MqSports Video Blog

Hello there,
As you guys know this is going to be our last post, but before you guys go back to living your ordinary lives sadden by the lost of our beloved sports blog, we have a treat for you guys. We are gonna leave you guys with our very own video blog or should we say Vlog. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did, bye for now!

- Johnson Han (Pool), Andy Chhai (EPL), Charlie Smith (NBA), Andrew Papi (Tennis), Erin Ho (Bowling), Henry You (MBA)

[Major League Baseball] Colorado Rockies' strong batter Carlos González

by Henry You

Carlos González is Colorado Rockies' 

representative left hand batter.

He debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks

on August 3, 2002 however, he was traded

with Huston Street and Greg Smith to the

Colorado Rockies in 2008.

He was not chosen to be in first grade

at the beginning. However he proved himself

during the spring camp and the coach called

him up to Major League Baseball.

Carlos González received the National League

Players Choice Award for Outstanding Player

in 2010. He then won the Players Choice Award

for Player of the Year throughout Major League Baseball.

Positive Signs From NBA's New Rooks

Now for most people, the NBA Preseason is an opportunity for their first 'real' glimpse at the potential for the new rookies of the NBA. And to be honest, unless you are a die hard, you probably are not going to watch every game of the NBA Summer League, let alone every game of the preseason, which is why I thought i'd break down the rookies that have been showing the most promise in their limited appearances so far.

Number 1 on my list is Detroit Pistons small forward Stanley Johnson. Coming into the NBA he was considered one of the most mature players in terms of his body composition, which may stand to reason why his transition to the big league has not been as difficult. In his first outing he led all scorers with 26 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists, and then he followed it up with a 12 point, 7 rebound performance.

In addition to these nice looking stat-lines, Johnson has looked smooth on his jump shooting hitting a cool 5/8 from three point territory. His intensity and drive to play hard are very positive aspects of his game, which is why he is going to be a successful player at the NBA level.

SJ in action for the Pistons

The next player on my radar is also a small forward from the Miami Heat, Justice Winslow. Drafted 10th overall he looked like a very well rounded player who was defensively excellent and he has put up a couple of decent performances which can show off his potential despite not being excellent. His first outing he had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, which highlights his versatility. He did struggle shooting the ball, but that will improve with time. His second performance was not as strong with 5 points, 4 rebounds and a steal. Despite what seem like mediocre performances, it is only the preseason and he can definitely grow into the game.

Finally, the last player to keep an eye on based on these very early performances is Karl-Anthony Towns. The no. 1 overall draft pick this year had a fantastic performance against a very strong Oklahoma City side, and he displayed his versatility as a big man. He went off for 18 points shooting at a very efficient 8/12, with 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. He really did demonstrate why he was drafted first, and it showed that he has been working hard with Kevin Garnett as his mentor to really adjust his game to the NBA.

You can see Towns and Johnson in action today in the preseason, tune in if you want a further look at them.

- Charlie

Fortunate, yet unfornate news.

“I have good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?”

It was glorious news to hear that Ten Pin Bowling has been a part of the possible sports that were to be played in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Out of 26 different sports, Bowling, due to its’ physical and mental skills that it involves, has been a consideration, and made it up to the eight short-listed sports!

This has sparked huge expectations and hopes for the World Bowling Community, and has breached the possible opportunities for bowling competitors.

Despite much expectation and hope, the International Olympic Committee did not pass Bowling as one of the sports that are to be played during the Olympics. However, World Bowling will not give up on pursuing their goals, as the World Bowling President, Kevin Dornberger said on Today’s News, “For World Bowling this remains a huge milestone in pursuing our Olympic quest and we believe that this has laid the foundations for a brighter future ahead”.

World Bowling will be continuing their endeavour to pass Bowling as a sports in future Olympics, particularly aiming to provide opportunities for the youth to participate in training and developing to become champions in Tenpin Bowling, and are anticipating to bringing in more female bowlers.

Ten Pin Bowling is an awesome sport both recreationally and competitively.

