Petulance vs Arrogance

I will not bore you with all the history surrounding the strained relationship between Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia. Simply put, they do not like each other. Well actually, on the surface, it looks like they hate each other. 

Neither are golfing saints. Sergio: Spitting in a cup, blaming the gods for bad breaks, throwing clubs in the water; Tiger: Spitting on the green, swearing and throwing clubs.

The incident that occurred early in the second round of the weather-delayed 2013 Players Championship was just one of many examples over the last 14-15 years that prove Tiger and Sergio do not have a lot of time for each other.

Sergio was about to hit his second shot on the second hole, a par 5, when he heard some crowd noise, or to use his words, "everybody was screaming", from the area where Tiger was waiting to hit his second shot - some 50 yards away, in the pine straw, to Sergio's left.

Sergio claims the crowd noise was due to the excitement of Tiger pulling a 5-wood or 3-wood out of his bag - signalling he was going to go for the green in two as opposed to playing safe.

The crowd noise did begin before Sergio started his backswing, so there is the possibility he could have pulled out and gone through his pre-shot routine again. However, we will never know when Sergio first heard this noise - maybe it was during his swing as he said, or maybe Sergio was just looking for a quick and easy excuse for a bad shot. And who easier to blame than his arch-nemesis?

Awkward: Sergio and Tiger on the first tee (ESPN)

Still, what Tiger did and said does not add up. The video of the incident clearly showed Tiger putting his finger to his mouth and point in the direction where Sergio is about to play his second shot from, or in simple terms a gesture to hush the crowd - a good piece of etiquette from Tiger. But why would Tiger gesture to the crowd, wanting it to be quiet when, as he said afterwards in an interview, a marshal had told him Sergio had already hit and that was why he took the club out of the bag?

Let me break this down into sequential order according to Tiger's actions and his post-round comments about the marshal...

(1) The marshal signalled to Tiger that Sergio had played his shot.

(2) Tiger took a wood out of his bag and began to plan his shot.

(3) Tiger gestured to crowd (puts his finger to his mouth) and pointed in Sergio's direction, presumably asking it to be quiet while Sergio was hitting.

As you can see (1) cannot possibly occur before (3). There is no reason for Tiger to ask the crowd to be quiet for Sergio if a course official had already told him to play his shot.


Why would the marshal lie to Tiger? He wouldn't.

Of course, Tiger did not purposely pull a club out his bag in the hope the crowd would cheer and put Sergio off. No one is that cold-hearted.

Still, the mistake falls on Tiger for not waiting for Sergio to play and not seeing with his own eyes Sergio complete his swing. It is the responsibility of the player who does not have the first shot to make sure that they do not put the other player off until that player has completed their swing.

Watching on: Sergio and Tiger (Daily Telegraph)

It certainly makes for great viewing when these two complete the final few holes of their third rounds on Sunday. Here is some dialogue from separate interviews during and after the third round...

Sergio (during the weather delay and after the incident) - "...you do have a feel when the other guy is going to hit and right as I was in the top of the backswing, I think he must have pulled like a 5-wood or a 3-wood and obviously everybody started screaming. So that didn't help very much."


Tiger (at the end of the third day's play)- "The marshals, they told me he already hit, so I pulled a club and was getting ready to play my shot...Not real surprising that he's complaining about something."

Sergio (when told by a reporter what Tiger's response was to his initial comments) - "That's fine. At least I'm true to myself. I know what I'm doing, and he can do whatever he wants.''

WGC Accenture Matchplay - Preview

The 2013 edition of the WGC Accenture Matchplay gets underway later this week at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Arizona, USA.

Previous five winners: 2008: Tiger Woods; 2009: Geoff Ogilvy; 2010: Ian Poulter; 2011: Luke Donald; 2012: Hunter Mahan.

Here is the run-down for those unfamiliar with the format and how the tournament plays out. The top 64 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings are selected. If, for any reason, any of those top 64 cannot participate, then the next best ranked golfer is selected. In other words, if one player is unavailable, then the 65th ranked golfer would be selected, then the 66th, and so on. On a side note, Phil Mickelson, who won the Waste Management Phoenix Open only a few weeks ago, is not participating.

The format is a straight knockout matchplay, one on one, with the ultimate winner having to win six matches out of six over a five day period: Round of 64, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semi Finals, and Final.

The participants are separated into four brackets (4 groups of 16). Bobby Jones bracket, Ben Hogan bracket, Gary Player bracket, and the Sam Snead bracket. The winner of each bracket goes into the semi-finals.

Defending champion Hunter Mahan (Accenture)

All 32 First Round matches are listed on the PGA Tour website, but here is my selection of some heavyweight match-ups on day one and possible choices of potential upsets and dark horses. Current world ranking in brackets.

