Courageous Cambo

How can any New Zealand sporting fan not be pleased to see Michael Campbell playing some decent golf again?

"Cambo" finished tied for 16th place in his most recent event on the European Tour - the Qatar Masters - but it could have been even better when considering he was fifth equal after the completion of the third round. Nonetheless, it gives the New Zealander his second consecutive top twenty finish, in two weeks, to start 2013. That is not exactly a spectacular fortnight of golf, but when considering what Cambo has been through over the past several years it makes me wonder how he ever found the will to continue.

Since Cambo had that unforgettable year in 2005 when he won the US Open, HSBC World Match Play Championship, and was ranked inside the world's top 15, his golf has been just the opposite: Forgettable. Cambo missed cut after cut, year after year. I cannot remember what exact year it was (might have been 2010), but he was not even ranked inside the world's top 1000 at one stage. His golf was nothing short of a disaster.
 
Cambo's results in 2011 and 2012 paint a very sad picture. Of the 27 tournaments he entered in 2011, he failed to make the weekend on 19 occasions and only recorded one top 20 finish. From September 2011 to March 2012, he missed 12 straight cuts on the European Tour.

At the beginning of 2012, Cambo's world ranking hovered around the 750 mark. He missed 11 out of 13 cuts to start that year.

At this stage, some people would ask themselves: What is the point? I cannot bear to imagine the emotional turmoil he must have gone through and the constant self doubt that must have crossed his mind; wondering if he could ever discover his form of 2005 that made him the talk of the golfing world. It would have come as no surprise to me if Cambo decided to wave the white flag, give up, and accept the fact that he has had a successful career but his time is now up.

But Cambo stuck at it. He persevered and fought back from the depths of despair. 

Finally, in late 2012, Cambo chalked up his best finish on the European Tour, not to mention his best finish worldwide, since 2008, with a tied for third finish at the Portugal Masters. I cannot remember the last time he shot four sub-par rounds in a golf tournament like he did that week. Less than a month later he backed up his performance in Portugal by participating in the UBS Hong Kong Open and coming eighth equal.

It is safe to say that we are witnessing the early stages of a Cambo comeback. His last 12 tournaments are a testament to his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude: Nine made cuts (four in a row), and six top 20s that include four top 15s. Again, nothing spectacular, but pretty decent when taking into account what Cambo has been through in recent years.

His world ranking has skyrocketed from 910th in July 2012 to where it is currently - 264th.

His recent return to form is partly due to his reunion with former swing coach Jonathan Yarwood - the same man who helped bring him major success almost eight years ago.

It seems that this reformed partnership has brought about a change in attitude for Cambo. In an interview after the Portugal Masters late last year with Brendan Telfer on Radio Sport, Cambo stated that he is enjoying his golf again, and that his goal in the final round was to essentially have fun and, as he put it, "smile."

In that interview Cambo also addressed the root of his previous problems - he wanted to hit the ball longer and consequentially tried to change his swing. It came as a surprise to me at how easy it is for one decision to lead to a catastrophe.

But Cambo had faith in himself and trusted his ability to rediscover his golf game. Full credit to him in doing that.

Now 43, Cambo has drawn his inspiration from fellow golfers in their 40s such as 2012 British Open winner Ernie Els, Fiji's Vijay Singh, and Paul Lawrie.

From the doldrums of the last several years, this newly relaxed, confident and smiling Michael Campbell is fantastic to see. He is performing at a level he has not done so in a very time. He has turned a huge corner and sparked a glimmer of hope in what looked like the back-ends of a diminishing golf career. I look forward to what he achieves throughout the rest of 2013.

Cambo probably has five or six years left to make some noise again on the professional golfing circuit. Are we on the verge of something special? Who knows. He was at 500-1 odds to win the US Open in 2005, was completely out of form throughout the first half of that year, and holed a two metre putt just to qualify. How did that turn out?

Openers? Where does this leave McCullum?

I want to get a few things off my chest first before I, like an Italian football lover would, dive into the main argument of this opinion piece.

