6B
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
VEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2007
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2007
TENNIS
Serena squeaks into semis Limited play doesn't stop Williams from advancing
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams willed herself to win.
Sluggish early and constantly facing break points, she found just enough Tuesday to defeat 16th-seeded Shahar Peer 3-6, 6-2, 8-6 to advance to the Australian Open semifinals.
The former No. 1 player, who came in unseeded after playing only four matches last year due to injury and briefly dropping out of the top 100, stayed alive in her pursuit of an eighth Grand Slam title.
"I am the ultimate competitor" William said.
"Definitely ready to create some more carnage," she added with a smile. "I feel absolutely no pressure. I don't think anyone thought I would get this far, except for me and my mom."
Williams struggled at times against Peer, who was only able to convert three of 13 break opportunities. Williams also was able to shrug off letting a 4-1 lead slip away in the deciding set and then have to break Peer to stay in the match.
"I get so calm," Williams said of difficult patches. "I'm floating. I feel so happy. It just relaxes me and releases. It's just a pity it doesn't happen when I wake up 4."
American Serena Williams plays against Israel's Shahar Peer in her quarterfinal match Tuesday at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. Williams won, 3-6 2-8 8-6.
Williams next faces 17-year-old Nicole Vaidisova, who defeated fellow Czech Lucie Safarova 6-1, 6-4.
What the Williams-Peer match lacked in skill — they combined for 83 unforced errors to 50 winners — it made up for in drama.
Williams, who said she has been fighting a bad cough, was moving like every point was a chore. She shrieked after errors as Peer jumped ahead 3-0 and was in disbelief as the Israeli finished off the first set.
"I think I put a little pressure on
Williams conceded a number of points, barely moving. Normally, she would be picking on Peer's weak serves, but instead was bashing them long or into the net.
myself going into this quarterfinal," Williams said. "I think I came out a little flat, started out a little slow. Maybe I was just a little nervous."
Peer had her chances to put the match away but abruptly lost her focus in the second set. Serving at 2-2, 15-30, she double-faulted, then committed six consecutive unforced errors.
Williams, urging herself on with shouts of "Come on!" and slaps to her thigh, took the last four games of the set and showed flashes of her old brilliance, smacking three of her 11 aces in one game.
"I actually got more confident in my serve as the match got on," Williams said. "I just started hitting it better, started feeling more confident about it."
But the problems continued. Williams faced break points in five of her seven service games in the deciding set. She broke Peer to jump ahead 3-1, only to see the Israeli tie it up at 4-4
Mark Baker/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Williams fended off five break
points in her next two service games.
Serving at 6-7, Peer sent a backhand
volley long to set up match point,
then a backhand wide.
Williams was given little chance coming into the tournament amid
questions about her fitness and preparation, and the victory was sweet vindication.
talking bad. You don't just knock someone so hard when they're trying just to make it. No one knows what I went through off the court. No one knows anything that I've been through."
NBA
Nuggets new start a success Mid-season roster changes don't deter Denver's drive
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DENVER — Maybe this wasn't the best year for George Karl to take his team on the road for some training camp bonding.
These Denver Nuggets aren't the same ones who gathered in Durango in October.
Joe Smith, Andre Miller, Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge are all playing in the Eastern Conference now. Kenyon Martin is a sidelined spectator, and the backcourt now consists of Allen Iverson and Steve Blake.
In their minds, the Nuggets' season started anew Monday night when Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's leading scorer, returned from his 15—game punishment for fighting and teamed with A.I. for 51 points, 13 assists, countless highlights and abundant open looks all around in an emphatic win over Memphis.
"It was fun," Iverson said. "The future looks bright for us."
Just wait, advised Anthony.
With everybody getting open shots and Marcus Camby holding things down in the paint, the Nuggets suddenly look like a contender.
"We have something really special," forward Eduardo Najera said.
"We ain't even clicking the way we're going to be clicking next month or the month after that," he said. "March and April, that's the best time to click. I think once we get our stuff together, it's going to be trouble."
"The chemistry is going to get better with everybody, not just me and Carmelo," Iverson concurred. "Everybody hasn't clicked so far. We need more games and time to practice together."
A seven time All-Star acquired from Philadelphia last month, Iverson insists he's thrilled to play
second fiddle to Melo. Having a second superstar on his team along with a pass-first point guard allows him a freedom he's never had in his 11 NBA seasons.
game-high 28 points against the Grizzlies.
"He missed a lot of shots that he usually can make with his eyes closed," Iverson said. "But that is all about having timing and getting into a rhythm. For someone that hasn't played in 15 games, he looked like an All-Star to me."
"I have been on teams where I scored 50 points
"March and April, that's the best time to click. I think once we get our stuff together, it's going to be trouble."
CARMELO ANTHONY Forward
and lost," Iverson said. "That is tough. And when you have so many good players around you, it makes it that much easier and makes the game that much more fun. I'm not saying that I don't play 110 percent anyway. I'm going to do that regardless, because I will never disrespect the talent that God gave me.
Iverson is already calling this the most talented team he've ever been on, and that's saying a lot for a guy who led the Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001.
