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Is Lemaitre the next superstar of sprinting?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week Christophe Lemaitre won European sprint gold, seeing off favourite Dwain Chambers in the process. Two weeks prior he became widely regarded as the first white man to break the 10 second barrier, clocking a time of 9.98s at the national trials in Valence, France.

Only 20 years old, Lemaitre is a young sprinter with plenty of room for development and improvement. Having already broken the 10 second barrier, natural comparisons have been made with Olympic and World Champion Usain Bolt, with Lemaitre having posted quicker times than Bolt did aged 20.

Lemaitre will still grow and develop physically, and with weight training and work on his running style, he can bulk up and become a powerhouse on the track.

But could Lemaitre really pose a threat to Usain Bolt? Could we be looking at the next superstar of world sprinting? Or will he fail to live up to high expectations that will no doubt be placed on him?

Are Europe in prime position for Ryder Cup glory?

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With the 2010 Ryder Cup less than three months away it seems Europe will be heading in as favourites to reclaim the prestigious prize. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have all found great from this season while Greame McDowell claimed the US Open title.

With Tiger's much publicised problems, the rest of the American contingent has struggled to make an impact at the majors.

Should Europe be considered favourites and will Colin Montgomorie lead them to victory?

Will Spain continue to reign supreme?

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks to a magnificent goal in extra time Spain finally became World Champions for the first ever time. Playing a brand of incisive and controlled football the Spanish have lost their perennial chokers tag and now proudly hold the title of both World and European Champions.

With a squad full of talented individuals and a style of football that is easy on the eye can the 'La Furia Roja' go on to dominate world football for years to come?

Zinedine Zidane famously said that once the Spanish start winning they will never stop. Can the Spanish production line continue or will the young German side mature into future champions?

Is there any country capable of halting this Spanish armada from conquering all before them?

Did Capello deserve his new contract?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Think back to the end of May, before England's disastrous World Cup campaign and nearly every England fan would have wanted Fabio Capello to remain as England manager.

Under the Italian's guidance, Steven Gerrard and co had breezed through qualification and looked set to take the world by storm in South Africa.

After the disappointment of the World Cup should Capello have offered his resignation or is the former Real Madrid chief the man to rebuild the England side for the European Championships?

Should Wimbledon introduce a 5th set tie-break?

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Wimbledon may not even be a week old but already the famous grass tournament has thrown up some major talking points. Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been forced to play five set matches, Andy Murray has impressed and even the Queen has visited SW19 for the first time since 1977.

However, by far the biggest story to come out of Wimbledon has to be the epic match played by the giant American John Isner and France's Nicolas Mahut. What seemed an ordinary five set match suddenly turned into one for the history books.

Finally ending 70 games to 68 to Isner, records where broken seemingly every minute of this amazing match. Although incredible to watch it clearly had an adverse effect as Isner was left out on his feet in the next round and promptly lost in straight sets.

Should a 5th set tie breaker be introduced to stop players suffering from fatigue or was this epic match the reason people love watching Wimbledon so much?

Should Johnson stay in charge for the World Cup?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After England's stunning win against Australia on Saturday has Martin Johnson earned the right to stay in charge for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand?

This was by far the best result of Johnson's reign and was England's first victory Down Under since 2003. The smiles on the players faces after the game proved how much it meant to every single member of the squad.

So should Johnson be given the chance to win the World Cup as a coach or will the RFU decide that a change in management is needed?

Should Green be dropped?

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

England looked to have made the perfect start in South Africa when Steven Gerrard opened the scoring after just 4 minutes on Saturday night.

That was until a tame effort from Fulham's Clint Dempsey was inexplicably fumbled into his own net by Rob Green.

It was an unfortunate error that has led to plenty calling for Green to be replaced. Should Capello bring in Joe Hart or David James?

If the West Ham keeper is replaced will it affect his confidence or should he remain in goal against Algeria?

Can England cope without their captain?

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With the news that England captain Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup, how will the rest of the team cope with the loss?

Although Ferdinand had missed most of the season through injury it seemed he was certain to start alongside John Terry. Now that Rio has been ruled out, who should partner the Chelsea centre back?

Will the added pressure of captaincy get to Steven Gerrard or will the Liverpool skipper thrive under pressure?

Will it be Murray's last tango in Paris?

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After over-coming Richard Gasquet from two sets down to win in Paris on Monday, has Andy Murray peaked too early? The grueling five set opener will no doubt have drained the British number one, who will now face old foe Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina in the second round.

