Sunday 30 September 2012

Ryder Cup: The Miracle of Medinah

OVERALL SCORE  
Europe retains the Ryder Cup with victory at the Medinah Country Club.
United States13½-14½Europe

ORDER OF PLAY 
Singles (Sunday)
United States3½-8½Europe
Bubba Watsonwon 2&1Luke Donald
Webb Simpsonwon 2upIan Poulter
Keegan Bradleywon 2&1Rory McIlroy
Phil Mickelsonwon 1upJustin Rose
Brandt Snedekerwon 5&3Paul Lawrie
Dustin Johnsonwon 3&2Nicolas Colsaerts
Zach Johnsonwon 2&1Graeme McDowell
Jim Furykwon 1upSergio Garcia
Jason Dufnerwon 1upPeter Hanson
Matt Kucharwon 3&2Lee Westwood
Steve Strickerwon 1up Martin Kaymer
Tiger WoodshalvedFrancesco Molinari

EUROPE completed the most incredible comeback in its Ryder Cup history to retain the trophy at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois last night.

Resuming 10-6 down, having been 10-4 down at one stage on Saturday, Jose Maria Olazabal's men won eight of the 12 singles matches on Sunday.

That made it 14½-13½ overall as Olazabal's tactic of putting his best players up first was thoroughly vindicated.

Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Paul Lawrie all won in the top five matches as Europe totally capitalised on its extraordinary Poulter-inspired fourballs victory.

But surely even Poulter himself must have doubted just how significant that point on Saturday would be.

Indeed, it would be fair to say that the European players started their singles matches more in hope than expectation.

However, a bright start from Donald against the brash Bubba Watson gave the tiniest inkling of the extraordinary day which was to follow.

Donald eventually won 2&1 in a match which he led from start to finish, while Lawrie was also utterly dominant in his 5&3 victory over Brandt Snedeker.

The other three matches at the top of the order were much tighter affairs, though.

Webb Simpson led Poulter 1up at the 10th but the Englishman got it back to all-square on the 12th before going 1up on the penultimate hole and winning the 18th for good measure.

Meanwhile, world number one Rory McIlroy made a fast start, going 2up through the sixth hole, having arrived at the Medinah via a police escort after setting his alarm to the wrong time zone

McIlroy still held his two-hole advantage at the turn but then lost the 10th and the 12th to be hauled back level before decisive putts on the 14th and 15th spared the Northern Irishman's blushes.

The fourth match between Rose and Phil Mickelson was perhaps the match of the day, a never-ending series of twist and turns.

Rose was another European to start well, taking the first hole and restoring his 1up advantage on the eighth green.

The middle of the match belonged to Mickelson, however, and the four-time major winner levelled at the 11th before taking a one-hole lead at the 14th to spoil the scoreboard sea of blue.

But Rose was not finished yet - and the 32-year-old won the last two holes to force an extraordinary victory.

Despite this, the hosts then seemed to steady the ship a little as Dustin Johnson completed a good 3&2 win over Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, and his namesake Zach beat Graeme McDowell with something to spare.

McDowell, the hero two years ago at Celtic Manor, was never ahead against his opponent - indeed, he was three holes down after seven, never to recover.

And so, with Jim Furyk leading Sergio Garcia on the 17th tee - and Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods at parity against Martin Kaymer and Francesco Molinari further down the order - it looked as if Europe's push for victory would end in a brave defeat.

But then came the final few quite incredible twists in the tail.

First, Lee Westwood made a welcome return to form in the singles, sweeping aside Matt Kuchar 3&2 to make it 12-12 in the overall score.

Then, in that all-important eighth match out, Spaniard Garcia incredibly repeated what Rose had done about 50 minutes beforehand... winning the final two holes for an amazing 1up victory over Furyk.

Suddenly, Europe was 13-12 ahead - ahead for the first time since the first foursomes result on Friday - and requiring just one more point to retain the trophy.

The Americans levelled it up again at 13-13 as Jason Dufner secured victory over Peter Hanson - but even that had proved a scare for the hosts.

Dufner won four of the first eight holes but his Swedish opponent never completely lost heart and won five holes on the back nine, including three in a row between the 10th and the 12th.

Unfortunately, Dufner also won a couple of holes heading back - at 13 and 15 - and the American escaped with a full point.

And so, with the scores level after 26 completed matches, the whole Ryder Cup came down to four players - Steve Stricker, Martin Kaymer, Tiger Woods, and Francesco Molinari, each of whom had failed to score a single point in the 2012 edition.

Kaymer - a former world number one - had been in terrible form all year, and lost his fourballs match with Rose 3&2 on Friday.

Here, though, he was pitched against an equally out-of-sorts player in Stricker, and - after winning the 17th - Kaymer suddenly had the chance to win his match... and retain the Cup for Europe.

The German looked to have held his nerve, too, as he found the green inside Stricker who subsequently missed his putt.

That meant Kaymer had two putts to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe - but he proceeded to strike the first far too hard and the ball slid some five feet past the hole...

A tricky second awaited the German - but, like his countrymen in penalty shoot-outs, he made no mistake and Europe had completed its most amazing golf comeback.

Yes, the Europeans had done it - and had even done it with a match to spare. Woods' efforts against Molinari were rendered irrelevant in a move that, in hindsight, looks like a tactical oversight by American captain Davis Love III.

Indeed, Woods - clearly aware of events around him - missed his final attempt on the 18th and conceded Molinari's testing four-foot putt to win the hole, meaning their match was halved.

Statistically, at least, it was a significant concession by Woods, who failed to win a single match out of four at the Medinah.

For, it meant that, instead of a third-ever Ryder Cup tie in history, Europe had won the trophy outright for a seventh time out of the last nine editions - a phenomenal record.

From 10-4 down at one stage on Saturday, Europe had won 14½-13½ after its best ever singles performance. The visiting players had truly never given up.

And, in taking that attitude, Europe had indeed rediscovered the spirit of the late Seve Ballesteros whose name adorned the sleeves of the players' shirts.

Ballesteros' contemporary, captain Olazabal, unsurprisingly broke down in an emotional post-match television interview.

"I had a few thoughts for my friend Seve, and this one's for you," he said, looking towards the heavens before burying his tears of pride, joy and disbelief in his cap.

Meanwhile, undoubted man of the tournament Poulter added: "When you're wearing navy and white on Sunday, you're wearing it for a reason.

"Ollie's a special guy - we've got Seve on the arm, Seve on the bag, I know he's up there, and he'll be the proudest man in the world right now."

The spirit of Seve had delivered, and produced the Miracle of Medinah. It was a simply brilliant day.