"I play 110, but I don't have to do all the things I had to do in Philadelphia. Here, I feel like if I go out and struggle, we can still win the game."
Anthony struggled with his shooting touch, missing all eight of his jumpers, but still managed a
"It's not even close," Iverson said. "I could go through the
whole squid and name somebody that can impact a game. I have never been a part of a team like that. I feel like I can play four more quarters. Usually after a game, I'm done."
Anthony, too, is refreshed, about the only positive result from his five-week ban from basketball for punching Knicks guard Mardy Collins on Dec. 16.
"I'm not saying that I'm glad that incident happened," Anthony said, "but in a way, I am glad that I got a break, got a chance to sit back and analyze things and get my mind together and see what I need to do out there on the court and off the court."
Still Best Cash for Books
Jayhawk Bookstore ..at the top of Naismith Hill
AUDITION
Wednesday, January 24th
7:00 pm
Studio 242
Robinson Center
NO SOLO MATERIAL REQUIRED
UNIVERSITY DANCE COMPANY
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 785-864-4264
KANSANCLASSIFIEDS
PHONE 785.864.4358
$5000 PAID. EGG DONORS
+ Expenses. N smoking. Ages 19-29.
SAT$=1100 ACT$>24-GPA=$3.0
reply to: info@ggdemonstrate.com
Experienced life coach accepting clients.
Pre-consultation. Confidential. Convenient.
Specialty life purpose, self expression
785-841-1410
TRAEFIC-DUI'S MIP'S PERSONAL-INJURY disputes, criminal and civil matters the law offices of DONLO G. STROLE Donald G. Strote Sally G. Kelsey 16 Estril 13th 421 616 Free Consultation
HAWKCHALK.COM CLASSIFIEDS@KANSAN.COM
life support
785/841-2345
free, 24/7
www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us
Marks JEWELERS
Quality Jewelers Since 1880
Fast, quality jewelry repair custom manufacturing watch & clock repair 817 Mass 843-4266 markings@swbell.net
**Spring Break Bahamas** - 5 Days /4 Nights from $199 per person - Includes Cruise Transport & Resort in the Bahamas - Other Packages also Available - Book Toll-Free: 1-888-85-BEACH (1-888-852-3224) www.Bahama.com
TRAVEL
KU's FREE local market place free [ads] for all hawkchalk.com
Jamaica has it all.
Let us show you the way:
Sun Splash Tours
800.426.7710
www.sunslashtours.com
www.sunsplashtours.com
Student Travel Services 800.648.4849 www.ststravel.com
JOBS
A SUMMER UNLKE ANY OTHER! CAMP CANADENIS, a co-ced resident camp in the Poco Mountain of FA, seeks General Bunk Counselors, Athletic Waterfront, Outdoor Adventure (i.e. I Ropes Course) and Art Specialists. Join our staff from around the U.S. and abroad and have the experience of a lifetime! Good salary and travel allowance. Internships encouraged. We will be on campus Wednesday, February 21. To schedule a meeting or for more info, call toll-803-832-8228, visit www.candadenis.com or e-mail info@candadenis.com.
TH
JOBS
A fun place to work! *Stepping Stones is*
hiring Teachers Aided to work 8AM-1PM
or 1-6PM Mon/Wed/Fri, and/or Tues/Turs.
Also 3-6PM Tues/Thurs, in the toddler, preschool &
after school classrooms.
Apply at 1100 Wakarua.
adidas sports marketing internship
$10/hour 11-15 hrs week. Help with equip-
needs for Kansas Athletic Dept.
Send resume and cover letter to
ashley.sulivan@adidasus.com.
Deadline Jan 31.
Are you a person who loves the outdoors and people? Then you could be just the right person to meet them.
and people. When you could offline the person we are looking for! Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop is looking for enthusiastic and friendly folks to either full or part time hours. Prior retail sales experience a plus but not essential. Stop by and fill out an application at 804 Mass. St. Downtown Lawrence 785-843-5000
CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER
Teacher's aides needed in classrooms
7A*2M + 1-6P. Tues./Thurs.
854-781, Michigan,
785-841, 2185. EOS
BARTENDING UP TO $300/DAY NO
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TRAINING
PROVIDED. 800-965-6250 EXT 108
Carlos O'Kelly's is looking for friendly and energetic individuals. Hiring for all positions. No experience required, will train.
Weekend availability a plus. 785-832-0500
Attention College Students!
We pay up to $75 per survey
@getPaidToThink.com
Bambino's at the Grove is NOW hiring Delivery Drivers and Kitchen Staff. Flexible Schedule. Please apply in person at 1801 Mass. St.
CAREGIVERS & companions for our clients in their homes. Set your hours, no previous experience, complete training Home Helpers 785-424-3880.
COOLCOLLEGEJOBS.COM
Pay Survey Takers Needed in Lawrence.
100% FREE to Join! Click on Surveys.
Caregiver needed in rural Lawrence
Interview process & drug testing required.
Please call Mason's Memory.
1-866-744-8882
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
HOUSECLEANING Residential Cleaner
Residential Cleaner
Part-time position available
Mon. Fri. 8 12, or 1 5
$8/hour
Apply at 939 Iowa Street
or Call (785) 842 6264