Perched atop Tessa, one of her eight ponies, Kimberly Marian Pacita Lofgren is a sight to behold. Of Filipino-Swedish heritage, Kim looks every inch the occasional model she is. More than that, the 21 year old is one of the country’s budding female polo players. Born in Manila and raised in Cebu, Kim began walking horses when she was 11. Her father, a polo player who has competed in the Philippines and abroad, built a polo field in their property in Cebu. In 2009, she and her brother were taught the basics of the “game of kings.” The siblings also flew to New Zealand where they were taught by a professional polo player and played their first polo practice game. As a high school student in Bright Academy in Cebu City, Kim played a lot of other sports—golf, soccer, and volleyball—but she was especially drawn to polo. “I enjoy it very much,” she says. “It’s different, too, because not everyone plays polo. It’s unique.” She … [Read more...] about She’s the one: Meet polo player Kim Lofgren
Head injury advice
Rested and recovered, Andreescu relishing French Open debut
LONDON: Injury breaks are not usually welcomed by tennis players but when Bianca Andreescu's shoulder began troubling her in Miami it offered her the chance to take stock of a stunning breakthrough.The 18-year-old Canadian became the first wildcard to win the Indian Wells title the week before - a feat that shook the tennis world and had Rod Laver remarking that a star had been born.Andreescu has only played in two Grand Slams and at the start of the year said just making the French Open main draw was her goal. She will debut as the 22nd seed.When she takes on 20-year-old Czech Marie Bouzkova it will be her first match on clay this season and her first anywhere since a sore shoulder forced her to retire in her last 16 clash with Anett Kontaveit in Miami.It ended the incredible 10-match winning streak that has catapulted the Ontario-born Andreescu into the big time."I think the injury helped me in the way that I could have the chance to let everything soak in and spend time with my … [Read more...] about Rested and recovered, Andreescu relishing French Open debut
FIFA ready to discuss concussion substitutions
Sport FIFA is open to having discussions about temporary substitutions if players suffer serious head injuries in matches, its medical committee head Michel D'Hooghe has told the Times newspaper. 02 May 2019 02:35PM Bookmark REUTERS: FIFA is open to having discussions about temporary substitutions if players suffer serious head injuries in matches, its medical committee head Michel D'Hooghe has told the Times newspaper.Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen tried to play on following a head clash in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat by Ajax Amsterdam before going off, prompting brain injury charity Headway to call for changes to the rules."Introducing substitutes specifically for concussion is a possibility and something worth discussing," D'Hooghe told The Times newspaper."But if you bring a player off for 10 minutes and they are then reintroduced without warming up properly, it's more likely to lead to muscle injuries... there are problems with that … [Read more...] about FIFA ready to discuss concussion substitutions
Vertonghen to see neurologist over head injury
LONDON: Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will see a neurologist on Thursday after suffering a horrific head injury during his side’s Champions League semi-final defeat against Ajax. Vertonghen was dazed and covered in blood following an accidental collision with Tottenham team-mate Toby Alderweireld in the first half on Tuesday. The Belgium international initially tried to play on after being checked by Tottenham’s medical staff, but he still looked groggy and had to be helped off the pitch moments later. It was feared Vertonghen had suffered a concussion, raising questions about the decision to allow him to briefly resume play. Vertonghen has shown no ill-effects since and tests so far have been all clear, but Tottenham revealed he will go for an additional examination with the specialist on Thursday. “Jan Vertonghen has undergone further assessment today (Wednesday 1 May) after sustaining a head injury in last night’s Champions League semi-final first leg … [Read more...] about Vertonghen to see neurologist over head injury
News Football: Zidane apologizes after Madrid lose to struggling Rayo
MADRID -- Zinedine Zidane apologised and said he wished Real Madrid's miserable season would end now after they were beaten by 19th-placed Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Madrid's response to Barcelona winning the title on Saturday night was to slip to a 1-0 defeat at Vallecas and fall 18 points behind La Liga's newly-crowned champions. Zidane took over knowing Madrid's title challenge was all-but extinguished but the difference on Barca then was 12 points while catching Atletico Madrid, now nine ahead, seemed achievable. Adri Embarba's penalty, given after consultation with VAR, was enough for Rayo, who move to within six points of survival, with three games left to play. READ: Fresh feel for Champions League semis "Today we did nothing," Zidane said. "From minute one until the end, at all levels. Sometimes you cannot score but today we did not even create chances, did not play at all. "We must be very angry. I am angry, because the image we gave off today was bad. I am responsible … [Read more...] about News Football: Zidane apologizes after Madrid lose to struggling Rayo