Now that's what you call a ball-gown! Tennis player Bethanie Mattek-Sands goes Gaga at pre-Wimbledon party in wacky yellow dress

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Flamboyant: American tennis player Bethanie Mattek-Sands makes an entrance at the WTA pre-Wimbledon party in a tennis ball dress


Bethanie Mattek-Sands has described herself as the Lady Gaga of the tennis world due to her flamboyant fashion taste.

So who better to dress the American tennis player than one of Gaga's own designers.

The 26-year-old made an attention-seeking entrance at the Women's Tennis Association pre-Wimbledon party in London last night in a tennis-inspired dress.


Wild thing: Mattek-Sands' dress was made using real tennis balls by London-based designer Alex Noble


The startling dress included a neon green corset made of parts of tennis balls, with matching shoulder pads.

More tennis balls were then attached to some neon green chiffon to create a Mohican-style hat.

Mattek-Sands, who is currently No.31 in the world rankings, commissioned British designer Alex Noble to create her flamboyant gown for the bash at the Kensington Roof Gardens.

Mattek-Sands is no stranger to breaking the style rules, who was fined for wearing a cowboy hat on the court in 2005.


Breaking the rules: Mattek-Sands is hoping to slip in a bit of her individualism to the court at Wimbledon this year


A lover of crazy fashion, Mattek-Sands knows she will have to tone down her wardrobe to adhere to Wimbledon's strict dress code.

So the pre-Wimbledon bash was the perfect opportunity for her to show her individualism outside the rigid rules of the South West London club.

She said last month: 'I don't think I can really challenge the colour rule right now.

'You know, I got to figure something out. Obviously the white, you got to work with a lot of the cuts. Obviously I'll be wearing my high socks. But yeah, it's always challenging to think of new things for Wimbledon.



Colour statement: American tennis player Serena Williams wore a figure-hugging jade Burberry dress, while Russian player Maria Sharapova wore a red skater dress


'I think the fans that come to Wimbledon appreciate everything I do. I think it's more probably the members and the people higher up that are tut-tutting me.'

Mattek-Sands and Noble met up in Madrid and Copenhagen earlier this month and was open to his idea of making the gown out of tennis balls.

In an online video following the making of the gown, Mattek-Sands said: 'Fashion has always been super-interesting for me.'


Lady Gaga designer Alex Noble designs a dress for Bethanie Mattek-Sands


source :dailymail

Fuelling the flames of the games: Golden Olympic 2012 torch unveiled that will be carried by 8,000 runners

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Golden triangle: London 2012 chairman Lord Coe holds the three-cornered torch aloft as he unveils the design today


Lord Coe forced to defend ticket allocation process

This is the golden torch that will be carried by the 8,000 runners on the London 2012 relay, it was announced today.

The Olympic Flame will burn from a curved triangular aluminium tube which has a lace-like mesh complete with 8,000 holes - one to represent each torchbearer.

The triangular shape of the torch also symbolises the three times that London has staged the Games - 1908, 1948 and 2012. This is a special feat in Olympic history.



New and old: The 2012 torch, left, contains 8,000 holes to represent every runner, and right, the 1948 versions from the last time London hosted the Games


The torch, which will carry the Olympic Flame to the London 2012 Games opening ceremony, has been created by design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: 'The torch that carries the Olympic Flame during the Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games.

London 2012's Olympic torch relay will start on May 19 in Land's End and travel as far as the outer Hebrides.


Denise Lewis, who won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2000 Olympics in sydney, with London 2012 torch


An average of 110 people a day will take centre stage by carrying the Olympic Flame on its journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

They won a competitive tender, run by London 2012 and the Design Council, to create the torch.



They described it as 'quite simply the best project going - to design an icon for the Games'.

In a statement they said: 'We've wanted to be involved since July 2005 when we were celebrating winning the bid with the rest of the UK.

'We have worked hard to develop a torch that celebrates the relay, and reflects the passion for London and the Olympic Games.

