Sport magazine Issue 300

Issue 300 | April 12 2013

life of

brian O’Driscoll wants one last shot at success with the Lions

Contents

20

Issue 300, April 12 2013 Radar 07 Happy birthday to us A look back at some of the stars to have graced the front cover of this very magazine in our 300th issue

08 Bloodgate We look back at a bloody mess in that Harlequins Heineken Cup semi four years ago this week 10

When Chelsea were fun The Blues’ 1997 FA Cup-winning side played with big smiles. We ask Gianluca Vialli why they’ve slipped

oFeatures this coming week

20 Brian O’Driscoll Ireland’s greatest ever centre talks exclusively to us about his hopes of ending his career with a triumphant Lions Tour down under

Cover image and this page: Tim Bret-Day. This page: Shaun Botterill/Allsport

27 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain England’s brightest young thing (still) reflects on his second season with the Gunners

34 Gary Cahill The Chelsea and England defender on a potential double-winning and World Cup qualifying year

10

62 34

38 Masters Top 10 We bring you Augusta’s biggest, best and most devastating climaxes before it all gets serious again this weekend

Extra Time 56 Grooming Triumph & Disaster, Gillette and Givenchy teach us how to be gents – with help from Rudyard Kipling

58 Kit We get all inspired by the Marathon and pick out the best running tops in which to pound the pavements

62 Entertainment Ryan Gosling sparkles in The Place Beyond the Pines and we say ‘yeah yeah yeah’ to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs | April 12 2013 | 03

SOMETIMES YOU CAN CARRY EVERYTHING YOU NEED New hand baggage only option available from London Gatwick to Europe. Flights from £39 one-way.

For our lowest fare book at ba.com/gatwick

Travel with up to two pieces of hand baggage, while getting all the usual benefits of flying with us. It’s a lighter way to travel when you don’t need to bring a suitcase.

To Fly. To Serve.

Limited availability. Prices are available one-way on Euro Traveller hand baggage only fares from London Gatwick only, and include taxes, fees and charges, correct as of 15/03/13 but are subject to change at any time.

Two items of hand luggage means one piece of hand baggage plus a laptop, briefcase or handbag. Departing from London Gatwick to Amsterdam (Schiphol), Turin, Bordeaux (Mérignac), Genoa (Christopher Columbus International), Venice (Marco Polo), Verona (Villafranca), Barcelona (El Prat), Malaga, Alicante (El Altet), Edinburgh and Glasgow for travel between 01/06/13 – 07/07/13. For full terms and conditions go to ba.com/gatwick

Radar MAJOR TROPHIES WON ISSUE #1 HENRY

OLYMPIC MEDALS ISSUE #130 PHELPS Issue 257 | May 25 2012

GRAND SLAM SINGLES TITLES ISSUE #177 FEDERER

Jess Ennis, the darling of Team GB, talks exclusively to Sport

OLYMPIC AND WORLD GOLDS ISSUE #257 ENNIS

Sport speaks to Team GB’s Olympic champions

GB GOLDS AT LONDON 2012 ISSUE #272 OLYMPICS

p11 – Appoint yourself the Lord of Football

NEW SQUAD NUMBER AT PSG ISSUE #22 BECKHAM

10-WICKET HAULS IN TESTS ISSUE #50 WARNE

INTERNATIONAL DROP GOALS ISSUE #61 WILKINSON

MAJOR WINS ISSUE #93 WOODS

CAREER HAT-TRICKS ISSUE #126 RONALDO

STRIDES TO WIN OLYMPIC 100M ISSUE #180 BOLT

GOALS IN LA LIGA THIS SEASON ISSUE #198 MESSI

GOALS IN THE WORLD CUP ISSUE #232 PELE

Issue 272 | September 7 2012

29-CARAT GOLD

p10 – We ask Gianluca Vialli why Chelsea aren’t fun any more

FORMULA 1 WORLD TITLES ISSUE #4 SCHUMACHER

T

Cover girl

p08 – This week in sporting history: Bloodgate

300 Sport mags

he triple ton is a bit of a funny one.

By the time a batsman gets to 300, the crowd are just looking on in awe and turning to the record books. Well, we’re not quite in Brian Lara territory yet, but this week marks the 300th issue of Sport, so forgive us if we crack open a couple of bottles of cheap Cava this morning.

Issue 1 came in September 2006 – the UK’s first mass-distribution free magazine – and

since then there’s barely a major sportsman in the world who has not graced our cover. We live in a different world to the one in which we first hit the streets (although this week’s cover star was one of the world’s best back then, too), but Sport continues to go from strength to strength. So, thanks – because you’re reading the magazine, you’re one of the people who has helped to make it a success. We hope you continue to enjoy it. Here’s to the next 300...

| April 12 2013 | 07

Radar

Sportgate OTHER SPORTING SCANDALS GIVEN THE DREADED -GATE SUFFIX INCLUDE: INDYGATE Formula 1 has a penchant for scandal: we could have gone for Crashgate, Spygate or Buttongate instead of this series of events which turned the 2005 US Grand Prix into a shambles. Only six cars competed in the race after Michelin tyres were found to be unsafe on the steeply banked Indianapolis circuit.

THIS WEEK IN SPORTING HISTORY

2009 A BLOODY BIG MISTAKE

08 | April 12 2013 |

W

hen rugby die-hards assert their sport’s superiority over football, the lack of theatrics is one of the cruxes of their argument. At least it used to be, until an infamous Heineken Cup quarter final between Harlequins and Leinster four years ago today.

Fly-half and kicker Nick Evans had been forced off with an injury earlier in the game, but with his team trailing and his replacement injured, Quins wanted to get him back on the pitch. The rules prevented it, except as a blood sub – and right on cue, winger Tom Williams appeared to be bleeding from the mouth.

The commentators were immediately sceptical, but blood is blood – so off came Williams, and Evans returned to try and help his side win the game (they lost 6-5, with Evans missing a late drop-goal attempt that would have won the game).

Something didn’t quite add up, and Williams only added to the suspicion by winking as he left the field. The authorities investigated, unravelling the details of one

of the most incredible instances of cheating the sport had ever seen.

A fake blood capsule from a joke shop in Clapham was the key – Williams had burst it in his mouth at the opportune moment to facilitate the substitution. The club quickly tried to cover up what had happened; team doctor Wendy Chapman cut the inside of Williams’ mouth with a razor, and director of rugby Dean Richards pressured the player to lie on the team’s behalf.

After an investigation, Williams was banned for 12 months, but this was shortened to four after he agreed to come clean with the full details of the affair. Richards was banned from rugby for three years, as it transpired that Harlequins had successfully pulled off the same trick on four previous occasions, while Chapman was suspended by the General Medical Council for her part in the cover-up. The legacy is new guidelines on blood substitutions, and a useful riposte for any football fans accused of watching a ‘cheater’s sport’.

OVALGATE Pakistan’s visit to the Oval in 2006 was marred by controversy when umpires Billy Doctrove and Darrell Hair accused the team of tampering with the ball on the fourth day of the fourth Test against England. The Pakistanis protested the decision by refusing to return to the field of play after tea, at which point – after a short wait – the umpires removed the bails and declared that they had forfeited the Test. Hair was later banned from umpiring by the ICC for his part in the farce, after an inquiry found no evidence of ball-tampering. In 2008, Hair resigned as an umpire to take up coaching.

David Rogers/Getty Images

MOGGIGATE Named after Juventus’ general manager Luciano Moggi, and more usually known as Calciopoli, this matchfixing scandal emerged in 2006. Moggi was accused of rigging games by selecting favourable referees.

It saw Juventus relegated to Serie B (and deducted nine points) for the following season, with Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio docked points.

The Old Lady was also stripped of her 2005 and 2006 Serie A titles.

Radar

WHY AREN’T CHELSEA FUN ANY MORE?

T

he Blues’ FA Cup match-up with Man City reminded us of their trophywinning exploits in the pre-Abramovich era, and in particular their likeable 1997 FA Cup final side. Managed by Ruud Gullit, it included the likes of Gianfranco Zola and Gianluca Vialli. We asked the bald Italian why the club’s reputation has changed so drastically since Abramovich took over...

WINNING WAYS

FANS’ REVOLT

“I think the club has moved on. It’s a much bigger club than it was before.

When I was there, winning was something unexpected. But now it’s a duty because money has been spent, and because of the kind of club Chelsea has become internationally.

When you must win, it’s not so much fun. The owner is demanding, and with that some of the fun has gone.

But for the fans it’s fun to watch the team playing well and winning things.”

“I think fans should always support the club and the players no matter what, as long as the players and manager try their best. Sometimes it’s difficult for the fans to be totally committed because they’ve got their own ideas. It’s difficult, because once you win the Champions League the expectations become incredibly high.

I’ve seen many clubs get to the top and then struggle for the next couple of seasons. ”

NO ONE LIKES US, WE DON’T CARE

AN EASY JOB?

Gianluca Vialli was speaking at the launch of Lords of Football, out now on the PC. Visit lordsoffootball.com

10 | April 12 2013 |

“Being the manager of Chelsea is an opportunity, but obviously with that there are serious responsibilities.

If you come first, second or third, you’ve done your job. But if you’re not in the top three, then I think anybody could do the job. You could probably do the job.” Sadly Roman Abramovich still hasn’t got back to us.

Ben Radford /Allsport, Mark Thompson/Allsport

“Chelsea have got 25 top-class players, and they would be regulars in every side. I think with the likes of John Terry, they’ve got top-class personalities – so sometimes it’s just a matter of how the press presents the players. I think it’s something that happens to all clubs; as soon as you become particularly successful, other clubs tend to dislike you a bit.

It’s happened to Manchester United before, maybe Arsenal – I don’t see that as being Chelsea’s fault.”

Players ex machina

A

furious Sir Alex Ferguson once turned up at a house party to forcibly remove some of his young players who were enjoying their downtime – and possibly confiscate a few bottles of red for himself.

Most managers don’t have nearly as much control over what their players get up to outside of training. But you now can, in new computer game Lords of Football.

As well as barking instructions from the sideline, you can influence players’ lives off the pitch by organising social events and training, and even stage interventions for wayward ones.

It’s a fascinating cross between The Sims and Football Manager, and well worth checking out if you’re bored of the too-wellmedia-trained, well-behaved real modern footballer.

