ID :
31111
Wed, 11/19/2008 - 17:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/31111
The shortlink copeid
"SHOWDOWN OF CHAMPIONS" MESMERIZE LOCAL TENNIS FANS
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Nov (Bernama) -- Four tennis superstars playing in the "Showdown of Champions", kept the local fans on their feet with a mesmerizing exhibition of world class tennis at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil National Sports Centre, Tuesday night.
An estimated 6,000 fans were treated to a blend of past and present tennis
frolics from current world number two Roger Federer from Switzerland, world no.
11 James Blake (USA) as well as two former world no. 1s American John McEnroe
and Bjorn Borg of Sweden.
In the first one-set-match, John McEnroe, 49, edged Bjorn Borg, 52, 7-6
(13-11) after a tie break in 59 minutes.
"This is a special match as it reminded both of us of our past rivalry
during the good old days," said McEnroe who won seven Grand Slam titles
including three Wimbledon titles during his professional career.
Both, McEnroe and Borg started their rivalry when they met in the 1980
Wimbledon final which was won by Bjorn, while McEnroe avenged that defeat by
reversing the order in the 1981 US Open final and went on to win three
consecutive Wimbledon titles.
Meanwhile, in another singles match, Federer edged Blake 7-6 (10-7) in a
tie
break that lasted 44 minutes.
"It was a good match as both of us played hard. And, the fans enjoyed it,"
said Federer adding that this was his second appearance here after having played
against Pete Sampras last year.
In a doubles match held later and featuring all four players, deemed a
match
between America and Europe, McEnroe and Blake emerged victorious by beating Borg
and Federer, 7-5 in 41 minutes.
Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and his consort Tuanku Nur
Zahirah were among the fans at the stadium together with Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
Tuanku Mizan later presented prizes to the winners.
-- BERNAMA
An estimated 6,000 fans were treated to a blend of past and present tennis
frolics from current world number two Roger Federer from Switzerland, world no.
11 James Blake (USA) as well as two former world no. 1s American John McEnroe
and Bjorn Borg of Sweden.
In the first one-set-match, John McEnroe, 49, edged Bjorn Borg, 52, 7-6
(13-11) after a tie break in 59 minutes.
"This is a special match as it reminded both of us of our past rivalry
during the good old days," said McEnroe who won seven Grand Slam titles
including three Wimbledon titles during his professional career.
Both, McEnroe and Borg started their rivalry when they met in the 1980
Wimbledon final which was won by Bjorn, while McEnroe avenged that defeat by
reversing the order in the 1981 US Open final and went on to win three
consecutive Wimbledon titles.
Meanwhile, in another singles match, Federer edged Blake 7-6 (10-7) in a
tie
break that lasted 44 minutes.
"It was a good match as both of us played hard. And, the fans enjoyed it,"
said Federer adding that this was his second appearance here after having played
against Pete Sampras last year.
In a doubles match held later and featuring all four players, deemed a
match
between America and Europe, McEnroe and Blake emerged victorious by beating Borg
and Federer, 7-5 in 41 minutes.
Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and his consort Tuanku Nur
Zahirah were among the fans at the stadium together with Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
Tuanku Mizan later presented prizes to the winners.
-- BERNAMA