Can Murray realistically mount a challenge on clay, or will he fall during the early stages?

Should Collingwood Captain 50 Over Side?

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After 35 years of disappointment, England finally managed to win their first ever one-day international tournament. Having lost in the final on four previous occasions, it was made all the more special as the mighty Australians were brushed aside in Barbados.

It has been quite a turnaround for an England side that only 12 months ago was losing to the Netherlands. Now that England have come across a winning formula should they change the 50 over side as well?

Paul Collingwood was deemed an inspirational leader by his teammates so should the Durham all rounder become the one-day captain and with the success of Lumb and Kieswetter is there a place in the side for Andrew Strauss?

Will The Glory Days Return To Leeds?

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As the Premiership season heads towards its final day the eyes of the nation will be firmly fixed on how Manchester United and Chelsea perform. Yet, League One is providing one of the most exciting finishes to a season long campaign.

Leeds, Millwall, Charlton, Swindon and Huddersfield all have the ability to clinch automatic promotion thanks to just three points separating the five sides.

Leeds have been favourites all season long but thanks to a superb run in the FA Cup have faltered towards the end of the season. If they can beat Bristol Rovers then they will find themselves in the Championship next season.

Will they fall at the final hurdle and have to go through the lottery that is the play offs? Or at 5 o'clock on Saturday afternoon will they have finally began their long road back to the Premiership?

Is Duckworth-Lewis Outdated?

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

England have struggled to find the right formula in one-day cricket for a number of years. Out in the Caribbean Andy Flower and co seemed to have finally found the right mix of big hitting and innovative shot making.

Posting 191-5 in their 20 overs, England seem destined to get off to a winning start. However as Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul began their reply the heavens opened and the West Indies were set a new target of 30 runs from 22 deliveries - which was achieved with some ease.

This revised target was worked out courtesy of Duckworth-Lewis, a method that no one seems to understand.Should a new system be introduced into Twenty20 or does it simply need to be revised and made easier to undertand?

Can the 'Nugget' go all the way?

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Steve Davis rolled back the years with a thrilling win over defending World Snooker Champion John Higgins.

The six-times World Champion, who last triumphed at the Crucible 19 years ago, produced one of the greatest shocks in snooker history by dumping the reigning champion, to clinch a quarter-final spot.

Can the 52-year-old really go all the way, or is this just one swan-song too many?

Who is your Player of the Year?

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The candidates for the PFA player of the year award have been released with all of the usual suspects making up the nominees. Manchester United will be hoping to win the award for the fourth consecutive year after Cristiano Ronaldo won the award twice and Ryan Giggs claimed last years prize.

The veteran midfielder's teammate, Wayne Rooney is the overwhelming favourite, with fellow strikers Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez also nominated. Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, completes the list which is made of players who all represent the current top four.

Surely the likes of Brede Hangelandand Mark Schwarzer deserve some recognition for their amazing efforts in helping Fulham reach the semi-finals of the Europa Cup? What about Jermaine Defoe or Gareth Bale at Spurs who have both had outstanding seasons?

There are candidates at every club, so who is your player of the year?

Can a Trouble Free Tiger Win Another Masters?

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Now that Tiger Woods has publicly apologised to the world for his misdemeanours he can get back to what he does best, and that is winning major tournaments. With 14 majors already to his name Woods’ return is bound to make headlines.

With the first round at Augusta completed Woods finds himself two shots behind clubhouse leader Fred Couples. With two eagles in his first round it seems that he is determined to mark his five month hiatus with a victory.

Can the modern day great claim yet another major or will one of the British hopefuls be able to wear the famous green blazer?

Are Chelsea Now Favourites For The Title?

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As the Premiership season heads towards its conclusion both Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered cruel blows courtesy of their Champions League exploits. After Chelsea’s seven star performance against Aston Villa the men from Stamford Bridge have watched on as both Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney picked up injuries.

With just six games remaining can Manchester United continue their superb from without the talismanic Rooney? Will Arsenal struggle for creativity without the vision of Fabregas?

Could it be that the extra Champions League games have hindered Chelsea’s rivals and will the West London club reclaim the Premiership trophy?

Is It The End For Beckham?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

David Beckham’s dream of appearing at a fourth World Cup was ruined yesterday as the former England captain suffered an achilles tendon injury. The midfielder was stretchered off during Milan’s win over Chievo and now looks certain to miss the World Cup.

