Great Sporting Weekend Ahead!
September 30th 2010 17:53
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
This weekend promises to be a fantastic one for sports fans, with a wide range of action from an array of different sports. Personally, I don't plan on moving to far from my TV, as there is Premier League action, the start of the Ryder Cup, the beginning of the Commonwealth Games, and the Super League Grand Final to keep me entertained.
The first thing to talk about has to be the Ryder Cup. It all starts at the Celtic Manor in Wales tomorrow, with Europe facing USA. Starting way back in 1927, this will be the 38th Ryder Cup. Every single one has been held in the UK or US, except 1997 in Spain, and 2006 in Ireland. USA go into this year's competition as holders, after Europe had won the previous three. It is without question the biggest grudge match in golf, and this year, the temperature has already been turned up by some pre-tournament comments from players and captains, namely Rory Mcllroy.
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to stay at the Celtic Manor, just outside of Cardiff. It's a beautiful place, and the golf course looked fantastic, as finishing touches were being made to the 18 hole course.This promises to be intriguing contest, with both sides having players possessing enough ability to win it for their team. But if you believe Mcllroy's statements this week, Tiger Woods isn't one of those players, as the Irishman said Woods has lost his aura.
Even the smallest of golf enthusiasts, knows all about Tiger Wood's personal problems in recent times, and his wildcard inclusion in the USA team is a huge talking point in itself. Both sides have thrown weight behind Woods and Mcllroy, as the media have taken hold of the story to spice the pre-tournament reports up. But should the two be paired against each other, it could be very interesting. The tournament will see 28 points up for grabs, with the doubles, then the four-ball matches, before the singles on sunday will decide 2010's Ryder Cup winners.
If golf isn't your thing, then maybe athletics is. The hugely controversial Commonwealth Games begin next week, with the opening ceremony on Sunday. Given all of the reports about the sub-standard infrastructure in Dehli ahead of the Games, the athletics has taken a backseat, and almost been forgotten. Without the super powers of USA, China and Russia involved, the front runners will be the British teams, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, in this environment, the British teams compete separately, as England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Despite all of the downers put over the start of this year's event, the Commonwealth Games, are still one of the most prestigious athletics Games to be involved with. A lot of premier athletes have dropped out, but it should still be an entertaining two weeks of sports action. With the World Championships next year, and the 2012 Olympics in London, these Games will almost serve as an appetiser to British athletic fans.
Saturday, sees the Grand Final of this year's Rugby League, Super League season. Having lost to Leeds Rhino's in the last three finals, St Helens will be desperate for success, as they take on Wigan Warriors, in a 2pm kick off at Old Trafford. St Helens have been the more successful team in recent years, but Wigan were the first ever Grand final winners, back in 1998.
There are potential fairy-tales in store for both teams. Pat Richards, the Wigan winger, has just won the Man of Steel award for this season, and would love to cap off a fantastic season with a Super League Grand Final winners medal as well. Meanwhile, St Helens hooker Kieron Cunningham, who has been at the club since 1993, will play his 496th, and final, match for the club on Saturday. Finishing his glittering career with the trophy would round off his career brilliantly. Who ever comes out on top, it promises to be a very entertaining Grand Final.
Of course there is plenty of football action as well, which I will preview in more detail tomorrow! But there is lots of sport going on this weekend, to keep fans of each of them occupied!
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