Keeps The Hot Side Hot, The Cool Side Cool!

As if tennis weren't odd enough, we give you the half grass, half clay playing surface. On the right is Wimbledon champ Roger Federer, who is unbeaten in 48 matches on grass, and on the left is French Open champ Rafael Nadal, unbeaten in 72 matches on clay. In the middle is a confused referee, and over at the snack bar, ironically, there is only one flavor of Icee.

What began as an exhibition became a spirited contest as the world's two best players slugged it out on Nadal's home island of Mallorca, with the 20-year-old world No 2 eventually beating the No 1 7-5 4-6 7-6 (12/10). Nadal enjoyed the match, even though he had doubted the idea.

We would like to see this taken a step further, of course, and see the next match played in two different countries, with the border being the net. A match between the U.S. and Mexico would be fun, although Lou Dobbs wouldn't allow the winner to hop over the net.

A Game Of Two Halves [Times Online]