Lords of Football, out now, lordsoffootball.com

In Lords of Football you control every part of your players’ lives - so stick on some Phil Collins to stop them getting violent

| 11

Radar Editor’s letter Neville, Neville, you ain’t half bad. Neville Neville is the name of your dad www.sport-magazine.co.uk @sportmaguk facebook.com/sportmagazine

Free iPad app available on iPad, Kindle and Android devices

Sport magazine Part of UTV Media plc 18 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ Telephone: 020 7959 7800 Fax: 020 7959 7942 Email: firstname.lastname@sport-magazine.co.uk

Editorial Editor-in-chief: Simon Caney (7951) Deputy editor: Tony Hodson (7954) Art editor: John Mahood (7860) Subeditor: Graham Willgoss (7431) Senior writers: Sarah Shephard (7958), Alex Reid (7915) Staff writers: Mark Coughlan (7901), Amit Katwala (7914) Picture editor: Julian Wait (7961) Designer: Matthew Samson (7861) Digital designer: Chris Firth (7952) Production manager: Tara Dixon (7963)

Commercial

Servant of the game He’s leaving Everton, but to quote an old terrace chant: Neville, Neville – your future’s immense

Editor-in-chief Simon Caney @simoncaney

The enmity towards Gary and Phil was extreme. The former because, while he was an extremely accomplished right back, he was outspoken and made it clear which teams he didn’t like (mainly Liverpool). And the latter, despite being the more talented footballer of the two, for being seen as little more than a utility player who made crucial mistakes whenever he put on an England shirt.

Funny how times change, isn’t it? Gary is now a TV pundit of such regard that even Liverpool players listen to what he says.

And Phil, having announced this week that he is leaving Everton at the end of the season, was greeted with nothing but goodwill.

He will surely play another year or two, probably in the top flight, and then will find plenty of doors open in either management or the media (would BT sign him and pitch him in direct competition with his brother?). Just like Gary, he speaks a lot of sense about the game.

The reason, most likely, is that over the years we’ve come to realise that the Nevilles just love football.

That’s all there is to it. They have allegiances, but then so does any right-thinking football fan. Even going back to my school days, I’ve never trusted those people who say: ‘I don’t really support anyone, I just support the game.’ What rot.

Phil Neville clearly adores playing and wants to do so for as long as he can. All football supporters appreciate that.

He’s been a great servant at Manchester United and Everton, and there’s life left in the old dog yet.

Hurrah! Bravo! Well done the plucky British chaps for overcoming the might of Russia in the Davis Cup last week.

Quite a result, and achieved with special singles performances from James Ward and Dan Evans. The problem, sadly, is that not a soul in this country understands how the Davis Cup works. The Russia match was a Euro/Africa Group One tie and now we’re in the World Group Playoffs. Someone wake me up when we’ve won the thing, eh?

Right, I’m off to get myself comfy in front of the telly in preparation for the Masters, finishing off the dregs of the plonk that we got into the office this morning (see page 7).

If this Sunday is half as good as last year, we’re in for a treat.

Reader comments of the week

Get in touch @sportmaguk

@tonyhodson1 Good piece from you on

Good Justin Rose

Reading all the golf

interview by @simoncaney

features in today’s

O’Neill, nice to see

in @sportmaguk today.

someone dismantling

Gets you thinking all things

@Sportmaguk has made me rather excited for next

the usual pundit twaddle

#Masters.

weekend’s Masters!

12 | April 12 2013 |

£1 where sold Hearty thanks to: Jonathan Steel at Fasttrack, Marc and Emily at Chase PR and Dan French

Cover of the Year

LAUNCH OF THE YEAR

2008

Total Average Distribution: 302,466 Jul-Dec 2012

Don’t forget: Help keep public transport clean and tidy for everyone by taking your copy of Sport away with you when you leave the bus or train.

info@sport-magazine.co.uk Sad 2 read

brilliant @Sportmaguk - all

@PFNicholls interview w/ @Sportmaguk At home

@Sportmaguk think Premier title is slipping

the best at #TheMasters,

‘Neptune was always lazy

from Sky Blues’ grasp.

I’ll be backing you to win!

and bloody slow’! Ha ha!

Does standing mid-table

Made up for it

in Div 3 really rule us out? #ccfc

etc. @ftm_paul

© UTV Media plc 2012 UTV Media plc takes no responsibility for the content of advertisements placed in Sport magazine

Fave quote from

@JustinRose99 Just read the feature on you in the

#returnoftiger #golfboys

from Coppell, Hansen

Colour reproduction: Rival Colour Ltd Printed by: Wyndeham Group Ltd

@PLNickN

@noppo85

@IGNelson

@NaomiALawson

@earsopen

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

T

he other Neville-inspired song , chanted by opposing supporters of teams visiting Old Trafford, went a little bit like this: “If the Nevilles play for England, so can I.” Over and over.

Agency Sales Director: Iain Duffy (7991) Advertising Managers: Steve Hare (7930), Kevin O’Byrne (7832), Aaron Pinto del Rio (7918) Sales Executive: Joe Grant (7904) Distribution Manager: Sian George (7852) Distribution Assistant: Makrum Dudgeon Head of Online: Matt Davis (7825) Head of Communications: Laura Wootton (7913) Managing Director: Calum Macaulay PA to Managing Director: Deborah Dilworth (7826)

Radar Opinion

Flats on Friday

It’s like this…

Bill Borrows

David Lyttleton

I

Because everybody needs a hobby...

A

s a professional rugby player, one of the main challenges was having to constantly disprove the lazy assumptions of the masses.

In football, mistakes are always met with cockney cries (in my house, anyway) of ‘Hundred grand a week?!’ In rugby, meanwhile, a poor performance is generally met with accusatory snipes surrounding insufficient time spent training and far too much time spent sipping lattes and generally smiling.

Of course, in these transparent times, social media means that very little of what one does outside the home remains unknown. (As well as lots that goes on inside it – I have a neighbour who, when drunk in the local pub, admitted that he often sits in his bedroom and looks directly at me and my wife in our lounge. He admitted this after having tweeted a picture of me in my underpants watching Match of the Day – this is not a joke.)

Tweets such as “Nice lunch with the lads” go from being a harmless insight to hard evidence of arrogance and laziness once a result goes the wrong way.

But I want to banish these presumptions for good. Rugby players don’t just drink coffee and eat protein in their spare time – they play golf, too.

And that’s hard. Around 2007, I was sat in my favourite armchair at 2pm watching an episode of The Wire. I was enjoying it hugely – Omar being my favourite character by a mile – but was hit by a sudden jolt of uselessness. What was I doing?

I was injured at the time and, as a rule, my working days tended to finish by about midday.

14 | April 12 2013 |

So I would sulk, close the shutters and wallow in an almost painfully unproductive state.

Once the body started working a bit better, I decided to get myself a hobby. I considered, through a love of the motor car, becoming a mechanic. But I broke the Dyson and had to buy a new one. At least the trip to Curry’s was something to do. I thought about gardening, too, but couldn’t risk being caught in conversation by someone in sandals at the local garden centre.

So I turned to golf. “What do you do?” asked the man in the club shop and, upon hearing my answer, proclaimed: “You’ll have no problem, then; your hand-eye must be awesome.” I could barely hit a single ball. It was a moment of stark realisation and a lightning bolt of self-awareness shot through my unprepared soul. I was crap at most things, so the search for something constructive to do with my midweek downtime had to continue.

Eventually I stumbled into writing, and you might argue that I’m no better at that than I was at golf, but a refusal to stop sending in words – despite tearful pleas from the staff at Sport – seems to be keeping things going.

So, when you assume the position and tune into the Masters this weekend, think how hard these guys actually work to be where they are. I do wonder what – horrid Santander TV adverts aside – these chaps do when they’re not practising, though. I heard some of them play computer games.

Computer games? This lot just don’t know they’re born. @davidflatman

s there anything more dispiriting than finding out your favourite player or sportsman is from the other side of the fence, politically? Not if you’ve got a pulse. It’s a fact that Gary Lineker, the kind of man who goes to the effort of voting ‘don’t know’ in internet polls, understands perfectly.

“Very few divide opinion like Baroness Thatcher,” he tweeted this week. “Loved and loathed in equal measure, but remembered by all.” Thanks, Gary. Incisive, politically acute and – more importantly – as neutral as your BBC paymasters would like you to be. Why bother, man?

Jenson Button was slightly less cautious, tweeting David Cameron’s belief that “we’ve lost a great leader and a great Briton”.

The notoriously media “I never thought and popularity-averse Will Carling, playing to the I’d say this, but rugby union demographic, perhaps Gary went with: “Sad to hear Lineker has Margaret Thatcher died this am. Not into politics, a point” but she was a leader, unlike many who’s only concern is media & popularity.”

Stan Collymore was impassioned and informed, but you can only imagine how frustrated the predictably splenetic Joey Barton was to be in a country where nobody gave a toss what he thought (he was back in England at the time). The thoughts of Peter Odemwingie are, fortuitously, unavailable anywhere – and that includes inside his head.

But, wafting away all the Twitter methane, it was a picture from a different era that really grabbed my attention. It was a press call outside 10 Downing Street, and it featured Margaret Thatcher – the woman who, lest we forget, hand in hand with the police, created the circumstances that led to Hillsborough.

Surrounding her were four Liverpool or ex-Liverpool players on England duty: Kevin Keegan (then at Hamburg), Terry McDermott, Phil Thompson and Emlyn Hughes. This was well before the tragic events of April 15 1989, and I don’t presume to know the politics of the players concerned – I can guess, although I could be wrong – but can you imagine being a Liverpool fan and having to deal with that image?

I never thought I’d say this, but perhaps Lineker has a point. On certain occasions, sportsmen are better sitting on the fence than climbing over it. @billborrows

Plank of the week Audley Harrison, London Another comeback? Really? Against renowned US heavyweight puncher Deontay Wilder? “I have a lot of respect for him, so it’s not personal, but this is the door I must walk through,” said the former Olympic superheavyweight gold-medallist. I think he means: “This is a door I’m about to walk into.”

®

®

Have you tried 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye Brand Contact Lenses yet?

Over half a million people1 around the world already enjoy the amazing comfort, UV-blocking** DQG H\H KHDOWK EHQHŰ WV2 of 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®. Your eyes look and feel like you’re wearing no lens at all.2 Contact lenses can be truly life-changing, and we believe everyone should have the chance to experience the difference.

We offer a full money back satisfaction guarantee* so you can enjoy wearing 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® ZLWK FRQŰ GHQFH

Ask your optician for a trial of 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye today. ®

®

*Offer open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents only. Applies to 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® Brand Contact Lenses. Refund limited to a maximum of 1 year’s supply of contact lenses. Visit www.acuvue.co.uk/guarantee for full terms and conditions. ** All ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses have UV-blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed by your Eye Care Professional.

1. JJVC Data on file 2012. 2. JJVC Data on file 2010. Physiological response of neophytes with a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens. 1-year prospective randomised, double-masked, parallel group study, results after 12 months, n=48.

ACUVUE®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® and SEE WHAT COULD BE® are registered trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd. © Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd. 2013.

Frozen in time

16 | April 12 2013 |

We’re not sure that British football crowds would respond in quite the same way as their American cousins if asked to sing the National Anthem before the first match of the season. But across the pond, that sort of thing goes down well: enormous flag, everyone on their feet and a raucous rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers did battle. Call it an American thing.

| 17

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Flag day

Sport has made it only as far as the taxi outside Dublin airport, and the Lions chat has started already. While Chris Robshaw and Sam Warburton continue to battle it out for the captaincy in Lions sides being selected in pubs and clubhouses up and down Great Britain, there’s only one man on the lips of those in the Emerald Isle: Brian O’Driscoll.

“Why would you not pick him?” continues our cabbie, seemingly unaware that we’re not actually selecting the team. But he has a point. O’Driscoll, a veteran of 131 international caps, is the only player to have started Test matches in all three of the previous Lions tours, even leading them into the intimidating cauldron that is New Zealand in 2005. With age catching up with him, though, the man they call BOD has readily admitted that thoughts of retirement are creeping into that genius of a rugby brain.

His wife Amy gave birth to their first child as recently as February, so he’d be forgiven for wanting to hang up the boots one last time.

Does the Lions hold enough appeal to keep him going, though? You bet.

“Of course I’d love to go, but I wouldn’t want to go and not win the series,” says O’Driscoll in our exclusive interview. “I’ve done a few of those tours now; they’re great fun and all, but I’m done with the fun thing.

I just want to be successful, play some good rugby and be part of something special that people will remember. For those reasons, I’d love to go on another one.”

We’re sitting with the face of Irish rugby to talk all things Lions, Ireland and Brian.

An HSBC ambassador, O’Driscoll has been doing some filming with a local chef. When we finally sit down, the smile remains firmly set in place, a twinkle in the eye. First things first, though: how’s the body?

“Pretty good, actually,” he smiles. “I have had a self-imposed sabbatical for the last couple of weeks, so I’ve had a chance to rest up, get to the gym a bit and just get off my feet. It’s been like a mini pre-season, but without doing too much of a workload and understanding how much is in the tank already at this stage of the season.”

So that’s 100 per cent fit, then? O’Driscoll laughs: “I haven’t been there for a very, very

IRELAND’S CALL Whether he calls it a day or not, the manner in which Ireland finished the Six Nations must, we venture, leave an underlying sense of regret. O’Driscoll readily admits to not being sure where it all went so wrong.

“If you’d called it after the first half in Cardiff that Wales were going to win the competition, and that we’d finish second last and be very lucky not to pick up the Wooden Spoon, people would have laughed at you,” he says. “But that’s the way it goes, and credit to Wales for turning it round the way they did. I think we deserved a bit more than we got in this Six Nations. We should have beaten Scotland and we should have beaten France. The other two results... well, England deserved their win, and we didn’t get too much lady luck against Italy. We probably should have finished third, maybe. And that might have been more favourable towards how I felt. I don’t think it was as catastrophic as people suggested, though.”

This is a man who should know. The tournament’s all-time leading try-scorer (with 26), O’Driscoll has also started a record number of matches (60) and has led Ireland to three Triple Crowns and a Grand Slam during his 14-year career. In fact, this year’s fifth place was Ireland’s worst Six Nations finish. For their iconic centre, though, there was another strange factor underlining this year’s championship. Having captained Ireland in every match since the 2003 World Cup, leadership duties were handed to Jamie Heaslip, leaving O’Driscoll as simply one of the boys. Does he think that had an effect? >

ALL THE TALK MIGHT BE OF RETIREMENT, BUT BRIAN O’DRISCOLL IS FOCUSED ON THE HERE AND NOW.. AND GETTING ON THE LIONS TOUR IS NEXT ON HIS AGENDA

20 | April 12 2013 |

Tim Bret-Day on behalf of HSBC

THE LION KING

“I’D DEFINITELY TAKE HIM ON THE TOUR, AND AS CAPTAIN. HE’S A LEGEND.”

long time. Probably the first day ever I went out playing, and thereafter there’s been… nah, maybe seven or eight years ago, but yeah – there’s definitely been lots of knocks.

There’s always something: some stiffness or some tight muscle or a collision that hasn’t quite healed. That’s just part and parcel of playing the game for so long. That’s okay, though. I’ve learned to deal with being ‘fit’ at 85 or 90 per cent. Sometimes it’s even as high as 96 or 97.”

After watching him leave the pitch to a standing ovation in Ireland’s final home game of this year’s Six Nations against France, only to re-emerge moments later and retake the field for the dying minutes, we have to ask: where on the fitness scale was he?

“Not at 96 or 97 per cent, that’s for sure,” he says. “With the French game, I wasn’t sure whether that was going to be my last game at home, and I wanted that end to be on my terms. We’ll have to wait and see as to whether that’s the case or not.”

Brian O’Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll

“THE LIONS IS UNIQUE, AND I DON’T THINK I APPRECIATED THAT UNTIL 2009”

22 | April 12 2013 |

“It’s the small things. I won’t miss having to ask a grown guy why he’s not wearing the right T-shirt at a certain time, or tell him what time we’re meeting for a bus and all that stuff. You just come across as Mr Bad Guy most of the time, so I’m happy to just be one of the lads on that front. I can even turn up wearing the wrong stuff now.”

Indeed he can. In fact, such is his standing in these parts, O’Driscoll could probably stroll down O’Connell Street with not a thread of clothing on and the city would stand and applaud. Brian loves Dublin, and Dublin loves Brian. And, after 167 appearances for Leinster, the three Heineken Cups the province has won in the past four seasons are just reward for the work put in by O’Driscoll (and the players around him) in the past 14 years.

It’s hard to believe, but this one-club man admits that, yes, there was a time when he almost left.

“Yeah, I came close in 2006, after Michael Cheika came in,” he reveals. “I was a bit disillusioned with the change of coaches four times in four years, and I just asked myself where we were going. I said to myself that I’d give Cheika a year and see how things went, and if we didn’t look like we were going to turn things around, I was going to

Looking back: O’Driscoll against the Springboks in 2009, on what he says was ‘comfortably the best tour’

have to go to a club with a bit more ambition or organisation.

“Then we got to the semi finals in Europe that year, and that was it. I realised we had potential, so that reinvigorated me. Thankfully, I stayed put, and we went on to win three Heineken Cups. I couldn’t be happier with that decision, because I genuinely feel it’s felt way better to have won them with my club than with a club I had to buy into.”

And, we remind him, he got to score a drop goal in a Heineken Cup final. “Yeah, that’s true,” he smiles again. “Sexto [Jonathan Sexton] kicked the last penalty in that game against Leicester, but I like to think my drop goal was the difference between the sides.”

THREE TIMES A LION So what of the Lions? O’Driscoll’s career with Leinster and Ireland has seen success and silverware, but in three Lions Tours the Irishman is yet to taste a series victory.

His love for the whole concept, however, shines through when we ask him about it.

“The Lions is unique, and I don’t think I really appreciated that until 2009,” he says.

“It was comfortably the best tour, albeit we lost the series again. I really enjoyed it, and I understood what all the players from the > Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

David Rogers/Getty Images

“On the reason we came fifth or on my game?” he asks. “Either way, not at all.

Irrespective of whether I’m captain or not, I’d like to think I’m still vocal, and I still try to lead by example. There is one individual as a captain, yeah, but a group of core leaders is key in any effective team, and that’s what Jamie had around him. But it was strange not being captain.

“I found myself going out of the dressing room for the Wales game and I thought: ‘Where do I go out here?’ The last time I hadn’t captained Ireland was the World Cup in 2003 and I found myself wondering where to line up for the anthems. Not having to look after the mascots, it was quite strange – but you just get on with it. I was never one for superstition.”

With a new Ireland coach set to arrive following Declan Kidney’s departure last week, the captaincy seems to have gone for good for the man from Clontarf – but that’s not all bad news.

“Oh, there’s plenty of stuff Jamie’s welcome to,” he says. “I never loved the media Tuesdays in international week, doing all the TV stuff, because it just became a bit Groundhog Day by the end – and I used to get nervous about public speaking and having to address people on behalf of the team.

Sony Xperia Z. ™

Experience it with all-you-can-eat data on our new Ultrafast network. All without paying the hefty premium.

Free £34 phone.

a month.

0800 358 4317 Visit a 3Store or search online for Ultrafast Sony

Order by the 30 April 2013 to get this deal with no upfront cost · On sale with the £69 upfront cost from 28 February – 15 March 2013 · Sign up for 24 months to get this deal · Inclusive minutes and texts are for most UK mobiles and UK landlines · Do you ever dial 08/070 numbers? They’re 35p per call plus 35p per minute/£1.02 per call plus 71.5p per minute respectively – check price at Three.co.uk/nts · Ultrafast (DC-HSDPA) technology is rolling out across our network now · You’ll need an Ultrafast ready device · The speeds you’ll get will vary by location, coverage, demand and TrafficSense™, which is a system we use to manage data on our network to ensure the best experience possible for the majority of our customers · See how at Three.co.uk/network for more info

Brian O’Driscoll 1960s and ‘70s were talking about when they mentioned making friends for life and the group’s camaraderie. We had really good fun on that tour, played some good rugby and struck up some great partnerships. And that renewed my faith in what Lions rugby was all about after the disappointment of 2005.”

It’s been some Lions journey for O’Driscoll since he shot on to the world stage with a superb individual try in Australia in 2001.

“I’ve been lucky to do three very different tours,” he muses. “I was frightened in 2001 because I didn’t know anyone, and all these people were older than me – I was worried about who I was going to hang around with.

But I grew into the tour and learned what was needed at the top of the professional

game. I also love Australia, so it was a great tour for me at such a young age.”

Fast-forward four years, and O’Driscoll embarked on his second Lions tour as captain. “Yeah, that was nerve-racking,” he admits. “It’s one thing being captain of your own country with guys who know you, but it’s another captaining a big squad where it’s difficult to get to know everyone. It was difficult to get the tightness I think is important for the Lions, because a lot of us were working on different schedules and there were basically two separate teams.

New Zealand were just awesome, though.

If we had been on the very top of our game and everyone had put in world-class performances, we’d still have struggled to

“IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO CONTINUE PLAYING IF YOU WERE ABLE TO SIGN OFF ON A WINNING LIONS SERIES”

have beaten them. Dan Carter’s performance in that second Test is still the best individual performance I’ve ever seen.”

So, to the big question: would he take the captaincy if it was offered again this year?

“If I was asked, then 100 per cent, yeah.

It’s the highest honour in the game, so I’d love to do it again. I’m just concentrating on getting on the plane first, though.”

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Most people would have O’Driscoll on that plane at the drop of a hat, but he is not getting ahead of himself. If he does get the call, it’s clear he would relish the chance to pull on that red jersey one final time – assuming this would be his last tour.

“I think it’s fair to say it’ll be my last,” he laughs. “There’s a bit of unfinished business with the Lions, sure, but it’s more just a chance to play with some incredible players, and I think that’s the real joy. Every time you go out training, it’s exciting because of the quality of players who can make a show of you – but you’re playing with guys who can make you look good, too. That’s a nice feeling, playing with that calibre of player every day.

“As for Australia, it’s just such a great country. There’s a lot of beauty, and the people are passionate about their sport while being respectful of good teams. I’ve just always enjoyed my time in Australia.”

And the Wallabies themselves? “They’re such a clever team, with clever players,” he continues. “It’s always nice to pitch yourself against them. Taking on big, physical players, you know what you’re getting – but sometimes you have a chess game against Australia. You have to outthink them.

“Playing the Aussies, being out there and experiencing the whole country in a tour – from Perth to Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane, which all have their own kooky things about them... all of that makes a Lions Tour down there very special.”

All that remains, then, is for us to ask whether the great centre has any regrets from a stellar career.

“There are always regrets about games that haven’t gone your way, or a few things you might have done that you wish you hadn’t,” says O’Driscoll, twinkle still very much in his eye. “But it’s hard to be regretful about much, because I’ve been so lucky to achieve what I have done.

“It would be absolutely lovely to be part of a winning Lions series – it really would. And it’d be difficult to continue playing if you were able to sign off on something like that. If you could promise me being on a tour and winning a series today, I’d gladly leave it at that.”

And on that note, so will we.

Brian O’Driscoll is an HSBC ambassador. HSBC is proud Principal Partner to The 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia. To get your message of support to the Lions via HSBC’s digital Lions shirt, visit www.lionsrugby.com/jointhejourney 24 | April 12 2013 |

David Rogers/Getty Images

Mark Coughlan @coffers83

Losing your hair like your Dad? If you’re losing your hair, you’re looking for facts, not fiction. Fact: for 95% of men, hair loss is hereditary. REGAINE® scientifically proven foam could be the answer. It is proven to help stop and even reverse hereditary hair loss, working deep down at the root.

Find out the facts at regaine.co.uk

REGAINE® for Men products and treatments are for male hereditary hair loss. REGAINE® for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam 5% w/w Cutaneous Foam contains Minoxidil. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.

NATURE NEEDS HEROES

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

HIGH HOPES With his second season as an Arsenal player drawing to a close, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain takes stock of life at the Emirates...

Lee Goldup

H

ow do you like to be described?

For Arsenal’s teenage winger, the answer is simple: “I like it when I’m described as being fearless on the pitch; when people say or report that I run at people with a fearless approach. Because that’s what I try to do, regardless of who the defender is. I just try to believe in myself and believe that I can take them on.

“It’s also good when people realise that I like playing in central positions. I feel that I’ve got a bit to offer in more of a central role because I’ve grown up naturally being more of a central midfielder – so when I read that people are noticing that I can play inside as well as on the wing, that’s really nice.”

He is in only his second season as an Arsenal player, having followed the same path as Theo Walcott from Southampton to north London in August 2011, but Chamberlain has a clear view of the type of Arsenal player he wants to be – he just needs more opportunities to prove he can turn that into performances on the pitch.

The 19-year-old has 19 Premier League appearances to his name so far this season, eight of them as a substitute. When you consider that he made a total of 16 league appearances in the whole of his debut season – 10 of which were off the bench – this one is already an improvement on the last. But for a player whose career progressed at such a lightning pace last term, ending with a starting place for England at the European Championships, he could be forgiven for being a bit disappointed with the speed restrictions inflicted on his development this time around.

WAITING IN THE WINGS “I guess it has been a little bit frustrating,” says Chamberlain of the time he’s spent waiting for Arsène Wenger to give him the nod this season. “But at the same time, I’m still only 19 years old, and any lad playing football for a club like Arsenal and for England at 19 would be very happy. This season hasn’t gone badly, and I realise there are a lot of talented and experienced players in the squad.

There’s Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla who can play out wide, and you’ve got Theo [Walcott], Andre Arshavin, Gervinho... so there’s a lot of competition.

“I’ve played more than I did last year already, and there’s still seven games to go.

Obviously I always want to play football, but sometimes you have to understand that you’re not going to be playing every game.

So, the season could have gone better for me, but the most important thing is that it will be a really good one if we can achieve what we want to by the end of the season.”

Which is finishing above Tottenham, right?

Chamberlain chuckles before offering a response of which his artfully diplomatic club manager would be rightly proud: >

“I guess it has been a bit frustrating.

But I’m only 19 years old, and any lad playing for a club like Arsenal and for England at 19 would be very happy” | April 12 2013 | 27

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain “We can’t worry too much about what they’re doing. We can just worry about trying to win as many of the games we have left as we can, and then see what happens. But I don’t see why we can’t catch them up. Just look at the way the league ended up last year, between Man Utd and Man City – it went right down to the wire, and that’s the Premier League.

Anything can happen. Last year we were 10 points behind Spurs at one stage [in the middle of February] and we managed to catch them. So anything is possible.

“The ultimate aim now, though, is to finish as high as we can in the league. A Champions League spot is what we want to be achieving, so we’re working towards that, but if you start looking too intensely at the final goal you can slip up along the way. We know we have seven hard games to go, and each one is very important. So we just target winning the next game, and eventually that should get us to where we want to be.”

Chamberlain’s focus on a place in the top four makes it impossible to ignore the sorest

“The manager is always very positive, even in tough times.

He keeps us focused and keeps faith in us”

28 | April 12 2013 |

of points for anyone associated with Arsenal: that famously empty trophy cabinet. One by one this season, the Gunners have once again spurned every opportunity to end their barren run. For Chamberlain, it’s his side’s performances in both domestic cups that he rues the most.

“It was tough getting knocked out of the Carling Cup away at Bradford [3-2 on penalties in their quarter final] and in the FA Cup as well against Blackburn [0-1, in the fifth round], because they’re great competitions that you want to go far in,” he explains.

“It’s always disappointing, and sometimes you can’t put your finger on what happened on the day or why it went wrong. But that’s football. You lose a game and that’s the toughest time, but then the next week you can win again – football is all about the ups and downs, and you’re always learning from them.”

KEEPING FAITH Arsenal’s most recent down came at the beginning of last month at White Hart Lane, where two expensive defensive mistakes cost them the game and left them trailing Spurs by seven points. In that sort of situation, who in the Arsenal dressing room is the motivator?

“You don’t have to look beyond the manager for that,” says Chamberlain. “He’s always very positive, even in tough times. He keeps us focused and positive and keeps his

belief and faith in us – and I think that’s really important.

“When everyone loses faith in you, the most important thing is that you keep faith within the dressing room and within yourselves. That’s what will get you back on track, and we’ve found that this season.

There have been some tough patches when people have stopped believing in us, but then we went to Bayern Munich and got a result like we did.”

That 2-0 victory in Germany couldn’t prevent Arsenal’s Champions League exit, but it had a galvanising effect nonetheless – the Gunner have won three from three since. “It’s hard not to take confidence and momentum from a result like that, with Bayern in the form they’ve been in this year,” says Chamberlain. “But even at Spurs I think we played some good stuff – we just made some errors that proved fatal on the day.

“Now we want to cut out as many losses as possible and concentrate on trying to win matches. It’s going well for us at the moment, but it will be hard to keep that going. We’ve got the desire, the focus in the team and the ability to keep it going, though.”

However he might describe himself, Arsenal’s cause can only be furthered by a player who is surely one of England’s finest young talents. His fearless nature ensures he has a bright future ahead of him – Arsenal fans will hope the same applies to his team.

“There have been tough patches when people have stopped believing in us”

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 14 is out now on Xbox Kinect and PlayStation.

Play as Arnold Palmer in the all-new Legends of the Majors mode and #TakeDownLegends.

Visit ea.com/uk/ tiger-woods-pga-tour-14

Sarah Shephard @sarahsportmag

| 29

MAXIMUSCLE and star device are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

Oli, 26 Engineer

See how Maximuscle can also help you get ďŹ tter, leaner and stronger.

If you think protein is just for professionals, think again.

Right now our three average guys David, Oli and James are using a variety of Maximuscle products to help them achieve their own individual goals in just 12 weeks.

Watch all their progress live online as they undertake The Protein Project.

David, 30 Electrician

James, 28 Banker

To pick up your own 12 week challenge and see how Maximuscle and exercise can help you achieve your body and sporting goals simply visit: maximuscle.com/proteinproject

Available at

FA Cup Semi Finals

Final before the final SUNDAY FA CUP SEMI FINAL | CHELSEA v MANCHESTER CITY | WEMBLEY STADIUM | ITV 4PM

The league champions meet the cup holders in what is essentially the FA Cup final, with the remaining opposition (see below) unlikely to trouble whoever makes it through from this half of the draw.

Chelsea are FA Cup specialists – they’ve won four of the past six competitions with four different managers, and Rafa Benitez certainly seems focused on picking up a trophy or two so he can look back on his time at Chelsea with some fondness. It is also Roberto Mancini’s only realistic remaining chance of silverware this season, with Man City well off the pace in the league.

Wembley has already hosted these teams this season – back in August, when City beat

10-man Chelsea 3-2 in the Community Shield thanks to play-him-or-punch-him playmaker Samir Nasri’s decisive strike.

The London side have failed to score in the two subsequent meetings: a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge in November, and a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad in February, with goals from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez. The Argentine seems revitalised by the prospect of helping the community – he has scored seven in his last seven games – while in the opposing dressing room, after his two goals against Rubin Kazan last week, Fernando Torres is back. Again. Maybe.

Turn the page for our exclusive interview with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill >

Giant aspirations

Michael Steele/Getty Images, Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

SATURDAY FA CUP SEMI FINAL | MILLWALL v WIGAN | WEMBLEY STADIUM | ESPN 5.15PM

Did you cheer along with the TV pundits as giant after giant crashed out of this season’s FA Cup? Well, this is the result. It’s Millwall v Wigan: the semi final you deserve.

Roberto Martinez’s team are carrying out something of a juggling act. Still in the Premier League relegation zone, going out at this stage to Championship Millwall could deal a fatal blow to team morale. They are unbeaten in four games for the first time in a year, though, and will be favourites here.

Millwall – five points from the drop with two games in hand – have hauled themselves to relative safety. Goals have been Kenny Jackett’s side’s problem – only three teams have scored fewer in the Championship. On the plus side, the Lions have conceded just one in their past six in all competitions (at the time of writing).

But Wigan should have enough to reach the final, where they would likely need yet another of their famous late-season miracles. | April 12 2013 | 33

Gary Cahill

Great Expectations

34 | April 12 2013 |

A knee injury is keeping you out of the FA Cup tie with Manchester City. How hard is it to have to sit out matches like this one?

“Yeah, it’s difficult. I’ve not had many injuries since I’ve been here – the last one was the hamstring leading up to the Champions League final, so maybe I’m just timing them badly – but it’s not like there’s a good time to get injured because you’ve always got some crucial games coming up. If you’re out for a period of two to three weeks, though, you usually only miss two or three games. At Chelsea, it seems like you miss seven or eight. Luckily, the injury’s not too too bad, so I’ll hopefully be able to play a big part in the end of the season.”

It must be frustrating picking up an injury after establishing yourself as a first-choice centre back at Chelsea?

“I try not to dwell on it too much, because there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ve been pleased that I’ve played a lot more games this year, and I hope that I can continue to do that. We have a great squad and the flexibility to rotate. But yeah, of course it’s disappointing getting injured when there are big games to play in, because you want to be a part of them.”

How is the team coping with the fixture congestion?

“This year has been a bit crazy on that front. You want to go into games feeling as close to 100 per cent as you can, and when you play every few days, you’re sometimes going in at 50 to 60 per cent fresh – so it can be a real struggle. Luckily, we have the squad to rotate, so we just get on with it as best as we can, and we don’t want to use it as an excuse.

It’s better than having no fixtures, I guess. Yeah, that’s the flip side, because it means we’re still involved in all these competitions – so we can’t complain too much.”

How have you enjoyed the madness that has been your first 15 months at Chelsea?

“It has been a bit mad, actually, because I went from Bolton in January to suddenly being involved in runs to the Champions League and FA Cup finals. I moved here because I wanted to play in big games, though, so I knew they would be coming up. It was just a matter of me trying to fight my way into the team for those games. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and I’ve signed for a long time. So hopefully I can be here for many more years.”

Has this year been disappointing after the highs of last year?

“I think the expectation level from what we did at the end of last season was always going to be high – and being at Chelsea, you always want to win trophies.

It’s been a kind of stop-start type of season in some ways, and consistency has probably been the main thing that’s let us down. We’ve had some great victories this year and then maybe slipped up against a few teams where we would be looking to take three points. We’re still going for two trophies, though, and it’s really important we try to pick up some silverware.”

Do you get frustrated with people saying the team is having a bad season when you’re still in the mix for trophies and a top-four finish?

“Sometimes, yeah, but the expectation levels are just so high at a club like Chelsea, so you’ve just got to be aware that that’s the situation. Like you said, we’re not in the worst position ever – we’re third in the league, we have an FA Cup semi final and we’re still in the Europa League. There are still a lot of ifs and maybes to come, but I think we’re doing alright.

We have some big games coming up to make sure this season ends well.”

You’ve been here under three managers [Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez] in 15 months. How do the trio compare?

“It was strange for me, because I came in under AVB and he obviously saw something in me and brought me to the club. But on the flip side, I worked under him for only a matter of weeks before he went.

Tactically, he was really involved on little things on the training field and so on, and I thought training was decent. When Robbie then took over, he’d been a part of the training staff up to then, so I don’t think things changed too much. Obviously there were different team talks and opinions, but around

“I went from Bolton last January to being involved in runs to the Champions League and FA Cup finals”

the place, everyone knew him and he knew the lads.

So I don’t think too much changed. Obviously the new gaffer’s come in now, and again his attention to detail and tactics on the training ground is one of his big strengths, so not much has massively changed again. He’s here to the end of the season, so hopefully we can do well under him.”

As a player, how do you react when the fans turn against the manager?

“The fans always have an opinion, whether it’s about the manager or about a particular player. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. So, as players, you just look to go out there and do what you’re there to do – and that’s play football. Whatever changes around you, you have to stay focused on what you’re there for. And, at a club like Chelsea, there are always changes and media speculation, so you’re always in the spotlight.”

Away from club football, how confident are you that England will make the World Cup? “Yeah, we have three home games out of our last four now, so we’re pretty confident. When I’m with the squad, though, the lads are always confident that we’re going to do well. The media might not always agree... but as a squad, there’s no more confident group than us when we’re together.

You’re playing with some fantastic players and you expect to go out and win games, and with those three home games I think we will do it. There’s always fantastic support at Wembley as well, which helps, and hopefully we’ll get the job done.”

How much would it mean to you after missing out on Euro 2012 with injury?

“From a selfish point of view, it’d be massive because I’m desperate to be involved in a tournament with my country. And now that I’m getting more games with England, it’d be great to go. I’d love to go to the World Cup, so I definitely want to help the side qualify – and then I need to get myself on that plane.”

Back to Chelsea, and this season’s aims. Is it more important to finish in the top four than it is to win some silverware?

“From the club point of view, people always talk about how important it is to finish in the Champions League spots. That’s massive, of course, but you want to finish the season at a club like Chelsea picking up a trophy. So the FA Cup is massively important to us as well. I’m afraid I can’t choose one, because I want to be greedy and have both!”

Mark Coughlan @coffers83 Gary Cahill is the brand ambassador for Paul Costelloe Man. For more information on the brand, head to www.paulcostelloeman.co.uk

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 35

www.paulcostelloeman.co.uk

He might be sidelined for Sunday’s FA Cup semi final, but that’s not prevented Gary Cahill dreaming of silverware this season. And he’s not planning on stopping there

MINIMUM WEIGHT, MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

LIGHTWEIGHT KIT FOR TRAIL RUNNING EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND STILL UNDER 2 KG

HELIUM T MEN

FLYWEIGHT JACKET MEN

ACTIVE TRACK SHORTS MEN

HYDRATION SYSTEM

HAM ROCK 12

EXPRESS TRAIL TEXAPORE MEN

www.jack-wolfskin.com

MASTERS FINISHES

10 1987 | The miracle of Larry Mize

1968 | Roberto de Vicenzo can‘t count

In 1987, nobody expected Greg Norman to lose in sudden death to Larry Mize – especially when the now-forgotten third man in the playoff was Seve Ballesteros. Mize was recognised as a talented but flaky golfer with a reputation for blowing winning chances – so, when Seve three-putted the first playoff hole to bow out, it seemed as if Norman was surely destined to win. His chance increased at the next hole, the 11th, when his approach found the fringe while Mize, true to form, missed the green by more than 100 feet. What happened next has gone down in Masters folklore: taking his sand wedge, Mize chipped directly into the hole for birdie, to Norman‘s disbelief. The Great White Shark still had an unlikely putt to equal Mize – but, unsurprisingly, he did not make it. It would not be the last time that Augusta National broke Norman‘s heart.

“What a stupid I am!” wailed Roberto De Vicenzo (above, left) as he emerged from the scorer‘s hut after finishing his round in 1968.

The reigning Open champion, on his 45th birthday, had done the hard work, shooting a closing 65 that should have dragged him into a playoff with Bob Goalby. However, playing partner Tommy Aaron (right), who went on to the win the Masters himself in 1973, marked the Argentinian‘s card incorrectly, putting him down for a four on the 17th hole instead of the birdie three that he actually took. De Vicenzo signed it without looking – the whole world knew what he‘d scored, so his playing partner did too, right? But rules are rules. The higher score, as signed for, had to stand, and de Vicenzo was relegated to second place. As a postscript, he went out and won his next tournament – the Houston Open. And checked his scorecard meticulously, we presume.

09

08 1935 | The shot heard around the world In 1935, the Masters was just another golf tournament – albeit one played in rather nice surroundings. That it gained such repute, and ultimately became a Major, owes much to one shot: the one that fizzed off the face of Gene Sarazen’s 4-wood in the final round in 1935.

From 235 yards at the 15th hole, it dropped for what we call an albatross, but what the Americans prefer to term a ‘double eagle’.

It became known as the Shot Heard Around The World and propelled the diminutive Sarazen (left) into a 36-hole playoff with Craig Wood, which he won for his seventh Major title. If on the million-to-one chance you find yourself playing Augusta National, you can still walk over Sarazen Bridge as you head towards the 15th green.

38 | April 12 2013 |

07

1978 | What a Player Seventeen years after his first Masters win, Gary Player hit the round of his life for his ninth and final Major. In a career that saw a total of 44 top-10 Major finishes, Player never produced golf like he did on the back nine in 1978. Starting the day seven shots behind leader Hubert Green, Player produced seven birdies in his final 10 holes as he closed with a 64 to win by one from Green, Tom Watson and, ahem, Rod Funseth. Under the circumstances, this was perhaps the greatest back nine this famous course has ever witnessed.

Nobody has ever shot a lower final-round score, and to produce it to win ranks as one of the game‘s finest achievements.

The Masters

They say the Masters doesn‘t really start until the back nine on Sunday. We look back at the best climaxes the year‘s first Major has ever seen

06 Nowadays, we recognise Phil Mickelson as the Master at the Masters. But nine years ago we were wondering if he‘d ever make the Major grade. His talent had never been in question since he won a PGA Tour event as an amateur in 1991, but the expected glut of Majors didn‘t come. He had the game for Augusta, though, especially around the greens. And, on the final day in 2004, he at last came out on top, after an epic duel with Ernie Els. Leftie began the day tied for the lead with Chris DiMarco, three clear of Els, but the South African eagled the 8th and 13th holes, and collected a further birdie at the 15th as he closed with a 67. Mickelson, in the last group, struggled to find any rhythm on the front nine and knew he had to catch fire on the closing holes with Els safely in the clubhouse. Birdies at 12, 13, 14, 16 and the final hole would do nicely.

04

05

1995 | Ben does it for Pen Widely regarded as one of the nicest men in golf, Ben Crenshaw was even known as Gentle Ben. He called his putter Little Ben, too.

Anyway, his win in 1995 was mainly about someone not called Ben, but Harvey. Harvey Penick, who had been Crenshaw‘s longtime coach and mentor, died shortly before the Masters. Indeed, Crenshaw was a pallbearer at his funeral on the Monday before the tournament.

The strain of Penick‘s death, along with Crenshaw‘s own ordinary play at the time, meant he was not considered as a contender. But he knew his way around Augusta – he had won the Masters in 1984 and enjoyed 10 top-10s there between 1976 and 1991 – and was one of the all-time great putters. Operating on autopilot, he somehow contrived to close with a 68 and pip Davis Love III by a shot.

1988 | Sandy from the sand Sandy Lyle was a golfer of rare talent, but things did not look good for him as he wandered into the fairway bunker on the 72nd hole in 1988. He held a four-shot lead on the final day, but had seen it disappear as Mark Calcavecchia overhauled him.

Lyle‘s woes were summed up at the short par-3 12th hole, where he found the water and took double-bogey – and when he failed to birdie either of the par-5s on the back nine, it looked as if he had thrown his chances away. Indeed, he had to make par on the tough closing hole just to force a playoff.

But Lyle had one thing in his favour: an absolute inability to think about what might have been.

So when his errant tee shot found sand on the last hole, he calmly strolled up to it and thumped it out with a 7-iron that bounced past the hole before rolling back to six feet from the flag. The putt dropped and only then did Lyle lose his cool, with a terrible little jig. >

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 39

David Cannon/Allsport, AP/Press Association Images, Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated/ Getty Images, Andrew Redington/Getty Images, David Cannon/Allsport, Getty Images

2004 | Phil, finally

03 1986 | Jack‘s last hurrah Nobody has a record around Augusta quite like Jack Nicklaus, and it was only fitting that his final victory there should be the most memorable. Eleven years after his previous Masters win, and six after a Major of any kind (the 1980 US PGA), the 46-year-old produced a back-nine charge to get to the top of a leaderboard that had seen the likes of Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price and Tom Watson ahead of him at the start of the round. Nicklaus eagled 15 and birdied 16 and 17 en route to a 65.

