SA Surfers Shine in Oz

South African surfers shone in the Aloha Hornet contest at Curl Curl in Sydney, Australia.

Beyrick de Vries (U14) and Chad du Toit (U16) both won their heats convincingly to get through to the quarter finals on Thursday.

Contest organizers remarked on the quality of the surfers from South Africa who competed against surfers from different countries in the highly competitive competition which is the last competition in Australia in 2006.

“I am chuffed - I only arrived yesterday in Australia and went into the surf a little unprepared, but I got into the groove quite early to take the heat” said du Toit.

The Aloha attracts the cream of Australian surfers as well as a number of surfers from countries like Hawaii, Tahiti, Reunion, NZ, Japan, Australia and others from the Pacific Rim.

“I cracked a second place in the Rip Curl Gromsearch in Gold Coast, Australia earlier this month” said Beyrick de Vries from Umhlanga.

“I really believe that us South Africans can show the Aussies a thing or two – so far Chad and I have won our heats and there are people like Jordy Smith who still have to surf their heats. We are flying the South African flag high so far and I think we can do a lot more in the next couple of days” said de Vries in Sydney earlier today.

Other South African surfers in town, with Jordy (2006 WORLD CHAMPION), are Steven Friedman, SA National Surfer Klee Strachan, 2005 SA Champ Rory Beach, SA National Surfer Rudy Palmboom Jnr, 2005 ASP Champion Brandon Jackson, and with this crop of surfers South Africa is bound to bring home a good amount of silverware!

HOGGARD MAKES LIGHT OF STOLEN ENGLAND PLANS

Matthew Hoggard was able to see the lighter side of it, but England team management has launched an investigation into how team plans fell into the hands of an Australian media outlet.

In another blow for the embattled tourists, copies of England's bowling plans for the Australian batsmen were apparently emailed to ABC Radio during the second day of the fourth Ashes Test here Wednesday and were subsequently broadcast during the station's cricket coverage.

England team management said it was unclear whether the plans had been removed from their rooms, or had been inadvertently left somewhere and found by a member of the public, although the ABC claimed the latter.

England media manager Andrew Walpole confirmed an investigation into the source of the leak was underway, but a cheeky Hoggard was more blunt.

"We've got seven plans up in the changing rooms and one of them has ended up in the opposition media's hands and someone has leaked the document," Hoggard said after Wednesday's play.

"We are continuing our investigations, and when we find him we are stringing him up by his ding dang doos."

The plans are prepared by England team analyst Mark Garaway as part of a video presentation on each Australian batsman which England study before the start of each Test.

They are then posted in the dressing rooms.

The plan recommended that the English play on Matthew Hayden's ego by trying to stop him scoring with "dot balls".

Hoggard said it appeared the plans that were forwarded to the radio station had been photocopied from the original.

"It is very disappointing that you've got a document that is personal and private in your changing rooms and unfortunately someone has leaked it and taken it out of there," he said.

"We've got detailed plan of how we want to get each batsman out.

"Unfortunately someone has taken a picture or photocopy and given it to the Australians."

Hoggard said it was disappointing that the incident occurred, given the presence of three full-time security staff that work with the team.

"You'd think the security in international cricket was tighter than that," he said.

Walpole said team security was being reviewed as part of the investigation.

"We don't know whether the document was taken from the dressing room or another part of the ground -- we are trying to establish that," Walpole said.

"We are talking to the ICC security manager and we are also talking to Cricket Australia and they are disappointed with it like we are."

Hoggard joked that England's finest detectives were on the case.

"Sherlock Holmes ... Inspector Morse, Miss Marple," he said.

Asked if the English were plotting to gain some revenge by getting their hands on Australia's plans, Hoggard had a dry response.

"Yeah, but it won't help us."

What F1 Drivers want for Christmas

They all must have included a Formula One drive on their Christmas wish-list at some point. But now they have what thousands of others dream about, what do the Formula One drivers hope to find under their tree this Christmas?

Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault:
"I do not believe in Santa, but my kids do, so I must stick with the tradition. I would like Santa to give me the best Formula One car in 2007, I'll do the rest!"

David Coulthard, Red Bull:
"That Michael (Schumacher) doesn't change his mind and return to racing!"

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari:
"My wish for my Christmas stocking, or rather, in this case, parked in my garage, would be a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorana."

Ralf Schumacher, Toyota:
"Of course, I hope the best for Toyota and our team but even more important for me is my family - Cora and my five year old son, David. He is now starting school and I want to spend as much time as I can to be with him and help him to develop into a strong personality."

Jenson Button, Honda:
"I've got everything I want. I have my whole family joining me for Christmas and spending time with family and friends is all I need. You can't ask Santa for a podium or a win. You've got to do that yourself."

Jarno Trulli, Toyota:
"My Christmas wish is for my family and the people around me to be fine. If they are happy and healthy, then I am happy, I don't wish for anything more than that."

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber:
"For me Christmas this year was in August. So I don’t have any wishes left now."

Rubens Barichello, Honda:
"A very fast car for 2007 and maintaining our good level of reliability from 2006."

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Toro Rosso:
"My wish from the stocky man in red velvet? To see very soon my new baby - meaning the STR2!"

Franck Montagny, test driver, Toyota:
"My Christmas wish is for Toyota to win a race in 2007. I will join the team in January and I am pleased to be joining an ambitious team. They have set themselves a goal of eventually winning races and fighting for the championship so my wish is for them to be successful in that as soon as possible."

Alexander Wurz, Williams:
"I have two wish lists, one from Santa and one from the team. From the team, lots of downforce with low drag, than the rest comes automatically. From Santa, new climbing shoes and that Santa changes his schedule so he comes a bit later than now, because it’s not funny if the kids jump on you at 6am..."

Sebastian Vettel, BMW Sauber:
"I wish that all in my family are well. I don’t have any special or material wishes - I already have everything that I ever wanted: a great team and a fast car."

Scot Speed, Toro Rosso:
"I wish the SRT2 will kick a....!!"

Christian Klien, test driver, Honda:
"It’s a quite intensive list so I hope that Santa doesn’t mind. My first wish goes to my family and friends - that they all stay well. The second wish goes to my team - that 2007 will be the best year for Honda and that I can contribute to pushing them forward. The third one is for me, that health and success stick with me. "

Mark Webber, Red Bull:
"I’m looking forward to find a K1 Kajak under the Christmas tree...."

Nico Rosberg, Williams:
“To be honest I can't think of anything materialistic so I just hope that maybe you could give us a little support that we can have a great time and that my family are healthy and happy."

IT'S ONLY LOGICAL, GERMANY WOULD HAVE WON WORLD CUP WITH ME: KAHN

Former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, relegated to the bench during the 2006 World Cup, insisted Friday it was only logical that they would have been world champions if he had been in goal.

With Jens Lehmann in goal hosts Germany finished third in the competition after being knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions Italy.

But 37-year-old Kahn believes that logically he should have been first choice keeper.

"I'm not criticising what Jens Lehmann did, but with me Germany would have been world champions," Kahn, 37, told weekly magazine Stern.

"I'm convinced of it because the way my career has evolved points in that direction," said Kahn, who retired from the national side after sealing the bronze medal with a 3-1 win over Portugal.

"In 1994 with Karlsruhe I reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup - two years later I won this trophy with Bayern Munich," he explained.

"In 1999, I lost the Champions League final in the harshest circumstances (losing 2-1 to Manchester United in stoppage time) before winning this competition two years later.

"Finally I lost the 2002 World Cup final (against Brazil).

"This logic, and I really believe in the law of series, should have continued at the 2006 World Cup," said Kahn.

Kahn, who is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2008, said that he had tried to explain his theory to World Cup coach Jurgen Klinsmann before the competition but "he didn't understand or didn't want to understand".

"I told him 'I don't understand why you won't admit that I'm right'," he added.

Germany previously won the World Cup in 1974 and 1990.

More 2010 troubles in Cape Town

A war of words broke out yesterday between Cape Town mayor Hellen Zille and Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool over the proposed Green Point 2010 stadium.

An angry Rasool earlier in the day called on Zille to summon an urgent council meeting to rectify what he said was an error threatening the already-fragile construction timetable for the R2.5bn project.

He told journalists that instead of itself giving formal consent for the building of the stadium, the council had incorrectly referred the decision to provincial planning MEC Tasneem Essop.

Last week chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee Irvin Khoza warned that if construction did not start in January, Cape Town could kiss its World Cup semi-final goodbye.

We will miss you Shane

Daryl Cullinan says, "Cheers."

Thanks for making spin bowling cool again.

Dusi fills up after heavy rains

Participants in the Hansa Powerade Dusi 2007 received an early Christmas present this last weekend. As storms lashed Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas, the Dusi river filled up dramatically threatening to burst its banks in places.

“There were a number of paddlers down there this last weekend and they say they had fantastic river conditions – probably a little high” said Cameron Mackenzie, chairman of the organizers.

“These are the rains that we have been waiting for, this will ensure that the traditional third day of the Dusi will have lots of water spilling between now and the race which starts on January 18” said Mackenzie.

Although entries have closed, organizers are still taking late entries subject to a late entry fee until just before the race. Entry forms are available from the official web site www.dusi.org.za

“I will stick my neck out now and say that I am confident that we will have a record entry.

