With so many big news stories breaking last week perhaps we should spend a few minutes looking again at the most important from the last seven days
Swiss investigations into the state-owned 1MDB Fund in Malaysia has found numerous irregularities with some unexplained transfers to the private Swiss bank accounts of former Malaysian public officials as well as to some in the United Arab Emirates. Michael Lauber, Swiss Attorney General, is quoted as saying there were “Serious indications that funds have been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies.” In total the fund is said to be missing some $4bn and investigations continue.
Following the executive action taken by President Obama to place new tighter restrictions on the purchase of firearms in the US, a country that already has 88.8 guns for every 100 citizens, 270 million total, some three weeks ago the social media giants Facebook and Instagram have taken action to prevent private gun sales on their platforms. Whilst official gun dealing businesses can continue to use their services the numerous private gun sales that are facilitated on the sites are now banned.
In the US research into the treatment of Cancer at the Massachusetts General Hospital conducted by Dr. Torunn Yock has revealed that the once controversial therapy using Proton Beam technology that is used to treat some children shows a rate of effectiveness in line with that displayed by use of traditional Photon (X-ray) treatments only with the benefit of not having quite as much of a toxic effect on the heart and lungs of the patients. This research shows Proton beam therapy is now a real alternative.
In sport Angelique Kerber won the Australian Open beating Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4 in Melbourne and becoming the first German to win a major singles title on the Tennis calendar since Steffi Graf last century. Her victory moves her up to No.2 in the world rankings, but can she take the top spot from Serena? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out, but in the meantime lets revisit some of the big news stories that we covered from around the world over the course of the last seven days.
1. Cam Newton & co. are the favourites to win the NFL final against the Denver Broncos after the Conference Finals.
2. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer set up a semi-final against each other at the 2016 Australian Open.
3. The world’s current No. 1 tennis player thrashed the former No. 1 in their semi-final at the Australian Open.
4. Bet365 Casino has launched the biggest Slots Giveaway promotion for February with a £1,000,000 prize pool.
Meanwhile Greek football teams AEL Larissa and Acharnaikos staged a protest after the whistle had been blown in their match last week, with all the players, coaching staff and substitutes retaining their positions, not playing the ball and sitting down. An announcement made to the crowd said the 2 minutes silence would be “in memory of the hundreds of children who continue to lose their lives everyday in the Aegian” referring to the many deaths amongst immigrants attempting to reach the EU.
With so many big news stories breaking last week perhaps we should spend a few minutes looking again at the most important from the last seven days
Swiss investigations into the state-owned 1MDB Fund in Malaysia has found numerous irregularities with some unexplained transfers to the private Swiss bank accounts of former Malaysian public officials as well as to some in the United Arab Emirates. Michael Lauber, Swiss Attorney General, is quoted as saying there were “Serious indications that funds have been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies.” In total the fund is said to be missing some $4bn and investigations continue.
Following the executive action taken by President Obama to place new tighter restrictions on the purchase of firearms in the US, a country that already has 88.8 guns for every 100 citizens, 270 million total, some three weeks ago the social media giants Facebook and Instagram have taken action to prevent private gun sales on their platforms. Whilst official gun dealing businesses can continue to use their services the numerous private gun sales that are facilitated on the sites are now banned.
In the US research into the treatment of Cancer at the Massachusetts General Hospital conducted by Dr. Torunn Yock has revealed that the once controversial therapy using Proton Beam technology that is used to treat some children shows a rate of effectiveness in line with that displayed by use of traditional Photon (X-ray) treatments only with the benefit of not having quite as much of a toxic effect on the heart and lungs of the patients. This research shows Proton beam therapy is now a real alternative.
In sport Angelique Kerber won the Australian Open beating Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4 in Melbourne and becoming the first German to win a major singles title on the Tennis calendar since Steffi Graf last century. Her victory moves her up to No.2 in the world rankings, but can she take the top spot from Serena? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out, but in the meantime lets revisit some of the big news stories that we covered from around the world over the course of the last seven days.
1. Cam Newton & co. are the favourites to win the NFL final against the Denver Broncos after the Conference Finals.
2. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer set up a semi-final against each other at the 2016 Australian Open.