Loser on the day was Ballesteros, who held a three-shot lead midway through the back nine, only to find the water at the 15th and three-putt the 17th. There wasn‘t a dry eye in the house when Jack picked up his sixth Green Jacket, though. >

40 | April 12 2013 |

David Cannon/Getty Images, Stephen Munday/Allsport

The Masters

1997 | Tiger wows the world There wasn‘t a shred of tension about the final day of the 1997 Masters. Indeed, the notion that it all happens on the back nine was a complete nonsense, as Tiger Woods had long since put the tournament to bed by then. Instead of excitement, however, there was awe. In his first major tournament as a professional, the 21-year-old Woods careered to a 12-shot victory – the biggest margin in major history – and a Masters record of 18-under 270. It was all the more remarkable given that, on the first day, Woods was 4-over through nine holes, having gone out in 40.

He somehow found his swing to play the back nine that day in 10 strokes fewer, and followed up with rounds of 66, 65 and 69 to leave the field in his wake.

02

© 2013 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The mark ‘TIGER WOODS’ and the TW Logo are trademarks of ETW Corp. and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ETW Corp. The name, likeness and other attributes of Tiger Woods reproduced on this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and/or other forms of intellectual property that are the exclusive property of ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods. PGA TOUR, TPC, and the Swinging Golfer Design are trademarks of PGA TOUR, Inc. and are used under license by Electronic Arts Inc. * “Masters”, “Masters” and Design, “Masters Tournament”, “Masters Tournament” and Design, “The Masters”, “Tournament Masters”, “Masters/Augusta USA”, “Augusta”, “Augusta National”, “Augusta National” and Design, “Augusta National Golf Club” and Design, “Amen Corner”, and the Yellow U.S. Map with Flagstick are trademarks and trade names of Augusta National, Inc. and such trademarks and trade names appear courtesy Augusta National, Inc. Kinect, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other sponsored products, company names, brand names, trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

OUT NOW

WWW.EASPORTS.COM/UK/TIGER-WOODS

The Masters

Stephen Munday/Allsport

01 42 | April 12 2013 |

1996 | Faldo jumps the Shark Everyone recalls Greg Norman‘s final-round collapse in 1996. Few people remember the majesty of Nick Faldo‘s golf that day – the most remarkable day that Augusta National has ever seen. At the start of the day, it seemed a formality that Norman, with a six-shot lead on the field, was finally going to get his hands on a Green Jacket. But, as we‘ve seen already, nothing was ever a formality for Norman – a man who was world number one (on and off) for a total of 331 weeks between 1986 and 1997 – at Augusta National. Despite his dominance in the game, he had previous for losing Majors he should have won, and capitulated here as Faldo applied the pressure. At the first sign of weakness in his opponent, Faldo, with ice coursing through his veins, realised the game was not over and, simply, Norman panicked. His 78 was difficult to watch for everyone except Faldo, who carded a 67 to turn a six-shot deficit into a five-shot win.

Simon Caney @simoncaney

02

Suddenly – faced with playing 72 holes in one day – he became The MoTivaTor, inspiring his team to superhuman efforts.

This year, just like him, we want you to be a superhero for people affected by cancer.

Your powers could even help win your team a trip to a top European course. So do something extra-ordinary for people affected by cancer and soar over to macmillan.org.uk/longestdaygolf

In partnership with

Supported by

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in england and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the isle of Man (604). MaC14055_0413

Simon had a normal life – hanging out with mates and planning holidays. Then came Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge.

The Masters

WHERE THE GREEN JACKET WILL BE WON..

12th

10th

14th

11th 13th 10th: Camellia

11th: White Dogwood

12th: Golden Bell

13th: Azalea

14th: Chinese Fir

This 495-yard par-4 starts the back nine of Augusta National, but plays shorter than the yardage because it’s severely downhill. At about 270 yards you can catch a slope down the left-hand side of the fairway, and it’ll give you an extra 50 yards of roll. From there you play a second shot that’s uphill to a narrow green, which slopes severely from back to front and right to left. One of the most difficult holes on the golf course.

The world famous ‘Amen Corner’ starts here, at the 505-yard par-4 11th. A drive to the top of the hill gives you one of the prettiest views at Augusta, looking right down at the green.

The left side of the green is guarded by water – most players will miss to the right if they’re going to miss. It was here in 1987 that Larry Mize holed from the right-hand side of the green to win the playoff with Greg Norman – a shot I’ll never forget.

One of the most famous par-3s in the world, 155 yards long to a very narrow green. The difficulty here is that the wind swirls around over Rae’s Creek. It’s seen a hole in one three times [Claude Harmon in 1947, William Hyndman in 1959 and, most recently, Curtis Strange in 1988], while four-time runner-up Tom Weiskopf once made 13 [in the first round in 1980].

Azalea is one of the prettiest par-5s in the world. It’s a short par-5, but the fairway slopes severely from right to left. If you hit a good drive and get in this area, you leave only 185 to 175 yards to the green. The green is 18 yards longer on the right side and you are hitting from the ball above your feet. It’s a great chance for an eagle, but there’s also disaster waiting for you if you don’t get it to the green.

A 440-yard par-4 dogleg from right to left, and unusual in that there‘s not a bunker on this hole anywhere. Players must draw the ball off the tee; a good drive leaves a short iron to the green, but it‘s one of the most severely sloped greens in golf. This is truly a great hole, and very difficult to get your second shot close.

44 | April 12 2013 |

Over the next three days, the back nine holes at Augusta National will play host to a compelling combination of drama, despair and, eventually, the unbridled joy of a single golfer. Here, Sky Sports analyst Butch Harmon takes a look at the most famous stretch of holes in golf

..

16th

18th

15th

17th

15th: Firethorn

16th: Redbud

17th: Nandina

18th: Holly

A 530-yard par-5. Drives have to be at the right side of the fairway because the trees stick out on the left. It’s here in 1935 that Gene Sarazen holed a 4-wood for a double-eagle two to win the Masters. Second shot plays downhill; if you can’t go for the green, you want to lay up to the left side of the fairway, which will give you a better angle to pitch to. A great par-5 on which we see eagles, birdies and all sorts.

The 16th hole is a beautiful par-3 at 170 yards, with a very demanding green sloping from right to left. We can never forget Jack Nicklaus’ great shot in 1986, when he hit it in close and made two before going on to win; nor Tiger Woods pitching in from the left side of the green in 2005.

A 440-yard uphill par-4 that features the famous Ike’s tree on the left-hand side, which President Eisenhower had the hardest time hitting it over.

There are very narrow landing areas, with most drives leaving a 150 to 165-yard second shot.

The green is guarded by a big bunker in the front, with beautiful pin placements in the back right-hand corner and up top. A wonderful par-4, and difficult to make a birdie.

The wonderful finishing hole at Augusta, a 465-yard par-4 uphill dogleg from left to right. It’s 290 yards to the front part of that bunker on the left, or 320 to carry it. A drive to the right leaves an uphill second shot about 15 yards longer than the yardage because it’s so steep.

A double-level green makes it important to get the second shot on the same level as the pin.

A fantastic finishing hole.

Images supplied by Perfect Parallel, who will be providing course graphics for Sky Sports' live coverage of the Masters

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 45

7 Days OUR PICK OF THE ACTION FROM THE SPORTING WEEK AHEAD

APR 12-APR 18 HIGHLIGHTS » Football: Premier League Preview » p48 » Rugby Union: Harlequins v Bath » p50 » Tennis: Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters » p50 » Baseball: Chicago Cubs v San Francisco Giants » p52 » World Superbikes: Round 2, Aragon » p52

SUNDAY FORMULA 1 | CHINESE GRAND PRIX | SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT | SKY SPORTS F1 AND BBC ONE 8AM

Raging Bulls It's safe to say that Mark Webber and Sebastian

shot at a place on the podium for Lewis Hamilton,

gap after a three-week break in the schedule, there

Vettel probably didn't share a cab to the airport

while at Ferrari Felipe Massa has outqualified

will be real concern for their season.

after the Malaysian Grand Prix. The German ignored

undisputed number one driver Fernando Alonso

team orders so that he could steal victory from

in the first two meetings this season.

McLaren are in danger of being shunted out of the top three in the Constructors' Championship

his Australian teammate, and although Red Bull

Rosberg was the winner in China last year, with

boss Helmut Marko insists their row is “settled”,

Mercedes' unique double DRS system dominant on

Button and co have slid the other way. Kimi

expect a sharp intake of breath from crowd and

the long straights, enabling the German to finish a

Räikkönen won the first race of the year, of course;

commentators alike should the two cars be

full 20 seconds ahead of the two McLarens in second

and Romain Grosjean seems to have matured,

anywhere near each other in China this weekend.

and third. A considerable margin, but what Jenson

collecting points (nine in total) in the first two

Button wouldn't do to be that close this time.

races, when last year he crashed out of both.

the surface in other garages, too – Nico Rosberg at

His team is struggling to put together a drivable

least followed team orders in Malaysia, sacrificing his

package, and if they haven't managed to close the

46 | April 12 2013 |

Frosty relationships off the track have always made for fascinating racing on it. Don't miss it.

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Tension between teammates is bubbling under

by Lotus, who have taken a step forwards while

WingS FOr All TASTES.

THE TASTE OF crAnbErry, limE Or bluEbErry.

THE EFFEcT OF rEd bull.

7 Days

Premier League It’s hotting up at the bottom of the league and in the northeast, where Paolo Di Canio is thrown in at the deepest of ends: a Tyne-Wear derby SUNDAY NEWCASTLE v SUNDERLAND | ST JAMES’ PARK | SKY SPORTS 1 12PM

His second game as Sunderland manager offers a

charge was having some impact upon a team

golden opportunity for Paolo Di Canio to endear

that had previously looked less than interested

late winner Newcastle have scored in their last

himself to the club’s supporters and possibly

in fighting a relegation battle.

four league games at home (and to that he can

(though this is in no way guaranteed) earn a

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will hope those

Papiss Cisse’s 96th-minute strike was the third

add Cisse’s injury-time winner against Anzhi

temporary reprieve from fielding questions about

signs were merely a result of the initial ‘bounce’

Makhachkala). But Pardew will also have been

his political leanings. That is, if they win.

period that often follows a managerial change and

relieved to see a first clean sheet for his side in the

that, by Sunday afternoon, Di Canio’s infamous

league since January, ending a run of nine games

was their ninth game without a win, and they have

temper will have left the Sunderland squad pining

in which they’ve conceded 17 goals.

emerged victorious from the Tyne-Wear derby just

for their former leader.

Sunderland’s defeat to Chelsea last weekend

once in their last 16 meetings with Newcastle

Pardew said his side’s last-minute victory

Sunderland have won once on the road this year, courtesy of a Steven Fletcher brace at Wigan. With

(although seven of those have been draws). There

against Fulham last time was “like winning the cup

their top scorer ruled out for the season, though, Di

were, however, signs in Sunderland’s performance

final”, such was his fear that the Magpies were

Canio must find another route to goal. Otherwise

at Stamford Bridge that the arrival of a new man in

being sucked into the relegation battle royale.

the Italian could be facing more awkward questions.

