Monday, April 07, 2008
Let The Games Begin

Where top-level sport is concerned, there’s nothing like a fierce pre-competition squabble to ignite a flame of contention between two opposing sides.

And while we’re not condoning the likes of Mike Tyson’s infamous “I’m gonna eat your children” jibe at Lennox Lewis back in 2002, the latest instalment of sporting spattery has well and truly whet our appetite as the 2008 Ryder Cup nears.

It involves US captain Paul Azinger, and recent comments made about his old foe, and opposing skipper Nick Faldo.

Now, though the two auld adversaries won’t lead their troops into battle at Valhalla for another six months yet, Azinger drew first blood in the war of words this weekend, suggesting “Players don’t want anything to do with” Europe’s captain.

Azinger went on to doubt Faldo’s aptitude for the job, hinting that the 6-time Major winner will not opt for Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie as one of his wildcard picks this summer, because of personal differences.


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“I hope he (Monty) plays against us,” said Azinger.” But I’m worried he won’t – he and Faldo don’t seem to get along and there’s no way he (Monty) will be awarded one of the wildcards.”

Azinger and Faldo’s rivalry goes back Donkey’s years. The relationship is thought to have first deteriorated after the 1987 Open at Muirfield, when, having pipped Azinger to the Claret Jug, Faldo’s words of ‘comfort’ were not appreciated by the American.

The pair’s on-course enmity went on to create some of the most compelling Ryder Cup battles ever in the 80s and 90s, before the proverbial hatchet was buried as they teamed up in commentating for ABC, the American TV network.

Now, however, the stage is set for one last bitter contest. Roll on September.




4/7/2008 10:50:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


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