Sport and showbiz betting by KEITH McHUGH

CHELSEA’S victory at Newcastle on Monday has ensured the race for the Premier League title goes to the final day of the season.

But the bookmakers reckon the Blues only staved off the inevitable and that Manchester United are near-certainties to retain their crown.

United, who go to Wigan on Sunday, are a best-priced 1-5 to come out on top, which is hardly surprising when you bear in mind victory over a team with little to play for other than pride would guarantee them title glory.

Chelsea, who entertain Bolton, must look after their own game before turning their attention to the JJB Stadium, and 4-1 (Hills) is the best you can get for the Blues to regain the title they last won in 2006.

Whatever happens this weekend, you can be sure there will be lots of punter interest in the Champions’ League final in Moscow later this month.

United are marginal favourites at 4-5, with Chelsea on 11-10.


     

TIGER Woods’ knee injury has left this week’s Tournament Players’ Championship at Sawgrass wide open.

The field will be breathing a collective sigh of relief that the World No. 1 is not in action, but this event, which gets under way tomorrow, is wide open on a course known to throw up its share of surprises.

The devilishly-difficult par-three 17th always produces fascinating viewing, but a steady nerve is generally needed on this tight course and decent form coming into the tournament is a definite plus.

Two players who fill this criteria are Stewart Cink and Jason Bohn.

The former, third in this event 12 months ago, has had four top-three finishes this season so is clearly in good nick.

Cink, a 28-1 shot, does not win as much as he should, but he can be backed each-way and I would be surprised if he does not figure.

Bohn’s chance is less obvious, but two top-10 finishes in his last three outings augur well for this tournament and the 100-1 on offer is way too big.


     

LABOUR’S flop in last week’s local elections has seen them drift alarmingly in the betting for the next General Election. The Conservatives are 8-15 to win most seats, with Labour on 6-4 and the Liberal-Democrats 100-1.

RECOMMENDATIONS: TPC at Sawgrass, Stewart Cink, e.w, 28-1 (Paddy Power), Jason Bohn, e.w, 100-1 (general).

TWO winning selections to come up this week have lined the pockets of Sports Betting followers.

Swansea, recommended at 12-1, won the League One title, while Ronnie O’Sullivan collected the World Snooker crown at 7-2, justifying our pre-tournament selection.     

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