FE18F1174C4E2: January 2014

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Golf-Els leads Mandela tributes at Sun City tournament

December 6, 2013 3:07 AM

Dec 6 (Reuters) - Ernie Els led a brief tribute to Nelson Mandela as play continued as scheduled at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City in South Africa on Friday, one day after the death of the former South African president.

Els paid his respects ahead of the resumption of the first round, halted by thunderstorms on Thursday, as a moment of silence was observed before play resumed at the Gary Player Country Club.

"It is a very sad day," Els said. "We have lost one of the iconic leaders of our time. You cannot say anything bad about the man. He fought for what he believed in, went to prison for so many years and came out to lead our country up until now.

"Every time I won a tournament he used to call me.

"I remember flying to London on one occasion. We were sitting up front and then Mr Mandela came onto the plane last.

"He was sitting in the front seat and he saw me and my daughter sitting next to me and all of a sudden he didn't really want to see me anymore - he wanted to talk to my daughter.

"He got Samantha to go up there and she sat on his lap and he spoke to her like she was his grandchild. They were special times and the little time we had together was very special. He was just the most amazing person I have ever met.

"Today will be tough. He was our President and the man who changed our lives. It could have been so different in South Africa but he kept his head and kept everyone going forward."

Live television coverage of the tournament, the highlight of the South African golfing calendar, was marked by sombre commentary and regular references to Mandela's death on Thursday at the age of 95. (Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by John O'Brien)

Zach Johnson opens with 67 for lead at Sherwood

By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)December 6, 2013 3:48 AMAP - Sports

Graeme McDowell, left, of Northern Ireland, walks the first hole with Rory McIlroy, also of Northern …

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- Zach Johnson is like most players at the World Challenge, not sure whether he's still playing in 2013 or if he's in the middle of the new wraparound season that officially started in October.

All he knows is that he's leading.

Johnson, who already has two official PGA Tour events under his belt in the ''new season,'' came out a few days early to the unofficial World Challenge to work on new equipment with Titleist at its test center in Carlsbad, and to meet with his team of coaches to outline goals for 2014 and to identify weakness. One priority is to score better on the par 5s, and Johnson wasted little time on that.

Sherwood has five par 5s. He made birdie on four of them for a 5-under 67, giving him a one-shot lead over Matt Kuchar. Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson were at 70, while tournament host Tiger Woods missed short putts at the beginning and end of his round and had to settle for a 71.

''A highlight that we're looking into next year is trying to play those holes a little bit better,'' Johnson said of the par 5s. ''I don't know what I did that today. I hit it close. I had good shots in there with the proper spin, nothing more than that. But you've got to take advantage of them. You've got five of them. The thing is ... one errant shot, you're staring a 6 right in the face, if not more. There's a lot of penal areas.''

Johnson said he still considers Kapalua to be the start of the season.

Woods, meanwhile, is still trying to get his head around the schedule change. He hasn't played an official tournament in the 2013-14 season. The only event he played was the Turkish Open, where he tied for third in the European Tour event. After this week, he won't play again until Torrey Pines at the end of January. That's his usual starting point, except that the PGA Tour already has had six guys win tournaments.

''To me, I'm still on the old calendar, so to me this is the end of the year,'' Woods said. ''I know that I'm going to be pretty far behind on points by the time I tee up again, and that's just kind of the way it's going to be. ... But you have the entire summer, you have the entire major championship season, you have the big events and then the playoffs. Anything can happen. But it's going to be interesting to see how far behind some of us are when we start.''

This sure didn't feel like summer.

The temperature was in the upper 20s before the sun came up in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains. There was a one-hour frost delay. A combination of firm turf, chilly weather, some breeze and firm greens made for tough scoring, and it showed.

Steve Stricker was among those under par until a bogey-bogey-double bogey finish put him at 75. Jordan Spieth, coming off a sensational rookie season and playing for the first time since the HSBC Champions in Shanghai a month ago, had a 77 and was last in the field. Jason Day, who won the individual and team title at the World Cup two weeks ago at Royal Melbourne, had a 76.

Rory McIlroy, with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki following him, was hopeful of building momentum from his first win of the year last week in the Australian Open. He missed a few short putts, found the water on the par-3 15th and had a 73. He played with defending champion Graeme McDowell, who had a 72.

McDowell saw a note that his last eight rounds at Sherwood were in the 60s. That streak ended Thursday, though for good reason.

''The course hasn't been this tough in a couple years,'' McDowell said. ''The scoring reflects that. The greens are much firmer. The speed of them caught me by surprise a little bit today. My speed was a little clumsy, and it showed today on the greens.''

