Play to WIN
Noun
having ambitions to achieve something, such as a high position
India's medal aspirant MC Mary Kom today said her first round bout against Poland's Karolina Michalczuk in the Olympic Games was an "emotional" one as it was the fifth birthday of her twins.
Verb
secure the winning of a competition or game
Lee Westwood has clinched the top ranking in golf, held by Tiger Woods for the past five years.
Verb
raise to a more impressive level
The stars aligned in New York. Andy Murray stared down fatigue and history and wind and doubt, elevating his play when it mattered most to beat Novak Djokovic and capture the Grand Slam title.
Noun
initial contest in a competition meant to narrow the field
The South African relay team has been granted a reprieve and will advance to the final race after the IAAF deemed that one of their runners was obstructed during the qualifying heat.
Noun
effort and energy in playing a sport (chiefly US)
Every generation or so, a player comes along who can truly be called a superstar. Larry Bird was such a player. For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play.
Adjective
of or relating to someone's general desire or willingness to do something
Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko was a little amused at seeing the motivational trick his challenger Mariusz Wach has been using to get himself psyched up for their fight.
Phrase
go to the limit and beyond
pushed the envelope
Third base coach Mike Brumley pushed the envelope a bit too far, trying to score Wilson from first base. Center fielder Reggie Willits fired a bullet to the cutoff man and Wilson was a dead duck.
Third base coach Mike Brumley pushed the envelope a bit too far, trying to score Wilson from first base. Center fielder Reggie Willits fired a bullet to the cutoff man and Wilson was a dead duck.
Noun
situation when a team or player that has been behind or playing badly begins to play well
Two desperate rallies in Game 6 carried the St. Louis Cardinals to a final playoff, where they prevailed 6-2 and won their 11th World Series crown.
Verb
play a practice game
The Homeless World Cup offers a brief respite for the few athletes chosen to compete. In addition to practicing and scrimmaging, teams attend group therapy sessions where they swap tragic tales and survival strategies.
Verb
gain a victory
Barcelona triumphed over Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final, simply outclassing the English champions.