Who will be Kings of Europe?

Saturday 4th February sees the start of the 2012 Six Nations. Italy and France kick off the competition in Paris on Saturday afternoon with last years upset by the Italians very much on the French minds. England then go to Scotland before Wales and Ireland meet on Sunday. After a mixed display at the World Cup for the home nations teams, the Six Nations will give each side the chance to step forward and show the world what they are all about. For once there will be no clear favourite, leaving the door open for any of the teams to stamp their authority on the competition. Can England repeat last years victory, or will the French prove too strong, or will the Welsh get the results their play deserves?

World Ranking: 3

Coach: Philippe Saint-Andre

Captain: Thierry Dusautoir 

The French come into the tournament as slight favourites, which comes from their ability in reaching the World Cup Final last year. The French were unlucky not to beat the All Blacks in the final, but were lucky to get there in the first place. After some particularly shoddy and lacklustre displays in the group stages, the French got their act together in the quarter-final victory over the English. Their attacking brilliance pretty much ended the game as a contest within the first twenty minutes. But then the French got lucky again in the semi-finals after a nervous scrappy winning over a fourteen man Welsh team. Some would say the French didn't deserve their place in the final, but having got there, the French will come into the Six Nations full of confidence. 

The World Cup also saw Thierry Dusautoir step forward as a great leader of the French team. Despite the clear issues between management and players, Dusautoir was able to lead his team by example through his own fabulous displays. The French will come into the tournament with an established back line after they came of age at the World Cup. Clerc, Medard, Yachvili and the evergreen Rougerie will surely by certainties for a starting place. The pack is also an experienced unit which will allow for new coach Philippe Saint-Andre to bring in some fresh blood. Exciting wing, Wesley Fofana looks like he will be given the opportunity to shine during this tournament. Saint-Andre will have to choose between Trinh-Duc and Parra for the number 10 jersey, but this experienced French side will have a good chance of going for the grand slam if they can consistently perform. With home games against England and Ireland, the trip to Cardiff on the final week of the Six Nations should prove to be the toughest challenge to the French this year.

Predicted Finish: 1st

World Ranking: 5

Coach: Stuart Lancaster

Captain: Chris Robshaw

England will be a completely unknown entity in the Six Nations this year. After a massively disappointing World Cup, England brought in the whole sale changes. The old guard was pushed out, and even the inspirational World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson was ousted from his position as coach. England brought in Stuart Lancaster as interim coach, and appointed Chris Robshaw, a veteran of one cap, as captain. Nine of the squad chosen by Lancaster and his staff are debutants meaning that England will have a very fresh, inexperienced team. Who knows whether the young talent can gel straight away and provide a winning formula. Obviously England are looking beyond the Six Nations with this squad, which could mean that results could be hard to come by. 

There is no doubt however that there is plenty of talent in this England squad. Foden and Ashton remain from the World Cup, and with Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt in midfield, England have a potentially explosive back line. Palmer, Croft and Wood will all look to shine, as they have the experience at this level, but look out for number 8 Ben Morgan to make a big impact. England will obviously hope to beat the Scots and the Italians, but a tough trip to France will prove a difficult challenge. Home games to Wales and Ireland will determine how successful this Six Nations campaign will be.

Predicted Finish: 4th

World Ranking: 6

Coach: Declan Kidney

Captain: Paul O'Connell

Without talismanic leader Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland will have a challenge on their hands this Six Nations. Obviously Paul O'Connell is the first choice to replace O'Driscoll as he is a natural leader, and is also captain of Munster. However, the usually tight knit back line now has a gaping hole in it. No-one can fill the boots of BOD, and it seems Keith Earls will be given the responsibility of doing so. The other talking point will be that Johnny Sexton seems to have made the fly half position his own over long term inhabitant, Ronan O'Gara. O'Gara will still provide plenty of impetus from the bench. The experience that runs through the whole team will give Ireland an excellent chance of winning the Six Nations. Excuses will no longer be tolerated for this Irish team. 