Lethal: Dale Steyn  (Gallo Images)

The Black Caps have just suffered one of their most embarrassing test series loses since I can remember, 2-0 to South Africa. Yes, this South African team is the best in the world. The quality of their batsmen match the deadly nature of their bowling attack. They recently won a series away in Australia as well. Still, that is no excuse for losing two test matches by an innings. That is no excuse for losing ten wickets for 45 runs in the first match, no excuse for another notorious batting collapse in the second test match, and no excuse for hardly lasting three days in the first match and not making it past lunch in the fourth day.

Let me make one thing clear: I did not expect the Black Caps to win either of those matches. I expected them to, perhaps, draw one. Sadly, what was missing, or at best only seen rarely, was one thing: fight. This team did not fight. They were brought to their knees figuratively, and, in Jeetan Patel's case, were literally scared of the bowlers. Do you think the South African's had any sympathy for their helpless opponents? I do not really care. What I do care about, and want to see, is some fight, even if it occurs in a losing performance.

Like the fight Nathan Astle showed when he scored 222 not out vs. England at Jade Stadium in 2002, when the Black Caps were certain to lose. Like the fight Stephen Fleming showed when he scored a century at the 2003 Cricket World Cup against South Africa, in a sudden death match, to knock-out the hosts of their own tournament. Like the fight Chris Cairns showed to overcome an injury to guide his team to victory in vs. India in the final of the 2000 ICC Knockout Tournament.

Fighting spirit: BJ Watling defends against South Africa

Back to the recent series against the Proteas, credit to B.J. Watling (ironically born in South Africa) for refusing to give up his wicket. I have been skeptical about his position in the team in the past, but his performance in that second test illustrates that he has that fighting instinct I want to see from all of our batsmen. He even received some praise and kind words from South Africa's lethal fast bowler Dale Steyn. Dean Brownlie also fought hard in that first test to score a century. Having said that, he was dropped a couple of times, but still proved he can fight.

************

Now to the main issue.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has hinted that captain Brendon McCullum is not a guarantee to open the test batting during England's tour to New Zealand next month. McCullum himself was non-committal. Tony Veitch on Radio Sport raised a very interesting point on his breakfast show on Wednesday morning (January 15) and it deserves some analysis: Can McCullum warrant his position in the test team?

On the surface, it is hard to fathom that our newly appointed captain might not be deserving of his position in the team. But if we look at the current situation, it makes you wonder what, if any significant role (captiancy aside) he can play as a player, not as a leader.

McCullum refuses to wicket-keep in test matches and sights the long hours on the field in test matches as putting a strain on his back. I say fair enough to that. As long as you can justify your selection based on another component of cricket. McCullum does not bowl at all and now, since his position at the top of the batting order is seriously under question, if means he will have to prove his worth in the middle order.

The problem is that the New Zealand test team already has a plentiful supply of middle order batsmen. Firstly, there are Dean Brownlie and BJ Watling - the later possibly opening if push comes to shove. Kane Williamson has been out of form of late but his young talent is too good to ignore. Stick with him and it will pay off over the next decade, for sure. Williamson has essentially had to play as an opener recently with the continuing failure of the openers. Ross Taylor seems likely to return for the upcoming England series following his short-term exile and it was confirmed today that Ryder will meet with NZC in late January to discuss a return to the national side. Daniel Flynn will probably make way for those two guys. Please, this time Jesse, be on your best behavior and no one will have any ammunition to use against you.


So as you can see, there are some very astute batsmen there already and between them there is very little experience when it comes to opening the test batting. They do not need to be sacrificed in that position. McCullum did alright in seeing off the new ball in South Africa on some occasions, but that might not be enough to justify a position at the top. Ryder does open for Wellington in the HRV Cup Twenty20 competition, but international test cricket is a whole different kettle of fish.

In jeopardy: If McCullum does not open, there might be no space for him in the middle (3 News)

Martin Guptil has really struggled as an opener in the long form of the game. I reckon the selectors still persist with him for the time being, but if he fails to do anything against England then he probably needs to be dropped from the test team. Do not get me wrong, he is a valuable asset to the limited overs sides.

Many have been calling for former Australian representative Luke Ronchi to be called up to the national team. Born in New Zealand, Ronchi is now eligible to play for the Black Caps and has been in great form for Wellington so far this season. Additionally, he is arguably the best glove-man in the country at the moment. Again, he is a middle-order batsmen.