'We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK - it's a torch for our time.





Lord Coe and Denise Lewis at St Pancras station in London for the launch of the torch design



Visits: The 8,000 runners will carry the torch across Britain taking in these major areas during the 70-day relay


source: dailymail

Ruthless Rafa! The Spanish juggernaut rolls on but Federer goes down fighting in Paris

By MIKE DICKSON

King again: Rafael Nadal stormed to a sixth French Open title beating Switzerland's Roger Federer


Roger Federer came to Roland Garros and made his point, but he could not make it loud enough to suppress the extraordinary Rafael Nadal.

We get the message that Federer is no spent force, and when Wimbledon starts in a fortnight nobody will be underestimating him as they did here and writing him out of the sport's remarkable narrative of 2011.

Yet that is something different from actually beating Nadal and interfering with the private duel he is waging with the records of Bjorn Borg from more than 25 years ago



While Federer was often brilliant and always adventurous in his attempts to stop his greatest rival he was ultimately powerless to prevent a 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 defeat that took three hours and 40 minutes.

This was Nadal's 10th Grand Slam title and his sixth at Roland Garros, tying with the tally amassed by the great Swede at this stadium.

Of the seven men in history who have reached double figures when it comes to the game's major trophies, only Borg reached 10 at a younger age than the Spaniard's 25 years and two days.


Mutual respect: The game pitted the two greatest players to ever play against each other


Of more current significance is that going into Wimbledon Nadal will still be the world No 1, having defended the position against the odds from the frantic assault of Novak Djokovic.

Federer facilitated that by his semi-final defeat of the Serb and, most unwillingly, played his part again by losing in what was his first Grand Slam final since last year's Australian Open. Nonetheless he was pleased at least to be back in the conversation about who belongs where in the game's highest echelon.

'At the Australian Open when people thought me and Rafa were done I told them to wait six months. Now the talk is different again. I feel really good physically and the priority is to win Wimbledon,' he said.


Holding court: Nadal was at his imperious best, reaching almost everything Federer could throw at him


The slightly scary thing is that Nadal has not been quite at his best in this Championship. 'The fact that I didn't start so good and was able to change and play my best is the most satisfying thing,' said Nadal, who in the final three rounds faced the world No 5, four and three, none of whom played below themselves, and ended up dropping just a set to them.

Poor old Andy Murray. Still no Grand Slam title in the cupboard and now he is up against a rejuvenated Federer, a man who hardly ever loses in Djokovic and the No 1 in full working order.

In line with his usual routine the victor will be on the Eurostar this lunchtime and later in the day will take his first steps on to a grass court to practise for this week's AEGON Championships at London's Queen's Club. There will be a quick break at home in Majorca when he is finished there and then it is on to Wimbledon. This has worked beautifully in recent years.



Well supported: Fans of the Spaniard, who is a firm favourite at the French, packed into the stadium


Federer got off to an explosive start. At 5-2 up, with an aggressive policy of going for lines and attacking the net paying off, his career's crowning glory of a victory over Nadal at Roland Garros did not look out of the question.

But to beat the Spaniard here, as Murray will attest, requires sustained brilliance that is beyond the bounds of other humans' endeavour, plus huge nerve.


Out of reach: Federer had, until the final, been showing signs he was back to his best


The crucial game was at 5-3 when Federer landed in only one first serve out of six and was broken back after missing a set point with a drop shot. The Nadal hammer came slamming down as he reeled off seven games in sequence to reach 2-0 in the second set.

Federer stuck to his attacking policy and was rewarded with a break back for 4-4.

Further breaks were swapped - it will be a crumb of encouragement to others that Nadal's serve has been less than watertight here - but in the tiebreak the Swiss made a couple of early errors and could not recover from the 4-0 deficit that opened up.


Disruption: Even a small rain delay couldn't upset Nadal's rhythm


Federer is revered in Paris like nowhere else and the Court Philippe Chatrier roared him back into the match when he came with a surge from 4-2 down in the third. Having little to lose he hit out, and with Nadal unable to stem the flow his tactic of trying to break down the Federer backhand was met with a flurry of winners.