Friday 28 September 2012

Ryder Cup: Late burst gives Europe some hope

OVERALL SCORE
United States10-6Europe

ORDER OF PLAY
Foursomes (Friday)
United States2-2Europe
Jim Furyk/Brad Snedekerwon 1upRory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell
Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradleywon 4&3Luke Donald/Sergio Garcia
Jason Dufner/Zach Johnsonwon 3&2Lee Westwood/Francesco Molinari
Tiger Woods/Steve Strickerwon 2&1Ian Poulter/Justin Rose

Fourballs (Friday)
United States3-1Europe
Bubba Watson/Webb Simpsonwon 5&4Paul Lawrie/Peter Hanson
Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradleywon 2&1Rory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell
Tiger Woods/Steve Strickerwon 1upLee Westwood/Nicolas Colsaerts
Dustin Johnson/Matt Kucharwon 3&2Justin Rose/Martin Kaymer

Foursomes (Saturday)
United States3-1Europe
Bubba Watson/Webb Simpsonwon 1upIan Poulter/Justin Rose
Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradleywon 7&6Lee Westwood/Luke Donald
Jason Dufner/Zach Johnsonwon 2&1Sergio Garcia/Nicolas Colsaerts
Jim Furyk/Brad Snedekerwon 1upRory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell

Fourballs (Saturday)
United States2-2Europe
Bubba Watson/Webb Simpsonwon 5&4Justin Rose/Francesco Molinari
Dustin Johnson/Matt Kucharwon 1upNicolas Colsaerts/Paul Lawrie
Tiger Woods/Steve Strickerwon 1upSergio Garcia/Luke Donald
Jason Dufner/Zach Johnsonwon 1upRory McIlroy/Ian Poulter

EUROPE won the last two fourballs matches last night to keep alive its slim hopes of retaining the Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.

Ian Poulter was the star of the show, firing birdies in the last five holes of his round to turn a two-hole deficit into a one-hole victory, to make the score 10-6 to the United States.

However, only once has such a lead been overturned on the final day - by the Americans in Brookline in 1999 - and, with so many European players out of form, it is hard to see them repeating that feat.

Davis Love III's men require just four-and-a-half points from 12 singles matches while Jose Maria Olazabal's team must win eight matches to retain the Cup in what would be a thrilling tie.

But, while the Americans have regularly sunk their putts, their European counterparts have just sunk - often injudiciously into the drink.

Friday
It will not show in the record books, of course, but Europe actually started pretty well in the opening session of foursomes on Friday.

Twice the visiting pairings held leads in all four matches - but never were those leads greater than 1up and, ultimately, half of the advantages could not be kept.

The experienced Phil Mickelson and impressive rookie Keegan Bradley got the first result on the board with a 4&3 win over Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia.

Northern Irish major-winning pair Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell responded to win 1up against Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker.

But the Americans restored their lead as Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson beat the out-of-sorts Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari, who still awaits his first Ryder Cup point.

The opening session ended 2-2, with Ian Poulter and Justin Rose combining well to beat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, but that was as good as it got for Europe.

The Americans had dominated the second part of the foursomes and carried that momentum into the afternoon fourballs matches.

Mickelson and Bradley were again paired together, and the duo delivered, winning the first three holes against world number one McIlroy and his compatriot McDowell.

The 'Macs' fought back but a brilliant tee-shot on 17 by Mickelson to within three feet of the pin secured the point for the USA.

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson had already scored for the Americans with a 5&4 thrashing of Paul Lawrie and Swede Peter Hanson, again after a good start.

The Watson-Simpson partnership was nine-under for the first 10 holes for a lead of six and subsequently finished the match on the 13th green.

Much was being made of Olazabal opting to leave out Poulter, Donald and Garcia, and - while it is easy to be wise after the event - the decision came under even more fire after Martin Kaymer struggled badly in his opening appearance.

Former world number one Kaymer has been in poor form in the run-up to Medinah and it would have surely been better to play him in the morning foursomes to see what shape he is in.

Justin Rose could not protect the German's ball and the Europe pair went down 3&2 to Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

At least wildcard Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts had showed up. The 29-year-old rookie hit eight birdies and an eagle in a record-breaking debut round of 62 as Europe won its second point against the Woods-Stricker pairing.

Indeed, while Colsaerts has been a rare positive for Europe, the iconic Woods has been one of the few Americans to struggle.

Woods was even dropped for the first time in his Ryder Cup career for the Saturday morning foursomes, although this was in line with Love III's decision to rest every player in at least one of the sessions.

Saturday
The Americans did well without him anyway, as they continued to dominate proceedings from the start.

Mickelson and Bradley could seem to do no wrong again as they blew away the English pairing of  Westwood and Donald.

A 7&6 crushing gave the Mickelson-Bradley partnership its third win of the weekend and a place in the record books for the biggest Ryder Cup victory in foursomes golf.

Elsewhere, Zach Johnson and Dufner reprised their partnership to good effect, prevailing 2&1 against Garcia and Colsaerts - while McIlroy and McDowell fought another close battle, only to lose on the final hole to Furyk and Snedeker.

There had been some joy on the 18th for Europe earlier when Poulter and Rose held on for victory over Watson and Simpson after the latter missed a seven-foot birdie chance.

But Europe was drowning in a sea of red on the scoreboard as the Americans recorded their second consecutive 3-1 session to take their overall lead to 8-4.

Then, in the Saturday evening fourballs, it started to look really scary - and actually pretty miserable - for the visiting defending champions.

This time, the host's form pairing was Watson and Simpson as they made up for that final hole defeat in the foursomes to hammer Rose and Molinari 5&4.

Europe's only bright spot in the session looked to be Garcia and Donald as they won four of their first eight holes against the hapless Woods-Stricker partnership.  

Meanwhile, the other two matches were tight affairs but generally leaned in favour of the Americans who had their eyes undoubtedly set on another 3-1 session and an almost unassailable 11-5 lead.

Dustin Johnson and Kuchar put the Americans a step closer to that target, cruelly winning with a Johnson birdie at 17 after Lawrie had drawn Europe level on 16.

It meant the USA had made it into double figures in terms of the overall score, and Love III's team was not even giving up on matches that looked to have passed well by.

For, while Woods has played some pretty ragged golf this weekend, he has actually thrived on the back nine and a birdie charge reduced Garcia and Donald's four-hole lead to just one at the 13th.

A see-saw battle then commenced with Donald extending the lead back to two at the 15th before it was back down to a one-hole difference at the 16th after Woods converted an eight-footer. 

Inevitably, the match ended with the pairs heading down the 18th fairway and onto the green where Stricker had a glorious chance to deny Europe a vital point.