Justin Rose (6) vs KJ Choi (62) - One of Europe's Ryder Cup heroes, Rose won the World Golf Championship's Cadillac Championship last year and was knocked out of the first round of the Accenture Matchplay last year. Choi was also knocked out in the first round in 2012. Current form would suggest Rose wins this one but not by much.

Adam Scott (7) vs Tim Clark (61) - Scott has excelled over the past year and a half with Steve Williams as caddy and a switch to the broomstick putter. It is hard to see Clark, who is making his first appearance in the tournament since 2011, causing an upset here.

Jason Dufner (12) vs Richard Sterne (57) - Sterne is one of many South Africans who have risen to prominence over the past few seasons. Dufner will have the home crowd on his side, but let's not forget that Sterne has already had success this year, winning two weeks ago in the Joburg Open by a comfortable seven strokes.

Steve Striker (16) vs Henrik Stenson (53) - Stricker might be 45, but is ever-consistent recording two top-10s out of the 4 WGC events in 2012. Stenson return after missing out on qualifying last year. Stricker for me.

Chris Wood (USA Today)

Bubba Watson (10) vs Chris Wood (59) - Chris Wood could be a potential dark horse in this event. Bubba, the reigning Masters champion, faces a man who won his first European Tour event last month by making eagle on the last hole at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and has improved his world ranking significantly in early 2013. Could this be the match of the first round?

Graeme McDowell (19) vs Padraig Harrington (50) - Harrington already has a top-10 on the PGA Tour this year but McDowell goes in to this one as the favourite. Harrington can take some comfort in knowing that McDowell has only progressed to the 2nd round in one of his last four attempts.

Ernie Els (22) vs Fredrik Jacobson (47) - Jacobson was unlucky not to win last week, missing a four-foot putt to make the playoff at the Northern Trust Open. Can he get over his disappointment in time?

Hunter Mahan (25) vs Matteo Manassero (44) - The defending champion comes up against the Italian teenager in what could could be a potential banana skin for Mahan. If Manassero finds his A-game he might cause a major upset.

Bill Haas (30) vs Nicolas Colsaerts (39) - A few years ago not many golf followers were aware of Belgium's Colsaerts, but he has since won a couple of European Tour events and chalked up some consistent finishes. However, he does face-off against 2011 Fed Ex Cup champion Haas who has 3 top 10s in only 5 events to start the season.

Martin Kaymer (28) vs George Coetzee (41) - Coetzee is another South African who has impressed over the past year. Came close to winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in January. Should be a close match against Kaymer who has found a return to form since mid-2012.

Nike duo: McIlroy and Woods in their "No Cup is Safe" Nike Golf commercial

The big names: Rory McIlroy's switch to Nike equipment has not started well at all, but he should live up to his world number one ranking and beat Shane Lowry in the first round. Spaniard Sergio Garcia has been known to let the pressure get to him at times and Thongchai Jaidee will put up a great fight. Tiger Woods meets Charles Howell III; Ian Poutler, triumphant in 2010, faces fellow Brit Stephen Gallacher; Lee Westwood locks horns with Rafael Cabrera-Bello; and Luke Donald, 2011 winner, will battle Marcel Siem for a place in the second round.

As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about.


Fun trivia fact to end on.  Tiger Woods is credited of having the biggest winning margin in the tournament's history - a 9/8 win over Stephen Ames in 2006. Why else was this significant? Shortly before his first round match up against then world number one Tiger, Ames took a swipe at the state of Tiger's golf game: "Anything can happen, especially where he's hitting the ball." Moral of the story - Let the golf do the talking to shut up your opponent.

Cynical, suspicious and fearful

I cannot remember a more farcical start to the sporting year than what has occurred less than two months into 2013. Forget who won, forget what sport, the only thing that has dominated global sport so far this year has been controversy. Drugs, match-fixing, speculation, allegations, criminal investigations, conspiracies, it goes on and on.

The Mayans predicted the end of one world and the beginning of another. Are we witnessing the new world order in sport - where controversy completely destroys fans' and spectators' love of a true and just sporting contest?

Recap of the controversy so far (or at least what I have been aware of) ...

The now iconic image of Armstrong confessing to Oprah (OWN)

Cycling - Lance Armstrong confesses to Oprah Winfrey in a televised interview that he used performance enhancing drugs throughout his cycling career and, most significantly, in each of his seven Tour de France victories from 1999-2005. Armstrong's adoption of a "win-at-all-costs" mentality led him down a dangerous road of serial doping. However, in that same interview he continued to deny accusations that he was involved in covering up a supposed positive test for EPO during the 2001 Tour de Suisse, and stated that he rode the Tour de France "clean" upon his return in 2009 and 2010.