“The Dusi office has been overrun with people who have seen the water and want to paddle the Dusi. This is great news for the region as it means that we will attract even more people to the Zulu Kingdom than we have ever had before” said Mackenzie.

Estimates by independent agencies are that the Hansa Powerade Dusi attracts over R30 million to the local economy during the four days that visitors are in the region.

The Hansa Powerade Dusi starts in Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg on January 18 and finishes at Blue Lagoon in Durban on January 20.

Ernie Els and his 3 year plan

Ernie Els has laid out a three-year battle plan to challenge Tiger Woods as world number one.

Buoyed by his triumph at the South African Open on Sunday, a victory that allowed Els to maintain his record of winning at least once a year since 1991, he said his sights were now firmly set on his American rival.

"I see 2007 as the start of a three-year plan where I totally re-dedicate myself to the game," the South African told his official Web site. "I want to win more majors and start giving Tiger a run for his money.

"If you look at where he is at the top of the rankings, it's a big lead so no one is going to get near him any time soon. I've got to give myself a three-year stretch to try to approach him and I really believe I can do it."

Woods has 20.41 ranking points and a huge advantage over countryman Jim Furyk (8.88) in second place. Els is fifth on 6.05.

Three-times major champion Els said he was in better physical shape than he had been for a long time.

"I'm fitter than I have been since I came out of the army," said the 37-year-old.

"My knee is strong and the important thing is I trust it, I really trust it. That means I can swing the club the way I want to, without feeling I have to protect it in any way.

"I can really start moving forwards now and concentrating on my goals."

Els's game was hampered for a long time after he injured his knee on a family sailing holiday in the Mediterranean last year.

"I'm a very happy man," he said. "Since I returned to competitive golf just over 12 months ago, after injuring my knee following the 2005 British Open in July, I've basically been playing patch-up golf.

"As hard as I tried, it just wasn't happening for me. It was frustrating.

"The South African Open was my last chance to set the record straight. Now I've done that the relief is immense."

Over Priced Wanderers

For the 1st time in years and for the 1st time in his life, my son and I head off to a test match. Not all of it, mind you, just the morning session of the 4th day of the 1st test between South Africa and India in Johannesburg. Remember, please, that South Africa are fighting a lost cause. Five wickets down, needing 300-odd. And this is after making just 84 in thier 1st innings a couple of days ago.

After parking my car very very far away from the ground; although I must say that it wasn't as far as it could have been as there weren't many people going to watch the cricket on that day; we walked down to the stadium. No que for tickets and I asked the lady if I could just walk in. Surely there would be no charge for us. After all, South Africa needed all of the support they could get. Also, the Wanderers is massively sponsored by LIberty Life and Highveld et al.

"Nope." Said the lovely lady behind the ticket desk, "Full price today."

I couldn't believe my ears. If we were lucky, we would have seen more than one session and as it tunred out, we saw exactly one. I asked about my five year old son, surely he wouldn't pay full price? But he would. Full price for a third of a cricket day.

How is this allowed? Who makes these things up? Why are they still in charge? No wonder the Wanderers is in trouble and no wonder there is hardly anyone at the gound during a test match. Shame on you.

MAJOLA AND KALLIS MEET ON ANTHEM

Cricket South Africa's CEO, Gerald Majola and Proteas Vice-Captain, Jacques Kallis, have met to discuss the issue surrounding the singing of the national anthem.

Majola said in a statement issued today: "Jacques has explained why he is silent during the singing of the anthem before international matches and his explanation is completely acceptable to Cricket South Africa.

"Jacques recently lost both his parents, and he was particularly close to his father who was his cricket mentor. They would often sing the anthem together, and his father was very proud of his son playing for South Africa.

"Jacques told me that he sings the anthem in his heart in a quiet moment in remembrance of his parents and in gratitude for what they did to allow him to be good enough to represent his country.

"He has great respect for the anthem and cherishes every moment he has represented South Africa around the world.

"All the Proteas' players understand the importance of the anthem, and they each pay tribute in their own way during the playing of the national anthem at international matches."

Jacques Kallis said in a statement: "The questioning of my patriotism and commitment to South Africa can easily be answered by visiting my website www.kallis.co.za and seeing the Jacques Kallis Scholarship Foundation I have set up and this will clearly illustrate my passion and willingness to redress the imbalances of the past.

"I hope my personal and family wishes would be respected and this matter would be settled."

HARRIS IN TEST SQUAD, MORKEL ON STANDBY

Titans and Warwickshire spin bowler Paul Harris has been called up to the national cricket team, and Titans all-rounder Morne Morkel has been placed on standby for the injured Dale Steyn.

Convenor of the national selection committee Haroon Lorgat said after South Africa's 123 run defeat by India in the first Castle Lager Test at the Wanderers on Monday that Paul Harris had been called up to replace Nicky Boje, who retired from international cricket two days before the Test.

"We announced the squad for all three Test matches, but Nicky Boje announced his retirement so we had to look for a replacement spinner," said Lorgat. "We decided on Paul Harris after Claude Henderson let us know he was not available. Also, what we've done is to ask Morne Morkel to be on standby in case Dale Steyn or Andrew Hall are not fully fit, because I do have a preference for playing 100 per cent fully fit players. Jacques Rudolph and Paul Adams, who were released to play for their franchises, will also rejoin the squad in Durban."

Morkel will also join the squad in Durban. "We prefer to have standby players with us than somewhere on the beach," explained Lorgat.

Lorgat said he was saddened by Boje's decision to retire. Newspaper reports indicated that Boje made his decision because he was unhappy about comments made by Lorgat that South Africa did not have a match-winning spin bowler.

ôIÆm deeply saddened," said Lorgat. "It's not in my character to make statements to get people to react in that fashion and it's pretty unfortunate. It's not what I intended. I thought I was just speaking facts, that we do not have a spinner that has changed the course of a Test match. I had a long talk to Nicky before I said that, but I have not had the opportunity to talk to him since then."

Lorgat said the decision to include the unorthodox Paul Adams into the squad had been part of a long-term plan to develop South Africa's spin bowling capabilities. "He is the 15th name on the list; Nicky was always our first option.

"Paul Adams is our only wrist spinner with any record. I have no doubt that he's got a long way to go before he can make the eleven, but it's a process we're going through to develop our spin bowling options. And part of that process was to get him back into the franchise squad, and luckily, they took our cue, and played him. It's a long term option for us, and we'll have to make a call at some stage."

Lorgat said the selectors were very concerned about the failure of the opening pair of Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs.

"We're going to have to talk hard about our options for the top order," he said.

But Lorgat reaffirmed his confidence in the team and their ability to bounce back from their defeat.

"I don't think this a Test they'll look back on with great pride. I think they didn't apply themselves, but I am confident that they will come back and turn us around."

Responding to criticism that senior players had not been able to get some first class practice by playing for their franchises between the one-day internationals and the first Test, Lorgat said that given the same circumstances, he would have done the same thing.

Proteas squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Jacques Kallis (vice capt), Paul Adams, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Paul Harris, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel (standby)

CRICKETS 438 GAME TO BE REPLAYED ON DEC 24

The complete video recording of the most amazing cricket match ever played will be broadcast on SuperSport 2 on Christmas Eve.

Every one of the 872 runs scored and every ball bowled in what has become known as The 438 Game will be shown in a December 24 replay of more than eight hours, starting at 11:00.

The match, in which South Africa scored 438 runs to beat Australia by one wicket in a one-day international in Johannesburg, produced a list of unbelievable records.

Played on March 12 at the Wanderers, the contest produced memorable centuries by Ricky Ponting and Herschelle Gibbs. The spectators and television viewers in many countries saw 87 fours and 26 sixes.

Australia made an "ungettable" 434/4 off their 50 overs, becoming the first team to score more than 400 runs in an ODI. South Africa replied with 438/9, winning with one ball to spare.

Ponting hit 13 fours and nine sixes as he made 164 off 105 balls. Then SA captain Graeme Smith hammered 90 off 55 balls (13 fours and two sixes) and Gibbs played the innings of his life - 175 from 111 balls, with 21 fours and seven sixes.

The Goose is the MAN!

What is better than an eagle on the golf course? Shooting an eagle after shooting an 11 on the same hole the day before....

Our very own Retief Goosen did a 'Gericke' on the 17th hole at Humewood yesterday and hit a few balls into the rough and then played the wrong ball and did what every golfer has nightmares about. THEN the officials found out what he did and charged him even more shots.

Today, the Goose EAGLES the same hole. That's the way you do it, boys.

ALONSO TESTS WITH MCLAREN FOR FIRST TIME

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso made his McLaren debut on Friday with a surprise drive on the final day of winter testing at Jerez.

Sporting a plain white helmet and overalls, the 26-year-old Spaniard completed several laps in an unbranded MP4-21 at the 4.42-kilometer (2.748-mile) circuit.

"I have a strong relationship with the Renault F1 Team and I would like to thank Flavio (Briatore) and Renault, who have agreed to my request to test one day with my new team," Alonso said.

McLaren had previously asked Renault to release the defending champion from his contract, which runs to Dec. 31.

"Fernando asked me to test one day with his new team to acclimatize himself to the car," Briatore said. "We enjoy a very good relationship and considering his work and his fabulous achievements these past two years with the double world titles in 2005 and 2006, we decided to give him this opportunity"

Alonso is scheduled to test with McLaren at the Cheste circuit in Valencia from Jan. 14-16.