Where does all this leave McCullum? There is no way New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Hesson are going to drop their newly appointed captain, even though I think (here comes the main argument of this article) he is not performing well enough to warrant selection. McCullum might be a great leader, but perhaps NZC misssed the point that McCullum does not wicket-keep in tests anymore and based on current batting form is far down the pecking order.

Therefore, here is my proposed test team for the England tour. Not entirely what I want, but what I think the selectors will go with. Choices in bold.

Possible recall? Aaron Redmond (Getty Images)

Openers (1 and 2 in the batting order): This is a tough one. Hesson has suggested that Watling might not be used in this role. Guptil? There is no room for him in the middle and I think the selectors will give him one last chance in tests against a top-tier nation. Jamie How, Tim McIntosh, Peter Ingram? Probably not. They have all been tried before with not much success. Matthew Sinclair? He has been tried before and failed consistently, but continues to perform at domestic level. I have always been a fan of his. I say, maybe give him one last crack at international cricket. Sadly, that will not happen. On current form in the Plunket Shield (four day domestic cricket), Otago's Aaron Redmond is the best performing opening batsmen in terms of total runs scored, at an average of 53. Michael Papps and Peter Fulton are not far behind but have better averages, 69 and 72 respectively. McCullum will be retained, but needs to do something special to get the public back on his side.

Middle order (3-7): Taylor and Ryder return. Watling and Brownlie remain. Williamson at three.

Lower order (8-11): Assuming Daniel Vettori returns, he will bat at eight and be used as the spinning option. If not, Bruce Martin should be given the nod. He is the best performing spinner at domestic level this season - 22 wickets (second highest) in 5 matches at an average of 27. Tim Southee returns from injury and Bracewell and Boult retain their spots to complete the trio of fast bowlers.


1. Guptil
2. McCullum (saw off the new ball well, but Hesson has different ideas it seems. Should be retained though)
3. Williamson
4. Taylor
5. Ryder (if unavailable, then Ronchi)
6. Brownlie
7. Watling
8. Vettori (if unavailable, then Bruce Martin)
9. Southee
10. Bracewell
11. Boult

More personal choice of team:


1. Redmond (deserves a recall after great domestic form)

2. Watling (has that fighting spirit, even though Hesson says Watling wont be used in this role)
3. Williamson (worth persisting in, make him captain and breed him while he is young!)
4. Taylor (possible co-captain? Hesson did say he wanted to retain Taylor as test captain)
5. Ryder (if unavailable, then McCullum returns and holds on to the captaincy)
6. Brownlie
7. Ronchi
8. Vettori (Bruce Martin if injured)
9. Bracewell
10. Southee (rumored to be a possible vice-captain)
11. Boult

Extended squad: Colin Munro, Neil Wagner, Chris Martin, Peter Fulton, McCullum.

Overall, McCullum has to open if Ryder and Taylor play against England, otherwise there is no room for him based simply on playing value. Deep down, I hope he goes out and scores a truckload of runs vs. England to overcome all the public scrutiny.

Morgan's Phoenix need a phase out

Last month Wellington Phoenix owner Gareth Morgan sought about changing the way the Phoenix plays their football. Morgan stated his interest in playing "Total Football," which he presumed would lead to a more attack-minded style of play and eventually produce larger spectator numbers at Westpac Stadium. Coach Ricki Herbert accepted the challenge and made it clear he agreed with Morgan's sentiment. Herbert then went about changing the team's style over the holiday period.

Since Morgan publicly expressed that desire, the Phoenix have won only one of their last seven matches and surprisingly, based on previous years' home form, have only picked up four points in their last four home matches. They currently sit last on the A-League table in 10th place on 16 points, one point behind the team they play next: Sydney FC. It really is panic stations. If the Phoenix were to lose that match they would then be 4 points adrift of 9th place and would probably have to wave goodbye to their playoff aspirations.

