Nigeria wins power-lifting gold medal at Paralympics

Nigeria got off to a bright start at the 2012 Paralympic Games Thursday by winning a gold medal and setting a new world record.

World record holder Yakubu Adesokan won the gold medal in the men's +48kg power-lifting at the ExCel South Arena by lifting 180kg.

He set a new Paralympic and world record to help erase memories of his country's dismal performances at the Olympic Games at the same venue a few weeks ago.Wholesale Clothing

The 33-year-old Nigerian had set the world record of 177kg on Feb. 22 in Dubai, the UAE.

Nigeria's Ruel Ishaku had also held the Paralympic record of 169kg set on Sept.Belts Wholesale 9, 2008 at the last Games in Beijing, China.Designer Handbags

Adesokan had started off in Group A of the 11-lifter event, and emerged the best after three attempts by each competitor.

The Nigerian first lifted 172kg, and then 178kg, before lifting a record-setting 180 kg.

Vladimir Balynetc of Russia won the silver medal with a lift of 170kg, while Taha Abdelmagid of Egypt won the bronze with 165kg.

Tsonga stunned out of US Open by Slovak Klizan

Martin Klizan of Slovakia caused the biggest upset of the US Open to date with a four-set victory over No. 5 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Tsonga, the Wimbledon semifinalist in July, is a player of huge talent but he make a shocking under-par display against the little- known left-handed Slovak, losing 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 and 6-3.

Tsonga surrendered an early break. He hit back in the fourth game,Cheap Handbags wowing the crowd with some fantastic touch play at the net, celebrating the point with a pump of the fist.

All the hard work was undone as he dropped his serve again and Klizan, the 52nd ranked player, found a big serve to close out the opening set.Wholesale Jeans

Klizan has risen through the rankings this year, but he is still hugely inconsistent and he dropped the second set in a blink of an eye.

But it did not spark a revival as Tsonga failed to find any sort of form and Klizan broke in the third courtesy of a fine passing shot and mishit forehand from Tsonga.

Another horror game from Tsonga saw him fall 4-0 behind and it resulted in him smashing his racket to pieces.

The expected Tsonga revival failed to come in the fourth and he dropped his opening two service games which handed Klizan the cushion he needed to secure a famous win.

Tsonga last failed to make it through two matches at a major when he lost to Andy Roddick in the first round of the 2007 Australian Open.

Tsonga reached the 2008 Australian Open final. Klizan never before reached the third round at a Grand Slam tournament.

The hard courts may not be the favored surface of Nicolas Almagro, but the Spaniard is a determined character and he proved the point with a 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Philipp Petzschner.Designer Clothes Wholesale

Kei Nishikori's progress continued, with the No. 17 seed disposing of Tim Smyczek 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the third round.

Kaka on Galaxy radar to replace Beckham

Brazil star Kaka is reportedly being sought by Los Angeles Galaxy as a possible replacement for David Beckham.

Brazil's Estado de Sao Paulo reported the north American club had identified the Real Madrid midfielder as the ideal candidate to take over from Beckham as the club's marquee player.

Beckham,Designer Handbags 37, is understood to be undecided about whether to continue beyond his current contract,Belts Wholesale which expires in December.

If the former England captain retires, Galaxy would have the funds to pay up to 27 million euros for Kaka, the report said.

In the event Beckham continues, the club will wait until next year.

Kaka,Wholesale Clothing 30, has been told by Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho that he is not guaranteed a starting place for the Spanish outfit this season.

The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year has been strongly linked in recent weeks with a return to former club AC Milan.

Rossoneri officials are still hopeful of securing a deal before the transfer window closes on August 31. Enditem

Australian Squash Open concluded

After seven days of intense competition, the 2012 HI-TEC Australian Squash Open concluded at the Canberra Royal Theater on Sunday.

In women's final, defending champion Nicol David of Malaysia won her second consecutive HI-TEC Australian Open when she beat Laura Massaro, third seed from Britain.

