IPL Betting: Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals

"Picking the winner therefore boils down to which side can be better trusted to score a massive total and on that count, it has to be Rajasthan at 1.910/11. Whereas they bat all the way down, Punjab's top and lower order is weak."

From looking down and out, Kings XI Punjab stormed back into the play-off race with a remarkable run chase last time. Paul Krishnamurty, however, reckons their momentum will be stalled by title-challenging Rajasthan...  

Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals
Start Time: BST (11:30)
TV: Live on ITV and itv.com

Kings XI Punjab

Despite rarely looking like play-off material, Kings XI are far from out of it. They'll need to win four of their last five matches, but that's exactly how many are at home, where their record so far is three from four. The latest victory needed a truly remarkable innings from David Miller, the third fastest century in T20 history, to turn around a game that Bangalore had comprehensively bossed until his arrival at the crease. Miller has been easily their star man but, to make further progress, he'll need better back-up.

Rajasthan Royals

Thanks primarily to a 100% home record, Rajasthan are almost in the play-offs. Using historical comparisons of the points table, one more win should be enough, two more from their last four games would be plenty. Monday's nine-wicket victory over Delhi was as facile as they come in IPL. All the top-three look in fine touch and with Brad Hodge coming in at six, this side has some huge totals in them. 
First Innings Runs
Just how many runs are enough at Mohali? The last two first innings totals of 185 and 190 were chased down, the latter with two overs to spare. Clearly the usual quote around 3.55/2 for 180 and over appeals, although as always, much depends which team bats first. I remain sceptical about Punjab's depth if Miller doesn't perform and would be more inclined towards backing unders when they bat first. If Rajasthan get first crack though, don't hesitate to back 180 and 200 plus because they certainly have enough depth.

Match odds

Everything we've seen so far at Mohali suggests this match will be high-scoring. Picking the winner therefore boils down to which side can be better trusted to score a massive total and on that count, it has to be Rajasthan at 1.910/11. Whereas they bat all the way down, Punjab's top and lower order is weak. Fast bowlers often thrive early on at Mohali, so I could see James Faulkner making swift inroads, again leaving Punjab reliant on Miller.

Top Punjab batsman

Miller has now top-scored in four of the last six Punjab's innings so could be due a failure. His partner for Monday's remarkable chase was Rajagopal Sathish so, having showed he's no slouch with the bat, could be worth following regularly around the 15.014/1 mark in a side prone to early collapse and often reliant on the middle order to save them.

Top Rajasthan batsman

It's easy to make a strong case for several Rajasthan batsmen, particularly Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane or Shane Watson, one of whom is likely to bat through most of the innings. On this occasion, I'll choose Watson for his ability to clear the boundaries, which is usually the criteria at Mohali.
Recommended bet

Back Rajasthan Royals @ 1.910/11

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IPL Betting: Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab

"If the points table is any sort of guide, Kings XI must represent some trading value at 2.56/4 away to a side that lost it's first six matches...most sides trade shorter than this at some stage of T20 matches so Gilchrist and co must be the pick as a back-to-lay."

Back to lay Kings XI Punjab @ 2.56/4

Despite being among the lesser lights of this year's IPL, both Delhi and Punjab both pulled off impressive run chases to win their last match. Paul Krishnamurty argues that in this battle to retain momentum, the betting value lies in backing the outsiders... 

Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils
Start Time: BST (15:30)
TV: Live on ITV and itv.com

Delhi Daredevils 

At last Delhi have a win under their belt, thanks to a magnificent burst from Virender Sehwag, that many of us doubted he could still produce. The market and most commentators felt Mumbai had set a stiff target of 162 in their match on Sunday, but in chasing it down with three overs to spare, Sehwag demonstrated that almost anything is possible when he clicks. Whether that was a one-off or the start of a renaissance, however, remains an open question. They remain an ageing team too dependent on big-hitters in their top order but at least confidence should be on the rise, 

Kings XI Punjab

There are obvious similarities between Punjab's fortunes and today's opponents. Like Delhi, they upset the odds on Sunday with a superb run chase, led by Mandeep Singh and David Miller. As with Sehwag, their pinch-hitting opener Adam Gilchrist looks well past his best. Nevertheless, a couple of unlikely victories have propelled Kings XI to fifth place in the points table and very much in the race for a play-off spot.

