Live from the rain delayed Barclays

Posted on August 22, 2013 by admin

Well, the PGA tournament from New Jersey, The Barclays, the first playoff in the FedExCup experienced what many of us have been dealing with, RAIN!  There were two rain delays today, totaling five hours.  Tiger Woods, the FedEx point leader teed off along side Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker.  Tiger had a bogey free round of 67 coming in at -4.  Matt Kuchar was one up on him at -5 and Brandt Snedeker brought up the rear in that group at +1.  Play is still in progress, Phil Mickelson did not even tee off until 6:30 pm EST and is currently E.  Also still on the course is Webb Simpson at -2 and Adam Scott.  After the initial round of play for day one, the leaderboard (still a work in progress) stands as: Kevin Stadler -7 (round of 64), Ryan Palmer, Henrik Stenson, C. Villages, -6, Matt Kuchar -5, Carl Peterson, -5, Tiger Woods, M. Every, Graham Delaet, and Brandon de Jonge, -4, Justin Rose, C. Schwartzel, and Nick Whatney, -3.  Rickie Fowler, Rory Mcilroy and Luke Donald finished their first rounds at E par.   Play continues so updates will follow tomorrow.  Better weather is expected Friday through Sunday, but hey, we all know that is a wait and see deal!  Update: at 7:45 pm EST, the horn just sounded so play will be ending for today!

In tennis news, Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the US Open citing a sore shoulder.  I think she has withdrawn due to the fact that her tennis life is in chaos!  Also withdrawing was Marty Fish of the US, as he had problems with heat stroke issues in Winston Salem.  He has really struggled to come back from the health issues (heart condition) that affected him last year.  The draw was announced and much to my chagrin, Federer (seeded #7) falls in Rafael Nadal’s side of the draw (Rafa is seeded #2).  Well, you can look at it two ways, we could get lucky and enjoy another Roger vs. Rafa match up in the quarters if all goes according to plan, or you could say, darn, I wish Fed had landed in David Ferrer’s side of the draw (Ferrer is seeded #4) and then expected Roger to easily move through that quarterfinal match should things go according to plan.  Well, we will just call upon the tennis gods to give us what we want, a Fed. vs. Rafa quarter, with Federer the winner!! Murray (#2) and Djokovic (#1) are on a collision course to meet in the semifinals if all goes as it should (but if Wimbledon is any indication, who knows what will happen!)  For tennis and Federer fans, check out the video at ESPN.com about Federer and the My Wish program.  It is spectacular…not only is Federer the GOAT, he is an even better human being.  It is very moving!

OK, guys, ABC drama Motive is on tonight at 9:00 pm EST, check it out.  Time for some entertainment after the stop and go in New Jersey today watching the golf.

Until tomorrow…


Posted in Blog, ESPN, events, golf, pop culture, sports figures, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Live from the rain delayed Barclays

Tennis, Golf, CFB and oh yes, Surviving “Paradise” on Wednesday

Posted on August 21, 2013 by admin

Well, it is Wednesday and that mean Surviving “Paradise” promo day!  But first things first, how about a little sports news!

Golf gets underway tomorrow in New Jersey, The Barclays from Liberty National Country Club.  It is the first event in the FedExCup playoffs.  Tiger Woods is, of course, there and already practicing.  Apparently he has a sore neck due to lack of a good night’s sleep in his hotel bed.  Something tells me that will be remedied right away!  Tiger tees off tomorrow at 1:06 pm EST and coverage begins on Golf Channel at 3:00 pm EST.  Tiger is the current leader in FedEx points.  So, tomorrow thru Sunday, some great golf!!

In the world of tennis, the US Open seedings were announced and alas, they follow the new ATP rankings, and my guy, Mr. Federer is seeded 7th (gasp, the horror of it!).  But, that is where he is currently ranked so he, and I will have to deal with it.  Novak Djokovic is seeded #1, Rafael Nadal, the hottest player on the men’s tour currently is seeded #2, and Andy Murray is seeded #3.  David Ferrer, J. Martin Del Potro and Thomas Berdych are all ahead of Fed in the seedings.  Forgive me David Ferrer, but here’s to hoping Roger makes it to the quarters and gets to play you!  Anyhow, action begins on August 26th and it should be spectacular, the final Grand Slam of the 2013 season.  As a Fed fanatic, I truly hope he has a great tournament, oh what the heck, I hope he wins it!!

