Michezo magazetini leo...

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Ronan O'Gara keeps cool to grab narrow win for Munster over Leinster

Munster 24-23 Leinster

Comments (3)

Press Association
The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history

Munster's Ronan O'Gara scored seven penalties to see off the challenge of Leinster and send his side 12 points clear at the top. Photograph: John Gichigi/Getty Images Ronan O'Gara displayed nerves of steel to land a last-minute penalty and seal Munster's first win over fierce rivals Leinster in six attempts.
Man-of-the-match O'Gara kicked seven penalties from eight attempts in a fascinating duel with his Ireland colleague Jonathan Sexton, who finished with six penalties to his name. But the victory was soured by a worrying ankle injury for Munster captain Paul O'Connell.
Tony McGahan's men are 12 points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the table with three rounds remaining.
Shane Horgan crowned his 200th appearance for Leinster with the only try of a furiously competitive first half. Horgan's 21st-minute score was supplemented by five well-struck penalties from Sexton, giving Leinster a healthy 20–9 half-time lead.
But Munster produced a sizzling second-half display as their tireless forwards took the game to the visitors to allow the fly-half to boot them to victory.
O'Connell, such a crucial presence lately for both province and country, forced a penalty at an early breakdown as Leinster looked to build momentum. Munster mauled forward off the resulting lineout and O'Gara converted a close-range penalty for a fifth minute lead. Sexton replied two minutes later, after Donnacha Ryan was punished for a ruck infringement.
Munster were first to get within try-scoring range, the outstanding David Wallace driving toward the line off a five-metre lineout. A solid scrum from the hosts set up a penalty from which O'Gara restored their lead at 6-3.
Sexton increased his influence by striking two left-sided penalties through the posts, nudging Leinster ahead by the midpoint of the half. And just moments later, Horgan delighted the travelling support by finishing off a training ground move in the right corner. Isaac Boss and Gordon D'Arcy combined off a scrum on the halfway line and sent Isa Nacewa through a gap, with the full-back's well-weighted kick gobbled up by the onrushing Horgan.
Munster lost Johne Murphy to the sin-bin for holding on after making a tackle, and Leinster, who carried the bigger threat in broken play, pressed on. Sexton coolly slotted the resulting penalty from a difficult position on the right and, after a timely turnover from Boss, a good kick and chase from Jamie Heaslip set up a chance for the Leinster fly-half to move the lead out to 11 points.
But 14-man Munster immediately lifted the tempo at the start of the second half, O'Gara sustaining a facial wound as he chased his own chip. Paul Warwick, O'Gara's blood replacement, knocked over a penalty and the returning No10 added another to increase the pressure on Leinster.
The loss of captain O'Connell, who fell awkwardly at a lineout, did not deter Munster and O'Gara whittled the gap down to 20-18, when Mike Ross was singled out for a scrum infringement.
Munster had the bit between their teeth and Leinster were falling foul of referee Andrew Small's whistle. Brian O'Driscoll was the second player to see yellow, when he was picked out for a similar breakdown offence to Murphy's.
O'Gara edged his side ahead with another fine strike, from just inside Leinster's half, but the red tide was halted by Sexton's 66th-minute penalty after some good work from Nacewa.
At 23-21 down, O'Gara pushed a penalty wide to the right after a Munster maul was dragged down illegally, but there was no sense of panic from the hosts. They were making good use of possession and some fresh legs in the pack kept them going forward.
In a frantic finale, Leinster coughed up a penalty five metres from the try line. It was a tough kick from wide out on the left, but O'Gara showed his class once again to snatch the win.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Ronan O'Gara keeps cool to grab narrow win for Munster over Leinster

Munster 24-23 Leinster

Comments (3)

Press Association
The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history

Munster's Ronan O'Gara scored seven penalties to see off the challenge of Leinster and send his side 12 points clear at the top. Photograph: John Gichigi/Getty Images Ronan O'Gara displayed nerves of steel to land a last-minute penalty and seal Munster's first win over fierce rivals Leinster in six attempts.
Man-of-the-match O'Gara kicked seven penalties from eight attempts in a fascinating duel with his Ireland colleague Jonathan Sexton, who finished with six penalties to his name. But the victory was soured by a worrying ankle injury for Munster captain Paul O'Connell.
Tony McGahan's men are 12 points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the table with three rounds remaining.
Shane Horgan crowned his 200th appearance for Leinster with the only try of a furiously competitive first half. Horgan's 21st-minute score was supplemented by five well-struck penalties from Sexton, giving Leinster a healthy 209 half-time lead.
But Munster produced a sizzling second-half display as their tireless forwards took the game to the visitors to allow the fly-half to boot them to victory.
O'Connell, such a crucial presence lately for both province and country, forced a penalty at an early breakdown as Leinster looked to build momentum. Munster mauled forward off the resulting lineout and O'Gara converted a close-range penalty for a fifth minute lead. Sexton replied two minutes later, after Donnacha Ryan was punished for a ruck infringement.
Munster were first to get within try-scoring range, the outstanding David Wallace driving toward the line off a five-metre lineout. A solid scrum from the hosts set up a penalty from which O'Gara restored their lead at 6-3.
Sexton increased his influence by striking two left-sided penalties through the posts, nudging Leinster ahead by the midpoint of the half. And just moments later, Horgan delighted the travelling support by finishing off a training ground move in the right corner. Isaac Boss and Gordon D'Arcy combined off a scrum on the halfway line and sent Isa Nacewa through a gap, with the full-back's well-weighted kick gobbled up by the onrushing Horgan.
Munster lost Johne Murphy to the sin-bin for holding on after making a tackle, and Leinster, who carried the bigger threat in broken play, pressed on. Sexton coolly slotted the resulting penalty from a difficult position on the right and, after a timely turnover from Boss, a good kick and chase from Jamie Heaslip set up a chance for the Leinster fly-half to move the lead out to 11 points.
But 14-man Munster immediately lifted the tempo at the start of the second half, O'Gara sustaining a facial wound as he chased his own chip. Paul Warwick, O'Gara's blood replacement, knocked over a penalty and the returning No10 added another to increase the pressure on Leinster.
The loss of captain O'Connell, who fell awkwardly at a lineout, did not deter Munster and O'Gara whittled the gap down to 20-18, when Mike Ross was singled out for a scrum infringement.
Munster had the bit between their teeth and Leinster were falling foul of referee Andrew Small's whistle. Brian O'Driscoll was the second player to see yellow, when he was picked out for a similar breakdown offence to Murphy's.
O'Gara edged his side ahead with another fine strike, from just inside Leinster's half, but the red tide was halted by Sexton's 66th-minute penalty after some good work from Nacewa.
At 23-21 down, O'Gara pushed a penalty wide to the right after a Munster maul was dragged down illegally, but there was no sense of panic from the hosts. They were making good use of possession and some fresh legs in the pack kept them going forward.
In a frantic finale, Leinster coughed up a penalty five metres from the try line. It was a tough kick from wide out on the left, but O'Gara showed his class once again to snatch the win.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Man Utd and Reds tracking Rolando

