William Hills book of the year, snooker on show, rugby leagues grand final and the BBC chooses its shortlistBOOK OF THE YEAR …Will be announced at the William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards on Wednesday (Front Row, BBC Radio 4, 7.15pm). Now going under the rather inelegant title of the Bookie prize, there are six works on the shortlist.The most obviously eye-catching is Zlatan Ibrahimovics does-what-it-says-on-the-tin autobiography I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The book has drawn considerable plaudits, not least from sports writer Simon Kuper, who draws comparisons between it and Philip Roths masterpiece Portnoys Complaint. His tale of rising from poverty to the top of the game was shortlisted for the August Prize, Swedens literary award, and has sold 700,000 copies in his home country.Ibrahimovic goes up against Daniel James Browns story of rower Joe Rantz, The Boys in the Boat: An Epic True-Life Journey to the Heart of Hitlers Berlin; Ed Hawkins investigation into Indias gambling industry, Bookie Gambler Fixer Spy: A Journey to the Heart of Crickets Underworld; Jamie Reids Doped: The Real Life Story of the 1960s Racehorse Doping Gang; and David Epsteins The Sports Gene: What Makes the Perfect Athlete, while perhaps one of the most important books of recent years, David Walshs Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong, completes the contenders. SNOOKER SHOWDOWN …Is at the UK Championship in York (begins Saturday, BBC2, 1pm) which has adopted a new format as all 128 competing players begin in the same opening round – giving rookies the chance to flex their cues in anger with the sports champions. Thus Ronnie OSullivan will face Scottish amateur Rhys Clark and defending champion Mark Selby will play Shane Castle, a mere stripling of just 15 years. A fresh and innovative opportunity for some giant-killing behind the baulk line.OLYMPIAN CATCH-UP …Has a welcome bias towards our female athletes in Saturdays edition of Inspire: The Olympic Journey (BBC1, 1.15pm). Gabby Logan meets Becky James, who won gold in the sprint and keirin at this years world championships; London Games rowing gold-medallist Heather Stanning talks about beginning training on the water after having returned to service with the army; and theres a look at the daily routine for Winter Olympic skeleton medal hope Shelley Rudman.BBC GONG SHOW …Begins business with the Sports Personality of the Year shortlist, which will be announced on Tuesday during The One Show (BBC1, 7pm) having been chosen by what the BBC rather portentously refers to as The Panel. This sporting Star Chamber includes the Grande Dame of Spoty, Sue Barker, who, having stepped down from hosting the show after 19 years, is able to help select the finalists rather than just handing over the trophy. The big night is Sunday 15 December.WORLD CUP FINAL … Sees the behemoths of bruising, Australia and New Zealand, face off for the top trophy in Rugby League at Old Trafford. The latter were the team to wrest it from Australias grasp in 2008 after they had held it since 1975. BBC1 is devoting its afternoon schedule to the match (Saturday, from 1.45pm), presented by Mark Chapman, who has been excellent throughout the tournament, as have his panel of Jamie Peacock, Eorl Crabtree and Jon Wilkin.Zlatan IbrahimovicGiles Richardstheguardian © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 21:48:44 +0000
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