Football/Soccer - A global investigation by Europol - a European law enforcement agency - produced evidence of widespread match-fixing in football/soccer that was linked to organized crime syndicates in Asia, or more specifically Singapore. Approximately 380 matches in Europe were affected by illegal betting practices in Asia and this was accompanied with over 400 fraudulent officials. The integrity of fixtures in the UEFA Champions League, World Cup and European Championship qualifying, and league matches in South America and counties such as Turkey and Germany, are under serious investigation.

Deer oh deer: Vijay Singh (The Telegraph)

Golf - Successful Fijian golfer Vijay Singh was revealed to have used deer-antler spray on a daily basis since late 2012 and soon after admitted that this was true. What is the problem? The deer-antler spray contains a substance banned by the PGA Tour,  IGF-1, which is a "natural, anabolic hormone that stimulates muscle growth." Singh claims that he was unaware that the spray contained "a substance that is banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy." It is still unclear whether Singh will be suspended as he keeps in regular contact with PGA Tour officials.

Boxing - Where to begin and, even more confusing, where to end? Sonny Bill Williams defeated Francois Botha on points to win their bout in Brisbane last week but the validity of the result has yet to be confirmed. The fight only went 10 rounds when WBA (World Boxing Association) rules clearly state that "All sanctioned bouts shall be scheduled for twelve (12) rounds." Sonny Bill's manager Khoder Nasser is adamant that everyone knew the fight was scheduled for 10 rounds and that the marketing of the fight being 12 rounds was a misunderstanding. The T.V. commentators were certain that the fight was scheduled for 12 rounds and expressed their shock at the start of the 10th round when the umpire said it was the last round. T.V. footage shows that the judges had the "11" and "12" cards on their tables. Sky TV New Zealand advertised the fight as 12 rounds, so did Fox Sports Australia. Betting agencies in both Australia and New Zealand had betting options open for knockouts occurring in rounds 11 and 12.

Sonny Bill himself is quoted as saying "He'll [Botha] do 12 rounds pretty easy" just days before the fight yet after the fight claimed he always prepared for a 10 round fight. To make matters worse, Botha failed a drugs test from a urine sample that was taken three days before the bout, even though he was not officially obliged to. Botha has since claimed that the test was administered by someone with close association to Nasser and will undergo another test in his home country South Africa sooner rather than later in order to clear his name.

Can this get any more farcical? WBA official Brad Vocale claims that the championship belt won by SBW after his victory was not genuine and that there was no WBA official at the actual fight. The credibility of both Nasser and Sonny Bill have taken a huge blow and this is certainly not the end of the story.

Fuentes outside court (The Telegraph)

Multiple sports -  Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes is currently undergoing a trial in a court case dubbed "Operation Puerto." Fuentes was previously arrested in May 2006 after an investigation into his Madrid-based clinic revealed 186 code-named blood bags belonging to professional athletes and the illegal possession and use of EPO and Human Growth Hormone. Fuentes has worked with top cyclists, footballers, football teams, tennis players, boxers and swimmers.Fuentes has stated that he is willing to name all the athletes he helped through blood doping by matching up the blood samples and codes with the real athletes' name. Judge Julia Santamaria told him that he is only obliged to name the cyclists due to a previous ruling, but officials from agencies such as WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) have called for all names to be revealed. Fuentes apparently saw doping during the 2006 World Cup. It would shatter me if Fuentes revealed that Italy were involved, but so far he has not named any countries. In what could have serious ramifications, Fuentes allegedly told a prison informant that if he was to talk, Spain could be stripped of their World Cup 2010 and European Championship titles.

Cover page of the report (ACC)

Australian sport - February 7, 2012, could go down as the "blackest day in Australian sport." On this Thursday, the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) shocked Australian sports fans, players and officials with the release of a report entitled "Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport." The year long investigation gives damning evidence of banned substances such as peptides, human growth hormone and, disturbingly, even substances that have yet to be tested on humans, being distributed to athletes, pharmacists and coaches in multiple sports through illegal means.

Aussie Rules and Rugby League are the two sports under the most suspicion even though the public have yet to be made aware of specific athletes and teams who were involved. The Hyundai A-League (football/soccer) has not escaped the controversy. Tens of millions of dollars were placed on a single fixture from an Asian-based betting agency in Melbourne in late 2012. It is unclear as to what two teams were involved.

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

I will now point out two specific sporting fixtures that happened last week which I find suspicious. Even though there has been no official investigation, I find some instances in the following hard to believe.

English Premier League - Manchester City vs Southampton. I am sorry, but this match just smelt of match-fixing. Joe Hart, first choice goalkeeper for England, fumbles the ball when it is kicked straight at his paws. Fellow teammate Gareth Barry kicked the ball into his own net while Hart did not make much of an effort to prevent the ball rolling into the goal. For goodness sake, it did not even look like a back-pass from Barry but more like a tap in goal from a striker.

