Should Drug Cheats be allowed into London 2012?

So this week we have heard from Cyclists and Sprinters who are appealing for themselves or colleagues, previously banned for doping offences to be allowed to compte at the London Olympipcs.

Scottish Cyclist David Millar and English Sprinter Dwain Chambers have both served drugs bans in their respective sports, from which they have come back to become elite atheletes once again, sans drugs.

While realistically none are individual medal hopes, they would potentially help their country in the team events (road race and relay respectively).

British Olympic rules ban competitors who have served a drugs ban from competing with in a British Olympic team, however these rules are stricter than the International rules which allow competitors back into their sport after 'serving their time'.

One side of the story says, they have had their punishment and recovered from it - they should not be denied this opportunity assuming they now play by the rules. Another side says, they have had their chance, they cheated and their place should go to younger atheletes who have not used drugs.

While drugs are a problem in many sports, Cycling and Sprinting have been the most high profile casualties and there was a time where people would watch the Tour de France and wonder if anyone was not breaking the rules. The levels of endurance are so intense & margins so tight in these sports that competitors seek an edge here - more so than in other sports and both Millar & Chambers were convicted of willfully breaking the rules (rather than just being caught out with an erroneous drink or prescription).

 Both are resolved, it seems, to living drug free and competing on good old fashioned hard work and dedication. Both, you could argue, were victims of their ambitions - perhaps being encouraged by coaches that 'everyone is doing it' or 'this is the only way you can be competitive' and rather than whistleblowing systemic problems in their sport that may have then rejected them from making a living, they chose to go with the flow, and were just unlucky to get caught. Arguably doubly unlucky to be born in a country that has such a strict Olympic Association.

Personally I don't know the answer. Perhaps I would just err on the side of 'let them in', but I'm sure if I knew a young cyclist or sprinter who was next in line for a call-up to the team I would be firmly in the other camp. Clearly it would set a precedent and certainly these two individuals are in the twilight of their careers, so it is clear they have had their chance to an extent, which they will likely be denying someone this year of.

My guess is that the BOA will not budge on this, however the World Anti Doping Agency is challenging this and it is possible it may be overturned. Millar & Chambers will find out in the next few weeks, but I'm sure they are already in full preparation in the event of getting a second chance.

Is Tiger Back?

Tiger Woods yesterday got a big monkey off his back with his 1st 'proper' tournament win since September 2009. His win in the Arnold Palmer Invitational has been a long time coming, especially as he has had two golden chances earlier this season to claim victories in Abu Dhabi & at Pebble Beach.

I say 'proper' win as Tiger won his own tournament, the 2011 Chevron Challenge - however this is a limited field event and not sanctioned by an official tour.

The win is even more remarkable as only a few weeks ago Tiger pulled out of the WGC Cadillac event in Florida, seemingly with a recurrance of his knee injury. There were fears then of his ability to compete, and even take part in any tournament prior to the Masters. But it seems his injury was not as bad as 1st feared and Tiger was back this week in full fitness.

So does this mean Tiger is back? Will he dominate once again, as he did for over a decade previously. Personally I'm not so sure. While the Bay Hill tournament is a prestigious event, none of the top 6 ranked players were there - electing to take some time off before the Masters in a couple of weeks (Donald, McIlroy, Westwood, Kaymer, Stricker, Schwartzel). Neither were the two other current Major champs from outside the top 6, Clarke and Bradley.

There is no doubt, Tiger put 4 decent rounds together - which is something he has failed to do of late and the win will give him confidence ahead of the Masters - but I think it is unlikely we will ever see Tiger dominate like he did previously.

Reasons;
1. His Fitness. Tiger will suffer niggling injuries and his body is limited in what it can now achieve. It seems inevitable he will miss 3 or 4 events each season that he would have otherwise have played in.
2. His Game. Tiger still has problems off the tee, but his putting is just not as good as it was. Previously a 6 or 7 footer was a gimmie for Tiger (especially for a Par save) but now his stats will be in the mix with the rest of the top players.
3. His Presence. (or lack thereof). While Tiger would get a couple of shots (or more) on any of the other leaders in the weekend of a tournament through intimidation, there is just not that invincibility factor any more. Guys will be more comfortable playing with him and competing against him. Especially the 4 players who have held the No 1 spot since Tiger vacated it (Westwood, Kaymer, Donald & McIlroy) and the 11 players who have become 1st time major winners since Tiger's last major - A dramatic US Open when he managed to win an 18 hole play-off against Rocco Mediate, despite being in continuous pain due to the knee injury that would then keep him out for almost a year (and arguably from which he has never fully recovered).

That said... is Tiger a factor at the Masters? Of course. Even last season, a fragile Woods who had been deposessed of his World Number 1 status made a dramatic Sunday charge to get in the mix and post a score. But ultimately he had been too far behind to really get involved for the Green Jacket.

Tiger also loves Augusta. He has won 4 Green Jackets (albeit not one since 2005) and as the players come back to the same course every year - there is a clear advantage to experienced guys who have played many more rounds than younger guys around them in the rankings.