3. The world’s current No. 1 tennis player thrashed the former No. 1 in their semi-final at the Australian Open.
4. Bet365 Casino has launched the biggest Slots Giveaway promotion for February with a £1,000,000 prize pool.
Meanwhile Greek football teams AEL Larissa and Acharnaikos staged a protest after the whistle had been blown in their match last week, with all the players, coaching staff and substitutes retaining their positions, not playing the ball and sitting down. An announcement made to the crowd said the 2 minutes silence would be “in memory of the hundreds of children who continue to lose their lives everyday in the Aegian” referring to the many deaths amongst immigrants attempting to reach the EU.
In a surprise move the Chinese central bank made a “one-off depreciation” in the value of the Yuan, last week, dropping it by 1.9% after disappointing export results. With a fall of 8.3% in July and a 5.4% in the producer price index the move is seen as a way to boost exports. Now valued at 6.2298 Yuan to $1 up from 6.1162 earlier in the week, this management of the currencies value is seen as some as a step towards a market driven value for the Yuan.
A series of dramatic explosions in Tianjin killed 112 people on Wednesday at a chemical storage facility. The explosions also injured another 700 with 95 people still unaccounted for. With what is described as “several hundred” tons of Sodium Cyanide on site there has been a wide evacuation. Victims and recovery team members were have been visited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and investigations continue into the disaster’s cause.
The Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador threatened to erupt last week prompting the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency that suspends some constitutional rights to prevent the spread of panic. The 19,350 foot high volcano sits some 50km south of the capital Quito, home to some 2.2 million people, and any large eruption could melt glaciers causing massive flooding and dangerous mudslides across the effected region.
In sport Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic beat world number one Serena Williams to reach the final of the Rogers Cup which she then went on to win against Romania’s Simona Halep who had to retire hurt in the third set. Does this mark Belinda out as one to watch for the future? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out but in the meantime lets take a moment to look back at some of the big stories that hit our headlines and those of publications around the world last week.
1. Barcelona defeated Sevilla in a nine-goal, 120-minute-long thriller in the UEFA Super Cup final.
2. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was heavily criticised by leading physicians after he punished Eva Carneiro for doing her job.
3. Chelsea defensive problems were forecast before the Blues’ trip to Manchester in the second round of the Premier League season.
4. Steve Smith was named as the new skipper of the Australia Test cricket team after Michael Clarke announced his retirement.
5. Betsafe launched new straightforward campaign, in wich online gamblers are confronted with the fact that they will lose.
6. Manchester United were considered as strong favourites ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge.
7. Real Madrid added a very talented young Croatian midfielder to their squad by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Inter.
Meanwhile in Montana police were called to the scene of an attempted car robbery by one Ryan Payne, 31, who was reporting himself. Mr. Payne had become trapped in the vehicles trunk whilst attempting to steal the car and called police after vain efforts to free himself. Police officers retrieved a key for the vehicle from a local business owner and promptly released Mr. Payne so he could be arrested on various charges that may see him once again locked in.
In a surprise move the Chinese central bank made a “one-off depreciation” in the value of the Yuan, last week, dropping it by 1.9% after disappointing export results. With a fall of 8.3% in July and a 5.4% in the producer price index the move is seen as a way to boost exports. Now valued at 6.2298 Yuan to $1 up from 6.1162 earlier in the week, this management of the currencies value is seen as some as a step towards a market driven value for the Yuan.
A series of dramatic explosions in Tianjin killed 112 people on Wednesday at a chemical storage facility. The explosions also injured another 700 with 95 people still unaccounted for. With what is described as “several hundred” tons of Sodium Cyanide on site there has been a wide evacuation. Victims and recovery team members were have been visited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and investigations continue into the disaster’s cause.
The Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador threatened to erupt last week prompting the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency that suspends some constitutional rights to prevent the spread of panic. The 19,350 foot high volcano sits some 50km south of the capital Quito, home to some 2.2 million people, and any large eruption could melt glaciers causing massive flooding and dangerous mudslides across the effected region.
In sport Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic beat world number one Serena Williams to reach the final of the Rogers Cup which she then went on to win against Romania’s Simona Halep who had to retire hurt in the third set. Does this mark Belinda out as one to watch for the future? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out but in the meantime lets take a moment to look back at some of the big stories that hit our headlines and those of publications around the world last week.
