From Ninemsn this afternoon
Open match halted by bird's death
There has been a death on centre court at the Australian Open.
Lending knew meaning to the term 'sudden death match', a bird, apparently
chasing a moth, took the full force of a powerful ground stroke in a doubles
semi-final on Rod Laver Arena.
Frenchman Arnaud Clement was preparing a forehand volley return when the
ball cannoned off the bird, which promptly dropped dead beside the court.
Clement's partner Julien Boutter was first to respond, rushing to the bird,
whereupon he fell to his knees, crossed himself and offered a prayer for the
suddenly deceased animal.
As the four players congregated, a court official unceremoniously picked up
the bird in a towel and took it off court to an unknown resting place.
Other birds continued to swoop around centre court, oblivious to the demise
of their feathered friend.
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