So the ATP World Tour Finals is starting in London’s O2 Arena. It is always a ‘joy’ to see sportsmen in suits. They either look awesomely smart (because we seldom spot them wearing so ’smart’) or they look completely out of place. I think they fared rather well, maybe with this exception of first time Grand Slam winner Juan Martin del Potro who looks rather slouchy in this photo. I think Roger Federer exudes that charisma, as usual.. and Andy Murray trying to stand really straight, in hope to be taller than Nadal (wait.. he is taller than Nadal, isn’t he?) Don’t forget Nikolay-looks-botak-Davydenko who looks really small amongst the guys.

Excuse me.. these guys are multi millionaires! They earn millions just being fit and hitting tennis balls. Make me feel rather lousy holding the retractors and watching my consultant cut out lymph nodes?

Today, I had the privilege to meet this man who drove from Europe all the way to Singapore.

In the endoscopy room! I think it was amazing. When I was young, I always wondered if one could drive from Europe to Peninsula Malaysia. Technically, if we are in KL, we could drive our way to Paris Disneyland! But according to my consultant, the feat is no longer achievable after the World War 2 because a certain part of the roads in Burma (now Myanmar) has been closed.

Having said that, I met someone who did the feat more than half a decade ago! It is simply amazing!

I think many people are going to mourn over the passing of director Yasmin Ahmad.

I first learnt about her when the film Sepet boomed in the local film industry. Being someone who hardly follows the local entertainment scene, I was surprised to find myself drawn to Sepet. It must be that cross-cultural message sent across in the movie. Something different from the typical locally produced films.

Yasmin Ahmad is also well known for her Petronas ads on local tv. She has those very touching and different-than-typical ads which draw one’s attention.

Yasmin Ahmad collapsed a few days ago when she was at Sri Pentas. It was buzzing everywhere from online dailies to Twitter and Facebook where everyone was spreading news and updates on her. Just now, a Facebook status caught my attention.

“RIP Yasmin Ahmad” it says. I was shocked. I went to The Star and found that she has passed away near midnight last night from massive cranial haemorrhage. Her body will be buried at the SS20 muslim cemetery.

I am sure it means the world to be able to hold up the trophy standing amongst what people coined as ‘legends’ who have been there, done that.

The unspokeable joy! Oh hey, Mr Laver, why are you not holding the trophy?

No wonder, this man is saying that tennis is crazy, this year has been crazy and what-not. With that painful five-setter loss in Australia earlier this year (dang! if he had won.. he would have a chance to make it a calendar Grand Slam!), then the Mirka pregnancy announcement and later the sudden out-of-blue-but-we-exptected-it-anyways wedding leading to the clay court season..

I mean, it is a whole lot to grasp, right?

With Nadal out of picture, you wonder if anyone could ever be better and beat him. You see, some people say Nadal is the greatest because he has leading head-to-head record against the greatest, ie. Roger. I refuse to dwell in that simply because I see tennis as such as subjective subject. You cannot compare player to player and match to match. The game is just like that. One painful loss does not mean his entire career is over.

This photo was seen on TENNIS.com and also on the ATP website.

What is so special about a gorgeous millionaire walking out on Centre Court?

It is because my friend was pictured behind! He’s the guy in red behind taking a photo. His image may be blurred but it is still 4th row away and Roger Federer passing by in his so gold emblazed outfit and accessories. So according to my friend, he queued since 9am the day before and paid 40 pounds to be in Centre Court on the first day of the championships.

Oh well, the lucky fella (my friend whom played tennis himself) also went to Roland Garros. This is so unfair! I hope to get to London like real soon… visit the Wimbledon Museum or something.

Well, this is self-explanatory..