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

Updated Apr 2, 2011 11:28 AM ET
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in Porto defender Rolando, according to the player's agent.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish are both known to want to sign a centre-back this summer to reinforce their respective squads.
Rolando's agent, Peppino Tirri, claims that his client is attracting interest as a result and he expects progress at the end of April.
Tirri believes the 25-year-old would cost around 15million euros (£13.2million) and it remains to be seen if North West enemies United and Liverpool enter a bidding war.
Inter Milan and Juventus have also been credited with interest, but Tirri told Notiziariosportivo.com: "There is also Manchester United and Liverpool following the player.
"I think something could move towards the end of the month. Now the clubs are focused on the championship and the Champions League."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Newcastle Falcons brought to earth by resurgent Gloucester

Gloucester 34-9 Newcastle

Mike Brown at Kingsholm
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 April 2011 17.57 BST <li class="history">Article history

Gloucester scrum-half Rory Lawson celebrates scoring his side's final try against Newcastle with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, left. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images Bryan Redpath was relieved to see his Gloucester side reinforce their claim for a place in the Aviva Premiership play-offs with a second comprehensive victory over Newcastle Falcons. Two weeks after an emphatic LV Cup final triumph, Gloucester compounded Newcastle's woes.
But they had to work much harder on this occasion with a late feast of rugby proving the difference. Freddie Burns's converted try separated the teams at the interval with three Jimmy Gopperth penalties keeping the visitors in touch. But Gloucester finished the encounter in emphatic style, scoring three tries in the final quarter through Henry Trinder, Jonny May and Rory Lawson to secure maximum points.
"We didn't have a huge amount of control in the first half and at 10-9 it was a bit nervy," said Redpath, the Gloucester coach. "In the second we had a bit more continuity and to score four tries was great. Newcastle were very dogged, they're fighting for their lives. But we got a reaction to the loss at Quins and the boys battled hard. We are where we are in the league but the boys will pull together and we have four home games to come."
The Cherry and Whites were determined to get back on track following their 53-15 loss at The Stoop last Saturday but they made a grim start when Nicky Robinson's kick-off went out on the full. Matters got worse when Robinson, who orchestrated the trouncing of Newcastle two weeks ago, hobbled off with a hamstring injury after seven minutes.
The Welsh fly-half was replaced by Tim Taylor with Burns slotting in at fly‑half. Burns twice had the opportunity to nudge his side into the lead midway through the half but was off target with the boot before he opened the account on 23 minutes.
Newcastle's defence then went missing as Tim Molenaar sliced through before offloading to Burns to score beneath the posts. Burns dissected the uprights to hand his side a 10-0 lead, but two minutes later Gopperth opened Newcastle's scoring with a penalty.
Gopperth added two more in the 31st and 36th minute to reduce Gloucester's lead to one point at the interval. Burns landed his second penalty on the 47th minute before Newcastle launched an attack after a Gloucester move broke down. But the Falcons were unable to take advantage, much to the frustration of the Newcastle coach, Alan Tait.
Gloucester landed the decisive blow in the 65th minute with Trinder's try. After several phases Luke Narraway looped a sublime miss-pass for the replacement to score in the corner, with Taylor converting. With the wind in their sails, Gloucester struck again five minutes later, this time May the scorer and again Taylor adding the extras. The home side completed the job with a bonus-point try with just minutes to spare, thanks to Lawson

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Mancini confident over City future

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

1

Updated Apr 2, 2011 11:02 AM ET
Roberto Mancini is not convinced he will be sacked by Manchester City if they fail to finish in the Premier League's top four this season.
The Blues ambitious owners laid down a top-four spot as the target for this season, in addition to an end to the club's 35-year trophy drought.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Although there have been a number of setbacks along the way, City remain on course to achieve both objectives.
Mancini's men head into the weekend fixtures in fourth, four points ahead of Tottenham, who have a game in hand and are still to visit Eastlands in what looks like a crucial encounter on May 10.
In addition, City have a mouth-watering FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United at Wembley on April 16 ahead of them.
So, despite his enormous £150million outlay on new players, Mancini feels his contract will be honoured.
"It is very important that we reach our targets but I don't know whether my future is dependent on me finishing in the top four," he said.
"I don't think so. I have a three-year contract.
"In any case, we don't want to finish fourth. We want to finish third."
That aspiration took a massive hit when City lost at Chelsea immediately before the international break.
Since then they have lost defensive duo Jerome Boateng and Micah Richards to injury, leaving Mancini in a quandary about who to select at right-back for Sunday's Eastlands showdown with Sunderland as normal choice, Pablo Zabaleta, is visiting his ill father in Argentina.
However, as City's Europa League exit to Dynamo Kiev leaves them to tackle only one game a week for the remainder of the season, Mancini views the current picture as being far healthier than the one his players were slogging through during the depths of winter.
"For two months we played every three days with 14 players," said Mancini.
"That is very hard for every team, not just us."
With just two wins from their last seven Premier League games, the Blues clearly need to turn their form around.
Mancini is adamant they can. And at least in goalkeeper Joe Hart they have a youngster at the very top of his game.
"Joe could become one of the top English keepers in history," said the Blues chief.
"He is young and he is strong.
"Like everyone, he makes mistakes but that is normal when you are young. Maybe sometimes he worries too much when he has the ball.
"But he is getting better with every game.
"Also, you have to remember, this is the first year he played for a club who were competing for the title.
"Last season was the first time he played for a full year in the Premier League, with Birmingham.
"He is already a fantastic keeper and he can still improve a lot."
Although there was one off-field problem with Hart, when he was caught drunk on camera during a brief visit to Spain in October, largely, the keeper has stayed out of the headlines, unlike Mario Balotelli.

FOXSOCCER.TV

The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.

Sent off against Dynamo Kiev on his last appearance at Eastlands for a studs-first challenge Mancini branded "stupid" at the time, Balotelli has attracted further negativity in the past fortnight following claims he threw a dart at a youth team player.
He was also left out of the Italy squad for last week's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Slovenia and a subsequent friendly against the Ukraine because his behaviour breached the code of ethics laid down by new coach Cesare Prandelli.
None of his should really have come as a surprise to Mancini, since he was Balotelli's coach at Inter Milan.
Yet he still retains faith in the youngster, and still believes Balotelli can become one of the world's best players, even though he accepts behaviour must improve.
"I don't regret bringing Mario here," said Mancini.
"He is a fantastic player. He could be one of the top players in Europe.
"But he is 20. Usually a player's behaviour is not good enough at that age.
"He understands this situation very well. He knows England could be a fantastic experience for him. But his behaviour has to improve.
"I have spoken to him because some of the things that have happened were not good.
"Now everything that Mario does becomes a big story. But he wants to show he can change his behaviour in the last two months of the season. He has assured me of that."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Mancini: City fans must be patient

