Olympics-2008

ORLANDO, Florida: Dwight Howard plopped down on the bench, pulled his jersey into his mouth and stared at Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrating on his homecourt.

The best season in Orlando Magic history came to a close on Sunday night, with a 99-86 loss to the Lakers in Game 5 of the NBA finals.

As teammates filed to the locker room slowly, Howard didn't budge. Finally, Jameer Nelson came back to give him some company on the bench, a view that had been great for most of this season.

"What I just told Jameer is look at it, just see how they're celebrating," Howard said. "And it should motivate us to want to get in the gym, want to get better, just to see those guys celebrating."

The Lakers ran off 16 straight points in a dominant second quarter to go ahead 56-46, built a 16-point lead early in the third period and coasted to their 15th championship. The Magic never came close.

The sound of happy Lakers fans scattered throughout Amway Arena kept the building from going silent. The smiles on the Magic fans were replaced with frowns, that hopeful feeling swapped for more heartache.

"I went over to give him a hug," Nelson said. "He just wanted me to stay there with him. He's taking it hard. We all are."

Orlando had relied so heavily on 3-pointers all season but couldn't connect for most of Game 5. The Magic had 13 turnovers and no answer for Los Angeles' potent offense.

As painful as the final game was for Howard and his teammates, the memories of the Magic meltdowns in Games 2 and 4 are likely to sting even worse.

Those games were there for the Magic to take.

Orlando guard Courtney Lee missed an alley-oop attempt at the regulation buzzer in Game 2, a potential winning shot. The Magic lost in overtime.

Orlando was ahead 87-84 with 11.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 4 when Howard missed a pair of free throws that could have sealed the game and tied the series. Instead, the Magic again lost in overtime.

"It's definitely bitter," Rashard Lewis said. "We made it all the way to the finals and couldn't seal the deal."

Orlando returned to the finals for only the second time in franchise history, coming back in the spotlight for the first time since Shaquille O'Neal left the franchise in ruins when he bolted for Los Angeles after the 1996 season. The Magic were swept 4-0 by the Houston Rockets in the '95 finals.

Howard, the defensive player of the year, struggled to dominant offensively against the Lakers the way he had for most of the playoffs. He had 11 points and 10 rebounds in Game 5.

Back in the locker room, long after most of the stragglers and teammates had cleared, he sat at in his chair dejected. Nelson again came over, gave him a pat on the head and whispered a few words in his ear.

The feeling was shared throughout the Magic locker room.

"It's tough on him," Magic point guard Rafer Alston said. "It's tough on everyone. He's the franchise player, but we're all hurting."If there's any for the Magic consolation, their All-Star core of Howard, Lewis and Nelson - whose premature comeback from a shoulder injury for the finals was mostly a flop - should remain intact.

Hedo Turkoglu has a player option for next season, but Orlando's 30-year-old starting forward has said he will likely opt out of the last year of his contract to become a free agent. Backup center Marcin Gortat will be an unrestricted free agent, meaning Orlando likely will not be able to afford to keep both.

The Magic believe their future is bright. "We can take a lot out of this season," Nelson said. "This is only the beginning."

AP

 

US swimmer Michael Phelps (L) talks with Canadian swimmer Brent Hayden after Hayden defeated Phelps in the men's 100 meter freestyle event during the Santa Clara International Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, California June 14, 2009.

SANTA CLARA -- Michael Phelps was beaten in the 100-meter freestyle and 100 backstroke Sunday at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix swim meet.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist finished second behind Brent Hayden of Canada in Sunday's night final. Hayden, the leading qualifier, touched in 48.44 seconds. Phelps, swimming in lane 8, had 48.87.

Phelps lost the 100 back to Olympic teammate Ryan Lochte, who went out fast and held on in 54.15 to complete a sweep of the backstroke events. Phelps touched second in 54.31.

Lochte relished the victory over his friend and rival.

"I always like to get a little kick in there," he said, smiling. "Anyone is beatable. It's just a matter of time and where."

