Wimbledon giant-killer Lu Yen-hsun believes Li Na’s historic French Open triumph can inspire a generation of new Asian tennis superstars as long as they can handle the stresses and strains.
Lu, who last year became the first Taiwanese man to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final, beating Andy Roddick on the way, insists that the Chinese woman’s Paris breakthrough will also mark a shift in the game’s balance of power.
“It’s a positive for me and for Asia. It’s different for men, of course, but Li’s win shows what can be done and that it is possible to reach a major final,” Lu said. “Nothing is impossible. It wasn’t long ago that players from the United States were winning the Grand Slam titles, then it was Europeans. It’s no different for Asia.”
However, Asian men have traditionally struggled at Grand Slams and 27-year-old Lu believes coping with the pressures of expectation is key to a potential breakthrough.
“Thailand’s Paradorn Sri-chaphan showed that it’s possible to win and be consistent. Look at Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, they handle pressure consistently and win Grand Slams,” Lu said. “I have a lot of points to defend here because I made the quarter-finals last year, but so what? I will come back in the future. I can enjoy it and smell the grass.”
Lu admitted that his successes here last year increased expectations on him and until Wimbledon the world No. 57 had not won back-to-back matches all year.
“I became very famous in Taiwan, people supported me and followed me and were expecting me to play better and better, but I try to enjoy it. I am happy to have won two matches here. It’ll be good for me,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely