U.S. women give China double dose

By Alastair Himmer

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States inflicted a double dose of basketball blues on Olympic hosts China when their women’s team powered to a 108-63 blowout win on Monday.

Just 24 hours after Yao Ming and his troops were pulverized by the U.S. men, the Chinese women were given the runaround by an American team chasing a fourth straight Olympic title.

China led 11-8 in the first quarter but the U.S. went on a 25-0 run to end the half, sparked by forward Tina Thompson, who finished with 27 points, 21 of them before intermission.

“Tina was hot, hot, hot!” said U.S. centre Lisa Leslie, a three-times gold medalist. “Tonight was Tina’s night. But the crowd was cheering so hard every now and then we had to check the score … then we went, ‘Yeah, we’re still up by 30’.”


Out-muscled and unable to penetrate the American defense, China resorted to launching long bombs but connected on just four of 16 three-pointers in a one-sided Group B encounter.

WNBA rookie sensation Candace Parker drew roars from the crowd of 16,000 by slam-dunking the ball during the warm-up but turned down a chance to shake the rim during the game.

“Oh God! I just didn’t want to get hung on the front of the rim,” Parker said. “I didn’t say we’re not going to see a dunk these Olympics but I was underneath the basket—there was no way I was going to go up there and embarrass myself.”

European champions Russia survived a scare against South Korea before coming through 77-72 to make it two wins out of two in Group A.

American-born Becky Hammon, whose controversial decision to play for Russia upset many of her countrywomen, had 10 points despite struggling to understand her coach’s instructions.

“Most of the girls speak English so it’s been fine,” she said. “As for the coach? We’re working on it.”

World champions Australia overcame Brazil 80-65 led by 18 points from forward Laura Summerton in Group A.

The Czech Republic thrashed Mali 81-47 and Spain beat New Zealand 85-62 in Group B games while Belarus beat Latvia 79-57 in Group A.

Li Ning lights up Olympic cauldron

This television grab taken from Chinese television channel CCTV on August 8, 2008 shows an aerial view of fireworks lighting up the sky after Former Chinesegymnastics champion Li Ning lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, also known as the "Bird's Nest".The three-hour show is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history and its development.

Fireworks are set off as the Olympic cauldron is lit during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. The stadium is also known as the Bird's Nest.
The torch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is lit at the National stadium in Beijing during the opening ceremony of the Games on August 8, 2008.

Former Chinese gymnast Li Ning carries the Olympic flame as he is lifted to the air during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008.

The Olympic Flame is transported around the top of the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium, August 8, 2008.

Emotion kicks off China's Olympics

以情动人，北京奥运会盛大开幕!!

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Fireworks, athletes and pageantry on a scale never before seen in the Olympics opened the Summer Games in Beijing on Friday as the Asian nation kicked off the biggest and most scrutinized Games in history.

Chinese President Hu Jintao declared the the Olympics officially open, retired Chinese gymnastics champion Li Ning was carried through the air to light the Olympic cauldron, and pyrotechnics exploded throughout Beijing as the crowd of 91,000 at National Stadium cheered wildly.

It was a stunning display from the nation of 1.3 billion people. Some media observers believe that the Opening Ceremony may be the most-watched television event in history.

IOC President Jacques Rogge spoke of China's long-held ambition to host the Olympics. "Tonight, that dream comes true," he said. Rogge mentioned the Sichuan earthquake, saying the world was moved "by the great courage and solidarity of the Chinese people."Emotion was high, as Friday's Opening Ceremony not only officially started the Summer Games but was a symbolic expression of a nation seeking its place as a global superpower.

The ceremony began at 8 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET) on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008 -- in a country where eight is the luckiest number.

The opening was an artistic mix of performance and light depicting China's 5,000 years of history.

Fireworks shot off across the Chinese capital as thousands of drummers, acrobats, martial artists and dancers performed under a light display at the National Stadium.

Children representing each of the 56 ethnic groups in China marched out into the stadium, called the "Bird's Nest" because of its notable appearance.

Dancers merged with objects that depicted China's ancient Silk Road, its Great Wall and ancient imperial past. Acrobats swirled around a giant sphere, depicting China's ambitions in space.

Delegations from Afghanistan, Taiwan, North Korea and the United States were welcomed by huge cheers. But the loudest roars were saved for the Chinese participants. Waves of emotion greeted China's delegation as it entered National Stadium, led by flag bearer and basketball superstar Yao Ming.

U.S. President Bush was joined by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and more than 100 heads of state, heads of government and sovereigns expected to attend, the International Olympic Committee said.

The joy in Beijing was countered by grave news in Europe. As the Opening Ceremony was under way, Georgia's president said that his country was under attack by Russian tanks and warplanes. While in Beijing, Bush and Putin met to discuss the conflict.

Earlier Friday, the anticipation over the Beijing Olympics was unmistakable in China's capital city. Thousands were on hand early at Beijing's Tiananmen Square to witness the traditional flag-raising ceremony by soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

This version of the Olympics brings with it controversy, discord that began in 2001 when the 2008 Games were awarded to Beijing. Criticism over China's policies on human rights for its citizens, its policies in Tibet and the persistent pollution across the country have been the focus of much international scrutiny and media attention. For some world leaders, the decision to attend was a tough call. French President Nicolas Sarkozy threatened to boycott the Games because of human rights abuses in Tibet but later changed his mind."It's inevitable that people from different countries may not see eye to eye," Hu said recently, "so we should try to expand our common ground on the basis of mutual respect."

Political leaders do not attend Olympic opening ceremonies as a matter of protocol -- Bush is the first American president to attend them outside the United States -- but China seemed determined to have as many there as possible."

They want those leaders to confirm the fact that China has returned to great power, prominence in the world," said David Zweig, a political analyst at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. "

They really want to say to the people of China that we, the Communist party of China, have done a great job."

As for the Games, an estimated 10,000 athletes from 205 countries will compete in 28 events for about 300 gold medals. The first medals will be awarded Saturday, and China hoped to claim the first gold of the Games.

The Olympics will offer plenty of drama. China has put a priority on finishing first in the overall medal standings. Government officials have said they expect nothing less than a repeat gold medal from 110-meter hurdler Liu Xiang.

On Sunday, swimming competition begins, along with U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps' quest to win eight gold medals, more than any individual in a single Games. Even if he fails, Phelps could become the all-time leader in gold medals.

Also Sunday, an early showdown in basketball as the U.S. basketball team led by stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James faces host China and Yao Ming.

Olympic show opens with a bang

Fireworks explode Friday over National Stadium,

known as the Bird's Nest for its unique interwoven design.

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- China opened the 29th Olympic Games on Friday with stunning fireworks as the Asian nation kicked off one of the most heavily scrutinized games in history.

Fireworks shot off across the Chinese capital as hundreds of drummers and dancers performed under a light display at the National Stadium, drawing applause from the estimated 90,000 in attendance.

It was a stunning beginning from the nation of 1.3 billion people. Media observers said they believe the opening ceremony will be the single most watched television event in history.

Billions of dollars in the making, the Summer Olympics carry with them the ambitions of a nation seeking its place as a global superpower.

The anticipation over the Olympics was unmistakable in China's capital city.

The Olympic torch relay, the focus of protests during parts of its international leg earlier this year, will conclude at 11:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET) when it enters National Stadium to light the Olympic cauldron.

"This one, I think, is going to be bigger and more spectacular ... not necessarily more surprising, but more impressive, I think, than any previous ceremony," said Ric Birch, who oversaw Olympic productions in 1984, 1992 and 2000.

In short, it's just what China wanted -- an opening ceremony with an impressive guest list. President Bush is among more than 100 heads of state, heads of government and sovereigns expected to attend, the International Olympic Committee said.

The leaders represent countries including Japan, Russia, Australia, South Korea and Brazil.
But this version of the Olympics brings with it controversy, discord that began in 2001 when Beijing won the games. Criticism over China's human rights record, its policies in Tibet and the persistent pollution across the country have been the focus of much international criticism and media attention.

The head of the Australian Olympic Committee complained Friday about pollution as well as Internet access and uncomfortable transportation for his country's athletes to venues, according to news reports.

For some world leaders, the decision to attend was a tough call. French President Nicholas Sarkozy threatened to boycott the games because of human rights abuses in Tibet but later changed his mind.

And while he has steadfastly said he would attend the Olympics opening, Bush as recently as Friday stressed China's need to respect human rights.

"It's inevitable that people from different countries may not see eye to eye," Chinese President Hu Jintao said recently, "so we should try to expand our common ground on the basis of mutual respect."

Political leaders do not attend Olympic opening ceremonies as a matter of protocol -- Bush is the first American president to attend them outside the United States -- but China seemed determined to have as many there as possible, taking it as a sign the world recognizes the legitimacy of the Chinese government.

