Editor's Note: Sports never have a lack of drama, and 2009 is no exception. It marked the peaks for some, and the troughs for others. Here are ten of the most arousing, anxiety-inducing or disturbing events, as selected by chinadaily.com.cn editors, listed in no particular order. [The Top 10 Everything of 2009]
1. Roger Federer lifts 15th Grand Slams title
Roger Federer won the record 15th Grand Slams trophy after beating Andy Roddick of US at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 5, 2009, surpassing American Pete Sampras's 14th Grand Slams title to become the top multi-Grand Slams winner.
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2. Tiger Woods caught in scandal
Tiger Woods of US made an announcement December 11 to take an indefinite break from professional golf in response to multiple media allegations of numerous extramarital flings. The world number one golfer was under fire after a car accident near his Florida home alleged to be caused by a quarrel with his wife in car.
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3. 2010 World Cup draw revealed
World Cup draw set the stage for several spicy duels between players at the same European clubs.
One of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns is between soccer's most expensive signings, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Kaka of Brazil who play for Real Madrid and were drawn to face each other in Group G.
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4. 9.58! Lightning Bolt strikes again
Usain Bolt crossed the finish line, saw his record-setting time on the clock and all the other seven runners left far behind as the Jamaican shattered the 100m world record to 9.58 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin August 17.
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5. Phelps admits using pot
The world's greatest swimmer went from a hero to zero months after his eight-gold Olympics triumphs as he was found inhaling from a marijuana pipe in February.
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6.Hand of God, again?
Last time, it was the World Cup final. This time, it was the World Cup qualifier. France captain Thierry Henry admitted he had handled the ball in the build-up to a controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland November 18.
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7. Olympics in Latin America for the first time
Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics after the Brazilian city won a landslide victory over Madrid in the final round of voting October 3 with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva crying out of joy.
Related readings:
Rio de Janeiro to host 2016 Olympic Games
Rio's Olympics, a huge opportunity for development
2016 Olympics: After bid win, hard work ahead for Brazil
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8. Cristiano Ronaldo sold to Real Madrid at record price
It is a record price, followed by a record welcoming crowd. Cristiano Ronaldo said he had fulfilled a "childhood dream" as he was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player before a record capacity crowd of nearly 80,000 people at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium July 7 after the Spanish club signed the Portuguese at a record price of 80 million pounds ($131.2 million).
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9.Lakers too much for Magic in Championships
Kobe Bryant has the NBA title he needed most - his fourth - while it was also coach Phil Jackson's record tenth and the team's fifteenth. The NBA MVP proved he is the league's best player like Michael Jordan after scoring 30 points in the title-sealing Game 5 over Orlando Magic.
Related readings:
Kobe Bryant, Lakers capture 15th NBA title
Los Angeles officials can't afford Lakers parade
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10. Jenson Button, Brawn GP claim F1 championships
Jenson Button believes his attempt to become the first British driver to retain the Formula One drivers' world title will be one of the most difficult in the history of the sport.
Federer beats Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam
Federer vows to keep breaking records
Henry's handball could lead to World Cup ban
Blatter apologizes to Ireland over slip
Newly-crowned champ Button ready for grueling title defense
Champion Button relishes prospect of 'new age' F1
