European team captain Jose Maria Olazabal said on Monday triple major-winner Padraig Harrington missed a wild card to the European Ryder Cup team after failing even to “perform to his own standards” this year.
Harrington’s non-selection ends a run of six straight Ryder Cup appearances, with Olazabal choosing England’s Ian Poulter and Belgium-born rookie Nicolas Colsaerts as his two wild-card picks.
It will be the first time since Harrington made his Ryder Cup debut in 1999 at Brookline that he will not be a member of the European team, despite the Irishman this year finishing eighth in the Masters, fourth in the US Open and seventh in the Irish Open.
“The fact is Padraig didn’t even perform to his own standards,” Olazabal said.
The Spaniard said he telephoned seven Europeans who failed to automatically qualify, including Harrington, who was eventually placed 19th.
Olazabal, who will lead Europe into competition next month in Chicago, said calling Harrington was the most difficult of all his late Sunday night telephone calls.
“My telephone call to Padraig was the hardest I had to make because he is a great champion,” Olazabal said. “So I felt I needed to make that phone call more to him than to anyone else, but I have to say, to Padraig’s credit, he took it well. That’s my perception, anyway.”
Olazabol also expressed his personal disappointment at suggestions during last week’s Johnnie Walker Championship of a lingering feud with Harrington following an incident at the 2003 Seve Trophy.
“I was a little bit upset with what happened earlier in the week, and after Padraig had shot a 64 and all of a sudden: ‘Oh, my God,’ here were these articles about what happened about, what nine, 10 years ago?” he said. “I mean that is totally untrue and I want to have the best players in my team and Padraig is a great player, and he’s proven so.”
Harrington’s Ryder Cup record is 25 matches, nine wins, three halves and 13 losses. He has won just two of his past 13 matches.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely