Sunday, July 10, 2005
Sports - Now playing in Sacramento: One night only - sacbee.com
Sports - Now playing in Sacramento: One night only - sacbee.com:
Please return to your seat.
And take the guy pretending to be a line judge.
The Sacramento Capitals' staff is prepared for these hypothetical scenarios. It knew upon drafting Kournikova that she brings more than two Grand Slam doubles titles. Her accolades include being named to People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People list and a sexy swimsuit cover photo in Jane magazine this month.
The 24-year-old Russian-born beauty also has a fitness column called Good Sport in Elle magazine, which debuted in June and runs every other month.
It's her looks that keep Kournikova in the public eye, especially since leaving the WTA Tour in 2003 with back problems.
"It's true that for the past couple of years the tabloids have been more interested in my boyfriend (Enrique Iglesias) and the color of my bathing suit than when I'm returning to the pro circuit," Kournikova wrote in her first Elle column.
But there is at least one person more interested in her tennis credentials. Capitals coach Wayne Bryan needs her to help pick up his faltering team, which has lost two straight matches, in today's 7:30 p.m. match at Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights.
"She played sensational (Thursday) night with Mark Knowles in mixed doubles," Bryan said. "I was surprised. She's such a nice girl, and she's a team player."
She has some experience in World TeamTennis after two years as the marquee player with the Kansas City Explorers. Kournikova said she has used WTT as a way to keep active while pondering her future as a professional player.
"I love the format," Kournikova said in a conference call. "I love the possibility for me to be on the court again and in front of fans and play some great tennis."
The Capitals need Kournikova to play some of her best tennis tonight or the five-time WTT champions will have their first losing record in as long as anyone can remember. They are 2-2.
The Capitals also obviously are interested in her ability to fill a stadium with fans. The team hopes to sell out 4,300-seat Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights tonight against the Philadelphia Freedoms (0-3).
"She transcends tennis," Capitals co-owner Lonnie Nielson said. "She has celebrity."
Which is what makes her easy to market. Friday, the Capitals gave away caricature pins of Kournikova. Players have trading cards this season, and there are jerseys and glossy prints floating around Allstate Stadium of the tennis beauty.
"My dad wants her autograph," said Katie Moore, 16, as she cruised the stadium following Friday night's loss to the Newport Beach Breakers.
Moore, who is part of a group of Australian teens who came to Sacramento as part of a three-week junior tennis tour, walked arm-in-arm with a local high schooler while wearing a Kournikova jersey.
"I am very excited," said Lauren Combs, 16, daughter of Capitals co-owner Ben Combs. "All my friends were like, 'I'm coming,' even those who don't play tennis."
The Capitals offered an opportunity for Kournikova fans, young and not so young, to become the leggy blonde's towel boy/girl by submitting a 200-word essay on why they are the ideal person for the job. They asked that the essays remain "tasteful."
One entry, written by "Dan" who didn't list his name or city, read, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I will tell my fellow residents about in the retirement community when I get old."
He didn't win. Two 10-year-old girls will receive the towel honors after being chosen from among about 50 entries. Lauren Roppolo of El Dorado Hills and Kassidy Jump of Granite Bay both effectively explained why they want to be Kournikova's towel girls.
"I'm her No. 1 fan," wrote Jump.
Added Roppolo: "I look up to Anna because of her dedication, attitude and sportsmanship."
Kournikova said she is equally as enthused about her Sacramento appearance, especially because she hasn't had the opportunity to visit California's capital.
"It is one of the few cities I've never been to," Kournikova said. "I'm excited to play for Wayne Bryan; he has great energy. I'm also excited to be a part of a team ... the crowd and the public will get to see some great matches."
ANNA KOURNIKOVA: THE TENNIS PLAYER
Age: 24.
Birthplace: Moscow.
Residence: Miami.
Turned pro: October 1995.
Singles titles, record: 0, 209-129.
Doubles titles, record: 16, 200-71.
Best singles ranking: No. 8 (Nov. 20, 2000).
Best doubles ranking: No. 1 (Nov. 22, 1999).
Career earnings: $3,584,662.
Last WTA Tour match: April 9, 2003.
CAPITALS VS. PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMS
When: 7:30 p.m. today.
Where: Allstate Stadium, Sunrise Mall parking lot, Citrus Heights.
Tickets: $20-$89.50. For information, call (916) 638-4001 or visit www.saccapitals.com.
Capitals' roster: Mark Knowles, Anna Kournikova, Elena Likhovtseva and Sam Warburg.
Philadelphia Freedoms' roster: Josh Eagle, John Paul Fruttero, Carly Gullickson, Lisa Raymond and Elena Tatarkova.
Set to watch: The mixed doubles tandem of Knowles and Kournikova performed well in Newport Beach on Thursday, so look for that set to showcase Kournikova's best tennis against Fruttero and Tatarkova.
About the writer:
* The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
Now playing in Sacramento: One night only
Anna Kournikova's glamorous side often overshadows her game. The Capitals need both.
