Would you not get bored if you saw the same ad on a roller banner for a long duration? The real fun occurs when you get to see matches that go down to the wire despite the fact that both players are equally strong. In this perspective, the recent victory of Roger Federer is good news for the game of tennis as a whole. Of course, the fans of Nadal were disappointed because his loss to Roger Federer was followed by losses to some other top-ranked players as well.

For some strange reason, nobody thinks that they can beat Nadal until and unless Roger takes the lead. Of course, the tournament in question was not a Grand Slam. Nadal loss should be seen in this perspective and one should consider the fact that he was not playing for really big stakes. Of course, a top player will never treat any tournament lightly because each and every game is equally important. However, the sheer volume of tennis and the fact that this loss occurred in the end of the year after a grueling season meant that Nadal could easily blame it on fatigue.

In golf, Tiger Woods was finally seen recovering some of his magic form. While he is no where near his best, one can safely say that the recent tournament victory would have done a lot of good to his confidence. Only time will tell whether 2012 will see these two sporting giants reached the pinnacle of their game again.

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More brutal then ice hockey, more dangerous then base jumping, more powerful then a peace treaty and more addictive then football…chess is no game. Officially recognised as an Olympic sport, chess champions are just as popular and sought after as any number of Wayne Rooneys or Frank Lampards when it comes to football. The Isle Of Lewis chess set serves as an endearing reminder as to how seriously this ancient game is taken…and just how popular it still is.

Chess truly is the sport of kings. Played for hundreds (some posit thousands) of years across the globe, it makes up a vital part of human sporting and gaming culture. The game has been adapted over the years – some history books state that the Queen was originally only able to move one space diagonally – but essentially remains the same as it was. The Isle of Lewis chess set is probably the most relevant source to use for the modern game as it is this that we are most familiar with. Even if you are not familiar with the name, you would instantly recognise the pieces. The Isle of Lewis chess set dates back to the 12^th century and are named after the bay in which they were found. Despite turning up in Scotland, many scholars believe the pieces originated from Norway. The original set is owned by the British Museum with the remaining 11 pieces stored in the Museum of Edinburgh.

The set pieces are most fascinating with the Knights and Bishops being of particular prominence. Unlike modern sets, all the pieces (with the exception of the pawns) are made to resemble human figures. To the modern eye, the figures with their bulging eyes and glum – some might say terrified – expressions may seem comical. However when you think about the time they were made, these expressions were probably meant to represent strength and bravery. The Knight is regaled in a full suit of armour and has a spear in one hand a full shield on the other whilst mounted on a small horse. The Bishops have a look of utmost rage on their faces and when the original Isle of Lewis chess set was found, the pieces had red marks over some of them leading many to believe that the colours were white and red rather then the modern white and black.

The Isle of Lewis chess set is used all over the world; its fat medieval-looking pieces making a game instantly more striking to the observer. You can buy a set from retailers globally but few are able to reproduce and source quality pieces and boards. Your best bet is to do a little research before making payment as some stores say one thing and sell another. One of the companies that chess professionals use for their sets and equipment is the Regency Chess Company based in the UK. As an online retailer focussed on quality rather then quantity, Regency have been able to provide perfect Isle of Lewis chess set replicas in addition to the modern sets that most people play with everyday. Somewhat rarely for an online retailer, they also boast a showroom allowing customers to try first hand the sets before they make a purchase.

Chess may not seem like the most obvious sport in the world, but it is one of the oldest. Representing the violence inherent in the human condition, chess remains a savage reminder of the aggression and skill behind most sports. If there is any doubt behind the power of chess, The Isle of Lewis chess set is always there to remind us.

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I was downloading a CD printing software application from the internet when I discovered more news about Tiger Woods and his latest exploits on the golf course. However, I was disappointed to find that the news was yet another instance of Tiger Woods not performing to his full potential in a tournament.

The form of this class player has faded away completely. Of course, there is an old saying that form is temporary but class is permanent. However, the golf maestro seems to be affected by certain psychological problems and issues as well. He had a rather lengthy lay off due to a shoulder injury that involved a surgery.

He was yet to recover to his top form when the complications related to his married life became public. He decided to take a break from his golf but has struggled with not only his injury but also his fitness in recent times.

