What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
When it comes to generating U.S. Open winners, the Olympic Club is not a place that showcases the bright stars. In fact, Olympic is more of an eclipse-producer.
This is no scoop. History books have long chronicled Olympic’s curious track record. This week’s Open will be the fifth staged there. The previous four were won by men who, while dandy to excellent golfers, did not light up the firmament as much as the men they beat.
In 1955, anonymous Jack Fleck defeated the legendary Ben Hogan in a playoff.
In 1966, stalwart Billy Casper did the same to iconic Arnold Palmer.
In 1987, journeyman Scott Simpson overtook top-tier Tom Watson in the final round.
In 1998, pleasant Lee Janzen came from seven strokes behind to upset sartorially-flamboyant-and-famous Payne Stewart.
Which meant that in 2012, I can confidently predict that the man who wins the Open will be … well, someone who is not as renowned (and is not on as many TV commercials) as the man he defeats.
In other words, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson has a chance.
— Mark Purdy, San Jose Mercury News
2
It was almost humorous to read the outrage in Twitter postings on Sunday in response to Saturday night’s Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao title fight.
We didn’t realize boxing had a following anymore.
Reports from Las Vegas where the fight was staged, er, held, indicated less than a sold-out venue.
So naturally, to generate more interest we need controversy.
The boxing gods (or judges in this case) handed out a split decision in favor of Bradley who, by his own admission, didn’t win.
So naturally, we’ll have a rematch.
“This is nuts,” fight promoter Bob Arum said to reporters on Saturday. “People don’t know what they’re watching anymore. I’m going to make a lot of money” in a rematch, “but who’s going to take this sport seriously?”
3
Apparently people still watch horse racing even without a Triple Crown on the line.
The race portion of the Belmont registered a 5.4/13 overnight rating, 13 percent higher than last year and 74 percent higher than 2010.
Highest overnight city?
Fort Myers, Fla., at 11.2/23.
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