First Innings Runs

In the wake of Sunday's boundary-fest, there may well be a good betting angle for backing unders at Feroz Shah Kotla. During Mumbai's innings and the previous match here, this looked like a slow pitch on which anything above 150 would be competitive. That may well still turn out to be the case and Sehwag's remarkable innings the exception. Both of these sides have crumbled three times already this season, with Delhi recording totals of 128, 114 and 83; Punjab 138, 124 and 123. After Sunday, I expect 150+ will be available to lay around 1.758/11 and 140+ around 1.351/3. Both represent solid value.

Match odds

If the points table is any sort of guide, Kings XI must represent some trading value at 2.56/4 away to a side that lost it's first six matches. In response to one performance, almost wholly reliant on Sehwag, the odds are back to their pre-tournament levels, which seems like an over-reaction. I don't have strong faith in Punjab, but most sides trade shorter than this at some stage of T20 matches so Gilchrist and co must be the pick as a back-to-lay.

Top Delhi batsman

Delhi's fragile middle order wasn't tested against Mumbai and, until they demonstrate improvement, I'm still only prepared to consider the leading trio of Sehwag, captain Mahela Jayawardene and David Warner. Regardless of Sunday's heroics, Sehwag remains extremely unreliable so I'm sticking with Warner at around 4.57/2.

Top Punjab batsman

Against Pune, David Miller's fine unbeaten 80 proved there is more to the Punjab middle-order than David Hussey, who for once didn't even get a bat. The Aussie was relegated to number six in favour of big-hitters to try and beat a daunting run-rate, but will normally arrive at number four. Hussey remains their key batsman and always a fair bet around the 5.04/1 mark.

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Back Kings XI Punjab @ 2.56/4 (Back to lay)

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IPL Betting: Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore

"It is clear that any team is going to have trouble restricting Chennai. Even if the top order fail, CSK can call upon Dhoni, Jadeja and Bravo from number five, which brings almost any target within range and allows everyone to attack."

The teams currently rated second and third favourites to win the IPL square up for Saturday's second match. Paul Krishnamurty argues that, with home advantage, punters should stick with the reigning champions...

Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore  
Start Time: BST (15:30)
TV: Live on ITV and itv.com

Chennai Super Kings

After surprisingly falling short in a run chase against Mumbai, Chennai got their 2013 campaign moving with a facile victory against Kings XI Punjab. Today's opposition will be much tougher but, after the way Murali Vijay and Mike Hussey chased down the target, it is clear that any team is going to have trouble restricting Chennai. Even if the top order fail, CSK can call upon Dhoni, Jadeja and Bravo from number five, which brings almost any target within range and allows everyone to attack. For that reason, CSK are generally a better bet when batting second, although a bowling attack spearheaded by Dirk Nannes and Ravi Ashwin is capable of doing damage on their own.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

With three wins from their first four matches, RCB are well set for another top-four play-off place. This away trip to the champions, however, is easily their hardest task to date. Now AB De Villiers has had a few days to settle in, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli now have the back-up to chase down almost any total. With the ball, Vinay Kumar has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, changing the course of a couple of matches by bowling economically at the death.

First Innings Runs

Predicting the first innings total at Chennai is never straightforward. Some very high totals have been seen here, twice over 200 last season, but they owed as much to the hosts' brilliance as the ground. Five of the last 11 first innings here were under 150 and the pitch against Mumbai was pretty slow. Because both batting line-ups are so strong, I could see the market being pitched too high and if so, laying 160 or more could be worth an interest.

Match odds

These two teams could provide the perfect advert for IPL with some spectacular hitting. If it boils down to big totals, I would prefer Chennai because they bat so deep. Even Ashwin, coming at nine, is a dangerous slogger. Equally, if as expected, this is a low scoring match, the Chennai bowling attack would be slightly preferred. Dirk Nannes, for example, is well capable of stifling Gayle's early impact.