David saved six game points in the crucial opening game then overwhelmed the Englishwoman in the next two to win 17-15, 11-2, 11-6 for her 62nd title on the women's tour. She showed why she is considered the greatest player of the past decade as she absorbed everything the Englishwoman threw at her before turning the screws on her opponent.

After defeating defending champion Nick Matthew at the 2011 Australian Open, defending champion Ramy Ashour was at his brilliant best as he downed fellow Egyptian Omar Mosaad in straight games to win his second HI-TEC Australian Open crown in men's final.Wholesale Jeans

Although the 24-year-old top seed took 53 minutes to see off the tall and powerful Mosaad 11-9, 11-9, 11-6,Designer Clothes Wholesale he said he found it difficult playing against Mosaad, someone he grew up with in Egypt.

The Australian Squash Open is an annual squash tournament that takes place in Canberra in August.Cheap Handbags The tournament has been held since 1980.

Celebrity Style Watch: Top Evening Dresses

If you are seeking wardrobe ideas for a special occasion, look for inspiration from Hollywood’s hottest trends for an ultra-trendy look. The formal wear fashion industry has recently broadened its scope of edgy appeal, now manufacturing some of the most fashion-forward garments and top evening dresses.

Contrary to popular belief, trends that you see in celebrity casual wear or fashion week runway shows do in fact transfer into many of the most popular wedding dress designers’ collections. Fashion trends are universal themes and the hottest dress designers are in tune with the latest looks and therefore design pieces inspired by big Hollywood fashion themes.

The latest celebrity trends that have also influenced the world of designer evening dresses are:

Olive green, brass, a tailored fit, and strong geometric lines describe the basic infrastructure of the military trend. We have seen this plenty of times in snapshots of celebrities cruising down Rodeo Drive, but now we are seeing this popular trend interpreted on a higher level of sophistication on the red carpet.

Numerous fashion magazines and style blogs are dedicating entire articles to the fabulous color. Purple is the ‘it’ color this season, symbolizing royalty, prosperity, and elegance. This is the perfect color for a chic evening gown.

Sometimes mixed with the military trend, the shoulder detailing trend actually helps enhance an hourglass figure. This gives the illusion of sharper edges around shoulder seams and also helps form a proportional structure.

Layers of fabric, complex textures, and extravagant drapes are all popular elements of the latest red carpet evening dresses. Ruffles are one of the hottest trends of the moment, combining an eye-catching texture with a feminine touch.

Animal print conveys a wild and sexy personality and looks best when complimented with classic elements. Head-to-toe animal print is a big no-no. Instead, choose a subtle way to incorporate animal print into your outfit, or in this case, your evening wear. Animal print shoes with a sexy black dress will make a bold and classy appearance.

Contrary to popular belief, floral prints can actually be incorporated into your wardrobe year round. No, it does not have to be the summer season to wear floral detailing. Recently, designers have developed a more subtle floral print with darker shades and a more neutral palette. Another big celebrity trend is the three-dimensional fabric flower detailing on evening dresses like Sarah Jessica Parker’s ivory asymmetrical dress that she wore on the set of the Sex and the City Movie.

Cultural themes have made a big impact on the fashion industry this year. A global awakening and curiosity for unknown cultures is emerging and influencing everything from art and films to fashion and urban trends. Today, some of the most beautiful and unique prom dresses take inspiration from foreign cultures such as South American ancient tribes, Eastern European folk culture, and African tradition.

For more Hollywood trend ideas, browse through fashion magazines, look for clips of recent designer runway shows, and peruse your favorite evening gown dress websites. Getting inspired is the best way to begin a shopping mission!

Germans Brink/Reckermann win gold medal of men's beach volleyball

Germans Julius Brink and Jonas Reckermann beat reigning FIVB world champions Emanuel Rego and Alison Cerutti of Brazil to win the gold medal of men's beach volleyball at London Olympics on Thursday.

The Germans won the match by 23-21, 16-21,16-14 in the fully-packed Horse Guard Parade, central London, which brought the duo their, and the Europe's first Olympic gold medal.