If it had been Woods putting, it would have probably been another tale of what might have been for the Europeans.

But, as it happened, Stricker's putt lipped out and Woods' already inglorious Ryder Cup record has been further tarnished by three successive losses this weekend.

The Americans may have a handsome lead overall but there can be no doubt that Woods will put pressure on himself to make a contribution in the Singles. Whether that is good news for his opponent or not is hard to tell.

Back to the fourballs, and only minutes after just Europe's second point of the day, it got a third courtesy of Poulter.

Dufner and Zach Johnson had been in control of their match and looked good for their third successive victory but Poulter always seems to raise his game for the Ryder Cup, and the Hitchin man did it again last night.

First, though, Poulter's partner McIlroy showed his class at the 13th, holing a 15-foot birdie to halve the Americans' long-held two-hole lead.

Poulter and McIlroy seemed to take great heart from the fact that half a point at least was now within their grasp and they duly levelled the match at the 15th through Poulter's birdie and Dufner's miss.

Then, at the 16th, the Europeans took the lead for the first time as Poulter curled in and let out a penetrating scream.

At last, it seemed that Europe was playing with some passion and belief - but Poulter and McIlroy were aware that they had to finish the job.

Poulter and Johnson shared birdies at the par-three 17th, sending a third match of the evening down the final fairway... and onto the final green.

McIlroy made par with a tough effort from the edge before Dufner exerted pressure on Poulter by converting a birdie from four feet.

In contrast to Dufner's shot, Poulter had an eminently missable putt from 10 feet.

However, more magic from the flamboyant Englishman gave Europe the match by the tightest margin. The session had been tied at 2-2.

That still makes it 10-6 overall to the Americans, and it is a lead which should still see them to victory today.

But, at least, thanks to Poulter, Europe has a sliver of a chance of defending its crown - and what a comeback that would be!

Ryder Cup 2012: Europe expects hostile reception


EUROPE will attempt to defend its hard-won Ryder Cup crown by winning on American soil  for the fourth time - but the United States are in no mood to make it easy.

Rookie Brandt Snedecker has even said he will "try to beat their brains in" when asked about his European counterparts.

Meanwhile, American captain Davis Love III expects the gallery at the Medinah Country Club to play its part over the weekend.

"Chicago is an incredible sports town and the fans are going to be fired up. The first tee could be the loudest any of these guys have ever seen," said Love.

Of course, there is no way that Snedecker meant what he said literally and bullish pre-match predictions are all part of the show which is fair enough.

But the fired up Americans need to be careful that their emotions do not get carried away on the course, just as they did in 1991 at Kiawah Island, South Carolina - the so-called 'War on the Shore' - and again in 1999 in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The 1991 contest was staged with the first Gulf War as its backdrop, and the Americans - deprived of the trophy in the previous three match-ups - went on the offensive.

European captain Bernard Gallacher recalled: "It was like that World Wrestling Federation stuff on television, where you have bad guys and good guys. We were the bad guys.

"When the Americans apply themselves to winning something as seriously as they have the Ryder Cup, you know you have to cope with a very ruthless animal."

And the Americans did win - but the hosts' attitude was pretty much summed up by Paul Azinger who celebrated victory by declaring: "American pride is back.

"We went over there and thumped the Iraqis. Now we've taken the cup back. I'm proud to be an American."

A similar, and just as inappropriate, comment was made by Bubba Watson yesterday, perhaps demonstrating a hardened approach from the Americans as they aim to improve their poor recent record.

Watson said: "Well, it's the United States flag. You know, the military, the military that wears our flag everywhere they go. They give us freedom to play golf, to play the Ryder Cup."

Now, of course, the tired cliche that sport and politics do not mix has been thoroughly disproved over the years - just consider the Olympic boycotts in 1980 and 1984 - but sports and actual real war crosses an uncomfortable line for me.

At least in 1999, the Americans apologised for their awful eschewing of golfing etiquette when all their players, and even their wives, invaded the 17th green in Brookline following a putt from Justin Leonard.

Nevertheless, that victory in 1999 - and the win in Valhalla, Kentucky in 2008 - are the only two times over the last eight matches across 17 years that the USA has come out on top.

Team Europe was introduced in 1979 due to the one-sided nature of the competition until then between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland.

Europe promptly lost its first three match-ups but bit back in the latter part of the 1980s with two wins and a thrilling tie in 1989 from which it retained the Cup.

The 1990s were also evenly contested, bookended by the aforementioned events in 1991 and 1999, before the September 11 attacks in 2001 forced the contest into even-numbered years.

Since then, Europe has won four out of the five ties, and such dominance is evident in the players respective individual records.

For, while none of the Americans has a winning record, both Luke Donald and Ian Poulter can boast a 72% outright-win ratio - and this competition also seems to bring the best out of the likes of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood.

Of course, it was notable that, when Tiger Woods' crown slipped, it was a Northern Irishman who has stepped into the fill breach. Rory McIlroy goes into this Ryder Cup as a double major winner and the world's number one golfer.

Times have certainly changed since the American dominance of the 1970s and before - but Europe is hardly a shoo-in for another triumph.

In fact, the Americans are favourites with every single bookmaker. Home advantage does not always count but it is usually a factor, and there can be no doubt that the Americans are trying to ramp it up as much as possible this time.

Europe had a patchy record in the Ryder Cup in the 1980s and 1990s but it always used to revel in its underdog role. Can Spanish captain Jose Maria Olazabal reprise it?


THE TEAMS (*= captain's wildcard selection)
United States (Captain: Davis Love III, Vice-captains: Fred Couples, Mike Hulbert, Jeff Sluman, Scott Verplank)


AgePoints rank
(World)
Ryder Cup record
(W-L-H)
World rankingMajors
Tiger Woods36112-14-2214
Bubba Watson3321-3-071
Jason Dufner353Rookie60
Keegan Bradley264Rookie131
Webb Simpson275Rookie81
Zach Johnson3663-3-1161
Matt Kuchar3471-1-2140
Phil Mickelson42811-17-6154
*Steve Stricker45103-3-1100
*Jim Furyk42118-15-4281
*Brandt Snedeker3113Rookie180
*Dustin Johnson28151-3-0 120

Europe (Captain: Jose Maria Olazabal, Vice-captains: Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Miguel Angel Jimenez)

AgePoints 
rank (Euro)
Points 
rank (World)
Ryder Cup 
record (W-L-H)
World rankingMajors
Rory McIlroy (NI)23111-1-212
Justin Rose (ENG)32233-1-090
Paul Lawrie (SCO)43363-1-1271
G McDowell (NI)33454-2-2171
F Molinari (ITA)29580-2-1310
Luke Donald (ENG)34728-2-130
Lee Westwood (ENG)3910416-11-640
Sergio Garcia (ESP)3213714-6-4190
Peter Hanson (SWE)34691-2-0230
Mart Kaymer (GER)278102-1-1321
*Nic Colsaerts (BEL)29912Rookie350
*Ian Poulter (ENG)3617118-3-0 240