SMS, Video and Cricket. It's a hatrick.

Here is someting fun if you hve NOTHING to do while the cricket is on. You can even do it at the ground. What have you got to lose but R3.

Thats right direct on your phone! From the 15th of December you will be able to receive Howzit Cricket directly on your mobile phone. It’s a series of fun, behind the scenes interviews with the Proteas. If you want to subscribe and be in the loop, simply SMS "cricket" to 35970.(SMS charged at R3)
You will receive a movie download of the latest Howzit Cricket Mobisode - (it should take you about 90 seconds to download.)

The series has been developed by former International Cricketer Neil Johnson and well known journalist Neil Manthorp and is produced together with the South African Cricketers Association and Cricket South Africa.


How to download:
1.SMS 'cricket to 35970
2.Wait for the response – this will be a WAP link and look something like this http/www.operatelecom/content/4949503
3.Click on the link, a GPRS connection will be established and your download will start.
4. Your phone will probably save the download in your gallery – click on the download and watch it.

BECKHAM FAILS TO MAKE FERGUSON'S FIVE AS "WORLD CLASS" MAN UNITED PLAYERS

Alex Ferguson named five "world class" players he coached during his 20 years at Manchester United.

And David Beckham wasn't among them.

Asked for the list for a club history published this week, Ferguson came up with goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, winger Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane.

While he added that current winger Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to join the list and that Paul Scholes was a possibility, Beckham didn't get a mention.

That could have as much to do with the pair's personality clash as anything else.

Former England captain Beckham helped United win nine league and cup trophies, including the 1999 Champions League, and looked on Ferguson as a strong influence on his 12-year spell at Old Trafford.

However, the pair fell out.

Ferguson was once so angry after a defeat that he kicked a soccer boot in the changing room and it hit Beckham above the eye, opening a deep cut. He sold him to Real Madrid in 2003.

Ferguson also overlooked Ruud van Nistelrooy, Mark Hughes and, surprisingly, Bryan Robson, who played almost 400 games for the club and was at Old Trafford for the start of United's run of eight league titles in 11 seasons.

"In my time I've been blessed with several world class players," Ferguson said. "Schmeichel was certainly one, Giggs for me, definitely. Cantona could have been even better, but for the parts of him you had to control. Wayne Rooney, that's four.

"Then there's Roy Keane - that's five. Then there's an argument for Paul Scholes, the cleverest midfielder we've ever had."

While he didn't include Ronaldo on his list, he had little doubt the Portugal winger will one day join the ranks of the club's elite.

"He's playing in the hardest position in football, out wide, and never refuses to take the ball and attack players," Ferguson said. "He's two-footed, he's brave and, once his decision making improves, he'll be world class without question.

"To work with such people has been an absolute pleasure. It's fulfilled every aspiration."

Ferguson has won 19 trophies at Manchester United and his team currently leads the Premier League by five points from champion Chelsea. United has also reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

Other United stars who have had standout spells playing for him during that time include Gary Neville, Dennis Irwin, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Nicky Butt, Jaap Stam, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunner Solskjaer.

But there have been some disasters too, notably France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan and France defender Laurent Blanc.

WESTWOOD SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT AT SAA OPEN

English professional Lee Westwood took time out from his preparations for the SAA Open to conduct a clinic for players from the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) at Humewood this week. The clinic was supported by SAA, who are also sponsors of the SAGDB.

The clinic was an opportunity for the SAGDB youngsters to meet a top professional and learn from the experience Westwood has gained during his impressive career.

SAGDB manager for Eastern Province, John Bailey, said that Westwood interacted well with the kids and demonstrated a number of different techniques to show how important it is to be able to play different kinds of shots on the golf course.

"The most important thing for the kids was them seeing first hand what a pro does and how he goes about doing it," Bailey said. "It was great, and they enjoyed it."

"They also asked a lot of questions," Bailey added, "and Lee spoke about things like education as well, so the kids can understand what it entails to become a pro one day. Lee spoke about the commitment and dedication, but most importantly going out and enjoying the game."

SOUTH AFRICAN JUNIOR TEAM FOR PORTUGAL 2007

The Board of Directors of Surfing South Africa have announced the South African Junior team which will compete in the 2007 ISA World Junior Championships in Costa Da Caparika, Portugal from May 6 to 14 next year.

The Under 18 Boys team is made up of 2006 SA Under 18 Champion Kyle Lane (KZN), 2006 national junior team captain Klee Skei Strachan (KZN), current Under 16 national champion Chad Du Toit and 2005 SA Junior team member

Lungani Memani (Border).

SA Under 18 champion Nikita Robb (Border) heads up the Under 18 Girls group which includes Chantelle Rautenbach (Boland), WP Surfer of the Year Tarryn Chudleigh (WP) and former national Under 14 champion, Tanika Hoffman (WP),

who is the only new cap in this group.

The four surfers who represent South Africa in the Under 16 division in Portugal are 2006 ISA World Championship bronze medal winner Shaun Joubert (Southern Cape), SA Under 16 bronze medalist Brendan Gibbens (WP), new cap

Nicky Godfrey (Southern Cape) and another Under 16 finalist Matthew Bromley (WP).

The team will be coached by Howard Gold (Boland) and Tasha Mentasti (KZN) and Bernice Hutchison (Zululand) is the team manager.

Bongani Xulu of Salt Rock in KZN has been nominated by Surfing South Africa as one of the international judges for the ISA World Junior Championships.

Mail from a fan

Every now and again, I get a mail from peope who have strong opions about what is going on with the 2010 World Cup. Today's mail comes from Tina...

Hi Jon

I'm on my pet subject again! Although there appears to be a distinct lack of urgency in getting started with the stadia, the new super-duper, state-of-the-art SAFA House is nearly finished. I'm glad to see that SAFA/FIFA have their priorities in order!

I was horrified to hear that schools and houses have been/are being demolished to make way for the new stadium in Nelspruit. Since when is a soccer stadium more important than schools and homes?

I understand that temporary classrooms are being erected (and they will probably still be temporary in 2010 and beyond) but the evicted residents do not seem to know what will happen to them. You probably don't remember, but one of my earliest e-mails to you when we were awarded 2010 was my concern that everything would be sacrificed to the extravaganza and SAFA's ego and I am afraid this is only the beginning.

So, that is what Tina thinks. I must admit that I didn't know about the moving of a school and houses. But as long as we have soccer, everything will be FINE!!!

How much is SA Cricket Worth?

The Sri Lankan board (SLC) has filed a claim in court for almost US$ 12 million against an insurance company following the cancellation of the one-day tri-series between Sri Lanka, South Africa and India in August.

On August 14, less than two hours prior to the start of the first match of the tournament, there was a bomb blast in Colombo which killed four Army personnel and four civilians. Shortly afterwards, the South Africans decided to return home, citing security issues as the reason for their decision.

SLC had an insurance policy with Ceylinco Insurance Company Limited which covered it for "loss of revenue that may result from the cancellation and abandonment of the limited-over tournament due to riot and strike, civil commotion and terrorism". The amount of the claim equates to the income lost from the sale of TV rights to Taj Television Limited.

However, although the South Africans withdrew, India and Sri Lanka did try to continue with a one-day tournament but two matches were washed out and the whole event was shelved soon after.

The matter has now reached the Western Province Court as the insurance company has declined the claim.

Golfer Stacy Bregman turns pro

South African golfer Stacy Bregman is flying high. The Joburg-based 20-year-old has recently earned her Ladies European Tour card, placing third at the tour school in Spain. Bregman competed against 92 players from 25 countries for just 25 allocated playing cards. This career-changing milestone comes hot on her October 2006 triumph which saw her compete as an integral part of the South African team that won the World Amateur Team Championships, beating 41 countries in a nail-biting showdown against Sweden – the first time a South African team has won the championship.

It’s all part of the game. Says Bregman, “Coming from an amateur background – where you only win trophies – turning professional is very exciting. It’s really great to earn playing privileges. It means everything starts now. I can start earning money, and can start supporting myself. Literally everything changes.” Bregman has her eye firmly on the future: “Europe is a great starting ground, as I’ll be playing against new competition all the time and learning how to perform in the professional arena, which is so different to amateur golf. Longer term, my goal is to get my card on the LPGA Tour in the USA.”

Bregman has been a consistent top-five player in her five years playing on the South African amateur circuit. Says Ashley Kotzin, CEO of the FORWARDZONE Sports Agency – Bregman’s management group – “This is another great breakthrough for South African women’s golf. Stacy’s one of the first South African women to qualify for a European playing card in a number of years. We’re very excited to be representing such a fine young talent who has such great potential – and look forward to helping her develop her very promising career.”

Bregman’s debut year on the pro circuit is set to be formidable: she’s scheduled to leave for Australia in February to compete in the Australian Open and ANZ before returning to SA to compete in four tournaments. In May she’s scheduled to fly off to Tenerife, Spain, to kick-start her European campaign, which should see her competing in more than 25 tournaments through November.

With its global affiliations stretching from South Africa to Europe and the United States Johannesburg-based FORWARDZONE – which specializes in sports management, consulting and eventing – is perfectly positioned to assist Stacy with her globetrotting professional campaign.

