with all humility because when you humble yourself in office, it brings the best out of the people you work with. All of us are challenged and we must act quickly to start giving hope to Nigerians. You know the buck stops on my committee to see what can be done positively to sustain the achievements of the last board. The last board achieved a lot through the technical committee so we want to just carry on with that commitment.
How would you blot the graph for action in the weeks ahead? We know getting the Super Eagles to the 2015 AFCON is top on your agenda right now, what else is your priority?
Anyansi Agwu: Stabilizing the crisis and producing results. We have a new president that is enterprising, what he expects from the rest of us is to equally rise up to the occasion. We don't expect it to be easy, but I'm confident that we all can bring out our very best and that God too will guide us. Right now there are two lines of actions, short term and long term.
Short term, we have two qualifying matches to go, we have to make sure we get good results and get the chance to defend our title. Nigerians are very passionate about their football and we will try not to let them down. We have to do all we can to qualify for the AFCON
Long term, we must develop and reposition our football for greater successes. We have to build from where the last administration stopped and make sure we become even more successful. This new board has very strong principles that will guide it to great things and I'm optimistic a lot of good will come.
As Chairman of Enyimba FC, a Nigeria Premier League side, how do you intend balancing both roles and do you think your experience with Enyimba over the years will play an important role as Chairman of the Technical Committee?
Anyansi Agwu: Obviously there are expectations that as Chairman of Enyimba, with all of what the club has achieved over the years that this Technical Committee, will achieve a lot too. People expect success, they want the glory days of the Super Eagles. I know how much it means to Nigerians, I know what it is like and I'm going to devote my time to taking up these challenges so we can achieve a whole lot. I believe that my experience as Chairman of Enyimba will be of great help to me and how I work with the rest of the new board.
Like I stated, I have been here before, this is not new so I will not need time to adjust. The most important thing for me is that the Nigerian Football Federation is beyond the success of one man. It is team work that would be required to help us produce success in Africa and on the world stage so we all would work together, hand in hand, to make Nigerians happy and proud again. This new administration will offer renewed hope and confidence.
=================================================================
Indian footballer dies following goal celebration accident
A 23-year-old Indian footballer has died from severe spinal cord damage after attempting to celebrate a goal with a somersault, an official told Reuters on Monday.
"We are shocked by the case. We at the Mizoram Football Association did all we could but could not save him," MFA secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar told Reuters by telephone.
After scoring the equaliser against Chanmari West FC, a flipping Biaksangzuala landed awkwardly and was lying unconscious as his team mates surrounded him and gestured for help.
"The association president also being the state health minister, he did all that was possible even though he was out of station.
"We considered the option to fly him to Delhi but his condition was pretty bad. He was mostly unconscious, occasionally spelling out a few words," Hmar said.
Bethlehem has decided to retire the number 21 jersey as a tribute to Biaksangzuala while Hmar said MFA would organise a match in his memory.
Reuters
==========================================
"It's an honour to be linked with Real Madrid", Says Luca
The front page of MARCA, which revealed Real Madrid's interest in signing Lucas Silva, caused a stir in Brazil.
The player attended training as normal, after which he
awaited a phone call from MARCA.
Q. Have you seen the front page of MARCA?
A. Yes, of course I've seen it. It's good news for me, it's always a joy to
hear people speak about you like that.
Q. Real Madrid
have been tracking you since last summer...
A. When a club like Real Madrid want you, it always makes you feel proud and
happy. I know that I have to be focused here at Cruzeiro, that's my club, but
interest from Real Madrid inspires me to keep working hard.
Q. Would you like to play for Real Madrid?
A. [Laughing] Of course I'd like to play for Real Madrid, it would be an
honour. But for that to happen, an agreement between the clubs would need to be
put in place first. I'm a Cruzeiro player and have so much respect for my club.
If a club like Real Madrid came along, I wouldn't turn them down.
Q. Define yourself as a player.
A. I'm a modern attacking midfielder, I'm good on the ball, get from box to box
and work hard for the team. I think I have good vision which helps me provide
assists for my teammates...
Q. You play with Julio Baptista, have you spoken to him
about Real Madrid?
A. Yes, he had a good experience there. He's always told me that it's a huge
club, one of the biggest in the world.
- MARCA.com
======================================================================
- MARCA.com
AFCON2015: Morocco Denies Withdrawal
Rabat - Morocco has denied reports it has withdrawn as host of next year's African Cup of Nations, although it wants the tournament postponed.
Morocco wants Africa's premier football event postponed because Moroccans could be threatened by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, information minister and government spokesman Mustapha Khalfi said on Thursday.
The Confederation of African Football insisted the tournament should carry on as planned in January and February 2015.
CAF has cancelled all football in the three worst affected Ebola countries — Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone — until further notice, but says it is following the advice of the World Health Organization that travel bans will not help curtail the outbreak.