Morgan (right) makes his presence felt at Phoenix training with coach Herbert (left) (Source: Fairfax NZ)

I do not think that Herbert and Morgan can continue their current relationship. Morgan stated late last year that "You're not going to win the A-League by being the best defensive team." He is obviously implying that to win you need to score goals, but a great defense certainly helps. Current A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners have conceded the least amount of goals of any team so far this season, 11. Herbert himself has always been a conservative coach and taken pride in how his teams defend at club and country level. This has resulted in reasonable success and, when it comes to the Phoenix, Morgan probably thought that more attacking would lead to a high-table finish instead of a mid-table one. Put simply, Morgan asked Herbert to do the almost impossible, in the short-term at least: To completely change the defensive style of play that Herbert has built the current squad based on and adopted throughout his football career.

Linking back to Morgan's comments above, he is under the assumption that attacking football will equal higher crowd numbers. I believe that winning, even if it has to be ugly and low-scoring, will solve the low crowd numbers the Phoenix have experienced so far this season. Take a look at new club Western Sydney Wanderers. In 16 matches they have only scored 19 goals, second-equal lowest in the league and the same number as the Phoenix. Difference is they are winning and happen to have the second best defense as well. Despite the lack of goals, they have generated some large crowds at Parramatta Stadium and sit comfortably in fourth place. It will be interesting to see if the crowd numbers sustain themselves as the novelty factor of a new club wears off, but the fact is crowd numbers at the club have risen in conjunction with the team's results. Not style of play, but results.

Winning: Western Sydney have attracted a passionate fan base (Source: Digital Journal)

It is possible to combine attractive football with winning, but it cannot be done with the current Phoenix playing squad (and possibly the current coach) and it is extremely hard to do, unless you are a European giant; let alone change a whole style of play. The most recent loss at home to Western Sydney, 2-0, proved that the current squad is incapable of playing this new style. On the surface, the team is making a visible effort to attack and pass more, but it is simple not working. I tried to count the amount of times the Phoenix took control of the ball then turned over possession within three passes. On occasions, they could not even complete one pass, either along the ground or through the overhead long-ball. Okay, credit to the opposition for continuing to press in the second half of that match, but a lack of possession should give more incentive to keep the ball when you do get it.

If I had to sum up the team in one word, it would be "stale." Tony Lochead's time is almost certainly up. His crossing, not just this season but for some time now, has been poor. However he is not the only culprit. Leo Bertos has had his moments of brilliance in the past but he also is on his last legs. Midfielder Vince Lia has not done much to catch my attention of late either and even the hard-nosed Ben Sigmund has lost form of late in defense.

Additionally, I heard earlier this week that the Phoenix are trying to arrange a fixture with an English Premier League club for the next pre-season. I ask, simply, why? Surely current time and money would be better invested in solving the current crisis at the club. If Morgan and company truly wanted to change this team into a winning side, then perhaps they should cough up some money and buy a decent marquee player instead; preferably a central midfielder who can feed the strikers with consistent ball, make accurate ground passes, and ideally dictate possession and the team on the pitch along with current captain Andrew Durante.

Could Herbert's time be up? (Source: Fairfax NZ)

Put simply, Morgan needs to do either one of two things. Firstly, sack Ricki Herbert. He has been very loyal, but has been at the club since its inaugural season in 2007 and the constant mid-table finishes are good. But in order to finish higher up the ladder maybe some fresh ideas are needed from the management.

Secondly, if Morgan wants to keep Herbert on-board then he needs to do the following: Buy a decent marquee player. I'm guessing Morgan has the money to do so. Not only will it help on-field results, but it should help increase crowd numbers. Recent A-League marquee signings Alessandro Del Piero (5 goals), Shinji Ono (3 goals) and Emile Heskey (7 goals) have played their respective roles in their respective sides on the pitch and have given the A-League some extra attention. Accompany this with some new midfielders and defenders that are up to A-League standards. Finally, and most importantly if Morgan wants to keep Herbert as coach, he needs to step aside and let Herbert do his thing. Owners getting involved in playing aspects, let alone converting the style mid way during a season, sparks trouble.

My preference is to maintain Herbert, the defensive style, and have a semi player clean-out. Above all, do whatever it takes to win. Not to play exciting, but win. On a side note, does anyone really care that the All Blacks only scored 8 points in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final?

