Rusedski Expects G-Mac to Ace It

Greg Rusedski is a former world tennis number four and British number 1. He reached the 1997 US Open final, before losing to Pat Rafter in four sets.

Interestingly, Greg was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner in 1997 – so he is well placed to judge this year’s contest. Greg reckons that Graeme McDowell will be crowned BBC Sports Personality on the night of December 19th.
 
"It will be close and there are plenty of contenders," Greg says.
 
"Lee Westwood's done brilliantly to get to world number one in golf but, rather like in tennis, the majors count for more so he still needs to win one, as I’m sure he will. The awards may have come too early for Graeme Swann with the Ashes ongoing, while Tom Daley should win the Young Sports Personality award again.

"Amy Williams's feat in winning gold at the Winter Olympics was obviously outstanding but the skeleton bob is not popular enough in the UK to warrant her winning, although a podium place is very possible.

"Mark Cavendish will probably make the top five or six but, again, needs to win something, David Haye may get the award if he beats one of the Klitschko's but not for defeating Audley Harrison, and Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has a chance of the podium which, if the public vote for it, then it is deserved. Think what you like about "The Power" but he has the same dedication as any other top-class sportsperson, and handles the pressure better than most.
 
“It is therefore down to McDowell against McCoy and, although what Tony has achieved every year, capped by the National in 2010, is unbelievable, I'm a big golf fan and to win a US Open, sink the putt to win the Ryder Cup and then beat Tiger in his own back yard only last week means that it has to be G-Mac."
 
Greg Rusedski’s charity choice is the Cabrini Children's Society
Cabrini is a charity providing wide ranging services to children, young people, families and to adults with learning disabilities.  Their mission is to encourage, inspire and support the individuals they work with, to find their way in the world. www.cabrini.org.uk
 
Mr Betdaq
Greg Rusedski’s summary of the candidates for this year’s BBC Sports Personality award pretty much says it all. Graeme McDowell has certainly had a terrific year in winning the US Open at Pebble Beach and sinking the winning putt in the Ryder Cup.
 
Tony McCoy has had plenty of support this year as he looks to be awarded the coveted title and Cheltenham Racecourse has even named a race on Saturday the ‘Vote A.P. Gold Cup’ to boost voting numbers.
 
However, at evens, McCoy doesn’t look the best value to claim the prize. Punters might also remember that the favourite doesn’t always win, as Jenson Button found out in 2009. Button had just won the F1 Drivers Championship following a terrific season, but it was Ryan Giggs that stole the show. This all means that backing ‘G-Mac’ at around 4/1 on www.betdaq.com looks the best option.
 
Latest odds on Betdaq:
Sports Personality of the Year:
Tony McCoy: EVS
Graeme McDowell: 4/1
Graeme Swann: 9/1
Phil Taylor: 11/1
Lee Westwood: 14/1
Amy Williams: 18/1
Jessica Ennis: 33/1
Tom Daley: 33/1
Mark Cavendish: 80/1
David Haye: 125/1