spoilt child

2011 US Open: Sam Stosur wins maiden Grand Slam title

When Samantha Stosur took on Francesca Schiavone in the 2010 French Open final, she was the favourite. That was not the case in her final match-up against Serena Williams at the 2011 US Open.

Serena dropped nary a set on her route to the final. Stosur, on the other hand, let many an opportunity to close matches early slip through her nervous fingers.

However, it was the Australian, much like Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon against Maria Sharapova, who exhibited nerveless character in the role of underdog. She was calm, composed and assured in her demolition of the 13-time Grand Slam champion.

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Do our sporting heroes deserve us?

A nation gets the politicians it deserves.

By the same token, do fans get the sports stars they deserve?

Kumar Sangakarra instructed his young teammate and bowler Suraj Randiv to ensure that Sehwag be denied the single he needed to complete his century. Sangakarra was seen to have deliberately allowed four byes past earlier in Randiv’s over ensuring the scores were tied with Sehwag still stuck on ninety-nine.

The youthful Randiv bowls a blatant no ball to finish the match. His interpretation of his skipper’s exhortation was translated into controversial action. The transgression over the line was clear-cut; there was no shadow for doubt. It could not have been overlooked by the hapless umpire.

The shameful act has been debated by cricketing pundits all over the world; more so in the Sri Lankan and Indian media. Can we say that winning at all costs has now become the mantra of the hour?

This was not about winning either. It was the petulant act of a spoilt child when denied a lollipop.

“If I can’t have a win, you shall not have a century either , however well-deserved!”

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