The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 4 February 2015

Caddy shock as bibs’ ads cause vested interest

A group of PGA Tour caddies has filed a class-action lawsuit demanding that the tour compensate them for wearing bibs. Some 80 caddies joined the federal suit filed Tuesday in Northern California.

At issue is having to wear bibs that have the logo of the tournament sponsor. The caddies contend the PGA Tour is making $50 million off the sponsors while the caddies get nothing.

The lawsuit also says the tour has denied caddies access to healthcare and pension plans.

The two class representatives are Mike Hicks, caddie for Payne Stewart when he won his last US Open, and Kenny Harms, Kevin Na’s caddie.

Smith calls time on England career

Kelly Smith, England’s all-time record goalscorer, has retired from the game after 20 years. The Arsenal Ladies forward won 117 caps, making her debut against Italy in 1995 and scoring 46 goals. She featured in two World Cups and four European Championships, as well as the 2012 Olympics. “Playing for England has been a massive part of my life,” she said. “But I feel now is the time to retire.”

World Cup winner gives her best shot

Maggie Alphonsi is relishing the chance to shine at next summer’s Olympics in her new shot-put discipline after ending her rugby career. “It’s dangling in the distance,” the World Cup-winner said. “I’m putting myself out there and having a go. I’m doing everything I possibly can.”

Rodgers relishing flurry of fixtures

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted he has the squad to cope with a busy schedule as the return of European football looms on the Reds’ horizon. “We played 42 games last year and up to now we’ve played 39,” he said ahead of tonight’s FA Cup replay at Bolton. “The idea was to bring in a squad that could cope. The players are excited and want to keep that momentum going.”

Liverpool chosen to stage World Cup

Liverpool has been named as host city for the 2019 Netball World Cup. The tournament, which is held every four years, has only been staged in England on two previous occasions – the inaugural event in Eastbourne in 1963 and in Birmingham in 1995. The 2019 event will be played at the ACC Liverpool. The home nation automatically qualifies as one of the 16 teams – England came third in Singapore in 2011.