Nadal has stated that his desire to compete faded away after he learned about the trouble between his parents. The parents were forced to separate and this had an effect on his performance despite the fact that he was performing very well. Perhaps the same thing is happening with Tiger Woods as well. He is not mentally clear about his game and his future life.

He is swinging the ball but the desire to win and compete at the top level is just not there. This has given an opportunity to others to beat him at his own game. While the presence of other superstars is good for the game of golf, the sad downfall of Tiger Woods is indeed very disappointing.

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Tiger Woods has announced that it is time for another significant change in your life. He has ended his 12 year partnership with his caddy Steve Williams from New Zealand. Steve teamed up with Tiger Woods when he had won just one major title. In the past twelve years, Steve has accompanied Tiger on his journey to become the most famous golfer in the world.

The timing of Tiger’s decision has raised eyebrows considering the fact that Steve supported and stuck with Tiger after the sex scandal left his reputation in tatters. While numerous advertisers and promoters decided to end their contract with Tiger Woods, Steve continued to perform his duties as a loyal caddy and supported him.

Tiger is yet to choose a replacement and chances are remote that he will take this decision very quickly. For a golfer, choosing the right caddy is something more important than choosing the right running shoe. It does not matter whether a golfer chooses a pair of Ascis Kayano or any other pair of well made shoes sold by a reputed manufacturer. However, the caddy happens to be a friend, philosopher and guide who provides a releases from the stress and pressure that normally occurs in every major golf event.

It remains to be seen whether Tiger Woods will quickly get a caddy who is as dedicated and committed to his game now that he is no longer at the top of the professional golfing world. Not surprisingly, Steve is not impressed with Tiger’s decision and has criticized the fact that his services have been done away with despite providing excellent support to Tiger Woods.

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Football fans eagerly wait for their stars to perform in each of the tournaments. Many popular tournaments are organized around the globe, like Premier league, Champions league, English leagues and many others. And if it’s the time for the World Cup then it’s time for doing nothing else other than getting into the action mode.

The game of football is equally enjoyable while actually playing it and while watching others playing it too. Of course, playing gives you a greater rush by being part of it. However, it requires a great level of endurance to play in those ninety minutes of the game. So, if you really want to play the game, make sure you get professional training, if possible from some professional clubs. It is true that getting to learn and play in such a club is a great thing, so even if otherwise try to get the best, if you are really serious about it. This holds true for every vocation in life, to give a simple example, a person trying to find a foothold in the world of investment management can go places by learning from a great in this field, like Rowan Dartington.

In football, all the players have to be equally involved in the game and concentrate on how to get the ball under their feet from the opponents. With all the fans together singing their respective club anthems, the whole environment is full of enthusiasm and excitement.

Becoming a faster runner requires hard work and practice. You cannot take a pill or drink an energy drink and magically run faster. Here are a few ways to help you become a faster runner.

If you are starting a running training regimen, start slowly and be consistent, so you can get used to running. Run three times a week, and build your way to three mile runs.

After you are comfortable with running regularly, you can start training for speed. One easy way to do so is practice sprints on a track. For example, on a standard 400 meter track, you can run normally for the curves but sprint when the track is straight. Do this for a couple of miles per session.

Track your speed by having a regular one-mile time trial run. This is best done on a track. Do this once a month or so.

Consider participating in races, as this can motivate your speed training and also spur you to run faster.

To prevent injuries that often afflict runners training for speed, incorporate weight training and yoga into your exercise regimen. Weight training helps strengthen muscles, and yoga helps ease tight muscles, like hamstrings, and can increase flexibility, too. This can perhaps mean a longer stride, which can help you run faster!

]]> http://www.sportsshouts.com/2011/06/08/how-to-become-a-faster-runner/feed/ http://www.sportsshouts.com/2011/05/05/sports-today/ http://www.sportsshouts.com/2011/05/05/sports-today/#comments Thu, 05 May 2011 19:03:05 +0000 admin http://www.sportsshouts.com/?p=668

My friend comes from a family were sports is in their blood. All her family members are involved in some kind of sports. Her dad is a tennis coach and she follows his foot steps. Last month she invited me to watch tennis match where she was playing. For the first time I saw the tournament live in front of many hundreds. She wore a cute skirt and underneath was a compression short. When asked she said compression short helps to hold tennis balls because it got ball pockets and it is very comfortable to wear during matches.

When the players entered the stadium, tennis fans started singing an old song. The place got warmed up. I felt tennis is a game for those who love it with passion and dedicate themselves for it. Sitting and watching my friend play I was very proud of her.

