RORY WILL PROVE HE'S THE MASTER!

GOLF

RORY HAS THE PERFECT
CHANCE TO PROVE HE
IS THE MASTER
 

IT WAS arguably the biggest story of the sporting calendar for us Brits (and Irish) last year. The incredible drama that saw young Rory McIlroy on his knees as he lost out at The Masters after leading the field - and then the boy’s elation a couple of months later as he won the US Open. From utter despair to undiluted joy; a story of true valour and redemption as he pulled himself up off the floor to reach a massive height within weeks.
The win at the US Open was his first Major win and was the real beginning of the legend surrounding the likeable young man from Holywood. That’s not Hollywood USA - but Holywood in Northern Ireland. The town where Rory learnt his golf and put in the hours that would ultimately propel to the accolade of World No 1 just last month.
Now Rory has the opportunity to erase the nightmare of Augusta from his system for good. This coming weekend he will be taking part in the Masters; the event that appeared to have broke him but now can be seen to have forged him as a person and a golfer.
Rory has a great chance of winning the tournament. He knows he can charge into the lead and now he also knows how to ensure he keeps the lead. Last year I wrote the first biography on Rory’s life and was particularly struck by his fortitude and ability to learn quickly from his mistakes.
And I have a feeling there may be a symbolic victory this Easter weekend - that the boy who looked down and out last year will rise again this year to claim the prize that should have been his then.
A resurrection that will truly do justice to Rory and the Easter celebrations.

FRANKIE'S FLUTTER

THE biggest sporting event of the weekend is the Masters - and (as mentioned above) I am betting on Rory McIlroy to put right his blow-up at the event last year - to win his second Major. If anyone is to push him close, bet on Tiger Woods who is finally regaining some of his old brilliant form.
Meanwhile, the big game in the Premier League comes at the Emirates on Sunday as Arsenal take on Manchester City. Both teams desperately need a win - the Gunners to consolidate their chances of finishing in the Champions League spots, and maybe even third above bitter local rivals Tottenham. City, meanwhile, must win if they are to keep the pressure on their local rivals United in the battle for the Premier League title. After a barren spell for City, United took top spot - and, of course, the Reds are past masters at making it count on the vital run-in. I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw, honours even in a pulsating encounter.

FRANK WORRALL

(For more information on Frank and his bestselling sports books, see www.frankworrall.com) Weekly Sport readers can buy Frank’s insightful book on Sir Alex Ferguson for the special price of only £2.74 on Kindle (retail price £17.99 for the hardback)…go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Fergie-Wonderland-Biography-ebook/dp/B00603XJB8/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326291046&sr=1-7