Abstract Samples

The last several days I've been experimenting with abstract photography once more. It seems to be a very rewarding field.

Yesterday the Australian Open began in Melbourne too, and I enjoyed watching Roger Federer progress from the first round. He's so smooth and professional. Australians will be sad to see home favourite Sam Stosur eliminated just an hour ago in the first round. That was a real surprise.

Today I'm sharing some of my recent abstract photography work. Tell me if you like it . . .

Have a great day. I'm pleased to announce that the sun has returned and the rains disappeared in Kuantan. That makes me happy!

Roland Garros Ladies Singles Final

The increasingly likeable Francesca Schiavone won the ladies title in straight sets yesterday, firing past favourite Sam Stosur 6/4 7/6 (7-2).

I started the match supporting Stosur because of her brilliant displays in seeing off Henin, Serena and Jankovic. However, as the match went on, I found my allegiance to the Australian wavering. There is something infectious about Schiavone. Her fired-up attitude and all-out attack certainly won my affection and support as she ferociously exploited Stosur's backhand, as was so evident on championship point when that worn-down play from Stosur shanked off the racquet, up into the crowd, and crowned the Italian as Roland Garros 2010 champion.

It was disappointing for Stosur as she was rarely able to show her best tennis due to Schiavone's breathless attacks and pristine net play. She did go a break up in the second set at 4-1 but that little Italian terrier came hounding back immediately, not giving Stosur any time to build a significant lead.

Schiavone made the most of her time on stage with the trophy, speaking in both English and Italian, before finally recognising that she was honoured to be sharing stage with former champion Mary Pierce. She may never reach this height again, but at least she can say she is a Grand Slam champion, and deservedly so.

And there are not many players who can claim that.

Roland Garros news

There will be two surprise finalists contesting the women's final match at Roland Garros. Francesca Schiavone of Italy will go head-to-head with Australia's Samantha Stosur. For both, this is a first Grand Slam final. It could be a stepping stone to greater things for Stosur, who has been rapidly improving over recent times. For Schiavone, however, at the age of 29, this could just be the icing on the cake for her tennis career.

I'm leaning towards Stosur for this one, but there have been many surprises already these last two weeks, so who knows. At least it will be something different for the world to watch.

Stosur has beaten three former/current world number ones en route to the final: Henin, Serena Williams and Jankovic

Schiavone has conquered Li Na, Kirilenko, Wozniacki and Dementieva, high quality opponents, to earn her place in the showpiece final

Tonight the men's semi-finals explode with the ever-improving Soderling up against the giant Czech, Tom Berdych. This will be a story of two similar players with quick first serves and rasping forehands. Berdych hasn't been this far before, but it is familiar territory for the Swede, who finished as runner-up last year. Got to go with Soderling for this one. He's in good form and is building some decent momentum.

Then we have Rafael Nadal playing surprise semi-finalist, Jurgen Melzer. This should be a walk in the park for the effervescent Spaniard, but Melzer is a player to be watched carefully. He has seen off David Ferrer and Novak Djokovic already - could he add the scalp of Nadal to his French Open collection?