Woods 10/1 to stick it to WIlliams

Australian Open, Co-Sanctioned, 10-13 November, Sydney

A great field tees off at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney this week but focus seems to have been drawn away from that by the Australian media. Rather, the much talked about Steve Williams/Tiger Woods issue is on everyone’s lips and let’s face it that does not come as a surprise. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about last week Tiger’s former caddie made some seriously interesting (read racist) comments about the former superstar. The result is that organisers are now concerned that Williams will try assault Woods and have split the initial grouping of Woods and Scott up in an attempt to avoid an unspeakable injury to Tiger which would see him struggle to walk, let alone play golf. All drama aside though, let’s find some winners.

Vegas 60/1 for shock Singapore victory

Barclays Singapore Open, Co-Sanctioned, 10-13 November, Singapore

This week the Singapore Open sees a massive field of close on 200 players tee off in a tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. The dual course event is played on the fairly well known Serapong course as well as a recently redone Tanjong course and, as is often the case in such events, hitting greens in regulation is a must for anyone looking to be competing for top spot on Sunday. Who has it in them to perform such a feat? Let’s try and find out.

England 3/1 attempt life without Rooney

England vs Spain, Saturday 12th November, 19:15, Wembley

With all the leagues starting to hot up, we turn our attention to the international break. The European countries are gearing up for the all important Euro tournament set to take place next year in Poland and Ukraine. This weekend sees to giants of world football go head to head as both managers look to make their final selections for the tournament.

Bafana 11/5 look to put AFCON humiliation behind them

South Africa vs Ivory Coast, Saturday 12th November, 15:15, Mandela Bay Stadium

Bafana Bafana's efforts to restore their pride following their embarrassing failure to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will be put to test when they face Ivory Coast this weekend. Bafana will face Ivory Coast in the 17th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge to be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Australia 2/1 to Make a Quick Start

South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, 9th-13th November, Newlands

The stage is finally set for the world-class showdown that this short test series will no doubt prove to be. There being only two test matches between these two teams feels a bit like the ICC is taking from the already pauper pockets of test cricket, and giving to the already swelling pockets of Indian T20 cricket, in the form of the Champions League, and even the extended calendar of the IPL. However, I am not here to talk finance and the state of the game. This only holds relevance because of the state that it leaves the South African team, light on first-class action and time in the middle. The Australians have only played one more test series than the South Africans (who have played none yet in 2011), but many of their players have had time out in the middle at first-class level in the Sheffield Shield. The focus for South African players has been solely limited-overs cricket this whole year, and this may prove to be the difference between the two teams when they battle it out at Newlands on this week.

Australia 3/1 to triumph, smugness intact.

South Africa vs Australia Series Preview

Throughout sporting history there have been many bitter rivalries that spark a nervous anticipation deep down within our beer-filled bellies. These rivalries are steeped in sporting history, recalling intensely fought matches that invariably involve drama, blood, sweat, tears and incredible feats of sporting prowess. A test series between the Proteas and the Aussies is no different. Cast your minds back to a time when South Africa had just been promoted back into international cricket, post-Apartheid. A bowler by the name of Fanie De Villiers stunned the world by taking 6 for 43 in an innings where Australia needed only a measly 117 to win. His comment after the game said it all, "You know South Africans, we never give up".