1. Barcelona defeated Sevilla in a nine-goal, 120-minute-long thriller in the UEFA Super Cup final.
2. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was heavily criticised by leading physicians after he punished Eva Carneiro for doing her job.
3. Chelsea defensive problems were forecast before the Blues’ trip to Manchester in the second round of the Premier League season.
4. Steve Smith was named as the new skipper of the Australia Test cricket team after Michael Clarke announced his retirement.
5. Betsafe launched new straightforward campaign, in wich online gamblers are confronted with the fact that they will lose.
6. Manchester United were considered as strong favourites ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge.
7. Real Madrid added a very talented young Croatian midfielder to their squad by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Inter.
Meanwhile in Montana police were called to the scene of an attempted car robbery by one Ryan Payne, 31, who was reporting himself. Mr. Payne had become trapped in the vehicles trunk whilst attempting to steal the car and called police after vain efforts to free himself. Police officers retrieved a key for the vehicle from a local business owner and promptly released Mr. Payne so he could be arrested on various charges that may see him once again locked in.
Caroline Wozniacki thinks that those who arrange tennis schedules in Wimbledon, tend to prefer male players to female colleagues, as women have hardly any opportunity to show themselves on the Centre Court. After he crashed out on a smaller court, the major venue saw a Roger Federer, who looked ten years younger than his actual age, taking Roberto Bautista Agut apart at ease. The Swiss, who is on his way to his record eight Wimbledon title, might have terrified his rivals with that outstanding performance. The second week also saw another special moment, when the Williams sisters faced each other on the Centre Court.
Danish professional tennis player Carolin Wozniacki accused the Wimbledon organizers with some sort of sexism as he thinks that female players don’t get as much playing time at the major courts like their male colleagues. Wozniacki slapped the Wimbledon directors after she crashed out in the round of 16.
The 6-4, 6-4 loss against Garbiñe Muguruza was the fifth exit from the tournament at that stage in Wozniacki’s career, as she never reached the quarter-finals in Southwest London. She suggested angrily that women tennis players should get exactly the number of matches on the show courts like men do, gambling news report.
She said, “I would love to play on a big court. I think that’s what it’s all about; you work hard and practice to play on the big courts. The women really haven’t gotten the opportunity here to play on the big courts. You only get one women’s match on Court One and Centre Court.”
Swiss icon Roger Federer was on fire against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16 at the Wimbledon Championships. Federer displayed top class tennis as he dispatched Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-final where he will meet France’s Gilles Simon, online gambling news report.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion holds the record of the most Grand Slam wins in London together with Pete Sampras and Willie Renshaw. He said after the match, “I don’t think I made a statement. I did a nice job making the transition. It was a good match. I got off to a good start and kept rolling. Obviously maybe Roberto wasn’t at his very best.”
Butista Agut had no answer for the wide range of shots Federer used in their respective match. It seems that the Swiss is back to his best days, though keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that he also uses a serve-and-volley game under the coaching of Stefan Edberg. The Spaniard suffered an ankle injury in the third set, but he finished the match after a quick medical treatment.
American tennis superstar Serena Williams defeated her older sister in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. She said after the game, “It definitely doesn’t get easier. But today I was out there, and I thought: ‘Wow. I’m 33, and she just turned 35. I don’t know how many more moments like this we’ll have.’ ”
Serena Williams expressed that she wanted to keep on playing for a few years, but maybe that was the last time she had the opportunity to play against her sister on the Wimbledon Centre Court, where each of them won five singles titles. She added, “I just wanted to take the moment in. I remember when we were 8 years old. We dreamed of these moments. It was kind of surreal there.”
Actually, Venus was who paved the way for her younger sister, as followers of sports scores might remember, since she was who first won a Grand Slam title for the Williams family, and she was the first who reached number one in the WTA rankings.
Caroline Wozniacki thinks that those who arrange tennis schedules in Wimbledon, tend to prefer male players to female colleagues, as women have hardly any opportunity to show themselves on the Centre Court. After he crashed out on a smaller court, the major venue saw a Roger Federer, who looked ten years younger than his actual age, taking Roberto Bautista Agut apart at ease. The Swiss, who is on his way to his record eight Wimbledon title, might have terrified his rivals with that outstanding performance. The second week also saw another special moment, when the Williams sisters faced each other on the Centre Court.