I feel every one should be involved in some sport or the other. Sports keeps us hail and healthy. It refreshes our mind and energizes us. It reduces worries and stress levels. It helps us to relax. Sometimes our responsibilities become overburdening and we don’t have time to relax or enjoy. If we choose a sport in which even family members are involved it would be great fun and family time too. It helps us to take time out of our busy schedule and spend wonderful moments with our family and friends. Sports not only relieve stress but also help us to get back to our daily lives with a fresh mindset.

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I could barely watch the closing stages of the recent US Masters golf tournament in Augusta. Watching poor little Rory McIlroy as he slowly hit the self destruct button and lost his four-shot lead going into the last day was probably one of the most awful things I’ve ever seen in sport. And I’m a Sheffield Wednesday fan…
It made for great TV and great drama, but as someone who had stayed up specially to watch Rory’s moment of triumph, it was heartbreaking. It genuinely looked like the poor kid was having a nervous breakdown in the middle of the sixth green in front of millions of viewers. I just wanted to give him a big hug. Probably explains why I contacted that Rory lookalike on the fitness singles dating website the day after the competition…
Thank goodness, it seems like he’s already over his Masters nightmare as he is currently in the lead at the Malaysian Open. Let’s just hope he doesn’t suffer another attack of nerves going into the final round. That moment last Sunday night when the cameras cut to him standing in what looked like someone’s back garden is one that I doubt either of us will forget. A win in Malaysia would go a long way to eradicating those bad memories. Besides, Rory is just a wee lad; he has years left to win plenty of Majors. And everyone in the game seems to be sure he will do just that. He just needs to work on his mental attitude – and a bit of putting practice probably wouldn’t go amiss either!

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“Lionel Messi” better known to us as simply “Messi” the 23 years old Argentinean football player won the prestigious accolade of FIFA Ballon d’Or bestowed by FIFA. He was bestowed with this award at a special gala event organized by FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland in January 2010 during the dead of winter when many are seeking central heating oil suppliers.

Ballon d’Or is also known as European Footballer of the year and is awarded annually to a player who showed remarkable performance in the preceding calendar year. Initially, this award only recognized the efforts of the European players causing outstanding players like Pele and Diego Maradona to be left out from its consideration. However, in 1995 the rules were changed and the scope of the award was extended to non-European players as well.

The prestigious Ballon d’Or and the FIFA footballer of the year awards were merged in 2010 and hence it became known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or award and Lionel Messi is the first player to win this merged award. He has won this award for two consecutive years now beating players like; Andreas Iniesta and Xavi who also competing for this award. The results are published based on the votes made by prominent journalists, coaches as well as the captains of a lot of national football teams.

Messi was evidently quite excited and thanked all in the ceremony. By winning this award he has made a major accomplishment and has joined the likes of other football legends; such as, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini.

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Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson announced that he considers Dimitar Berbatov to be the most valuable player in Manchester United this season. Ferguson keeps praising Berbatov’s skills on the field.

Nevertheless Berbatov needed quite some time to win the hearts of the fans. But it seems that after Rooney’s sex scandal and the rumours around him, it is time for Berbatov to shine. Dimitar was constantly criticised for being moody, and he was even called “a lazy boy”. His recent efforts haven’t been neglected though. However, after one brilliant start of the new season Berbatov is in the “goal-free” zone again. For the past five games he was unable to score a single one. Nevertheless he is still believed to be the head of the team and it is clear that these extra responsibilities stimulate the footballer.

Sir Alex comments that Berbatov has managed to evolve into the player that the fans and the club demand. Playing for Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, can be extremely beneficial for a player, but it requires tremendous endeavourers. Ferguson admits that no one has ever doubted Berbatov’s skills, but in the beginning he just couldn’t keep up with the team’s dynamics.

Dimitar Berbatov is a striker born in 1981 in Bulgaria . He started his career in Pirin Blagoevgrad Footbal Club. After that he plaed for CSKA Sofia. His first big transfer was in Bayer Leverkusen in 2000. After that he played for Tottenham for three seasons, from 2006 to 2009. Then he moved to Old Trafford for the huge amount of £30m, a bit more than what you would pay for some limited edition sculptures. In several interview Berbatov shares that his child dream was to play for Manchester United. Lucky him.

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