Aussies Abroad: the Shark, le Tour and the Netball

Resident international sports guru Sam Taylor reflects upon the Shark's amazing effort at Royal Birkdale, Cadel Evans's attempt to become the first Australian Tour de France winner, plus the highly-anticipated Trans-Tasman netball finals.

GOLF
Greg Norman showed he is far from a spent force in the professional golfing world after a sensational display at the Open Championship at the weekend.

The Great White Shark was at the pointy-end of the field from day one, and had his customary final day jitters before holding on to finish tied for third- a brilliant result for the 54-year-old who was playing his first major for three years.

Norman shot 70, 70, 72 and 77 in extremely tough conditions, finishing six strokes behind the winner Padraigh Harrington.

While many remember Norman as the man who "nearly" won several majors over his long career, the Open Championship is one tournament where he has tasted success (in 1986 at Turnberry and 1993 at Royal St George's).

With more than $3000 matched at 1000 on Betfair for Norman to win the event, punters were treated to some vintage Norman- a true roller-coaster ride.

For those paying close attention to the fortunes of the Shark at Royal Birkdale, events on the morning of the first day suggested the Gods were firmly on his side.

Norman was stopped by the local constabulary on his way to the course after being spotted talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, the Shark then utilising his charm and charisma to talk his way out of a ticket- a feat to be admired and a feat that suggested good fortune was well and truly on his side.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the main event looks to be the Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Club with several Australians in contention.

While Jim Furyk (winner of the past two Canadian Open events) is sure to be one of the main chances, Aussies worth keeping an eye on include John Senden, Nathan Green and the "Elk" Steve Elkington.

Senden showed good form to tie for 18th at the AT&T National earlier in the month, Green has played consistent golf this year while the Elk was the best performed Aussie last year finishing tied for 22nd place.

Young gun Jason Day is also a starter at Glen Abbey and is one golfer to watch over the coming years.

CYCLING
Despite losing the yellow jersey when Le Tour hit the Alps, Cadel Evans remains on track to become the first Australian to win the world's most coveted bicycle race.

Earlier in Le Tour when he first snared the yellow jersey (an amazing feat in itself considering he fell the day before sustaining plenty of cuts and bruises), Evans endeared himself to Aussie fans by encouraging all his supporters back home to celebrate with a "beer or champagne"- dunno about the champers Cadel but I did knock back a stubby on your request!

While Evans has now slipped from top spot on the General Classification, his strength in the time trials suggests that if he is within 2 minutes of the leader at the start of the final TT, Australia may well lauding its first ever TDF champion.

But it's still a long way to Paris.

NETBALL
Trans-Tasman rivalry takes on its latest guise with the ANZ Netball Championship grand final set to take place on Monday night with the NSW Swifts hosting the Bay Of Plenty Magic.

A replay of the major semi-final (which the Swifts won by 1 goal), the Grand Final shapes up as a classic with some of the best players in the region taking the court.

While the Swifts will start favourites due to their gutsy win 2-weeks ago as well as boasting home court advantage, the Magic will have taken plenty of confidence from their 2 goal win over the Thunderbirds in the prelim final.

The key to the match is (former South African star and now NZ resident) Irene Van Dyk, the tall GS shot at 100% last time out and if she can get enough ball- the visitors may well take the chocolates.

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