Danish professional tennis player Carolin Wozniacki accused the Wimbledon organizers with some sort of sexism as he thinks that female players don’t get as much playing time at the major courts like their male colleagues. Wozniacki slapped the Wimbledon directors after she crashed out in the round of 16.
The 6-4, 6-4 loss against Garbiñe Muguruza was the fifth exit from the tournament at that stage in Wozniacki’s career, as she never reached the quarter-finals in Southwest London. She suggested angrily that women tennis players should get exactly the number of matches on the show courts like men do, gambling news report.
She said, “I would love to play on a big court. I think that’s what it’s all about; you work hard and practice to play on the big courts. The women really haven’t gotten the opportunity here to play on the big courts. You only get one women’s match on Court One and Centre Court.”
Swiss icon Roger Federer was on fire against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16 at the Wimbledon Championships. Federer displayed top class tennis as he dispatched Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-final where he will meet France’s Gilles Simon, online gambling news report.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion holds the record of the most Grand Slam wins in London together with Pete Sampras and Willie Renshaw. He said after the match, “I don’t think I made a statement. I did a nice job making the transition. It was a good match. I got off to a good start and kept rolling. Obviously maybe Roberto wasn’t at his very best.”
Butista Agut had no answer for the wide range of shots Federer used in their respective match. It seems that the Swiss is back to his best days, though keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that he also uses a serve-and-volley game under the coaching of Stefan Edberg. The Spaniard suffered an ankle injury in the third set, but he finished the match after a quick medical treatment.
American tennis superstar Serena Williams defeated her older sister in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. She said after the game, “It definitely doesn’t get easier. But today I was out there, and I thought: ‘Wow. I’m 33, and she just turned 35. I don’t know how many more moments like this we’ll have.’ ”
Serena Williams expressed that she wanted to keep on playing for a few years, but maybe that was the last time she had the opportunity to play against her sister on the Wimbledon Centre Court, where each of them won five singles titles. She added, “I just wanted to take the moment in. I remember when we were 8 years old. We dreamed of these moments. It was kind of surreal there.”
Actually, Venus was who paved the way for her younger sister, as followers of sports scores might remember, since she was who first won a Grand Slam title for the Williams family, and she was the first who reached number one in the WTA rankings.
Police revealed that Peter Foster scammed investors out of more than $10 million, in an international ponzi scheme.
The man allegedly ran a betting scheme called the Sports Trading Club, conning hundreds of Australian families. According to online gambling news, Foster told investors that he could make them a fortune through the sports betting site, an operation he ran from a hideout located in the Byron Bay area.
Using the alias Mark Hughes, the conman tricked his victims into giving him millions of dollars. Newspapers said he had raked in more than $10 million in the last few months alone, and he spent part of his illegal income on a yacht.
Police found several computers in Foster’s home office, as well as multiple mobile phones registered to different names. The equipment was all part of the plot.
The Age: Peter Foster implicated in international betting scam
Hundreds of investors could lose millions in an international betting scheme run by Peter Foster, following the notorious conman’s dramatic arrest at a luxury property near Byron Bay. The man was hiding from Australian authorities and it is believed he operated the Sports Trading Club from his hiding place.
Police raided his house on Tuesday afternoon and found six mobile phones, as well as several computers in his home office. Foster tried to flee but crashed into a neighbour’s fence and got tackled by a police officer. He allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun and was charged with assaulting him.
The betting syndicate has offices in London, Sydney and Hong Kong, but Foster’s hideout is said to have played a key role in the operation. Sports Trading Club takes investments between $50,000 and $250,000 and places bets on sports scores, in major events around the world.
In June, the company’s UK communication manager, Patrick McMahon, told reporters that investors had received a 1900% return since January 2013. “We don’t gamble, we trade,” he said. “We make money out of other peoples’ mistakes. When one side gambles and the other trades, it is like owning the casino.”