Phelps had two wins from four races in his second competition since returning from a three-month suspension by USA Swimming after a photo of him using a marijuana pipe surfaced. He won the 200 butterfly on Friday and the 400 free Saturday.

"I'm ready to go home and sleep in my own bed," said Phelps, who arrived in Northern California direct from three weeks of altitude training in Colorado. "For me, it's about seeing where we are and where we have to improve on. The wins are going to be more down the road."

Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe finished off a strong meet by winning the 200 backstroke with the world's fastest time this year.

She was timed in 2:06.99, a meet record, but well off her world mark of 2:05.24 that earned a gold medal in Beijing.

Coming up for Phelps is a final tuneup meet in Montreal next weekend before the US national titles at Indianapolis on July 7-11. That's where the team for the world championships in Rome will be selected.

Canadian swimmer Brent Hayden celebrates after defeating US swimmer Michael Phelps in the men's 100 meter freestyle event during the Santa Clara International Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, California June 14, 2009.

"He always likes to win, but I think he made some progress in the 100 free and his time was pretty good in the 100 back," Phelps' coach Bob Bowman said. "The headline tomorrow is 'Phelps loses twice,' but it's something he just has to live with."

Phelps set the American record of 47.51 in the 100 free as part of the victorious US relay at the Beijing Olympics, where he won a record eight gold medals.

Hayden didn't advance out of the semifinals in Beijing.

"I wasn't on my game," he said. "I'm not holding any regrets."

Sunday's result was a reversal of their 2007 race in Santa Clara. That's when Hayden led with 15 meters to go before Phelps sprinted past him to win.

"Anytime I get a chance to race Michael it's exciting," said Hayden, who will defend his title at next month's world meet in Rome. "It would be awesome to see him in the 100 at world championships."

Hayden offered a bit of advice to Phelps, who is focusing on shorter distances in the push toward his last Olympics in 2012.

"He's not really much of a sprinter," Hayden said. "Work on that front-end speed. Everyone knows he's got the fastest back-end of that race."

US swimmer Michael Phelps (L) congratulates compatriot Ryan Lochte after Lochte defeated Phelps in the men's 100 meter backstroke event during the Santa Clara International Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, California June 14, 2009.

US swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after finishing in second place in the men's 100 meter backstroke event during the Santa Clara International Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, California June 14, 2009.

[Agencies]

ORLANDO, Fla. – Kobe Bryant has the NBA title he needed most - the one without Shaq.

Bryant's seven-year chase of a coveted championship is over. He's got his fourth, and Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson his record 10th, a ring for each finger. One year after failing in the finals, Bryant and the Lakers have redemption, and all the rewards that go with it.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant holds up the Bill Russell MVP Award (R) and the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy as he signals his four Championship wins after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (24) goes up to score past Orlando Magic Courtney Lee (2nd L) and Hedo Turkoglu (L) as Magic Rashard Lewis, Lakers Andrew Bynum and Magic Dwight Howard (C-R) watch during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

They earned their 15th title on Sunday night as Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol added 14 and 15 rebounds in a 99-86 win in Game 5 over the Orlando Magic, who ran out of comebacks.

It took longer than Bryant expected, but he has stepped out of former teammate Shaquille O'Neal's enormous shadow - at last. His fourth championship secured a strong case can be made for Bryant being the league's best player since Michael Jordan hung up his sneakers.

His coach stands alone.

Jackson, the chilled-out, bow-legged Zen Master who won six league titles in the 1990s with Jordan in Chicago, now has won No. 4 with Los Angeles and broke a tie with legendary Boston coach Red Auerbach as the winningest coach in finals history.

"I'll smoke the cigar tonight in memory of Red," Jackson said. "He was a great guy."

Bryant and Jackson, whose relationship strained and briefly snapped under the weight of success, are again at the top of their games.

Together.

Nothing was going to stop Bryant, who spent the postseason scowling, snarling, baring his teeth and all but breathing fire at anything in his path. For weeks, the All-Star has worn his game face, and only when the victory was his in the final seconds did the finals MVP allow himself to smile.

