Chinese feature film "Assembly" received three awards at the 11th Pyongyang International Film Festival, which ended Friday.
"Assembly" won the award for "best film," the highest honor of the festival, as well as for "best director" and the "best technology."
Three other Chinese films also won accolades at the festival. The documentary film "The Imperial Garden" won the "special international jury prize," while "The Tender Feeling" was awarded the "special organizers' prize" and "Good Man" received the "special projection prize."
The biennial Pyongyang International Film Festival, previously called "the Film Festival of Non-aligned and other Developing Countries," has been held since 1987.
The 11th Film Festival opened on Sept. 19.
Source: Xinhua
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sesame's Big Bird in Chinese planetarium for astronomy movie's premiere
The Big Bird from the famed TV series Sesame Street walked into Beijing Planetarium for the global premiere of astronomy movie "One wold, One Sky" here on Friday.
The movie is the first astronomy movie for small children on the Chinese mainland, said Meng Xing, deputy director of Science and Technology Innovation Activities Center for Chinese Children and Youth under the China Association for Science and Technology.
"It is a big move for Beijing Planetarium which has always aimed for older youths and adults in the past," Zhu Jin, Planetarium president.
After seven years of continuous efforts, the 24-minute-long full-dome, produced for kids aged between four to six by four non-governmental organizations and institutions from China and America, including Sesame Street, Beijing Planetarium, Chicago's Adler Planetarium and New Jersey's Liberty Science Center, finally showed in the full-dome cinema in Beijing Planetarium.
Children from Beijing Wenxing Primary School were invited to the first show.
"This is the first time I have seen such an interesting movie on astronomy. The Big Bird told me a lot of new stuff I've never heard about," said eight-year-old Yang Yipeng.
"I want to get on the moon," said nine-year-old Cao Hanzhe.
"The more interesting the movie is, the more engaged the kids will be. And the more active they are, the more inspired they will be," said Daniel Victor, executive Vice President of the Sesame Street.
Victor said the non-profit Sesame Street was experienced on working for Chinese children as it started cooperation with Chinese TV stations in 1988. The Big Bird had taught Chinese children science, maths and English language.
"Just as American and Russian children were deeply influenced by the early space exploration of the two countries, the launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft must impact a lot on Chinese children of this generation," Victor said.
He thought the scientific education should reach the kids as early as possible. "One small positive activity may inspire them and influence their whole life," he said.
The movie will be shown for the first time in America at the Adler Planetarium on October 15 in English and later in both English and Spanish across the world, and in mandarin in China.
Source: Xinhua
The movie is the first astronomy movie for small children on the Chinese mainland, said Meng Xing, deputy director of Science and Technology Innovation Activities Center for Chinese Children and Youth under the China Association for Science and Technology.
"It is a big move for Beijing Planetarium which has always aimed for older youths and adults in the past," Zhu Jin, Planetarium president.
After seven years of continuous efforts, the 24-minute-long full-dome, produced for kids aged between four to six by four non-governmental organizations and institutions from China and America, including Sesame Street, Beijing Planetarium, Chicago's Adler Planetarium and New Jersey's Liberty Science Center, finally showed in the full-dome cinema in Beijing Planetarium.
Children from Beijing Wenxing Primary School were invited to the first show.
"This is the first time I have seen such an interesting movie on astronomy. The Big Bird told me a lot of new stuff I've never heard about," said eight-year-old Yang Yipeng.
"I want to get on the moon," said nine-year-old Cao Hanzhe.
"The more interesting the movie is, the more engaged the kids will be. And the more active they are, the more inspired they will be," said Daniel Victor, executive Vice President of the Sesame Street.
Victor said the non-profit Sesame Street was experienced on working for Chinese children as it started cooperation with Chinese TV stations in 1988. The Big Bird had taught Chinese children science, maths and English language.
"Just as American and Russian children were deeply influenced by the early space exploration of the two countries, the launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft must impact a lot on Chinese children of this generation," Victor said.
He thought the scientific education should reach the kids as early as possible. "One small positive activity may inspire them and influence their whole life," he said.
The movie will be shown for the first time in America at the Adler Planetarium on October 15 in English and later in both English and Spanish across the world, and in mandarin in China.
Source: Xinhua
Highlights of Tianjin History Museum
Although Tianjin prides itself on its modernity, the city also has a 600-year history and many stories to tell.
On the first floor of the Tianjin History Museum, visitors are greeted by an enormous reclining Buddha excavated from the Mogao Grotto, measuring 7.2 m tall, 18.1 m long and 6.8 m wide. The lower level also showcases the 2008 Olympics-oriented photo exhibition Sharing Glory and Dreams.
Several special relics halls on the second floor display hundreds of historical artifacts, including all the usual suspects - calligraphic works, jade seals and ceramic pieces. Although English signage is scant, some of the more interesting exhibitions feature bilingual descriptions. These include a display of a dragon-shaped silver axe from the Song Dynasty and a Neolithic "pig dragon" jade carving.
The third-floor exhibition hall showcases Tianjin's history from the Opium War through the mid 20th century. This hall, for instance, features life-sized recreations of a scene in which three Chinese wax figures load a cannon to fire on Japanese warships. It also displays a full-sized model of a trolley and one of a small ship, as well as one of the city's first foreign-owned coffee shops.
In addition, there are hundreds of photos and other historical artifacts on display.
Source: China Daily
On the first floor of the Tianjin History Museum, visitors are greeted by an enormous reclining Buddha excavated from the Mogao Grotto, measuring 7.2 m tall, 18.1 m long and 6.8 m wide. The lower level also showcases the 2008 Olympics-oriented photo exhibition Sharing Glory and Dreams.
Several special relics halls on the second floor display hundreds of historical artifacts, including all the usual suspects - calligraphic works, jade seals and ceramic pieces. Although English signage is scant, some of the more interesting exhibitions feature bilingual descriptions. These include a display of a dragon-shaped silver axe from the Song Dynasty and a Neolithic "pig dragon" jade carving.
The third-floor exhibition hall showcases Tianjin's history from the Opium War through the mid 20th century. This hall, for instance, features life-sized recreations of a scene in which three Chinese wax figures load a cannon to fire on Japanese warships. It also displays a full-sized model of a trolley and one of a small ship, as well as one of the city's first foreign-owned coffee shops.
