The Masters 2011: the first big golf tournament of the year is set to begin

One of the four major championships in professional golf is about to be welcome in 2011. It is the first big tournament of the year. The Masters is scheduled for the first full week of April, it is the first of the majors to be played each year. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held each year at the same location, Augusta, Georgia, USA. The Masters 2011 is set to begin on April 7th at Augusta National Golf Club. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 10th.

The Masters is one of the most traditional golf events. All of the best golfers in the world will compete to try and win a coveted green jacket. For golf fans, the Masters represents a chance to watch some quality golf over the course of a weekend.

ESPN and CBS will cover the Masters extensively. ESPN will provide coverage for four hours starting at 3:00 PM on Thursday and Friday. CBS will run a highlights show at 11:30 each of those nights. On Saturday, April 9th CBS will begin coverage at 3:30. On Sunday, CBS will start coverage at 2:00. Coverage will conclude at 7:00 both nights. In addition to television, there will be streaming coverage online all day at certain holes.

The tournament has a number of traditions. A green jacket has been awarded to the winner since 1949; which must be returned to the clubhouse after a year. The Masters has had some amazing moments over the years. Dramatic finishes and remarkable shots are common at the event. In 1997, Tiger Woods officially became a star with a dominating performance at this event. In 2004, Phil Mickelson ended his long major drought. In 1996, Greg Norman blew a six shot lead and lost the event to Nick Faldo. In 1986, Jack Nicklaus had an epic back nine to win his sixth Masters title. The Masters 2011 is sure to have a number of great moments that join this list.

India Vs. Sri Lanka: ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the Final

In the grand final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 between two Asian finalists and two hosts India and Sri Lanka, two wicketkeeper captains came to the middle of Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium for the historical toss.

In the first spin of coin, there was some confusion over who's won the toss. In the re-toss Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and decided that he will bat first in the India vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2011 final match.

Sri Lanka have won the toss (at the second time of asking) and will bat first – a decision that gives them a slight advantage in being able to set India a target. The middle order of Sri Lanka though has not needed to be utilised often during the tournament and it will be interesting if India manage to grab a couple of early wickets.

India have made one change from their semi-final line up with Ashish Nehra failing a fitness test and being replaced by Sree Sreethanth.

Sri Lanka have made four changes in total: Out go Mendis, Herath, Silva along with the injured Matthews, with Randiv, Kulasakera, Kapugedera, Perera coming into the side.

It appears that both sides team selection has focussed on pace, rather than spin, an indication of how this relatively new wicket is expected to play.

Cricket World Cup 2011 Semi Final: India vs Pakistan

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has already hit the globe hard and seems like a viral infection with all age groups. The impact of infection rise to the extreme with India and Pakistan set a date with each other at the semi final of this mega event on 30th March 2011.The cricket web sites have witnessed a tremendous inflow of traffic after the arch rivals have prepared to clash with one another. This historic match will be host by Mohali cricket stadium and the long list of dignitaries includes Prime Minister of both the countries, cabinet ministers, Governor of Punjab, celebrities, and former cricketers.

The match is no less than a war with both the countries pride at stake and fans on either side of the border anxious about the fate of the match. India will enjoy a little edge over their neighbor but the importance of match is so high that you cannot sit back and relax.

The SWOT analysis before the match will give a picture of the start of the ultimate war.

India’s strength: – Home turf, Powerful Batting Line, 100% win record against Pakistan in World Cup.

India’s weakness: – Unstable Bowling attack, Average fielding standard, not a confident world cup campaign so far excluding the victory over Australia.

Pakistan’s strength: – Best Bowling Attack, Group Topper, Victory Against Sri Lanka and Australia.

Pakistan’s Weakness: – Batting line average, Never won against India in World cup, Playing against host.

The analysis of the opponents of “Mother of all War” seems to be a close game of cricket is what we will witness on Wednesday. So get ready to a thrilling game, which will let your sweat dry, heart explode, and left you with either a moment of joy or disappointment.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 2nd Semi Final
India vs Pakistan
PAK vs IND match at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali.
30 March,2011 09:00 AM GMT

Recent Matches
29 March,2011
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
1st Semi Final
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets

26 March,2011
Sri Lanka vs England
4th Quarter Final
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Result: Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets

25 March,2011
New Zealand vs South Africa
3rd Quarter Final
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Result: New Zealand won by 49 runs

Detroit Tigers: Lou Whitaker not in the Hall of Fame is the worst transgression

Bill Parker has gone to get out Hall of Fame arguments in March and write on ESPN's SweetSpot blog about why Lou Whitaker not in the Hall of Fame is the worst transgression done by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

For those old enough to remember (or young enough to read Wikipedia), Whitaker's name was scratched off from consideration after just one year.

I didn't want to be the one to play the "woe is us, nobody likes Detroit" card, because after a while the plea rings hollower than Joel Zumaya's elbow. But Alan Trammell isn't in the Hall of Fame, and he oughta be there too. (Marinate on that: one of the best up-the-middle combos has neither half in the HOF.) The support for Jack Morris is fading, and Mickey Lolich (18th on the all-time strikeouts list) never made it either. Rightfully undeserving but wildly popular in Tigers lore include Denny McLain, Norm Cash, and Willie Horton. Our folk heroes aren't good enough for the rest of America.

Still, you'd think the ones that deserve to go would've had a fairer shake on the ballot. The ball's in your court, Veterans Committee.