More than three hours was on the clock, and it was worth remembering that, with Federer only three months shy of his 30th birthday Nadal is five years younger.


Net gains: The win ensures Nadal goes into Wimbledon into high spirits after seeing his No 1 spot threatened


The second most crucial game was the opener of the fourth set, which saw Nadal carve out a hold from 0-40 that palpably put a break on his opponent's momentum.

As had happened when 5-3 up in the first, Federer seemed to second guess himself, and once Nadal had secured the break for 3-1 there was no doubt he would pick up the Coupe Des Mousquetaires for the sixth time.

He leaves Paris with a staggering 45-1 record in this tournament. A huge amount of physical and mental energy goes into these triumphs and at times you wonder how much more he can have left, but on days like this Nadal looks as if he will go on for ever.



This much difference: The defeat for Federer merely highlighted his fall from the summit of the world game


rafael nadal vs roger federer 2011


source: dailymail

Awesome Federer ends Djokovic hot streak to set up French Open final against Nadal

By MIKE DICKSON

The true No 1: Roger Federer celebrates beating Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals


Novak Djokovic's brilliant winning streak met a dramatic, murky end when Roger Federer announced he was far from finished.

At 9.37pm and with an overnight suspension due, the Swiss brought Roland Garros to its feet by becoming the first man to beat Djokovic this year as he inflicted on him a 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 defeat.

Federer was the last man to overcome the Serb back in November at the O2 Arena, and now he may have put a stop to his ambitions of becoming world No 1.

If Nadal wins Sunday's final he can retain the position threatened by Djokovic's 41 straight victories, a sequence which is one fewer than John McEnroe's run in 1984.



Mutual respect: Federer embraces Djokovic after an enthralling match of the highest quality


What a sight: The Swiss maestro guides another mesmeric backhand down the line


With the start of play ridiculously put back an hour, they looked like gatecrashing women's finals day when Federer, 30 in August, was twice a break down towards the end of the fourth set.

Yet he broke back both times and in the tiebreak, played through badly fading light, pumped down an 18th ace to clinch it 7-5.

Federer has been desperate to show he is not a spent force at a time when he has been shunted out of the top two and the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry is all the rage. It is a powerful motivating force, as his form all fortnight has demonstrated.


When you're hot, you're hot: Djokovic came into the match on the back of a 43-match winning streak


Tough day at the office: Djokovic feels the strain as he loses the first two sets


The confident Djokovic nonetheless forced two set points at 5-4 in the opener before the Swiss went on to edge the tiebreak 7-5.

Then we saw vintage Federer as, roared on by a crowd who have always adored him, he produced superbly fluent groundstrokes to blast through the second set 6-3 before the inevitable Djokovic comeback.

But Federer reached his first Grand Slam final since beating Andy Murray in Melbourne nearly 18 months ago.

A shattered Djokovic immediately pulled out of next week's Aegon Championships at Queen's.


You said it: Federer fans show their support for the 16-time grand slam champion



Celebrity spotting: Actress Salma Hayek was in the stands to watch Federer's brilliant display


FEDERER VS DJOKOVIC - ROLLAND GARROS 2011 | FULL HIGHLIGHTS | OFFICIAL HD



source: dailymail

Li crushes under-par Sharapova in straight sets to reach first French Open final

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

Pumped up: Na Li saw off Maria Sharapova in straight sets


Li Na reached her second successive grand slam final with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Maria Sharapova at the French Open.

The sixth seed, who lost to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open, took advantage of Sharapova's serving struggles to add the Russian to an impressive list of scalps in Paris, including Petra Kvitova and title favourite Victoria Azarenka.

Li had won their last two meetings but the most recent of those came on grass at Edgbaston last year and Sharapova certainly went in as the favourite after thrashing Andrea Petkovic in the quarter-finals.