This is the final year the tournament is being played at Sherwood. It moves to Isleworth just outside Orlando, Fla., next year.

Any rust Woods felt had to do with the greens, which he said showed on some of his putts.

''I made a few mistakes today,'' Woods said. ''I also hit a couple of good shots that ended up in some interesting spots. That can happen out there. I shot about the score ... maybe could have gotten one or two more out of it.''

Johnson had few complaints. He opened with two birdies, and then surged ahead on the back nine with five birdies in a seven-hole stretch, three of them on the par 5s. Johnson has a pair of runner-up finishes at this event, and with the tournament moving, this is his last shot at Sherwood.

''I did everything decent,'' he said. ''Just a real solid day all around. I was aggressive when I needed to be aggressive, and I was conservative when I needed to be conservative. It's nothing more than a decent start.''

Sporting tributes for Nelson Mandela

December 6, 2013 4:02 AM

Dec 6 (Reuters) - The sporting community paid tribute to Nelson Mandela after the former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner passed away aged 95 on Thursday.

Among the many offerings of respect are the following:

- -

"He was a true statesman. A remarkable man who understood that sport could build bridges, break down walls, and reveal our common humanity." - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

- -

"It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced." - FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

- -

"Mr Mandela was a truly remarkable man. I was honoured to be with him during the historic days of Rugby World Cup 1995 and saw his incredible impact on his nation and his people. His wisdom, intelligence and sheer presence was a wonder to behold." - International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

- -

"All of our lives are poorer today at the extinguishing of the great beacon of light and hope that led the way for our country through the transition to democracy. 'Madiba' was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his fellow countrymen." - South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins.

- -

"Madiba exerted a profoundly positive impact upon the world, but especially within his home country of South Africa where he famously championed sport as a vehicle of inspiration and social change. Madiba was - and will continue to be - an inspiration to all through the courageous legacy he leaves behind. He will be sadly missed not only by the rugby family, but by the world as a whole." - Super Rugby governing body, SANZAR, CEO Greg Peters.

- -

"Nelson Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist, and a man who recognised the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. Mr Mandela never compromised his principles and his beliefs in justice and equality. As South Africa's first black President, Mr Mandela recognised and utilised sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people of South Africa and create a shared national identity and pride. As a statesman, he was remarkable, and as a man, he was inspirational." - International Cricket Council President Alan Issac.

- -

"The sporting world will remember him for his tireless efforts at uniting the various sporting codes in order to create a proud and united South African sporting front. Nothing assuredly gave him greater pleasure than being part of the team that brought the FIFA World Cup to South Africa in 2010 and seeing what a wonderful celebration of sport, comradeship and humanity the tournament was. CSA dedicates the current series against the Indian team to the memory of Mandela." - Cricket South Africa President Chris Nenzani.

- -

"One of the greatest human beings ever. May your soul Rest in Peace... the world's greatest fighter." - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

- -

"He made us realise, we are our brother's keeper and that our brothers come in all colours. He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free." - Boxing great Muhammad Ali.

- -

"Let us all continue his legacy with purpose and passion" - Brazil soccer great Pele.

- -

"Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You'll always stay with us." - Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

- -

"We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being." - Former England soccer captain David Beckham.

- -

"The greatest man on the planet has died. RIP Nelson Mandela." - Former England striker Gary Linekar.

- -

"You will forever be remembered for your indomitable spirit, incomparable honour and courage" - West Indies cricket great Brian Lara.

- -

"Nelson Mandela's courage, forgiveness, love and hope inspired people around the world. He made me want to be a better man" - Golfing great Gary Player.

- -

"Pop and I felt your aura when we met you. I feel it today and I will feel it forever. You have done so much for humanity." - World number one golfer Tiger Woods.

- -

"It is a very sad day. We have lost one of the iconic leaders of our time. You cannot say anything bad about the man. He fought for what he believed in, went to prison for so many years and came out to lead our country up until now. He was just the most amazing person I have ever met. Today will be tough." - South Africa golfer Ernie Els.

- -

"He never gave in to the spirit of defeat. He believed so that today you and I can be free to live a life with no limits!" - South Africa soccer captain Itumeleng Khune.

- -

"A man we did not have for long enough, but left a lifelong legacy. Madiba we will never forget" - South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Smit.

- -

"My lasting memory of Madiba is that of a person who had enormous ability to bring people together" - South Africa rugby captain Jean de Villiers.

- -

"Rest In Peace Tata Madiba. Thank you for the inspiration and hope. May your legacy live on forever." - South Africa rugby player Bryan Habana.

- -

"A sad day for our country, Rest In Peace Madiba" - Former South Africa rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen.