What struck me watching Tiger this week, was generally how in control he was. He had a decent lead in the weekend and he plotted his way around the course, getting the ball in play and hitting greens. Apart from one errant tee shot on the Saturday, it was very reminiscnet of his last Open victory at Hoylake in 2006 - when Tiger seemed to be playing a different course.

There is no doubt on the Sunday this week that Graeme McDowell had a chance to put some pressure on Tiger and make him be more aggressive, but an early double bogey from G-Mac really took the wind out of his sails and despite passing up a few more chances, Tiger always had a couple of shots cushion.

Certainly this is how Tiger usually wins. Get a few shots of a lead on the Friday or Saturday and stay there on the Sunday when guys around him are forced to take risks and try and make things happen. Tiger rarely wins from behind - perhaps because he doesn't play well when taking risks.

So is Tiger Back? Not completely, but certainly he is back enough to make things interesting.

Arsenal - what chances next season?

So the Gunners have just notched up their 6th league win on the bounce. Championship form in any league. However not when we have seen two spells of dismal form at the start of the season and over the festive period when the bulk of Arsenal's 8 defeats came.

The good news is that Arsenal are back into 3rd spot and look well placed to qualify for yet another season in the Champions League. Tottenham seem to be struggling to put anything together and Chelsea have a caretaker manager and still the distraction of the Champions League to apply their ageing squad to.

So what chances for Arsenal next season? On their day it is clear they can match any side in the country. Personally I think it all comes down to a little bit of depth. Arenal's best 12 or 13 players could win the title, but it only takes 2 or 3 injuries and the bench starts to look pretty threadbare.

In goal, Szczesny is able and would play in almost any Premiership team (perhaps Joe Hart would retain is place at Man City). Reasonable back up's in the form of Almunia and Fabianski mean a 'keeper is not a priority.

At Centre-back, Vermaelen and Mertesacker are two commanding defenders. Djourou and Koscielny are decent replacements, and due to injruies at least one has featured in most games this season. Squillaci is also in the squad, and ideally he would be moved on and someone closer to the ability of Vermaelen and Mertesacker brought in.

At full back, Sagna and Santos would start when fit. There is no doubting Sanga's ability, but Santos seems a bit too 'brazillian' for this league. Driving runs forward mean he is an exciting player - but would a title winning side have him? Perhaps with experience he will be the man there. Gibbs and Jenkinson provide cover but really Arsenal are well short of depth and all too often we have seen makeshift full backs play when Sanga or Santos have been injured. Def a couple of players required here to build the squad.

In Centre-mid - Arensal have a great level of depth; Arteta, Song, Ramsay, Rosicky, Benayoun have all featured this season. Jack Wilshere is also to return. Emanuelle Frimpong, now on-loan at Wolves, will surely come back next season. He looked a real find at the start of the season, but a silly red card seemed to rob him of his confidence (and place in the team) and he was farmed out. It is unlikely much surgery is required here. Perhaps Benayoun will be offloaded and a couple of youngsters brought in.

Out wide, once again, things look exciting. A rejuvinated Theo Walcott has lit games up this season and looked like a world class winger. He's had quiet spells, but perhaps he is learning how to become a 'senior player' and we will see a more consistant Theo from now on.

On the left, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks every inch an Arsene Wenger protege. An athletic, pacy winger who is likely to chip in with goals. Alex will only turn 19 in August, and most pundits are already tipping him to make the flight to the Euro's with England this summer as a raw 18 year old. Wenger stll uses 'The Ox' sparingly, but surely he will feature in most games next season.

Other options include Gervinho (who has played plenty of games this season). I'm not convinced about this fellow. He is pondrous on the ball, rarely looks a goal threat and his hair...? His hair is just ridiculous. Probably it is unlikely he will move on, and Wenger has given him plenty of game time, but ideally we need better players than this to move forward.

Ju-Young Park is also in the squad. We've not seen a lot of him, but he turns 27 this year so we can rule him out of the 'promising youngster' category. Expect him to move on in the summer.

In terms of Strikers, the burden this season has fallen mainly on the shoulders of a certain Robin Van Persie. Captain Van-Tastic has chipped in with just the 33 goals this season and Arsenal must retain his services. It is therefore crucial that we can maintain form till the end of the season and build a bit of belief that next season can be wholly competitive.

Chamackh & Arshavin have also featured, but arguably these guys have had their time at Arsenal. Arshavin has already been loaned out and Chamackh will surely move on in the summer. Bedtnar has also been on loan at Sunderland (with limtied success) and will surely be moved on. Carlos Vela - I was surprised he was loaned out, but perhaps he will not develop in to the talent we hoped, he has just turned 23.

Next season, Arsenal have stated their ambitions with the signing of German International striker, Luckas Podolski. 43 International goals in 95 caps by the age of 26 speaks for itself and it seems probable that Podolski will chip in with his fair share of goals to releive RVP of the burden of sole goal scorer. Whether he plays with RVP, or mainly in place of him, time will tell. However he is still an able striker and certainly improves the squad.