Old Flag Rugby Fans

Much has been said over the last couple of weeks about rugby fans waving the old South African flag while the boks played the Ennglish and the World XV in England. There was also a story about a couple of boys who waved the flag when the boks came back from the tour at JHB International, oops, sorry, OR Tambo airport.

The picture to the right here, tells a different story from that that has been told. Maybe these people that wave the old flag have no choice. Maybe they can't afford a new flag at the exagerated prices that are charged. Maybe people just don't care about the politics and wave whatever is South Africa. Can the mullet in the clown hat be any worse? He is making a mokery of our national flag, isn't he?

If you make a fuss of something, people jump on thier high-horses and wonder why you are protesting so much. Deal with it and move on.

Thanks to Splattermail for the picture....

AT LAST, He leaves

It seems as if South African cricket is getting rid of all the slackers. The moron with the Australian accent left to Barbados and the fat, ex-spinner left as well. Now, another man who could never really bowl has called it quits....

Nicky Boje has taken the decision to retire from international cricket with immediate effect.

"I have decided to retire from international cricket immediately," said Boje, "and I am accordingly unavailable to form part of the Proteas squad for this season. I have had eleven years of international cricket and will always cherish wonderful memories of playing for South Africa. I now feel that the time has come for me to devote the remainder of my playing years to Eagles cricket."

"I wish my former team-mates in the Proteas side the very best for the future and I'm confident that the team has a very bright cricketing future."

Mvela Golden League, this weekend

The last of Sunday's fixtures saw Limpopo-based side Dynamos continue their Castle Premiership promotion claims when they bagged all three points on offer against OR Tambo District at Giyani Stadium, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Cape side Western Province United - who are now safely off the bottom of the Mvela League table - drew 3-3 with Bay United in a high-scoring and entertaining match.

A Baymed Cup Final grudge match took place on Saturday, with FC AK no doubt out to avenge their final loss to current log leaders Free State Stars. Stars, however, eventually claimed a 1-1 draw in the highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash, handing them a vital away point at Eldorado Park.

Whilst Stars held on to their position at the top of the Mvela Golden League standings, the University of Pretoria added to relegation battlers Garankuwa United's woes when they beat them 1-0, whilst Winners Park and Nathi Lions drew 0-0 at Seshego Stadium.

Mvela League action continued on Sunday when second from the bottom PJ Stars claimed an away point against Witbank Spurs in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Vasco da Gama, meanwhile, recorded the biggest win of the weekend - dominating their Cape Derby against Fidentia Rangers by a 3-0 margin at the University of Stellenbosch Stadium.

The last of Sunday's fixtures saw Limpopo-based side Dynamos continue their Castle Premiership promotion claims when they bagged all three points on offer against OR Tambo District at Giyani Stadium, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Quiros seals maiden victory at Dunhill

Spanish golfer Alvaro Quiros surprised all when he surged up the leader board, over-taking favourites Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood to take the Alfred Dunhill Championship title on 13-under-par 275.

The gutsy Spaniard started the day four off the pace at eight-under after rounds of 74, 66 and 68.

Quiros started speeding ahead of the field after three birdies on the front and a run of three on 13, 14 and 15, taking his tally to six, and pinching the lead from Schwartzel.

At that stage journalists and commentators started scrambling for information on this unknown Spaniard, who aggressively climbed up the leader board and clung to the top spot with a final birdie on the 18th.

Quiros hails from the south coast of Spain and is playing in his first season on the European Tour. The 23-year old graduated from the Challenge Tour after finishing 18th on the Order of Merit.

He has represented Spain on all levels as an amateur and the Eisenhower trophy in 2004. At the end of 2004 he turned professional, but failed to earn his European Tour card when he missed the cut at Second Stage.

Quiros played on the Spanish International Tour and got a few starts on the Challenge Tour through invitations.

In 2006, his first full year on the Challenge Tour, Quiros broke into the top twenty on the Order of Merit when he won the Morson International Pro-Am Challenge.

Quiros sealed his victory with a remarkable putt for eagle at the last, which shaved the hole and left him with a formality tap-in to take the lead at 13-under.

Playing behind Quiros, tournament favourite Schwartzel was having a bad spell and could only manage one birdie at the second, offset by two bogeys that left the 22-year-old with a lot of hard work to do on his back nine.

With another drop on the 11th and an errant drive that almost cost him another shot on the 14th, Schwartzel luck finally turned.

The 2004 winner pulled the rabbit out of the proverbial hat with birdies at the 15th and 16th, leaving himself in a do-or-die situation at the final hole. A birdie would force a play-off and an eagle would secure the title.

“On 15 the wind just caught and it almost went out of bounds, but I was really lucky to pull that one off. Then, on 16, I hit the edge of the green and made a 20-foot putt,” said Schwartzel.

But lady luck seemed to desert him when he needed it the most.

“I felt good all day and never quite nervous. I was playing it well up the fairway. I was tied for the lead in the first round and then led during the rest of the tournament, so I really felt confident to take the title,” said Schwartzel.

But is was not to be.

Schwartzel’s second shot on the 18th found the water, effectively handing the title to the 23-year old Rookie from Cadiz.

“I was very nervous in the previous rounds, this is my first European tournament in this category. But I decided to keep fighting so I am very happy with this result, “ said a jubilant Quiros.

While players might have been intimidated by the names like Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Charl Schwartzel in the field. Instead Quiros decided just focused on his game impressing the gallery of spectators with his dynamic play off the tees.

“In the end they are just people like me. I knew it might count for or against Charl to play in front of his home crowd. So I just concentrated on my own game. “

“You know if I can make the shot I’ll go for it. Umbrellas are for ladies who can’t stand the heat,” Quiros jokingly replied to queries about his aggressive play.

Quiros has added his name to an elite list of Spanish winners on the Sunshine Tour, including Seve Ballasteros, Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jiminez.

And, he can sleep peacefully since this victory means a two-year exemption on the European PGA Tour and a five-year exemption on the Sunshine Tour (providing he takes up membership).

That, and the winner’s cheque of approximately R1, 500 000 that should lay a strong foundation for his professional golf career.

The Celebrating its 11th year on the Sunshine Tour, the Alfred Dunhill Championships is the first of three events this season co-sanctioned by the Sunshine and European Tours and boasts a prize fund of approximately R25-million.

The Sunshine Tour and European PGA Tour travel to Port Elizabeth next for the prestigious South African Airways Open Championship at Humewood Golf Club, from 14 to 17 December 2006.

Dates for 2010 World Cup

Fifa has announced that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will take place between 11 June and 11 July.

World football's Executive Committee has also decided to keep the qualifying format from the last World Cup so the host's place is guaranteed.

"We didn't change anything," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter reiterated that Fifa had faith in South Africa, but added: "...we have said that they should bring a little bit of fire to the preparations."

The decision to keep the same number of qualifying places will see five African teams plus South Africa secure a place in the tournament.

In addition, there will be places for 13 European countries, five Asian and Oceania teams, and a total of eight for South America and the Central American region.

SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL TEAM TO TOUR ENGLAND

Netball South Africa (NSA) selectors have combined youth and experience in the SPAR national netball team to tour England in January. The tour, which includes three Tests, forms part of the team’s build-up to the world championships in Fiji in July.

Karen Venter is the newly appointed captain of the side touring England which consists of 5 new caps. The new caps are Tsakane Mbewe (Gauteng Central), Tamaryn Bragg (Gauteng East), Precious Mthembu (Ethekwini), Refiloe Mochaka (Gauteng Central) and Erin Burger (Gauteng North).

“It’s a new phase in the development of the team,” explained captain Venter. “Most of the new members of the team played in the world under-21 championships in the United States last year, so they have some international experience, and they also have valuable experience of playing in a major tournament.

“This tour will be very important for our preparations for the world championships. England are ranked above us internationally, and they play a similar style of netball to New Zealand and Australia, who are the top teams in the world.

“Their style of play is very fast – the ball moves very fast, and the players are also very fast, so we will have to speed up our style of play as well.

“It is also important for us to play away from home so that everyone can get used to travelling. Of course, England in the winter is very different from Fiji, but we will be playing on international courts with international umpires and get used to playing in conditions that are different from those at home.”

Five of the 14 members of the team are from the Free State, and Venter believes this will help the team.

“We have played together in the provincial team, and most of us also play for Kovsies, which means we know each other and are used to playing together,” she said.

The team is currently at a training camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria. The camp began last week and ends on Saturday November 9.

SPAR National netball team: Karin Venter (captain – Free State), Sindisiwe Gumede (North West South), Tsakane Mbewe (Gauteng Central), Tamaryn Bragg (Gauteng East), Annarie Store (Free State), Rusky Mthethwa (Gauteng Central), Precious Mthembu (Ethekwini), Refiloe Mochaka (Gauteng Central), Yvonne Phiri (Free State), Erin Burger (Gauteng North), Nontle Gwavu (Eastern Province), Leigh-Ann Zackey (Gauteng West), Adele Niemand (Free State), Anchen du Plessis (Free State)

Coach: Burta de Kock

Manager: Marchelle Maroun

What a Waste

The 112km Pick ‘n Pay Brackenfell Hypermarket Tour d’Winelands took place on Sunday 3^rd December and despite 70km/h winds and driving rain, over 90% of cyclists participating completing the race.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust and Brackenfell Lions Club joined forces to manage the race which has been held for 17 years in early December and is the final seeding event on the calendar for the 2007 Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour. The Tour provides a testing 112km route through the picturesque scenery of the Cape winelands.