Ryan Nelsen's legacy and a Nelsen-less All Whites

New Zealand All Whites defender, captain, and presumably former captain, Ryan Nelsen, has just announced that he will become the new head coach of Toronto FC in the MLS (Major League Soccer). It will likely mark the end of his international career for New Zealand, which dates back to 1999. I have no doubts of his coaching abilities as he has spent the majority of his professional career as a leader on the field.

I know very little about Nelsen's club career in the English Premier League, since I do not follow that league very closely. However, his time and influence in that environment cannot be ignored, so I will touch upon it in a timeline fashion.

Formerly, Nelsen began his career in his city of birth, Christchurch, before being signed by D.C United in the MLS at the tender age of 24. He would then go on to make 81 appearances over a four year period. Nelsen was then freely transferred to Blackburn Rovers in the EPL on a short term deal in 2005, but his quality in central defence soon saw him given a long-term contract at the club, as well as the captaincy. Nelsen's popularity and influence continued to grow at Blackburn as the years went by. He earned himself just over 200 caps and scored a handful of goals. The most memorable for me was his first against Wigan in 2009 after a four year wait.

Nelsen in action for Blackburn, planning his next defensive move

The sacking of Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce, who had spent three years at Blackburn, in 2010, accompanied with the loss the captain's arm band, could have influenced Nelsen's free transfer to Tottenham in early 2012. Nelsen managed only several games for Harry Redknapp's side, and later on that year signed a one-year deal with struggling Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, again linking up with former Tottenham coach Redknapp.

His stay at QPR has been interrupted by his decision to coach Toronto F.C. Whether Nelsen decides to fulfil his playing days at QPR remains to be seen. The 2013 MLS season starts in March, therefore it would be hard to see Nelsen giving his full attention to helping QPR avoid relegation from the EPL. I don't mean that in a harsh way. Nelsen is not getting any younger and injuries can occur at any time. He even said himself his knees sometimes feel like "glass." If Nelsen does decide to finish the season with QPR, he would be absent from the early stages of the 2013 MLS season and this could be met with skepticism from Toronto F.C. fans.

As I stated above, Nelsen's time spent wearing the white shirt for his country was where I became familiar with him the most. I will never forget the role he played in the 2002 Oceania Nations Cup final where he scored the sole goal in New Zealand's 1-0 over Australia (Australia were previously part of the Oceania Confederation and have since joined Asia). His goal allowed the All Whites to participate in the 2003 Confederations Cup. Fast-forward several years, and Nelsen was once again influential in guiding his country to victory in the 2008 OFC Nations Cup, cementing New Zealand's spot in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, which Nelsen unfortunately did not participate in. One of the defining moments of Nelsen's career came when he led his side to victory over Bahrain in a two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff in October-November 2009, enabling the All Whites to qualify for their first world cup since 1982.

Nelsen brushes off another defender, this time for New Zealand against Bahrain in 2009

The qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup offered Nelsen, and his countrymen, an opportunity to impress on the world stage against some of the heavyweights of international football. They did everything but embarrass themselves. A stoppage time equaliser against Slovakia in their first match was followed by a 1-1 draw against defending champions Italy. In this memorable game, Nelsen played arguably his best, certainly most important, role in an All Whites shirt, teaming up extremely well with his fellow defenders and goal-keeper Mark Paston in stifling the continuous Italian attack. Their third and final game was against the impressive Paraguay, but this match also finished in a draw, this time 0-0. Nelsen was again a key figure in a staunch New Zealand defence. Unfortunately, their three draws saw them harshly bundled out of the competition in the group stage, with three points, undefeated. But without doubt, Nelsen and his troops did the country proud with not losing a game when the odds were completely against them.

Heartbroken but proud: Nelsen is consoled by coach Rickie Herbet after the 0-0 draw with Paraguay.

Back to the present, the All Whites are currently at the final stages of completing the Oceania phase of qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. They sit top of the group on 12 points, 3 clear of New Caledonia in 2nd place. New Zealand host New Caledonia in their penultimate game of the competition, and assuming they win, will progress to the two-match, intercontinental playoff against the fourth-ranked CONCACAF team in November 2013 (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). That team will be confirmed in mid-October at the end of CONCACAF's fourth qualification phase, and based on current rankings would likely be either Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, or Honduras.