COURSE
Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois, USA (Par 72, 7657 yards)
HoleYardsPar

HoleYardsPar
14334

105785
21923

114404
34124

124764
44634

132453
55365

146095
65094

153904
76175

164824
82013

171933
94324

184494
OUT376536

IN386236

RYDER CUP HISTORY: EUROPE v UNITED STATES
Since 1979, Europe has held the Cup for 18 years, and the United States for 15 years. Before 1979, United States won all but four of the first 22 matches against Great Britain/Great Britain & Ireland. The exceptional years were 1929 (GB won 7-5), 1933 (GB won 6½-5½), 1957 (GB won -4½), and 1969 (a 16-16 tie - USA retained the Cup).  

Matches 16  
Europe 8
United States
Ties 1

YearCourse


Holder
1979The Greenbrier, VAEurope11-17United States   United States
1981Walton Heath, EngEurope-18½United StatesUnited States
1983Palm Beach, FLEurope13½-14½United StatesUnited States
1985The Belfry, EnglandEurope16½-11½United StatesEurope
1987Muirfield Village, OHEurope15-13United StatesEurope
1989The Belfry, EnglandEurope14-14United StatesEurope
1991Kiawah Island, SCEurope13½-14½United StatesUnited States
1993The Belfry, EnglandEurope13-15United StatesUnited States
1995Oak Hill, NYEurope14½-13½United StatesEurope
1997Valderrama, SpainEurope14½-13½United StatesEurope
1999Brookline, MAEurope13½-14½United StatesUnited States
2002*The Belfry, EnglandEurope15½-12½United StatesEurope
2004Oakland Hills, MIEurope18½-9½United StatesEurope
2006K Club, IrelandEurope18½-9½United StatesEurope
2008Valhalla, KYEurope11½-16½United StatesUnited States
2010Celtic Manor, WalesEurope14½-13½United StatesEurope

*Originally scheduled for 2001 but delayed for a year following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Subsequent tournaments have been played on even-numbered years.

Thursday 27 September 2012

World T20 still awaits lift-off


SUPER EIGHT STAGE

GROUP E
27 Sep, 11:00PallekeleSRI LANKA 174-5 tied with NEW ZEALAND 174-7
Super Over: SRI LANKA 13-1 beat NEW ZEALAND 8-1
27 Sep, 15:00PallekeleWEST INDIES 179-5 beat ENGLAND 164-4 by 15 runs
29 Sep, 11:00PallekeleENGLAND 149-4 beat NEW ZEALAND 148-6 by six wickets
29 Sep, 15:00PallekeleSRI LANKA 130-1 beat WEST INDIES 129-5 by nine wickets
1 Oct, 11:00PallekeleWEST INDIES 139 tied with NEW ZEALAND 139-7
Super Over: WEST INDIES 19-0 beat NEW ZEALAND 17-0
1 Oct, 15:00PallekeleSRI LANKA 169-6 beat ENGLAND 150-9 by 19 runs

GROUP F
28 Sep, 11:00ColomboPAKISTAN 136-8 beat SOUTH AFRICA 133-6 by two wickets
28 Sep, 15:00ColomboAUSTRALIA 141-1 beat INDIA 140-7 by nine wickets
30 Sep, 11:00ColomboAUSTRALIA 147-2 beat SOUTH AFRICA 146-5 by eight wickets
30 Sep, 15:00ColomboINDIA 129-2 beat PAKISTAN 128 by eight wickets
2 Oct, 11:00ColomboPAKISTAN 149-6 beat AUSTRALIA 117-7 by 32 runs
2 Oct, 15:00ColomboINDIA 152-6 beat SOUTH AFRICA 151 by one run

SEMI FINALS
4 Oct, 14:30ColomboSRI LANKA 139-9 beat PAKISTAN 123-7 by 16 runs
5 Oct, 14:30ColomboWEST INDIES 205-4 beat AUSTRALIA 131 by 74 runs

THE FINAL
7 Oct, 14:30ColomboWEST INDIES 137-6 beat SRI LANKA 101 by 36 runs


ENGLAND continue their somewhat unconvincing defence of the ICC World T20 against the West Indies today as this desperate tournament finally enters its Super Eight stage.

For, to say that this fourth edition of the World T20 has yet to spring into life would be a massive understatement, and even seasoned cricket writers are finding it hard to get excited.

There have been two major problems with the organisation of the tournament. The first is its bizarre format for the opening group stages with only three teams in each group.

It meant that Zimbabwe, having lost twice in the first three days, were knocked out before five of the other teams had yet to play a match.

Surely it would have been better if there had been three groups of four with the top two qualifying for a Super Six stage.

Not only would the smaller teams had more games, and more of a chance of causing an upset but, with only six spots available for the latter stages, there would have also been competitive games between the eight stronger teams.

As it happened, all eight major Test-playing nations qualified, and the fact that seedings for the Super Eight were pre-allocated - and points were not carried over - led to needless dead rubbers in the final matches of Groups A and C.

Holders England will have been pleased that this was the case actually, as they made a complete hash of their second match, losing by the huge margin of 90 runs after being bowled out for 80.

Nevertheless, the pre-allocated draw meant that Stuart Broad's men have been pooled with two other runners-up, New Zealand and West Indies, while three group winners - Australia, India and Pakistan - have been pitted together. It has all been a bit of a mess.

The other major problem has been the scheduling of the tournament in Sri Lanka in September when the weather is not at its best.

Ireland, in particular, were undone by rain for a second World T20 in a row, as their Group B decider ended in the dreaded no result, meaning West Indies progressed on the basis of a better run rate.

In fairness, this had not been a great tournament for the Irish considering the blows they have landed at other international events - though Trent Johnston had a valid point when he suggested any plateau in Ireland's development was due to a lack of fixtures.

Their captain William Porterfield was out first ball in both his games, and the target of 130 should not have proved too much of a problem for a Windies side featuring Chris Gayle.

In surmising the Ireland-West Indies match, though, Vic Marks in the Guardian wrote: "Common-sense might demand that this game, a crucial one, should have been played earlier.

"But there are TV schedules to satisfy. More frustrating is that the fact that the International Cricket Council, like the England and Wales Cricket Board, often has a weird set of priorities.

"Taking into account the prevailing climatic conditions does not figure very high in their calculations. Hence county cricket in early April in England and major tournaments in Sri Lanka in late September.