In addition, there are hundreds of photos and other historical artifacts on display.
Source: China Daily
"Assembly" wins highest prize at Pyongyang int'l film festival
Chinese feature film "Assembly" received three awards at the 11th Pyongyang International Film Festival, which ended Friday.
"Assembly" won the award for "best film," the highest honor of the festival, as well as for "best director" and the "best technology."
Three other Chinese films also won accolades at the festival. The documentary film "The Imperial Garden" won the "special international jury prize," while "The Tender Feeling" was awarded the "special organizers' prize" and "Good Man" received the "special projection prize."
"The Assembly" star Zhang Hanyu and "The Knot" actress Li Bingbing pose with their awards for Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress at the 29th Full Blossom biennial awards in Dalian on Sept. 13, 2008.
The biennial Pyongyang International Film Festival, previously called "the Film Festival of Non-aligned and other Developing Countries," has been held since 1987.
The 11th Film Festival opened on Sept. 19.
Chinese director Feng Xiaogang holds the cup of best director during the closure of Beijing Student Film Festival in Beijing, China, April 22, 2008. The film "Assembly" directed by Feng Xiaogang got the best film prize.
Source: Xinhua
"Assembly" won the award for "best film," the highest honor of the festival, as well as for "best director" and the "best technology."
Three other Chinese films also won accolades at the festival. The documentary film "The Imperial Garden" won the "special international jury prize," while "The Tender Feeling" was awarded the "special organizers' prize" and "Good Man" received the "special projection prize."
"The Assembly" star Zhang Hanyu and "The Knot" actress Li Bingbing pose with their awards for Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress at the 29th Full Blossom biennial awards in Dalian on Sept. 13, 2008.
The biennial Pyongyang International Film Festival, previously called "the Film Festival of Non-aligned and other Developing Countries," has been held since 1987.
The 11th Film Festival opened on Sept. 19.
Chinese director Feng Xiaogang holds the cup of best director during the closure of Beijing Student Film Festival in Beijing, China, April 22, 2008. The film "Assembly" directed by Feng Xiaogang got the best film prize.
Source: Xinhua
Brangelina planning to adopt another child
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reportedly planning to adopt a child from either Namibia, Bolivia or Paraguay.
The couple are said to be interested in raising a child from Namibia as their two year old biological daughter Shiloh was born in the country.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive for the screening of the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 20, 2008.
They have adopted children Maddox, seven, Pax, four and Zahara, three, as well as biological daughter Shiloh and two-month-old twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline.
However, Angelina is also keen to adopt from a South American country because she wants to raise awareness of the large number of children who are in need of help in the region.
Angelina and the children recently joined Brad in Berlin, where he is filming the new Quentin Tarantino film Inglorious Bastards.
The family are reportedly staying in a 12,000 sq ft villa - which they are leasing for $40,000 per week - on the outskirts of the German city.
The property was also inhabited by Tom Cruise while he was filming Valkyrie.
Source: China Daily/Agencies
The couple are said to be interested in raising a child from Namibia as their two year old biological daughter Shiloh was born in the country.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive for the screening of the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 20, 2008.
They have adopted children Maddox, seven, Pax, four and Zahara, three, as well as biological daughter Shiloh and two-month-old twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline.
However, Angelina is also keen to adopt from a South American country because she wants to raise awareness of the large number of children who are in need of help in the region.
Angelina and the children recently joined Brad in Berlin, where he is filming the new Quentin Tarantino film Inglorious Bastards.
The family are reportedly staying in a 12,000 sq ft villa - which they are leasing for $40,000 per week - on the outskirts of the German city.
The property was also inhabited by Tom Cruise while he was filming Valkyrie.
Source: China Daily/Agencies
Two more food samples tested positive for melamine in Hong Kong
Two food samples on sale in Hong Kong were found to contain melamine over the legal maximum limit on Friday, namely, a vegetable formula cereal produced by Heinz and a steamed potato Wasabi produced by Silang.
The Center for Food Safety said the Heinz DHA+AA Vegetable Formula Cereal was found to contain 1.6 ppm of melamine, compared with the legal limit of 1 ppm for children's food, while the Silang House of Steamed Potato Wasabi contained 18 ppm of melamine, compared with the legal limit of 2.5 ppm for any food for adults.
The samples were among 112 tested for the latest batch.
"We have already informed the trade of the test results and asked them to stop selling the products concerned. We have also sent warning letters to the retailers and importers concerned, andthe importers will recall the affected products," the center said.
"The samples were collected after the commencement of the amendment regulation. The CFS will take out prosecution if there is sufficient evidence," it added.
The center said it had taken another batch of some 40 samples of baby food in the market for testing. Results for these samples will be announced within two days.
So far, the center has more or less completed testing of milk powder available in the local market, including infant formula, milk powder for growth, children, pregnant women and adults. A total of 147 samples were tested and all were satisfactory.
In addition, it has more or less finished testing for milk, milk products and frozen confections produced locally and in the mainland . Ten samples were found unsatisfactory, with the unsatisfactory sample results already published.
Source: Xinhua
The Center for Food Safety said the Heinz DHA+AA Vegetable Formula Cereal was found to contain 1.6 ppm of melamine, compared with the legal limit of 1 ppm for children's food, while the Silang House of Steamed Potato Wasabi contained 18 ppm of melamine, compared with the legal limit of 2.5 ppm for any food for adults.
The samples were among 112 tested for the latest batch.
"We have already informed the trade of the test results and asked them to stop selling the products concerned. We have also sent warning letters to the retailers and importers concerned, andthe importers will recall the affected products," the center said.
"The samples were collected after the commencement of the amendment regulation. The CFS will take out prosecution if there is sufficient evidence," it added.
The center said it had taken another batch of some 40 samples of baby food in the market for testing. Results for these samples will be announced within two days.
So far, the center has more or less completed testing of milk powder available in the local market, including infant formula, milk powder for growth, children, pregnant women and adults. A total of 147 samples were tested and all were satisfactory.