But vitally, can the All Whites qualify for the next world cup without Ryan Nelsen? It will be hard, but definitely possible. Statistics do show that the All Whites have a better winning percentage when Nelsen is lining up in central defence but if we look at the current crop of defenders there are some very promising signs.

Winston Reid

Young defending duo Winston Reid and Tommy Smith - the later taking the captaincy of late when Nelsen has been unavailable - play in the Premier League and Championship (2nd tier English league) respectively, and Reid especially has been very impressive for West Ham this season. Tony Lochead, who plays under All Whites coach Ricki Herbert for the Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League, has  been a loyal servant for the national side over the years, but I have my doubts as to whether his best days are behind him. 23 year old Ian Hogg, who scored in an impressive debut for the All Whites against El Salvador in May 2012, has just signed for the Phoenix and will rival Lochead for the same position. Let's not forget the hard-nosed Ben Sigmund, who also plays for the Phoenix as a defender.

You could argue that the fate of the All Whites rests partly in the hands of Phoenix captain Andrew Durante. Although Durante was born in Australia, the closest he has got to playing for the "Socceroos" was being selected in a 2010 squad, and since he has not actually represented Australia on the pitch at the highest level, he will become eligible to play for New Zealand in a few months after living in the country for the required 5 years. Durante has previously said that he would "never say no" to playing for his adopted country, but gave the impression that, if picked for Australia, he would rather play for his country of birth. However, Durante has recently said that he feels at home in New Zealand and that, regarding playing for the All Whites, it "feels right."

Marco Rojas

Even if the hole left by Nelsen's departure is too big to fill up, the options up front and in midfield are plentiful. Marco Rojas is going from strength to strength for the Melbourne Victory, in the goal-scoring and assists categories. Jeremy Brockie's move to the Phoenix has worked wonders and he is in the running to become top scorer for the 2012/2013 season. Michael McGlinchey's influence at the Central Coast Mariners has helped them to top of the A-League ladder, and even Shane Smeltz has found some much needed goal scoring form with an impressive double in a 2-2 draw for Perth Glory against Sydney FC last week. In Europe, Kosta Barbarouses' form for the Brisbane Roar and Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz saw him pick up a loan deal with high-profile Greek club Panathinaikos, and Chris Wood has struck a recent purple patch with Milwall and Leicester City. Essentially, the All Whites might have a better all-round team than they did back in 2009/2010.

To conclude, regardless of how well this All Whites team performs in the near future, Ryan Nelsen's 49 appearances and 7 goals for his country, his leadership and defensive attributes that were so crucial at the previous world cup and several qualification tournaments over the past 14 years, will probably never be replicated. A man of enormous stature, a proud New Zealander who stopped countless attacks over the years at all levels of football, Ryan Nelsen, I salute you - a true legend of New Zealand sport.You will be missed.

2013 will be a great year.

Things that will happen

Football/Soccer

2013 is a huge year for all countries

2013 Confederations Cup - Unfortunately New Zealand will not be there. Italy start off with a shaky 1-1 draw with Mexico, before defeating Japan 2-1 and drawing with home team Brazil 2-2. They finish second in the group and lose in the semi-final to Spain 1-0 in extra time after the scores were locked up at 0-0 after 90 minutes. Italy are unable to get up for the almost meaningless 3rd/4th playoff match and lose 1-0 to Brazil. Spain defeat Uruguay in an exciting final, 3-2.


World Cup Qualifying - The New Zealand All Whites qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil after beating Honduras 2-1 at Westpac Stadium, then drawing 1-1 away to win 3-2 on aggregate. Italy qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finsihing top of their group, withstanding a fierce challenge from the Czech Republic.

Juventus lose 2-1 on aggregate to Barcelona in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Wellington Phoenix finish 5th on the A-League's regular season table. They face Western Sydney away, unfortunately losing 1-0 and bowing out in the 1st phase of the playoffs (I wish I could be more optimistic).

Golf

Will it be a breakthrough year for Luke Donald?