College Football is just around the corner, really hard to believe…but it is BACK!!  Some truly great games abound to start the season, especially in the southeast.  Alabama (preseason #1) will face Virginia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, really not sure just how good VT is going to be this year but still an interesting match up.  South Carolina will face off against North Carolina (many predict NC to win the Coastal Division in the ACC, co-favorite along with Miami).  Gee, sounds like some people are overlooking Georgia Tech, but then again, don’t they always?  And finally, the BIG one, Clemson vs. Georgia.  This game is going to be great.  I really think Clemson can win it.  As a GT fan, and thus an ACC fan, I will be pulling for the Tigers in this game.  It will tell a lot about both teams very early.

Now, to the day’s final event…please buy and read my book, Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  It is available at Amazon.com for $9.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition and also $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook.  It is a very funny and engaging story about a southern woman who moves to Sarasota, FL only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  When I say ridiculous, I am being “kind”.  One recent reader remarked, I first thought this went on for a short time, then as I got deeper into it I realized it went on for years!  That only happens in the movies!!! The key word, the movies!  I am hoping to get the first draft of my screenplay any day now…so jump on board and read the story now!  Hopefully, it will be on the big screen/small screen, sometime in the future!!


Posted in Blog, events, football, golf | Comments Off on Tennis, Golf, CFB and oh yes, Surviving “Paradise” on Wednesday

Nadal and Azarenka take title in Cincinnati!

Posted on August 18, 2013 by susan

Incredible day of tennis today at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio!  The men’s final was only two sets, but there were no breaks of serve, as Rafael Nadal defeated John Isner in two tough tie break sets, 7 – 6, 7 – 6.  Incredible to think Nadal won but never once broke Isner.  This win moves Rafa to the number 2 ranking in the ATP rankings prior to the US Open.  Isner should move to #14, back into the top twenty.  Sadly, Roger Federer will drop to no. 7, (gasp!), a result of a less than stellar year (so far) and a reduced schedule of play.  Nadal has to be the favorite going into the US Open.  Still, Djokovic and Murray will certainly be in the mix, as will Del Potro and Berdych and of course, never count out Federer.  (He looked the best he has looked this year against a top player in the heart breaking three set quarterfinal loss to Rafa on Friday).

On the women’s side, a tremendous match between #1 and  #2, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, and surprise winner, Victoria Azarenka in a third set tie break.  Azarenka takes the title, 2- 6, 6 – 2, 7 – 6.  Serena had several opportunities to serve for the match, and failed.  She has played a tremendous amount of tennis in the past two weeks and perhaps was a bit weary, but take nothing away from Azarenka.  She fought and really took it to Serena in the third set.  So, Serena heads to the US Open as the favorite, with Azarenka lurking right there with her!  US Open coverage begins one week from tomorrow!

A couple of other bits of sporting news: The Braves took care of the Nationals today 2-1, making up for a tough loss last night in 15 innings, 7 – 8.  It was especially disappointing as they trailed 5 – 7 in the ninth when Heyward hit his second home run of the night, a two run homer to tie the game.

Also, the AP Preseason College Football Poll came out over the weekend.  Top ten: 1. Alabama (58 of 60 1st place votes), 2. Ohio State, 3. Oregon, 4. Stanford (I believe both these two Pac 12 schools could challenge for the National Championship!), 5. Georgia, 6. South Carolina, 7. Texas A&M, 8. Clemson (do not rule them out of the National Championship picture?), 9. Louisville, and 10. Florida

Rest of top twenty-five: 11. FSU, 12. LSU, 13. Oklahoma State, 14. Notre Dame, 15. Texas, 16. Oklahoma, 17. Michigan, 18. Nebraska, 19. Boise State, 20. TCU, 21. UCLA, 22. Northwestern, 23. Wisconsin, 24. USC and 25. Oregon State

Gee, no Georgia Tech?  Oh well, hard to believe but it all gets underway in two weeks.  Cannot wait!!  Both US Open and College Football season get underway in late August.


Posted in Blog, events, football, sports figures, Tennis | Comments Off on Nadal and Azarenka take title in Cincinnati!

