Sports Commentary - Times Online - WBLG

Lions told to get out to meet and greet

 

David Hands

The air always seems clearer, the sky bluer, when you come into South Africa via Johannesburg. In eight previous visits it has not changed and the arrival of the 2009 Lions, who will be based on the high veldt for the opening phase of their tour, will enjoy the same vista - if not that familiar tightening of the lungs that comes with the thinner air.

Even if the locals were not already revelling in a sustained year of sport, they would know the Lions are in town. Two blood-red coaches (the wheeled variety, not Ian McGeechan and his colleagues) decorated with the initials of the sponsoring company, HSBC, will transport the touring party to training and to games in Rustenburg on Saturday and at Ellis Park (now sadly known as Coca-Cola Park) against the Golden Lions next Wednesday.

HSBC has had a good year of fostering events connected with the Lions, both at home and in South Africa, raising rugby kit for underprivileged communities. Another takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) at Masibambane College, some 45 minutes away from the team hotel in Sandton. There will be tree planting and tag rugby involving the youngsters at the college alongside six Lions and three of their (human) coaches.

Which Higgins does snooker need most - John or Alex?

 

John Higgins, snooker's new world champion, is everything you could wish a model sportsman could be - a true professional, a prodigious talent and by all accounts a nice bloke. But isn't he just a little bit DULL?

Higgns' efficient demolition of Shaun Murphy yesterday had all the hallmarks of a Steve Davis or Stephen Hendry in their prime - an almost supernaturally calm temperament, highly effective potting and severe punishment of his opponent's slightest mistakes.

But where was the drama? Surely snooker needs a little spice to keep the masses interested? Which is where Higgins' namesake comes in.

The rise of a player in the mould of Alex Higgins, one of the most talented players of his generation yet also the scourge of snooker umpire, barman and indeed almost anyone he ever met, could be just what snooker needs right now.

Granted Higgins could be unsavoury and highly unpredictable - with headbutting an official, threatening to kill Dennis Taylor, and numerous volatile encounters on his charge sheet.

But aside from the Northern Irishman's fiery personality, Higgins was magnetic - drinking and smoking whilst playing, unafraid to take a risky shot, playing up to the crowd and in general being an entertainer, something that seems sadly lacking in the modern game.

And his exploits would also end up on the frontpages as well as buried at the back, giving snooker the valuable oxygen of publicity.

With viewing figures down and that other great maverick Ronnie O'Sullivan threatening to quit once more, isn't it time to have a little more Alex Higgins in our lives?