May 2008 Archives
GOLF
As sure as night follows day Nick Faldo has been plodding along in the world of golf in a top-flight career which stretches back well over three decades.
But now the European Ryder Cup captain, aged 50, says he will not compete in this year's Open at Royal Birkdale.
It is the first time since he failed to qualify as an amateur in 1975 that the three-times former champion will not play in the tournament.
Faldo has left the door open for a future appearance at the tournament, but said he preferred to concentrate on his Ryder Cup duties this year.
"I will play The Open again, but this year I need to concentrate," he said.
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After a dramatic season Manchester United finally lifted the Premier League trophy aloft on Sunday narrowly seeing off the challenge of plucky Chelsea. There were tears in Reading, Birmingham and Derby as the three sides dropped into the Coca-Cola Championship. GRAHAM CLIFFORD looks back on each sides performance in 2007/8 and issues them with the grade he thinks suits them best:
1. Manchester United:
Love him or hate him the achievement of Alex Ferguson in winning his tenth Premiership title is simply outsianding. This season the addition of Tevez, Nani, Hargreaves and Anderson strengthened an already strong side. It goes without saying that Ronaldo was simply amazing and after scoring 31 times from midfield in the Premiership this season he deserves all the accolades that he gets. At the back Ferdinand and Vidic stood out while Evra was once again a massive weapon in Fergie's armory.Stuttered in the closing stages but worthy Champions - GRADE : A-
He was one of Manchester United's most loyal servants but on Sunday at the JJB stadium Steve Bruce can deny his previous club this season's Premiership title.
Should that happen Red Devils supporters will quickly review their thoughts on the 'Rock'.
Should Manchester United defeat Wigan then the Premiership will be theres.
However if they were to draw or lose and Chelsea defeated Bolton then the Premiership trophy would be heading to West London.
Steve Bruce has rejected any suggestion that his side might not give their all in the crucial game saying " Everybody knows me better than that. What am I going to say to the team? Just roll over and let Man United win? That's not going to happen. Make no mistake, we'll be trying our utmost."
Under Bruce the Latics have drawn with Liverpool at Anfield, drawn at home to the Gunners, and held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in April so a suprise may be on the cards though it's unlikley.
Bruce played for Manchester United from 1987 to 1996 playing 309 times and scoring 36 times. However if he hands the league to Chelsea his halo at Old Trafford will be well and truly tarnished.