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

0

Updated Apr 2, 2011 10:57 AM ET
Roberto Mancini has called for Manchester City's supporters to stand with his players for the final push through the Champions League barrier.
City host Sunderland on Sunday sitting fourth in the Premier League table, and know if they stay there they will be able to sit at European football's top table, barring an improbable triumph from fifth spot by either Chelsea or Tottenham.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Mancini knows it is imperative to arrest a slump in form that has seen City win just twice in their last seven Premier League games.
The Italian has most of his players fit again which undoubtedly helps but he realises they may need a kick-start from fans who have grown so used to failure down the years.
"The supporters have to be patient," he said.
"Usually they are very good anyway but it is especially important that they stay close to us for the last two months of the season."
The return of skipper Carlos Tevez from the groin injury that kept him out of City's defeat at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago could be pivotal.
Tevez has scored just once in 10 games amid the Blues' troubles, even if Mancini does not believe that alone is a factor in his side's mini-slump.
However, the industrious Argentinian is the pivot around whom most of City's best work tends to happen.
"Carlos will be very important in the next three or four weeks if he starts to score again," said Mancini.
It is tempting to start looking ahead to that meeting with Tottenham as being a decider for fourth, just as it was last season.
On that occasion, Spurs came out on top thanks to a late Peter Crouch effort and City fans are wary of lightning striking twice.
But Mancini does not want to look ahead that far.
He is acutely aware that five games must be negotiated before Harry Redknapp brings his team north, all of them containing their own hazards.
"We meet Spurs, but it is at the end of the season - on May 10. We have another five games before then, starting tomorrow," observed Mancini
"This will be a very difficult game because Sunderland are a good team, with a good manager.
"They have done well in the Premier League this season. If we want to win, we will have to play to our best."

FOXSOCCER.TV

The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.

Like City, Sunderland have had their difficulties since January.
The loss of Darren Bent to Aston Villa has hit them hard, even if the £24million transfer fee softened the pain.
Asamoah Gyan has taken a little time to settle on Wearside, even if he has scored on 10 occasions.
The 25-year-old added another goal to that tally when he weaved his way through England's defence at Wembley on Tuesday night and Mancini places him at the head of a list of Black Cats his side need to keep a careful eye on.
"Gyan is a fantastic player," said the Italian.
"They also have Sulley Muntari, who is a good midfielder, and Danny Welbeck has just played for England.
"Sunderland have very good players and play really well on the counter-attack, so we will need to be careful."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Prieto rubbishes Reds link

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

0

Updated Apr 2, 2011 8:51 AM ET
Real Sociedad winger Xabi Prieto has rubbished reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

The 27-year-old has been with his current club throughout his career, making his debut in 2003 after graduating through the academy.
Prieto has made over 200 appearances for the Basque outfit, scoring 34 goals, and has been in excellent form this term, helping to guide the club to a mid-table position.
Despite links with a club of the stature of the Reds, the former Spanish under-21 international insisted that he was happy where he was.
"There is nothing to what has been published," he told Spanish newspaper AS.
"Liverpool are a very good team, but I've always said I'm happy here."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Moyes plans to stick with Toffees

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

0

Updated Apr 2, 2011 8:37 AM ET
David Moyes has rejected talk linking him with a move away from Everton and insists he would be happy to discuss a new deal at Goodison Park.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Moyes, who has two years left to run on his current contract, admits he would be happy to pledge his long-term future to the Toffees.
The Scot revealed he would hope to get some funds to invest in the squad if he was to commit his long-term future to the Toffees.
"I don't think my contract will need to be looked at this summer, but if the chairman wants to then that's down to him and the board.
"I'll have a chat with them at the end of the season and see what route we're going to take.
"There are things I'd be hoping to get, so we'll look at what we need to do better.
"But this could still end up not a bad season, and I do see my long-term future here.
"There's no reason to think anything else."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Robbie Keane to stay with Hammers

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

3

Updated Apr 2, 2011 11:36 AM ET
West Ham loanee Robbie Keane has confirmed he will stay at the Hammers next season if they avoid Premier League relegation.
Tottenham striker Keane joined the Hammers on loan with a view to a permanent deal - reportedly worth £6million - during the January transfer window.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

The 30-year-old has endured an injury-hit start to life at Upton Park but that has not put him off wanting to commit his future should the club complete one of the greatest survival feats in Premier League history.
He told the Hammers' official programme for Saturday's clash with Manchester United: "First and foremost, I just want to get on the pitch and play football.
"It is a short career, so the last thing I want to be doing is sitting on the bench.
"At my age, I need to be playing regular football and, hopefully, with the squad of players we have, we're quite capable of staying in the Premier League.
"If that's the case then I'll obviously be here next year."
Keane insisted he would have no qualms leaving Spurs, where he found his chances increasingly limited.
"I would prefer to be criticised for going to play football than be criticised for sitting on the bench and collecting my money," he added.
"I'm not one of those players who picks my money up for not doing anything.
"Some players can do that and are quite happy to sit on the bench and go through life and it's no problem, but I'm not one of those players."

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Carlo: Neymar not on Blues radar

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

22

Updated Apr 1, 2011 9:16 AM ET
Carlo Ancelotti has said Brazilian superstar Neymar is not on the Blues' radar despite the player's declaration that he would love to join up.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE

Sat., Apr. 2

Sun., Apr. 3

Fulham vs. Blackpool
Man City vs. Sunderland

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Ancelotti attended Brazil's 2-0 friendly win against Scotland on Sunday, in which Neymar scored both goals.
The 19-year-old Santos striker was reportedly the subject of a failed bid by Chelsea last summer and his value has undoubtedly gone up following his man-of-the-match performance at the Emirates Stadium.
He said afterwards, "it's a dream of every player to play at Chelsea", reiterating comments he had made earlier in the season.
Ancelotti said this morning: "It's good news because it's good for the club and the manager if players want to come here.
"It shows the rumours are true there's a good atmosphere here.
"He's very young, a fantastic talent.
"At this moment, we're not interested."
Assessing Neymar's performance on Sunday, Ancelotti - who also watched Chelsea midfielder Ramires play a starring role - added: "It was a good performance, but the best player on the pitch was Ramires - 100%."
As well as appearing to court Chelsea, Neymar has also said he would love to play for Barcelona but insisted he intended to see out his contract at Santos, which expires in 2014.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

US Masters 2011, August National, Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 April

Justin Rose blossoms under Tiger Woods's controversial coach Sean Foley

The Englishman has offered an impassioned defence of Foley's methods as he preapers for the Masters in Augusta