CAF President Issa Hayatou will travel to Morocco next month to meet officials over their concerns, but the African football body said there can be no postponement.
"CAF has registered the request and wishes to state that there are no changes of the schedules of its competitions and events," CAF said.
CAF has apparently reached out to at least two other countries to ask if they would step in at short-notice if Morocco refuses to host on the original dates of January 17 - February 8.
Ghana's sports minister said on his official Facebook page that his country was approached to possibly host, and CAF also asked South Africa if it could be on standby, according to a CAF letter to the South African Football Association.
Morocco feels large groups of football supporters and other travellers from West Africa — where Ebola has killed more than 4 500 people in its worst outbreak ever — would put it at risk.
"There is no way we can be lenient with the health and safety of the Moroccan citizens," Khalfi said at a government media briefing on Thursday, repeating Morocco's request for the cup to be postponed.
He didn't say when Morocco wanted it postponed to.
Khalfi was repeating concerns expressed by Morocco's health ministry, which originally advised Moroccan authorities to request a postponement from CAF.
"Football is just a game and we can't play with the health of Moroccans," health minister Houssaine Louardi said this week.
"There is no zero risk when it comes to Ebola."
======================================
Ex-France defender Gallas retires at 37
FORMER France defender William Gallas has
announced his retirement, bringing to an end a decorated 19-year
professional career, he said.
“You tell yourself you can always continue but I think that today I can’t,” the center back told TV channel L’Equipe 21.
The 37-year-old Gallas started at French club Caen in 1995 before moving to Chelsea in 2001, and went on to have stints at both Arsenal and its north London rival Tottenham Hotspur.
Gallas won 84 caps for France and scored five goals, including the controversial strike in Les Bleus’s 2-1 playoff win over Ireland that earned the side a 2010 World Cup berth. Gallas poked the home from close range after being set up by Thiery Henry, who had clearly handled the ball to prevent it from going out of play. He also played the 2006 World Cup final which France lost on penalties to Italy.
===================================================================
“You tell yourself you can always continue but I think that today I can’t,” the center back told TV channel L’Equipe 21.
The 37-year-old Gallas started at French club Caen in 1995 before moving to Chelsea in 2001, and went on to have stints at both Arsenal and its north London rival Tottenham Hotspur.
Gallas won 84 caps for France and scored five goals, including the controversial strike in Les Bleus’s 2-1 playoff win over Ireland that earned the side a 2010 World Cup berth. Gallas poked the home from close range after being set up by Thiery Henry, who had clearly handled the ball to prevent it from going out of play. He also played the 2006 World Cup final which France lost on penalties to Italy.
===================================================================
2014 Shanghai Marathon: Bus, Ferry Services To Be Affected
Chinese officials have given details of bus and ferry services facing disruptions during the 2014 Shanghai International Marathon on November 2.
Reports said a total of 165 bus routes going through Huangpu, Jing’an and Xuhui districts will be affected on the day.
These include 25 bus routes — such as the No. 55 and No. 167 services — that pass along the Bund, the event’s start line. They will suspend operations from 5:30am until all runners leave the area.
The race begins at 7am and Metro services will not be affected.
Full details of suspended ferry services on the Huangpu River will be announced by police later this month.
Organizers have shifted the date of the annual event from December to November this year in the hope of better air quality.
The city’s meteorological and environmental protection departments will provide a text message service to runners with weather and air quality forecasts.
Last year’s event took place on December 1, when the city Air Quality Index rose to heavily polluted by 1pm.
According to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, a cold front and wet weather may accompany this year’s race.
The 2014 marathon features 8,000 runners in the 42.2 kilometer race; 10,000 in the half marathon; 5,000 in the 10km race, and 12,000 runners in the 5km run. The full and half marathon end at the Shanghai Stadium.
==================================================================South Africa reluctant to host 2015 Africa Cup These include 25 bus routes — such as the No. 55 and No. 167 services — that pass along the Bund, the event’s start line. They will suspend operations from 5:30am until all runners leave the area.
The race begins at 7am and Metro services will not be affected.
Full details of suspended ferry services on the Huangpu River will be announced by police later this month.
Organizers have shifted the date of the annual event from December to November this year in the hope of better air quality.
The city’s meteorological and environmental protection departments will provide a text message service to runners with weather and air quality forecasts.
Last year’s event took place on December 1, when the city Air Quality Index rose to heavily polluted by 1pm.
According to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, a cold front and wet weather may accompany this year’s race.
The 2014 marathon features 8,000 runners in the 42.2 kilometer race; 10,000 in the half marathon; 5,000 in the 10km race, and 12,000 runners in the 5km run. The full and half marathon end at the Shanghai Stadium.
SOUTH Africa is reluctant to step in as a replacement host for next
year’s Africa Cup of Nations because the sport ministry fears Ebola and
unplanned staging costs.