Top Chennai batsman

MS Dhoni and Mike Hussey have claimed top bat honours in CSK's two matches to date, so perhaps today it will be Suresh Raina's turn from this all-star line-up. Batting at number three and prolific in past IPLs, Raina is always a solid bet around the 4.67/2 mark.
Top Bangalore batsman

This market has been won twice each by Gayle and Kohli so far, but today it might be worth looking further down the order. Nannes will present a serious new-ball threat so it may fall upon the middle-order to rescue Bangalore. I'll go for sometimes number five and big finisher Moises Henriques at 11.010/1.

Recommended bet

Back Chennai @ 1.84/5

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IPL Betting: Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings

Indian Premier League - IPL / Richard O’Hagan / 09 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Ravindra Jadeja is starting to justify his price tag

"Picking a winner from two teams who have been inconsistent as these two is a difficult call, but the way that CSK beat a poor Deccan side was so compellingly ruthless it would be wise to back them at odds of 1.64."

Defending champions Chennai have blown hot and cold in their first two matches of this year's edition and the same can be said of Delhi. But Chennai are the more consistent performers and in Ravindra Jadeja have a player who can have a big impact on this year's edition, says Richard O'Hagan.

Delhi

With one resounding victory and one crushing defeat to their name so far, it is hard to know what to make of this year's incarnation of the Daredevils. Morne Morkel has been a star with the ball, picking up five wickets so far. Aaron Finch, overlooked by Australia again, has been consistent at the top of the order, whilst Irfan Pathan has scored 66 runs at a strike rate of 135.0. Others, however, failed to keep up with them in both games, with captain Virender Sehwag falling for two soft dismissals in the competition already.

Chennai

The defending champions have had a similarly erratic start to their 2012 campaign, being thumped by Mumbai in the tournament opener but then crushing Deccan by 74 runs in their other game. In the second game Ravindra Jadeja certainly lived up to his tag as the IPL's most expensive player with 48 runs with the bat and then taking 5-16 with the ball, as the Chargers collapsed. Their own captain has been a disappointment, MS Dhoni amassing only 11 runs from two innings so far. South African Albie Morkel has also had a poor couple of games and could be replaced by Sri Lanka's Nuwan Kulasekara.

Venue and conditions

This is the first game of IPL2012 at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Delhi only won one match at home last season and will be hoping to put a stop to that run in this match. A light rain shower or two may affect the game, but play should not be delayed for long.

Match Odds

Picking a winner from two teams who have been inconsistent as these two is a difficult call, but the way that CSK beat a poor Deccan side was so compellingly ruthless it would be wise to back them at odds of [1.82].

Delhi Top Batsman

With Pathan being rotated about the batting order according to the match circumstances the solid bet is Finch at odds of 4.5 - as an opener he is at least guaranteed to get a knock.

Chennai Top Batsman

Selecting the leading batsman for a side who have thus far spread whatever runs they have scored among them is hard, but young South African all rounder Faf du Plessis has looked solid in everything except his running between the wickets and struck four sixes in making 39 against Deccan. He should be available at odds of [5.0].

Best Bet

Aaron Finch to top score for Delhi at odds of around [4.0].

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Football Stats: Kenny's Cup kings to keep it clean against Stoke

FA Cup / Andrew Atherley / 14 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Luis Enrique has been a standout performer in the Liverpool back four this year

"Liverpool have won nine and lost just two of their 15 ties in all cup competitions since Dalglish took charge."

Andrew Atherley once again roots through the statistics ahead of this weekend's cup and league games with Liverpool and West Brom catching the eye

Some might say the only consistent thing about Liverpool is their inconsistency - and perhaps that is what has made them such a good cup side under Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool have won nine and lost just two of their 15 ties in all cup competitions since Dalglish took charge. At home the record is four wins and two draws out of six (the draws were against Manchester City and against Braga in last season's Europa League), which makes them hot favourites to progress when they host Stoke on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

In fact, backing Liverpool now for the FA Cup at [4.3] could be a good bet as they are sure to shorten if they reach the semis.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was quick to call on his team-mates to achieve more consistent good results in the wake of Tuesday's 3-0 home win over Everton, which picked them up after defeats against Arsenal and Sunderland.