In addition, it has more or less finished testing for milk, milk products and frozen confections produced locally and in the mainland . Ten samples were found unsatisfactory, with the unsatisfactory sample results already published.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese scientists develop reagent to find out chemical blamed for milk contamination
Chinese scientists on Saturday said they have developed a reagent that could find out melamine, a hazardous chemical blamed for milk contamination, fast and at low cost.
A dose of the reagent will find out melamine within 20 minutes at a cost of 20 yuan , compared with a week and 2,000 yuan by the traditional way that requires professionals using liquid chromatography, according to three professors with the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Lanzhou University in northwest China.
The university has set up a task team to develop the reagent at the request of the Gansu provincial government.
It was from Gansu that the tainted milk power scandal broke out, when media reported two weeks ago that fourteen babies suffered from kidney stones after drinking milk powder of the same brand.
Prof. Chen Baohua told Xinhua that the color of milk containing melamine would change with the presence of the new reagent.
The new testing method is so simple that dairy farmers are ableto use. The scientists will also make test paper out of the reagent, which would be even cheaper and more convenient for users,said Prof. Zhang Haixia.
Source: Xinhua
A dose of the reagent will find out melamine within 20 minutes at a cost of 20 yuan , compared with a week and 2,000 yuan by the traditional way that requires professionals using liquid chromatography, according to three professors with the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Lanzhou University in northwest China.
The university has set up a task team to develop the reagent at the request of the Gansu provincial government.
It was from Gansu that the tainted milk power scandal broke out, when media reported two weeks ago that fourteen babies suffered from kidney stones after drinking milk powder of the same brand.
Prof. Chen Baohua told Xinhua that the color of milk containing melamine would change with the presence of the new reagent.
The new testing method is so simple that dairy farmers are ableto use. The scientists will also make test paper out of the reagent, which would be even cheaper and more convenient for users,said Prof. Zhang Haixia.
Source: Xinhua
Museum of Tang Dynasty's gate site opens in Xi'an
On September 26, the museum of a city gate site of Tang dynasty-Hanguangmen museum opened to public.
Hanguangmen's site was discovered in 1983. According to An Jiangyao, researcher of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the site is more than 37 meters in length, and more than 19-meter-wide. It was built by pure loess, and the highest point is more than 8 meters.
Hanguangmen's site is the best preserved one among the excavated sites of Tang dynasty's gates.
By People's Daily Online
Hanguangmen's site was discovered in 1983. According to An Jiangyao, researcher of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the site is more than 37 meters in length, and more than 19-meter-wide. It was built by pure loess, and the highest point is more than 8 meters.
Hanguangmen's site is the best preserved one among the excavated sites of Tang dynasty's gates.
By People's Daily Online
Photo exhibition on China's Quake, Tibet kicks off in Hungary
A photo exhibition featuring the quake-hit China's Sichuan Province as well as Tibet's history and reality opened here Friday in the Asia Center.
Some 220 photos are on display to introduce the disaster area and China's rescue and relief efforts, as well as religious culture and natural scenery in Tibet and life of Tibetan people.
Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Zhang Chunxiang said at the opening ceremony that the Hungarian government and its people have provided assistance to those affected by earthquake while overseas Chinese in Hungary also offered huge support for the quake-stricken region.
Li Guanghua, deputy secretary of the overseas Chinese association in Europe, said the visitors would know more about the situation in Sichuan province and the history of Tibet as well as achievement and progress in Tibet since China adopted reforms and opening-up policies.
Source: Xinhua
Some 220 photos are on display to introduce the disaster area and China's rescue and relief efforts, as well as religious culture and natural scenery in Tibet and life of Tibetan people.
Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Zhang Chunxiang said at the opening ceremony that the Hungarian government and its people have provided assistance to those affected by earthquake while overseas Chinese in Hungary also offered huge support for the quake-stricken region.
Li Guanghua, deputy secretary of the overseas Chinese association in Europe, said the visitors would know more about the situation in Sichuan province and the history of Tibet as well as achievement and progress in Tibet since China adopted reforms and opening-up policies.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese trio's first day of space adventure
Chinese taikonauts Zhai Zhigang and Liu Boming try their space suits in the orbit module of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, in this video grab taken on Sept. 26, 2008. The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, which blasted off at 9:10 p.m. Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, has functioned well as planned.
The sun always rises. Twenty-four hours into their space adventure, the three Chinese taikonauts on board the Shenzhou-7 spaceship have witnessed sunrise and sunset for 16 times in their 680,000-kilometer journey.
Despite a challenging mission slated on Saturday -- the nation's first attempt on a space walk, the trio, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, kept "quite relaxed and spirited" since they were sent into orbit at 9:10 p.m. Thursday, officials with the Beijing Aerospace Control Center said.
EATING
Since Shenzhou-7 blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest Gansu Province, the three men, all aged 42, have had three meals over the past 24 hours.
Compared with their predecessors in the previous two missions of the country's manned space program, the Shenzhou-7 taikonauts are quite spoiled with a spicy 80-dish menu.
Their nutritionists have disclosed that their choices range from Kung Pao Chicken, deshelled shrimp to frozen dry fruits. For vinegar-loving Jing, the seasoning is well at hand, as various seasoning and sauces are provided on board. Jing is from northern Shanxi Province, where vinegar is a favorite condiment for locals.
Compared with Jing, Nie Haisheng, an astronaut on the Shenzhou-6 mission in 2005, was not that lucky. "I missed very much my favorite spicy foods and garlic sauce during my flight," Nie recalled.
What's more, the Shenzhou-7 taikonauts will not need to worry for half-cooked rice as Nie ate in his mission. The food heater onboard Shenzhou-7 has a stronger electricity supply than that on Shenzhou-6 as it is connected to the main power supply, which will make sure their rice can be fully cooked.
Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang tries a bite on his food in the orbit module of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, in this video grab taken on Sept. 26, 2008. The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, which blasted off at 9:10 p.m. Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, has functioned well as planned.
SLEEPING
Monitoring video at the BACC showed that Jing Haipeng was sleeping in the re-entry module at noon on Friday. With two hands in front of the chest, Jing slept quietly.
Staff at the BACC told Xinhua that Jing was actually taking a nap. The right place to sleep was the orbital module, where sleeping bags were placed.