Tiger Woods wins his first major since 2008 with a playoff victory over Rory McIlroy at the US Open. However, McIlroy becomes the first player to retain the FedEx Cup, and picks up his third major win by winning his first green jacket at the Augusta Masters. Luke Donald silences some of his critics by winning his first major at the PGA Championship. Lee Westwood is still unable to win his first major, coming up just short at the PGA Championship. The Internationals finally win the President's Cup for the first time since 1998, defeating the Americans 18-16 at Muirfield Village in Ohio. American duo Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson continue to use the belly putter (and anchoring it to their bellies) instead of making an early change before the new rule kicks in, in 2016.


New Zealander Michael Campbell continues his return to form by stringing together several decent results early on in 2013, albeit without a win. Still, this enables Cambo to qualify for the British Open, where he makes his first cut in a major since 2008. Cambo caps off a great, confidence-boosting year with a win late in the season, and returns into the world's top 100 for the first time in several years.

Tennis

Andy Murray builds on his US Open win in 2012 with a win at Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open; Rafael Nadal recovers from his injuries to win the French Open; and Roger Federer makes it four different mens winners for 2013 by winning the US Open, in what could possibly be his last ever win in a major. 

Rugby

Perenara will continue his hot form from 2012

Super Rugby - The Hurricanes build on their surprisingly good 2012 season and finish fourth in the regular season, and second in the New Zealand conference behind the Crusaders. However, they end up losing in the semi-finals. Young Hurricane's halfback TJ Perenara debuts for the All Blacks.

International - The Wallabies, now at full strength with the returning David Pocock and Will Genia, defeat the All Blacks in the first match of the Rugby Championship at ANZ Stadium. However, that is the only hiccup the All Blacks suffer in 2013, as they complete a clean sweep over the French during the June test matches.



Cricket

Ross Taylor returns to the Black Caps after the captaincy saga, and scores a century in the first test match against England. Unfortunately, the team is unable to win the series against the Poms. New skipper Brendon McCullum takes more responsibility as captain, recording two centuries in the one day internationals, guiding the Black Caps to a 2-1 in that series. Jesse Ryder does not return to the national team and continues to perform remarkably well for the Wellington Firebirds.

 

Things that wont happen

 

Cricket

Scott and Williams

Mike Hesson is spotted eating dinner with Ross Taylor the day before Taylor scores a double century to help the Black Caps beat England in the first test match of their series. The next day, Hesson resigns as coach of the team.


Golf

Adam Scott erases his 2012 demons by remarkably winning the British Open, and caddy Steve Williams decides that this is now the best moment of his career. After convincing Scott, Williams is succesful on getting his named engraved on the Claret Jug, and an amateur photo circulates on Twitter of Steve Williams showing Tiger Woods his first major trophy.

Cycling

Lance Armstrong confesses all.

Athletics

Nadzeya Ostapchuk formally apologizes to Valerie Adams and the other participants in the 2012 Olympics women's shotput final, for taking steroids. The Belarusian also personally apologizes to Adams for accusing here of taking drugs in 2005. Adams accepts the apology, but still does not forgive Ostaphchuk for what she did last year.

One of either Yohan Blake or Usain Bolt test positive for drugs.

Football/Soccer 

Zero probability: Totti signs with the Phoenix

(This would be a dream come true in a way) - Another legend of Italian football signs with the A-League. Francesco Totti, a close friend of current Sydney FC player Alessandro Del Piero, signs with the Wellington Phoenix on a 2 year, $2 million dollar deal, after Phoenix owner Gareth Morgan realizes that a marquee player of the attacking midfield type could help the Phoenix improve. Totti, who scored over 200 goals in more than 500 appearances for AS Roma in the Serie A, said that "Ale" convinced him that the A-League is a great place to play football, but he made up his own mind when deciding to sign with the New Zealand based team. On his arrival to Wellington, Totti is asked the typical cringe-worthy questions: "What do you think of New Zealand?" "Have you seen The Hobbit? "Are you familiar with the All Blacks?"

Alessandro Del Piero decides to leave Sydney FC, joining up with close rivals the Central Coast Mariners. Del Piero is labelled a traitor by all Sydney supporters, but states himself that he is now happy playing for a team that "knows how to pass, defend, and win."

Happy New Year everybody, best wishes for 2013.