48 | April 12 2013 |

SATURDAY ARSENAL v NORWICH | EMIRATES STADIUM | 3PM

SATURDAY EVERTON v QPR | GOODISON PARK | 3PM

Matthew Lowton’s 87th minute wonder-volley last weekend lifted Aston Villa

Norwich are the only British side

Goodison Park was the site of

out of the relegation zone, earning it the label of the “$50m goal” from the

to boast an unbeaten record at the

QPR’s first win in the Premier

New York Times. It was also, they claimed, volleyed in “from miles outside the

Emirates. That has to change if

League since 1996, when they nailed

penalty area”, so it seems they’re no strangers to exaggeration. But Villa’s third

Arsenal are to stay in the hunt for

a 1-0 win there in 2011. In fact, the

win in four games – against a Stoke side that had only previously lost twice at

Champions League football, though.

Toffees haven’t beaten QPR in

home in the league this season – did feel like a big one. That feeling could easily

It’s three wins on the bounce for the

four meetings now, offering Harry

be extinguished this weekend, should they suffer what would be their first ever

Gunners; with Tottenham sitting out

Redknapp a glimmer of hope for a

defeat at home to Fulham in the Premier League. The previous two clashes

this weekend, they could be seven

positive result. With winnable ties

between these sides have been decided by single goals that have come in the

points ahead of their london rivals

against Stoke and Reading next up,

last 10 minutes of the game. Another tight, tense clash beckons.

by the time Spurs play again.

the R’s could yet survive. Maybe.

SATURDAY READING v LIVERPOOL | MADEJSKI STADIUM | 3PM

SATURDAY SOUTHAMPTON v WEST HAM ST MARY’S STADIUM | 3PM

SUNDAY STOKE v MANCHESTER UNITED | BRITANNIA STADIUM SKY SPORTS 1 2.05PM

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE P

W D

L

F

A

1

Man Utd

31

25 2

4

71

33

Pts 77

2

Man City

31

19 8

4

57 27

65

3

Chelsea

31

17

7

7

61

33

58

4

Tottenham

32

17

7

8

55 40

58 56

5

Arsenal

31

16 8

7

61

6

Everton

31

13 13

5

49 37

52

7

Liverpool

32

13 10 9

59 40

49

42 43

44

8

West Brom

32

13

9

Swansea

32

10 11

11

43 42

41

31

10 9 12

43 47

39

11 Southampton 32

9 10 13

46 53

37

12 West Ham

31

10 7 14

35 44

37

13 Newcastle

32

10 6 16

42 56

36

10 Fulham

5 14

34

14 Norwich

32

7 14 11

30 49

35

The Royals have conceded the first

Saints have lost just three times

Stoke have picked up just five

15 Stoke

32

7

13 12

28 39

34

goal more times than any other

since Mauricio Pochettino took

points in 2013 so far – fewer than

16 Aston Villa

32

8

9 15

35 59

33

32

7 10 15

34 45

31

team in the league this term (19) and

charge in January and, after last

any other side in the top flight.

17 Sunderland

have the worst shooting accuracy

weekend’s dismissal of Reading, are

In their fifth Premier League

18 Wigan

31

8

7 16

37 57

31

(39.8 per cent) – both of which are

almost a mid-table side. Liverpool

campaign, Tony Pulis’ side are in

19 QPR

32

4 12 16

29 52

24

major factors in their position at

and Chelsea have succumbed to

their most precarious position since

20 Reading

32

5

36 63

23

the bottom. Their opponents on

Southampton’s impressive attacking

their promotion in 2008. A point

Saturday scored a narrow 1-0 win

play since they were beaten by QPR

a game is Pulis’ target for the

over them at Anfield in October – a

at the beginning of March. But after

remainder of the season, starting

result that left then manager Brian

keeping Luis Suárez and co out at

against the champions elect. Stoke

McDermott insisting “Reading will

Anfield last weekend, Sam Allardyce

have lost only three at home this

be okay.” He’s since been sacked.

will be confident of doing the same

season, so it’s perhaps not as

And Reading aren’t okay.

at St Mary’s on Saturday.

unlikely as it sounds.

8 19

4.7%

There has been a higher proportion of own goals this term than in any other Premier League season

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 49

All pictures Getty Images

SATURDAY ASTON VILLA v FULHAM | VILLA PARK | 3PM

7 Days SATURDAY RUGBY UNION | AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: HARLEQUINS v BATH | THE STOOP | ESPN 2.15PM

Under pressure Whether it’s just the fickle state of rugby, or a sign

season in which they have admittedly already won

of the quality of player available to Warren Gatland

the LV= Cup. But three straight league defeats have

the top six and securing a Heineken Cup berth for

this summer, one fact remains – Chris Robshaw is

left Quins precariously close to dropping out of the

next year. Bath currently occupy the final spot but,

in serious danger of missing out on the Lions tour.

playoff places, and another home loss here would

with both Wasps and Exeter within two points, they

After the hammering his England team took in

allow both Gloucester and Northampton a shot at

need to take at least a losing bonus point from their

Cardiff, Robshaw (pictured, centre) has seen his club

leapfrogging the Londoners.

visit to London. Scrum half Peter Stringer has been

side lose two consecutive Premiership games and get

Robshaw needs to rally his troops quickly, and get

For the visitors, the season is all about finishing in

in fine form for the men from the West Country; he

steamrollered out of the Heineken Cup by Munster.

them back to the free-flowing game that saw them

will be happy if his current employers leave The

With three games to go in the league season, then,

blow so many sides away before Christmas. They have

Stoop with a similar result to that earned by parent

it’s time to stop the rot, and give Mr Gatland a timely

looked tired at the worst possible time of the season,

club Munster last week, although Bath have lost

reminder of what he can bring to a Lions squad.

so the England captain and the other big names –

every league game away from home in 2013. If they

Danny Care, Nick Easter, Joe Marler and Nick Evans,

are to retain their spot in the top six, now would be

to name just four – need to stand up and be counted.

a very good time to reverse that run.

After their European exit, the Premiership now represents Harlequins’ sole remaining interest in a

SUNDAY > TENNIS | MONTE-CARLO ROLEX MASTERS | MONTE CARLO COUNTRY CLUB, MONACO | SKY SPORTS 1 9.30AM

Monaco monopoly There’s only one winner here, and it’s

the court earlier this year in fine form,

usually Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard

winning tournaments in Sao Paulo and

(right) has won every singles title in

Acapulco before taking his first title on the

Monte Carlo since 2005. For a player

American hard courts since 2010 in Indian

with his injury issues, that proves he’s

Wells. Another break followed that

either a huge fan of the principality or

Californian conquest, allowing Nadal to

there’s some magic, knee-soothing balm

prepare for his favourite time of the year –

hidden in one of the luxurious yachts

when the clay courts come into play.

Either way, the locals have become

In Monte Carlo, he’ll have to contend with new world number two Andy Murray as well

used to seeing Nadal get his teeth into

as top dog Novak Djokovic, whom he

the trophy after a week of claycourt

defeated to win the title last year.

tennis in which others try – and, to a man,

With Roger Federer still ‘on a break’ until

fail – to wrest it from him. And this year

the Madrid Open in May, it is likely to fall to

they will expect more of the same.

either the Brit or the Serb to bring Nadal’s

Despite not competing for more than

Monaco monopoly – eight tournament wins

six months in a bid to heal his creaking

in a row, unbeaten in 42 consecutive

knees, the world number five returned to

matches – to an end. Good luck.

50 | April 12 2013 |

Warren Little/Getty Images, Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

lining the harbour.

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

The best place to spend your Cyclescheme vouchers

CUBE PELOTON PRO COMPACT

RETAIL VALUE

£929 SAVE

32% YOU PAY ONLY

£52.64 X 12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS TOTAL PAYMENT FOR LOWER RATE TAX PAYERS £631.72 SAVE

42% YOU PAY ONLY

£44.90 X 12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS TOTAL PAYMENT FOR HIGHER RATE TAX PAYERS £538.82

The Peloton Pro Compact places the rider in a balanced and relaxed riding position which will appeal to those who are looking for a performance bike without having to sacrifice comfort.

Take advantage of the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme and buy your new Cube bike through Cyclescheme and make huge tax savings.

Have your HR department set up the scheme today!

It is now possible to get safety equipment on the scheme without needing to buy a bike.

Ask in-store for details.

To browse the latest bikes and accessories visit

29 stores across the UK & Ireland* including 17 within London *Scheme not available in Ireland

7 Days FRIDAY BASEBALL | MLB: CHICAGO CUBS v SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS | WRIGLEY FIELD, CHICAGO | ESPN AMERICA 7.20PM

Eleven down...

... 151 games to go. The Chicago Cubs face reigning

indicators of how it could pan out. Texas Rangers’

World Series champs the San Francisco Giants

Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish was one out from

any doubters that they will be competitive in the

at Wrigley Field on Friday, and need a win to turn

throwing the 24th perfect game in Major League

American League East, winning both of their series

around their slow start to a long season. Their starting

history before the Houston Astros managed a hit,

against the Yankees and the Blue Jays.

pitcher Jeff Samardzija (pictured) will be hoping for

while RA Dickey was booed off by his own fans after

some run support from his team after striking out 13

giving up eight runs in five innings as the Blue Jays

the National League they mean business, clean-

against the Braves in just five and two-third innings.

(who traded two top prospects to sign him

sweeping the Cubs 3-0. And power hitter Justin

from the New York Mets) were trounced by the

Upton has already blasted six home runs and

Boston Red Sox.

batted .423 through the first seven games.

The 2013 season is not yet two weeks old, but it has offered drama aplenty as well as some early

Indeed, the Red Sox have already proved to

The Atlanta Braves, meanwhile, have shown

SUNDAY MOTORSPORT | WORLD SUPERBIKES ROUND 2 | ARAGON, SPAIN | BRITISH EUROSPORT 2 11AM AND 2.30PM Leon Haslam, whose Hondas scored points

Superbikes’ season-opener in Australia

but couldn’t trouble the podium in Oz.

in February, despite the retirement of

Fellow Brit Tom Sykes has dominated

last season’s champion Max Biaggi.

testing at the Motorland track in Aragon;

His Aprilia team stepped right back

he will want to translate that performance

on to the top step of the podium, with

to race pace as he continues to recover

Biaggi’s replacement Sylvain Guintoli

from a broken wrist and three broken ribs

(pictured) winning his first ever race for

sustained before the start of the season.

the team – and teammate Eugene Laverty

Elsewhere on Sunday, British Superbikes

coming in right behind him. The order was

has its own second round at Thruxton

reversed for race two at Phillip Island,

(British Eurosport 2, 1.30pm and 3.30pm),

leaving the Italian team in a powerful

with 2012 champ Shane Byrne also picking

position as the championship heads to

up where he left off: at the top.