Yet there have been consistent aspects to Liverpool's form - notably their excellent home defence, which could be the telling factor against Stoke. The Reds have the joint-second-lowest goals-against at home this season in the Premier League and that's going to make life difficult for the Potters, who have had a barren time away to the big six.

Since promotion, Stoke's record in that category is one win, three draws and 21 defeats (a loss rate of 84 per cent) in the Premier League and cup competitions. They have failed to score in 16 of the 25 games (including all four visits to Anfield).

Rather than back Liverpool to win on Sunday at odds of [1.43], better-priced options on the stats are the Liverpool clean sheet at [1.91] and Liverpool to win to nil.

West Brom's winning run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday but there was no surprise - nor any disgrace - in losing to new league leaders Manchester United.

Roy Hodgson's side are on their travels again on Saturday and the task could not be any more different - this time the opponents are bottom club Wigan. And win odds of [2.64] indicate the Baggies may be underrated as they try to enhance their excellent away record.

Only five teams have beaten the Baggies on their travels this season and, in reverse order, those teams are Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Swansea and Chelsea. That's a high-class group of opponents (all five rank in the top eight on home form) and it does not reflect badly on Hodgson's men that they lost those games.

What the market appears not to have recognised yet is that West Brom's away record against teams outside the big six is rock-solid under Hodgson with eight wins, five draws and just two defeats. That makes them deserving favourites against Wigan, who have managed only one win out of 14 at home this season, and arguably the odds should be even shorter.

The fact that the odds are not, along with the draw rates of both teams, makes West Brom off -0 on the Asian handicap a solid bet at [1.82].

As back-up to West Brom's away stats against teams outside the big six is their record of seven wins out of ten (with just one defeat) under Hodgson against teams that rank in the bottom half on home form.

It is particularly noteworthy that eight of those 10 games have had over 2.5 goals, which can be backed at [2.06] in Saturday's match at Wigan, whose lower-scoring tendencies may be outweighed by the Baggies' high return against teams outside the elite.

Recommended Bets
Liverpool to win to nil against Stoke
West Brom off -0 on the Asian handicap v Wigan at [1.82]
Wigan v West Brom over 2.5 goals at [2.06]

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Morocco v Tunisia: Atlas Lions are kings of North Africa

African Cup Of Nations / Tobias Gourlay / 22 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Mane man: Marouane Chamakh will lead the Atlas Lions line against Tunisia

"Morocco have players from top European leagues in key positions and that big-match experience could be the difference"

Tobias Gourlay explains how Morocco can win the Maghreb deby with Tunisia, despite concerns around the form of their strikers

Monday 19:00 (Live on British Eurosport)
Morocco [2.62] Tunisia [3.1] draw [3.15]

Morocco

The Atlas Lions won their qualifying group, but failed to score in half of their six games. Adel Taarabt has returned to the squad after walking out last summer. Despite poor club form, he will probably start upfront with Marouane Chamakh, who is similarly short on confidence.

Coach Eric Gerets only took his first international job a few months ago, but has significant experience at club level with big teams in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Tunisia

Many big teams are missing from this year's Cup of Nations, but for a tenth successive competition the Eagles of Carthage are there.

It's not quite accurate to say they flew into Gabon - they trailed in second in their qualifying group, beating up on the bottom two teams but failing to win any of their four matches against Botswana and Malawi, who finished first and third.

Match Odds

Fifa suggests it is difficult to separate the two teams, but Morocco (ranked 61 in the world) are favourites to beat their North African rivals (59) in this repeat of the 2004 final.

Gerets' team has players from top European leagues in key positions - as well as the strikers, there is Udinese's impressive Mehdi Benatia in central defence and the captain, Houssine Kharja of Fiorentina, in midfield. Given the teams similarly mediocre records in getting here - both won only half of their qualifiers - that big-match experience could be the difference.