- -

"Madiba was an inspiration to the Proteas in the same way that he was to other South African teams. To us he represented so many of the qualities which we as players have looked to adopt in playing for South Africa. He always gave simple but wise advice and this had a big impact on me as leader of the team. His words will stay with me forever as they were not only relevant to cricket, but also to life." - South Africa test cricket captain Graeme Smith,

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"Let us now, more than ever, stick together as a nation, we owe that to him that Much. Madiba, you will be missed" - South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers.

- -

"To a man who has changed the mindset of a nation, may we inspire and motivate as you have. You will always be remembered" - South Africa cricketer JP Duminy. (Reporting by Nick Said; Compiled by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John O'Brien)

Factbox: Sporting tributes for Nelson Mandela

December 6, 2013 5:18 AM

(Reuters) - The sporting community paid tribute to Nelson Mandela after the former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner passed away aged 95 on Thursday.

Among the many offerings of respect are the following:

- -

"He was a true statesman. A remarkable man who understood that sport could build bridges, break down walls, and reveal our common humanity." - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

- -

"It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. When he was honored and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced." - FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

- -

"Mr Mandela was a truly remarkable man. I was honored to be with him during the historic days of Rugby World Cup 1995 and saw his incredible impact on his nation and his people. His wisdom, intelligence and sheer presence was a wonder to behold." - International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

- -

"Nelson Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist, and a man who recognized the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. Mr Mandela never compromised his principles and his beliefs in justice and equality. As South Africa's first black President, Mr Mandela recognized and utilised sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people of South Africa and create a shared national identity and pride. As a statesman, he was remarkable, and as a man, he was inspirational." - International Cricket Council President Alan Issac.

- -

"One of the greatest human beings ever. May your soul Rest in Peace... the world's greatest fighter." - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

- -

"He made us realize, we are our brother's keeper and that our brothers come in all colors. He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free." - Boxing great Muhammad Ali.

- -

"Let us all continue his legacy with purpose and passion" - Brazil soccer great Pele.

- -

"Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You'll always stay with us." - Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

- -

"We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being." - Former England soccer captain David Beckham.

- -

"The greatest man on the planet has died. RIP Nelson Mandela." - Former England striker Gary Linekar.

- -

"You will forever be remembered for your indomitable spirit, incomparable honour and courage" - West Indies cricket great Brian Lara.

- -

"Nelson Mandela's courage, forgiveness, love and hope inspired people around the world. He made me want to be a better man" - Golfing great Gary Player.

- -

"Pop and I felt your aura when we met you. I feel it today and I will feel it forever. You have done so much for humanity." - World number one golfer Tiger Woods.

- -

"He never gave in to the spirit of defeat. He believed so that today you and I can be free to live a life with no limits!" - South Africa soccer captain Itumeleng Khune.

- -

"A man we did not have for long enough, but left a lifelong legacy. Madiba we will never forget" - South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Smit.

- -

"My lasting memory of Madiba is that of a person who had enormous ability to bring people together" - South Africa rugby captain Jean de Villiers.

- -

"Rest In Peace Tata Madiba. Thank you for the inspiration and hope. May your legacy live on forever." - South Africa rugby player Bryan Habana.

- -

"A sad day for our country, Rest In Peace Madiba" - Former South Africa rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen.

- -

"Let us now, more than ever, stick together as a nation, we owe that to him that Much. Madiba, you will be missed" - South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers.

- -

"To a man who has changed the mindset of a nation, may we inspire and motivate as you have. You will always be remembered" - South Africa cricketer JP Duminy.

(Reporting by Nick Said; Compiled by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John O'Brien)

Golf, soccer go ahead in SA after Mandela's death, cricket waits

December 6, 2013 6:38 AM

Former South African President Nelson Mandela waves as he leaves after casting his vote at a polling …

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Soccer and golf will go ahead in South Africa this weekend following the death of former president Nelson Mandela, but cricket is waiting for clarity from government on whether a one-day international against India will take place in Durban on Sunday.

Although the domestic first-class competition continued on Friday, a Cricket South Africa spokesman said it was waiting to hear from authorities whether the second one-day international against India can go ahead.

The League Cup soccer final between Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars will take place on Saturday evening after an emergency meeting of stakeholders on Friday.

The local Premier Soccer League also confirmed that all matches in the top two tiers would be played as scheduled, though none will be staged on the day of Mandela's funeral, a date that has yet to be announced.

The Nedbank Golf Challenge continued on Friday morning as large crowds turned out at the Sun City course with spectators in sombre mood along the fairways and greens.

(Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Ed Osmond)