Spain. British riders looking to improve closer to home include Johnny Rea and

52 | April 12 2013 |

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

Justin K Aller/Getty Images, Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty Images

Business as usual

Continuity was the theme at the World

EXTRA TIME Making the most of your time and money

P62 Gosling rides like lightning and crashes like thunder in The Place Beyond the Pines

Gadgets

Phone friends

Bowers & Wilkins Z2 We’ve seen plenty of iPhone speaker docks in our time, but few are as lovingly presented as the Z2 from Bowers & Wilkins.

With a Lightning connector for iPhone 5, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, it’s compatible with most modern devices, and meshes seamlessly with Apple’s AirPlay technology. Plus, its sleek design distracts quite nicely from any horrific wallpaper or lamps you might have at home. £330 | bowers-wilkins.com

Mophie Juice Pack Helium for iPhone 5

Ferrari iPhone Case

Philips InRange Bluetooth Smart Leash

You can do pretty much anything you want on a modern smartphone, from watching football on the move to... er, making phone calls. Until the battery runs out, that is. The Juice Pack case holds extra power that can be tapped into with the simple press of a button when your iPhone 5 is running low.

And you can charge the phone without having to remove the surprisingly sleek case. £70 | store.apple.com

Whether you’re looking for a case to complement your smartphone’s speed and style, or something to mask the fact it has neither, this leather number does the trick.

It’s designed for iPhones and, having tried it, we can tell you it’s a bit of a squeeze – but we just about managed to jam our Nokia 3210 in there. Let’s be honest – it’s the closest to owning a Ferrari we’re ever going to get. £68 | ferrari-store.com

If you’re forever losing your keys or your phone – or both – this might be the gadget for you. Set it up in conjunction with the free app and at the press of a button, you can locate your phone or vice versa – the app will help you find the device, and whatever you’ve attached it to. If you manage to lose both halves of this ingenious invention, however, you’re on your own. You idiot. £40 | philips-shop.co.uk

54 | April 12 2013 |

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

ET

Grooming

GENTLEMEN’S CLUB Scrub up proper dapper like the absolute cad you ruddy well are. With apologies to Rudyard Kipling...

The shave range

Triumph & Disaster Those two imposters famously name-checked by Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling lend their names to a handsome grooming range.

Sport has done the honours and picked out a selection including T&D’s Old Fashioned Shave Cream jar (£19.50 for 100ml), the same product in a tube (£18 for 90ml), and a Badger Hair shave brush (sold as part of a £120 set, with Peary & Henson aftershave, a five-blade E-Shave razor – neither are pictured here – and the aforementioned shave cream tube). It’s all designed, says T&D, to deliver a great shave with aromas of old-school medicinal notes, bright, fresh citrus tones and a hint of Turkish barber shop. All of which should evoke a sense of tradition befitting a gentleman’s morning ritual. Then yours is the earth and everything in it. And – which is more – you’ll be a man, my son. mensphere.com

The razor Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Silver Touch If you find the things you gave your life to broken, Kipling advises stooping to build ’em up with worn-out tools. We’re sure he’d also endorse Gillette’s sparkling new SilverTouch power razor, should your face be a bit ragged.

With thinner, finer low-cutting

56 | April 12 2013 |

blades, it cuts with less pull than previously – and its streamlined Snowplough comfort guard channels excess shave foam to help maintain optimal blade contact. Hit that power button and the razor delivers soothing micro-pulses, helping it move effortlessly – even poetically, one might say – across your mush. £15.49 | boots.com

The eau de toilette Givenchy: Gentlemen Only A dab of this elegant, woody fragrance will, insist Givenchy, make you part of an informal and universal circle – “a club with no name, the club of gentlemen from around the world”. Its aroma, they continue, is a mix of unapologetic masculinity, impertinence (not that – read it again) and courtesy.

But, because gentlemen also speak plainly, we can tell you this new fragrance opens with a spicy freshness – a blend of green mandarin orange, pink peppercorns, nutmeg and birch leaves – giving way to a woody trio of cedar, patchouli and vetiver. And all in a classy bluehued flask. Available April 29. £58 for 100ml | johnlewis.com

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

ET

Kit

RUN THIS TOWN Feeling inspired by next week’s London Marathon? Then get your hands on these top-of-the-range running garms, get out there and start pounding the pavements

Adidas Supernova Singlet Running’s all about looking good (kind of), so if you’ve got the guns for it (we like to think of ours more as cannons), why not show ’em off in this singlet? The lack of sleeves obviously helps keep you cool, but the material also helps wick away moisture and cool your core. If all that’s not enough, this top also boasts the official London Marathon logo, so you can look the part – even if you don’t take part in the actual race. Bonus! £25 | virginlondonmarathon.com

Asics Fuji Light

Adidas Response 1/2 Zip

Puma Running Short Sleeve

Nike Dri-fit Touch Tailwind

Includes reflective panels on the back and sides to keep you visible (it’s also available in a fluorescent yellow if you crave a more conspicuous look).

The lightweight fabric improves ventilation and ensures minimal sweating in the heat, while a UPF factor of 50+ will keep your body protected from the sun’s rays. If they ever arrive. £35 | johnlewis.com

One for the colder days, adidas’ long-sleeved top is made from ClimaWarm material that traps warm air to help insulate your skin, while allowing sweat to evaporate – meaning it ensures a comfortable run even when your core is heating up under those layers. One to wear over one of the short-sleeved options on this page, perhaps. £27 | johnlewis.com

A double-knit wicking finish and CoolCELL materials in this neat top will draw sweat away from the skin, while air-flow features throughout the top improve air circulation and help to keep you cool and dry on the warmer days. For those after a subtler option, meanwhile, there’s also a black version (with green reflective panels) available. £18 | wiggle.co.uk

Nike’s Dri-Fit range comes in six colours, from the bright (yellow and purple) to the basic (grey and black). An inconspicuous zip pocket is handy for holding a key, but it’s the Dri-Fit material – it wicks sweat away and moves it to the surface to evaporate – and the shoulder taping for increased durability that really make this top stand out. £28 | nike.com

58 | April 12 2013 |

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

LONDON DOUBLE HEADER TWICKENHAM STADIUM 7 SEPTEMBER 2013

25% OFF *

0844 847 2492

*SELECTED TICKETS ONLY

TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

60 | April 12 2013 |

hen we last met Lisa Leyland, back in September 2010, she had just finished her second season as a presenter for the Motocross World Championship. “I think I’ve found my niche in motorsport,” she said at the time. “I like Formula 1 as well, and I absolutely love MotoGP.” It would appear that television executives at Eurosport and the BBC aren’t overly sensitive to the use of italics, being that Leyland is yet to secure her dream gig of presenting the world’s foremost motorcycle championship. That’s not to say she hasn’t been busy, however – her latest role is as a presenter for the FIM Endurance World Championships, which can most easily be described as Le Mans on two wheels.

The new Endurance season gets under way with the prestigious Bol d’Or 24-hour race, at MagnyCours, next weekend. It climaxes with the even more renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans in September, taking in events in Japan and Germany along the way. “They can be very long days, but it’s great fun,” says our subject here, who can be found scouring the pit lane for news and gossip during each race, armed with cameraman, microphone and no small amount of charm. And her favourite location? “I would say Japan,” she smiles.

“The people there are all so, so friendly.”

Back in 2010, we described Ms Leyland as the natural heir to thinking man’s biker chick Suzi Perry.

“I actually co-presented the FIM Gala Awards Ceremony with her at the end of last year,” she reveals. “She’s amazing, isn’t she? And she’s done so well to get the main job doing F1 for the Beeb.”

Co-presenters they may have been, but the 28-year-old admits to not having Perry’s phone number. We’d get it if we were you, Lisa – she might come in handy one of these days.

Follow Lisa Leyland on Twitter @lisaleylandTV

W

The long game

Extra time Lisa Leyland

www.christophotographic.com

| 61

ET

Entertainment

UNEASY RIDER Intense and unsettling crime drama roars into life from the start, while New York rockers bare their souls

Film

Music

Mosquito Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Popular man-crush Ryan Gosling teams up again with Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance for this fathers-andsons epic. The start is breathtaking, with Gosling as a cocky motorcyclist, Steve McQueening his way past an adoring hick public before donning his helmet for his latest stunt. Life changes when he discovers he has a kid with a former flame (Gosling’s real-life paramour, Eva Mendes), and the biker has to decide whether to use his hard-riding skills to

Music

enter a life of crime to help provide for his baby. This brings him into conflict with Bradley Cooper’s earnest rookie cop. For the most part, this sweeping, cross-generational drama is an engaging and unpredictable watch. It’s a shame it descends into formulaic melodrama for its third act, but you can’t fault the film’s ambition. It’s not quite the small-town Goodfellas it wants to be, but the cast is terrific – with Gosling in particular burning rubber and a hole in the screen.

Out today

Book

Music

Film

Free the Universe Major Lazer

The Rosie Project Graeme Simsion

Ghost on Ghost Iron and Wine

Artists as diverse as Peaches and old Grandpa Boombastic himself, Shaggy, flock together for this album from ubiquitous dubstep DJ Diplo. It’s already given us Get Free (featuring Amber of the Dirty Projectors), the hypnotic reggae track which was one of 2012’s best singles. Let’s hope the rest is even half as catchy.

Out Monday

A cool £1.2m was the advance paid for this debut novel about a college professor who creates a detailed questionnaire to help him find the perfect woman.

Seems normal to us, but our prof has undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome. Comedy, disability and love isn’t an easy three-way, but they mix triumphantly here.

Out now

Sam Beam, aka Iron and Wine, adds some pep to his magical, indie-folk crooning on his fifth album. Why, on Grace for Saints and Ramblers, the young Mr Twit lookalike sounds positively upbeat, backed as he is by jaunty horn blasts and warm harmonies. A treat for your tapping toes as well as your ears.

Out Monday

62 | April 12 2013 |

Oblivion Space cadet Tom Cruise dons his sci-fi gear to play one of the last men stationed to scour earth in 2073, the planet having been decimated by an alien invasion 60 years earlier. However, when our hero finds a rancid old hag of a survivor (not really: it’s former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko), he starts to question all that he’s been told by his superiors.

Out today

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Place Beyond the Pines

Their lead singer has described this as “a Yeah Yeah Yeahs soul record”, but then Karen O (above) has always been one banana short of the full bunch. First single Sacrilege is given a lift by the gospel choir backing, but Mosquito is a swaggering slice of rock and roll.

Not that it quite possesses the raw punk energy of the band’s early work, but slow-burners such as Under the Earth, with its ominous thrum and Miss O’s languid vocals, more than make up for it. It’s not a soul record as Berry Gordy would recognise one, but the Yeahs have spread their wings expertly here. Still a truly awful album cover, mind.

Out Monday