Over/Under Goals

Nine of Morocco's last 12 matches anywhere have produced two goals or fewer, which helps explain why Under 2.5 Goals is only [1.57].

Dare we risk Under 1.5 Goals at [2.62]? A couple of big home wins over Algeria and Tanzania aside, Morocco's four other qualifiers stayed Under 1.5 Goals and three of Tunisia's eight qualifiers were similarly low-scoring (2/4 on foreign soil).

Both Teams to Score?

Tunisia's matches used to be quite exciting: between August 2010 and August 2011 eight of their nine games went Over 2.5 Goals. Things have now changed. In none of their last five matches have both teams scored. The same's true of 8/12 Morocco games. With the market not quite sure what to expect, there might be a touch of value backing 'No' at evens.

Recommended Bet: Back Morocco @ [2.62] to win

*Follow Tobias on Twitter: @tobiasgourlay

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IPL Betting: Kings XI Punjab v Pune Warriors

Indian Premier League - IPL / Andrew Hughes / 06 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Will David Miller get his chance?

"Pune look in total disarray, having lost seven in a row, with Yuvraj Singh proving ineffectual as a captain."

Its crunch time for both of these under performers. Sunday's second game is a battle of the basement as the ailing Punjab take on the wilting Warriors.

Punjab
Shaun Marsh and David Hussey have both disappointed in the Punjab middle order so surely its time for South African youngster David Miller to get a go. And how long will they persist with the ineffective Piyush Chawla?

Pune
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the Pune squad and is available. He could slot in at 3 or 4 and Pune may also try giving Callum Ferguson a game, possibly at the expense of Graeme Smith.

Match Odds
Punjab are in the marginally better position going into this game, but whichever team loses here will find it all but impossible to make the play offs. It is hard to separate two teams full of underperforming players. Pune look in total disarray, having lost seven in a row, with Yuvraj Singh proving ineffectual as a captain. With home advantage, Punjab are the better option at [2.06]

Highest Individual Score
Both the games at this ground so far have been high scoring affairs and we can capitalise by backing 'Over 68.5' in the Highest Individual Score market at [2.0] or better.

Best Bet

Andrew Hughes says: Back Punjab to beat Pune @ 2.06

Kochi are two from two and Bangalore have won their last four. A couple of the IPL's form teams go head to head in Sunday's opening match.

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IPL Betting: Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings

Indian Premier League - IPL / Richard O’Hagan / 06 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Mike Hussey has been a big hit in the IPL

"The Super Kings have won their last four games and are the form team of the IPL right now."

With both teams tied for second place in the table, this should be a tense, close, contest with no margin for error with the winner going top of the IPL, if only for a few hours.

Kolkata
Kolkata were surprisingly beaten by Kochi on Thursday, missing out on the change to go two points clear of Chennai in second place. They will be pleased that Eoin Morgan found some form at last and will be anxious to make the most of him before he returns to England.

Chennai
The Super Kings have won their last four games and are the form team of the IPL right now. The form of Mike Hussey, in particular, has been key to this and they will be looking for another big innings from 'Mr Cricket' to keep the momentum going and take second place from their opponents

Match Odds
The two sides met in the opening match of the tournament, with Chennai running out narrow victors. They didn't have Hussey then, though. Kolkata, on the other hand, didn't have Brett Lee, who has been a star with the ball for them this year. The duel between the two Australians will be key and whoever wins that will see their side win the game. On form alone I favour Chennai at [1.9]

Top Scorer odds
Hussey has crept up to third in the run scorer table with 327, despite having played only seven games. His average of 65.40 is the best in the IPL, ahead of such luminaries as Tendulkar and Sehwag. Expect him to top score in this game at odds of around [4.5].

Best Bet
Chennai Super Kings to win at [1.9]

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IPL Betting: Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab

Indian Premier League - IPL / Richard O’Hagan / 29 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Jacques Kallis would love nothing better than to be wearing the Orange Cap at the end of the tournament

"Punjab have been so reliant upon their top three that they could be in severe trouble if Brett Lee and Lakshmipathy Balaji remove two of Valthaty, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh early on. Pick Kolkata for the win at [1.78]."