In July, the trading company said it had gained $150 million by backing Germany to win the FIFA World Cup. It also scored a “multi-million-dollar win” by betting against Serena Williams and Novac Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Brisbane Times: Conman Peter Foster tracked for a month before arrest
Serial conman Peter Foster spent more than a year on the run before police finally arrested him in his hideout near Byron Bay. The conman had been wanted since September last year, when he failed to show up for his court date at Brisbane Federal Court. The judge found him guilty of contempt of court.
NSW Superintendent Stuart Wilkins told reporters: “We had information from the last month or so he was in and around the Byron Bay area but not a specific location so this is a good result all round. As the result of excellent community consultation and a group of people working together this person has been arrested and will be now going before courts.”
Foster, 52, is known for a series of weight loss product scams, including a nasal spray called Sensaslim. His most recent appearance in court was for breaching a previous order to stop selling these products. Over the past year, the man had been telling the media that he was in Fiji, even sending photos of himself relaxing in a chair and reading a newspaper printed in Fiji.
The police said they were not sure how long he had been hiding at the Ewingsdale property where he was caught and arrested this week. He was chased by local detectives and a TV camera crew before being tackled.
He was charged with assaulting police officers and resisting arrest, but Detective Senior Constable Gary Sheehan told reporters: “He did show a great deal of concern about his mother…but other than that he was quite cooperative. He was very cooperative, quite remorseful and, in fact, he actually apologized to me in the courtroom.”
Daily Telegraph: Con man Peter Foster pleads guilty to assault after grabbing detective’s gun
While authorities have their doubts about Peter Foster’s claim of looking after his ailing mother, the conman pleaded guilty of assaulting detectives during his arrest at Byron Bay. He was transported to the Arthur Gorrie prison in Brisbane.
Foster blamed his actions on the news crew’s “Rambo style” pursuit, and his solicitor said he had been “confused” after attempting to run away from the cameras and escape through a back gate.
“He had an adrenaline rush. He wanted to get away from the film crew,” solicitor Terry Fisher explained.
According to Fisher, Foster had been looking after his mother and living the life of a “monk” for the past 11 months. “He has effectively been living like a monk. He should have just blended in with the locals (in northern NSW). The fact that he’s separated from his mother is causing him a great deal of pain. That is ffecting him quite deeply,” he added.
On the other hand, Tweed-Byron Local Area Commander Superintendent Stuart Wilkins claimed that Foster had been living with a male friend. Authorities did not want to comment on the allegations that Foster was running an online betting operation.
Police revealed that Peter Foster scammed investors out of more than $10 million, in an international ponzi scheme.
The man allegedly ran a betting scheme called the Sports Trading Club, conning hundreds of Australian families. According to online gambling news, Foster told investors that he could make them a fortune through the sports betting site, an operation he ran from a hideout located in the Byron Bay area.
Using the alias Mark Hughes, the conman tricked his victims into giving him millions of dollars. Newspapers said he had raked in more than $10 million in the last few months alone, and he spent part of his illegal income on a yacht.
Police found several computers in Foster’s home office, as well as multiple mobile phones registered to different names. The equipment was all part of the plot.
The Age: Peter Foster implicated in international betting scam
Hundreds of investors could lose millions in an international betting scheme run by Peter Foster, following the notorious conman’s dramatic arrest at a luxury property near Byron Bay. The man was hiding from Australian authorities and it is believed he operated the Sports Trading Club from his hiding place.
Police raided his house on Tuesday afternoon and found six mobile phones, as well as several computers in his home office. Foster tried to flee but crashed into a neighbour’s fence and got tackled by a police officer. He allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun and was charged with assaulting him.
The betting syndicate has offices in London, Sydney and Hong Kong, but Foster’s hideout is said to have played a key role in the operation. Sports Trading Club takes investments between $50,000 and $250,000 and places bets on sports scores, in major events around the world.
In June, the company’s UK communication manager, Patrick McMahon, told reporters that investors had received a 1900% return since January 2013. “We don’t gamble, we trade,” he said. “We make money out of other peoples’ mistakes. When one side gambles and the other trades, it is like owning the casino.”
In July, the trading company said it had gained $150 million by backing Germany to win the FIFA World Cup. It also scored a “multi-million-dollar win” by betting against Serena Williams and Novac Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Brisbane Times: Conman Peter Foster tracked for a month before arrest
Serial conman Peter Foster spent more than a year on the run before police finally arrested him in his hideout near Byron Bay. The conman had been wanted since September last year, when he failed to show up for his court date at Brisbane Federal Court. The judge found him guilty of contempt of court.