The Irish will undoubtedly still be bitter after their exit at the World Cup at the hands of the Welsh. Payback will be on the mind as the Irish welcome the Welsh to the Aviva Stadium in week one. However, the Welsh are a confident bunch, and will provide a tough opposition. The visit to Paris in week two will be a massive game which will determine whether Ireland can mount a challenge at the Six Nations crown. And of course the Irish record at Twickenham is abysmal, but with England going through a redevelopment process, Ireland will be confident of victory.

Predicted Finish: 3rd

World Ranking: 8

Coach: Warren Gatland

Captain: Sam Warburton

It is hard to pick a problem with the Welsh team. Their display at the World Cup was nothing short of marvellous, and they showed they were the ultimate professionals. After a tough time in the years leading up to the World Cup, everything came together when it mattered. The Welsh can count themselves very unfortunate not to reach the World Cup Final after a brave performance against the French in the semi-finals.    Much of that team remains for this Six Nations. The obvious exception being the now retired legend that is Shane Williams. Williams has left Wales in a great position, and they should be considered as serious contenders for the crown. 

Rhys Priestland proved to be a revelation at the World Cup, and George North developed into a real talent throughout the tournament. Young Sam Warburton also showed that he can lead his nation whilst playing at the height of his abilities. Jamie Roberts is still one of the most underrated players on the world stage, and number 8 Toby Faletau has all the talent a back rower needs. Even though the Welsh lost to Australia in the Autumn, they should come into this tournament with plenty of belief. Croke Park and Twickenham will be a tough test for Wales, but with all their other games at home, the Welsh have a real chance.

Predicted Finish: 2nd

World Ranking: 10

Coach: Andy Robinson

Captain: Ross Ford

Scotland are always a difficult one to predict. They are extremely inconsistent, however one thing remains constant, Scotland can't score tries. The Scottish came so close to turning a disappointing World Cup campaign into a very successful one. Two narrow losses against the English and Argentina broke Scottish hearts. Scotland though have an established team which will look to try and fulfil the potential that it has shown over the last couple of years. The Lamont brothers remain Scotland's creative outlet, but a reliable fly half is what Scotland is crying out for. Dan Parks can be great, but he can be distinctly average the next day. The Scottish arguably boast the best front row, and with Richie Gray, Alasdair Strokosch and new sensation  David Denton, Scotland also boast an extremely talented and able group of forwards.

Scotland however never seem to get a run of wins together. They are more than capable of an upset, particularly against the English in week one at Murrayfield, but their inability to score tries will cripple them when it counts most. Tough trips to Wales and Ireland will make it difficult for the Scots to get many positive results this year. Home games against England and France will also be a big ask for the Scots, but the biggest game will come against the Italians in Rome. The trip to Italy takes place in the last week, and once again could ultimately decide the wooden spoon. Scotland could do well, but inconsistency will prove costly.  

Predicted Finish: 5th

World Ranking: 12

Coach: Jacques Brunel

Captain: Sergio Parisse

Italy had a mixed 2011 Six Nations. The World Cup was once again fruitless for the Azzurri as they failed to get out of the group stage again. Granted, their performances were much better than in previous attempts, but after another seemingly poor Six Nations, a superb victory over the French in Rome brought some joy for the Italians long suffering fans. Italy have never been able to kick on from any sort of decent performances. Sergio Parisse continues to be Italy's outstanding player and he will no doubt be the X-factor in this Italian team. New coach Jacques Brunel will bring his own touch to the team, so expect a few new faces for the upcoming tournament.

Don't expect the Italians to receive too many hammering's, but at the same time don't expect too many shocks. Victory at home to Scotland will be Italy's best chance of victory. Trips to France, Ireland and Wales will surely be too much for this new Italian team, but if England don't beat Scotland in week one, Italy will have a good chance of an upset in Rome in week two. Italy's sole objective will be to avoid yet another wooden spoon.