The men’s race was won by Chris Botha of Richard Kane in a time of 2:53:18 with second and third going to David Garrett of Powerbar Oakley in a time of 2:53:18 and William Robinson of Abvest UCT in a time 2:53:20, respectively.

The women’s race was won by Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour winner Anriëtte Schoeman of Proline in a time of 3:23:37, followed by Cathy Carstens of Hottentots Holland CC in a time of 3:23:37 and Jane Seggie of Hottentots Holland CC in a time of 3:23:38.

Speaking on behalf of the organising team, David Bellairs of the Cycle Tour Trust said, “The race went very well and despite the bad weather, 2331cyclists started the race and 2124 completed it. However, the race was marred by serious traffic transgressions by the Elite racing group.

“As a consequence, the Tour D’ Winelands has, with immediate effect, withdrawn the results of the Elite men’s racing group from this past weekends event,” he said. “This has been at the request of PPA and the Cycle Tour Trust, following serious infringements of the traffic regulations. The results will be withdrawn until such time as the investigations into the transgressions is complete.”

“The Pedal Power Association and Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust cannot condone the flagrant disregard of the traffic regulations and safety that the elite cyclists displayed at Sunday’s Tour D’ Winelands. Despite being warned that they were disobeying the traffic regulations by cycling on a number of occasions in the yellow line of the right hand lane and endangering themselves and other road users, they continued this practice on a few accessions up until the finish line.”

Photographs of this type of riding is evidenced on http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=8617.

“As a consequence, all the results of the elite men’s group will be suspended until the matter has been investigated and the transgressors identified. To this end, we would appreciate anyone being able to identify the cyclists in the photographs and informing us by e-mail at info@pedalpower.org.za,” concluded Bellairs.

INDIA FACE PACE BARRAGE IN WARM-UP MATCH

India will have the benefit of playing on one of the best batting pitches in South Africa as they warm up for a Test series against the host nation - but they will also have to deal with another battery of fast bowlers.

The Rest of South Africa team which faces the Indians in a four-day match starting Thursday includes Mornantau Hayward, one of the fastest bowlers in the country, and Morne Morkel, a rising star who has been tipped for Test honours soon, as well as Garnett Kruger, who has been on the fringes of the national squad for the past two seasons.

The Indians go into the warm-up match low on confidence after being beaten 4-0 in a one-day series during which they failed to deal competently with the South African fast bowlers.

Hayward, 29, played in 16 Tests up until 2004. He fell out with the country's administrators early in 2003 when it was revealed, while he was playing in a Test against Pakistan, that he had signed a contract with English county Worcestershire which gave the county first call on his services, ahead of his country.

One of South Africa's more volatile cricketers, Hayward has been in good form for the Warriors franchise team this season and the Indians can expect to deal with plenty of fast, short-pitched bowling from him.

Morkel, 22, is the taller and younger brother of Albie Morkel, who played for South Africa in a Twenty20 international in Johannesburg last Friday.

Whereas Albie Morkel has become known for his big-hitting feats, Morne is an out-and-out fast bowler, who has been one of the most impressive performers in franchise cricket since being promoted to the Titans team midway through the domestic one-day competition this season.

Kruger, 29, toured Australia with the South African team last season without playing in a Test match and has been a consistent wicket-taker at domestic level.

Provided they can weather the first bursts of the fast men, it could be ideal preparation for the tourists, who play the first of three Tests against South Africa in Johannesburg from December 15 to 19.

The pitch at Potchefstroom consistently yields high scores and will be a chance for the Indian batsmen to play themselves into form.

The Indians have been strengthened by the inclusion of experienced batsmen VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly in their Test squad. They will join Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and the currently injured captain Rahul Dravid to form a potentially solid core of batting for the series.

Teams:

Rest of South Africa: Jacques Rudolph (captain), Alviro Petersen, Morne van Wyk, Jean Paul Duminy, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Justin Kemp, Vernon Philander, Paul Adams, Morne Morkel, Garnett Kruger, Mornantau Hayward.

Indians (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), VVS Laxman (vice-captain), Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer, Gautam Gambhir, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Munaf Patel, Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, VRV Singh, Irfan Pathan, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh.

Final Post from Sun City

IT is the final post, at least until the end of January when i will be back for the Women's World Cup of Golf.

For now, it is the day after having played the Gary PLayer COuntry Club with the same layout as the pro's played it on Sunday. All you really need to know is that it is long, very very long. For someone like me, that doesn't really make much of a difference because I can't reach the green in two shots anyway, so that wasn't a HUGE problem. What was problematic for me was the rough. The long grass is more than ankle deep and tough as nails. Getting a ball out of that is a tough ask for the best golfers in the world, forget about a 24 handicap.

My 4-ball scored 50 points with 2 scores counting and the winning 4-ball shot 67 points. I have been to compititions where 75 won the day. That shows how difficult the COuntry Club is.

Thanks very much to the Sports Trust for letting me play and also to Sun City and Sun International for a fantastic week at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

See you soon Sun City and I will keep posting your favourite sports stories here.

Me and Miss South Africa

There are pics up of me with the whole group of Miss South Africa finalists. See them here. Sorry about the fat guy on the middle. That would be me.

There will be a couple more posts from Sun City as I play the Gary Player Country Club tomorrow afternoon. I will bring you all the tears and lost balls later.....

Nearing the End

With only a couple of holes left to play, Jim Furyk has already sealed the Nedbank Golf Challenge for 2006. He was just behind on day 1 but from day 2, took total control. Ernie has thrown his clubs a couple of times and has been fined for it, as had Sergia Garcia. Do they deserve a fine?

I make R200 because of my bet on Jim and Charl did very very well to place well. I will post details soon.

Final day betting

I have just had a chat with Neil Andrews of Super Saturday fame. In his previous life, Neil was an ardant better. Neil explained that, with Jim Furyk at 3/10 this morning to win, then you bet R10 and, at the end of the day, should he win, you will get back R13, minus tax.

Seems like a good way to make lots and lots of money. Bet R10 000 now!!!!

Overall winner is not a bet today.

The bets today are Lowest Round and Day 4 Pairings.

Ernie Els is at 9/2 with Harrington at 11/2 to score the lowest round of the day. The good thing about a day like today is that there is no sure bet. Even Colin Montgomerie could do it and his odds are at 20/1.

I like playing the daily winner of a round. Each player in a pairing is given odds to win the day against their partner. You can bet on each pairing so plenty of money can be won or lost here. Again, it really is a little bit of a lottery and the odds aren’t fantastic. Even money for Davis Howell to beat Chris DiMarco, Retief Goosen is at 6/10 to beat Charl Schwartzel while Charl is at 13/10 to beat the Goose.

You can find out all the odds and how to go about spending your hard-earned cash at Bettingworld.

The Marshals

There is a certain breed of person here at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Their job is to make sure that when one of the golfers are about to execute their golf shot, the people in the gallery stop moving, making a noise and being general louts. They are the famous marshals. They walk with a pairing over all 18 holes and ensure that we, the regular Joes, comply with the etiquette of golf. The marshals wear a different colour golf shirt every day too. They all wear the same colour so that they can easily be seen. They also wear the most unfortunate pair of white pants with an elastic waist-band. Each of these marshals is issued with a little red flag on the end of a very long stick. The flag isn’t too big to block the view of the spectators around the marshal, but the stick is really long so that people at the back of the gallery can clearly see that the player is about to play.

Now, give a man a stick and he is going to want to hit something with it. We have the great games cricket and baseball because of this. So far, I am yet to see anyone being hit by a marshal on the course, but at night, things change.

The identifying call from the lesser-pastel-shirt-wearing Marshal is, “Stand still please!”
Suddenly the whole world stands still and if it doesn’t, is the whole world in trouble or what? There is also the mating call which can be identified as, “Golfer ready, quiet please!”
You can still keep moving with that call but you better not need to sneeze.
Then there is the call of the really important one. He tends to make that all bases are covered with, “Stand still and quiet please!”

Now that you can find these VERY important people in the course, let me tell you about them after the day.

The marshals make their way to the Cabanas Hotel and wallow in the watering hole that is the pool and pool bar. Most of them have a good time and relax after, what must be a really tough, thankless job on the course. Accommodation and a free meal a day as payment to walk right next to some of the best golfers in the world is not a hell of a lot. Remembering that that golfer will earn at least $200 000 just for arriving at the tournament.

After wallowing in the waterhole and making a noise, most of these marshals quietly find a place to rest for the night and have a good rest before another tough day in another colour shirt…..but some….

No, not these guys. They HAVE to go out and be important. Should some journalist type person walk up to them and tell them to “Stand still please!” or “Quiet please”, suddenly the rath of everything that is evil is thrown at you! Why is it that people think that they are soooo important? If you have a thankless job, deal with it. You volunteered for it. You were never forced to be here. If you don’t like it and you can’t handle the abuse, then go home. Find people that like you. Part of the job is the abuse and you KNOW you are going to get some. Especially from stupid little radio announcer, slash blogger.