Klopp For The Kop

Breaking news: Liverpool are on the verge of signing former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

English Premier league club Liverpool F.C. are expected to name the German coach tomorrow. This is after the sacking of their former coach Brendan Rodgers after a disappointing last season and less then average start to the 2015 campaign with the 1-1 draw with fellow Merseyside rivals Everton as the final straw.

Lets look at the yet to be named Liverpool coaches achievements. 

Mainz 05

His first club Mainz 05 he was able to lead them into promotion into the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund 

The club where he made a name for himself and really planted his foot in the world of football management. At Borussia Dortmund he won back to back Bundesliga titles in the 2010-1011 and 2011- 2012 seasons and came runners up in the 2012-2013 champions league season. He finished with a record of 179 wins, 69 draws and 70 losses.

Thats all for today, we will keep you up to date with what is happening in the English premier league here are MQsports.

Snooker update Teenage Sensation

Teenage Ace Maturing on Snooker Cue

Rising star Riley Parsons, 15, from Cannock, who has desire on joining the professional circuit.

 Riley Parsons, Formally a member of the St John's Snooker Club has help England with the under 16's win the home international in Leeds.
Hoping to one day become the World Champion Riley has taken his first step towards that journey by winning all 5 all his matches making it a perfect sweep of his opponents.
This was Parson's second call up to the international stage as he was invited to the under 14's in the past.

Some achievements include winning the West Midlands Under 14's Championship for two years in a running during 2013 and 2014 through his long list of highlights. This achievement is a fruit of his hardwork and dedication towards snooker through 7 days of practice at the St John's club, it is not surprising how successful Parson's at such a young age with a positive future beyond the horizon.
Till Next time
-Johnson

The Return Of The All Stars

G'Day NBA fans, the first week of the NBA Preseason has kicked off nicely, with a number of teams finally getting that chance to put on show their new styles and rosters, and to practice their new systems. But on top of all of that, this week has seen the return of a number of premier NBA players, all of which beginning where they left off.

Names like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant have all taken to the court in their preseason games after recovering from lengthy injuries, putting up some pretty All-Star-like stats and showing why they are in fact, some of the best players in the league. In addition players like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving still due back soon.

Paul George has been an extremely great comeback story, after breaking - well snapping - his leg in the summer before last season, PG, donning his new number 13 in his most recent game ended with 32 points on a prolific 10/16 shooting. It is certainly good for the NBA and fans to have him back on court.

In addition to this Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Kevin Durant all had strong performances for their respective teams and i'm sure their best is definitely still yet to come. Kobe struggled in his first performance in the limited minutes that he received, however his second game was much stronger, which shows positive signs.

Don't forget, this is only the preseason, so teams are still very rusty and they are just trying to figure out the kinks and new additions to their rosters. It is going to be one exciting season.

- Charlie

The Djokovic Brothers - Novak and Djordje

Sourced from atpworldtour.com

In the China Open, Novak Djokovic has teamed up with his brother Djordje, who is 20 years old, putting in a strong performance against Mao-Xin, and Venus, defeating them, 7-6(5) 6-7(6) 10-5, in there first time that they were played together in doubles professionally. The Novak Djokovic stated that he enjoyed playing the doubles match with his younger brother.

Novak Djokovic also mentioned that he was thankful for the organisers allowing him a wild card into the doubles with his younger brother. There probably wasn't any chance that organisers wouldn't have given him a wild card into the doubles, as he is popular in China, and therefore it wouldn't have been a wise decision to not allow Novak Djokovic play doubles matches in China.

By Andrew Papdi

Tennis Update - 6 October

China Open (mens)

World number 1 Novak Djokovic defeated qualifier Simone Bolelli in 1 hour 11 minutes, 6-1 6-1.

3rd Seed Rafael Nadal also won his 1st round match against wildcard Di Wu in straight sets 6-4 6-4.

There were some seeded players which suffered shock defeats in the first round, including Milos Raonic, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Australian qualifier John Millman upset Tommy Robredo 4-6 6-1 6-0.



Japan Open (mens)

While the top 3 seeds, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Gilles Simon progressed to the second round, there were seeds that were lost in the first round.

Number 4 seed Richard Gasquet, suffered a heavy defeat, losing in straight sets 6-4 6-1, to Roberto Bautista Agut.