With Kolkata second in the table, and Punjab sixth (but having played up to three games less than any other side) this is a fascinating match-up between two teams who should be in play-off contention at the end of the IPL season.

Kolkata

The Knight Riders might have a 4-3 record, but two of those defeats were narrow ones and only their loss to Bangalore can be considered a significant defeat. Gautam Gambhir has proved to be a shrewd captain as well as scoring runs consistently and will be a big factor for them.

Punjab

Kings XI have a 3-2 record from their five matches, with batsman Paul Valthaty the surprise package of the entire tournament. He will be seeking the sixteen runs that he needs to regain the orange cap from Sachin Tendulkar.

Match Odds

Kolkata have an embarrassment of riches at the top of their order, and their biggest decision could be which overseas batsman to leave out from Kallis, Haddin, ten Doeschate and Morgan. Punjab have been so reliant upon their top three that they could be in severe trouble if Brett Lee and Lakshmipathy Balaji remove two of Valthaty, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh early on. Pick Kolkata for the win at [1.78]

Top Scorer odds

Valthaty isn't the only one seeking that orange cap in this game. Kallis is just 17 runs behind him and the South African is one of the most tenacious opponents around when he has a record in his sights. He should be available at around [4.5] to top score in this game.

Best Bet

Jacques Kallis to be top scorer at around [4.5]

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BOD snubs Royal Wedding to make Leinster kings of Europe

Heineken Cup / Ralph Ellis / 26 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

O'Driscoll in action in Leinster's quarter-final win

"O’Driscoll is still hurting from losing to Toulouse in last year’s semi-final... "

Brian O'Driscoll won't be attending Westminster Abbey this Friday because he's got more important things to do: preparing for Leinster's Heineken Cup clash with Toulouse. Ralph Ellis salutes the Ireland captain's commitment.

It's the week we are all chasing the golden ticket. If you are filling out your Olympics application (it's the last chance today), then it's the athletics on Sunday August 5. That's the session with the mens' 100metres final where the category AA ones will set you back £1,450 a pair.

If you are a fan of either Stoke or Manchester City you are trying to scrape together the cash for a pass to the FA Cup final, and checking you've enough vouchers as well as a couple of hundred quid to pay for them. And of course United fans are crossing their fingers for their own journey to Wembley for a Champions League final, even if the prices will make an outing to London cost as much as the trip to Moscow a couple of years back.

Arguably the hottest ticket of the lot is the one you can't pay for: the Royal Wedding. There's no better way to show you belong among the elite. The Beckhams will be there, of course; and Sir Elton John, Guy Ritchie and Joss Stone. Even the Queen is going, I'm told!

Would anybody turn down that invite? Well, yes, actually. And that's where we come in because if you needed any convincing that it's safe to take the [1.5] for Leinster to beat Toulouse in Saturday's Heineken Cup semi-final it comes with the news that Brian O'Driscoll has turned down his invite to Westminster Abbey.

The veteran Ireland and British Lions star has given a great interview to the Guardian's Tom Jenkins today in which he reveals that his actress wife Amy Huberman will be off to London without him. "I have a captain's run on Friday and as big an honour as it was to be invited, I can't ask for team runs to be at half-six in the evening so I can go. The team ethos comes first. Amy's going as we felt there was an element of representing Ireland. I'll be at home preparing."

O'Driscoll is still hurting from losing to Toulouse in last year's semi-final because at 32 he fears losing far more than he enjoys winning. A similar instinct keeps Ryan Giggs rolling at Manchester United. O'Driscoll has lost four of five European semi-finals in his career so while youngsters like powerful prop Cian Healy have no fear of big occasions, he is only too aware that another chance might not come.

He knows this is too big an opportunity to mess up. Leinster just don't lose in Dublin. It has happened only once since Christmas 2009 and the driving force of 40,000 home fans in the Aviva Stadium should make sure it doesn't happen again.

Then, of course, there will be another golden ticket to be sought - for the final in the Millenium Stadium on May 21.