I don’t want to paint all of these marshals with the same brush. Most of them are great and a few of them are actually quite fun, but you have to get rid of the bad apples and now before they infect the rest and the tournament. Either that or some little English idiot should really get a life.

SAA SA Tennis Championships

His 7-5 6-3 victory in Saturday’s final of the SAA National Championships at the Wanderers Tennis Club has earned Izak Van der Merwe a wild card into the South Africa Open to be played at Westridge Park in Durban from 22 January. Top seed Van der Merwe defeated second seed Pieter Calitz to capture the men’s title while number one Lizaan du Plessis took the women’s event when Bronwyn Davidson had to retire in the third set. Du Plessis was leading 0-6 6-3 4-1 when Davidson could no longer continue due to a persistent groin injury.

Van der Merwe was delighted to win a spot in the main draw of the SA Open, a wild card well earned according to SA Tennis Association chief executive Ian Smith, for making the journey all the way fro the US to play in this event.

“I was playing a lot of tournaments there but when I was told about the SA National Championships, I changed my flight to come back here a little earlier so I could play in it,” explained the 22-year-old Van der Merwe. “I was a nice surprise and it will give me an opportunity to take on some really good players. I’m going to take some time off now but then I’m going to train hard so hopefully I will be in good form by then.”

Van der Merwe has spent four years in the US completing a business finance degree at Old Dominion College in Norfolk, Virginia. He had lost to Calitz in their only meeting last year but now felt he had garnered more experience on the tour. There were a plethora of breaks in both sets as Van der Merwe continued to struggle with his serve at altitude, a problem that had been plaguing him all week. “The key was that I returned well and that helped me win this match,” said the top seed.

He finally got a 6-5 lead in the opening set and then broke Calitz to take the set. Once again the pair exchanged a number of breaks but at 5-3, Van der Merwe had the opportunity to serve for the match. He found himself facing two break points at 15-40 but then his booming serve kicked into gear and a helpless Calitz could not withstand the barrage that followed.

In the women’s final Du Plessis said she felt it was a case of deja vu when she lost the opening set 6-0 because at last week’s Senior Interprovincial she lost to Davidson without winning one game. “I had taken a three-month break before that and me game is not yet fine tuned. I was giving her too many free points so in the second set I decided to just roll the ball in and get some rhythm.”

The tactic worked and the top seed slowly began to work herself back and levelled the match. By the third set though Davidson’s injury, which had started last week at interpro and got worse from Tuesday this week, began to flare up badly and eventually she had no option but to withdraw. She has been instructed to stay off the court for the next two weeks at least to recuperate. “I would have liked to win the tournament but with the groin injury, I’m just so happy to have made it to the final,” said the 16-year-old Davidson

TOP SEEDS INTO SAA SA NATIONALS FINALS

Both the men and women’s top seeds safely navigated their semifinal matches and have move into their respective finals at SAA National Championships played at the Wanderers Tennis Club on Friday.

Izak van der Merwe easily accounted for fourth seed Heinrich Heyl 6-4 6-2 in the men’s draw while his opposite number in the women’s competition, Lizaan du Plessis, put out Megan Sporndli of Gauteng East 6-2 6-3.

Van der Merwe will take on second seed Pieter Calitz, who defeated third seed Benjamin Janse van Rensburg 6-2 6-3, in Saturday’s final.

Du Plessis though will take on unseeded 16-year-old Bronwyn ‘Bonny’ Davidson, who stopped second seed Kim Rudman 6-3 7-5.

It is not a match the top seed will be relishing, however, as Davidson gave her a 6-0 6-0 hiding last week at the Senior Interprovincial tournament.
"Bonny is a great player,” said Du Plessis. “She has got so much experience playing on the ITF junior circuit. It’s not going to be a easy match but I will give it my best shot to get my revenge.”
Davidson took an hour and 41 minutes to stop Rudman but said she felt she had a psycholgical edge over the number two seed as the pair had been seeded one and two at last week’s interpro, but it had been Davidson who had been given the top seed over Rudman at that event.

“I felt I had gave me the mental advantage over Kim. We both know each others games well as we practice a lot together.”

Davidson was obviously excited to be in Saturday’s final but says she is focussing on the ITF Junior Circuit in order to gain experience as well as variety in her game. “At home we tend to play the same people week in and week out and in my opinion, if we want to do well internationally, we have to expose ourselves to the international junior circuit.”

In the men’s final Calitz could also have the psychological edge over Van der Merwe although the top seed is determined to avenge last year’s narrow defeat. “A year ago I lost in a Futures final to Pieter 6-4 in the decider. I had my chances to win that match but Pieter took it. Now it’s my chance to gain revenge,” said Van der Merwe.

The doubles semifinals had barely started when the rain came down and as a result, they will take place now on Saturday.

Final play on Saturday starts at 09h30

1ST Day of the Weekend at the Nedbank Golf Challenge

There are some places in Sun City that are just fun. Not the fun that you know while driving an Uno or a Citi Golf, but the fun that comes from being given free reign to drive the new Ferrari. Someone else's Ferarri at that. You get behind the wheel and are told that there is no issue with speed, control or damage. That is the feeling of a Sun City party over the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Now there are two types of people that will partake in this kind of fun. There are those that show a little restraint. Those that know what that Ferarri can do and will push the limits but value their life and the property of someone else. They go fast but just fast enough. They take the turns but always with just a little hint of oversteer, nothing too bad.
BUT THEN, there are those that should NEVER be allowed to drive that Ferarri ever again. Those that do four-wheel drifts through chicanes fit for a go-cart. Wheel spin into 3rd gear and test the full functions of the ABS, ESP and any other 3 letter thing that the car maker could think of.
These people should NEVER be given a Ferarri again, but they keep on coming back. The excess that is Sun City love these people.
Back to the real world, last night was Media Party and all went well. The people here, who look after us, gave uss each a carpet putter set, which was very kind. We also got pirate hats, an eye patch and a hook. I will leave it to your imagination how those three different things were put to use.
Afterwards, a few of us went up to the Casino Bar in the main hotel. If you have been to Sun City in its heyday, you will know it as Harlequins. Great vibe and more money being gambled than I have seen for most of my life. The Nedbank Challenge weekend brings out the real high-rollers. R100 a hand, minimum on the lowest tables at the casino. On BLACKJACK!!!!! I didn't even look at the roulette tables, that just doesn't make sense
Back to the golf....
Jim Furyk is still favourite to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2006. At 6/10 this morning, someone is going to have to catch the American who is looking in fine form . He shouldn't come back to the field. Charl Schwartzel, who is just off the pace is still at 22/1, so it's worth a couple of Bob.
Colin Montgomery and Chris DiMarco get the day off to a high scoring start. Once again, Charl is playing with Ernie Els in the 2nd last 2ball and Henrick Stenson and Jim Furyk finish off the day.

The Rain in Sun City falls mainly on the golf course

I have kept on going on about the City of the Sun but the more you talk about things, the more things will not be like that. It's like talking up a great batsman and he gets knocked off for a 1st ball duck. The rain gods have shown their anger and cooled the day down but it does mean that play has stopped on day 2 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Things were just starting to get interesting here with Jim Furyk running away with the tournament. The balding American is 3 strokes clear of his nearest rivals, that of Henrick Stenson and South African favourite (at least my favourite) Charl Schwartzel. They are both on 6 under par.

The Goose is just a stroke further back with Padraig Harrington, Trevor Immelman and Ernie Els also on 5 under par.

I wonder what the players get up to during a rain break. It must be quite disconcerting to keep on wondering if you will or if you won't get to go out again. Golfers talk about rythym, working the course and getting a feel of the rub of the green but now everything will change. The rythym will have to restart, the greens will be slower and the fairways will not run as far. I realise that the men on the links are in the top 20 in the world, but it must not be one of the best times.

Can they have a beer? Do they eat? I really should ask.

Tonight's party is the famous Media Dinner. The theme is "Pirates of the Caribbean". I am not sure how much of it I will remember but I am sure that "his great benevolence" will help me out. He is a little of a girl. Actually he won't because he is bailing in favour of his family tomnight. Ha ha ha.

Lunch on Day 2

Sounds like a cricket update but it isn't. Lunch on day 2 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge was a quiet affair. After a large breakfast, I didn't need lunch, so I had a little salad. Why is it that I am talking about food and booze at a golf event? To be honest with you, that tends to be what we focus on as the media.

Sure there are the guys who take it really seriously, but why kill yourself?

The golf is hot and it seems to be hotter on the course today than it was yesterday, amazing to think, but it is. My boy, Jim Furyk leads by one sstroke over Henrick Stenson, who isn't looking good. My other boy, Charl Schwartzel is only 3 back. Watch these two.

Ernie just birdied the 16 to go 3 back as well. This is turning out to be a great Nedbank Golf Challenge.

1st Pictures are up

The 1st pictures from the Nedbank Golf Challenge are up. Pictures of girls and a couple of other things as well. As the weekend goes on, I will put up more of the fun things we get up to here at Sun City.

Check the pictures out at Fun Media Pics....

