Rafael Nadal wins the Queens Open
June 16, 2008
Rafael Nadal played superbly to win his first ever title on grass. Rafa defeated number 3 seed Novak Djokovic in two sets 7-6, 7-5. Judging by this performance it will not be his last. His powerful groundstrokes were just too good for Novak and he looked quite comfortable throughout.
Afterwards he said…
“To win the title here was very important for me. I have now won on all surfaces. This will probably give me more confidence. You never know what’s going to happen at Wimbledon and, if I keep playing well like this, I have a chance to get a good result. I’ve beaten some good players this week, such as Ivo Karlovic, Andy Roddick and Djokovic. I’m very pleased.”
Simon Says…
I honestly think that Rafael Nadal is going to defeat Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Nadal is proving that he can adapt to certain surfaces and that he can play on grass. The only problem is that he may come up against Novak Djokovic, which could spell disaster. Who thinks Roger is going to win Wimbledon…?
Deco going to Chelsea
June 16, 2008
Deco has put Chelsea on red alert after he said that he would love to work with Luiz Felipe Scolari. Barcelona are willing to sell Deco for around £10-15m with Chelsea and Inter Milan set to battle it out.
Deco said…
“There’s interest from Chelsea, which is normal, but Scolari hasn’t said anything to me. Now, we’re talking to Barca. There are other offers, naturally. Scolari is a great coach and if I end up working with him again I’d be very happy.”
Deco also spoke of his admiration of Ronaldhino. He said…
“Ronnie is a friend and I’m sure he can get back to being one of the best, if not the best player in the world.”
Simon Says…
I think Deco is a little bit past it and I cannot see him making an impact in the Premier League. If I was Scolari then I would much rather have Frank Lampard. As for Ronaldhino who has also been linked with the Blues, Ronnie still has something to give and I would much rather go for him than Deco
Tiger forces play-off
June 16, 2008
Tiger Woods kept his hopes alive of winning his 14th major after making a 20ft putt on the last to force a play-off with Rocco Mediate.
Tiger had been playing poorly all day and his knee was clearly hurting him. On numerous occasions he stood and just felt his knee, he was clearly in pain. Woods made a terrible start making a double bogey at the first and throwing away his lead. It didn’t get any better and he dropped another shot at the second, he now wasn’t thinking about winning he was just thinking about staying in contention. He did make birdie at the fifth but he still was not driving well and his putting wasn’t brilliant either.
Tiger showed great resilience throughout the back nine but he still was not playing well and he couldn’t find that elusive birdie to draw level, until the 18th hole. Tiger continued his poor driving on the 18th when he put his ball in the bunker. He couldn’t find the fairway with his second shot either as he put it in rough. It looked liked it was over and Rocco was going to win… That was until he played a great shot into the green leaving himself a “chance”; by that I mean a 15ft putt. Westwood also had a chance but he missed his putt and would have to wait a bit longer to win his first major. So it was left to Woods… He made the putt and forced a play-off with Rocco today.
Afterwards Woods said…
“I hit it terrible today, just a terrible day of ball striking, But I hung in there, scrapped around and gave myself a chance. My knee was pretty sore, I took some things to relieve that, and now here we are. At least I’ve got a chance.”
Simon Says…
I cannot see how Woods is going to lose after that putt. Having hit the ball terrible all day and still to be leading it shows the quality of the man. I’m looking forward to today but I don’t think Tiger will have to make a putt like that on the 18th green.
The opening day fixtures are announced
June 16, 2008
The fixtures for each team have been announced and the first day of the premiership is set to be a cracker.
Three of the top four will be at home while Liverpool have to go away. The Champions Man Utd will play Newcastle Utd, Chelsea are up against FA Cup winners Portsmouth while Arsenal have the easiest opening game against West Bromich Albion. Liverpool are the only team out the top four who has to play away as they travel to Sunderland.
Outside the top four, there are some intriguing ties with Mark Hughes’s Man City travelling to Aston Villa and Blackburn also away against Everton.
Premier Debutants Stoke will play Bolton away and Hull City will be at home against Fulham.
West Ham United are at home against Wigan Athletic and much fancied Tottenham are away to Middlesbrough.
The premier league will really kick-off in September as Man Utd play both Liverpool and Chelsea. Arsenal will look to their first few games as they do not come up against one of the top four until November.
Simon says…
What a great start we are going to have to the premier league, the top two both have tricky ties and the battles between Villa and Man City should be good. I don’t think any team will run away with the title this year and it is going to be very close with any number of 5 teams capable of winning.