Cricket - The New Zealand cricket team (Black Caps), who usually are a composed side in the field, dropped five catches against England in their first Twenty20 match. This is a bit of a tongue-and-cheek example.

For me, the end of 2012 marked the end of my belief in many things spectacular in sport. From 2013 onwards, almost every achievement of epic proportions will have a cloud hanging over it. I might even abandon my one-eyed view that teams and players I support are free from all this.

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?

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.

2012 Sporting year in review

As a sports nut, I feel obliged to give you my highs and lows of the 2012 year in sport. There were some exceptional instances and celebrations that sent chills down my spine, yet there were those moments that were embarrassing and shocking (sometimes personally). In no particular order, here they are - my top 10 best and top 5 worst moments in sport for 2012.

The Best

1. Balotelli double for Italy vs. Germany at Euro 2012 - I know I said I would not rank these, but this stands out for me more than any other because of my Italian blood. Italy were given no chance against the juggernaut Germans in this semifinal, who had already chalked up 9 goals in 4 matches. Italy had played some promising football in their first match against Spain but had struggled since, and after the penalty shootout win against England in the quarterfinals, you could excuse the team for being lethargic. The only confidence I brought into this match was the surprising fact that Germany had never beaten Italy in a competitive match (seven in total).

Who is the man? Mario is

Balotelli had been average at best in Euro 2012 so far, with only a last minute goal against Ireland in Italy's last group game to show for his efforts. In the semi final Balotelli, then 21 years old, had been presented with the perfect opportunity to set his first major mark on international football. He did it in sublime fashion. The first goal was not as memorable as the second but was just as well constructed. Antonio Cassano delivered a superb cross from the left flank, and Balotelli met the cross with a well-timed header to put the Azzurri 1-0 up after 20 minutes. On 36 minutes, and after a German attack, Riccardo Montolivo sent a high pass up to Balotelli, who found himself in open space. He thundered in a long-range shot to the top-right hand corner of the German goal. "Super Mario" was on top of the world after the 2nd goal and didn't he show it (see picture).


2. Double scullers' comeback - Joseph Sullivan and Nathan Cohen had a reputation of being slow starters and strong finishers in their races and this was fully illustrated in their double sculls final at Dorney Lake in the London Olympics. In the 2000 metre race, the Kiwi pair were last (out of 6) after 500 metres, 5th after 1000 metres, and 4th after 1500 metres. But then they slowly stared their charge towards the three crews currently ahead of them. The last 500 metres of this race showed the true grit and determination needed to succeed in such a tough, competitive sport like rowing. Sullivan and Cohen rapidly hurled in the Italian and Slovenian crews to win New Zealand's first gold medal of the London Olympics. It kick started a great night (Saturday NZ time) of rowing success for New Zealand, with men's pair Eric Murray and Hamish Bond also winning gold, and single sculler Mahe Drysdale triumphant in his event.

3. Lisa Carrington - More Olympic glory for New Zealand, this time it was in the water with 23 year old Lisa Carrington winning gold in kayaking's K-1 200 metres final. Lisa had previously set a new Olympic record time of 40.528 seconds in her semifinal.

4. Heartland Championship Meads Cup Final: East Coast 29-27 Wanganui - With 20 minutes to go in this match, East Coast were down 27-3 to a rampant Wanganui side who were looking to secure back-to-back titles. After being 20-3 up at halftime, Wanganui continued their dominance early on the second half but East Coast stormed home with four tries, including a last-minute try to Verdon Bartlet. The crowd at Ruatoria raced on to the field to embrace their team, before being ordered off as there was still time remaining. East Coast hung on for the win and the crowd, once again, went wild.

Hear me roar: Tiger Woods celebrates in style

5. Tiger Woods' chip-in on the 16th hole at Memorial - Tiger picked up his second win of the year at the Memorial Tournament in June, hosted by Jack Nicklaus. It will be remembered for Tiger's 3rd shot on the 16th hole. With his ball sitting down in the rough, and facing a green that sloped downhill towards the water, Tiger played an immaculate flop shot. With hardly any margin of error, the ball pitched on the green, and rolled into the bottom of the cup, sending Tiger on one of his trademark fist-pumping sprees. Nicklaus later made one of his boldest ever statements: "I don't think I've ever seen a better one. That was the most unbelievable, gutsy shot that I've ever seen."