Day 2 is Risen

The sun has risen on day 2 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge with a couple of exciting little battles on the cards, but 1st....
Last night saw the traditional "Beach Party" sponsored by Nedbank and Sun City. It has got to bee one of the best spreads you will ever see. In fact, it is a little over the top, but who am I to complain? The theme of the evening was The Dragon. That's just another name for the waiters to be dressed up as asian people. It looked a little strange to see the regular Sun City service staff to be dressed up with funny hats and clothes, but after a couple of drinks, they all looked the same.
On arriving at the Bridge of Time, some really big bouncers put on a bangle on my arm to allow be acces to this wonderful evening. And a wonderful eveving it turned out to be. Food was plentiful with fresh oysters as starters, in fact, they were so fresh that they were still being opened whbile we were there. Beer was ample and cold with the most lovely lovelies handing them out. One was Dominique and the other was Danel.

At one stage, we had about 6 beers in in front of us and between 3 of us, we made short work of it. The night went quietly with Duane coming back from the awards dinner at 3am. He didn't wake me up though.

Back to the golf, the reason we are here.

Today the morning starts with Colin Montgomerie up against Chris DiMarco, both of whom had really bad starts to the Challenge. Sergio and Ernie are up next but the pick of the 2balls today is Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel. Charl's odds of winning had widened since I backed him, but I am still feeling good about him doing well.

Jim Furyk, another one of my bets is in the last pairing with Henrick Stenson. Expect to see some big changes on the leaderboard today. The heat is on and the wind is strong.

On a final note. The head chef here at Sun City told me that 4 1/2 tons of ribs are eaten over the 4 days of the Golf Challenge.

End of Day 1 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge

So the 1st round of the Golf Challenge is a thing of the past. Henrick Stenson of Sweden leads by one stroke over defending champion, Jim Furyk. The best placed South African is Retief Goosen who is lying 3 strokes back.

If only I had put my money where my mouth was. Yesterday I was saying that Charl Schwartzel would beat Ernie Els in thier 2 ball today and I was right. Ernie collapsed on the back nine and was beaten by young Charl by 2 strokes.

I saw Charl birdie the 1st and he is looking good. The field is tightly packed and tomorrow will be slightly cooler, so look for Jim to come through.

67 Henrik Stenson SWE
68 Jim Furyk USA
69 David Howell ENG; Padraig Harrington IRE
70 Retief Goosen RSA; Charl Schwartzel RSA
71 Trevor Immelman RSA; Jose Maria Olazabal SPA
72 Ernie Els RSA; Sergio Garcia SPA
74 Chris DiMarco USA
75 Colin Montgomerie SCO

Second Round Draw:
11h10 Colin Montgomerie SCO and Chris DiMarco USA
11h22 Sergio Garcia ESP and Ernie Els RSA
11h34 Jose Maria Olazabal ESP and Trevor Immelman RSA
11h46 Retief Goosen RSA and Charl Schwartzel RSA
11h58 David Howell ENG and Padraig Harrington IRE
12h10 Jim Furyk USA and Henrik Stenson SWE

Lunch at the Nedbank

Lunch at the golf is famous. If you are a vegetarian then forget even coming out the city of the sun. If you are on a low protien diet, then also take a drop. (See my clever use of golf terms?)

The main meal at the media centre is lunch time. There are plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you sustained through the day, but the highlight is certainly lunch. And what, you ask, is this famous lunch?

RIBS. Lots and lots of pork ribs. You get chops, some other type of braai'd meat, but the main meal HAS to be ribs. Soft, juicy, tomato flavoured ribs.

Don't get me wrong, on day 1 at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the ribs are fantastic. Day 2 they are still good but from then on, they do get a little much. Last year I didnn't even have a main meal on the Sunday. I think that I just had pudding.

Well, lunch is a thing of the past on this Thursday and the golf is going well. The leaders are through 13 and Padraig Harrington is on 5 under.

I put R50 on CharlSchwartzel and also R50 on last year's winner, Jim Furyk. Charl is 2nd last and Jim is 3 off the lead on -2. Wish me luck.

Heat, Sun and 12 of the World's Best Golfer

It's day one of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. I have just come back from the 2nd fairway on the Gary Player Country Club. Water bottle in hand, I strode out to the 1st tee and enjoyed the drive of Colin Montgomerie, who put it a little right. Not the greatest start for the big Scot. One of the cool things about being in the press corps is being given an "inside the ropes" armband. It allows be to get so close to the golfers that I could actually reach out and touch them.

Ernie and Charl walked past a little later and were forced to hit thier little white balls onto the 1st green and i waled with them to that green. Charl put his 15 foot putt in the hole for a birdie but has since dropped back down to even par through 5 holes.

The heat is going to be tough today with a breeze to cool things off. But if you have ever played the Country Club, you will know that there are spots where the wind will never reach. The wind WILL pick up later and should keep the scores under control.

At time of writing Padraig Harrington is leading on 4 under par.

VOSLOO INTO QUARTER-FINALS OF SAA TENNIS NATIONALS

Only one seeded player Louis Vosloo showed on Wednesday he had not lost his touch as the former ATP Tour player moved into the last eight of the SAA National Championships played at the Wanderers Tennis Club.

The unseeded Vosloo defeated one of the country’s stalwarts, Michael de Jongh, 6-4 3-6 6-3 to set up a quarter-final contest with top seed Izak van der Merwe. Van der Merwe proved far too good for talented junior Hendrik Coertzen, winning through 6-3 6-0.

“I know Michael very well. I know his type of play because I have played with and against him a couple of times so I knew what to expect from him,” said Vosloo.” It was pretty difficult for me out there because my fitness level is low but I want to play well and hopefully go further in the competition.”

The 28-year-old Vosloo retired somewhat prematurely from the tour and was ranked as high as 170 in the world. Whatever he may have lacked in size and power he certainly made up for in craftiness and agility and if his fitness does not impede him too much, the encounter with Van der Merwe should be quite absorbing.

The 22-year-old Van der Merwe is currently ranked 442, his best so far, but he is on the incline and is pretty talented. He has already been included in South Africa’s Davis Cup team.

The only seed to bow out in the men’s draw Wednesday was highly regarded junior Rikus de Villiers, who was forced to retire early in the second during his match against Jean Andersen. “I am pretty disappointed to go out of the competition so early because I know I can beat Jean,” said De Villiers. “The physiotherapist said I pulled a muscle between the ribs. It was unlucky that I had to pull out and had it not been for the injury, I think I would have gone further.”

By way of contrast the women’s draw lost all but its top two seeds – Lizaan du Plessis and Kim Rudman respectively – on Wednesday. Third seed Dennett Rachelle fell to Lara van Rooyen 6-0 6-4, Chane Hines put out fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen 6-4 6-1, Bronwyn Davidson beat sixth seed Annelie van der Heever 3-6 6-2 6-2, while Megan Sporndli ousted seventh seeded Lisa Wade 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

Despite her victory Hines felt she did not play very well. “However, I am very happy that I managed to pull a win against Debbie. She is a very good player but I have beaten her before, which is why I was not afraid going into the match. I am feeling very much confident going into the next round of the tournament.”

Her next opponent will be Davidson, who just missed out on a seeding.
Play in the quarter-finals begins at 9.30am on Thursday.

Nedbank Golf Challenge Draw

The draw for the 2006 Nedbank Golf Challenge was made at Sun City this afternoon. Now that I am here, without having paid accomodation, I can bring that to you. Remember to check back often to get updates on "South Africa's Major"...

11h10 Colin Montgomerie SCO and Padraig Harrington IRE
11h22 Trevor Immelman RSA and David Howell ENG
11h34 Henrik Stenson SWE and Jose Maria Olazabal ESP
11h46 Charl Schwartzel RSA and Ernie Els RSA
11h58 Chris DiMarco USA and Sergio Garcia ESP
12h10 Retief Goosen RSA and Jim Furyk USA

Betting on those pairings should be fun. Go for the Goose against Jim and Charl to beat Ernie.

T IMMELMAN FEELS THE HEAT AT SUN CITY

The Pro-Am at the Nedbank Golf Challenge gets underway tomorrow and BBJSportGuy's coverage will start then with results and behind the scenes news and reviews. Look for hotspots, cool drinking holes and all the news you can use!

Today we start by looking ahead to one of the men I will be backing this weekend....

South Africa's Trevor Immelman arrived at Sun City for this week's Nedbank Golf Challenge feeling the kind of pressure reserved especially for the local stars competing in this lucrative 12-man invitation tournament.

Immelman is one of four South Africans, including Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel, who will tee it up at the Gary Player Country Club course in Thursday's first round of an event offering $1.2-million to the winner.

In recent years Els has carried the hopes of South African fans against the world's best available golfers drawn from that year's Major winners and the world rankings.

Goosen's two US Open victories saw him share this burden with Els.

Now Immelman, the rising star of South African golf who claimed his maiden victory on the US PGA Tour this year and climbed to a career high 13 on the world rankings to secure a place in the field, admits to feeling the intense pressure placed on the country's golfers to win this event.

"I've been feeling it since I got back to South Africa. Everyone tells you that you can win. On the other hand, it's a great compliment that people think I can win this," Immelman said on Tuesday.

And the young star, who is never short of confidence, believes he has a good chance at victory on his debut in the tournament.

"I won here before on the Sunshine Tour in the 2003 Dimension Data Pro-Am and I am comfortable on this course.

"Accurate tee shots and putting are the two most important factors. If you can keep the ball in play, you can give yourself a chance. The greens here are pretty fast, but I play on greens like this in America, so I should do okay here."

