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The
top half of the
Wars draw is
loaded with
quality, and this
blue riband
first-round clash
showcases the
different styles
of two former
champions.
Atkinson was Wars
champion five
times in the
nineties, and his
impressive
combination of
heavy hitting and
smartmouth
sledging has seen
him likened to Ali
by hardened Wars
watchers. His
ability to send an
opponent flying
across the room
like Buddy Holly
with a deft flick
of his little
eyebrows remains
unique in the
competition.
However, he may
struggle if his
sense of
discipline lets
him down. It's
happened before,
most notably in
1996, when Barry
Venison incredibly
defeated him in
the first round.
(Venison took a
heavy going over
by Alan Hansen in
the quarter-finals
that year and was
never seen again
in the Pit.) Ron
came back in 1997
and regained the
title. He had
learned his lesson
well - champagne,
brandy, and cigars
are no way to
prepare for a
competition like
this.
Motson, too, has
seen it all in the
Wars, though at a
generally lower
level. In 1972, he
came through the
qualifying rounds
and became the
first unseeded
contestant ever to
become Champion.
That he did so
completely
unscathed by
combat was doubly
remarkable.
However, in the
following year,
the use of nerve
gas was banned in
Commentator Wars,
and Motson never
scaled such
heights again. He
crashed out in
1973 in the
qualifying rounds
to a
"refreshed"
Jimmy Greaves, and
has never made it
past the semis
ever since. It's
been said that
he's the Bobby
George of the
Commentator Wars
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Diamond
John Says
Big
Ron certainly has the
physique to emerge
victorious in the 2001
Wars. He can baffle
opponents into a general
state of confusion with
his Ronglish patois, and
then move in for the kill
in installments. This
could be his year.
Verdict.
Ron looks in the mood. Get your
wallet out!
Tournament
odds
7/1 |
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Diamond
John Says
John
Motson's lack of natural
athleticism is more than
made up for by buckets of
experience dating back to
the Seventies. Nerve gas
may be against the rules
now, but the possibility
always exists that
military science will come
up with an equally
effective unbanned
alternative.
Verdict.
The wily old coot's a
tricky customer. Past his
peak but discount Motson
at your peril
Tournament
odds
16/1 |
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