A human’s greatest wish for the year ahead is surely that it is less affected by pandemics than the previous two have been.
Plentiful sporting events attended by as many fans as possible would also make for a dream 2022, but if able to get picky from that starting point then let’s hope for…
1 – McIlroy to Complete Career Grand Slam
July, 2014, was the moment when Rory McIlroy got within one leg of the career Grand Slam. He had already got the US Open and US PGA titles under his belt, then ran away with the 2014 Open at Hoylake.
Will he go to the 2022 Open at St Andrews still waiting for that elusive final component – the Green Jacket?
McIlroy has finished in the top eight in the Masters in six of the last eight editions, but fourth place is his best effort.
Can the 32-year-old finally get over the line in front at Augusta in April? He is 14/1 to do so.
2 – O’Sullivan to Win Seventh World Snooker Title
Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry were the dominant forces in snooker for many a moon – setting records so incredible it appeared they would never get beaten – but then a younger, more naturally gifted player came on to the scene who looked like he could be the best ever.
Davis, a six-time world champion, is 11 and a half years older than Hendry, a seven-time world champion who edged ahead of Davis in 1999.
Maybe this year it will be the turn of Ronnie O’Sullivan, seven years younger than Hendry, to bolster his record.
Rocket Ronnie is on six world titles and will be looking to catch Hendry in April. O’Sullivan can be backed at 6/1.
3 – Federer to Win Wimbledon
There has been plenty of retirement talk surrounding Roger Federer since he announced he would not be competing in the Australian Open, but the Swiss legend refuses to throw in the towel himself.
The 40-year-old is recovering from a series of knee operations, but he says he will be back in action in the summer.
Wimbledon may come too soon for the 20-time Slam champion, but some old romantics may be eyeing up the 16/1 that he pulls off a remarkable ninth success on the famous London laws in July.
4 – The Internationals to Win Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup, unlike the Ryder Cup, has become a one-sided affair which is getting rather boring. The Americans always win.
Nine of the last ten editions of the Presidents Cup have been won by the USA, with the odd one out ending in a 17-17 tie due to darkness in South Africa in 2003.
Can Internationals captain Trevor Immelman finally stop the rot at Quail Hollow, North Carolina, in September? It is a 3/1 chance.
5 – England to Win FIFA World Cup
Save the best till last, eh? You can keep all the others if England can finally end 56 years of hurt in Qatar in December. England are 7/1. It will be Christmas come early with bells on!
*All odds correct at time of writing.