The sleeping bags, made of warm fabrics and cashmere, are hooked on the wall of the orbit module. Astronauts only need to get into the sleeping bag and fasten the zipper if they want to sleep.
Under the low-gravity condition, astronauts may sleep standing, sitting or lying. When they sleep, they have to put their arms inside the sleeping bag and tie their hands on their chests, so as not to touch equipment switches accidentally.
FUN
Having been trained for a decade for the manned space mission, the men were eager to enjoy the feeling of a "real" loss of gravity, as Liu Boming said when meeting reporters before they started the space journey.
Liu flipped a pencil and smiled while watching it floating as soon as Shenzhou-7 entered the orbit, while Zhai let go his work manual and watched with keen interest.
They also took every chance to take as many pictures as possible.
At 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jing moved to the left side of the module and started taking pictures of the earth. He stopped for a while to check the photos, but then, apparently not very satisfied, started to press the camera button again.
Chinese experts work at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijng, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2008. BACC,the nerve center of China's outer space program, becomes the navigator for the Shenzhou-7 after China's third manned spaceship Shenzhou-7 moved into orbit on Friday.
WORK
Of course, working is the most important part.
On Friday morning, Shenzhou-7 entered a stable circular orbit where the taikonauts assembled the 4.4-million-dollar homemade Feitian space suit for extra-vehicular activity and started training for the country's maiden spacewalk.
Zhai and Liu spent more than 11 hours unpacking and assembling the EVA suits in the orbital module, while Jing stayed in the re-entry module to keep an eye on the vessel operation.
The two began adaptive training after finishing assembling the suits. The training, which was to make sure the taikonauts could adapt to the low-gravity environment in space, lasted about 100 minutes.
The spacewalk, expected to last about 30 minutes, is scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The whole process would be broadcast live on television, according to Wang Zhaoyao, spokesperson with the manned space program.
The ground crew work at the Beijing Space Command and Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2008. The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, which blasted off at 9:10 p.m. Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, has functioned well as planned.
Source: Xinhua
The sun always rises. Twenty-four hours into their space adventure, the three Chinese taikonauts on board the Shenzhou-7 spaceship have witnessed sunrise and sunset for 16 times in their 680,000-kilometer journey.
Despite a challenging mission slated on Saturday -- the nation's first attempt on a space walk, the trio, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, kept "quite relaxed and spirited" since they were sent into orbit at 9:10 p.m. Thursday, officials with the Beijing Aerospace Control Center said.
EATING
Since Shenzhou-7 blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest Gansu Province, the three men, all aged 42, have had three meals over the past 24 hours.
Compared with their predecessors in the previous two missions of the country's manned space program, the Shenzhou-7 taikonauts are quite spoiled with a spicy 80-dish menu.
Their nutritionists have disclosed that their choices range from Kung Pao Chicken, deshelled shrimp to frozen dry fruits. For vinegar-loving Jing, the seasoning is well at hand, as various seasoning and sauces are provided on board. Jing is from northern Shanxi Province, where vinegar is a favorite condiment for locals.
Compared with Jing, Nie Haisheng, an astronaut on the Shenzhou-6 mission in 2005, was not that lucky. "I missed very much my favorite spicy foods and garlic sauce during my flight," Nie recalled.
What's more, the Shenzhou-7 taikonauts will not need to worry for half-cooked rice as Nie ate in his mission. The food heater onboard Shenzhou-7 has a stronger electricity supply than that on Shenzhou-6 as it is connected to the main power supply, which will make sure their rice can be fully cooked.
Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang tries a bite on his food in the orbit module of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, in this video grab taken on Sept. 26, 2008. The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, which blasted off at 9:10 p.m. Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, has functioned well as planned.
SLEEPING
Monitoring video at the BACC showed that Jing Haipeng was sleeping in the re-entry module at noon on Friday. With two hands in front of the chest, Jing slept quietly.
Staff at the BACC told Xinhua that Jing was actually taking a nap. The right place to sleep was the orbital module, where sleeping bags were placed.
The sleeping bags, made of warm fabrics and cashmere, are hooked on the wall of the orbit module. Astronauts only need to get into the sleeping bag and fasten the zipper if they want to sleep.
Under the low-gravity condition, astronauts may sleep standing, sitting or lying. When they sleep, they have to put their arms inside the sleeping bag and tie their hands on their chests, so as not to touch equipment switches accidentally.
FUN
Having been trained for a decade for the manned space mission, the men were eager to enjoy the feeling of a "real" loss of gravity, as Liu Boming said when meeting reporters before they started the space journey.
Liu flipped a pencil and smiled while watching it floating as soon as Shenzhou-7 entered the orbit, while Zhai let go his work manual and watched with keen interest.
They also took every chance to take as many pictures as possible.
At 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jing moved to the left side of the module and started taking pictures of the earth. He stopped for a while to check the photos, but then, apparently not very satisfied, started to press the camera button again.
Chinese experts work at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijng, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2008. BACC,the nerve center of China's outer space program, becomes the navigator for the Shenzhou-7 after China's third manned spaceship Shenzhou-7 moved into orbit on Friday.
WORK
Of course, working is the most important part.
On Friday morning, Shenzhou-7 entered a stable circular orbit where the taikonauts assembled the 4.4-million-dollar homemade Feitian space suit for extra-vehicular activity and started training for the country's maiden spacewalk.
Zhai and Liu spent more than 11 hours unpacking and assembling the EVA suits in the orbital module, while Jing stayed in the re-entry module to keep an eye on the vessel operation.
The two began adaptive training after finishing assembling the suits. The training, which was to make sure the taikonauts could adapt to the low-gravity environment in space, lasted about 100 minutes.
The spacewalk, expected to last about 30 minutes, is scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The whole process would be broadcast live on television, according to Wang Zhaoyao, spokesperson with the manned space program.
The ground crew work at the Beijing Space Command and Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2008. The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, which blasted off at 9:10 p.m. Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, has functioned well as planned.
Source: Xinhua
International community should make a just agreement on climate change
The International community should make a just agreement in dealing with climate change, otherwise it won't work, says Stefen Edman, a biologist and climate change expert in Stockholm.
