Match all about bragging rights Sexton backed for world player award
LAS VEGAS: Bragging rights will be worth more than the $US9 million ($NZ13.2 million) prize money to Phil Mickelson when he takes on Tiger Woods in an 18hole winnertakesall payperview showdown in Las Vegas.
For two of the world’s richest athletes the prospect of pocketing millions for playing a round at Shadow Creek Golf Club on Saturday may not set the heart racing.
But for Mickelson the thought of forever being able to wave that cheque in Woods’ face was something priceless that left him giddy with excitement before the Thanksgiving holiday clash.
‘‘It’s great to win the $9 million but I just don’t want to lose to him and give him the satisfaction because the bragging rights are what is going to be even worse than the money,’’ Mickelson said at a news conference yesterday to drum up interest in ‘‘The Match’’.
‘‘Every time I see you I want to be able to rub it in. I want to sit in the Champions locker room at Augusta and talk smack. I want that.’’
That was about as close as Woods and Mickelson, two of the most fascinating and successful golfers of their generation, came to trading shots as they attempted to help sell the payperview duel which can be seen for a modest $US19.99.
Despite their best efforts the obligatory trash talk around the golfing cage match has been forced and limp.
Fifteen years ago, the dislike was real and palatable, the jabs they took at each other stung.
But that once frosty relationship has thawed to the point that they play practice rounds together.
Anyone expecting the sort of foulmouth baiting that is part of boxing and UFC promotions was left sadly disappointed as the news conference turned into a lovein.
Woods (42) and Mickelson (48) spent so much time lavishing praise on each other that it was hard to remember there was time when they actually disliked each other.
Even an attempt to end the news conference with a traditional boxing nosetonose staredown ended in farce with neither man able to keep a straight face for more than a few seconds before breaking into laughs and a hug.
‘‘He’s one of the greatest players to ever pick up a golf club,’’ Woods, the winner of 14 major titles, said.
‘‘Greatest of all time,’’ replied Mickelson, who has five majors in his trophy case.
One aspect of the event not manufactured is the competitiveness Woods and Mickelson bring to the golf course.
The showdown will be highlighted by several side bets and Mickelson wasted no time throwing down the gauntlet by betting Woods $100,000 he would birdie the first hole.
Woods took the bait but not before upping the ante, telling Mickelson, ‘‘Why not $200,000?’’.
‘‘So you think you can make birdie on the first hole,’’ Woods smiling. ‘‘Double it.’’
The biggest bet being put down, however, is the one made by WarnerMedia and Turner Sports which is there is enough interest to make the unique payperview event a success. — Reuters DUBLIN: Johnny Sexton’s candidacy for World Rugby player of the year is ‘‘very fitting’’, according to Ireland kicking coach Richie Murphy.
First fiveeighth Sexton is now the bookies’ favourite to land World Rugby’s top accolade which will be handed out in Monday’s annual awards ceremony in Monte Carlo.
Sexton spearheaded Ireland’s stunning 169 win over the backtoback world champion All Blacks in Dublin on Sunday, getting one over player of the year rival Beauden Barrett.
Barrett is Sexton’s main competition for the award and — having scooped the gong two years running — could become the first man to lift it three years on the trot.
Asked to assess Sexton’s candidacy for the award, Murphy replied: ‘‘Yeah, I think it’s very fitting. I’ve known him since he was in the Leinster academy and he’s always been a very driven player, massively talented and [with an] unbelievable head for the game.
‘‘I think that’s where he stands out for me above a lot of the other players who are out there, his ability to see things on the pitch and pick the right options.’’
Sexton’s stunning overtime drop goal on the 41st phase of relentless play sealed a lastgasp 1513 win over France in Paris that kickstarted Ireland’s grand slam charge.
Joe Schmidt’s men defeated England 2415 at Twickenham to scoop just their third Six Nations clean sweep in history this year.
Leinster star Sexton backed that up by guiding his province to the PRO14 and Champions Cup double, before Ireland sealed a test series win in Australia.
The 33yearold topped a stunning year with a superlative showing in his 78th test for Ireland, as the home side toppled the All Blacks — and all this after helping the British and Irish Lions to a series draw in New Zealand in 2017.
All Black wing Rieko Ioane and Springbok duo Faf De Klerk and Malcolm Marx complete the lineup of nominees for World Rugby’s top award.