- Lawrence Donegan
- The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history
The 30-year-old Englishman Justin Rose has flourished since he started working with Sean Foley in 2009. Photograph: Mike Carlson/AP For Justin Rose the moment of absolute clarity came at the moment of greatest uncertainty, when his game had reduced him to an emotional state that felt suspiciously like embarrassment. "It was the 2009 US Open. I was playing with Sean O'Hair and I was being completely outclassed," he says with trademark honesty. "I was playing with a guy who was consistently hitting great shots. He looked like he was completely under control, while I was grinding and struggling. After watching Sean, I thought to myself: 'That is where I want to be.'"
At the time O'Hair was the coming man of American golf, if not the next Tiger Woods then certainly a player widely identified as a potential major champion. To get to where his US Open playing partner was in that summer of 2009 Rose sought out a young Canadian swing coach who was tending to O'Hair's impressive game. His name was Sean Foley.
Unknown back then, Foley is now vaguely famous. And not for all the right reasons. A year after adding Rose to his stable of pupils (it also includes Hunter Mahan and Stephen Ames), the Canadian agreed to coach another PGA Tour professional who appeared to have lost his way. You may have heard the name before – Tiger Woods.
On the course it would be fair to say this new partnership has been star-crossed, with the former world No1 showing little improvement in either his results or, more importantly, the consistency of his game. Away from the course, the Foley-Woods pairing has been the target of vicious criticism, most of it aimed at the coach. Woods is a diminished figure these days, but, partly out of the respect for what he has achieved as player, he is seldom challenged from within golf on matters relating to his game.
It is Foley who has taken the abuse. You name it, he has been called it – fraud, charlatan, snake oil salesman. Anyone would think he had robbed a bank, and not persuaded the best player of the modern era that the secret to success lies in a steeper take-away and more body rotation through the hitting area.
"Yeah, I don't know whether it would be a coach's dream to coach the world No1 or a double-edged sword," says Rose, wryly. "It is a great opportunity for him. From my point of view, he is still incredibly loyal. He spends the same amount of time with me even though he is now working with Tiger. I love being around him more than anything. He very rarely talks about golf unless there is something that needs talking about. He is an infectious character."
Infectious for some, irritating for others. Foley is not exactly the shy, retiring type and has fought back, suggesting, for instance, that he did not understand a single thing about Woods's old swing – a barely disguised swipe at his predecessor as Woods's coach, Hank Haney, which was met with what might euphemistically be described as a stout response from its intended target.
It has been playground stuff, entertaining in a cheap kind of way, but not exactly the kind of mood music you would expect to hear around the quiet, reflective world of golf teaching.
Rose, like everyone else in the game, has watched it all unfold with a mixture of bemusement and amusement. There has also been a sense of loyalty. "I've felt sorry for Sean at times," he says. "There is no doubt he brings some of it upon himself, but he is not a slave to anyone, he says what he believes is right and he stands up for himself. He is not necessarily politically correct. That's going to get him in a little bit of trouble, but it is also what I love about him."
What Rose also loves about Foley is that his coach has made him a better player. A much better player. "I had been aware of Sean for some time and what he was doing with his players. I called him up after I played with Sean O'Hair and I said: 'I would love to work with you.'" He had quite an interesting response. He said: 'Actually I am not sure I can do it.'"
It is true what they say; we desire more that which we believe we cannot have. Rose was hooked. A few weeks later he convinced Foley to take the job.
The rest is not quite history, but there is plenty of time, beginning this week when the Englishman will arrive at Augusta National as one of the pre‑Masters favourites, if not in the eyes the bookmakers – who remain myopically transfixed by the past glories of Woods and Phil Mickelson – then certainly according to those who have been paying attention to the PGA Tour.
Eleven months after Rose teamed up with Foley he won his first PGA Tour event, the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village last June, and on the first anniversary of their partnership he won his second, the AT&T National in Pennsylvania. Since then his progress has been steady, though it has stepped up in recent weeks. The 30-year-old led after three rounds of last month's Transitions event in Tampa, though he eventually finished fifth, and last week at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Invitational he played the treacherous back nine on Sunday afternoon in 31 shots.
"I didn't realise how well I played until I got back to the clubhouse," he says. "But that was one of the best nine holes I have ever played."
Rose did not win – Scotland's Martin Laird did – but it was another forward step, another reason to believe his decision to team up with Foley was one of the best he has ever made. "Before I met Sean I wasn't working very hard on my game because I was so uncertain. It is hard to stand out there on the range and beat balls when you are thinking: 'God, I don't really know what I am doing,'" he says. "He has given me a new perspective. He has given me clarity. There is a lot of hard work involved, but it is easy to work hard when you are going in the right direction."
The details of the swing changes wrought by Foley are technical, to say the least, but the process of change and the trust Rose has shown in his teacher is more easy to comprehend. "I read a book recently, The Talent Code [by the American journalist Daniel Coyle] which explains the '10,000-hour rule' – that to be great at something you have to practise it for 10,000 hours. I put in those hours as a kid and the habits I built up back then are still strong," he says.
"To now try and put new habits on top of those old habits, and then to rely on the new habits, especially in pressure situations, requires a huge commitment. At the Transitions tournament I felt a bit uncomfortable as the old habits crept back in, but overall it has been worth it so far, even though we are still only at stage two of the three stages in the process."
There is perhaps a lesson in there for those clamouring for Woods to get rid of Foley. If Rose believes he is only two-thirds of the way towards his goals after 20 months, how much should anyone expect from Woods after eight months working with the Canadian?
Rose makes another point that has been missed by many. "You can't use what is happening with Tiger right now to judge Sean because there are so many other forces at work. It is not just as simple as swinging a club," he says. "With all the speculation about Tiger's swing change people seem to have forgotten he has gone through a massive life change. He has gone through a hell of a lot and it is quite stupid to think that one doesn't bleed into the other; that what is happening with his game right now is all about a swing change."
This is a stout defence of the embattled Canadian, but Rose has a chance to speak more eloquently on behalf of his man this week, when he steps on to the 1st tee at Augusta. Should he then make his way to the Butler Cabin on Sunday afternoon to collect a green jacket the world will surely be forced to concede what Justin Rose knows already: that Sean Foley may possibly be a coach of distinction.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

US Masters 2011, August National, Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 April

Justin Rose blossoms under Tiger Woods's controversial coach Sean Foley

The Englishman has offered an impassioned defence of Foley's methods as he preapers for the Masters in Augusta