NSW Superintendent Stuart Wilkins told reporters: “We had information from the last month or so he was in and around the Byron Bay area but not a specific location so this is a good result all round. As the result of excellent community consultation and a group of people working together this person has been arrested and will be now going before courts.”
Foster, 52, is known for a series of weight loss product scams, including a nasal spray called Sensaslim. His most recent appearance in court was for breaching a previous order to stop selling these products. Over the past year, the man had been telling the media that he was in Fiji, even sending photos of himself relaxing in a chair and reading a newspaper printed in Fiji.
The police said they were not sure how long he had been hiding at the Ewingsdale property where he was caught and arrested this week. He was chased by local detectives and a TV camera crew before being tackled.
He was charged with assaulting police officers and resisting arrest, but Detective Senior Constable Gary Sheehan told reporters: “He did show a great deal of concern about his mother…but other than that he was quite cooperative. He was very cooperative, quite remorseful and, in fact, he actually apologized to me in the courtroom.”
Daily Telegraph: Con man Peter Foster pleads guilty to assault after grabbing detective’s gun
While authorities have their doubts about Peter Foster’s claim of looking after his ailing mother, the conman pleaded guilty of assaulting detectives during his arrest at Byron Bay. He was transported to the Arthur Gorrie prison in Brisbane.
Foster blamed his actions on the news crew’s “Rambo style” pursuit, and his solicitor said he had been “confused” after attempting to run away from the cameras and escape through a back gate.
“He had an adrenaline rush. He wanted to get away from the film crew,” solicitor Terry Fisher explained.
According to Fisher, Foster had been looking after his mother and living the life of a “monk” for the past 11 months. “He has effectively been living like a monk. He should have just blended in with the locals (in northern NSW). The fact that he’s separated from his mother is causing him a great deal of pain. That is ffecting him quite deeply,” he added.
On the other hand, Tweed-Byron Local Area Commander Superintendent Stuart Wilkins claimed that Foster had been living with a male friend. Authorities did not want to comment on the allegations that Foster was running an online betting operation.
A record $23.9 million prize fund has been organized for the Australian Open Tennis Championships. This is the greatest prize since the event started, 105 years ago. Both the men’s singles champion and the women’s singles champion will walk away with $2.2 million. The defeated finalists won’t need too many tissues, as they’ll each receive $1 million checks with which to wipe away their tears.
During January, the Australian Open is the most popular sporting event anywhere in the entire world. Moreover, it is the most prevalent yearly event throughout the southern hemisphere. To prepare for this event, Melbourne Park in Victoria is being redeveloped at a cost of $348 million. This is expected to benefit not only the Open, but the complete sport of tennis.
In the first part of 2011, Rafael Nadal will have a rare opportunity to win all four grand-slam titles with a year’s period, a feat previously achieved only by Rod Laver and Don Budge. He will be up against Roger Federer, the previous number one. Meanwhile, Serena Williams will be out to reclaim the woman’s title. Top online sport betting sites are already beginning to lay odds and collect wagers for this big tennis event.
A record $23.9 million prize fund has been organized for the Australian Open Tennis Championships. This is the greatest prize since the event started, 105 years ago. Both the men’s singles champion and the women’s singles champion will walk away with $2.2 million. The defeated finalists won’t need too many tissues, as they’ll each receive $1 million checks with which to wipe away their tears.
During January, the Australian Open is the most popular sporting event anywhere in the entire world. Moreover, it is the most prevalent yearly event throughout the southern hemisphere. To prepare for this event, Melbourne Park in Victoria is being redeveloped at a cost of $348 million. This is expected to benefit not only the Open, but the complete sport of tennis.
In the first part of 2011, Rafael Nadal will have a rare opportunity to win all four grand-slam titles with a year’s period, a feat previously achieved only by Rod Laver and Don Budge. He will be up against Roger Federer, the previous number one. Meanwhile, Serena Williams will be out to reclaim the woman’s title. Top online sport betting sites are already beginning to lay odds and collect wagers for this big tennis event.