Imagine the world of sports as a canyon. I'm the bridge that leads you across it.
Several athletes have been making a splash "down under". In the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the finals to win the first major of the year in five sets. The match was the longest championship match in grand slam history at 5:53 minutes long. This was Djokovic's third consecutive final victory when facing Nadal. Nadal beat Roger Federer, and Djokovic beat Andy Murray to reach the final. On the women's side, Victoria Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 to take the title. Both Azarenka and Djokovic rose to #1 in their respective World Rankings.
When you think of Australian sports, rugby, soccer, cricket, and tennis come to mind. Not basketball. Matthew Dellavedova strives to change that perception. The 6-4 190lb shooting guard from Maryborough, Australia has led the St. Mary's Gaels to a well deserved #16 ranking, averaging 15.5 points and 6.4 assists per game. The Gaels have won their last 12 games, and are 22-2 overall, leading the West Coast Conference.
For the first week this year, we have some news on the links. This probably coincides with the return of Tiger Woods to action, playing in the Abu Dhabi HSBC World Golf Championship. Tiger finished tied for 3rd, two shots behind champion Robert Rock of England. Tiger went into the final round tied for the lead with Rock, who held his nerve down the stretch, making clutch shots to lock up the victory. On the PGA Tour, the Farmers Insurance Open looked to be all over going into the final hole at Torrey Pines. Kyle Stanley had lead the whole round, and looked to have it in the bag, as he walked down the 18th fairway with a three shot lead. Stanley proceeded to hit a wedge into the water, and three putt to make an 8 on the par 5 18th. This 8 put him in a sudden death playoff with Brandt Snedeker, who didn't think that there was any chance that he would be in a playoff. Snedeker made the most of his opportunity, winning on the second playoff hole with a miraculous up-and-down, while Stanley three putted to hand the victory to Snedeker.
This weekend might be the best sports weekend all year. That's because of the Super Bowl, the greatest football game of the year, is here. Not only the Super Bowl, but the commercials that come with it. Look for Budweiser to win this year with the ever-popular Clydesdale's. But on to the matchup. Patriots versus Giants in Indianapolis. You can't get much better than this. My prediction: Patriots 31 Giants 24. Tom Brady takes over the game in the 4th quarter, with several key connections to Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker. Look for the Patriots defense to step up, and for the most part, contain Eli Manning, forcing the Giants to rely on the running game. However the outcome, it will be a phenomenal matchup.
The Super Bowl is here, but sadly that means football is almost gone. With signing day completed, we will have to rely on basketball for some excitement, and I am sure that it will supply. 'Til next time.
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