He made the remark recently in an interview with People's Daily Online reporter after giving a speech about Human, Environment and Society in Stockholm to more than 100 participants who care about environment and climate change issues.
Stefen Edman was the policy advisor to former Prime Minister Göran Persson. He helped to draft the policy that Sweden will reduce oil consumption by 70% over the next 30 years and in the end to achieve oil free country. Sweden is actively implementing such policies now which sees the effect already but in transport sector it is still difficult because Sweden has 4.3 million personal cars, almost every two person has a car.
Being asked about the dilemma that America as the largest emitter in per capita in the world refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol in fulfilling its responsibility of reducing greenhouse gas emission by saying that China must shoulder more responsibilities, then America will take their responsibility, Edman said "You could not reach an agreement unless you have a just agreement. China's per capita emission is just 3 tons while that of the US is 20 tons. Thus America should take bigger responsibility."
Edman said that in the thick forest, if you look at lives under your foot, you will find 120 thousand small animals, 5 billion bacteria and many other things. It is these animals and bacteria that form a web of life and human being must rely on them.
"If these tiny animals or bacteria disappear, we will have no food. Thus we must love our earth." said Edman. "We must change the lifestyle of our middle class otherwise we will eat up the achievement made by the new technology. We must have a healthy lifestyle, careful consumption based on non material mechanism. We can develop more in culture and education.
Edman also wrote several books including ‘The Earth has got a fever.'
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson, People's Daily Online correspondent in Stockholm.
He made the remark recently in an interview with People's Daily Online reporter after giving a speech about Human, Environment and Society in Stockholm to more than 100 participants who care about environment and climate change issues.
Stefen Edman was the policy advisor to former Prime Minister Göran Persson. He helped to draft the policy that Sweden will reduce oil consumption by 70% over the next 30 years and in the end to achieve oil free country. Sweden is actively implementing such policies now which sees the effect already but in transport sector it is still difficult because Sweden has 4.3 million personal cars, almost every two person has a car.
Being asked about the dilemma that America as the largest emitter in per capita in the world refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol in fulfilling its responsibility of reducing greenhouse gas emission by saying that China must shoulder more responsibilities, then America will take their responsibility, Edman said "You could not reach an agreement unless you have a just agreement. China's per capita emission is just 3 tons while that of the US is 20 tons. Thus America should take bigger responsibility."
Edman said that in the thick forest, if you look at lives under your foot, you will find 120 thousand small animals, 5 billion bacteria and many other things. It is these animals and bacteria that form a web of life and human being must rely on them.
"If these tiny animals or bacteria disappear, we will have no food. Thus we must love our earth." said Edman. "We must change the lifestyle of our middle class otherwise we will eat up the achievement made by the new technology. We must have a healthy lifestyle, careful consumption based on non material mechanism. We can develop more in culture and education.
Edman also wrote several books including ‘The Earth has got a fever.'
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson, People's Daily Online correspondent in Stockholm.
Ground control: Taikonauts in sound physical conditions
The three taikonauts on the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft are in sound physical conditions and ready for the planned spacewalk, the Beijing ground control center announced on Saturday.
Their body temperatures and blood pressures are normal and there were no report of malaises, the Beijing Aerospace Control Center announced on Saturday noon.
The three taikonauts assisted each other in the medical check, which is the third and final check before the spacewalk, scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Two crew members have entered the orbital module to test the functions of the control panels and charge the EVA space suit.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from Jiuquan at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe onSunday.
Source: Xinhua
Their body temperatures and blood pressures are normal and there were no report of malaises, the Beijing Aerospace Control Center announced on Saturday noon.
The three taikonauts assisted each other in the medical check, which is the third and final check before the spacewalk, scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Two crew members have entered the orbital module to test the functions of the control panels and charge the EVA space suit.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from Jiuquan at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe onSunday.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese taikonauts prepare for spacewalk in orbital module
Two Chinese taikonauts have moved from re-entry module of Shenzhou-7 spacecraft to its orbital module, starting preparations for China's first space walk.
Two crew members are testing the functions of the control panels and charging the EVA space suit.
After re-entry module hatch to be closed behind them, the taikonauts will put on extravehicular activity space suits.
The two space suits, one 4-million-U.S. dollar China-made Feitian EVA suit and one Russia-imported Orlan suit, were assembled and tested on Friday.
The three taikonauts on the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft are in sound physical conditions, the Beijing Aerospace Control Center announced on Saturday noon. Their body temperatures and blood pressures are normal and there were no report of malaises, it said.
The taikonauts, headed by Zhai Zhigang, assisted each other in the medical check, which is the third and final check before the space walk, scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The orbital module will be depressurized before one taikonaut opened the hatch and enter the outer space.
The planned space walk is expected to last for 30 minutes, during which the spacewalker will walk along a preset route and another taikonaut will stay in the orbital module for technical assistance. The third remains in the re-entry module.
Wang Zhaoyao, spokesperson with the manned space program, said the exact duration of the space walk, which will be live broadcasted, might be adjusted according to the physical condition of the taikonaut.
Once successful, China will become the third to master the EVA technology following the United States and Russia.
Besides spacewalking, the taikonaut will fetch a test sample placed on the exterior surface of the orbital module, according to Wang.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from Jiuquan at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
Two crew members are testing the functions of the control panels and charging the EVA space suit.
After re-entry module hatch to be closed behind them, the taikonauts will put on extravehicular activity space suits.
The two space suits, one 4-million-U.S. dollar China-made Feitian EVA suit and one Russia-imported Orlan suit, were assembled and tested on Friday.
The three taikonauts on the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft are in sound physical conditions, the Beijing Aerospace Control Center announced on Saturday noon. Their body temperatures and blood pressures are normal and there were no report of malaises, it said.
The taikonauts, headed by Zhai Zhigang, assisted each other in the medical check, which is the third and final check before the space walk, scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The orbital module will be depressurized before one taikonaut opened the hatch and enter the outer space.
The planned space walk is expected to last for 30 minutes, during which the spacewalker will walk along a preset route and another taikonaut will stay in the orbital module for technical assistance. The third remains in the re-entry module.