Five things you might not know about Cian Healy

1. Born October 1987 in Clontarf, Dublin, his dad Paul had been a keen rugby player who won the Leinster Schools Cup as a youngster

2. He started playing rugby aged seven, but as he grew was more outstanding at schools athletics. He was all Ireland intermediate javelin champion and won the senior shot putt and discus titles two years in a row.

3. He started a degree course at Dublin City University in physical education and biology

4. He has a passion for music and performed as the opening act in the dance arena at Ireland's biggest music festival, Oxegen, last year under the name of DJ Church

5. He's also into art, and always takes paints, a canvas and easel with him on away trips.

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US Masters Betting: The kings of the majors

US Masters / Dan Fitch / 24 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Tiger make it 15 at the Masters?

Dan Fitch takes a look at the golfers who made winning majors into a habit.

There are those golfers who win tour titles and those that win major titles. To land either the Masters, US Open, Open or PGA Championship takes not just talent, but the ability to not buckle under major pressure.

Some players are able to raise their game on one or maybe two occasions to land a major title, but then there are the rare breed of player for whom winning majors is a natural and regular occurrence. Here are the five players who have won more major golf championships than any other.

Ben Hogan's nine major titles were won within seven extremely productive years. He won the PGA in 1946 and again in 1948, along with the US Open. Then came a life-threatening car accident in 1949 from which Hogan was fortunate to emerge alive, but left him a fractured pelvis, collar bone, left ankle, a chipped rib and blood clots.

Just 59 days after the accident he left hospital and would win his second US Open in 1950. He would win his third in 1951, along with his first Masters title, but it was the year of 1953 which was to prove to be Hogan's golden period. Aged 40, Hogan won the first three majors of the year, in a feat that was known as the 'Hogan Slam'.

The Black Night's nine major titles were won between 1959 and 1978. Unlike the other players on this list, none of the South African's victories were achieved on home soil.

Player fist won The Open in 1959, which he would win again in 1968 and 1974. In 1961 he won the Masters and would later triumph at Augusta in both 1974 and 1978. 1962 saw Player win his first of two PGA Championships and in 1965 he would complete a career grand slam by winning the US Open.

Walter Hagen is the only player to make this list to not complete a career grand slam. The Masters was the only major title that Hagen failed to get his hands on, with the tournament only being created towards the end of his playing career. He won the other majors on 11 occasions between 1914 and 1929, which included a joint-record of five PGA Championships.

Hagen's first major came in 1914 when he won the US Open, which he would win again in 1919. The first of Hagen's five PGA titles came in 1921 and a year later he would become the first American-born winner of The Open, which he would win another three times.

Of all the players on the list, Tiger Woods is the only one still competing and who stands a great chance of adding to his majors tally. Tiger's 14 titles we won in 12 electrifying years between 1997 and 2008. Woods' first major championship victory was a show of intent, as he became the youngest Masters winner in 1997, with a record score of 18 under par and a record winning margin of 12 strokes.

Tiger won the PGA Championship in 1999, before winning 12 more major titles between 2000 and 2008. In doing so Woods became the youngest player to complete a career grand slam and only the second golfer to have won all four majors, three times or more.

The much publicised personal problems that derailed Woods' career have prevented him winning further titles, but no one would bet against him making it 15 championships at the Masters, where he starts as the [8.2] favourite.

The ultimate 'King of the Majors' is Jack Nicklaus, with an incredible 18 titles won between 1962 and 1986. In 1962 he won his first, when he captured the US Open title and a year later in 1963, Nicklaus would win the first of a record six Masters championships.

By the mid-sixties The Golden Bear had completed the career slam of major championships, as he picked up his first PGA title in 1963 and won the Open in 1966. There then followed a prolific period between 1970 and 1980, in which Nicklaus would win ten major championships and become the first player to complete double and then triple career slams of the major championships.

It would be six years until Nicklaus would win his final major. Having been written off and considered over the hill at the age of 46, he claimed the 1986 Masters title to cement his legacy as the greatest golfer of all time.

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