“There are just too many factors to consider for South Africa,” the
department of sport and recreation said in a statement on Friday.Morocco, the original host for the football tournament scheduled for January and February, wants it postponed because of Ebola and may give up the event completely.
The Confederation of African Football approached South Africa, Ghana and other countries to be on standby if Morocco withdraws.
But it’s possible that no one else wants it because of the limited preparation time and the threat of the deadly disease spreading through tens of thousands of travellers heading to the three-week, 16-team event.
South Africa’s sports ministry stressed it had not yet been officially asked by the South African Football Association to consider hosting the tournament, but referred to the “Ebola challenge engulfing the continent.”
More than 4500 people have died in West Africa in the worst recorded outbreak of the virus. The outbreak is still not contained in the three countries worst affected: Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Ebola has no known cure or vaccination.
=========================================================================
Ghana wins Nigeria Independence Day PoloAccra Polo Club of Ghana defeated Lagos Polo Club of Nigeria by six and-a-half goals to three to win this year’s Nigeria Independence Day Polo Championship played at the Accra Polo Grounds at the weekend.
Ghana who were given a half goal due to their weak Handicap, opened the
scoring two minutes inside the First Chukka through dependable George
Agyemang.
Ghana was on hands again a minute later when Awudu Mensah scored another goal two minutes later to end the First Chukka.
Nigeria who won the trophy last year, rallied up and scored a goal, a minute inside the Second Chukka through Ahmed Umar but Ghanaian Pablo Billa scored two quick goals to end the Second Chukka.
When the Third Chukka resumed, Damani Duncan scored for Ghana while Ademolo Alakua netted for his side.
The last Chukka saw Ghana scoring two goals through Agyemang and Duncan while Seyi Oyikula scored for Nigeria.
Kwakye Dopuah-Dei, Captain of Accra Polo Club praised his team for winning the trophy this year and expressed the hope that his team would win the trophy again next year.
Mr Ademola Oluseyi Omafowakan, Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana in an address read for him, said the bond between the two countries continued to be strengthened year after year through the sport and congratulated Ghana for winning the trophy.
Ghana was on hands again a minute later when Awudu Mensah scored another goal two minutes later to end the First Chukka.
Nigeria who won the trophy last year, rallied up and scored a goal, a minute inside the Second Chukka through Ahmed Umar but Ghanaian Pablo Billa scored two quick goals to end the Second Chukka.
When the Third Chukka resumed, Damani Duncan scored for Ghana while Ademolo Alakua netted for his side.
The last Chukka saw Ghana scoring two goals through Agyemang and Duncan while Seyi Oyikula scored for Nigeria.
Kwakye Dopuah-Dei, Captain of Accra Polo Club praised his team for winning the trophy this year and expressed the hope that his team would win the trophy again next year.
Mr Ademola Oluseyi Omafowakan, Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana in an address read for him, said the bond between the two countries continued to be strengthened year after year through the sport and congratulated Ghana for winning the trophy.
========================================================================== Messi: 10 Years Of Brilliance
*Four times World Player Of The Year
The Argentine star played his first game for the club at the age of 17, and he has since established himself as one of the best soccer players of all time.
Since his debut, Messi has won the World Player of the Year award a record four times. The Argentina captain has scored 361 goals since he played his first Barcelona match exactly 10 years ago. He has helped the Catalan club win 21 trophies during the past decade, including three Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles.
Messi came on as a substitute 10 years ago for his debut at Barcelona. Within three years, he had become a crucial player for the club, and he won his first World Player of the Year award in 2009. The Argentine forward reached his peak in the 2012/13 season, and he broke Gerd Muller's record of scoring the most goals in a calendar year with 91 goals.
In Barca’s match against Eibar on Saturday, Messi will have another chance to surpass Telmo Zarra's six-decade-old La Liga scoring record of 251 goals. Messi has scored 249 times in the Spanish top division.
===================================================================== Kenya's Kirui, Chenet Ready To Battle For Amsterdam Marathon Honors
Olympic marathon silver medallist Abel Kirui of Kenya is happy to have put behind his injury worries as he prepares to compete at Sunday's Amsterdam Marathon.
Kirui, who failed to defend his World Marathon title in Moscow last year because of the injury, has not competed for almost two years and Amsterdam performance will be a major test of his ability to continue running.
"I got this tendon injury that spoilt the whole of last year. It was a very big disappointment especially for my fans. Losing the World Championships in Moscow and not running at the London city marathon where I was at the peak of my shape hurt in 2013 was a great loss," Kirui said in Nairobi late on Wednesday.
"But that is over. I am now ready to prove that I have not spent all my energies and can still compete at the global level," he added.