Number 5 seed Kevin Anderson also lost in straight sets, 6-2 6-3, in 1 hour 15 minutes to Gilles Muller ranked 43.

8th seed Grigor Dimitrov lost in 3 sets, to Benoit Paire.

Australian Nick Kyrgios defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-7(3) 6-3 6-3, in 2 hours 11 minutes.

Qualifying Australian Matthew Ebden lost in 3 tight sets to Austin Krajicek, in a match lasting 2 hours 55 minutes.

The two other Australian players Bernard Tomic and Sam Groth retired hurt part way through there matches with Steve Johnson and Jeremy Chardy respectively.



China Open (womens)

In the second round, seeds Agnieszka Radwanska, Roberta Vinci, Madison Keys, Carla Suarez Navarro, Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and Flavia Pennetta all won there matches, to progress into the third round.

Elina Svitolina, a seeded player did get knocked out of the China Open, and joined Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, and Simona Halep who all got knocked out in the first round.


By Andrew Papdi

Round 8 English Premier League - Standout players

Another week of the EPL has passed us again, done and dusted. This week we focus on the players who have shone, players who's teams can't afford to have them off the pitch and players who have dramatically contributed to their teams week 8 success. This week was no surprise with Sergio Aguero scoring 5 goals in 20 minutes and Alexis Sanchez scoring a brace after a hattrick last week as the clear stand out players.

Sergio Aguero - Manchester city

Agueroooooooooooo!!, the screams of the commentators again and again after this weeks 6-1 win against Newcastle. After a sluggish start to the season, only managing one goal, the argentine was able to catapult his goal scoring tally in 20 minutes. Aguero was able to score 5 goals in the 42nd, 50th, 59th, 60th and 62nd minute to defeat Newcastle who had the lead. 

Alexis Sanchez - Arsenal

After last weeks performance, striking fear into Leicester city after scoring an incredible hattrick to win 5-2. This week Sanchez strikes again ensuring a win against bitter rivals Manchester United after scoring a double. Scoring his first just in just 6 minutes while scoring his seconds in the 20th minute to help his team to a 3-0 win over United.

The two south american superstars look back inform after what was a slow start to both of their seasons. Thats it for now, but say tuned for more up to date new on the English premier league.

-Andy

Tenpin Bowling Event Update!

Tenpin Bowling World-Wide Upcoming Events!

World Bowling is an association who "provides governance to international bowling including 200 million participants and over 4 million competitors".
The WBT, World Bowling Tour (provided by World Bowling), is a significant event for tenpin bowling lovers and champions, who participate in major events around the world.

Upcoming tours from 2015-2016 include: 

2 – 8 November Bowlmor: AMF US Open
Venue: AMF Garland Lanes,Fort Worth,  Texas, USA

November 2015 – Dates TBD: Daejeon International Open
Venue: Daejeon, Korea

26 November – 2 December 2015: Qatar Open 2015
Venue: Qatar Bowling Centre, Doha, Qatar

3 – 7 December 2015: 9th Kingdom International Open Saudi Arabia 
Venue: Universal Bowling Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4 – 13 December 2015: WTBA World Women Championships
Venue: Khalifa International Bowling Centre,Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

17 December: PBA World Championships
Venue: Reno, Nevada, USA

13 February 2016 -2015 World Bowling Tour Finals 
Venue: Indianapolis, USA

ATP World Tour Finals

The ATP World Tour Finals are held in London beginning November 15 until November 22.

At this point in time, there are four players that have qualified, world number 1 Novak Djokovic, followed by Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and now Stan Wawrinka.

World Snooker Update

Referee Michaela Tabb Sexism Claim

World Snooker has been known for it's outstanding sportsmanship towards opponents but this issue arises from a sexism claim brought up by referee Michaela Tabb.
Tabb believes that the 1000 Euro bonus which all the male referees received which ultimately left her with no bonus was an act of sexism by the world snooker organisation. Tabb resigned from World snooker due to a break down in the relationship between her boss and Chairman Barry Hearn. When questions Tabb said in her own words "I firmly believe I have be discriminated on the basis of my sex".
Tabb has made history by becoming the first woman to officiate the world snooker finals at the crucible in Sheffield. Tabb was also a successful pool player as she held UK and European titles making her a well known face to many pool fans and players.
Below is a video of how strict Tabb was as a referee and how much all the professional snooker players on the circuit respected her decisions especially when she was extremely tough towards one audience member who was too loud for the players liking.