By Melody Gutierrez -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, July 10, 2005
Hey, you.Yeah, you, the gentleman sandwiched between 10-year-olds with the black Sharpie and glossy print of Anna Kournikova in hand. While the ballboy outfit almost was convincing, your mustache and 6-foot frame gave you away, buddy.
Please return to your seat.
And take the guy pretending to be a line judge.
The Sacramento Capitals' staff is prepared for these hypothetical scenarios. It knew upon drafting Kournikova that she brings more than two Grand Slam doubles titles. Her accolades include being named to People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People list and a sexy swimsuit cover photo in Jane magazine this month.
The 24-year-old Russian-born beauty also has a fitness column called Good Sport in Elle magazine, which debuted in June and runs every other month.
It's her looks that keep Kournikova in the public eye, especially since leaving the WTA Tour in 2003 with back problems.
"It's true that for the past couple of years the tabloids have been more interested in my boyfriend (Enrique Iglesias) and the color of my bathing suit than when I'm returning to the pro circuit," Kournikova wrote in her first Elle column.
But there is at least one person more interested in her tennis credentials. Capitals coach Wayne Bryan needs her to help pick up his faltering team, which has lost two straight matches, in today's 7:30 p.m. match at Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights.
"She played sensational (Thursday) night with Mark Knowles in mixed doubles," Bryan said. "I was surprised. She's such a nice girl, and she's a team player."
She has some experience in World TeamTennis after two years as the marquee player with the Kansas City Explorers. Kournikova said she has used WTT as a way to keep active while pondering her future as a professional player.
"I love the format," Kournikova said in a conference call. "I love the possibility for me to be on the court again and in front of fans and play some great tennis."
The Capitals need Kournikova to play some of her best tennis tonight or the five-time WTT champions will have their first losing record in as long as anyone can remember. They are 2-2.
The Capitals also obviously are interested in her ability to fill a stadium with fans. The team hopes to sell out 4,300-seat Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights tonight against the Philadelphia Freedoms (0-3).
"She transcends tennis," Capitals co-owner Lonnie Nielson said. "She has celebrity."
Which is what makes her easy to market. Friday, the Capitals gave away caricature pins of Kournikova. Players have trading cards this season, and there are jerseys and glossy prints floating around Allstate Stadium of the tennis beauty.
"My dad wants her autograph," said Katie Moore, 16, as she cruised the stadium following Friday night's loss to the Newport Beach Breakers.
Moore, who is part of a group of Australian teens who came to Sacramento as part of a three-week junior tennis tour, walked arm-in-arm with a local high schooler while wearing a Kournikova jersey.
"I am very excited," said Lauren Combs, 16, daughter of Capitals co-owner Ben Combs. "All my friends were like, 'I'm coming,' even those who don't play tennis."
The Capitals offered an opportunity for Kournikova fans, young and not so young, to become the leggy blonde's towel boy/girl by submitting a 200-word essay on why they are the ideal person for the job. They asked that the essays remain "tasteful."
One entry, written by "Dan" who didn't list his name or city, read, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I will tell my fellow residents about in the retirement community when I get old."
He didn't win. Two 10-year-old girls will receive the towel honors after being chosen from among about 50 entries. Lauren Roppolo of El Dorado Hills and Kassidy Jump of Granite Bay both effectively explained why they want to be Kournikova's towel girls.
"I'm her No. 1 fan," wrote Jump.
Added Roppolo: "I look up to Anna because of her dedication, attitude and sportsmanship."
Kournikova said she is equally as enthused about her Sacramento appearance, especially because she hasn't had the opportunity to visit California's capital.
"It is one of the few cities I've never been to," Kournikova said. "I'm excited to play for Wayne Bryan; he has great energy. I'm also excited to be a part of a team ... the crowd and the public will get to see some great matches."
ANNA KOURNIKOVA: THE TENNIS PLAYER
Age: 24.
Birthplace: Moscow.
Residence: Miami.
Turned pro: October 1995.
Singles titles, record: 0, 209-129.
Doubles titles, record: 16, 200-71.
Best singles ranking: No. 8 (Nov. 20, 2000).
Best doubles ranking: No. 1 (Nov. 22, 1999).
Career earnings: $3,584,662.
Last WTA Tour match: April 9, 2003.
CAPITALS VS. PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMS
When: 7:30 p.m. today.
Where: Allstate Stadium, Sunrise Mall parking lot, Citrus Heights.
Tickets: $20-$89.50. For information, call (916) 638-4001 or visit www.saccapitals.com.
Capitals' roster: Mark Knowles, Anna Kournikova, Elena Likhovtseva and Sam Warburg.
Philadelphia Freedoms' roster: Josh Eagle, John Paul Fruttero, Carly Gullickson, Lisa Raymond and Elena Tatarkova.
Set to watch: The mixed doubles tandem of Knowles and Kournikova performed well in Newport Beach on Thursday, so look for that set to showcase Kournikova's best tennis against Fruttero and Tatarkova.
About the writer:
* The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
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