- Lawrence Donegan
- The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history
The 30-year-old Englishman Justin Rose has flourished since he started working with Sean Foley in 2009. Photograph: Mike Carlson/AP For Justin Rose the moment of absolute clarity came at the moment of greatest uncertainty, when his game had reduced him to an emotional state that felt suspiciously like embarrassment. "It was the 2009 US Open. I was playing with Sean O'Hair and I was being completely outclassed," he says with trademark honesty. "I was playing with a guy who was consistently hitting great shots. He looked like he was completely under control, while I was grinding and struggling. After watching Sean, I thought to myself: 'That is where I want to be.'"
At the time O'Hair was the coming man of American golf, if not the next Tiger Woods then certainly a player widely identified as a potential major champion. To get to where his US Open playing partner was in that summer of 2009 Rose sought out a young Canadian swing coach who was tending to O'Hair's impressive game. His name was Sean Foley.
Unknown back then, Foley is now vaguely famous. And not for all the right reasons. A year after adding Rose to his stable of pupils (it also includes Hunter Mahan and Stephen Ames), the Canadian agreed to coach another PGA Tour professional who appeared to have lost his way. You may have heard the name before Tiger Woods.
On the course it would be fair to say this new partnership has been star-crossed, with the former world No1 showing little improvement in either his results or, more importantly, the consistency of his game. Away from the course, the Foley-Woods pairing has been the target of vicious criticism, most of it aimed at the coach. Woods is a diminished figure these days, but, partly out of the respect for what he has achieved as player, he is seldom challenged from within golf on matters relating to his game.
It is Foley who has taken the abuse. You name it, he has been called it fraud, charlatan, snake oil salesman. Anyone would think he had robbed a bank, and not persuaded the best player of the modern era that the secret to success lies in a steeper take-away and more body rotation through the hitting area.
"Yeah, I don't know whether it would be a coach's dream to coach the world No1 or a double-edged sword," says Rose, wryly. "It is a great opportunity for him. From my point of view, he is still incredibly loyal. He spends the same amount of time with me even though he is now working with Tiger. I love being around him more than anything. He very rarely talks about golf unless there is something that needs talking about. He is an infectious character."
Infectious for some, irritating for others. Foley is not exactly the shy, retiring type and has fought back, suggesting, for instance, that he did not understand a single thing about Woods's old swing a barely disguised swipe at his predecessor as Woods's coach, Hank Haney, which was met with what might euphemistically be described as a stout response from its intended target.
It has been playground stuff, entertaining in a cheap kind of way, but not exactly the kind of mood music you would expect to hear around the quiet, reflective world of golf teaching.
Rose, like everyone else in the game, has watched it all unfold with a mixture of bemusement and amusement. There has also been a sense of loyalty. "I've felt sorry for Sean at times," he says. "There is no doubt he brings some of it upon himself, but he is not a slave to anyone, he says what he believes is right and he stands up for himself. He is not necessarily politically correct. That's going to get him in a little bit of trouble, but it is also what I love about him."
What Rose also loves about Foley is that his coach has made him a better player. A much better player. "I had been aware of Sean for some time and what he was doing with his players. I called him up after I played with Sean O'Hair and I said: 'I would love to work with you.'" He had quite an interesting response. He said: 'Actually I am not sure I can do it.'"
It is true what they say; we desire more that which we believe we cannot have. Rose was hooked. A few weeks later he convinced Foley to take the job.
The rest is not quite history, but there is plenty of time, beginning this week when the Englishman will arrive at Augusta National as one of the pre‑Masters favourites, if not in the eyes the bookmakers who remain myopically transfixed by the past glories of Woods and Phil Mickelson then certainly according to those who have been paying attention to the PGA Tour.
Eleven months after Rose teamed up with Foley he won his first PGA Tour event, the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village last June, and on the first anniversary of their partnership he won his second, the AT&T National in Pennsylvania. Since then his progress has been steady, though it has stepped up in recent weeks. The 30-year-old led after three rounds of last month's Transitions event in Tampa, though he eventually finished fifth, and last week at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Invitational he played the treacherous back nine on Sunday afternoon in 31 shots.
"I didn't realise how well I played until I got back to the clubhouse," he says. "But that was one of the best nine holes I have ever played."
Rose did not win Scotland's Martin Laird did but it was another forward step, another reason to believe his decision to team up with Foley was one of the best he has ever made. "Before I met Sean I wasn't working very hard on my game because I was so uncertain. It is hard to stand out there on the range and beat balls when you are thinking: 'God, I don't really know what I am doing,'" he says. "He has given me a new perspective. He has given me clarity. There is a lot of hard work involved, but it is easy to work hard when you are going in the right direction."
The details of the swing changes wrought by Foley are technical, to say the least, but the process of change and the trust Rose has shown in his teacher is more easy to comprehend. "I read a book recently, The Talent Code [by the American journalist Daniel Coyle] which explains the '10,000-hour rule' that to be great at something you have to practise it for 10,000 hours. I put in those hours as a kid and the habits I built up back then are still strong," he says.
"To now try and put new habits on top of those old habits, and then to rely on the new habits, especially in pressure situations, requires a huge commitment. At the Transitions tournament I felt a bit uncomfortable as the old habits crept back in, but overall it has been worth it so far, even though we are still only at stage two of the three stages in the process."
There is perhaps a lesson in there for those clamouring for Woods to get rid of Foley. If Rose believes he is only two-thirds of the way towards his goals after 20 months, how much should anyone expect from Woods after eight months working with the Canadian?
Rose makes another point that has been missed by many. "You can't use what is happening with Tiger right now to judge Sean because there are so many other forces at work. It is not just as simple as swinging a club," he says. "With all the speculation about Tiger's swing change people seem to have forgotten he has gone through a massive life change. He has gone through a hell of a lot and it is quite stupid to think that one doesn't bleed into the other; that what is happening with his game right now is all about a swing change."
This is a stout defence of the embattled Canadian, but Rose has a chance to speak more eloquently on behalf of his man this week, when he steps on to the 1st tee at Augusta. Should he then make his way to the Butler Cabin on Sunday afternoon to collect a green jacket the world will surely be forced to concede what Justin Rose knows already: that Sean Foley may possibly be a coach of distinction.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Spanish La Liga Roundup, Apr. 2

PRINT

RSS

Updated Apr 2, 2011 6:27 PM ET
Real Madrid lost its first home match this season 1-0 to Sporting Gijon on Saturday, inflicting a major setback to the host's hopes of catching Spanish leader Barcelona.
Barcelona moved eight points clear with a 1-0 win at Villarreal.
"The mathematicians say the league is not lost, but objectively, we can say that it is practically impossible," Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said.

EUROPEAN LEAGUES

Italian Serie A

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Spanish La Liga

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

German Bundesliga

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

French Ligue One

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Scottish Premier League

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Dutch Eredivisie

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

The defeat was Mourinho's first at home in league play since FC Porto lost to Beira Mar 3-2 in February 2002.
Miguel de las Cuevas broke free on the edge of the area and fired in off the post for the winner in the 79th minute, then Sporting resisted a desperate late push to hand Madrid's first loss in 24 matches at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this season.
At El Madrigal Stadium, Gerard Pique controlled a ball flicked on by Sergio Busquets with his chest that put him through the defense before rifling it past Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Alves for the 66th-minute winner.
Barcelona's 28th game without defeat broke a club record that had stood since the 1973-74 season.
Barcelona's 81 points in 30 weeks also set a league record.
The absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Marcelo and the suspended Xabi Alonso showed as Madrid struggled to create chances.
Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho had a goal disallowed two minutes in when the referee ruled the ball went over the byline.
After the early scare, Sporting quickly settled down in defense and frustrated the repeated incursions of Angel Di Maria down the left flank.
Madrid had to wait until the 35th for Di Maria to finally have a shot on target, but Sporting goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas was well-positioned to save.
Midfielder Sami Khedira sent his header well wide in a rare chance for the hosts right before halftime.
"We gave away the first half, we didn't do anything," said Madrid captain Iker Casillas. "It is a tough result to digest, (but) we have to pick ourselves up."
Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain returned to the pitch for the first time since injuring his back last November in the 57th, and three minutes later tested Colinas with a hard strike inside the area.
But Madrid failed to react and De las Cuevas did not waste his chance to stun the Bernabeu crowd.

FOXSOCCER.TV

The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.