Michaela Tabb Officiating at the World Snooker Championships

NBA Preseason Officially Tips Off

If you haven't been paying close enough attention (which i'm sure you all have), all 30 teams in the NBA have been at training camp adjusting to new roster members, new coaches, new systems, styles, and much more.

On top of that the NBA Preseason tipped off today with a clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a really interesting game to watch as the Clippers were sporting an entirely new kit as well as a much reshaped roster, while the nuggets were still trying to find there groove under new point guard - Emmanuel Mudiay - who replaced the departed Ty Lawson.

The Clippers were constantly testing out different rotations, in an attempt to see what would, and would not work for them on the day. It seemed as though no matter what formation they decided upon, they always had 5 high quality players on the court, meaning that they could be a very tough team to beat this season.

The highlights for the Clippers in today's game were the play from from All Star point guard Chris Paul who had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists, as well as a big effort from resigned free agent DeAndre Jordan who went for 15 points and 12 rebounds.

High-Fives all round for the Clips today

On the other side was the Nuggets who began the game slowly, however they did show some bright spots of what could potentially be an entertaining season for them. Youngsters Emmanuel Mudiay and Joffrey Lauvergne played particularly well, and Gary Harris was also a good contributor. They trailed all game long, but eventually managed to turn the game around and claw their way back into it.

The bump and the bucket for rookie Mudiay

Despite their strong efforts late in the game, they still ended up losing 103-96, however it could have definitely been a lot worse. The Nuggets could be an interesting team to watch this year, with new coach Mike Malone and young energetic players, they may be able to shake up a few teams on their good nights.

- Charlie

9 ball Update Ko Pin Yi

POOLS HARDCORE MAN

As we head to Doha, Qatar Ko Pin Yi has captured his first 9-ball world championship as he performance was considered spectacular when facing Shane Van Boening of the USA with clutch shots in order to edge out his opponent 13-11. The win is Ko's second world championship overall this year has he captured the 10-ball world championship earlier in the Philippines back in February.
The win tonight has cemented Ko's place in the pantheon of greats. The win netted Ko $30,000 whilst the runner-up Boening received $15,000 from a $200,000 prize pool.

Ko celebrating his victory at Qatar

When interviewed about the win Ko was reflecting on his spectacular performance in the Philippines earlier this year and stated his victory as an "unbelievable achievement". This statement heavily reflects how he was considered the underdog of the tournament as all the people who tuned in to the championship didn't give him a chance.

On the other side of the story Boening was gutted as this was his first ever world Championship final which he destroyed his previous opponent with a score of 11-1 and the pressure may have been too much too handle. Boening had the easier draw as Ko was pitted against former world champion Wu Jia Qiang which came to a nail biting 11-10 victory for Ko which made it even more frustrating as Boening was so close to victory losing 11-9 due to a few mistakes.

Below is a video which shows the match between Ko and Van Boening in the 2015 9-ball World Championship.

Until Next week Johnson Out:)

Tennis Update - 3 October - Results - Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Tashkent

By Andrew Papdi

Live Scores - ATP WTA

Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur

Quarterfinal Results:

• Number 1 seed David Ferrer (Spain) has defeated Mikhail Kukushkin (Kazakhstan), ranked 48, in straight sets 6-3 6-4.
• Benjamin Becker (Germany), ranked 74, has upset number 4 seed Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets, 6-4 7-6(3).
• Australian Nick Kyrgios, seeded 7, has defeated, 3rd seed Ivo Karlovic in two close sets 7-6(4) 7-6(2).
• Number 2 seed Feliciano Lopez came back from one set down to defeat 8th seed Vasek Pospisil, 6-7(2) 6-3 6-2.

[Major League Baseball] Mound Domination "Tim Lincecum"

by Henry You

Tim Lincecum is an American professional

baseball pitcher for the San Francisco of MLB.

