World Cup controversy still looms large as the football season gets underway. All eyes are focused on the Premier League as Man Utd team mates Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo prepare to meet each other under the public's eager scrutiny. Is the hatchet fully buried or do undercurrents run strong - there'll be plenty of opportunity to witness one of the encounters with a full fixture list ahead.

In much more heart-warming style Tiger Woods exercised superb ball control as he took his third Open title at Royal Liverpool's Hoylake in July just weeks after the loss of his father. Not normally given to emotional displays, grief mingled with joy as he gained the 11th major win of his career.

Can he repeat this awesome display of mental strength in Barbados this winter as Sandy Lane hosts the 2006 World Golf Championships World Cup. The course holds fond memories for Tiger, its 19th hole now famous as the site of his wedding in 2004. Fly to Barbados to watch 24 nations compete in this team event from 7th - 10th December; the first time a WGC event has been played in Barbados and only the third time it has been held in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean steals more of the sporting limelight as preparations continue apace across the West Indian islands, all of whom are in eager anticipation of the ICC Cricket World Cup in April 2007.

Widely considered as the best spin bowler the world has ever seen, Australia's Shane Warne is a favourite to be at the centre of the action. Currently holding the record as the highest Test wicket taker of all time, this mammoth achievement has been gained despite some severe career setbacks including a dislocated shoulder injury and a 12-month ban from the game for the use of banned diet pills. Fans will be able to judge his current form as the England team prepare to face Australia in this year's Ashes down under.

Meanwhile on the athletics front, British concentration is still finely honed to the 2012 London games. After a 2-year ban following a positive substance testing in 1999, Linford Christie, the 1992 Olympic 100m champion, is firmly in the starting blocks for another great sporting comeback. With 3 other retired British greats, Christie has just been appointed by UK Athletics as mentor to the country's senior athletes ahead of 2012.

About the author:
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.