6. Ian Poulter at the Ryder Cup - There were many moments that defined the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, such as Martin Kaymer's winning putt, Justin Rose's come from behind victory against Phil Mickelson, or Bubba Watson's successful attempt to get the crowd cheering "USA USA" during his swing. But if I had to pick one moment that I thought won Ryder Cup for Europe, it would be Ian Poulter's remarkable performance late on Saturday evening (2nd to last day) where, partnered with Rory McIlroy, he finished with five straight birdies, including a 15 footer for birdie on the last, to beat the American duo of Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner 1up. If it was not for the Poluter-McIlroy win, Europe would of been 11-5 down before the final day singles, a daunting prospect. Europe went on to stage a remarkable comeback in the final day singles to win 14.5-13.5.

7. West Indies win Twenty/20 World Cup in Sri Lanka - I'm still not a fan of circus cricket and probably never will be, but the West Indies won their first international title since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 and second since the 1979 World Cup. After a bizarre group stage that saw the West Indies qualify for the next round without winning a game (a loss affected by rain and another no result due to rain), the Windies then beat England and New Zealand, the later opponent after a "super over." They smashed Australia in the semi-final, helped by 75 off 41 balls from Chris Gayle, and defeated hosts Sri Lanka in the final where Sunil Narine produced figures of 3 wickets for 9 runs off 3.4 overs. The Windies batting duo of Gayle and Marlon Samuels both featured in the top-5 run scorers of the tournament with a combined six half centuries between them.

The West Indies go "Gangnam style" after their victory

8. Usain Bolt - Another major athletics meet, more accolades for for Jamaican Usain Bolt. At the London Olympics Bolt won in his signature event, the 100 metres, setting a new Olympic record of 9.63 and defeated fellow Jamaican Johan Blake, who got silver, in the process. Bolt then defended his 200 metres gold medal from Beijing four years ago and in doing so became the first man ever to defend both the 100 and 200 metre Olympic sprint titles. To add more icing on his cake, Bolt then helped Jamaica win the men's 4x100 metre relay on the final day in record-breaking time.

9. All Blacks go undefeated in the inaugural Rugby Championship - The All Blacks were shaky at times, somewhat evident in their final match against Australia that finished in an 18-all draw, but still went through the campaign undefeated. The world champions completed an impressive double against South Africa, including winning 32-16 away in Johannesburg; held Australia scoreless at Eden Park and put 50 points on Argentina away in La Plata. Julian Savea and Aaron Smith unveiled themselves as young stars for the future.

Del Piero celebrates his goal in trademark fashion

10. Alessandro Del Piero for Juventus vs. Lazio - Del Piero (now 38) was 37 years old at the time, but still played a crucial role in Juventus' unbeaten campaign in winning the Serie A last season. "Ale" made 28 appearances and scored 5 goals. His goal from a vintage free kick against Lazio in April 2012, during his 700th appearance for Juventus, was crucial to say the least. Late in the season, it gave the Bianconeri a 2-1 victory and came in the 82nd minute against their fellow title challengers when the game was evenly poised at 1-1. Juventus were then able to consolidate their position at the top of the Serie A table and finish the season unbeaten.


Notable mentions: Hurricanes Super Rugby team and coach Mark Hammett defy the odds and don't end up with the wooden spoon; Any Murray finally wins his first tennis major; Rory McIlory becomes golf world number 1; Chiefs win their first Super Rugby title; and the Italian women's fencing team dominate at the London Olympics.

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The Worst - Does not contain all explicit moments on the sporting field, but more so shows how gloomy sports can play out off the field/pitch/track etc with regards to drugs and internal politics. I will only mention five bad moments, since it is important to remember the good things more than the bad. The New Zealand Warriors in the NRL do not make the list, since that would be too painful to write about, and long.

7 fingers = 7 Tour de France titles, or not.

1. Lance Armstrong. To be honest, as I think about what to write under this heading, I cannot be bothered. If you are reading this blog then you obviously like sports and would be aware of Armstrong fall from grace over the past several months. A 1000-plus page report from USADA contained excruciating evidence that resulted in Armstrong being stripped of all his Tour de France yellow jerseys and banned from competitive cycling for life. International Cycling Union (UCI) President Pat McQuaid concurred with this report, and later stated that Armstrong has "no place in cycling" and "deserves to be forgotten." His doctor Michele Ferrari still denies having ever seen Armstrong take drugs, yet several of his former teammates have sworn under oath that they witnessed him do so, including Tyler Hamilton.

2. Ostapchuk Ostracized  -  Belarusian Nadzeya Ostapchuk, long time rival of New Zealand's Valerie Adams, won the gold in women's shotput at the London Olympics. Valerie was completely off on the day and had to settle for silver, with Ostapchuk continuing her amazing run of form dating back to four months before the Olympics that involved remarkably long throws while training at her home in Belarus. Valerie's coach Jean-Pierre Edgar had long suspected that something was not quite right with Ostapchuk's legitimacy, and he was soon proven right. A day after the closing ceremony, Valerie got confirmation that Ostapchuk had been stripped of her gold medal for taking metenolone, a banned anabolic steroid. Valerie now had the gold, but was still robbed of her moment on top of the podium. Who do I feel sorry for more than Valerie? China's Lijao Gong who finished fourth on the night and did not even get to taker her deserved place on the poduim and watch her country's flag being raised.