He debuted in 2006 with sensation and lead

the National League in strikesouts for

three consecutive years.

His change-up and curve induced miss

swings and the signature dynamic

pitching form tricked batters harder

to get the batting timing. 

The fact that he had exact same pre-pitching motion for both fastball and slider, it created huge confusion to batters.

Tim Lincecum is still performing well

in 2015 season and one of the

best pitchers in MLB

Tennis Update 2 October

By Andrew Papdi

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the China Open in Beijing and the WTA Finals in Singapore for health reasons and to heal.

Junior Davis Cup
Australia has been defeated by Germany 2-1, meaning that Australia finish second in their pool, and are therefore unable to qualify for the semifinals. 

Alex De Minaur and Blake Ellis both lost in their singles, however, managed to win the doubles. This was not enough to win the fixture and have the opportunity to make it to the semifinals.

The Results:
Marvin Moeller (Germany) d. Alexei Popyrin (Australia) 7-5 3-6 6-3
Nicola Kuhn (Germany) d. Alex de Minaur (Australia) 6-3 6-2
Alex de Minaur/Blake Ellis (Australia) d. Marvin Moeller/Maximilian Todorov (Germany) 6-7(7) 7-5 6-1

Sourced: tennis.com.au

Junior Fed Cup

Czech Republic has defeated Australia 2-1, resulting in Australia being unable to make the Fed Cup semifinals.

The Results:

Jaimee Fourlis (Australia) d. Monika Kilnarova (Czech Republic) 6-1 5-7 6-2
Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic) d. Destanee Aiava (Australia) 6-2 6-1
Anna Slovakova/Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic) d. Destanee Aiava/Seone Mendez (Australia) 6-3 6-4

MQ Sportblog's Week 7 - English premier league team of the week

Round 7 of English's top flight football league has passed us with a week full of amazing standout players and brilliant goals. This week we will review week 7's outstanding performing players.

Alexis Sanchez celebrating after his hattrick

GK : Hugo Lloris, Tottenham hotspurs

His impressive first half display kept Tottenham in the match, the result of the game and having one one goal conceded by manchester city was mainly due to Lloris.

RB: Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspurs
A great performance from Totternhams right back Walker stopping Raheem Sterling while providing support to the attacks and even assisting a goal, this shows why he is included in this weeks team of the week

CB: Virgil Van Dijk, Southampton
A fine run from southamptons new recruit showing his ability to step up and compete in England's premier competition. The Dutch defender was able to step up as a substitute and score a goal for southampton in their 3-1 win over Swansea.

CB: Chris Smalling,  Manchester United
Manchester United's first choice defender was able to step up yet again in what was a 3-0 win keeping a clean sheet for Manchester United. Smalling is considered to be the heart of the united defence providing a stable wall in what used to be a shaky back line.

LB: Matteo Darmian, Manchester United
After the injury to Luke Shaw Darmian has been able to switch flanks and adapt nicely to provide support to united defence in their 3-0 clean sheet.

LM: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
On the left of mid field Sanchez was able to turn it up for Arsenal in what was his first goal contributions to Arsenal this season getting himself a hattrick to lead his side to a 5-2 win.

CM: Eric Dier,  Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenhams stand out player against Manchester city in the holding midfield role he was able complete multiple tackles and even score an equaliser.

CM: Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool FC
Showing us why Spanish giants Barcelona are after his service the Brazilian is able to provide an amazing performance against Aston villa with his back heel passing providing Daniel Sturridge with his second goal.

RM: Erik Lamela,  Tottenham hotspurs
The Argentine winger is not the most consistent player but when he performs he is able to display his talent in what was a great game from Lamela scoring a goal and creating another in the huge win against Man city.

ST: Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool FC
In his first game from injury after a terrible injure record Sturridge shows why he has still got his goal scoring touch after scoring a brace for Liverpool on Saturday.

ST: Jamie Vardy, Leicester city
After an impressive run in the last few game Vardy show his consistency after bagging himself another 2 goal against Arsenal, holding his place as EPL's current top scoring this season.

Thats it for this week's EPL team of the week, see you next week for what will likely be a thrilling round 8.

- Andy