"In cricket, TV schedulers and commercial wizards always trump meteorologists and simple cricketing folk."

Unfortunately, there is indeed a sense of foreboding that it may yet be the weather gods which decide the World T20 rather than the strength of the teams.

Another Group B match, between Australia and West Indies, was decided by the good old Duckworth-Lewis method, while the Group C dead-rubber between Sri Lanka and South Africa was also affected and reduced to seven overs.

As a whole, then, for this tournament, things really can only get better, and the crowds can only get bigger.

Of course, many Sri Lankan people are among the poorest in the world. However, cut-price tickets have been available, and it is well-known that this part of the world absolutely adores it cricket.

As such, a more likely explanation for the poor turnout is simply that these highly knowledgeable supporters are aware the tournament so far has been little more than a glorified set of warm-ups.

Pretty much everyone could have picked the eight teams which remain in the hunt, and - due to the seeding - which Super Eight group they would be contesting.

This ICC World T20 truly is in dire need of a close finish and/or an amazing comeback as well as no more rain-affected matches.

Put more bluntly, the tournament is in need of a classic or two... and fast!

PREVIOUS GROUP STAGE RESULTS
GROUP A
ENGLAND + INDIA + AFGHANISTAN
19 Sep, 15:00ColomboINDIA 159-5 beat AFGHANISTAN 136 by 23 runs
21 Sep, 15:00ColomboENGLAND 196-5 beat AFGHANISTAN 80 by 116 runs
23 Sep, 15:00ColomboINDIA 170-4 beat ENGLAND 80 by 90 runs

GROUP B
AUSTRALIA + WEST INDIES + IRELAND
19 Sep, 11:00ColomboAUSTRALIA 125-3 beat IRELAND 123-7 by seven wickets
22 Sep, 15:00ColomboAUSTRALIA 100-1 beat WEST INDIES 191-8 by 17 runs (D/L)
24 Sep, 15:00ColomboIRELAND 129-6 v WEST INDIES - No result (rain)

GROUP C
SRI LANKA + SOUTH AFRICA + ZIMBABWE
18 Sep, 15:00HambantotaSRI LANKA 182-4 beat ZIMBABWE 100 by 82 runs
20 Sep, 11:00HambantotaSOUTH AFRICA 94-0 beat ZIMBABWE 93-8 by 10 wickets
22 Sep, 11:00HambantotaSOUTH AFRICA 78-4 beat SRI LANKA 46-5 by 32 runs

GROUP D
PAKISTAN + NEW ZEALAND + BANGLADESH
21 Sep, 11:00PallekeleNEW ZEALAND 191-3 beat BANGLADESH 132-8 by 59 runs
23 Sep, 11:00PallekelePAKISTAN 177-6 beat NEW ZEALAND 164-9 by 13 runs
25 Sep. 15:00PallekelePAKISTAN 178-2 beat BANGLADESH 175-6 by eight wickets

PREVIOUS GROUP STAGE TABLES
GROUP AWLNRRRPts
(A2) INDIA2002.824
(A1) ENGLAND1100.652
AFGHANISTAN020-3.470

GROUP BWLNRRRPts
(B1) AUSTRALIA2002.184
(B2) WEST INDIES011-1.851
IRELAND011-2.091

GROUP CWLNRRRPts
(C2) SOUTH AFRICA2003.604
(C1) SRI LANKA1101.852
ZIMBABWE020-3.620

GROUP DWLNRRRPts
(D1) PAKISTAN1100.714
(D2) NEW ZEALAND1001.152
BANGLADESH010-1.870

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Hillsborough: the Truth

THE (REAL) TRUTH
  • 41 of the 96 victims could have lived.
  • Police carried out criminal record checks on deceased to "impugn reputations". 
  • Blood samples were taken from all of the deceased, including a 10-year-old child, to check for alcohol levels. 
  • 116 of the 164 South Yorkshire Police statements were doctored to strike out criticism.
  • The Sun's allegations originated from police and a local MP.

THE TRUE horror of the Hillsborough disaster was laid bare today following the publication of an independent report into previously unseen documents about the tragedy.

The report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel confirmed the worst fears of the victims' families who have had to campaign for 23 years to get the truth. Indeed, many key findings were even worse than expected.

Most strikingly, it has become apparent that 41 of the 96 deaths might have been prevented.

An analysis of post-mortem test results found that 28 of the victims had no "obstruction of blood circulation" and there was "separate evidence that, in 31, the heart and lungs had continued to function after the crush".

These findings are in stark contrast to the verdict of the original inquest which concluded all the victims were dead or brain dead by 3.15pm.

Of course, the original coroner's report was only one of so many procedural failings to have taken place during and after the utter chaos on that fateful afternoon in South Yorkshire on 15 April 1989.

And, if negligence from the authorities was not bad enough, those same authorities then engaged in a monumental cover-up and covert campaign to smear the fans as hooligans.

Today's report confirms that 116 of the 164 police statements were "amended to remove or alter comments unfavourable to South Yorkshire Police".

It also found that police carried out criminal record checks on the deceased in an attempt to impugn their reputations. 

Incredibly, it has further been revealed that blood-alcohol samples were taken from all of the deceased, including one from a 10-year-old child, to check for evidence of excessive drinking. 

The fans were an easy target, I guess. English football's problem with hooliganism was hardly a well-kept secret and Liverpool supporters themselves had, of course, been implicated at the Heysel stadium disaster just four years earlier.

What happened at Hillsborough was different, though.

And, indeed, today's report confirms what has since generally been accepted as the true version of events from anyone who attended the antiquated Leppings Lane end of the stadium that day...

Kick-off was fast approaching and, with a crush was developing outside the ground due to a lack of turnstiles, the police opened a gate usually only used as an exit.

The supporters from outside the ground rushed through the gate and headed to a tunnel which led them to the two central pens of the ground. This was despite the fact that these pens were already filled to capacity while the two side pens remained underused.

Normally, when this was the case, the police would block the end of the tunnel leading to the central pens and divert the fans to the sides of the terrace. This did not happen on 15 April 1989 and it has never been explained why.

Instead, as more supporters rushed through the tunnel to the central pens, those supporters who were already in the ground were crushed against the fencing at the front of the stand.

Eventually, the fencing collapsed and hundreds of people streamed onto the pitch, many gasping for air.

The match was abandoned as uninjured fans tore up advertising hoardings to use as makeshift stretcher boards.

But their actions were restricted by the police who created a cordon across the pitch to prevent the rival fans from getting to each other. Police also turned back all but one of the 44 waiting ambulances.

