Asia leaves its mark on 2010

MARTIN PARRY

Asia once again left its mark on the world sporting stage in 2010 with the year highlighted by its hosting of two major events - the Commonwealth Games in India and the Asian Games in China.

While the multi-sports extravaganzas took centre stage, the past 12 months will also be remembered for the corruption scandal that rocked Pakistani cricket.

The story broke in Britain's News of the World and prompted Scotland Yard to launch an investigation into allegations of spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England in August.

Suspended

Police raided the team's hotel in London and questioned Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer. The International Cricket Council suspended the trio with their fate due to be decided in January.

Outside cricket and the contrast between the two major multi-sports events hosted in Asia was stark with the Delhi Commonwealth Games widely criticised for its soaring costs, shoddy planning, and graft allegations.

The budget for the extravaganza ballooned to around six billion dollars, but the event was still hit by delays and organisational problems, with several officials subsequently arrested for graft.

Embattled chairman of the organising committee Suresh Kalmadi, who bore the brunt of the vitriol, insisted that "for India it has been a new beginning in sports".

Evidence

"For the world it has been evidence of what India can do on the sporting stage," he said to boos at the closing ceremony. Australia topped the medals table ahead of the host nation.

In contrast, the orderly Asian Games in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou passed off without major incident.

China dominated ahead of South Korea and Japan as it set its sights on retaining its position as the world's top sporting power at the 2012 London Olympics.

Badminton star Lin Dan winning his first Asiad title and hurdler Liu Xiang claiming his third were the highlights.

Moderate

There was moderate success for Asian teams at the football World Cup, with two of the four Asian Football Confederation sides making the last 16.

South Korea and Japan did it in historical fashion with neither having gone beyond the group phase on foreign soil before. But there was disappointment for Australia who failed to get through the group phase. Nor did North Korea who looked out of their depth.

"Once again Asia is proud of itself through its football achievements by Korea and Japan," said Asian Football Confederation president Mohamad bin Hammam.

Some of the biggest names in golf ventured to Asia, with Tiger Woods drawing huge crowds to the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, which was won by Italy's Francesco Molinari.

Footsteps

While no Asian could follow in the footsteps of South Korea's Yang Yong-Eun and win a Major, the year was notable for Korean teen star Noh Seung-Yul making a breakthrough.

His stellar season saw him crowned the youngest ever winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

With two tours now operating in the region - the Asian Tour and OneAsia Tour - there were plenty of tournaments.

First time

For the first time, the US PGA Tour brought one of its events to Asian shores with the CIMB Asia-Pacific Classic in Malaysia won by American Ben Crane.

The big sporting events continue to make a beeline for the region and more top notch action is scheduled in 2011.

These include the world athletics championships in Daegu, South Korea, and the world swimming championships in Shanghai. AFP