After the final horn, he leaped into the air and was quickly engulfed by his teammates, who bounced around the floor of Amway Arena. Bryant then gave a long, heartfelt hug and shared a few words with Jackson before sweeping up his daughters, both wearing gold Lakers dresses, into his arms.

Bryant had come up short twice in the finals before, in 2004 with O'Neal against Detroit, and again last season against the Celtics in the renewal of the league's best rivalry. The Lakers were beaten in six games, losing the finale in Boston by 39 points, a humiliating beatdown that Bryant and his teammates had trouble shaking.

They went to training camp with one goal in mind. This was going to be their season, and except for a few minor missteps, it was.

After beating Utah in the first round, Los Angeles was forced to go seven games against Houston, which lost center Yao Ming to an injury. The Lakers then took care of Denver in six games, setting up a matchup with the shoot-from-their-hips Magic, who made their first visit to the finals since O'Neal took them there in 1995.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic's Marcin Gortat (13) of Poland during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant celebrates their NBA Championship win after defeating the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter of Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (3rd L) goes to the basket as Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (3rd R) tries to block the shot in the third quarter during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009. Watching the play are Magic's Rashard Lewis (L), Courtney Lee (2nd L), Hedo Turkoglu (2nd R) and Lakers' Pau Gasol (R).

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) goes to the basket past Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard in the third quarter during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (R) celebrates a basket against the Orlando Magic with teammate Pau Gasol in the second quarter during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy after they defeated the Orlando Magic to win the NBA basketball championship in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant drives to the net between Orlando Magic Hedo Turkoglu (15) of Turkey and Marcin Gortat (13) of Poland as Lakers Pau Gasol (L) of Spain looks on during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) grabs a rebound ahead of Los Angeles Lakers' (L-R) Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard walks off after being called for a foul in the third quarter during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series against the Los Angeles Lakers in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy yells from the bench in the second quarter during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Orlando, Florida June 14, 2009.

Tennis player Serena Williams smiles as she sits courtside during Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2009.

[Agencies]

Pop star Madonna holds the child named Mercy in this undated publicity photo taken in Malawi and released to Reuters April 13, 2009. [Agencies]

BLANTYRE- U.S. pop star Madonna was allowed on Friday to adopt a second child from Malawi, although the father of the 4-year-old girl said he wants her back, a plea likely to stir fresh controversy for the singer.

Malawi's Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling in April which said Madonna could not adopt Mercy James because she was not a resident of the southern African country.

Rights groups have accused the government of giving Madonna special treatment and said the case would encourage foreigners to think they can adopt Malawian children at will.

Mercy's father said Madonna, one of the music industry's most successful singers, should not be allowed to adopt Mercy.

"No one wants to listen to me, I have protested this all along ... I want my child back but I don't know what to do now," James Kabewa told Reuters by telephone from his poor township.

"Madonna cannot take her away."

There is little he can do. The Supreme Court ruling cannot be challenged. Kabewa said he quit his job as a security guard to fight the adoption and was being supported by his aunt.

According to tradition in southern Malawi, where Kabewa lives, a grandmother has more say in a child's future than the father. When Mercy's mother died Kabewa was powerless to stop his daughter being sent to an orphanage when she was 3-days-old.

An AIDS epidemic in Malawi has orphaned more than one million children and Madonna has set up a children's charity.

Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo said the singer had shown an interest in helping Malawi orphans and that Mercy would have a better life with her. He said a lower court had erred in turning down the adoption request:

"Madonna has shown that she is bold, and compassionate enough to come forward to adopt Chifundo (Mercy) James,"

In a statement Madonna said: "I am ecstatic...My family and I look forward to sharing our lives with her."

Malawi's government came under fire in 2006 after Madonna adopted a 13-month-old child, David Banda, with critics accusing it of giving her special treatment by skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children.

"Of course we are disappointed with the ruling because we know that adoption should only be granted as the last resort," said Maxwell Matewele, executive director of the Eye on Child non-governmental organization.

