Category: Sport

Kobe Bryant endorses Turkish Airlines, Los Angeles Armenian community protests

Turkish Airlines is going to start non-stop service from Los Angeles to Istanbul next March, and they wanted to raise their profile in America and abroad with an international star as an endorser. Meet Kobe Bryant. He’s big worldwide and pretty much the king of Los Angeles, so the two sides inked an endorsement deal. Kobe will appear in a promotional film for the airline, make visits to Turkey and get paid for the use of his image to promote the primary airline of Turkey. Which has enraged the sizeable Armenian community in Los Angeles (maybe half a million people). They have promised protests and maybe a boycott. [Pro Basketball Talk]

via Friday Blogdome: Kobe Bryant endorses Turkish Airlines, Los Angeles Armenian community protests | Off the Bench.

December 19, 2010
Turkish GM: Shaq Plans to Play in Turkey

That phrase has been Shaq’s refrain since he joined the Boston Celtics. He would play 700 more days in the NBA, two more seasons, and try to win two more championships. Then, he would retire from the NBA for good, a legend walking away from the game he loves.

With Shaq’s promise of 700 days in mind, take the following words of a Turkish GM with a grain of salt. (Hoops Notes, via Ajansspor.com)

After bringing Allen Iverson, Besiktas now pushed for the transfer of the Boston Celtics’ star Shaquille O’Neal. Seref Yalcin, GM of the Turkish club, said he was in the United States to meet with the center who said to him: “I want to be champion this season with Boston. But I’m coming to Turkey next year.” […]

“Some people will still come out and said ‘Shaq won’t come to Turkey’,” Yalcin added. “But the chances are very high.”

Shaq’s defection would be most likely in the case of a lockout, and would be possible because the second year of his contract (according to Sham Sports) is a player option. The Big Diesel could still take his talents to Turkey if there is no lockout, but — and I repeat — he has always maintained his “700 days” stance. It seems unlikely he would skip out on his final year in Boston for a lesser league in a foreign country.

This news is weird, right? I definitely didn’t wake up this morning with the thought, “Today, I bet Shaq declares his desire to play in Turkey.”

via Turkish GM: Shaq Plans to Play in Turkey – CelticsBlog.

December 9, 2010
Shaquille O’Neal To Play In Turkey Next Year Says Guy In Turkey

Kevin Baumer | Dec. 8, 2010, 12:32 PM | 57 |

Seref Yalcin, the general manager of Besiktas, the Turkish basketball team that Allen Iverson plays for, says that Shaquille O’Neal told him he’s coming to Turkey next year.

Yalcin understands people might doubt his claim, but insists that it’s true:

‘Some people will still come out and said ‘Shaq won’t come to Turkey” Yalcin said. ‘But the chances are very high.’

Shaq does have a player option with the Boston Celtics next year, but with doubts that the season will start on time, or be held at all, it’s possible that he’s serious about continuing his career overseas.

December 9, 2010
In The News: Iverson Denies Unhappiness In Turkey

Everyone looked at Georgetown’s Allen Iverson with skepticism when he decided to head to Turkey to play basketball and now Iverson has gone to Twitter to shoot down rumors that he’s unhappy.

Said Iverson on his account: “What’s up everybody? I want all of yall to know that I am very happy here in Istanbul. My family and I are making this our home. The fans and my Teammates here are great, and we are building good chemistry. For those of you who really care about (me) just know this, I am very pleased and I am enjoying this ride! God Bless.”

via In The News: Iverson Denies Unhappiness In Turkey – LostLettermen.com.

December 6, 2010
Armenia wins gold in Turkey

Armenian Youth Team earned the title of World Chess Olympiad in Turkey. In the penultimate round the Armenian chess players defeated the Syrians with a score of 3:1 and by gaining 28.5, leaving Russia out of reach.

Karen Grigoryan, Robert Agasaryan, Hovhannes Ghabuzyan, David Shainyan and Tigran Petrosian became champions under coach Arsen Yeghiazaryan’s guidance.

This is the second time Armenia has become the champion of the World Youth Games. In 1998, the Armenian national team, Levon Aronian, Gabriel Sargsyan, Tigran Petrosyan and Varuzhan Hakobyan, won the gold as well.

Tomorrow, December 4, in the last 10th round of the Olympics, Armenia’s rival will be Turkey’s second team.

Source:

via Susan Polgar Chess Daily News and Information: Armenia wins gold in Turkey.

December 5, 2010
Chess: Armenia moves closer to World Youth Olympiad gold in Turkey

By SUREN MUSAYELYAN

Armenia’s U-16 chess players scored two important victories on Thursday and will need to preserve their huge lead in the two remaining matches at the World Youth Chess Olympiad in Turkey on Friday and Saturday to take the trophy.

The latest 3-1 and 2.5-1.5 victories against Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan-A in rounds 7 and 8 give coach Arsen Yeghiazarian’s team a perfect record of eight wins in as many matches. The other teams beaten by Armenia at the tournament include Turkmenistan-B (4-0), Russia (3-1), Portugal (4-0), Belarus (2.5-1.5), India (3-1), and Turkey-Red (3.5-0.5).

With 16 points (25.5 pts overall), Armenia holds first place (among 22 teams) – almost unreachable for rivals Russia (11/21) and Turkey-Red (12/20.5).

In the penultimate ninth round Armenia plays Syria. The tournament finishes with Round 10 matches on Dec. 4.

More information is available at WYCO’s official website http://wyco2010.tsf.org.tr

via Chess: Armenia moves closer to World Youth Olympiad gold in Turkey – Chess | ArmeniaNow.com.

December 4, 2010