1980 — Double world champion Kork Ballington wins the 250cc race at the Spanish motorcycle grand prix in Jarama, but his migration from 350cc to the premier 500cc isn’t as successful, ending 13th overall.
1980 — Charismatic golfer Simon Hobday snaps his putter after a woeful final round of 80 that dashed his hopes of victory in the Martini International at Wentworth. He had started the day just one shot behind Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, but he never got close to the £9,000 first prize, struggling on the concrete-like greens. “I never want to see that putter again,” said Hobday, who broke the club in the marker’s tent. “I didn’t want to make a big scene but I was absolutely heartbroken by the number of shots that putter cost me. I only struck two bad shots in the entire round and I finished with 80. I lost how many times I three-putted. That putter deserves to be broken and I have chucked it away.”
1991 — Elana Meyer runs the first of her four world half-marathon records, winning the Ohlsson’s championship in East London in 67 min 59 sec. She took 32 seconds off the previous mark by Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen.
1996 — IBF lightweight champion Phillip Holiday turns power-puncher as he blows away ageing Australian legend Jeff Fenech in the second round in Melbourne. It was the quickest win during his reign. Fenech retired before returning for one more fight in 2008.
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