Woods is PGA Tour player of the Year
UNDATED: Tiger Woods was named on Friday as the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year for a record 11th time with fellow-American Jordan Spieth voted rookie of the year. Both awards were determined by votes cast by tour members who played in at least 12 official money events in 2013. “Tiger’s five wins came against some of the strongest fields in golf including the Players and two World Golf Championships, while Jordan’s rookie season was historic in terms of his accomplishments for a player just 20 years old,” said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in a statement. “The member vote reflects the respect their peers have for both players.” Woods, 37, won five of his first 11 events in a spectacular start to the year, winning the Farmers Insurance Open, the WGC-Cadillac Championship, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Players Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone. World number one Woods said winning the award remained a special achievement for him, especially as he has battled back from knee and back ailments to thrive once again on the tour. “I’ve had to work my way back from injuries on numerous occasions throughout the years,” Woods said. “These last couple years is no exception to that. (Agencies)
Paes, Somdev lose doubles semis in ATP events
New Delhi: Leander Paes and Somdev Devvarman crashed out of different ATP tournaments after losing their respective doubles semifinal matches along with their respective partners on Friday. Paes and his Italian partner Daniele Bracciali lost their semifinal match in Thailand Open in Bangkok while Somdev and his South African partner Rik De Voest went down fighting in their last four match in Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. Second seeds Paes and Bracciali were handed a 3-6 4-6 defeat by third seeded pair of Jamie Murray of Scotland and John Peers of Australia in the semifinals that lasted one hour and four minutes. Meanwhile, Somdev and de Voest squandered a set advantage to go down 6-0 2-6 7-10 to the pair of Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina in a 53-minute semifinal match. (PTI)
Watson not thinking of Aus captaincy
Jaipur: Shane Watson could be in contention for the captaincy job of Australia if Michael Clarke misses out the limited overs series against India beginning on October 10 but the all-rounder today said that he was not thinking about the leadership role. Watson sought to evade a question when he was indirectly asked if he was ready to captain the Australian side if Michael Clarke misses out the India series due to fitness issues. “I am batting and bowling and have a big role in the team. I am not thinking about captaincy and I am happy to contribute with the bat and ball,” Watson, who is playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Champions League Twenty20, said. “Michael Clarke is an experienced player and we would miss him if he is unable to come to India. He has vast experience and is a good player of spin,” said Watson who has stepped down as vice-captain of Australia. (PTI)
Sousa downs top seed Ferrer in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: Unseeded Portuguese player Joao Sousa clinched his first ever victory over a top five player when he defeated top seed David Ferrer in the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open on Friday. Sousa, given special exemption from the organisers to skip the qualifying rounds after reaching the semifinals in St. Petersburg last weekend, justified their faith in him by beating Ferrer 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) in 98 minutes. The 24-year-old was denied a match point opportunity when he served for victory at 5-4 in the second set, before rallying from a 4-6 deficit in the tie-break. “I’ve never beaten a top 10 player before, let alone someone in the top five. This without doubt is my biggest victory,” said the 77th-ranked player. A dejected Ferrer said he hopes to bounce back at next week’s China Open. (Agencies)