Gabbatoir bounces back

The Ashes on its return leg couldn't have ignited on a better flame. The Poms could be forgiven for looking shell shocked after having arrived down under with the favorites tag. That Mitch Johnson would turn in a performance reminding one of the Lillee Thomson pomp was unexpected but what trumped alll surprises was the ease with which the English batting folded. Trott looked like he seriously feared mortal damage and KP couldn't manage to set his 100th test on fire. The usually reliable captain Cook could only muster a feeble half century in the second innings. Matt Prior has invariably propped up the English batting in times of need but even he looks like a man wishing not to be in the middle holding the bat. The men from the old blighty bounced back after a similar hiding in India last time they toured but it would take them more than just fortitude to ride through the remaining four tests with the Waca and the MCG providing more chances for Mitch and company to make dents in the already shaken English psyche.

Seb Vettel is on such a winning spree that the others seem to be fighting just for second place. With a record eight consecutive grand prix wins this season and a fourth world championship under his belt, the Red Bull racer is on his way to smash all records in F1 history. His hunger for the chequered flag has left his rivals in a daze and with a strong car and probably only Fernando Alonso to look out for, the German is set for a run on the F1 tracks that would eclipse his compatriot Schumacher in no small measure. The Czechs managed to secure a second consecutive Davis cup win with Novak only managing to get the two singles for Serbia. That Stepanek compared his absence from the doubles akin to a "Ferrari in the garage" is proof enough of the gulf between the tennis prowess of the world number two and his team mates. May be it was out of hope and a chance to provide their ace some much needed rest that the Serbians went out without him but it was no surprise that the decision led to their downfall.

Magnus "Mozart" Carlsen became the undisputed chess world champion at just under 23 years of age. His brand of game is one that can put the dread of losing in his opponents even before the first piece is moved. Vishy lost to the challenger as much off the board as on it. His repertoire of making the long end games look like a walk in the park and not accepting draws has brought in a breath of fresh air in the usually dreary proceedings. Carlsen doesn't look like one who would give up on his throne easily and the onus is now on the others to find a chink in the genius' armor. The king is dead.....long live the new king.