Madonna has entertained millions around the world with hits like "Material Girl" and "Papa Don't Preach," creating a fair amount of controversy along the way.

The star, who was divorced last year from British film director Guy Ritchie, had enjoyed album sales of more than 200 million.

FILE - In this May 27, 2008 file photo, Usher appears onstage during MTV's 'Total Request Live' at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York. Court records show singer Usher has filed for divorce from Tameka Foster Raymond after less than two years of marriage.

ATLANTA – Court records show singer Usher has filed for divorce from Tameka Foster Raymond after less than two years of marriage. The 30-year-old Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Usher Raymond IV, filed the petition Friday in Superior Court in Atlanta. The court record did not give any details about the split between the R&B star and his wife, who were married in August 2007.

They have two young sons, 1 1/2-year-old Usher Raymond V and 6-month-old Naviyd Ely Raymond. His wife has three children from a previous marriage.

E-mail and telephone messages to Usher's publicist were not immediately returned.

[Agencies]

Cameron Diaz is still grieving for her late father.

The 'My Sister's Keeper' actress was "stunned" when her father Emilio died of pneumonia in April 2008, because he was only 58 years old.

The blonde beauty said: "I was in shock. My dad was a huge part of my life and I think about him every day still. He will be a part of me forever."

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old actress has revealed she doesn't care if people call her a spinster, because she still has "plenty of time" to get married and have children.

She said: "I think it's only normal for people to ask my views on motherhood, especially of someone my age, because it seems like he obvious thing, 'Why haven't you done it yet?' But it doesn't bother me.

"It's not the cross I bear. I simply have no idea at this stage in my life. Besides, I'm still young. I have one nephew and four nieces. I've seen three births. I've been there for the dirty diapers, I've done the bottles. I know what it takes to do it."

Earlier this week, Cameron revealed she thinks it is unfair women are made to feel guilty for not wanting to have a family.

She said: "I think women are afraid to say that they don't want children because they're going to get shunned. But I think that's changing too now. I have more girlfriends who don't have kids than those that do.

"And honestly? We don't need any more kids. We have plenty of people on this planet."

MANCHESTER: Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds ( $130 million, 94 million euros), the club said Thursday.

"Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid," said a statement on its website, under the headline "Reds accept 80m Ronaldo bid."

The statement continued: "At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player. "Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Real confirmed they had approached United with a bid for Ronaldo but gave no indication of the fee involved.

"The club hopes to reach an agreement with the player in the coming days," a statement on the club website read.

Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish giants, whose recently-returned president Florentino Perez vowed earlier this week to do "everything possible" to take the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu.

The news comes just days after Real clinched the 56 million pounds transfer of Brazilian playmaker Kaka from Italian side AC Milan as they look to compete with archrivals Barcelona on the domestic front and such as Manchester United and Chelsea in the Champions League.

United fans have repeatedly been told no deal had been agreed for the sale of FIFA's world player of the year in the face of regular statements from Spain the former Sporting Lisbon star was bound for the Bernabeu.

There was no immediate statement from Real Madrid, but it has been reported in England that Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles, earlier this year had agreed a pre-contract with the Spanish club worth 8.3 million pounds a year over the next five years.

He has been keen to join Real for 18 months and it took a last-ditch plea from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford last year.

Ronaldo, who joined United for 12 million pounds in 2003, had made it clear he wanted a new challenge after winning the Champions League in 2008. But Ferguson flew to Lisbon and talked him into one more year with United before reporting Real to FIFA for an illegal approach.

However, Ronaldo, who is contracted to United until 2012, was never fully embraced by fans or teammates after his flirtation with Real.

His name was sung less at Old Trafford and there was a noticable drop-off in his performances. Although he scored 18 league goals and helped United to the Premier League title, Ronaldo was often an uninterested bystander for long periods in matches.

Cracks in his relationship with Ferguson began to show when Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted against Manchester City and then criticized the United manager's tactics after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. He clearly feels he is in danger of growing stale and the chance to be part of Real's new galaticos project will appeal to a player never shy of playing on his star quality.