Predicted Finish: 6th

History Not Made

Arguably the greatest game in world football was supposed to bring a sense of accomplished history to the game. The truth though is that history was not made. Not even close. This was supposed to be the game where both sets of teams and supporters put the incidents of the 15th October 2011 to rest. The reality was much different. After the now famous game on the 15th October where both teams played out for a 1-1 draw, the talking point was not about the football that had been played. Instead the accusations that Liverpool player Luis Suarez racially abused Patrics Evra over shadowed the game. As we know, Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing Evra and was handed down an eight game ban. This meant Suarez was still banned for the game between Liverpool and Man Utd at Anfield last Saturday.

All eyes were on both sets of fans and players.

Before the FA Cup clash on the 28th January, there was a lot of hype after the incident between the two clubs. However, before the game both clubs acted extremely professionally and both managers called for calm amongst their respective supporters. In fact before Saturday's game, Anfield's stadium announcer warned fans against racist and homophobic behaviour. The fact that Suarez wasn't playing would have been another helpful factor in hoping for a peaceful match. Evra was chosen as captain for the game as Sir Alex Ferguson sent a statement of his intent, and also showed his faith in his left-back ahead of the match. Games between Utd and Liverpool are always passionate and tough affairs, and this one was to be no different. Both sets of fans packed into the ground with seemingly little trouble between the two sets of fans. 

The game itself was a tight affair, but was full of absorbing football. Utd hit the post early on after a mazy run  by Antonio Valencia, but it was Liverpool that broke the deadline. A corner in front of the away fans was beautifully delivered by Steven Gerrard into a melee of players, with Andy Carroll being the main instigator. Utd keeper David de Gea came to get the ball, but in truth he got no where near it. Instead Liverpool centre back Daniel Agger had the easiest of head ins from six yards. 

After that it was all Utd, as they pressed and harried for an equaliser. Having had almost twenty minutes of constant pressure, Utd's effort finally came off six minutes before half time. After some great work by Rafael done the right flank, and some equally poor defending by Jose Enrique, Rafael pulled the back to a free Park Ji Sung who riffled the ball into the back of the net.

Kuyt nets the winner in the FA Cup clash last Saturday.

With the scores level at the start of the second half, Martin Skrtel had to divert Danny Welbeck's effort with the goal gaping in front of him. Liverpool's chance of winning the game seemed to be reliant on de Gea making another mistake. The young Spaniard made a hash of a few more routine saves giving the Liverpool team a lot of confidence, whilst at the same time sapping confidence from his defenders. With time running out, Pepe Reina went route one up the field where he found the head of Andy Carroll who flicked on to Dirk Kuyt, who buried the ball past de Gea and gave Liverpool a famous win. Dalglish and the Liverpool fans and players were left to celebrate progression in the cup, whilst Ferguson and Utd were left wondering how they didn't come away with anything.

Evra was subjected to constant booing throughout the game.

The game and result were a credit to football and certainly both sets of players handled themselves professionally as the rest of the footballing world watched on. But the game wasn't without incident. Patrice Evra was constantly jeered and booed throughout the game. It was hoped that this wouldn't be the case. After the game Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said that it was great to see a 'bit of banter' between the two sets of fans. Banter yes, but constant booing of Evra was unacceptable and completely unnecessary. It also came to light that a fan had been arrested after an alleged racist gesture was made during the game. In fact seventeen people were ejected from the stadium during the game and a further two men were arrested, but the reason for their arrests were not given.

This all served to highlight that problems in football do exist, and there are still trouble makers who are tarnishing the reputation of football. Obviously the Suarez incident has brought this to light, but the FA, UEFA, and FIFA have a lot of work to do to stamp out footballs ongoing problems. Racism, homophobia, sectarianism, and general abuse should not be tolerated at football games. It is absolutely unnecessary for these things to take place, as it spoils the beautiful game of football. The FA has set a precedence with the eight game ban of Suarez, and fans have received life time bans for their inappropriate actions, but more is still needed if these problems are to be rooted out of the game. Time will tell how serious footballs governing bodies are about tackling these issues. By know means is the Evra-Suarez an isolated incident, but hopefully it will have served as a spark to bring about action at the very top of the footballing hierarchy. 

One of the Greats?

