Sports watch
By
Zulquar
Hello
people! I cannot believe that we are already five years into our new
millennium. But it is true, 2005 is upon us already and the years
seem to be sneaking up on you just when you are not looking.
I hope all of
you have new resolutions and fresh new outlooks. 2005 looks like being
an outstanding sports year with a number of real highlights on show
as the year progresses.
January, on its
own creates a huge first impression and will leave the viewers pining
for more sports action. I will try to highlight the biggest events
taking place in the month of January in the most common genres of
sports.
Starting with
the ever-popular cricket. January will be a month of scintillating
cricket action. The VB series, formerly known as the World Series,
kicks off Down Under from the 14th of January with giants Australia
clashing with the volatile but extremely talented West Indies and
Pakistan. Brian Lara and his counterpart Inzamamul- Haque have a steep
task in their hands as they aim to stop the Aussie juggernaut.
Also on show,
will be the Barmy Army locking horns with the Proteas in what is shaping
up to be an intensely competitive Test series. With the series tied
at one all, the fourth and fifth Tests starting from the 13th and
21th of January respectively looks likely to be a treat.
In our very own
desh, we can look forward to the visit of the Zimbabwe team to play
in the one day games. After an outstanding performance in the first
Test where they pulled off their maiden Test victory, Bangladesh will
be looking for more of the same in the second Test and the one days
that follow. It's all set to be an absorbing series.
Moving on to football,
January sees exhilarating football action all over the world. The
European leagues resume after their winter hiatus with the top teams
all regenerated and ready to fire on all cylinders.
Skimming through
the fixture lists, the one that stands out is the Liverpool Manchester
United game on the 15th of January. Liverpool have strengthened their
team with the addition of ex-Madridista Fernando Morienties and he
will probably make his debut in the match. Historically perhaps the
biggest game in English football; this is a mouth-watering tie. Form
and results surmounts to nothing when these two clash. Honor is what
is at stake.
In the Spanish
Première the standout game sees Catalan giants Barcelona and
their gem Ronaldinho welcome to the Camp Nou, the Galician's from
Real Socieadad on the 16th of January.
The week after
that sees high profile EPL action in Highbury where Arsenal and Henry
take on the unpredictable Newcastle on the 22nd of January.
For tennis lovers
all over, the Australian Open provides fuel for their fires. Starting
on the 17th and continuing up to the 30th of January this looks to
be a breathtaking opening Grand Slam of the season. With the huge
array of talent on show Swiss Roger Federer will have his work cut
out defending the crown that he won last year. As far as the woman's
game is concerned, there is little chance of a repeat of last years
all Belgian final. The Williams sister are fit are raring to go and
with the Russian revolution threatening to leave all in its wake,
the jury is out on who will win the women's competition.
That should just
about cover it for now.
Seasons Greetings & Happy viewing!
Ciao!