Ferguson had previously insisted he "wouldn't sell that mob a virus" when asked about the possibility of allowing Ronaldo to join Real.

But the Scot has run out of patience with Ronaldo's hankering to move to Spain and has finally decided to cash in on his prize asset. United's debts of 700 million pounds must also have played a role in the club's decision to accept the offer.

(China Daily)

EMBLEY, England: David Beckham was closer to achieving his dream of playing in another World Cup by starting and finishing his first competitive match for England since 2007 in Wednesday's 6-0 rout of Andorra in a qualifier.

England's David Beckham acknowledges the crowd after their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Andorra at Wembley Stadium in London June 10, 2009. [Agencies]

 

A 112th England appearance at the age of 34 will raise Beckham's hopes of making the finals in South Africa next year, assuming his team qualifies, and of potentially breaking the national all-time record of 125 caps held by retired goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Beckham has 17 goals in his 13-year England career, but he is yet to score at England's national stadium - the old or the rebuilt Wembley. The crowd shouted "shoot, shoot" in the dying moments on Wednesday, hoping to be there for his first Wembley goal.

"It's obviously missing, but I don't care," Beckham said. "At the end of the day, I'm happy with being in this team. I'm happy with performing in this team and playing with these players because it's a great team and a great squad to be around at the moment. Whether I score or not at Wembley, we'll see. As long as we carry on winning, I don't care."

AP

 

ORLANDO -- The Los Angeles Lakers built up a comfortable 3-1 lead in the NBA finals, rallying to beat the Orlando Magic 99-91 overtime in Game Four to move within one win of a 15th championship.

Los Angeles Lakers Derek Fisher (R) shakes hands with teammate Kobe Bryant after Fisher hit a three-point shot in overtime during Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Florida, June 11, 2009. 

Kobe Bryant had 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers but it was Derek Fisher that matters, sending the game into overtime with a 25-foot three-pointer with 4.6 seconds left in regulation and then having a key three-pointer with 31.3 seconds remaining in the extra session to give the Lakers a 94-91 lead.

Dwight Howard had 16 points, 21 rebounds and a finals-record nine blocked shots, but he was just 6 of 14 from the free throw line as the Magic failed to put away the game in regulation.

The Lakers can wrap up their first title since 2002 with a victory in Orlando on Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant runs a play against the Orlando Magic in overtime during Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 11, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol (C) grabs a rebound in front of Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (R) and Jameer Nelson during Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 11, 2009.

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter during Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 11, 2009

Los Angeles Lakers Trevor Ariza (R) scores past Orlando Magic's Hedo Turkoglu of Turkey during Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida, June 11, 2009.

Los Angeles Lakers Derek Fisher (L) hits a three-point shot over Orlando Magic Jameer Nelson with 4 seconds left to tie the game and send in into overtime in Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida June 11, 2009.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (L) grabs Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant after Bryant stole the ball away from Howard in the third quarter of Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Orlando, Florida June 11, 2009.

[Agencies]

Heidi Klum feels likes a "Buddha".

The pregnant supermodel - who raises three children with musician husband Seal - loves the way her body has changed, and has likened her baby bump to the rotund religious figure.

She said: "You get used to all the changes of your body. It's not like I'm going, 'Oh my God!' I'm used to that part of it. You feel like a Buddha!"

Heidi added her children - daughter Leni, five, and sons Henry, three, and two-year-old Johan - are fascinated with her expanding tummy.

Leni in particular loves seeing how much it has grown, and has been known to check its progress in the most unfortunate of ways.

Heidi laughed: "They get it. They always rub my tummy.

"If I had a dress on, Leni would literally go all the way down under my dress to rub my tummy. And I go, 'My underwear is showing, thank you very much!' "

Heidi - who posed for lingerie giants Victoria's Secret two months after Henry's birth - added she has no concerns about regaining her pre-pregnancy figure, insisting her body will have no problem springing back into shape.

She added to Us Weekly magazine: "I know my body will go back again!"