Down a goal, Madrid showered Sporting's area with crosses, but Colinas made a number of saves and the defense held firm.
"Football is about moments, and there are glorious ones," said Sporting coach Manolo Preciado, whose team's second away win of the season lifted it six points clear of the drop.
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo was honored before the match.
Barcelona was without suspended Xavi Hernandez, while defenders Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Maxwell and forward Pedro Rodriguez were sidelined for medical reasons.
Coach Pep Guardiola also left Lionel Messi out of the starting 11 and gave the nod to 19-year-old Thiago Alcantara and Ibrahim Afellay.
Villarreal was dangerous on the counterattack early and Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes had to make a pair of excellent saves to deny Giuseppe Rossi in the 6th and 12th.
The Catalan side missed Messi's offensive punch more than Xavi's playmaking as it dominated possession but failed to generate clear-cut scoring chances.
The lack of precision in the area left Barcelona with a sole long strike from Adriano in the 39th as its only shot on goal in the first half.
Diego Alves swatted Andres Iniesta's strike over the crossbar in the 47th, and David Villa barely missed with a left-footed shot from the right two minutes later as Barcelona pressed to break through after the restart.
Messi went on in the 53rd for Seydou Keita, and Barcelona began to push Villarreal further back into its own area until Pique appeared to claim Barcelona's 13th win in 15 away games this season.
Diego Alves saved a well-placed Messi free kick and a long shot by Dani Alves in the last 10 minutes, while Valdes made a reflex leg save to block a close-range shot by Santi Cazorla in the 85th.
Elsewhere, Roberto Soldado scored four goals in the second half to rally Valencia to a 4-2 win at Getafe.
Manuel del Moral put Getafe ahead in the 23rd, but Soldado equalized one minute after the restart when he converted an excellent pass from Juanma Mata.
The former Getafe striker grabbed Valencia the lead in the 64th, and capitalized on a defensive error two minutes later to make it 3-1.
Soldado banged home his 10th goal of the season in the 77th before Adrian Sardinero pulled one back for Getafe in the 88th.
The victory pushed Valencia provisionally ahead of Villarreal into third place.
On Sunday, it's: Real Sociedad vs. Hercules, Espanyol vs. Racing Santander, Levante vs. Malaga, Deportivo La Coruna vs. Mallorca, Sevilla vs. Zaragoza, and Osasuna vs. Atletico Madrid.
Almeria hosts Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
Madrid plays Tottenham on Tuesday and Barcelona faces Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Pep: My Barca reign is ending

RivalsDM

PRINT

RSS

18

Updated Apr 2, 2011 7:18 AM ET
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has dropped a heavy hint that he will leave the club when his contract expires in summer 2012.

EUROPEAN LEAGUES

Italian Serie A

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Spanish La Liga

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

German Bundesliga

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

French Ligue One

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Scottish Premier League

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Dutch Eredivisie

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Guardiola, who took over the reins of his boyhood club in summer 2008, prefers short-term deals and signed a one-year contract extension in February to keep him at the Nou Camp until the end of next season.
The 40-year-old told Italian television channel Rai Sport: "I think my time is ending here in Barcelona.
"I'm fine here, but when you're at a club like this you cannot stay for too long.
"Next year will be the fourth consecutive season as coach of Barcelona.
"Such a club must have a lot of courage to take a coach for so long, because the players get tired of coaches and vice-versa."
Asked if he might one day coach in Italy, the former Brescia and Roma midfielder added: "I'll come if I still want to coach. It takes enthusiasm and more to make such a decision."
Since taking over at Barca, Guardiola has already won eight titles including an unprecedented treble of Primera Division, Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first campaign.
The Catalan club are currently five points clear at the top of La Liga, through to the final of the Copa del Rey and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Masters 2011: Why we can rule out a new reign of Tiger Woods

The world No5 arrives at Augusta without a win in 17 months and with a golf swing that resembles a half-finished Meccano set

Comments (6)

- Lawrence Donegan
- The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history
Tiger Woods reacts to a shot as he plays the final round of the 2010 Masters at Augusta. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images The bookmakers' odds never lie, but on the eve of the 2011 Masters, the latest edition of the most pristine show in golf, never have they looked less convincing under the cold, harsh glare of a pre-Augusta morning.
Tiger Woods is, we are being asked to believe, a clear favourite to land his fifth green jacket. How quaint. How very 2005. The man has not won a major championship in almost three years. He has not won a tournament in 17 months. It takes long and straight driving to win the Masters. It takes great ball-striking, a solid short game and a confident putting stroke to win the Masters. Woods, currently embarked on a controversial swing overhaul under the tutelage of Sean Foley, has shown all these qualities in the past few months, but seldom at the same time. When he has found his form, it has never been for more than a few consecutive holes. A man needs his "A" game to win around Augusta National. Woods is scoring about a D. For dunce.
But if the temptation is strong to laugh at the notion that the world No5 has a 6-1 chance of landing his 15th major, it is perhaps wise not to chuckle too loudly. After all, we are talking about a man who won a US Open – at Torrey Pines in 2008 – with a broken leg; a man who arrived in Georgia last April as a post-modern media curiosity, famous for being infamous, and not as a fully functioning competitive golfer. Yet he somehow finished fourth.
There is something in the Augusta air that stirs Woods's juices, pushing him to achieve the impossible – the improbable runaway victory (1997), the irresistible march towards the Tiger Slam (2001), the outlandish chip-in on the 70th hole (2005) – but the restorative effects of his annual pilgrimage must surely have their limits. Woods arrives this year with a clearly fractured mind and a swing that resembles nothing so much as a half-finished Meccano set. By all means, prepare for the biggest "upset" victory by a favourite, but do not expect it to happen.
Nor should too much faith be placed in the fashionable notion that Augusta is now the personal fiefdom of Phil Mickelson. In the recent past, maybe – but the big left-hander, like Woods, has endured a mediocre year, beset by injury and troubles away from the course (albeit of an altogether different order than the self-induced mayhem that ripped his rival's life apart). As ever, Mickelson is talking a good Masters game but asking us to take him on trust, to judge him by his words more than his most recent deeds – although a late surge in Houston may repay belief.
Some people will bite. Who could blame them after Lefty's memorable victory last year? Like Luke Skywalker in a custom-made polo shirt, it seemed he had the force with him 12 months ago, but he also had the confidence that came from a run of decent performances in the early part of the season. This year, he has nothing to draw on but mediocrity and a nagging sense, at the age of 40, that time may have taken a vital edge off his game. If this proves so, and if Woods continues to wallow in the misery of his own making, the 2011 Masters may yet be seen as the end of the Woods-Mickelson era. The question then becomes; what will replace it?
The natural inclination is to search for another individual who will dominate in the manner of Woods – and Jack Nicklaus before him. Sport is drawn to such heroic figures, especially in this day and age. They are easier to identify with, and easier to market. They offer clarity.
Golf's problem (or is it opportunity?) on the eve of the first major of 2011 is that, instead of clarity, it has parity, as is evidenced by a list of potential winners as long as any in recent major championship history.
The hopes of European fans will be carried by Martin Kaymer, the world No1, and Lee Westwood. Rory McIlroy seems to save his best for the big events, Paul Casey has a game that might have been designed with Augusta National in mind and Ian Poulter has never stepped on to the 1st tee of any course believing he is anything less than the winner-in-waiting. We could go on. Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell – and what about Alvaro Quirós? But it would be impolite to ignore the host nation, as well as injurious to the cause of identifying next Sunday's winner.
For a while, the big-hitting Dustin Johnson represented America's best hope in this major, and in many majors to come, but it seems he has become distracted by his life away from the course. Likewise, the talented Anthony Kim. But despair not, Uncle Sam, there are plenty more where those two came from. Nick Watney has won on the PGA Tour this year and, like Casey, is suited to Augusta. Matt Kuchar might not be flash, but he is consistent and he holes putts. A win by either man would surprise the broader public, but it would not excite them.
The game could do with an exciting winner; a player with charisma and a flash of style; a player who hits it miles and has a gossamer touch around the greens; a player who has already endeared himself to the public and who is ready to take the next step. In two words, the 2011 Masters needs a winner like Bubba Watson.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Masters 2011: Why we can rule out a new reign of Tiger Woods