Emerson (left) and Laver (right) are two legends of tennis.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Rod Laver... all these men are legends of the game of tennis. They will all be remembered for their greatness and success in major championships. Now a new name can be added to that list. Novak Djokovic's display at the Australian Open has surely convinced any doubters that he is one of the all time greats. The amazing thing is that Djokovic is still only 24 and has plenty more time to add to his five major championships. Yes he is still no where near Roger Federer and Pete Sampras' major haul, but time is on Djokovic's side. The scary thing at the moment is that the Serb is only getting better. In the open era, only eleven people have secured more grand slams than Novak Djokovic. This is quite a biased figure as Rod Laver won six majors before the open era began, and Ken Rosewall won four of his eight before the end of the amateur era. By not including the amateur era, legends such as Bill Tilden (10 time major winner), Fred Perry (8), and Roy Emerson (12) would not get a mention. In fact there are many more from the amateur era who have secured more than five grand slams. In fact, 26 people have won more than five major championships since records began. However, only seven men in history have secured more than eight majors. So if Djokovic wants true legendary status, he has a few more to win.

Two of the greatest, Federer and Sampras.

The truth is though that the amateur era is no longer really considered when talking in terms of modern legends. So Djokovic is in modern day terms, one of the top 15 players of all time if one was to talk in terms of major championships. The list of players in front of him though is a great one. By no means is Djokovic the best player of all time, he is not even close, but the reality is that he has the potential to be up there. Federer and Sampras are still regarded as the greatest of all time. No one has a record that can be compared to these two, Federer has sixteen major championships and Sampras has fourteen. So what gives people the right to mention Djokovic in the same sentence as the likes of Sampras, Federer, Nadal, Borg, and Lendl? Well Djokovic has the fourth highest earnings in terms of prize money of all time, the only people in front of him are Federer, Nadal and Sampras. In 2011 Djokovic became only the sixth player of all time to win three majors in a calendar year. On top of that, Djokovic's winning percentage certain puts himself up there with the greats. But what adds to Djokovic's cause is that he is setting records at a time when he is playing against two of the other best players of all time. Even though Djokovic has an overall losing record in head-to-heads to both Federer and Nadal, a different picture is painted in these records since 2009. Since Djokovic has developed into a great player his head-to-heads against both Nadal and Federer have significantly improved. In the last eleven meetings between Djokovic and Federer, Djokovic holds a 6-5 record, and in Djokovic's last eleven meetings with Nadal, Djokovic has won nine of them.

Djokovic won possibly the greatest ever final this year.

2011 also contributed to Djokovic's status as an all time great. Pete Sampras suggested that Djokovic's 2011 season was one of the greatest he had ever seen. Novak 'Nole' Djokovic won 43 games in a row at the start of the season as he claimed the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Djokovic also claimed a record five masters series 1000 titles in 2011 and finished the season as the undisputed world number one. Nole lost just six games all year. But 2012 already stands out as a significant step forward in Djokovic's short career. The year may only be a month old, but Djokovic's victory at the Australian Open will have cast fear into the hearts and minds of his closest rivals. The Serb's supreme performances throughout the tournament were a pleasure and a marvel to watch. If there was always one chink in the Djokovic armour, it was that he didn't have the mental or physical toughness in tight long games. The 2012 Australian Open disproved the theory. From the jaws of defeat Djokovic beat Murray over five sets in a semi final lasting nearly five hours. Two days later, Djokovic faced a well rested Nadal in the final. Even though Djokovic had won their previous five meetings, it seemed that fatigue would play a big factor in the match. This seemed even more so after Nadal took the first set in a gruelling one hour and twenty minutes. Yet two magnificent sets of tennis later, and Nole was a set away from his third Aussie Open. But then, as Nadal does, the Spaniard fought with all his might to take the fourth set on a tie-break sending the game into a deciding set. Before the final set had even begun, the game was the longest final in Australian Open history. Surely Djokovic had nothing left in the tank. Nadal took the early break in the fifth leaving Djokovic seemingly down and out. The old Djokovic certainly would have crumbled at this point, but not this determined machine. Djokovic clawed his way back into the match with a break in the seventh game before getting another break in the eleventh game. After facing a break point on his own serve, Djokovic served out for his greatest victory yet in a match that lasted five hours and fifty three minutes.

