Let’s start with golf this week, with the Honda Classic taking place in Florida and a world class field assembling for what promises to be a fascinating week in the beautiful Palm Beach Gardens sun. A tournament that used to struggle to attract the best players will feature seven of the world’s top eight this week all fighting it out for a first prize of over US$1 million.
Graeme McDowell
Keep an eye on Rory McIlroy, who famously walked off the course last year – officially because he was struggling with a toothache but in reality a symptom of his terrible form at the time. He won here in 2012 so will be looking to make amends for last year’s events. If you’re looking to place some bets, we like the look of Graeme McDowell for a top five finish. McDowell has finished in the top 10 here the past three years including tying for fourth in 2013.
A hectic schedule of international friendlies will take place over the coming week as we prepare to head to Brazil for the World Cup. Every single side that has qualified for Brazil will be taking the field somewhere across the globe but the highlights are Spain’s clash with Italy in Madrid, Belgium up against the Ivory Coast in Brussels and France facing the Netherlands in Paris.
The eyes of the cricketing world will be on Cape Town over the weekend as South Africa and Australia face off in the third and deciding Test. After Australia smashed the hosts in the opening Test, South Africa hit back with a thumping win of their own in the second to set up a thrilling finale. The big questions now seem to rest with the visitors – can Mitchell Johnson return to his destructive best after a relatively quiet second Test and can the Aussie batsmen adjust to the brilliant swing bowling of Dale Steyn and co?
And a huge clash looms in La Liga as former leaders Atletico Madrid host cross-town rivals Real on Sunday. The form line couldn’t be any different with Real moving into top spot on the ladder last week with an easy 3-0 win against Elche while Atletico crashed to a shock 3-0 loss at Osasuna – but there is nothing like this derby to ignite the passions.
Good luck and good punting.