3. Ross Taylor sacked as captain of the New Zealand cricket team - It is not the decision itself that upsets me, but the manner in which it was done is reminiscent of a British soap opera television show: Conflicting evidence and reports; lies, accusations, divided loyalties, and secret meetings at unusual times and locations. The unwillingness of the New Zealand Cricket board to accept their mistakes straight away, accompanied with a coach and CEO who were in hiding when the public wanted answers, made it a pretty grim end to the year in sport for me. I just hope that the public will support new captain Brendon McCullum and not paint his as some kind of evil instigator of the whole fiasco.

Who said what? Black Caps coach Mike  Hesson will have a tough time getting back into everyone's good books

4. Italy humiliated 4-0. Spain remain the best team in international football. A tired and injury-stricken Italian side were no match for the classy Spaniards in the Euro 2012 final, who continue to dazzle all their opponents with their quick, short, and accurate passing, or "tika-taka" style football as it is known by close football followers.


5. All Blacks humiliated 38-21 at Twickenham. England moved away from their traditional defensive style and attacked the All Blacks at every opportunity, handing them their first and only loss of the year, first loss to England since 2003, and second worst loss in their proud history. The men in black looked slow, lethargic, and even Conrad Smith and Dan Carter made mistakes.The mid-week stomach virus cannot of helped, but full credit to England for proving that not only are the All Blacks beatable, but Steve Hansen and his troops still have plenty to work on.



In my last blog post of the year, which I will chalk up very soon, I will make some predictions for 2013. Not sure if they will be based on what I want to see happen (heart) or what will happen (head). Stay tuned.


Merry Christmas everybody,

Jonathan.

Di Matteo is better off out of it.

Football/Soccer

Here we go again. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sacked yet another manager. This time it was Roberto Di Matteo - the Italian who took over the team as a caretaker manager in early 2012. Di Matteo, against all the odds, guided Chelsea to Champions League success in May this year, and was given a full time position by Abramovich, then told to pack his bags after just several months and a string of recent bad results. Abramovich, the Russian billionaire, seems to have no patience in wanting to generate a team with immediate success, a team that exists without any sort of failure whatsoever. That is almost impossible in the competitive environment of European club football, including the English Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti, another Italian, was appointed Chelsea manager in 2009, and for the 2009/2010 won both the Premier league titles and the FA Cup. Pretty decent. However, after finishing second for the 2010/2011 season, he was soon sacked. Abramovich has made it no secret that he wants Champions League success. Well, Abramovich got it with Di Matteo, yet has shown him little respect in giving him his marching orders. Also, Di Matteo has history and pride with Chelsea. He played over 100 times for them over a six year period. Abramovich has money, greed, and a disillusioned ambition. The fact is you cannot win everything. The most recent result for Chelsea, a 3-0 loss away to Juventus, comes as no surprise. Juventus are the best team in Serie A by a long way at the moment and have been for almost two years now. Chelsea played without their stalwarts of Frank Lampard and John Terry, and are essentially the fourth best team in Britain at the moment in my opinion. Abramovich needs to open his eyes to the real world.

A statement on Chelsea's official website is somewhat confusing: "The team’s recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and board felt a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season." So heading into a vitally important part of the season, the players must adjust themselves to a new manager with new ideas. Is it a right direction when this is happeneing every several months? Yes, the same thing happened last time with Di Matteo taking over Andre Villas Boas during the 2011/2012 season, but the difference was that Di Matteo was already assistant manager and had shared the same environment with the players before becoming head manager.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has now been called in to Chelsea in an interim role to try and fix the team, if that is possible. Perhaps he will be able to get the best out of Fernando Torres, rekindling their partnership at Liverpool from a few years ago. Benitez has not coached since he was sacked by Inter Milan in late 2010 after a poor first half of that season. Unless Benitez manages to guide Chelsea to success in the Premier League, and the FA Cup, and the Champions League, then Abramovich, assuming he stands by his values, will sack Benitez by June 2013.

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Golf

It is great to see Michael Campbell continue his recent run of form. He has now recorded 4 top-15s in his last 9 tournaments, which is not exactly spectacular, but has allowed him to improve his world ranking from 750th at the start of 2012, to 288th as of Novemeber 18, 2012. Last week "Cambo" finished tied for 8th at the Hong Kong Open, and took the lead in the fourth round with a birdie on the first hole. He eventually stumbled to a 2-over 72 and finished 7 shots behind the eventual winner Miguel Angel Jimenez. With this win, the 48 year old Spaniard became the oldest ever winner of a European Tour event. Campbell, who is 43, has stated that the current crop of succesful golers in their 40s have insipred him and given him the confidence that he still has several good years left in him to make some noise on the golfing world. I wish him well.