Djokovic has had the upper hand in recent meetings with Nadal 

However, if Djokovic wants to truly be considered one of the greats, he certainly has to add to his five grand slam titles, there is no question in that. But there is also something else Djokovic needs, the French Open. Victory at Rolland Garros still eludes the Serb, but this won't be an easy title to win. Djokovic has proved supreme on hard courts and grass, but Nadal stands in Djokovic's way as he is the joint most successful player at the French Open in the modern era. The Spaniard along with Bjorn Borg has won six titles, and only Federer has stopped Nadal from winning in Paris since 2005. Only three men in the modern era have won the career grand slam. Andre Agassi was the first to complete it with Federer and Nadal following this century. Winning the French Open will certainly set apart Djokovic from a lot of the other greats, not even pistol Pete Sampras could win the career grand slam.

So Djokovic still has a way to go to be the best player ever, but if he continues to play the way he has, it won't be long until he is right up there. The French Open is the next hurdle for Djokovic to overcome but Nole now has the awe factor that was Federer's a few seasons ago. Federer and Nadal will always be there to try to prevent the Serbian from achieving greatness, along with a resurgent Andy Murray, which means Djokovic has a tough ride in store. But Djokovic's new found attitude, physical and mental strength puts him in a potentially untouchable position. There is no question that tennis is experiencing one of its greatest ever eras.

The Year Of The Northern Irish? Again...

Graeme McDowell holds aloft the US Open trophy. 

What a year 2011 was for the Northern Irish in the golfing world. 2010 had been an exceptional year as Graeme McDowell won the US Open and also scored the winning point for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Graeme McDowell ended 2010 as world number six, and 21 year old sensation Rory McIlroy finished the year tenth. McIlroy only missed out on his first major when he missed a putt on the final hole at the PGA Championship to miss out on a play-off by one shot. So all in all, a very successful year. 2011 though would be even better. Unfortunately for McDowell, he could not repeat the highs of 2010 as his form and ranking dipped over the year. He missed three cuts out of the four majors, which highlighted his poor year. For Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke however, the year was a much different story. The latter would have had little expectations coming into the year. 2010 had seen Darren Clarke finish runner up twice, and he had only managed to finish in the top ten four times all year.

Darren Clarke kisses the Claret Jug.

2011 started pretty averagely for Clarke as he had a few top twenties here and there, but it wasn't until the middle of May when Clarke won the Iberdrola Open in Mallorca that his year started to look up. This seemed like a false hope as Clarke couldn't finish in the top 40 in any of next five events. But then, as we know, at the Open Championship at Royal St George's Clarke's life changed forever. His life long goal of winning a major championship was finally a realisation. It was young amateur Tom Lewis who stole the show on the first day of the major, but with an opening 68, Clarke had positioned himself nicely in the upper end of the pack. A second consecutive 68 saw Clarke have a share of the lead with American Lucas Glover. Suddenly Clarke was being talked about as a potential winner, but the pressure of a home major championship had defeated so many before him, and it was seen as more of a wish then a great probability. However, at the end of day 3, Clarke remained at the top of the leaderboard with a one shot lead over Dustin Johnson. Darren Clarke would go into the last day of a major championship in the final pairing. Pressure? What pressure? Clarke seemed oblivious to the hype and possible outcomes, he was focused on one thing, and that was to play the way he always plays. And whilst everyone else around failed, he held strong to secure himself the Open title by three shots. A thoroughly deserved victory, and a massively popular one too. After all Clarke had been through with the death of his late wife, no-one could begrudge Clarke his victory.

McIlroy hugs his father after winning his first major. 