Isner and Nadal advance to final in Cincinnati

Posted on August 17, 2013 by admin

John Isner and Rafael Nadal will meet tomorrow for the championship of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.  John Isner won an amazing match today over J. Del Potro, 6 – 7, 7 – 6, 6- 3 (coming back from match point down in set #2!)  Rafael Nadal took out T. Berdych in two tough sets, 7 – 5, 7 – 6 after beating Roger Federer in a tough three set quarterfinal match last night (much to my dismay).  Still wish Roger could have pulled that one out but he did look better than he has looked all year against a top tier player, especially Rafa who is playing the best tennis on the men’s tour right now.  Should be great match tomorrow, will be interesting to see how he handles John’s monster serve.  Isner has really shown improvement with his movement on the court as well so should be a good one.

Later tonight, 7:00 pm EST on ESPN2 the two ladies’ semifinals will take place: Li Na vs. Serena Williams and V. Azarenka vs. J. Jankovic.  Stay tuned…

A little late to the party here but non the less, here I am…in two matches where no one could seemingly hold serve, Serena took care of Li Na, 7 – 5, 7 – 5 and Azarenka defeated Jankovic, 4 – 6, 6 – 2, 6 – 3.  In the second match, there were so many breaks of serve, one lost count, I think it was around twenty or so.

So, tomorrow (today, actually) Nadal vs. Isner (1st set to Nadal in tiebreak) and Serena Williams vs. V. Azarenka (no. 1 vs. no. 2)  Until later…


Posted in Blog, ESPN, events, sports figures, Tennis | Comments Off on Isner and Nadal advance to final in Cincinnati

Nadal over Federer in Cincy, and it was a privilege

Posted on August 16, 2013 by admin

Well, my guy lost, or did he?  Nadal won over Federer in three, 5 – 7, 6 – 4, 6 – 3.  One break in each set.  But this just in, the winning point by Nadal was out, but alas, Fed, never a fan of the challenge system, did not protest.  Still, it was all that it was supposed to be and usually is between these two, pure magic.  The winning point was out.  Never the less, Nadal advances to the semifinals to take on Berdych who upset Murray.  Federer came to play, as I said he would.  Hate to see him lose, always  hate to see him lose.  But, Federer looked better than he has looked as of late and at the least, he can take that into the US Open which begins August 26th.  Fed was in control in the first set, no doubt.  The second set, oh, so close.  One break in the third, and Nadal served for the match.  He won it, but the point he won it on was not a winning point, as replay showed it was out.  Still, would he have gone on to win anyway, or would Fed have pulled off a break of serve and extended the match?  We will never know.  Nadal will face Berdych and Del Potro will face Isner in the semifinals tomorrow.  Still, it was the magic we have enjoyed for a decade and it was again, a privilege to witness this match.  Federer can take some confidence into the US  Open as he was in this until the end.  He looked SO much better than he has looked as of late, and Nadal, well, he is simply the hottest and perhaps the best player on tour at this time.  Disappointing for Federer is that he will drop to #6 or #7 in the ATP rankings and that will affect him at the Open.  Still, at the end of the day, it was Rafa and Roger, and all that it means.  It was great, and again, it was a privilege to watch.  Enjoy it folks, you never know how many more times we will get to see it!  Federer fan forever!  ROGER THAT!  P.S. Congrats to Nadal!


Posted in Blog, events, sports figures, Tennis | Comments Off on Nadal over Federer in Cincy, and it was a privilege

Federer vs. Nadal from Cincy (for the 31st time!)

Posted on August 16, 2013 by susan

Tennis from Cincinnati continues with the quarterfinals taking place today on ESPN2.  Tonight, a special quarterfinal, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will face each other for the 31st time in their illustrious careers.  Rafa is playing brilliantly since exiting Wimbledon in his first match to a guy named Steve (Darcis) and Federer has had a less than “fed like” 2013.  Non the less, it is Roger vs. Rafa, live at 7:00 pm EST on ESPN2 and it will be what it always is…magical!  One of the greatest rivalries in all of sports and two very special players and guys…my guy, Mr. Federer being just a little more special!! (GO FED!)

In other action, Del Potro advanced to the semifinals with a three set win over qualifier Tursunov.  Murray will face Berdych on the Grandstand court a bit later today and Djokovic and Isner are currently tied at two sets each on the Center court.  Would think Djokovic will find his way through to the semifinal but stay tuned…updates to follow.