Wang Zhaoyao, spokesperson with the manned space program, said the exact duration of the space walk, which will be live broadcasted, might be adjusted according to the physical condition of the taikonaut.
Once successful, China will become the third to master the EVA technology following the United States and Russia.
Besides spacewalking, the taikonaut will fetch a test sample placed on the exterior surface of the orbital module, according to Wang.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from Jiuquan at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
Official: Taikonaut Zhai Zhigang to perform China's first spacewalk
The Shenzhou-7 mission leader Zhai Zhigang has been confirmed to perform a spacewalk, the mission headquarters announced on Saturday afternoon.
Zhai, who celebrates his 42nd birthday next month, is scheduled to move out the orbiter around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Crew member Liu Boming will aid him in the orbital module. Another taikonaut Jing Haipeng stays in the re-entry module.
The square-faced Zhai was born in a poor family in Longjiang County of northeast China's Heilongjiang province. His mother sold roasted sunflower seeds to support him and five siblings to school. His elder brother Zhai Zhiqiang described him as "filial and mature for his age" since he was young.
Zhai started training as an astronaut about ten years ago. He made the final list of candidates for the Shenzhou-5, China's first manned space mission in 2003, and the Shenzhou-6 in 2005, but didn't get to fly in both missions.
The father of a teenage boy likes calligraphy and ballroom dancing, and plays video games with his son in the spare time.
Source: Xinhua
Zhai, who celebrates his 42nd birthday next month, is scheduled to move out the orbiter around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Crew member Liu Boming will aid him in the orbital module. Another taikonaut Jing Haipeng stays in the re-entry module.
The square-faced Zhai was born in a poor family in Longjiang County of northeast China's Heilongjiang province. His mother sold roasted sunflower seeds to support him and five siblings to school. His elder brother Zhai Zhiqiang described him as "filial and mature for his age" since he was young.
Zhai started training as an astronaut about ten years ago. He made the final list of candidates for the Shenzhou-5, China's first manned space mission in 2003, and the Shenzhou-6 in 2005, but didn't get to fly in both missions.
The father of a teenage boy likes calligraphy and ballroom dancing, and plays video games with his son in the spare time.
Source: Xinhua
President Hu comes to Bejiing control center to watch China's first spacewalk
Chinese President Hu Jintao has come to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center to watch the country's first spacewalk scheduled to begin on 4:30 pm Saturday.
Source: Xinhua
Source: Xinhua
Chinese taikonaut debuts spacewalk
Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang slipped out of the orbital module of Shenzhou-7 Saturday afternoon, starting China's first spacewalk or extravehicular activity in the outer space.
Donning a 4-million-U.S.dollar homemade Feitian space suit, Zhai waved to the camera mounted on the service module after pulling himself out of the capsule in a head-out-first position at 4:43 p.m. , video monitor at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center showed.
"Shenzhou-7 is now outside the spacecraft. I feel well. I am here greeting the Chinese people and people of the whole world," the 42-year-old taikonaut reported to the ground control in Beijing
The video grab taken on Sept. 27, 2008 in Beijing, China, shows Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang is outside the orbital module. .
Minutes after Zhai was outside the capsule, teammate Liu Boming emerged from the orbital module hatch and handed Zhai a Chinese national flag. Zhai waved the flag to the camera.
Video monitor at the ground control showed Zhai then slowly moved towards a test sample of solid lubricant placed outside the orbital module. He took the sample and handed it over to Liu.
The video grab taken on Sept. 27, 2008 in Beijing, China, shows Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang waves after opening the door of the orbital module. to Liu.
After the handover, Zhai, who dreamed of flying into space when he was an impoverished teenager, started the core part of the space adventure, spacewalk.
The taikonaut, tethered to the spacecraft with two safety wires and a long electric "cord" providing oxygen and communications, moved slowly along a set of handrails around the orbital module.
Zhai "walked step by step" by shifting the wire hooks connecting him and the spacecraft.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
Donning a 4-million-U.S.dollar homemade Feitian space suit, Zhai waved to the camera mounted on the service module after pulling himself out of the capsule in a head-out-first position at 4:43 p.m. , video monitor at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center showed.
"Shenzhou-7 is now outside the spacecraft. I feel well. I am here greeting the Chinese people and people of the whole world," the 42-year-old taikonaut reported to the ground control in Beijing
The video grab taken on Sept. 27, 2008 in Beijing, China, shows Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang is outside the orbital module. .
Minutes after Zhai was outside the capsule, teammate Liu Boming emerged from the orbital module hatch and handed Zhai a Chinese national flag. Zhai waved the flag to the camera.
Video monitor at the ground control showed Zhai then slowly moved towards a test sample of solid lubricant placed outside the orbital module. He took the sample and handed it over to Liu.
The video grab taken on Sept. 27, 2008 in Beijing, China, shows Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang waves after opening the door of the orbital module. to Liu.
After the handover, Zhai, who dreamed of flying into space when he was an impoverished teenager, started the core part of the space adventure, spacewalk.
The taikonaut, tethered to the spacecraft with two safety wires and a long electric "cord" providing oxygen and communications, moved slowly along a set of handrails around the orbital module.
Zhai "walked step by step" by shifting the wire hooks connecting him and the spacecraft.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft took off from northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, and is scheduled to land on the Inner Mongolia steppe on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
Armstrong's doping test results open to public
LAS VEGAS, Nevada: American Lance Armstrong, making a return to professional cycling three years after winning his seventh Tour de France, said on Thursday his doping test results would be open to the public.
The Texan, who won the race from 1999 to 2005, was speaking during a press conference at a cycling exhibition in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, fellow American Greg Lemond, who won the Tour de France in 1986, 1989 and 1990, said Armstrong's return was not good for the sport.
"His return is not good news," Lemond told AFP in Las Vegas. "It's like a nightmare, that we have lived through all these years, returning."
Armstrong said he would be working with Don Catlin, the founder of the new Anti-Doping Research Institute in Los Angeles, in an attempt to be completely open about his tests.
He retired from professional racing the night he won his last Tour de France, but announced his return to the international cycling scene on Sept 9 this year.