Despite all of this, the supporters of Liverpool still face snide remarks about them being somehow responsible for their own downfall, a particularly notable example coming from London mayor Boris Johnson.

David Cameron spoke in the House of Commons today, advising Mr Johnson and others that it might be time now for them to revise their perspective.

Mr Cameron was contrite as an unusually solemn mood swept through the chamber. He offered his "profound apologies" for a "double injustice" in which the fans were allowed to die in an unsafe stadium before their names were blackened as the authorities engaged in a "cover-up".

Labour leader Ed Miliband joined the Prime Minister in these sentiments, and added: "The people of Liverpool were systematically smeared and portrayed as its perpetrators.

"Imagine for a moment any of us waving a loved one off as they go to a football match, and then the impossible grief of your loved on not returning.

"Then imagine being unable to grieve in peace, but facing two decades of torment, a cloud of suspicion, innuendo and downright lies spread about the person you loved. Lies about rushing the gate, lies about ticketless fans, lies about the drunkenness of the victims.

"This is what the Hillsborough families had to endure from day one of this tragedy."

So, why do the myths about the supporters persist? Well, part of the reason must be the coverage afforded to the tragedy by Britain's biggest-selling newspaper, the Sun.

The Sun might still sell 2.6m copies per day but only a handful of those sales are made in Merseyside. In fact, many newsagents in the area simply will not stock it.

The extent of the boycott is really no surprise, considering what editor Kelvin MacKenzie decided to publish at the time.

Under a huge banner headline 'The Truth', the Sun claimed in three sub-headings that:
"Some fans picked the pockets of victims;
Some fans urinated on the brave cops;
Some fans beat up PC giving the kiss of life".

But it can now be said, with all assuredness, that none of this was true.

It was instead part of a monumental cover-up with that version of events originating from the police and local MP of the time, Irvine Patnick, somehow now a knight of the realm.

In the past, MacKenzie has resisted calls for him to apologise for what has written under his esteem that day. On other occasions, he has given half-hearted statements of regret.

Today, MacKenzie has issued a proper apology - but, while this can only be commended, it has taken so long that it seems only right the rest of his professional career will be remembered for this incident.

For, as MacKenzie and the rest of us now know for sure, the truth was in fact rather more gruesome, and particularly uncomfortable for certain authorities such as the South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Indeed, some of the revelations would have been uncomfortable for all of us - after all, the victims could have been supporters of any club. They could have been any mother's daughter, any father's son.

The relentless campaigning by the Hillsborough Family Support Group has been entirely understandable and, after a 23-year struggle, it is heartening to see them finally starting to get somewhere.

Of course, nothing will ever bring back the Hillsborough victims - but the publication of this 394-page report should see the scandalous original inquest verdicts of accidental death overturned.

The decision to apply to the High Court for a new inquest lies in the hands of the Attorney General Dominic Grieve - and, while he will make his application outside the influence of the political sphere, the PM hinted strongly at what he would like to see done.

No doubt, if the decision is as expected, many of the victims' relatives will apply for fresh hearings to be carried out at which doctors could be questioned about the possibility of survival.

Perhaps, only once this has been established, then it can be said that justice for the 96 has been done.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Murray finally fulfils his destiny


ANDY MURRAY is a Grand Slam champion, and he is the first British man who can say that in 76 years.

Murray finally won his maiden major title at the fifth attempt, beating Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller over four hours and 54 minutes in the US Open Final.

A truly epic match finished 7-6(12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to Murray, breaking a spell which had hung over British tennis ever since Fred Perry had prevailed at Flushing Meadows in 1936.

This era of Djokovic, as well as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of course, has produced so many close encounters that an epic final has somehow become quite commonplace.

The Wimbledon finals in 2007 and 2008 between Federer and Nadal both went to five sets, while Federer won 16-14 against Andy Roddick in a decider there in 2009.

But, while the quality of the early parts of this match suffered at times in the blustery conditions, it can certainly be ranked as epic as well.

The countless twists and turns, amazing amount of long points, and serious raw emotion have ensured it gets that status. This was a gladiatorial contest. 

It was, in fact, a cagey start though, and Murray and his Serbian opponent traded two early breaks apiece. From 4-4 onwards, it became inevitable that the first set would head into a tie-break.

Here, the fun really started as Murray was forced to win the opening set over and over again, only succeeding at the sixth chance.

But, while that first set was a tit-for-tat battle, the second looked easy for Murray as he stormed into a 4-0 lead.

Djokovic is a true champion, though, and he immediately got one of the two breaks back to reduce his arrears to 4-1. The Serbian was not finished there and, after a hold each, Djokovic pushed for a second time and got back level at 5-5.

However, just as a second tie-break loomed, the defending champion undid all his good work, losing his serve in the 12th game to go down 7-5.

In fairness to Djokovic, it was probably Murray's true grit which saw him through, as he came out on top in a 30-shot rally in that game. But, despite this, Djokovic's improved form towards the end of the second set had signalled a major momentum shift in the match.

The Serb broke Murray early in the third to lead 3-1, and then 4-2  - before a second break proved terminal for the man from Dunblane.

Into the fourth set, and the Djokovic momentum continued. The Serb again broke Murray early on for a 2-0 lead and there were particularly worrying signs for the Scot as he openly complained his legs had gone to jelly.

It should be no surprise, then, that Djokovic also had a break point in Murray's next service game. On that occasion, there was no break of serve but it was quite clear who was in control at the Arthur Ashe stadium.

Indeed, after trading holds, Djokovic restored parity by making it two unanswered breaks for a second successive set. He also gained the nominal advantage of serving first in the decider, having broken in the final game of the fourth.

But, for the first time since the first set tie-break, Djokovic now had something to lose. That pressure showed immediately as it was Murray who gained the early break of serve this time, forcing Djokovic into the net at 40-30.

At 30-30 in the second game, it looked perhaps as if the topsy-turvy nature of the first set was going to be reprised. However, a visibly-shattered Murray was somehow playing his best tennis of the night at this stage, and a gutsy hold was followed by a second break.

The delirium in Dunblane would have been short-lived, though, as Djokovic again immediately responded to get himself back in the set with a break of his own. That made it 3-1 before the Serb held for a 3-2 deficit.

For once, there was no predictable wobble. Murray had obviously decided that he had made this final interesting enough and sailed through a love service game for a 4-2 lead.

And then, in the seventh game of the set, came Murray's moment with destiny. The Scot restored his two-break cushion after Djokovic could only lamely find the net once more. Even he could tell his Flushing Meadows reign was over.

All that was left was for Murray to serve out for the match and a Grand Slam championship.

