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| Australian Masters invite Woods back • Melbourne event keen for Tiger Woods to return this year• Millions of dollars injected into the local economy by appearanceTiger Woods's image may have taken a battering since his most recent tournament appearance at the Australian Masters but that has not stopped local officials from inviting him back.Woods was paid US$3m (£1.87m) just for playing the the Melbourne event in November but local government officials said his appearance provided them with a financial windfall.The Victoria state tourism minister, Tim Holding, said the American was welcome back any time, despite the revelations about his personal life, after his appearance injected US$31m into the local economy, almost double the initial forecast."We have made it clear that Tiger is welcome to come play golf any time in Victoria," Holding said. "The question of what Tiger Woods does in the future is a matter for him, we respect that and he is always welcome to play here."Woods has said he is taking an indefinite break from golf, explaining he needs to focus on being "a better husband, father and person".Tiger WoodsGolfguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Landon Donovan backs David Beckham to play in World Cup David Beckham’s desire to feature at the World Cup finals this summer has been given a firm endorsement from what would appear to be the most unlikely of sources, Landon Donovan, the new Everton loan signing. feeds.timesonline.co.uk |
Spontaneous reaction: Orioles to charge more for gameday tickets in ’10 The Baltimore Orioles are holding the line on season-ticket prices and single-game tickets for the 2010 season. But expect to pay more if you don’t buy your seats in advance or want to see the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. feeds.bizjournals.com |
Kaymer leads from McIlroy and Poulter • German could win championship for second time in three years• Challengers McIlroy and Poulter one shot back on 14 under parMartin Kaymer continued his love affair with the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship as the former champion opened up a one-shot third-round lead over Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter. After landing his maiden title at the National Course in 2008 Kaymer finished second last year and his bid for a second falcon trophy gathered pace as the German birdied the last to edge ahead with a third Âconsecutive five-under-par 67.McIlroy and first-round leader Poulter also dropped just one shot in their 67s to head the chasing pack on 14 under par.Sweden's Peter Hanson managed back-to-back birdies on the back nine in a 70 to sit at 13 under par with Alvaro Quirós, Shane Lowry and Chris Wood a further shot adrift."I really like the course in general," said Kaymer, who likens Abu Dhabi Golf Club to his winter practice venue in Arizona. "Especially after coming off a six-week break in America, you arrive really motivated and I couldn't wait to play golf."At 25, Kaymer is a genuine contender for a Ryder Cup debut in Wales, a fact that was underlined by an inquiry from captain Colin Montgomerie last night over the status of the German's foot, which was injured last year in a karting accident."Two years ago I was leading by six shots, but I was very nervous, but it still felt really special. But on Sunday I played really shy and didn't go for the flags and I left a lot of putts short, my self-confidence wasn't there," added Kaymer, who will play the entire season with the plates in his foot following the high-speed crash. "This has changed after four wins on the European Tour and winning big events last year in France and at Loch Lomond that attitude has definitely changed."McIlroy will need to pull another storming final round following low-scoring final days on his final three outings last season in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Dubai, which all led to top-five finishes."I didn't make many mistakes and I have put myself in a great position. It should be a good battle and it looks as if we are all playing very well so it should be an interesting day," he said."There is no reason why I couldn't go low in the final round. I didn't think anything in the 20s would win, but obviously everyone has played well in the first tournament of the season. I would say 20 under is a very good target."For Poulter, who set the first-round pace with a bogey-free seven-under-par 65, it is easy to draw comparisons to his victory in Singapore in November when he returned from a similar break to end a two-year winless streak."Sometimes in a busy stretch you feel tired, but I feel wide awake, I feel really good," he said. "I feel strong and I'm in a nice position so obviously the adrenaline is there. I drove it pretty solid, hit my irons very nicely. I managed to have a good look at a few putts, a few slid by, but a few went in."Golfguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Continuing spot of bother for Jermain Defoe could alter Fabio Capello's plans With 19 goals this season already, Jermain Defoe looks every inch an England player. Sadly, that perception is reinforced when he strikes the ball from the penalty spot. feeds.timesonline.co.uk |