Winner of the last US Open in June in Brookline (Massachusetts), Matthew Fitzpatrick does not appear in the list of English sportsmen of the year nominated by the BBC. A choice that apparently does not pass among golf fans in England.
When we consult the list of nominees for the trophy of the best English sportsman of the year (BBC Sports Personality of the Year), it is frankly difficult to understand why Matthew Fitzpatrick is not part of it. Ninth in the last world ranking edited on December 18, the Sheffield golfer remains on a super solid season – seven top 10s on the PGA Tour and three on the DP World Tour – crowned above all by a victory at theUS Open June 19 at Brookline (Massachusetts) after finishing 5th a month earlier in PGA Championship.
Results that would make most practicing professional golfers green with envy. But obviously not the BBC jury who decided to snub him in large widths. He preferred to shed light on “names” more representative of Made in England sport. Like the cricketer, Ben Stokeswinner of the 2022 World Cup. Or the gold medalist in… curling at the Beijing Games, Eve Muirhead.
Absolute disgrace that @MattFitz94 isn’t on this list. The BBC may not be able to broadcast much golf and Matt may not be there in person, but the @BBCSport annual cold shoulder to golf is embarrassing. https://t.co/Xue96Akf19
— Oli Hunt (@OliHuntOnside) December 20, 2022
Also retained in this short-list the multiple world champion of snooker, the emblematic Ronnie O’Sullivanthe world champion in the 1,500 meters at the last World Athletics Championships, Jake Wightmanthe gymnast Jessica Gadirova2022 world champion on floor and twice team medalist at the Tokyo Games, as well as Arsenal striker, Beth Meadwinner of the Women’s Football Euro with the national team…
« What a shame ! » « Undeserved » « Incomprehensible are the words that come up frequently in the tweets posted by lovers of the little white ball across the Channel. The results will be known this evening during the evening organized by BBC One…
Photo : James Gilbert/USGA