Formula One Spanish GP Preview

Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Catalunya, Sunday 13th May

For the first time since 1983, we have witnessed four different winners from four separate races, also being from four different constructors.  This season could have the potential to be the most exciting 20 races in a long time. Button, Alonso, Rosberg and Vettel have all been victors, and with Vettel and Red Bull topping both championships, the scene is set for a showdown in Barcelona.

The Players Championship Preview

The Players Championship, 10th - 13th May, TPC Sawgrass 

This weekend the “5th Major” tees off in Florida when the Players Championship arrives at TPC Sawgrass. For those of you who are unaware of how massive this tournament is, think about this: the top 50 players in the world have come to compete for the highest prize in any tournament in golf. If that’s not motivation to win then I don’t know what is. The course is a par 72 measuring 7, 215 yards in length and I’m sure most of you are familiar with the 17th, commonly referred to as Island Green. In 2007 50 balls went in the water here, which is pretty amazing considering these are the top players in the world. The nature of the tournament makes it pretty hard to back anyone but the best, but we’ll try find some value for you. 

Super Rugby Week 12 Preview

Week 11 was a terrible week of rugby for me. I only nailed 2 of my 7 picks, though they were pretty ambitious. This week I feel invigorated, renewed, restored. Although my wallet is exceptionally lighter, a punter always has a bad week with a good one waiting around the corner. Week 12 of the Super Rugby campaign features some good value and some good matches. The Brumbies are lucky enough to have a bye this week while the other fourteen franchises jostle for position as the Inbound Tours approach. Let's see what they have in store for us...  

English Premier League Week 38 Preview

The final day of the season has always been a bittersweet day for me, probably more bitter than sweet. That of course has much to do with my allegiances to Liverpool, but also the fact that for the next 3 months I will be without my fix of Premier League football. People will try console me with mentions of Euro 2012, but it’s just not the same is it. There is a silver lining though, the sweet if I may. That of course is the juicy final day we have in store for us. With all games kicking off simultaneously, there is no more drama filled day in the English calendar. With everything still to play for throughout the table, you better find yourself a comfortable seat, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Roll on Sunday.

Madeira Islands Open Preview

Madeira Islands Open, 10th - 13th May, Santo de Serra 

The European Tour finally heads to Europe this weekend following tournaments in Asia, Australasia and South Africa. Unfortunately attention is drawn away from this as The Players Championship is on at the same time, but there is still value to be found here this weekend so don’t ignore this one completely. The Santo de Serra Golf Club is a par 72 course standing at 6, 825 yards in length and is said to be one of the more scenic courses on Tour. Traditionally the tournament has allowed lower ranked players a decent chance of success and we’re hoping that there will be some good money to be made on the places here.

Atletico Madrid vs Atheltic Bilbao Europa League Final

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao, Europa League, Wednesday 9th May, 20:45

They’ve changed the name numerous times, reshuffled the format to include some teams of Champions League caliber, yet still the Europa League has failed to capture the public’s imagination, let alone their attention. Where the Champions League, gets prime-time viewing on a Saturday evening, the Europa League final is shoved into a midweek timeslot, 4 days before the end of the season. No one really cares who wins or loses, and most don’t even know who is competing, but that won’t stop us from trying to make some money off it.

IPL: A Cruel Mistress

''It's high, it's handsome..."

It’s been no secret, my feelings towards the IPL and the phenomenon that is T20 cricket, as a brand and as a format. Over the past few weeks I have considered writing numerous opinion pieces, ranting and raving like that most terrible of drunks; the cornering type who never actually listens to a damn word you have to say in reply to their withering tales of the world. The deep-pocketed BCCI and their commercial agendas, the absurdly long-winded schedule and the not-so-charming catch phrases, all topics of derision. It would have been nothing you hadn’t already heard before, the same as the drunk, bending your ear about her husband who left her. Nevertheless, I planted myself in front of the bar time and time again, and asked for Supersport 2. At heart I am simply a lover of the game, and T20’s (no matter how shallow a format), satisfy a hunger during a lull in the calendar year. Although part of my job is to have an opinion on matters regarding cricket, first and foremost, I am here to make you money. So, the hate rant goes back to the drawing board and instead, I present an In-Running analysis for the punters.