Perseverance in Portugal - Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell has turned the corner, sparking a glimmer of hope in what previously looked like the back-ends of a diminishing golf career. The 43 year old has just notched 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 this week.

Campbell acknowledges the crowd during his final round

From September 2011 to March 2012, "Cambo" entered 12 events on the European Tour. He missed the cut in every single one. His performance over the duration of those two years just adds to the unfortunate picture. 27 tournaments in 2011 - 19 missed cuts and only 1 top 20. 18 tournaments so far in 2012 -12 missed cuts, and only 2 top 10s and 1 top 20. Michael is currently ranked outside the world's top 600 golfers.

It would of come as no surprise if Cambo decided to wave the white flag, surrender, and give up. I cannot imagine the emotional turmoil he must of gone through. The constant self-doubt that must have come across his mind. Wondering if he would ever rediscover the form that made him the talk of the golfing world in 2005, where he withstood a Sunday challenge from Tiger Woods to win the US Open and rise to a career high 14th in the world.

Better days: Cambo wins the 2005 US Open

However, with his recent string of results, could we be witnessing a Cambo comeback? He has recorded three top 15 finishes in his last 6 events. Hardly anything to worry the world's top golfers, but still, we need to remember that this is something he has not done for a very long time.



Over the last three months, Campbell has been working with swing coach Jonathan Yarwood, who incidently was his former swing coach. They decided to split ties a few years ago, but the recent success of this reunion is a cause for optimism. Michael has recently moved to Spain, from his former home in Switzerland, and now sits 86th on the Race to Dubai. The top 60 on that list will make their way to the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai for the season ending DP World Tour Championship. Cambo has a handful of tournaments left before the tournament begins on November the 22nd. A pair of top 10s will likely catapult him over the top 60 barrier.

In a post-tournament interview after the Portugal Masters 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, or "smile" to use his word. From the doldrums of the last 4 years, this newly relaxed and confident Michael Campbell is great to see. He has drawn his inspiration from fellow over-40 golfers such as 2012 British Open winner Ernie Els, and Fiji's Vijay Singh, who earned $1.5 million (US dollars) this season on the PGA Tour.

Michael probably has 4-5 years left to make some noise again on the professional golfing circuit. Are on the verge of something special? Who knows. He was at 150-1 odds to win the US Open in 2005, was completely out of form throughout the first half of that year, and needed a two-metre putt just to qualify. How did that turn out?

Emphatic Europe

It has already been labelled the "Miracle at Medinah."

Only once before in 38 previous Ryder Cups had a team come from 10-6 down to rally for the win on the final day. That was the Americans back in 1999 at Brookline Massachusetts. Today, at the Medinah course in Chicago, in the 39th staging of golf's biennial tournament, the Europeans did exactly that in front of a patriotic American crowd. 

Captain Jose Maria Olazabal lifts the Ryder Cup, fittingly dedicating the win to fellow Spaniard, the late Seve Ballesteros

Trailing 10-6 going into the third and final day, Europe had yet to win any of the four previous sessions on Friday and Saturday. To win, they would have to win 8 out of 12 singles matches, and considering the dominance of most of the American team so far, it seemed near impossible.

Europe team captain Jose Maria Olazabal sent out his big guns early on in the day with the hope of gaining some ground on the Americans. It proved to be a very clever move as they delivered in the best possible way. Luke Donald overcame Bubba Watson 2&1; Ian Poulter once again wore his heart on his sleeve with a 2up win over Webb Simpson; World number one Rory McIlroy - who almost missed his tee time - had a close 2&1 win over the previously undefeated Keegan Bradley; Justin Rose finished with two long birdie putts on 17 and 18 to beat Phil Mickelson 1up; and veteran Scotsman Paul Lawrie downed Fed Ex Cup champion Brandt Snedeker 5&3.

Bang! 5-0 Europe on Sunday so far, and within the blink of an eye the Americans were trailing 10-11.

However unless the Europe's bottom order played their part, the Ryder Cup would be going to the Americans. It looked that way for a little while during the middle of the day, with the two Johnson's, Zach and Dustin, chalking up close wins over Graeme McDowell and Nicolas Colsaerts respectively. USA 12, Europe 11.

In what turned out to be one of the defining moments of this Ryder Cup, Jim Furyk missed a 6 footer for par on the 18th to lose one down to Europe's Sergio Garcia. Jason Dufner cancelled that out for the Americans by winning 2up over Peter Hansen, and the Americans maintained their one point lead: 13-12.