Kirui, who departed for the Dutch capital, however, will have to contend with compatriot Wilson Chebet for the honors. Chebet is returning to Amsterdam with big ambitions.
"I have set myself a goal. During my fifth race in Amsterdam I want to show that this is a 2:04 marathon course. I have taken small risks in my training to achieve this, and I want the wonderful audience and outstanding organisers to see it," he said.
"I have prepared well. It will be no easy race, because as you can see, we have here my friend Kirui, who has said he is keen to run faster on the course and lower its mark. I will be there to keep him in check. I will give my best shot," said Chebet, who also jetted out for Amsterdam.
The duo will also face off with former World cross-country bronze medallist Lucas Rotich, former Tokyo Marathon winner Bernard Kipyego, Philemon Rono, John Mwangangi and Gideon Kipketer.
Chebet, 29, holds the course record. "I feel at home and at ease in Amsterdam," he said.
=====================================================================
*Four times World Player Of The YearThe Argentine star played his first game for the club at the age of 17, and he has since established himself as one of the best soccer players of all time.
Since his debut, Messi has won the World Player of the Year award a record four times. The Argentina captain has scored 361 goals since he played his first Barcelona match exactly 10 years ago. He has helped the Catalan club win 21 trophies during the past decade, including three Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles.
Messi came on as a substitute 10 years ago for his debut at Barcelona. Within three years, he had become a crucial player for the club, and he won his first World Player of the Year award in 2009. The Argentine forward reached his peak in the 2012/13 season, and he broke Gerd Muller's record of scoring the most goals in a calendar year with 91 goals.
In Barca’s match against Eibar on Saturday, Messi will have another chance to surpass Telmo Zarra's six-decade-old La Liga scoring record of 251 goals. Messi has scored 249 times in the Spanish top division.
===================================================================== Kenya's Kirui, Chenet Ready To Battle For Amsterdam Marathon Honors
Olympic marathon silver medallist Abel Kirui of Kenya is happy to have put behind his injury worries as he prepares to compete at Sunday's Amsterdam Marathon.
Kirui, who failed to defend his World Marathon title in Moscow last year because of the injury, has not competed for almost two years and Amsterdam performance will be a major test of his ability to continue running.
"I got this tendon injury that spoilt the whole of last year. It was a very big disappointment especially for my fans. Losing the World Championships in Moscow and not running at the London city marathon where I was at the peak of my shape hurt in 2013 was a great loss," Kirui said in Nairobi late on Wednesday.
"But that is over. I am now ready to prove that I have not spent all my energies and can still compete at the global level," he added.
Kirui, who departed for the Dutch capital, however, will have to contend with compatriot Wilson Chebet for the honors. Chebet is returning to Amsterdam with big ambitions.
"I have set myself a goal. During my fifth race in Amsterdam I want to show that this is a 2:04 marathon course. I have taken small risks in my training to achieve this, and I want the wonderful audience and outstanding organisers to see it," he said.
"I have prepared well. It will be no easy race, because as you can see, we have here my friend Kirui, who has said he is keen to run faster on the course and lower its mark. I will be there to keep him in check. I will give my best shot," said Chebet, who also jetted out for Amsterdam.
The duo will also face off with former World cross-country bronze medallist Lucas Rotich, former Tokyo Marathon winner Bernard Kipyego, Philemon Rono, John Mwangangi and Gideon Kipketer.
Chebet, 29, holds the course record. "I feel at home and at ease in Amsterdam," he said.
=====================================================================
On 17th November 2005, Ronaldinho left the Bernabéu to a standing ovation after scoring a brace against Real Madrid.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
On 17th November 2005, Ronaldinho left the Bernabéu to a standing ovation after scoring a brace against Real Madrid.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
On 17th November 2005, Ronaldinho left the Bernabéu to a standing ovation after scoring a brace against Real Madrid.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
On 17th November 2005, Ronaldinho left the Bernabéu to a standing ovation after scoring a brace against Real Madrid.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
That is possibly one of the few things left for Messi to accomplish. He set up Eto'o for his goal in that game. That day saw both the master and the student out on the pitch, and nobody could have imagined that the Argentine would take over from the Brazilian barely three years later.
Ronaldinho 'adopted' Messi when the Argentine managed to beat him at futnet, a game that requires heaps of skill, technique and precision. The duo were joined by Deco and Motta, who even used to pick him up in their car and take him home when Leo did not yet have a driving licence.
He was the only player allowed to sit at the Brazilians' table and used to spend hours sharing stories with Sylvinho, who also helped him when he came up from Barça B.
Ronaldinho was his big brother until Guardiola arrived and decided to rebuild the team around Messi. Until then he had lived in the Brazilians' shadow but had already showed much of his future potential.
Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona was exciting and productive, but short-lived. Messi challenges himself every season. He just keeps getting better and looks set to enjoy many more years at the club. His feet are firmly on the ground.
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