Our friends at chickendinner are adamant it’s not over yet

England were thrashed in the first of their seven one-day internationals in India which means they need four victories out of six to win the series. The performance today suggested that there is absolutely no chance of that happening but our friends at chickendinner are convinced [...]

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Stepanek awaits world number two in Madrid tomorrow night

When Roger Federer withdrew from the Stockholm Open announced that he needed “a proper rest”, there weren’t many people expecting to see him back in action within a fortnight.
But tomorrow night, the US Open champion will return to the court to face Radek Stepanek in the Madrid [...]

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Tindall and co might have something to celebrate at last

Having topped the Guinness Premiership table three times only to miss out on being crowned champions in the play-offs, Gloucester have gained a reputation as being nearly-men. That could change this year though because although have started their domestic campaign too strongly, our friends at chickendinner [...]

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Friday’s match-winner axed from big game against Bath

Wasps are being praised for their bravery in welcoming back Danny Cipriani earlier than expected for tonight’s home game against high-flying Bath, where he will replace Jeremy Staunton in the starting line-up.
However, whether it is a sensible decision remains to be seen. On Friday, Wasps recorded their first [...]

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A few hours in and it’s already going wrong
Europe’s installation as clear favourites for this year’s Ryder Cup did unsettle us a bit here at Polite Applause. Sure, we’ve won the last three but it was always going to be dangerous arriving in Louisville with the expectation of winning.
With just one match completed, the bookies [...]

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The Texan is the best of a not-that-great bunch

Every returning member of the USA’s Ryder Cup team has lost more matches than they have won. So if Paul Azinger and co wish to avoid handing Europe their fourth straight success, someone is going to have to step up and lead by example. Our friends at [...]

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Garcia and Westwood bid for third consecutive success

After telling us that Sergio Garcia might be a big letdown this weekend, our stat-munching friends at Chickendinner have analysed the chances of the leading contenders to be the Ryder Cup’s Top European. Here’s why things are looking good for Englishmen Lee Westwood and Paul Casey:
Sergio Garcia [...]

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Yes he will, say the turf accountants

While everyone’s getting excited about whether Padraig Harrington can maintain his recent form, or whether the American heavyweights like Phil Mickelson will fail to deliver again, we’re looking forward to seeing how the Ryder Cup rookies like Anthony Kim perform.
Kim has been installed by the bookies as the favourite [...]

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The cold, hard, indisputable stats

Will Ferrell, Sir Richard Branson and Donald Trump’s favourite tennis player Andy Murray is just hours away from his big showdown with Roger Federer and our betting-obsessed friends at Chickendinner are offering seven reasons why the Scot will be victorious:
1. Murray has a 2-1 record against Federer, including winning their last [...]

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Injury-plagued Wasps travel to London Irish

While all football has to offer is a drab England victory against Andorra, the 2008-09 rugby union Guinness Premiership gets going tomorrow with six of the 12 teams available at under 10/1 to win the league.
Ladbrokes, who offer £30 of free bets here, make last season’s regular season winners Gloucester [...]

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