Top tennis player wins competition in Switzerland.

Venus Williams has her second singles tennis championship of 2008 after beating Italy’s Flavia Pennetta Sunday in Switzerland. The Zurich Open title is Williams’ first since she won it as a teenager in 1999. “I love the pressure,” Williams says of winning. “I need it in my life.” The player also defeated her sister Serena for the Wimbledon women’s singles title this year.Infection leads to UNC center’s amputation. Kenny George’s college basketball career is likely over after the 7-foot-9 player lost part of his foot. The UNC Asheville center suffered from a staff infection during the summer, resulting in several surgeries reportedly necessary to save George’s life. Removing part of his right foot was necessary to heal the player, doctors say. “This just breaks our heart,” says Dave VanderMeulen, George’s high school coach. “I’ve talked to Kenny and he’s dealing with what kind of mountain he’s facing and reflecting on what could have been…his parents are trying to keep his spirits up, but they are devastated, as any parents would (be) whose child lost part of a limb.”

Willie Horton celebrates 66^th  birthday. Baseball great Willie Horton celebrated his 66^th birthday this weekend in what is observed as “Willie Horton Day” in Michigan. The seven-time All-Star and retired Detroit Tigers player is honored every year on Oct. 18 after being recognized in state legislation. Apart from his talent as a player, Horton became known as a concerned community activist. Horton was among city leaders who worked to quell disturbances during Detroit’s 1967 race rebellion.

TAGS: amputation, Birthday, Kenny George, UNC, Venus Williams, Willie Horton

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