On the women’s side, Li Na advances into the semifinals by way of A. Radwanska withdrawing due to the death of her grandmother.  (Funeral to take place in Poland this weekend)  Caroline Wozniacki will face Victoria Azarenka, interesting match perhaps, and Serena Williams will take the court to face S. Halep after Djokovic and Isner complete their quarterfinal match.  J. Jankovic advanced earlier today with an easy two set win.

A bit of interesting off-court news:  Maria Sharapova has fired her new coach, Jimmy Connors after one month and one match (she lost to Sloane Stephens earlier this week in Cincy)!  Gee, anyone really shocked?  Never could see those two personalities working together.  So Sharapova will need to quickly go back to the drawing board with the US Open looming less than two weeks from today, starts on the 26th so ten days to be exact!

Upset alert!  Isner over Djokovic in three sets, 7 – 6, 3 – 6, 7 – 5.  Great performance by Isner, Djokovic looked shaky in final stages of third set.  Isner into semifinals to face Del Potro tomorrow.

Oh my, Berdych over Murray, 6 – 3, 6 – 4.  Come on Fed, the door is open…Djokovic and Murray both out.  Let’s get this done tonight!!

P.S. Serena Williams advances with ease over S. Halep, 6 – 0, 6 – 4.

 


Posted in Blog, events, gossip, rumors, sports figures, Tennis | Comments Off on Federer vs. Nadal from Cincy (for the 31st time!)

Federer wins in Cincy in three sets, but it was touch and go!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by susan

Whew!  As a Federer fan, that was scary!  Roger Federer survived Tommy Haas today in Cincinnati, 1 – 6, 7 – 5, 6 – 3.  It looked in the first set and halfway through the second, (Fed was down a break early in set #2) that he was on his way out.  Roger appeared out of sorts, not at all comfortable and missed all kinds of shots that he normally simply does not miss.  But Haas opened the door just a crack, and Federer stepped through and then cruised into the third set.  He saved three break points and managed to close out his good buddy and take the 3rd set to advance to the quarterfinals.  One achilles heel for Fed remains break point conversions on his opponents serve when he gets them, only about 2/12 today.  Non the less, he began to look very Federer like, especially late in the second set and in the third set as well.  He will need to be all that and more as his next match will be tomorrow against the winner of the Nadal-Dimitrov match later today.  Have to expect it to be Nadal with the way Nadal looked in winning the Rogers Cup and so far in this tournament.

Other winners today were Djokovic with ease, 6 – 2, 6 – 0 over Goffin; Isner over Raonic, 7 – 6, 6 – 4; Del Potro advanced in three sets while David Ferrer was upset.  Andy Murray appears on his way to taking care of J. Benneteau.  Isner and Djokovic will meet in the quarters.

More action continues, especially on the women’s side and tomorrow coverage will once again be on ESPN2.  I hope Roger Federer can step it up and play a great match tomorrow!!

For NFL fans (who isn’t), Falcons and the Ravens are on TNF and for others, catch new episode of Motive on ABC at 9:00 pm EST.

More tennis updates: Azarenka, A. Radwanska, C. Wozniacki and Jankovic advance.  Serena  plays later.  Nadal up on Dimitrov and Berdych up as well.  Federer will play well tomorrow!!  Count on it!


Posted in Blog, events, football, pop culture, sports figures, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Federer wins in Cincy in three sets, but it was touch and go!

Federer wins in Cincy in three sets, but it was touch and go!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by admin

Whew!  As a Federer fan, that was scary!  Roger Federer survived Tommy Haas today in Cincinnati, 1 – 6, 7 – 5, 6 – 3.  It looked in the first set and halfway through the second, (Fed was down a break early in set #2) that he was on his way out.  Roger appeared out of sorts, not at all comfortable and missed all kinds of shots that he normally simply does not miss.  But Haas opened the door just a crack, and Federer stepped through and then cruised into the third set.  He saved three break points and managed to close out his good buddy and take the 3rd set to advance to the quarterfinals.  One achilles heel for Fed remains break point conversions on his opponents serve when he gets them, only about 2/12 today.  Non the less, he began to look very Federer like, especially late in the second set and in the third set as well.  He will need to be all that and more as his next match will be tomorrow against the winner of the Nadal-Dimitrov match later today.  Have to expect it to be Nadal with the way Nadal looked in winning the Rogers Cup and so far in this tournament.