This, he did, and in some style too - storming to 40-0 to bring up three championship points. The dream finish was delayed by a few seconds as Djokovic took the next point at the net but the Serb went forlornly long with a forehand on the next point.

Murray had won - and, in winning, brought to an end a torturous journey towards his first Grand Slam title.

It had indeed been a rocky path to the holy grail, punctuated by a final defeat at Flushing Meadows in 2008, successive Australian Open final losses in 2010 and 2011, and finally tears at Wimbledon this summer.

Only Murray's coach Ivan Lendl knew what it was like to lose the first four major finals in a career. But Lendl also won at the fifth attempt, and went onto win eight Grand Slams altogether.

This unbelievable era of tennis may prevent Murray from matching that total. However, having overcome the obstacle of getting over the finish line, it now seems inconceivable that the Scot will not add more major titles to his CV.

Indeed, during this unprecedented great British summer of sport, Murray has had his own personal season in the sun.

For, even in the devastation of the defeat at Wimbledon, there had been some progress. At the fourth attempt, Murray had won a set in a Grand Slam final, and he even had chances to go 2-0 up.

Four weeks later, Murray was back on the same court against the same opponent, Federer, playing for Olympic gold.

Federer had made no secret of his desire to succeed at the Olympics, having never done so, but these were the Olympics of Team GB, and of Murray.

The Scot blew away the 17-time Grand Slam winner 6-2 6-1 6-4 in just under two hours with a breathtaking performance.

That could have proved satisfactory for now but Murray is a great champion and was not about to rest on his laurels in New York.

Nadal had withdrawn before the tournament with more knee trouble and, when Federer was beaten by Czech Tomáš Berdych, the draw had opened up.

Murray, too, has had problems against Berdych in the past - but, after a slow start, victory in four sets set up another date with destiny.

"I will give it everything," vowed Murray before this latest final. Well, he did, and it worked, and there can be no one more deserving of Grand Slam title than him.

Congratulations, Andy Murray. A Grand Slam champion, at last.

Monday 10 September 2012

London 2012: the Parade of Champions


GREAT BRITAIN MEDALLISTS 
AT THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS
GOLD

Athletics
Jessica Ennis Heptathlon
Mo Farah Men's 5,000m and Men's 10,000m 
Greg Rutherford Men's long jump
Boxing
Nicola Adams Women's flyweight
Luke Campbell Men's bantamweight
Anthony Joshua Men's super heavyweight 
Canoe - slalom
Tim Baillie & Etienne Stott Men's C-2
Canoe - sprint
Ed McKeever Men's K-1 200m
Cycling - road
Bradley Wiggins Men's time trial
Cycling - track
Philip Hindes, Jason Kenny & Sir Chris Hoy Men's team sprint
Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas & Peter Kennaugh Men's team pursuit
Laura Trott, Dani King & Joanna Rowsell Women's team pursuit
Sir Chris Hoy Men's Keirin
Jason Kenny Men's sprint
Victoria Pendleton Women's Keirin
Laura Trott Women's Omnium
Equestrian - dressage
Laura Bechtolsheimer, Carl Hester & Charlotte Dujardin Team dressage
Charlotte Dujardin Individual dressage
Equestrian - jumping
Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Scott Brash & Peter Charles Team jumping
Rowing
Helen Glover & Heather Stanning Women's pair
Katherine Grainger & Anna Watkins Women's double scull
Andy Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed, Alex Gregory & Tom James Men's four
Katherine Copeland & Sophie Hosking Women's lightweight double scull
Sailing
Ben Ainslie Men's Finn
Shooting
Peter Wilson Men's Double trap
Taekwondo
Jade Jones Women's lightweight 57kg
Tennis
Andy Murray Men's singles
Triathlon
Alistair Brownlee Men's triathlon

SILVER
Athletics
Christine Ohuruogu Women's 400m
Boxing
Fred Evans Men's welterweight
Canoeing - slalom
David Florence & Richard Hounslow Men's C-2
Cycling - road
Lizzie Armistead Women's road race
Cycling - track
Victoria Pendleton Women's sprint
Equestrian - eventing
Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Zara Phillips & Nicola Wilson Team eventing
Gymnastics
Louis Smith Pommel horse
Judo
Gemma Gibbons Women's half-heavyweight 78kg
Modern Pentathlon
Samantha Murray Women's modern pentathlon
Rowing
Chris Bartley, Richard Chambers, Peter Chambers & Rob Williams Men's lightweight four
Zac Purchase & Mark Hunter Men's lightweight double scull
Sailing
Iain Percy & Andrew Simpson Star
Nick Dempsey Men's RS-X
Luke Patience & Stuart Bithell Men's 470
Hannah Mills & Saskia Clark Women's 470
Swimming
Michael Jamieson Men's 200m breaststroke
Tennis
Andy Murray & Laura Robson Mixed doubles

BRONZE 
Athletics
Robbie Grabarz Men's high jump
Boxing
Anthony Ogogo Men's middleweight
Canoeing - sprint
Liam Heath & Jon Schofield Men's K-2 200m
Cycling - road  
Chris Froome Men's time trial
Cycling - track
Ed Clancy Men's Omnium
Diving
Tom Daley Men's 10m platform
Equestrian - dressage
Laura Bechtolsheimer Individual dressage
Gymnastics
Sam Oldham, Dan Purvis, Louis Smith, Kristian Thomas & Max Whitlock Men's team all-round
Max Whitlock Pommel horse
Beth Tweddle Uneven bars
Hockey
Women's team Beth Storry, Emile Maguire, Laura Unsworth, Crista Cullen, Hannah MacLeod, Anne Panter, Helen Richardson, Kate Walsh, Chloe Rogers, Laura Bartlett, Alex Danson, Georgie Twigg, Ashleigh Ball, Sally Walton, Nicola White & Sarah Thomas
Judo
Karina Bryant Women's heavyweight +78kg
Swimming
Rebecca Adlington Women's 400m freestyle, Women's 800m freestyle
Taekwondo
Lutalo Muhammad Men's middleweight 80kg
Triathlon
Jonny Brownlee Men's triathlon
Rowing
Alex Partridge, James Foad, Tom Ransley, Richard Egington, Mohamed Sbihi, Greg Searle, Matthew Langridge, Constantine Louloudis & Phelan Hill (cox) Men's eight
George Nash & Will Satch Men's pair
Alan Campbell Men's single scull