McIlroy and majors have always proved an interesting combination. The first time we saw McIlory unleashing his undoubted talent was at the 2009 PGA Championship at at Hazeltine. McIlroy played consistently well as he finished tied for third at -3. 2010 was the nearly year for McIroy. Firstly at the Open at St Andrew's, McIlroy shot an opening round 63 which was a course record. As we know, McIlroy imploded in the second round as he shot an 80, cancelling out his fantastic first round. After a third round 69, McIlroy recorded a final round 68 to finish tied for third at -8. Then at the 2010 PGA Championship, McIlroy again finished third as three great rounds put McIlroy in with a real chance to win his first major. However, after a nervy final round 72 McIlroy missed the play-off by one shot after a missed 15-foot birdie putt on the final whole. 2011 was then widely expected to bring success for young McIlroy. The first major of the year, The Masters at Augusta looked like it would be McIlroy's first taste of major success. McIlroy hit a superb 65 on day one to take a share of the lead. He followed this up with a 69, to leave him top of the leaderboard by two shots. Two shots had extended to four by the end of day three. Surely it was now just a formality for McIlroy. A formality it was not. McIlroy for the second time in a major imploded. A front nine 37 was enough to keep him in the lead, but he followed the front nine with a back nine 43. McIlroy ended up ten shots off the lead. Would McIlroy ever have the bottle to win a major. The answer would come at the very next major. At the 2011 US Open at Congressional McIlroy finally met his destiny. McIlroy once again held a first round lead after a round of 65. A second round 66 gave McIlroy a six shot lead over his nearest rival Y.E. Yang. After a third round 68, the lead was up to eight shots. Surely not even McIlroy could throw away this led. And so it proved, McIlroy put his demons to rest as he won the tournament by eight shots after a final round 69. McIlroy was a major champion, but in doing it McIlroy had set a number of major records, including being only the third person ever to shoot four rounds below 70.

So now we are in 2012, what does the year hold for the Northern Irish stars? Firstly Darren Clarke. Clarke's results since his Open triumph have been poor at best. It is no secret that Clarke has struggled for motivation since his greatest ever win. His form has also dipped considerably, and it will be a tough ask for Clarke to come anywhere the success of 2011. If Clarke is to achieve anything this year then he will have to work incredibly hard and will undoubtedly look to the 2012 Open as his chance of success. The other incentive for Clarke will be the fact that 2012 is a Ryder Cup year. Clarke has had much success in the past with the Ryder Cup, and hopefully the motivation of competing for a fifth Ryder Cup victory will be enough to spur him on for the year ahead.

2012 could bring more success for Northern Ireland.

For Graeme McDowell 2012 could be another big year. After a modest 2011, G-Mac will be looking to get back to his very best form. McDowell finished 2011 13th in the world rankings, having dropped from 6th at the end of 2010. The pressure of being US Open was clearly a burden  for the Portrush born star. McDowell struggled all 2011 with the pressure of expectation. But with the eyes firmly focussed on fellow star Rory McIlroy, McDowell can go about his game the way he wants. Just like Darren Clarke, McDowell has fond memories of the Ryder Cup, not least his winning performance in 2010. This in itself will provide a big incentive for McDowell. But McDowell will know that with young talent emerging, majors are rare prizes. With McDowell still at his prime, 2012 is a realistic chance for more major silverware.

And what about young McIlroy. At 22 McIlroy's future is still in front of him, and it will still be a few years until we see the very best of this prestigious talent. 2011 was an important year for Rory as he finally got his first major. 2012 could be even more successful. Not to harp on about it, but the Ryder Cup will be a big motivation for McIlroy, and with America proving to be his happy hunting ground, the Masters, the US Open, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup will be McIlroy's target for the year ahead. The other motivation for McIlroy will be Luke Donald's world number one spot. McIlroy is the most naturally talented golfer in the world's top ten at the moment, but consistency will be key to McIlroy becoming world number one. 2012 has already started well with a runner-up finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in his first start of the season. Confidence is seemingly not an issue for the young man and now he knows he can win majors, 2012 could be McIlroy's most successful year yet. We know McIlroy wants to surpass Tiger, and majors are what matter, so every opportunity to get one must be taken.