Both players list clay as their least favourite surface, with the Russian once famously describing her movement on the red stuff as like a cow on ice, but she has grown in confidence this week.

She did almost come a cropper in the second round, though, trailing French teenager Caroline Garcia by a set and 4-1 before mounting one of her trademark comebacks.


A stretch too far: Sharapova had been in fine form coming into the semi-final


The swirling wind had affected Sharapova that day and conditions were very similar here, which was certainly a factor in Li winning the opening three games.

The seventh seed pegged her back to 4-3 and then 5-4 but she could not hold onto her serve, throwing in five double-faults in the set and missing a simple forehand on set point.


New ground: Li Na will contest her second Grand Slam final


Sharapova seemed to have turned things around with an early break in the second set but her serving demons were never far away and a seventh double-fault helped Li to level at 4-4.

The Chinese player was now firmly in the ascendancy and, with Sharapova serving to stay in the match for a second time, Li created two set points, taking the first on Sharapova's 10th double.



Poor service: Sharapova struggled with her serve throughout the semi-final clash

source: dailymail

Don't you know who I am? Corrie's Helen Flanagan refused entry into Scott's Swansea match... despite being a WAG

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


But I'm a WAG! Helen Flanagan argues with Wembley senior safety supervisors to try and be let back into the Swansea football match


Helen Flanagan might be a premiership WAG now, but staff supervisors at Wembley didn’t recognise the Coronation Street star at her boyfriend’s match yesterday.

The 20-year-old actress went to watch Scott Sinclair play for Swansea in yesterday’s play off against Reading, but was refused entry into the stadium.


She's on Corrie! Fans stepped in to tell security who she is


The star, who plays Rosie Webster in Corrie, left the stadium during the match and when she tried to return, security staff didn’t want to let her back in.

Fans stepped up to defend Sinclair’s girlfriend though and after convincing staff she was who she said she was, they eventually escorted her back in.

Luckily she managed to catch the end of the match, during which her boyfriend scored a hat-trick that has sent Swansea into the Premier League.


Thanks guys! Helen finally talked her way into their good books and was let back into the match


The 22-year-old footballer has been dating 20-year-old Flanagan for 18 months.
They met while the striker was on loan to Wigan from Chelsea and was living in Manchester.

But it seems the WAG hasn’t become as well-known yet as fellow footballer’s girlfriends by stadium staff.


Happy couple: Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair on a date in Manchester in April this year


Man of the match: Scott Sinclair of Swansea celebrates after scoring



Co-stars: Helen seen out last week in Manchester with her Corrie co-star Brooke Vincent

source: dailymail

Pippa's Paris freebie: VIP treatment at the tennis tournament for Kate's sister

By REBECCA ENGLISH

VIP treatment: Pippa Middleton receives a book from Xavier Peugeot during her freebie trip to watch the tennis in Paris


Sitting centre stage at the French Open on Monday, she appeared to be having a ball. And no wonder.

For Pippa Middleton was enjoying what those in the business like to call a ‘freebie’, courtesy of leading car firm Peugeot, which sponsors the Paris tennis tournament.

Indeed so excited was the company at its coup that news of the younger Middleton sister’s arrival in the Roland Garros VIP enclosure was plastered over the competition’s official programme yesterday with the headline: ‘Pippa à Roland! Sensation!’


Best seats in the house: Pippa could barely hide her delight as she watched the action through her Gucci sunglasses at Roland Garros


Her host Xavier Peugeot, who is the great, great grandson of one of the original founders of the firm, Armand, ensured the moment was captured for posterity.

Mr Peugeot, who is the family firm’s director of marketing and communications, even presented the new Duke of Cambridge’s sister-in-law with a lavishly bound book charting the 200-year history of the brand.

A coquettish Pippa – who normally drives a BMW Z4 – looked delighted to receive it.

The six-day trip saw Kate’s little (and some would say wildly more ambitious) sister arrive on Eurostar in Paris on Thursday for a few days’ sightseeing, with everything done in the best possible taste.

