Although the finals will be happening as we go to print, listed are some of the highlights of this year’s Australian Open:
a. Nick Kyrgios’ brilliant showing against Rafael Nadal
b. Serena Williams’ loss, denying her a chance to equal Margaret Court’s 24 grand slam victories
c. Margaret Court’s relatively low-key celebration of 50 years since winning all grand slams in one calendar year
d. Ash Barty’s brilliant play throughout the tournament
Still, it was disappointing to see the Young Australian of the Year bundled out of the semi-final, going down 7-6 7-5 to American Sofia Kenin, despite holding two set points in the first set tiebreaker and serving for the second set at 5-4. During the match the air temperature rose to almost 40 degrees! Ash, we are proud of you.
Goodbye Kobe
Los Angeles Lakers guard and five-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Kobe Bryant was travelling in his private helicopter with eight other people, including his 13 year-old daughter, when it crashed in Calabasas, California, about 65 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. There were no survivors. Bryant was basketball royalty and a wonderful role model.
Doueihi joins the Tigers
Wests Tigers have signed disgruntled South Sydney young gun Adam Doueihi. The 21 year-old had been linked for several weeks with a move to the Tigers following Roosters star Latrell Mitchell’s arrival at South Sydney.
Doueihi had allegedly been promised the starting fullback position this off-season by coach Wayne Bennett. A Balmain junior, he will be an asset to his new club. The four-year deal was rubber-stamped and confirmed by the Tigers on Thursday January 30, with the contract worth around $2.5 million.
SSH rugby league reporter John Lanzky says: “We will miss Doueihi. He’s a good player. We still have a strong backline though, and good young forwards coming through. I predict a top-four finish for Souths, a big year. Go Rabbitohs!”