Other winners today were Djokovic with ease, 6 – 2, 6 – 0 over Goffin; Isner over Raonic, 7 – 6, 6 – 4; Del Potro advanced in three sets while David Ferrer was upset.  Andy Murray appears on his way to taking care of J. Benneteau.  Isner and Djokovic will meet in the quarters.

More action continues, especially on the women’s side and tomorrow coverage will once again be on ESPN2.  I hope Roger Federer can step it up and play a great match tomorrow!!

For NFL fans (who isn’t), Falcons and the Ravens are on TNF and for others, catch new episode of Motive on ABC at 9:00 pm EST.

More tennis updates: Azarenka, A. Radwanska, C. Wozniacki and Jankovic advance.  Serena  plays later.  Nadal up on Dimitrov and Berdych up as well.  Federer will play well tomorrow!!  Count on it!


Posted in Blog, events, football, pop culture, sports figures, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Federer wins in Cincy in three sets, but it was touch and go!

Oops, I did it again, Surviving “Paradise” the book promo, and some tennis!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by admin

Oops, I did it again.  Caught up in watching the tennis from Cincinnati and forgot to promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver on Wednesday!  So, it is Thursday and let’s get it done…check out Surviving “Paradise” at Amazon.com for $9.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition, and at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.  Very funny and entertaining story about ridiculous neighborhood mayhem in southwest Florida.  Witty and humorous so try it, I think you will like it!Surviving Paradise

Meanwhile, we have reached the round of sixteen in Cincinnati at the Western and Southern Open.

Advancing yesterday, Serena Williams (3 sets), Li Na (3 sets),  A. Radwansak, C. Wozniacki, Del Potro, Tommy Haas, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, A. Murray, Berdych and others.  Canadian Pospisil fell to Goffin who is facing N. Djokovic right now.  Roger Federer will face his good friend and fellow “old” guy Tommy Haas shortly.  Nadal will square off against Dimitrov later.  Another great day of tennis on ESPN2 today.  IF Nadal and Federer both win, well here we go again with the hype, but they will play in the quarterfinals.

Stay tuned!

Also of note, Marion Bartoli, who just won Wimbledon six plus weeks ago, was defeated and immediately announced her retirement in her post match press conference.  Said the injuries had affected her desire and passion for the game and it was time to call it a day.  What a surprise!


Posted in Blog, events, sports figures, Surviving "Paradise", susan shaver, Susan Willoch Shaver, Tennis | Comments Off on Oops, I did it again, Surviving “Paradise” the book promo, and some tennis!

Roger Federer wins first match in Cincinnati

Posted on August 14, 2013 by susan

Roger Federer returned to action last night in Cincinnati (Western and Southern Open) and defeated P. Kolschreiber in straight sets, 6 – 3, 7 – 6.  Federer looked sharp, especially in the first, had a bit of a hiccup in the second but went on to close it out in a tie break, albeit an adventurous one.  Fed has returned to using the 90″ Wilson racquet he has used for a decade after experimenting with a larger 98″ Wilson prototype.  All the other big names use one at least that size, some larger, and Federer’s racquet is the smallest frame on the men’s tour.  Never the less, Federer has waved that magic wand to seventeen Grand Slam titles.  He indicated in his post match interview that he was not finished testing out different racquets (one would have to expect he will make the transition at the best time for him) but that he would wait until after the US Open to resume experimenting with a larger racquet frame.  Does make sense as it takes time to develop a comfort level and consistency with a new piece of equipment, especially after many years of using basically the same racquet.  Roger was outstanding on serve last night, winning 87% of the points on his first serve and 63% on his second serve.  Glaring weakness, only 2/11 on break points.  Will need to improve that statistic as he hopefully moves on in the tournament to face the likes of Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.  Still, so happy to see him back and looking good!

Today’s action is jam packed full of stars.  Andy Murray has dispatched M. Youzhny in two straight sets.  Later today, Djokovic and Nadal (tonight) and Serena Williams (now) and Li Na (tonight).  Stay tuned…the action continues all week and the weather is really nice, sunny but only mid to high 70’s!


Posted in Blog, events, sports figures, Tennis | Comments Off on Roger Federer wins first match in Cincinnati