Kaymer, Donald and Westwood
will all be a threat in 2012.

The only thing standing in the way of more Northern Irish dominance is some other reasonably good golfers. For example, world number one Luke Donald. Donald had a fantastic 2011, even though it was without a major, Donald was named PGA Tour player of the year and won the money lists on both the PGA and European Tours. Then there's Lee Westwood. Westwood is desperate for major success. The Worksop wonder has tasted success at tour level and has been so close to a major, but his first one still eludes him. There is a resurgent Sergio Garcia to contend with. Garcia has finally learnt to putt which makes him a dangerous player. Again Sergio is one of those who has come so close to major success but has always fallen just short. A play-off defeat against Padraig Harrington in 2007 signals his closest effort yet. Martin Kaymer is another who will look to threaten this year. The former world number one had a largely disappointing 2011, but will look to bounce back in 2012. Then there is the Jason Day. Like Donald, a very consistent player, and like Westwood, one who has come very close to winning a major but has fallen just short. The Australian will look to get his maiden major after a decent display in the three American majors last year.

Woods and Johnson will both be hoping
for a successful year in 2012.

Then we come to the American challenge. Dustin Johnson is another close major winner who has the game to win but has fallen at the last hurdle so far. The world number 9 enjoys the long courses and showed that he can play in even the toughest conditions after his runner up display at the Open last year. Keegan Bradley and Bill Haas will be two more who will seek to have a strong 2012. Both men will be high on confidence after their strong finish to 2011. Bradley has the added advantage of securing his first major in his first full season on the tour. Haas' tour championship victory over the best players in the world will stand him in good stead for the coming season. Phil Mickelson is another who knows how to win. Lefty had a hugely disappointing 2011 with only his performance at Royal St George's worth talking about. Mickelson though is always a threat, but doubts remain whether he is past his best and whether he can consistently put four good rounds together. And so that leaves us with a certain Mr Woods. After a tumultuous last couple of years Woods is looking to recapture form and fitness to continue his charge at Jack Nicklaus' record of eighteen major victories. After a seemingly hopeless 2011, Woods has started 2012 just the way he wanted. His third place at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship suggests he still has the game to beat the best in the world. There will be few excuses for Woods this year, provided he remains fit and healthy. Tiger is back inside the world's top 20, and with only one Ryder Cup victory to his name, Woods will want 2012 to be a comeback year of epic proportions.

Only time will tell if 2012 will be another great year for Northern Irish golf. It is certainly one they can look forward to, but with the talent that is on show on the world stage, and major victory will be a massive achievement for this small nation. There is no reason why 2012 can't be a great year, but the last seven majors have all had first time winners, so the mould will need to be broken for the Northern Irish to celebrate.

  

Worst Performance in History?

Misbah-Ul-Haq hitting a six in his score of 84.

As England crash to an embarrassing defeat in the second test of their three match tour against Pakistan, questions about England's title as world number one are on everyone's lips. How can the world's number one team lose so comprehensively against what on the face of it is a pretty ordinary team? Not only did they lose the game, and in doing so lose the series, they lost it in dramatic fashion. After three days of enticing cricket, day four was always going to be crucial in the outcome of this game.

On day one, Pakistan had one the toss and decided to bat. Pakistan made a solid start to their innings right up until Graeme Swann simply bowled Taufeeq Umar for 16. From then on England were in the ascendency as Broad took a couple of wickets early after the lunch interval to leave Pakistan 103/4. And even though Jimmy Anderson dropped a catch just before the tea interval, England were still on top. The dropped catch proved crucial however as Misbah-Ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq but on a partnership of over 100. Swann eventually got the break through as he trapped Shafiq lbw in front of off stump, not before England had dropped another catch. After yet another dropped catch, Broad had Akmal dismissed leg before for just 9. Misbah passed 50, but England had the last laughed as the magnificent Swann bowled the helpless Abdur Rehman for 0. So at the close of play, England had the upper hand with Pakistan 256/7.

Stuart Broad got the crucial wicket of Misbah-ul-Haq.