"The first set was pretty close, from the beginning to the end," Reckermann said. "In the second the Brazilians played great and we had trouble siding out. In the third we went point by point and then at 14-11 we lost three match points and we said 'stop, not this time'. It is unbelievable, there was so much pressure."

"It's great for European beach volleyball. It's great that we were the ones who won the gold. I hope it will bring up our sport in Europe," he said.

Both undefeated to sail into the final, the two duos met eight times already in international matches with the Brazilian's leading 5-3 including winning the last four straight. In their most recent meeting, the Brazilians came from behind to win in Moscow.

The Germans, however, were in a better shape in London with less errors and a thorough exhibition of their blocking skills. The Brazilians made eight service faults, while the Germans two.

The opener was never so tight in the tournament as the two pairs tie to 21-all. Brazilian Rego spiked out of sideline to give the Germans the set point, which the Germans grabbed to win 23-21.

The top-seeded Brazilians showed their quality at the second set to dominate the court, when their powerful service posed a huge threat for the rivals' reception. They quickly build a lead 10-7. Rego, a five-time Olympian, found his form at the back of the court,Clothes Wholesale while Alison was his usual powerful presence at the net. The Germans saved one set point, but a Brink service error allowed the Brazilians to draw level.

The teams continued to push each other hard from the start of the third set. Germany grabbed the initiative and built up a four-point lead. The Brazilians saved three match points to draw level at 14-14, but the Germans immediately gained another and when Rego's shot dropped wide, it gave the Germans the win and the gold medal.

"Both teams deserved the gold medal, but winning the silver medal is a great motivation for our country towards the next Olympic Games in Rio," said Rego.

The 39-year-old is competing in his fifth consecutive Olympic Games with a gold medal in Athens and bronze medal in Beijing by playing with Ricardo Santos, while it is the first for the 26-year-old Cerutti.

On whether he will compete for another Olympic gold medal at the homeland four years later, he said, "I don't know if I will be in shape still, no one has played an Olympics at that age."

Disappointed as he is, Cerutti, the younger partner of the Brazilian duo, said the silver medal still meant a lot to Cerutti, though he had complains for the rule of Rego's last shot.

"They (the Germans) deserved the win. But the last ball, we believed it's in (the court), and at least they (the referees) should came to have a look, but they didn't," Cerutti said.

"But the silver medal is great too. I will share it with all the Brazilian people. It belongs to my country,Wholesale Sunglasses" he said.

Earlier, Latvia's Janis Smedins and Martins Plavins rallied back to beat Netherlands' Richard Schuil and Reinder Nummerdor to win the bronze medal.

The victory earned Latvia' s first medal of London. Latvia's President Andris Berzins called the pair to extend his congratulations.

"He said we are young and that we have a big future," said Smedins."He wished us well for the future and said he's very happy for us.

"We saw a Latvian (Ineta Radevica) finish fourth in the long jump last night and she missed bronze by a few centimeters. We knew we had one more chance to win a medal for Latvia. We don't get too many medals for Latvia, so there was a lot of pressure," he said.

"To win a medal is easy, but an Olympic medal is different. It's too heavy," he said.

United States unstoppable to cruise into final in women's volleyball

The United States women's volleyball team cruised into the final of the London Olympics for the third time in the history after whitewashed South Korea in straight sets on Thursday at Earls Court.Cheap Clothes Wholesale

With a 25-20, 25-22 and 25-22 win over South Korea, the United States extended their winning streak to seven matches during the tournament, only lost two sets on their way to the final.

The USA team entered the final of the Olympics in the year of 1984 and 2008, but missed out on gold by losing to China and Brazil respectively.

Destinee Hooker led the star-studded U.S. team with 24 points with Jordan Larson and Foluke Akinradewo also finishing the game in double digits,Cheap Nike Shoes 14 and 12 respectively.

South Korea's anchor player Kim Yeon-Koung scored 20 points,Handbags Wholesale including two aces, but she could not get much help from her teammates. Han Song-Yi added 13 points for the South Korea side and Jung Dae-Young seven.

Ranked No.1 in the world, the United States will play the winners of the other semifinal between Japan and Brazil.