Azura's fling with Brazilian Capoeira

PETITE TV3 presenter Azura Zainal will be making her charm felt for the second time in the CEO and Celebrity Charity Tennis this weekend at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Last year she did better off court, in making acquaintances, than on the court, but the fun-filled event has reeled her in again.
“I just hit some balls last year and did not progress much, but I made many friends and had a fantastic time. That is why I am looking forward to competing in the event again,” said Azura.
She hung her racquet for almost a year, and dusted off he cobwebs recently, and does not expect to make an impact.
However, she has been keeping herself in good shape, and is capable of landing a killer knock-out kick, as her current passion is a Brazilian by the name of Capoeira.
“I am into Capoeira right now, and the Brazilian martial arts is not only good for self defense, but also a good exercise,” said Azura.
The wikipedia lists Capoeira as: Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa, es pecially from present day Angola some time after the 16th century.
Azura will surely be an added kick to the CEO & Celebrity Charity Tennis event, jointly organised by NSTP and Bursa Malaysia, and held in conjunction with the ECM Libra Foundation and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia Junior Tennis Championships.

Make a date with Sania

INDIA tennis starlet Sania Mirza will be the drawcard in the Showdown of Champions on Dec 19-20 at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.
The showdown will also feature China’s Zheng Jie and Russians Elena Dementieva and Maria Kirilenko and the tennis babes are not only set to dazzle with their skills, but also their attire.
Sania became a rage in her country when she reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2005, and personifies the emerging India, and is just behind the Bollywood stars and cricket players in term of popularity.
Zheng Jie holds the distinction of becoming the first China player to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam singles in Wimbledon in 2008.
Elena is the Beijing 2008 Olympic champion, while Maria is said to be one of the most attractive and sexiest stars on the planet.
And two lucky ladies will also get the chance to become Liaison Officers, and spend four days with two of the skilled and glamorous etnnis stars during their exhibition stint.
The first day of the tournament will be on a singles format, while the second day will be a doubles partnership of Asia versus Russia.
Yesterday, Firefly were unveiled as the Showdown’s Plat inum Partner.
“LD Sports is excited to have Firefly aboard, as their regional and international network that is further supported by Mas and MASwings is well suited to deal with the anticipated increase in tourist flow for the Showdown,” said LD Sports deputy chairman Adlin Zabri.
Angelina Fernandez, head of marketing and commu nications of Firefly said: “This tournament will offer a once- in-a-life chance for a tennis fan to be close to her idol, as we will be selecting a candidate soon. The candidate we are looking for must have a good knowledge of the country as she will assume the role of an ambassador as well.”
LD sports will also sponsor a liaison officer.
“LD Sports will award our winner a three nights stay at the Royal Chulan and RM1,000 spending allowance.
“Interested candidates can come to the Pavillion in Kuala Lumpur this Friday between 6 to 8pm, and come dressed in chic, classy or creative tennis attire in heels.”
Tickets can be purchased via www.tickethotline.com..my and are priced at RM48 to RM208 for court-side seats.