KO-GO SPORTS:
GOING TO COURT ENGLISH STYLE
By Molly & Claudia, Staff Columnists

       
  A great time for sports fans.

Not only do we have the World Cup in football this summer, but, a few days ago, Wimbledon, the biggest tennis grand slam on grass, got underway. You’ll be able to see the brightest tennis stars shine until July 9.

This tournament draws all the big names in the sport, such as: Andre Agassi, who, at 36, is still going strong (and still "hot"), and will make his 14th appearance at Wimbledon. Of course, his wife, Steffi Graf, ex tennis star in her own right, and their kids, will be present at center court to cheer the "old man" on, together with many of his supporters from all over the world.
   
  Roger Federer, who’s the world’s number one tennis player, will be present as well and this will be his 8th competition in London. Same for Lleyton Hewitt, the "killer" from the land down under who won’t miss the big event – for him it’s also his 8th year.

Wimbledon wouldn’t be complete without England’s pride and joy, Tim Henman, who, like Agassi, will make his 14th appearance at the tournament. New comer, and the one to really watch, is Rafael Nadal, the 20-year-old Spaniard with the very cute face. This will be his 3rd year at Wimbledon, and he's "hot" in more ways than one -- he recently captured his second straight French Open title and is currently ranked number two.
       
 
       
  As for the women, it wouldn’t be right if the Williams’ sisters weren't there. For Venus, the older one, it’s her 10th time and for Serena her 8th. Women’s number one is Amelie Mauresmo, from France and she’ll be playing her 7th Wimbledon. Last year she came close to winning it – coming in second. Golden oldie Lindsay Davenport, 30, will try to get the title for the second time in her 13th Wimbledon year. And, we can’t forget Hewitt’s sweetheart, (or are they ex-lovers?) Kim Clijsters from Belgium, who’ll be making her 7th appearance this year.
       
 
       
   Wimbledon is a great event to watch as they don’t only cover the tennis, and provide great interviews, but they also give you a great impression of how it feels to be there as a supporter. This tournament started all the way back in 1877. At Wimbledon itself there’s a museum where you can view everything from the stars back in the old days such as Björn Borg, Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, Billy-Jean King, Martina Navratilova and of course we can’t forget John "Johnny Mac" McEnroe. He’s still very active at Wimbledon as he does the commentating in his very own and unique way: “I saw chalk…the ball was in!”
       
 
       
 

So go stock up on strawberries and cream, the traditional Wimbledon treat and enjoy the tournament for this year. We think for the men Rafael Nadal will win and for the women Serena Williams. However, this photo of Serena is definitely for our men readers. For more information: www.wimbledon.org

 MORE SPORTS . . . The National Basketball Association (NBA) will introduce a new game ball today bringing an end to the 60-year run of the leather ball. Teams will begin using the new ball in the 2006-7 season. The new ball is made of a composite material that is meant to ensure a better grip. The league last altered the design of the ball 35 years ago, when it moved from one made with four panels to one with eight. Traditionally, a fresh leather ball is too slippery to be used in a game, so teams break them in during practice to improve their grip. By comparison, the new composite ball can be used immediately.