Oz in Spain

Spanish racing star unveils new FF

MARC GENE joined local authorities and 200 guests for the official inauguration of the new Ferrari and Maserati showroom at C. de Salamanca. The first Spaniard to win the Le Mans 24 Hours race (with Alexander Wurz and David Brabham behind the wheel of a Peugeot 908 HDI FAP.5 in 2009), Gene arrived at Marbella’s premier luxury car dealership in the new FF. (more…)

Ermenegildo Zegna opens Puerto Banús store

THE WORLD of luxury menswear has found a new home in Puerto Banús. Top Italian brand Ermenegildo Zegna opened a stylish new boutique in the Port in June and is planning a lavish inauguration fiesta on 14 July. (more…)

Popular Basque grill opens in Mijas

THE TABANKO chain of Basque-style “asador” restaurants has now stoked up a new grill on the Fuengirola-Mijas Road. Finca Tabanko Asador extends over a 6,000 square metre setting, with ample terraces overlooking the Mediterranean and a backdrop of the Mijas mountain sierra.  (more…)

Putting the “World” back into “Match Play”

(Photo: Volvo in Golf)

By PEDRO BOLICHERO

IT HADN’T REQUIRED too healthy a dose of scepticism in recent years to look at the World Match Play Championship as something of a misnomer. In its 44-year history at the Wentworth it had produced a stellar roll-call of champions – but the fields gradually diminished to, in some cases, almost a second tier of the world’s best. (more…)

Seve Ballesteros dies “peacefully” at home

(Photo: Volvo-Getty)

THE PLAYER who did more than any other to raise golf’s profile in Spain has died at his Pedreña home after a valiant battle against the debilitating effects of a brain tumour.

In a press statement released by his family, it was announced that he had passed away at 2.10 am (Spanish time) “peacefully surrounded by his family”. (more…)

Top Spanish bodega celebrates 25th anniversary

ANDALUCÍA’S links with Somontano bodegas were highlighted when tourism and regulatory council representatives celebrated the wine region’s 25th anniversary with a special media lunch at the La Reserva restaurant in Málaga.

(more…)

Zapatero: “This is my last term as Prime Minister”

Zapatero... flanked by Alfredo Rubalcaba and Carme Chacón, the two leading (still-unannounced) contenders for leadership of the Socialist Party.

By PEDRO BOLICHERO

HE IS ADMIRED by diehard party supporters but despised by his frequently-vitriolic detractors. He has been guilty of naivety, especially his belated admission that Spain was in economic crisis; yet in recent months (cajoled by European Union colleagues) he has overseen the harsh decisions needed to restore the country to more solid financial health – mostly at the expense of discarding his cherished socialist beliefs (his paternal grandfather was executed by Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War for refusing, as a republican captain, to take part in the Fascist uprising in his home town of León). (more…)

Kofi Annan guest speaker at Marbella conference

FORMER UN secretary general Kofi Annan will be the VIP guest speaker at the third World Conference on Climate Change and Wine in Marbella on 13 April. His speech will be directed to businesses and companies about the importance of adopting sustainable practices and development. Attendance is open to business people and members of the general public. (more…)

Strike-threat airport workers defy commonsense

THEY DID IT to force the air traffic controllers back to their ivory towers after a wildcat strike infuriated travellers during the early-December holiday break last year – and most people are hoping the government is prepared to take similar tough action as other airport workers threaten disruption over Easter and summer. (more…)

Tragic death of former Miss Costa del Sol

SPAIN’S FIRST Miss Universe, Amparo Muñoz, died at her Málaga home after a long illness – aged just 56. (more…)