Major Tom

Make no mistake about it, had Tom Watson won the Open on Sunday it would have been the greatest single sporting achievement of all time - eclipsing Ali's defeat of Foreman or even an 8th Tour win by Lance Armstrong. To come so close to triumphing at such a major sporting event at the age of 59 was simply a phenomenal performance - even if he couldn't (quite) get across the winning line. Never has the climax to a sporting event been so anticlimactic - but that should not undermine the magnitude of Watson's achievement. One is reminded of the words of Eddie Futch, Joe Frazier's trainer, at the end of the 'Thrilla in Manila': "Sit down son; it's all over. But no one will ever forget what you did here today."

Tour de Force

Let's be clear about this. If Lance Armstrong wins this Tour de France he will become, unquestionably, the greatest sportsperson who has ever lived. Right dad?