While Armstrong was answering questions at the press conference, Lemond almost stole the show as he attempted to ask questions. However, Lemond was continually cut off and talked over by Armstrong when he tried to speak.
Armstrong, in an attempt to lessen doubts that his seven Tour victories were won without doping, said: "I want to have a level of transparence and I don't want to leave any hint of doubt. I will do what I am asked to do. It is his work. He will do whatever he wants ."
Source: China Daily/Agencies
The Texan, who won the race from 1999 to 2005, was speaking during a press conference at a cycling exhibition in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, fellow American Greg Lemond, who won the Tour de France in 1986, 1989 and 1990, said Armstrong's return was not good for the sport.
"His return is not good news," Lemond told AFP in Las Vegas. "It's like a nightmare, that we have lived through all these years, returning."
Armstrong said he would be working with Don Catlin, the founder of the new Anti-Doping Research Institute in Los Angeles, in an attempt to be completely open about his tests.
He retired from professional racing the night he won his last Tour de France, but announced his return to the international cycling scene on Sept 9 this year.
While Armstrong was answering questions at the press conference, Lemond almost stole the show as he attempted to ask questions. However, Lemond was continually cut off and talked over by Armstrong when he tried to speak.
Armstrong, in an attempt to lessen doubts that his seven Tour victories were won without doping, said: "I want to have a level of transparence and I don't want to leave any hint of doubt. I will do what I am asked to do. It is his work. He will do whatever he wants ."
Source: China Daily/Agencies
Lakers' Sun Yue sidelined by mononucleosis
Recently signed Los Angeles Lakers guard Sun Yue will be sidelined indefinitely as a result of being tested positive for mononucleosis, it was reported on Friday.
Sun became ill Wednesday night and was taken to an area hospital, said the Los Angeles Times, quoting John Black, the Lakers executive vice president of public relations.
Sun, a member of China's national team, is not expected to practice when the Lakers begin training camp next week at their headquarters in El Segundo, Los Angeles, Black said.
Sun's diagnosis came one day after he conducted a well-attended introductory news conference, where he said the Lakers "were always my favorite team" and expressed his familiarity with their triangle offense, which has been known to befuddle rookies.
The Lakers drafted the 6-foot-9 Sun in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft and signed him to a two-year contract last month.
Sun averaged 6.8 points in six games in the Beijing Olympics, as China finished eighth in the men's basketball tournament with a2-4 record.
Sun, 22, is expected to be the Lakers' third-string point guard behind Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar.
Source: Xinhua
Sun became ill Wednesday night and was taken to an area hospital, said the Los Angeles Times, quoting John Black, the Lakers executive vice president of public relations.
Sun, a member of China's national team, is not expected to practice when the Lakers begin training camp next week at their headquarters in El Segundo, Los Angeles, Black said.
Sun's diagnosis came one day after he conducted a well-attended introductory news conference, where he said the Lakers "were always my favorite team" and expressed his familiarity with their triangle offense, which has been known to befuddle rookies.
The Lakers drafted the 6-foot-9 Sun in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft and signed him to a two-year contract last month.
Sun averaged 6.8 points in six games in the Beijing Olympics, as China finished eighth in the men's basketball tournament with a2-4 record.
Sun, 22, is expected to be the Lakers' third-string point guard behind Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar.
Source: Xinhua
Cuban chess GM Dominguez to compete in China, Germany
Cuban chess Great Master Leinier Dominguez is getting ready for the World Games of the Mind from Oct. 3 to 18 in China and at the Olympics of Dresden, Germany from Nov. 12 to 25.
In China, Dominguez, who is 25 of the world and has a Elo of 2,708 points, will face Bulgarian Veselin Topalov, Chinese Bu Xiangzhi, Ni Hua and Wang Yue; and Russian former world champion Anatoly Karpov.
At internet matches, Dominguez has defeated current number two of the Chess International Federation , Russian Alexander Morozevich, who has an Elo of 2,788.
"I have always chosen well the tournaments; I think it is right to play against the strongest, don't sacrifice the quality," Dominguez said as quoted on Friday by official daily "Granma".
Dominguez said that with chess, physical and mental exercises it is possible to reach tournaments of this range with the possibility of finishing among the first ones.
"Now I try to be at the best of the Wijk aan Zee or Linares tournaments and to train to make it fine when the moment arrives. I have been in Biel, Aerosvit and Memorial Karprov, which are also strong," Dominguez said.
About his Elo he said that he is satisfied with being the first Cuba on braking the barrier of the 2,700 and currently he is the only Latin American chess player who surpasses that level.
Dominguez said that "at the end of the day what makes the differences is to win or to have a good performance in a big tournament. At least, I want to try. I don't worry about the Elo."
Source: Xinhua
In China, Dominguez, who is 25 of the world and has a Elo of 2,708 points, will face Bulgarian Veselin Topalov, Chinese Bu Xiangzhi, Ni Hua and Wang Yue; and Russian former world champion Anatoly Karpov.
At internet matches, Dominguez has defeated current number two of the Chess International Federation , Russian Alexander Morozevich, who has an Elo of 2,788.
"I have always chosen well the tournaments; I think it is right to play against the strongest, don't sacrifice the quality," Dominguez said as quoted on Friday by official daily "Granma".
Dominguez said that with chess, physical and mental exercises it is possible to reach tournaments of this range with the possibility of finishing among the first ones.
"Now I try to be at the best of the Wijk aan Zee or Linares tournaments and to train to make it fine when the moment arrives. I have been in Biel, Aerosvit and Memorial Karprov, which are also strong," Dominguez said.
About his Elo he said that he is satisfied with being the first Cuba on braking the barrier of the 2,700 and currently he is the only Latin American chess player who surpasses that level.
Dominguez said that "at the end of the day what makes the differences is to win or to have a good performance in a big tournament. At least, I want to try. I don't worry about the Elo."
Source: Xinhua
Teenage star Su shoots seven shots clear in Tianjin
Teenage amateur Su Dong shot a second successive two-under-par 70 to stretch his lead to seven strokes at the halfway stage of the 800,000-yuan Tianjin Championship, the Omega China Tour's penultimate event of the season.