Then the worm turned. Lee Westwood calmly made par on the 16th to beat Matt Kuchar 3&2 to square up the scoreboard, and Martin Kaymer - who had suffered a compete loss of form this year - won the par 3 17th against American Steve Stricker to go dormie 1up, meaning that if Kaymer halved the last, Europe would reach the magical 14 point number and retain the Ryder Cup.

Germany's Martin Kaymer celebrates with Sergio Garcia after sinking the winning putt.

Stricker composed himself to make a clutch 7 footer for par on the 18th, giving Kaymer a 6 foot putt to win the match and, in turn, the Ryder Cup. It never looked like missing, and straight away he turned towards his team mates, jumping into the open arms of Sergio Garcia.


Europe now had an unassailable lead: 14-13, and even if Tiger Woods defeated Francesco Molinari in the final match of the day, it would only put the USA equal on points with Europe, and since Europe won 2 years ago at Celtic Manor, that would not be good enough. Molinari found the green from a fairway bunker while Tiger missed the green from the middle of the fairway, and the matched ended up all square. Final score: Europe 14.5 - 13.5 USA.

Here is a summary of how each individual performed, in terms of their points contribution out of a total possible points. Remember, some played more matches than others. In no particular order:

Europe:                                                           USA                   

Ian Poulter:                          4/4                      Tiger Woods:          0.5/4
Lee Westwood:                   2/4                       Dustin Johnson:      3/3
Justin Rose:                         3/5                       Matt Kuchar:         2/3
Rory McIlroy:                     3/5                       Bubba Watson:      2/4
Graeme McDowell:             1/4                       Jason Dufner:        3/4 
Luke Donald:                      2/4                       Zach Johnson:       3/4
Sergio Garcia:                     2/4                       Steve Stricker:      0/4 
Francesco Molinari:            0.5/3                     Jim Furyk:            1/3
Nicolas Colsaerts:               1/4                       Phil Mickelson:     3/4    
Martin Kaymer:                  1/2                       Webb Simpson:     2/4
Paul Lawrie:                        1/3                       Brandt Snedeker:   1/3
Peter Hanson:                      0/2                      Keegan Bradley:    3/4

A week to forget: Tiger failed to win a point for his team.

Notable mentions: Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson won all three of their matches when paired together. Hence it was very strange that USA captain Davis Love III did not send them out on Sunday afternoon to continue their hot streak. Suprisingly, Tiger Woods did not win a match, and when taking into account his obvious talent, that is dissapointing. Love III selected Dustin Johnson as a captain's pick, and he definitely played his part going undefeated over the three days. However, fellow captain's pick Steve Stricker did not contribute anything, but he was unfortunate to not pick up a half against Kaymer in the singles.

On a side note, it was extremely dissapointing to hear reports on boorish-like behaviour from the American crowds. Not that the European crowds are saints - some of them cheered when American Hunter Mahan duffed his chip shot at the last Ryder Cup - but when I read reports on spectators abusing Justin Rose's late father, Graeme McDowell's partner, cursing the late Seve Ballesteros, and yes, even asking Ian Poulter if his shoes come in men's size, it just makes me sick to be perfectly honest. That is not the sort of things you want circulating at a golf tournament, not to mention to frequent "get in the bunker" or "get in the water" taunts as players hit their shots.


Oh the trouble of selecting that one defining moment. If I had to pick one moment that I thought won Ryder Cup for Europe, it would be Ian Poulter's remarkable performance late on Saturday evening, where partnered with McIlroy, he finished with five straight birdies, including a 15 footer for birdie on the last, to beat the American duo of Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner 1up. If it was not for the Poluter-McIlroy win, Europe would of been 11-5 down before the final day singles, a daunting prospect. Poulter truly embodies the spirit of the Ryder Cup, and arguably expresses his jubilation more than any other player on Europe's team.

Was this the moment that won the Ryder Cup? Poulter celebrates his fourball win on Saturday

Some have suggested that the reasons for the Europeans' continuous success in golf's flagship team event is due to the fact European players - especially while on the European Tour that involves tournaments dispeersed across Europe, Asia and the Middle East - spend more time on the road and in  hotels away from their families, and hence are able to form close bonds with their fellow professionals. This is in contrast with many of the Americans pros, who tend to travel throughout one country - the US - either as individuals or with their partners; but ultimately, spending not as much time away from the course with their golfing buddies as the Europeans do. Not that it is a bad thing to spend time with your close ones, it's just that much more easier to develop some sort of "brotherhood" amongst players as a European plying his trade on the European Tour.

It now means that Team USA has only won 1 Ryder Cup since the new millennium, that was back in 2008. When the teams meet again in two years time at Gleneagles in Scotland, it would be hard to bet against the Europeans winning their third straight Ryder Cup. Especially with guys like Ian "Poults" Poulter firing up a whole continent.