It will, however, raise questions about whether it is wise for her to be seen ‘cashing in’ on her sister’s new found celebrity.


Swanky: Pippa stayed for part of her holiday at a luxury apartment in the super chic - and eye-wateringly expensive - Rue de Varenne


Her seats at the Roland Garros tournament on Monday were some of the best in the house and Pippa, 27, who is herself a formidable player, couldn’t hide her delight as she watched the on-court action through a pair of tinted Gucci sunglasses.

A Peugeot source said: ‘Pippa was invited to Roland Garros by a friend who was a guest in the Peugeot VIP area hosted by Xavier. Once they realised who she was, she was introduced to a number of influential people. As a high profile and distinguished guest Xavier was keen to give her a gift to mark the firm’s bicentenary.’

The tennis tournament’s organisers were clearly also cock-a-hoop at the publicity Pippa’s visit afforded them, with the event’s daily newsletter picturing her on the front.


source: dailymail

Coleen Rooney plays supportive wife as husband Wayne scores Man Utd's only goal as they lose to Barca

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a day of it: Coleen Rooney and cousin-in-law Claire (far right) look excited in the stands at Wembley Stadium before kick-off


She'd travelled all the way from Liverpool to London to watch Barcelona beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final.

But things weren't so bad for Coleen Rooney as she watched her husband Wayne score the only goal at Wembley Stadium last night.

The WAG, 25, left her son Kai in the care of her parents as she turned the football match in a girls' day out with some of her closest friends.


Taking her seat: Coleen scans the field for a glimpse of her husband as the game is about to kick off


Mrs Rooney, her husband's cousin Claire Rooney and their pal Amy Louise Wilkinson travelled on a Virgin First Class train from Liverpool to Euston to the big game.

Clearly in good spirits ahead of the game, the trio quaffed a bottle of Veuce Cliquot champagne.


Check out the view: Wayne's cousin Claire (right) posted a photo on her Twitter of her and Coleen at the match


And the mother-of-one looked very chic for the terraces in her white blazer, black shirt and jeans after changing out of her train outfit in her hotel.

Despite Barcelona winning 3-1, Coleen proved a diplomatic supporter of her husband's team.


Girls day out: Coleen leads her friends Amy Louise Wilkinson (right) and Claire Rooney (left) through Euston station


She Tweeted: 'Oh no!!! Well done Wayne Rooney!! And congrats Barca, you play brilliant!!! Entertaining match and just great to be here and witness!'

Throughout the 90 minutes and during her journey on the train, Coleen frequently updated her Twitter followers with her thoughts.

At the beginning of the match, she Tweeted: 'Yeh it's brill but never thought I get nervous over a game of footie ha.'


Nervous: Mrs Rooney - wheeling her designer Louis Vuitton luggage behind her - admitted she was nervous ahead of the game


But it wasn't all fun and games - she ended up in a Twitter argument after a follower joked 'is Wayne playing tonight?'.

Coleen wrote: 'Take it you haven't paid your tv licence again!!! beenbuyingpies...
'Who ate all the pies?'


They think it's all over... it is now: Wayne Giggs comforts teammate Wayne Rooney after the final whistle

source :dailymail

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa crown Barca kings of Europe

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER


Joining the greats: Victor Valdes, Xavi and Eric Abidal toast another memorable night for the kings of Europe


For the second time in three years, brilliant Barcelona denied Manchester United Champions League glory with a sensational performance at Wembley.

Although United could take some small consolation from the knowledge they were more effective than that 2009 letdown in Rome and even managed to level Pedro's first-half strike through Wayne Rooney, once again the better team won.

On the ground where the Catalans lifted their first European Cup, Lionel Messi also laid his personal ghost to rest, scoring his first goal for Barcelona on English soil, belting home what proved to be the winner nine minutes into the second half.


The untouchables: Wayne rooney looks stunned as Barca celebrate at the final whistle


David Villa curled home an equally splendid third with just over 20 minutes to go to set the seal on Barcelona's fourth Champions League win and end all arguments about their right to be regarded among the truly great teams that have ever played the game.