Although no longer an England regular, Beckham was still a major part of Fabio Capello’s plans and looked certain to be on the plane to South Africa. So what will come next for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar? Will he continue to ply his trade in the MLS or could this be the end for one of England’s most capped players?

Are England simply losing a squad player or will they miss the vastly experienced Beckham?

Can Henman Or Rusedski Save British Tennis?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

When Andy Murray reached the final of the Australian Open it was a great moment for British tennis fans. Yet, just a few months later British tennis has hit an all time low. As Murray took a well earned break from competition, the British Davis Cup team lost to Lithuania and now face the possibility of dropping down to the lowest tier of the Davis Cup.

Should the Lawn Tennis Association get rid of current captain, John Lloyd and turn to one of its former stars? Greg Rusedski already works with some of the young hopefuls, while Boris Becker has suggested that Tim Henman is the man to breathe new life into the Davis Cup team.

Can either or these past masters save British tennis from the doldrums or are the players simply not good enough?

Is Kieswetter’s Selection Good For English Cricket?

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Craig Kieswetter has become the latest South African born batsman to represent England, making his competitive debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Joining the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, the young wicketkeeper-batsman has had to wait 4 years to qualify for England and will be hoping to make an impression in all formats of the game.

Should fans be glad that these incredibly talented cricketers have chosen to represent England? Would these three players have been good enough to represent South Africa?

Do cricket fans want the best possible players representing England or should players raised on home soil be given more of a chance?

Will Cipriani Play For England Again?

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Danny Cipriani has announced that he is leaving Wasps at the end of the season to join newly formed Australian side Melbourne Rebels. The talented fly-half has won seven caps for England but has not featured in a squad since autumn 2008 and has become disillusioned at failing to hold down a regular place.

Perhaps joining a Super 14 side and experiencing rugby in the southern hemisphere will prove to be a wise decision.

Cipriani has not ruled out a return to England, so will the experience make him a better player and improve his International chances in the future or will be become the forgotten man of English rugby?

Can Manchester United Go All The Way In The Champions League?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After coming from behind to beat Milan, Manchester United proved that even without Cristiano Ronaldo they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League. Heading back to Old Trafford with a one goal advantage, United certainly look favourites to progress, but will they reach the final in Madrid?

With the inspirational Wayne Rooney in the form of his life can the Red Devils avenge last year.s defeat at the hands of Barcelona and claim a 4th European Cup?

Should there be a play-off for the fourth Champions' League place?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Premier League chiefs are considering the idea of a play-off system being introduced for the fourth Champions' League spot.

As it stands, the fourth placed league team receive the European bearth, but under the proposal, teams from fourth to seventh will battle it out.

It is seen as a way of increasing Premier League competition, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have occupied the four positions, in five out of the last six seasons.

Should there be a play-off for the final Champions' League place?

Will it increase competition in the Premier League? Or will it damage British dominance in the tournament?

Will UK Boxing's 'Night of Champions' Herald New Dawn?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

On Saturday the 13th of February, Wembley Arena will be buzzing with excitement as some of Britain’s finest young boxers take centre stage. Topping the bill is the undefeated lightweight Kevin Mitchell who recently beat the man that destroyed Amir Khan in just one round, Breidis Prescott.

Nathan Cleverly will compete for the vacant European light-heavyweight title; while the undercard features Olympic Gold Medalist James DeGale, and one of England’s most successful amateurs, Frankie Gavin.

Will all four of these talented fighters go on to bigger things or is there just one that stands out as a possible World Champion?

Should Strauss Have Captained England Against Bangladesh?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

England captain Andrew Strauss has announced that he will be sitting out the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The Middlesex opener feels he needs a rest after a hard, but successful 18 months where England reclaimed the Ashes, and battled to a series draw in South Africa.

But is this decision disrespectful to Bangladesh? Would Strauss have taken a break if the series was against the likes of Pakistan or India?

Is this a mistake from the selectors, or does Strauss deserves a rest with the World Cup and Ashes fast approaching?

Which Team Will Shine In RBS Six Nations?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This weekend saw the beginning of the RBS Six Nations. Despite being poorly tipped, England overcame Wales 30-17. Earlier in the day Ireland strolled past Italy 29-11 and on Sunday, Scotland lost out to France 9-18. Despite the results though, nothing is certain and England will have to work hard to win the tournament. Is this coach Martin Johnson’s chance to prove he is the right man for the England job?

Are England good enough, or will Ireland, Wales or even France walk away with the Six Nations crown?