Nominees
Saeed Ajmal
Gareth Bale
Danny Welbeck
Neil Robertson
Branden Grace
The first test match between Pakistan and England started on Tuesday in Dubai and one man stole the show on the opening day. Saeed Ajmal is a controversial figure in the cricket world due a questionable action. However, the England batsmen, always dubious against spin, were humiliated by Ajmal on Tuesday. He recorded figures of 7-55 in the first innings against the best test team in the world as he set up a big test match win for his side. That sort of performance was more than enough to get him a place on this list.
Gareth Bale is a nominee this week for his superb strike against Manchester City and once again showing that he is one of the best players in the league. Bale terrorised City during the game and was unlucky not to set up a winner for Spurs. A stunning goal capped off a great showing and so he deserves his place on this list.
Danny Welbeck has come on leaps and bounds as a result of his loan spell at Sunderland. Welbeck proved his development against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Welbeck worked tirelessly as a lone striker and was rewarded by scoring the winning goal, converting Valencia’s assist and providing a critical three points for his team.
Neil Robertson is one of the most consistent snooker players on the tour and was always going to be a strong contender to be Masters Champion. Robertson had a tough route to the final, taking out the brilliant Judd Trump in the Semi’s. Robertson played a clever game against Trump, turning it into a slow, methodical tactical battle and gaining the upper hand. Shaun Murphy was also conquered by the blonde Aussie in the final and so Robertson is a strong contender this week.
Branden Grace was the victor in the Volvo Golf Championship this week, to seal his second consecutive title. Grace, a relative unknown in the golf world, beat compatriots Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off in Johannesburg. Grace now tops the Race to Dubai standings at this early stage and is a strong contender for the sportsperson of the week.
WINNER: Neil Robertson
There was not much to choose between this weeks’ nominees, but a Masters snooker victory is something very special indeed. Robertson played imperiously all week and is a fully deserved winner of the sportsperson of the week.