Up top, realistically we still need one other winger and one other striker. Arsene will have some funds to play with assuming Chamackh, Arshavin, Park, Bedntar, Vela etc move on. Probably a few youngsters will be brought in for depth also.

Perhaps it is the owners who will have the biggest say. Are they happy with yet another season turning a profit, but with no trophies? It may be a good business model, but it wont last forever without some silverware. Will the profits be reinvested to build a big squad capable of challenging for domestic and european silverware? Lets hope so.

Rory McIlroy - long term No1

Well after only 2 weeks where Rory had a chance to climb to the top of Golf's world rankings, he has managed it with a win in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Florida.
Despite arguably the best year of any golfer last year, Donald was surpassed by the 22 year old after falling early in the Matchplay and missing the tournament in Florida the following week.

As a sports fan it is difficult not to feel sorry for Donald who was overtaken, mainly due to not playing this week. He didn't have an opportunity to protect his ranking (although could have played, but chose not to) and we were denied the chance of seeing the two players battle in the same tournament for top spot. When Donald took the no 1 ranking - he passed Lee Westwood by beating him in a playoff at the PGA Championship in Wentworth. This was a fantastic spectacle, and one which the dominance of Tiger Woods had robbed us of for so long.

However Rory has now reached the top and I for one think he is there to stay for a while.

Recent holders of the No 1 in the PT era (Post Tiger) have included Westwood, Kaymer, Donald and now McIlroy. While all of these players are capable of being No 1 again, I think they will have a job wrestling it from Rory. Leaving Kaymer aside briefly - we will focus on Westwood & Donald.

These guys have both achieved the No 1 ranking over a decade into their careers. While they certainly deserved it when they held it, they couldn't dominate the way other No 1's have - noteably Norman and Woods. They are both excellent tour players and have won a lot of tournaments, but they have both had peaks & troughs in their careers and didn't fully peak until in their 30s. They have also both not win a Major. I tend to put that down a quirk of fate - they have won plenty of other tournaments in other weeks with top quality fields and it is just unfortunate they haven't put 4 good rounds together in the correct 4 weeks of the year. So while these guys (and others like them, Poulter, Casey, Garcia, Harrington) may reach No 1 - it seems likely they will only be there for a few months.

Briefly on Kaymer... he nipped ahead of Westwood in the early part of last year but has had a stop start time since then. At times he seems brilliant and unbeatable, but he has clearly not sustained that. He does have the potential (and the game) to dominate for a long period of time but he seems to tinker too often with his swing. He won a major and held the World No 1 spot, but has talked of changing his swing and other nuances of his game in a strive for perfection. Perhaps he really will improve, but more than likely he is too much of a perfectionist and will find & lose form like most tour players tend to do over a 10 or 15 year career.

So onto McIlroy. Why is he set to dominate? Well 1st off, his age. At 22, he is the 2nd youngest No 1 (after Woods obviously).

He has also reached the World No 1 spot with a sustained climb up the rankings. Since turning pro in September 2007 he has improved his ranking each year. While clearly there have been dips in his form, any 12 month period has always been better than the previous. It seems likely he can continue to improve for the next 5 to 10 years, which is a frightening prospect when you consider how complete his game is now.

Thirdly - he has already won a major. Unlike Donald and Westwood, this monkey is off his back. Both the Englishmen had to turn up at every major when they were World No 1 (or 2) and say 'yes, this is the one I will win!'. However they'd both had 40 or 50 attempts. McIlroy got his at the 10th attempt when he won the US Open.

I have to admit I was a bit sceptacle about Rory when he was being talked up, especially during the Ryder Cup in 2010. Clearly the fans loved him and he had a very complete game, however at that stage he'd only won 2 tournaments (Dubai Desert Classic '09 & Quail Hollow '10) and had quite a few near misses. He seemed to be unable to convert good positions into wins as often as some of his peers.

However, I don't think that remains an issue. He bounced back from a horriffic back 9 at the Masters last year, to blow the field away at the US Open. He also won in Hong Kong in December and then held his nerve terrifically when under a bit of pressure in Florida to take the top ranking.

The back 9 he played in Palm Beach was mainly what prompted me to write this. Woods was in the Clubhouse after a scintillating 63 and all the questions were being asked of Rory. Could he win to take the No 1 spot? Well he answered them empatically. Despite not playing his best golf and missing a lot of greens, Rory made save after save to keep his 2 shot lead and take the tournament. His pitching & putting from greenside rough and bunkers was faultless. Despite the Par 5 18th being a clear scoring opportunity - Rory could lay up safely, play a wedge to the centre of the green and 2 putt, with his 2 shot lead intact. In short, Rory gruond out a win despite playing poorly which is the main reason Tiger dominated for so long. He would go week after week, just doing enough to win no matter what kind of form he was in.

I guess it is unlikely that Rory will dominate like Tiger, but who knows? He will certainly have a long number of weeks at No 1 over the next 10 years and collect a lot of wins and probably a few more majors. The Masters kicks off in 4 short weeks and I guess Mr McIlroy will be favourite.