GREAT BRITAIN MEDALLISTS 
AT THE LONDON 2012 PARALYMPICS
GOLD
Archery
Danielle Brown Women's individual compound - open
Athletics
Jonnie Peacock Men's 100m T44
Hannah Cockcroft (two) Women's 100m T34, Women's 200m T34
Richard Whitehead Men's 200m T42
Aled Davies Men's discus F42
David Weir (four) Men's 800m T54, Men's 1500m T54, Men's 5000m T54, Men's marathon T54
Mickey Bushell Men's 100m T37
Josie Pearson Women's discus F51-53
Cycling
Sarah Storey (four) Women's individual pursuit C5, Women's 500m time trial C4-5, Women's road time trial C5, Women's road race C4-5
Mark Colbourne Men's individual pursuit C1
Neil Fachie [Barney Storey (pilot)] Men's 1km time trial B
Anthony Kappes [Craig MacLean (pilot)] Men's individual sprint B
David Stone Mixed road race T1-2
Equestrian
Sophie Christiansen, Deborah Criddle, Lee Pearson & Sophie Wells Team championship 
Natasha Baker (two) [Cabral] Individual championship test grade II, Individual freestyle test grade II
Sophie Christiansen (two) [Janeiro 6] Individual championship test grade Ia, Individual freestyle test grade Ia
Rowing  
Pam Relph, Naomi Riches, David Smith, James Roe & Lily van den Broecke (cox) Mixed coxed four LTAMix4+
Sailing  
Helena Lucas 2.4 mR - 1 person keelboat
Swimming  
Jonathan Fox Men's 100m backstroke S7
Eleanor Simmonds (two) Women's 400m freestyle S6, Women's 200m individual medley SM6
Jessica-Jane Applegate Women's 200m freestyle S14
Heather Frederiksen Women's 100m backstroke S8
Oliver Hynd Men's 200m individual medley SM8
Josef Craig Men's 400m freestyle S7

SILVER
Archery
Mel Clarke Women's individual compound - open
Athletics
Stefanie Reid Women's long jump F42-44 
Graeme Ballard Men's 100m T36
Libby Clegg [Mikail Huggins (guide)] Women's 100m T12
Paul Blake Men's 400m T36 
Bethy Woodward Women's 200m T37
Dan Greaves Men's discus F44
Shelly Woods Women's marathon T54
Boccia
David Smith Individual BC1
Cycling
Mark Colbourne (two) Men's 1km time trial C1-3, Men's road time trial C1
Aileen McGlynn [Helen Scott (pilot)] Women's individual B 1km time trial
Neil Fachie [Barney Storey (pilot)] Men's individual sprint B
Jon-Allan Butterworth (two) Men's 1k time trial C4-5, Men's individual pursuit C5
Shaun McKeown Men's individual pursuit C3
Jon-Allan Butterworth, Darren Kenny, Rik Waddon Mixed team sprint C1-5
Karen Darke Women's road time trial H1-2
Equestrian
Lee Pearson [Gentleman] Individual championship test grade Ib
Sophie Wells (two) [Pinocchio] Individual championship test grade IV, Individual freestyle test grade IV
Deborah Criddle (two) [LJT Akilles] Individual championship test grade III, Individual freestyle test grade III
Judo 
Sam Ingram Men's 90kg
Shooting  
Matt Skelhon Mixed R3 - 10m air rifle prone SH1
Swimming  
Nyree Kindred Women's 100m backstroke S6
Sascha Kindred Men's 200m individual medley SM6 
Hannah Russell Women's 400m freestyle S12
Oliver Hynd Men's 400m freestyle S8 
Matthew Whorwood Men's 400m freestyle S6
Claire Cashmore Women's 100m breaststroke SB8
James Crisp Men's 100m backstroke S9
Heather Frederiksen (two) Women's 100m freestyle S8, Women's 400m freestyle S8
Charlotte Henshaw Women's 100m breaststroke SB6
Stephanie Millward (three) Women's 100m backstroke S9, Women's 400m freestyle S9, Women's 200m individual medley SM9
Aaron Moores Men's 100m backstroke S14
Eleanor Simmonds Women's 100m freestyle S6
Louise Watkin Women's 50m freestyle S9
Claire Cashmore, Heather Frederiksen, Stephanie Millward & Louise Watkin Women's 4x100m medley relay 34pts
Table tennis
Will Bayley Men's singles class 7
Wheelchair tennis
Andy Lapthorne & Peter Norfolk Quad doubles
 
BRONZE
Athletics
Aled Davies Men's shot put F42-44 
Gemma Prescott Women's club throw F31/32/51 
Rob Womack Men's shot put F54-56
Claire Williams Women's discus F11-12
David Devine (two) Men's 800m T12, Men's 1500m T13
Olivia Breen/Bethy Woodward/Katrina Hart/Jenny McLoughlin Women's 4x100m relay T35/T38
Beverley Jones Women's discus F37
Ben Rushgrove Women's 200m T36
Paul Blake Women's 800m T36
Ola Abidogun Men's 100m T46
Boccia
Dan Bentley/Nigel Murray/David Smith/Zoe Robinson Mixed team BC1-2
Cycling
Darren Kenny Men's individual pursuit C3
Jody Cundy Men's individual pursuit C4
Aileen McGlynn [Helen Scott (pilot)] Women's individual pursuit B
David Stone Mixed road time trial T1-2
Rachel Morris Women's road race H1-3
Equestrian
Lee Pearson [Gentleman] Individual freestyle test grade Ib
Judo 
Ben Quilter Men's 60kg
Powerlifting
Zoe Newson Women's 40kg
Sailing
Niki Birrell & Alex Rickham SKUD18 - 2 person keelboat
Shooting
James Bevis Mixed R5 - 10m air rifle prone SH2
Matt Skelhon Mixed R6 - 50m air rifle prone SH1
Swimming
Sam Hynd Men's 400m freestyle S8
Matthew Whorwood Men's 400m freestyle S6
Hannah Russell (two) Women's 100m butterfly S12, Women's 100m backstroke S12
James Clegg Men's 100m butterfly S12
Natalie Jones Women's 200m individual medley SM6
Susie Rodgers (two) Women's 100m freestyle S7, Women's 400m freestyle S7
Oliver Hynd Men's 100m backstroke S8
Eleanor Simmonds Women's 50m freestyle S6
Matthew Walker Men's 50m freestyle S7
Robert Welbourn Men's 200m individual medley SM8
Liz Johnson Women's 100m breaststroke SB6
Louise Watkin Women's 200m individual medley SM9
Harriet Lee Women's 100m breaststroke SB9
Claire Cashmore, Stephanie Millward, Susie Rodgers & Louise Watkin Women's 4x100m freestyle relay 34pts
Table tennis
Paul Davies Men's singles class 1
Jane Campbell & Sara Head Women's team class 1-3
Ross Wilson & Will Bayley Men's team class 6-8
Wheelchair tennis
Lucy Shuker & Jordanne Whiley Women's doubles