The world No5 arrives at Augusta without a win in 17 months and with a golf swing that resembles a half-finished Meccano set

Comments (6)

- Lawrence Donegan
- The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history
Tiger Woods reacts to a shot as he plays the final round of the 2010 Masters at Augusta. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images The bookmakers' odds never lie, but on the eve of the 2011 Masters, the latest edition of the most pristine show in golf, never have they looked less convincing under the cold, harsh glare of a pre-Augusta morning.
Tiger Woods is, we are being asked to believe, a clear favourite to land his fifth green jacket. How quaint. How very 2005. The man has not won a major championship in almost three years. He has not won a tournament in 17 months. It takes long and straight driving to win the Masters. It takes great ball-striking, a solid short game and a confident putting stroke to win the Masters. Woods, currently embarked on a controversial swing overhaul under the tutelage of Sean Foley, has shown all these qualities in the past few months, but seldom at the same time. When he has found his form, it has never been for more than a few consecutive holes. A man needs his "A" game to win around Augusta National. Woods is scoring about a D. For dunce.
But if the temptation is strong to laugh at the notion that the world No5 has a 6-1 chance of landing his 15th major, it is perhaps wise not to chuckle too loudly. After all, we are talking about a man who won a US Open at Torrey Pines in 2008 with a broken leg; a man who arrived in Georgia last April as a post-modern media curiosity, famous for being infamous, and not as a fully functioning competitive golfer. Yet he somehow finished fourth.
There is something in the Augusta air that stirs Woods's juices, pushing him to achieve the impossible the improbable runaway victory (1997), the irresistible march towards the Tiger Slam (2001), the outlandish chip-in on the 70th hole (2005) but the restorative effects of his annual pilgrimage must surely have their limits. Woods arrives this year with a clearly fractured mind and a swing that resembles nothing so much as a half-finished Meccano set. By all means, prepare for the biggest "upset" victory by a favourite, but do not expect it to happen.
Nor should too much faith be placed in the fashionable notion that Augusta is now the personal fiefdom of Phil Mickelson. In the recent past, maybe but the big left-hander, like Woods, has endured a mediocre year, beset by injury and troubles away from the course (albeit of an altogether different order than the self-induced mayhem that ripped his rival's life apart). As ever, Mickelson is talking a good Masters game but asking us to take him on trust, to judge him by his words more than his most recent deeds although a late surge in Houston may repay belief.
Some people will bite. Who could blame them after Lefty's memorable victory last year? Like Luke Skywalker in a custom-made polo shirt, it seemed he had the force with him 12 months ago, but he also had the confidence that came from a run of decent performances in the early part of the season. This year, he has nothing to draw on but mediocrity and a nagging sense, at the age of 40, that time may have taken a vital edge off his game. If this proves so, and if Woods continues to wallow in the misery of his own making, the 2011 Masters may yet be seen as the end of the Woods-Mickelson era. The question then becomes; what will replace it?
The natural inclination is to search for another individual who will dominate in the manner of Woods and Jack Nicklaus before him. Sport is drawn to such heroic figures, especially in this day and age. They are easier to identify with, and easier to market. They offer clarity.
Golf's problem (or is it opportunity?) on the eve of the first major of 2011 is that, instead of clarity, it has parity, as is evidenced by a list of potential winners as long as any in recent major championship history.
The hopes of European fans will be carried by Martin Kaymer, the world No1, and Lee Westwood. Rory McIlroy seems to save his best for the big events, Paul Casey has a game that might have been designed with Augusta National in mind and Ian Poulter has never stepped on to the 1st tee of any course believing he is anything less than the winner-in-waiting. We could go on. Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell and what about Alvaro Quirós? But it would be impolite to ignore the host nation, as well as injurious to the cause of identifying next Sunday's winner.
For a while, the big-hitting Dustin Johnson represented America's best hope in this major, and in many majors to come, but it seems he has become distracted by his life away from the course. Likewise, the talented Anthony Kim. But despair not, Uncle Sam, there are plenty more where those two came from. Nick Watney has won on the PGA Tour this year and, like Casey, is suited to Augusta. Matt Kuchar might not be flash, but he is consistent and he holes putts. A win by either man would surprise the broader public, but it would not excite them.
The game could do with an exciting winner; a player with charisma and a flash of style; a player who hits it miles and has a gossamer touch around the greens; a player who has already endeared himself to the public and who is ready to take the next step. In two words, the 2011 Masters needs a winner like Bubba Watson.

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

LOG IN TO ADD A COMMENT Page 1 of 2 PREV PREV NEXT NEXT

Post Comment

Report Abuse Jim.Prunier
- 4/2/2011 6:02:06 PM
I think you guys are hard of reading. Pep tells the truth whenever he can. That's his history. He's not a Sir Alex type; that's clear as a bell. His words are informative and gives insight to the difficulties of being a coach and for being a coach too long.

My advice is for you to start again with MOPSY THE DOG.

Jim :-}
Report Abuse KinoGooner
- 4/2/2011 1:51:10 PM
come on pep. quit now. the arsenal board fire wenger. sign pep. then he will get to manage cesc and arsenal will winTROPHIES while playing beautiful football! all who agree say........ PEP
Report Abuse SevenNSeven
- 4/2/2011 1:01:31 PM
For those of you(Einsteins) you say that Real Madrid usually does better without CR;
Real 0- Gigon1.
hand the trophy to barca please.
Report Abuse elnik06
- 4/2/2011 11:40:22 AM
I agree with anti as well. I just read the story about Rosell's CdR prediction and Guardiola's rebuke where he said sarcastically, "I would've predicted 60-0 over RM". I mean, this guy Rosell is out of step with what Guardiola has been preaching, but to be fair, LaPorta made some stupid comments as well. Furthermore, all the talk coming from some of the players regarding Cesc Fabregas to me have seemed like a sign of loss of humility which also goes against Guardiola's attitude and demeanor. No question Rosell is difficult to like.
Report Abuse elnik06
- 4/2/2011 11:39:49 AM
I agree with anti as well. I just read the story about Rosell's CdR prediction and Guardiola's rebuke where he said sarcastically, "I would've predicted 60-0 over RM". I mean, this guy Rosell is out of step with what Guardiola has been preaching, but to be fair, LaPorta made some stupid comments as well. Furthermore, all the talk coming from some of the players regarding Cesc Fabregas to me have seemed like a sign of loss of humility which also goes against Guardiola's attitude and demeanor. No question Rosell is difficult to like.
Report Abuse grad0n
- 4/2/2011 11:21:34 AM
I echo elnik's statement. I haven't seen enough of Affelay yet, so am neutral on him. The more I read headline's here on FSC, the more I see that they create them out-of-context(not surprising). Lose Bojan, Masch, Maxwell, and pickup a defender. I miss Eto'o, but am glad to see him making a huge difference in Italy.
Report Abuse marcbarca
- 4/2/2011 11:16:17 AM
I agree Anti.

