The Proteas are into the Cricket World Cup’s knockout stages. The Nedbank Golf Challenge concludes at Sun City! This and more as Gary Lemke wraps up the weekend in Sports!
GONE IN 69 SECONDS AS ASPINALL DELIVERS
In our lookahead to the weekend we did say that the UFC 295 heavyweight fight for the interim title was a “don’t blink it or you’ll miss it” bout at Madison Square Garden in New York. Both Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich and England’s Tom Aspinall carry extraordinary power and the thought was that if Aspinall could ride out the early storm he would win. Pavlovich wobbled Aspinall early but then the Brit responded ferociously and ended matters with a thunderous right hand. The ref stopped the contest in 69 seconds. Even though it lasted barely over a minute it lived up to the hype.
Tom Aspinall vs Sergei Pavlovich at #UFC295 🎬🏆 pic.twitter.com/IQgHSI1OIA
— AlAudhli 𝕏 العوذلي (@AAudhli) November 12, 2023
THAT EARLY SATURDAY KICKOFF …
For those who read our EPL blog, we again highlighted the mysterious “jinx” of the early Saturday lunchtime (12.30pm UK time) kickoffs. This time it was high-flying Tottenham away to Wolves. Brennan Johnson scored in the 3rd minute for Spurs and while they weren’t at their best they held out until 90 minutes, seemingly certain of a valuable three points. Then, the Saturday early kickoff football gods came back from their lunch and intervened. Goals in the 91st and 97th minute turned the match around and Wolves went from 1-0 down when the fourth official’s board was raised, to 2-1 winners. Football, hey?
3️⃣ goals and a clean sheet = 3️⃣ important points ahead of yet another (sigh!) international break 👏🏻🔴 #LIVBRE
— Thomas M. Svendsen (@ThomasMSvendsen) November 12, 2023
Could be a cracker away against City after the break, too bad they have made it the early Saturday kickoff 🙄⤵️ #LFC pic.twitter.com/P1BavHO8ci
THAT LATE SUNDAY KICK-OFF …
There have now been 17 different results permutations in the EPL, with 1-0 being the most common, followed by 2-1 and 3-1. Sunday night’s rip-roaring classic between Chelsea and Manchester City was the first 4-4. of the season, taking the combinations to 18. Which is another indication of the unpredictability of the EPL. In total 37 goals were scored in the 10 games, an average of 3.7. The point put City back on top ahead of the International break, but it also continued a strong turnaround in Chelsea’s fortunes. They have now scored eight goals in their last two games – at Tottenham and home to the European champions and Treble winners. We’re now 12 games down in the season. That means 26 to go. Bring it on!
Team news for our late Super Sunday kick-off! 🚨
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2023
Will Nicolas Jackson continue his good form? 👀
NO SUCH THING AS A RACING CERTAINTY
If ever we needed a reminder that there are no certainties in racing, both the Equus Horse of the Year and Champion Two-Year-old Filly were beaten at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, when many punters had them as their Pick 6 bankers. Suffice to say, the defeats of Princess Calla (2nd) and Miss Geriatrix (unplaced) led to a P6 carryover, and a Bipot payout of R3 000. As always, there were a few hard luck stories, but also an eye-catching performance from Rascova, who will be aimed at the Cape Fillies Guineas, while Double Grand Slam is also one to watch in that race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
CWC CALM BEFORE THE STORM
We all knew that this past weekend’s Cricket World Cup “action” would be nothing more than a bit of activity to fill time before the semi-finals start. Pakistan’s tournament was over when they were asked to bowl against England. With England setting a target of 338, Pakistan were required to chase it down in a mathematically impossible 6.4 overs. India’s final lagu game against Netherlands was equally unimportant. All eyes now turn to the midweek semi-finals. It’s India against New Zealand and South Africa taking on Australia in yet another World Cup semi-final. These are now knockout, one-off matches. Remember Rugby’s World Cup. The Springboks beat France, England and New Zealand by one point over successive weekends to win the trophy. One run or one wicket will do the job for the Proteas.
Confirmed!! Proteas will face Australia in the World Cup semi finals pic.twitter.com/YBoj00CeXo
— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) November 7, 2023
HOMA TAKE HOME ‘AFRICA’S MAJOR’
We’re getting so used to seeing a headline ‘Max Wins Again,’ but this one isn’t F1-related, so please read on. There are now six Americans and four European golfers in the world’s top 10 rankings, but Europe are still Ryder Cup kings. However, Max Homa pulled one back for the US when he was never headed in winning ‘Africa’s Major’, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, at Sun City, the first American to do so in 17 years. He fired rounds of 66, 68, 69, 66 for a 19-under total of 269, four ahead of Dane Nicolai Hojgaard. Homa’s consistency was evident all week and he was the only player to shoot under 70 in all four rounds, while only he and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Thomas, who finished fourth, each fired two 66’s, which was the lowest round of the week, achieved 10 times. Homa turns 34 next week, he’s risen to No7 in the world and he’ll be back, hopefully, at Sun City to defend his title. The popular visitor will be welcomed with open arms.
Max Homa wins @AfricasMajor and clinches his first international victory! 🏆pic.twitter.com/tuXAbPbWFN
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) November 12, 2023