Experienced Chinese Taipei invitees Tsai Chi-huang and Hsu Mong-nan, Hao Chunxi, Kong Weihai and amateur David Wei Wei all share second place on three-over at the Yangliuqing Golf Club.
Li Chao, the two-time Omega Order of Merit champion, and Xiao Zhijin are joint seventh on four-over.
The Canadian-educated Su, who only arrived in Tianjin on Wednesday after confirming his entry that day, started on the back nine and recorded 10 straight pars before bogeying hole two. He then bagged two successive birdies and another on his last hole.
"People say this course is long, but I love long courses. After my tee-shots, I'm only using a gap or sand wedge," said the big-hitting amateur, whose solitary bogey followed a stray tee-shot into the woods.
"Today, I had nine birdie chances in my first nine holes but couldn't convert because my putting was awful. I changed my posture and it started to feel better."
Su has twice finished third on this year's Tour, including memorably at the Sofitel Golf Championship in Nanjing, when he missed a four-foot putt to join playing partners Liao Guiming and Zhang Lianwei in a play-off.
On Saturday, the bulky big-hitter will play with Tsai, the former Asian Tour regular who won this month's Luxehills Golf Championship in Chengdu, and Hao, who will be playing in the finalflight for the first time.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with Tsai, because I like to make new friends on the golf course. I won't be distracted by his experience because he's not Phil Mickelson or Tiger," said Su, who splits his time between Beijing and Vancouver. "I'm playing to win, but so's everyone in the tournament."
Tsai, who shot 74 like Hsu, believes he can make up ground on the third day as he seeks his second successive victory on the Tour.
"I didn't score too well mainly because of my putting, but I'm getting there. I definitely want to shoot under-par on Saturday because I'd love to win again," said the Shanghai-based 39-year-old.
"I know Su Dong's a great player and finished third in Nanjing where I finished ninth. It's great to be playing with another one of China's top young stars, having played four rounds with Zhang Xinjun in Chengdu."
However, Tsai admitted the 7,345-yard, tree-lined championship layout was proving a tough test for the field.
"This is the longest tournament course I've played in my 20-year career. It's such a tricky layout because you can't even go for most of the par-fives in two shots. You can see by the scores how tough this course is. I think an even-par total or evenhigher could win the trophy."
Yuan Hao, joint second after an even-par first round, shot a 78to drop back to six-over. Liao Guiming, the current Omega Order of Merit leader, recovered his game to post a second-round 74 but is still off the pace at 10-over.
This week's event marks the Omega China Tour's first stop in Tianjin and the city's first major professional golf event since the 2004 Tianjin TEDA Open on the Asian Tour.
Leading second-round scores:
140 James Su Dong 70-70
147 Hao Chunxi 73-74, Tsai Chi-huang 73-74, Hsu Mong-nan 73-74, David Wei Wei 72-75, Kong Weihai 74-73
148 Li Chao 73-75, Xiao Zhijin 73-75
150 Zhang Xinjun 75-75, Wu Xujun 74-76, Wu Weihuang 78-72, YuanHao 72-78
151 Fu Tai 78-73, Jim Johnson 77-74.
Source: Xinhua
Experienced Chinese Taipei invitees Tsai Chi-huang and Hsu Mong-nan, Hao Chunxi, Kong Weihai and amateur David Wei Wei all share second place on three-over at the Yangliuqing Golf Club.
Li Chao, the two-time Omega Order of Merit champion, and Xiao Zhijin are joint seventh on four-over.
The Canadian-educated Su, who only arrived in Tianjin on Wednesday after confirming his entry that day, started on the back nine and recorded 10 straight pars before bogeying hole two. He then bagged two successive birdies and another on his last hole.
"People say this course is long, but I love long courses. After my tee-shots, I'm only using a gap or sand wedge," said the big-hitting amateur, whose solitary bogey followed a stray tee-shot into the woods.
"Today, I had nine birdie chances in my first nine holes but couldn't convert because my putting was awful. I changed my posture and it started to feel better."
Su has twice finished third on this year's Tour, including memorably at the Sofitel Golf Championship in Nanjing, when he missed a four-foot putt to join playing partners Liao Guiming and Zhang Lianwei in a play-off.
On Saturday, the bulky big-hitter will play with Tsai, the former Asian Tour regular who won this month's Luxehills Golf Championship in Chengdu, and Hao, who will be playing in the finalflight for the first time.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with Tsai, because I like to make new friends on the golf course. I won't be distracted by his experience because he's not Phil Mickelson or Tiger," said Su, who splits his time between Beijing and Vancouver. "I'm playing to win, but so's everyone in the tournament."
Tsai, who shot 74 like Hsu, believes he can make up ground on the third day as he seeks his second successive victory on the Tour.
"I didn't score too well mainly because of my putting, but I'm getting there. I definitely want to shoot under-par on Saturday because I'd love to win again," said the Shanghai-based 39-year-old.
"I know Su Dong's a great player and finished third in Nanjing where I finished ninth. It's great to be playing with another one of China's top young stars, having played four rounds with Zhang Xinjun in Chengdu."
However, Tsai admitted the 7,345-yard, tree-lined championship layout was proving a tough test for the field.
"This is the longest tournament course I've played in my 20-year career. It's such a tricky layout because you can't even go for most of the par-fives in two shots. You can see by the scores how tough this course is. I think an even-par total or evenhigher could win the trophy."
Yuan Hao, joint second after an even-par first round, shot a 78to drop back to six-over. Liao Guiming, the current Omega Order of Merit leader, recovered his game to post a second-round 74 but is still off the pace at 10-over.
This week's event marks the Omega China Tour's first stop in Tianjin and the city's first major professional golf event since the 2004 Tianjin TEDA Open on the Asian Tour.
Leading second-round scores:
140 James Su Dong 70-70
147 Hao Chunxi 73-74, Tsai Chi-huang 73-74, Hsu Mong-nan 73-74, David Wei Wei 72-75, Kong Weihai 74-73
148 Li Chao 73-75, Xiao Zhijin 73-75
150 Zhang Xinjun 75-75, Wu Xujun 74-76, Wu Weihuang 78-72, YuanHao 72-78
151 Fu Tai 78-73, Jim Johnson 77-74.
Source: Xinhua
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)