"They want those leaders to confirm the fact that China has returned to great power, prominence in the world," said David Zweig, a political analyst at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. "They really want to say to the people of China that we, the Communist Party of China, have done a great job."

Air China suspended some flights from Japan to China on Friday after receiving a bomb threat via e-mail, Japan's Transport Ministry said. The e-mail said the threat was intended to disrupt the Olympics, according to Fumio Yasukawa, a ministry representative.

Many mysteries about the opening ceremony remain, like which athletes will run the final legs of the torch relay and the tightly kept secret of who will light the Olympic cauldron at the stadium.

Early favorites such as national sports stars Yao Ming and Liu Xiang were widely discounted because they already had carried the torch during the relay.

Many observers speculated that the person lighting the Olympic cauldron would be connected to the devastating May earthquake in China that claimed nearly 70,000 lives.

As for the games, an estimated 10,000 athletes from 205 countries will compete in 28 events for about 300 gold medals. The first medals will be awarded Saturday.

China has put a priority on finishing first in the overall medal standings. On Sunday, swimming competition begins, along with U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps' quest to win eight gold medals -- more than any individual in a single games. Even if he fails, Phelps could become the all-time leader in gold medals.

The competition -- 17 days in length -- will be a relative blip compared to the years of preparation that went into bringing the games to Beijing.

China means it to be a coming-out party. Like many parties, Chinese leaders won't know how it went until it's time to clean up.

Opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games

Entertainers perform around a scroll during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. The three-hour show at Beijing's iconic "Bird's Nest" national stadium is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history.

Performers hold pictures of multi-ethnic children during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. The three-hour show at Beijing's iconic "Bird's Nest" national stadium is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history and its rise as a modern power.

Children wave a large drawing during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. The three-hour show at Beijing's iconic "Bird's Nest" national stadium is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history.

Performers hold pictures of multi-ethnic children during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008.

Performers dance around a globe with images of Olympic athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. The three-hour show at Beijing's iconic "Bird's Nest" national stadium is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history .

Participants take part in the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. The stadium is also known as the Bird's Nest.

Lang Lang performs during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. The stadium is also known as the Bird's Nest.

刘欢、莎拉•布莱曼将演唱奥运主题歌

Sarah Brightman [Agencies]

Liu Huan [Agencies]

8月6日上午，北京奥组委开闭幕式工作部部长张和平正式公布了奥运会主题歌的演唱者。他们就是出演“歌剧魅影”的英国歌手莎拉•布莱曼和中国观众非常熟悉的歌坛重量级人物刘欢。张和平表示：“开幕式将展现中国古典与现代的完美融合。”不过，开幕式点火仪式以及最后一棒火炬手的身份只能等8月8日正式开幕时才能揭晓了。

British singer Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan will sing at Friday's opening ceremony for the Olympic Games, organisers said on Wednesday.

Brightman, best known for her appearances in shows in London's West End including "The Phantom of the Opera", will sing with Liu Huan a specially commissioned "theme song" which will make up part of the three and a half hour ceremony.

The entertainment will begin at 5:45 p.m. and the ceremony proper, featuring 15,000 participants, will follow from 8 p.m. for three and a half hours.

Zhang Heping, director of Opening and Closing Ceremonies Department of the local organising committee (BOCOG), said the ceremony would feature performing arts which "showcase the ancient and long history of the Chinese nation" as well as reflecting modern day China.

After the theme song of the ceremony there will be an address by officials and then the entry of the Olympic flag.

The athletes will then march into the stadium with their own flags -- nations will enter in Chinese alphabetical order, said Zhang.

Liu Huan [Agencies] The ceremony will close with the lighting of the Olympic flame but Zhang gave no clue as to the identity of the final torch bearer.

"For the lighting of the flame, the last torch bearer, this is the most secretive part and will be revealed at the very last moment," said Zhang, adding that the person had been chosen taking into account their "sporting achievement" and "social influence".

Zhang said he hoped there would no athletes using the occasion for protests.

"(We) hope and believe the athletes in the Olympic Games know they should not link the Olympic Games with politics," said Zhang.

"It would run against the charter of the Olympics and the spirit of the Olympic movement," he added.

The firework show, which is part of the opening ceremony, will feature the firing of 29,000 shells -- 15,000 inside the stadium and 14,000 in the vicinity.

(China Daily)