As far as Guardiola is concerned, I can see him wanting a foreign challenge. Don't forget, he finished his playing career in Italia and the Middle East somewhere. Anyone hear a few weeks ago that Luis Enrique left Barca B? I heard that in passing, but never got confirmation of it. Wondering what happened there.
Report Abuse anti-madridista
- 4/2/2011 11:09:10 AM
Let me just add that I fully believe that the downfall of this club will come through Rosell.

Why fix what isn't broken? Dimissio
Report Abuse anti-madridista
- 4/2/2011 11:07:56 AM
I don't believe he's saying he's going to quit. I think he's saying he might get fired.

First of all, why would Guardiola drop a bomb like this during our most important run-in of the season? We are going down the stretch where we have to play Real Madrid twice in 3 days (possibly 4 times in 18 days), Shakhtar in the CL, and most of the big teams in the league on the road. Saying this would demoralize the squad who love him and look up to him.

Secondly, I couldn't agree more with Soci. As the days get longer, Rosell gets on my nerves more and more. Nevermind all the needless changes he's made to the club. Just the other day, he said we would beat Real Madrid 5-0 again when everyone else at the club preaches humility. He's turned a democracy into a dictatorship.
Report Abuse elnik06
- 4/2/2011 11:05:18 AM
I kind of sense that Guardiola would like to prove his coaching abilities outside of Spain.
As far as Rosell is concerned, I am with with most here in doubting him, but I'm not sure I blame him completely for the short plantilla. The club has a lot of debt and that cannot be pinned on Rosell, it is part of LaPorta's legacy. There were some bad decisions made in the last couple of years like the Ibra/Eto'o debacle, bringing in 2 midfielders in Mascherano and Affelay and not reinforcing the backline which is where they are thin. I also think they needed a veteran backup striker instead of Bojan, but that's just my opinion. Guardiola is partly to blame for these decisions, especially the Ibra deal where the team lost a lot of money.

LOG IN TO ADD A COMMENT Page 1 of 2 PREV PREV NEXT NEXT

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Today's Games

Today's Games Week 1: 08/28/10 - 08/30/10 Week 2: 09/11/10 - 09/13/10 Week 3: 09/18/10 - 09/20/10 Week 4: 09/21/10 - 09/23/10 Week 5: 09/25/10 - 09/27/10 Week 6: 10/02/10 - 10/03/10 Week 7: 10/16/10 - 10/18/10 Week 8: 10/23/10 - 10/25/10 Week 9: 10/30/10 - 11/01/10 Week 10: 11/06/10 - 11/08/10 Week 11: 11/13/10 - 11/14/10 Week 12: 11/20/10 - 11/22/10 Week 13: 11/27/10 - 11/29/10 Week 14: 12/04/10 - 12/06/10 Week 15: 12/11/10 - 12/13/10 Week 16: 12/18/10 - 12/20/10 Week 17: 01/02/11 - 01/03/11 Week 18: 01/08/11 - 01/10/11 Week 19: 01/15/11 - 01/17/11 Week 20: 01/22/11 - 01/24/11 Week 21: 01/29/11 - 01/31/11 Week 22: 02/05/11 - 02/06/11 Week 23: 02/12/11 - 02/14/11 Week 24: 02/19/11 - 02/21/11 Week 25: 02/26/11 - 02/28/11 Week 26: 03/01/11 - 03/03/11 Week 27: 03/05/11 - 03/07/11 Week 28: 03/12/11 - 03/14/11 Week 29: 03/19/11 - 03/20/11 Week 30: 04/02/11 - 04/04/11 Week 31: 04/09/11 - 04/11/11 Week 32: 04/17/11 Week 33: 04/24/11 Week 34: 05/01/11 Week 35: 05/08/11 Week 36: 05/11/11 Week 37: 05/15/11 Week 38: 05/22/11

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Week 30

Santiago Bernabéu

Expand

Real Madrid

0 : 1
Final

Real Sporting

Match Stats | Match Trax
Goals (')

Cards Substitutions
Coliseum Alfonso Pérez

Expand

Getafe

2 : 4
Final

Valencia

Match Stats | Match Trax

(')
Goals (')

Cards Substitutions
El Madrigal

Expand

Villarreal

0 : 1
Final

Barcelona

Match Stats | Match Trax

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Upcoming Games

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Week 30

Cornellá-El Prat

Expand

Espanyol

11:00 AM ET

Racing Santander

Goals Cards Substitutions
Riazor

Expand

Deportivo La Coruna

11:00 AM ET

Mallorca

Goals Cards Substitutions
Anoeta

Expand

Real Sociedad

11:00 AM ET

Hercules CF

Goals Cards Substitutions
Ciutat de Valencia

Expand

Levante

11:00 AM ET

Malaga

Goals Cards Substitutions
Sánchez Pizjuán

Expand

Sevilla

1:00 PM ET

Real Zaragoza

Goals Cards Substitutions
Reyno de Navarra

Expand

Osasuna

3:00 PM ET

Atletico Madrid

Goals Cards Substitutions

Monday, April 4, 2011

Week 30

Juegos Mediterráneos

Expand

Almeria

3:00 PM ET

Athletic Bilbao

Rutashubanyuma · Apr 3, 2011

Phil Mickelson shoots 63 to equal course record at Houston Open

• Mickelson's nine-birdie round ties lead with Scott Verplank
• Padraig Harrington is leading European after third round

Press Association
The Observer, Sunday 3 April 2011 <li class="history">Article history

Phil Mickelson's nine-under-par 63 matched the course record at the Shell Houston Open. Photograph: Dave Einsel/AP Phil Mickelson matched the course record with a 63 to move into a share of the lead after three rounds of the Shell Houston Open in Texas.
Mickelson, who will defend his Masters title at Augusta next week, strung together a nine-birdie round. After starting with back-to-back two-under-par 70s, Mickelson predicted he would need to "go low" in the third round to move into contention and no one has gone lower on this tournament course.
"To get a good round like this means a lot," Mickelson said "I think it's good for me to be in that position heading into next week."
Mickelson's immaculate round left him level with fellow American Scott Verplank on 13 under par for three rounds. Verplank, who began the week by shooting a 73, went round in his second straight 65. Australian Aaron Baddeley and another US player, Chris Kirk, were one shot behind after their respective third rounds of 66 and 69.
There was a four-man tie on nine under involving Nate Smith, Hunter Mahan, Robert Allenby and the leading European, Padraig Harrington. The world No2 Lee Westwood signed for a disappointing two-over 74.

Michezo magazetini leo...

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

JF-Expert Member

Similar Discussions

Our Community

Coming Soon

Regional Communities