Sealing the deal: David Villa curls in Barcelona's third goal


It was a gut-wrenching night for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who started it by making one of those brave decisions for which he is so renowned. Not even finding a place on the bench for his record signing and top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov, was a big call.

United could not have made a better start either. Park Ji-sung set the tone, nipping in to whip the ball away from Dani Alves.


The Little Maestro strikes: Lionel Messi surprises the United rearguard, firing Barca 2-1 ahead


Just as Jack Wilshere advised, the white shirts got right in Barcelona's faces, pressing them, allowing no room for them to settle.

Unlike two years ago, Ferguson's team did not create a clear-cut chance.

However, former Red Devil Gerard Pique was very fortunate to get away with a back pass to Victor Valdes, when his goalkeeper was much closer than he realised.

With Javier Hernandez closing in, Valdes scrambled the ball away.


Mixed emotions: As Messi wheels away, United get that sinking feeling


It was the template United needed to follow. To have done it for the entire 90 minutes would have required additional lung capacity. And once Barcelona got into their stride, they were relentless.

For once Ryan Giggs looked every one of those 37 years as Xavi and Andres Iniesta flashed around him, holes appearing everywhere.

Pedro prodded wide at the near post. Villa hit exactly the same point in the advertising hoarding with a 20-yard effort that had Edwin van der Sar scrambling.



Magic moment: Wayne Rooney linked up with Ryan Giggs to restore parity with this magnificent strike


If there was one consolation, other than Nemanja Vidic's colossal performance at the heart of their defence, it was that United had prevented Messi running at them from deep.

Unfortunately, he soon started doing it, his close control near-perfect, as was a Vidic lunge to stop the world's best player as he was about to break clean through.

It was just a matter of time. Another hole for Xavi to chase into. He looked. He looked again. He rolled the ball to Pedro, who beat Van der Sar with ease.


Falling behind: Edwin van der Sar looks ruefully at his net after Pedro (unsighted) gave the Catalans the advantage


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sat back, sensing United would not be able to respond. His opposite number urged more from his team, particularly Antonio Valencia.

The Ecuador wide man was not at his best. However, it was Rooney who needed a performance on the biggest stage, having failed so miserably at the World Cup.

And it was Rooney who delivered at the end of a move which saw the Premier League champions carve Barcelona open with their own game.


Disappointing evening: Javier Hernandez failed to shine in the Wembley spotlight


A quick pass from Fabio to Rooney, to Michael Carrick, to Rooney, to Giggs, to Rooney, into the corner from 15 yards. Simple.

Football is never that. Not at this level, and not when Messi is involved.

You had to feel sorry for United. Barcelona were back into their rhythm almost immediately after the break, the concentration required to always be in the right place at the right time phenomenal.


Mutual respect: Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates his victorious opponents


After more stoic defending, Iniesta rolled a pass to the Argentinian, a worthy heir to Diego Maradona.

Offered a couple of yards to dart into, he did exactly that, then beat Van der Sar with a 20-yard shot that required barely any back lift, the veteran Dutchman unable to get down to it.

Vidic was on hand to hack away when Van der Sar spilled Messi's next effort, although, playing in his fifth final, the former Ajax man redeemed himself when he brilliantly turned away a Xavi shot that would have ripped away any hope.


Pulling the strings: United had no answer to the brilliance of Xavi, pictured setting up Pedro's opener


By introducing Nani for Fabio and pushing Valencia to full-back, the United boss was attempting to push Barcelona towards their own goal.

Before the strategy could be applied, Nani committed suicide by gifting the ball to Messi by the touchline.



Food for thought: Rooney and Ryan Giggs contemplate another defeat at the hands of Barcelona


In attempting to atone for his error, the winger made it worse.

Sergio Busquets quickly laid the ball off to Villa, who took one touch before curling a sublime shot into the top corner.

From that hammer blow, there was no way back.


source: dailymail