Day two started fantastically for England as Broad got rid of the dangerous Misbah and Jimmy Anderson took the remaining two Pakistan wickets leaving Pakistan to go from 256/7 over night, to 257 all out. England had been sloppy in the field with their dropped catches but Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann bowled superbly to give England a fighting chance. Now it was down to the batsman's turn. England's innings started slowly as captain Strauss departed early after nicking an inside edge to short leg. But Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott put England in command after their stand of 139. Trott was eventually undone by the spin of Abdul Rehmann. Still, at 166/2 England were in the perfect position. Cue the traditional England middle order batting collapse. After Cook was dismissed 94, Pietersen became the fourth victim of the innings after what can only be described as a poor shot. And with seemingly the day over with England in a handy position, Eoin Morgan fell with the final delivery of the day leaving England 207/5.

With England sitting in a half decent position on 207/5 at the start of day three, it was imperative that England got off to a good start. A good start was not what England got. After two dropped catches very early on in the day, Matt Prior was out after some great spin bowling by Saeed Ajmal. With England still 30 runs behind Pakistan's total, it was down to Bell and Broad to help get England into a healthy position. With England twelve ahead of Pakistan's total, Bell was trapped lbw by Umar Gul leaving England's long tail exposed. However Stuart Broad defied the Pakistan bowlers before the rest of the tail gave way. Eventually England were all out for 327, Broad finishing on 58 not out.

With Pakistan trailing by 70 at the start of their second innings, England needed a few early wickets. Three wickets went down before tea as Pakistan fell to 54/3, still trailing England by 16 runs. The final session on day three seemed to hold the key to the rest of the match, and so it proved. England started the session well dismissing Misbah for 12 as Pakistan were still scoreless after the interval. But then Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq took the game away from England. The pair frustrated the England attack as they put on a partnership of 70 to leave Pakistan 55 runs ahead at the end of day three.

Rehman celebrates taking another English wicket.

Pakistan needed runs, England needed wickets day four was set nicely. England got the better start as they got the first wicket of the day. However Pakistan kept chipping away and even though all the England bowlers contributed to the dismissing of Pakistan, Pakistan had accrued 214 runs to leave England chasing 145. Panesar the star of the bowling attack as he finished with figures of 6/62. A small target for England to chase, but on an ever turning pitch, 145 was always going to be a challenging total to reach. And so it proved as Cook, Bell, Pietersen and Morgan all disappeared back into the dressing room with England on 37/4. After this early flurry of wickets, England seemed to have a partnership going in Strauss and Prior. However, the England captain was then trapped at the back on his stumps leaving a sick Jonathan Trott to take up the mantle. Trott lasted all of eleven balls before he took the lonely walk back. With England 68/7, it was always going to be a tough ask. But England managed just four, yes four, more runs before Pakistan wrapped up victory. England woeful, Pakistan impressive, and Abdul Rehman magnificent as he took seven of England's second innings wickets.

Panesar takes his first of his seven wickets in the second test.

So was this defeat the worst performance in England's history? In many ways yes, but in reality, no. England's batting in the second innings was atrocious and not the way the best team in the world should be performing. It was an embarrassing batting display that left many questions about England's ability to bat in the subcontinent. Despite the clear horror show that was England's second innings, there were plenty of positives to take from this performance. In both innings, England bowled well. Swann, Broad and Panesar particularly stood as England limited Pakistan to under 300 in both innings. On top of that, England's first innings score was at least half challenging. Cook and Broad scored most of the runs, but the middle order collapse in both innings will give coach Andy Flower a headache ahead of the third and final test. But what England will take heart from is that they put themselves in a position to win. After a 10 wicket defeat in the first test, this game showed a significant improvement by England. Yes they didn't make the most of their winning opportunity, but England will have to take the positives from this game if they want a chance of winning the third test. But take nothing away from Pakistan who played extremely professionally, and were thoroughly deserving of their victory. Misbah played the perfect captains role in the field and with the bat. Ajmal and Rehman were also mightily impressive with the ball. If Pakistan play like this in the next test, a whitewash seems likely.