With four South Africans in the field - the most in the 25-year history of the tournament - Immelman is confident the $1.2-milliion will find its way into a local bank account.

"I think South Africa has a great chance to win this year. Four out of 12 is not a bad number. We are all seasoned campaigners on this course, with Ernie, Retief and myself having won here."

Els makes a record 15th consecutive appearance at Sun City with three wins to his name, while Goosen returns as the champion in 2004 and loser in a four-man playoff to defending champion Jim Furyk last year.

Schwartzel makes his debut as the winner of the Sunshine Tour's Order of Merit last season.

"I'm very excited to be playing. It's a lifelong dream of mine. But it's a tournament like any other and that's how I've got to approach it," said Schwartzel.

"I like my status as the underdog and I think all four of us South Africans have a good chance of winning."

NO SWEAT FOR TOP SEEDS AT SAA NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Both the men’s and women’s top seeds lost just two games apiece as they stormed into the second round of the SAA National Championships played at the Wanderers Tennis Club on Tuesday. Izak van der Merwe defeated Michael Hills of Gauteng North 6-1 6-1 while Lizaan du Plessis accounted for Veronique Luksich of Gauteng Central by the same score. Van der Merwe, who has represented South Africa at Davis Cup level, said despite the comfortable score line, it had not been easy for him on court. “I have not had much practice at high altitude but I hope to get better and improve as the tournament goes on. I want to take it one match at a time, cut down on unforced errors and maintain consistency throughout.”

Du Plessis was very happy with her performance as she was coming back from a three-month layoff but did express her concern about the weather. “I still need to work on my fitness level which is not up to scratch at the moment. I hope to go all the way in the tournament but it is going to be tough since I struggle in the heat.”
Men’s second seed Pieter Calitz was also not too hard pressed to oust Daneel Mathinus 6-3 6-1, a player he has beaten every time they have met. “Obviously knowing that he has never beaten me gave me a lot of confidence. He is a very good player with a big serve but what worked in my favour was how well I played the return ball,” said Calitz. “The courts are fast and if I can manage to settle well, get the shot going and the points coming, then I have a very good chance of progressing in the tournament.”

Michael de Jongh caused the first upset when he put out fifth seeded Rikus Becker of Gauteng North 6-3 6-3, while fourth seed Heinrich Heyl had to battle in the opening set before overcoming Andre Grobler from Eastern Province 7-5 6-1. Although unseeded, one player who could make them all gallop if he produces his best form is former Tour player Louis Vosloo. He certainly started off well enough, scoring a 6-2 6-0 victory over qualifier Gavin Smith of Western Province.

In the women’s draw there were also good wins for third seed Dennett Rachelle, fifth seeded Chantal Simpson and sixth seed Annelie van der Heever. Wednesday has some interesting matches with top seed Van der Merwe taking on highly regarded junior Hendrik Coertzen, Rikus de Villiers facing Jean Anderson, as well as the battle of the “old timers” as Vosloo faces his doubles partner De Jongh.

Play on Wednesday starts at 09h30.

MAN UNITED GETS ANOTHER CHANCE TO MOVE SIX POINTS AHEAD OF CHELSEA

Three days after squandering a great chance to go six points ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League title race, Manchester United has another opportunity on Wednesday.

The Red Devils host Everton while the Blues have a tough game at third-place Bolton.

Eight of the top nine clubs are in action - No. 4 Portsmouth is at No. 9 Liverpool, No. 5 Aston Villa is at home against erratic Manchester City, and No. 6 Arsenal travels to Fulham.

Man United, which has 35 points to lead Chelsea by three, hasn't lost in 13 home league games against Everton, which looks certain to be without England striker Andy Johnson because of a hamstring injury.

"He did it in the Bolton game and tried to play on with it," Everton manager David Moyes said Tuesday. "We don't think it's too bad, but it doesn't look as if he will play at United."

Moyes will also be without American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is on loan from United and ineligible to play.

United is hoping that winger Cristiano Ronaldo and striker Louis Saha will play after being injured in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

South Korean winger Park Ji-sung has resumed training after tearing ankle ligaments in September and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is recovering from a hamstring problem - but neither will play.

"Ji-sung and Ole will begin training this week, which is great news for us," said Ferguson, who also has one eye on next week's crucial Champions League game at home to Benfica. "With the hectic December period coming up, it is great we will have those players available."

Quinton Fortune is unlikely to face Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium after limping out of Bolton's 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday. But the Blues will face Nicolas Anelka, who scored twice against former club Arsenal as the Trotters stayed third.

Chelsea has no new injury worries, but the form of striker Andriy Shevchenko is still a problem.

Hired from AC Milan for 30 million pounds (US$58.2 million; Ç44.4 million), the Ukraine striker has failed to find the form that resulted in 173 goals for the Italian club in seven seasons at the San Siro.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho may be tempted to start wingers Joe Cole and Arjen Robben alongside Didier Drogba and drop Shevchenko. He may also start midfielder Michael Essien at right back where he was so successful in the second half comeback against United.

Arsenal, which is 13 points behind Man United and needs to bounce back at Craven Cottage, hopes that Thierry Henry will be fit to return.

The France striker missed Saturday's loss with a neck injury and manager Arsene Wenger, who has Robin van Persie back after a one-game ban, also hopes that creative midfielder Tomas Rosicky will return from a hamstring problem.

Liverpool, which is back in ninth with 14 points to make up on the Red Devils, also has injury problems, especially in midfield.

SAA National Championships

Only one seeded player crashed out of the SAA National Championships on the opening day’s play at the Wanderers Tennis Club in Johannesburg on Monday. Eighth seeded Jenn Mari Potgieter of Gauteng North lost to Hedda Wolmarans 2-6 3-6 in the only upset of the day.

Second seed Kim Rudman of Gauteng Central had no trouble in beating Elsje Hendriks of Gauteng North 6-2 6-3 whilst fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen(Gauteng East) joined Rudman in the second round by beating Jessica Khats (Gauteng Central) 6-2 6-1.

The only other seed today in the women singles was Lisa Wade, the seventh seed from Gauteng East who lost only one game in a straight set win over Madri Potgieter of Gauteng North.

In the men singles only two seeds were in action on Monday. Third seed Benjamin Janse van Rensburg (Gauteng North) overcame a second set scare but beat compatriot Marcel Du Coudray 6-4 7-6 (7-3)

In the last match of the day fifth seed Rikus de Villiers of Kwazulu Natal fought hard to beat Petrus Janse van Rensburg of Gauteng North 6-4 6-3.

On Tuesday the remaining first round matches will be completed with the top seeds in action. Izak van der Merwe from Tshwane, the men’s number one will play against Michael Hills of Johannesburg on centre court at 10:30am and following that match women’s top seed Lizaan du Plessis of Eastern Province will play Veronique Luksich of Gauteng Central.

Formula One revs up for first tests of new era

Formula One teams return to the racetrack on Tuesday for the first tests of a new "post war" era, as well as one without Michael Schumacher.

The "tyre war" that has raged between Bridgestone and Michelin for the past six years ended with the final race of the season in Brazil last month, with the French manufacturer leaving the battleground.

For the first time since 2000, when Bridgestone was last the single supplier, the teams will all be shod by the Japanese company when testing starts up again after a five-week post-season ban.

"No amount of mathematical data can explain the subtleties of the tyres, and especially of the tyre compounds," said Pat Symonds, the Renault director of engineering whose team have won the last two championships with Michelin.

"We need to run on track in order to understand how to best use the tyres over a stint, what driving style they require, and their general strengths and weaknesses," he told the team Web site (www.renaultf1.com).

"The majority of our nine days will be spent trying to get a handle on these characteristics."

Renault, who have lost double champion Fernando Alonso to McLaren, will be testing in Barcelona with the Spaniard's replacement Heikki Kovalainen and Brazilian test driver Nelson Piquet Junior.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, the Finnish rookie's experienced team mate at Renault, hits the track a week later at the southern Jerez circuit.

"I don't think the move to Bridgestone can be understated, but it is also important not to overstate its importance," said Symonds. "On a technical level, the transition is one of the normal engineering challenges an F1 team faces."

FOUR BRITS

McLaren, without Alonso until January, will be in Barcelona with new signing Lewis Hamilton eager to get as much experience under his belt as possible before the season starts in Australia in March.

Kimi Raikkonen will not step into the retired Michael Schumacher's shoes at Ferrari until the New Year, with the Italian team in Barcelona with Brazilian Felipe Massa and testers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.

Honda's Jenson Button would have joined compatriots Hamilton, Anthony Davidson and David Coulthard -- the biggest British contingent in Formula One since 2002 -- there but withdrew after cracking two ribs while karting.

Davidson will turn out for the first time as a Super Aguri race driver.

Mark Webber should slot in well enough for his first session with Red Bull, having worked with many of the personnel in the team's former existence as Jaguar.

The Australian, who is in the car on Tuesday and Wednesday before handing over to young German Michael Ammermueller on Thursday, will drive in unmarked overalls because he remains under contract to Williams until the end of the year.

Red Bull, who are switching to Renault power for 2007, will test with their existing Ferrari V8 engines.

Only three test sessions are scheduled between now and the New Year under a gentleman's agreement between the teams.