The Sports Matrix: Thursday 27 September 2012

It's 'Strictly Come Ryder' as European stars limber up

Lee Westwood has revealed how European team-bonding exercises before the start  of the tournament have extended to an impromptu dancing competition. "I don't know whose idea it was, but it was fantastic fun," Westwood, above, a ballroom dancer in his youth, revealed. "I dance a mean cha-cha-cha I can tell you.

"We split into teams. Ian Poulter wrecked our chances by introducing break-dancing. Martin Kaymer was hilarious, the worst by far. I've never seen anyone so stiff and wooden." MORE

Broad: England ready for a spin

England captain Stuart Broad is confident his side can handle the West Indian spinners today. "The most important thing is the guys have their options," he said. "I know from training that they do – either a get-off-strike or a boundary option." MORE

North London duo ease into last 16

Arsenal and Tottenham enjoyed comfortable third-round victories over League One opposition. Arsène Wenger's side thrashed Coventry 6-1 at the Emirates to earn a fourth-round trip to Reading, while Spurs cantered to a 3-0 win at Carlisle and will next visit Norwich.

Referee dispute makes NFL a farce

With top referees locked out in a pensions dispute, the National Football League has become a comical farce. Incorrect calls by unqualified replacement officials are ruining games, as Rupert Cornwell investigates. MORE

Hannon hopeful for Havana Gold

Richard Hannon has tipped his horse, Havana Gold, to impress in today's Somerville Tattersall Stakes. "[He] is right up there with our best two-year-olds," he said. "Though he won on the firm at Haydock, he will appreciate slower ground." MORE

Holders Liverpool down Baggies

Nuri Sahin scored twice to help Liverpool beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at the Hawthorns and earn a home tie with Swansea, while Manchester United held off a late Newcastle comeback to win by the same scoreline at Old Trafford. They will visit Chelsea in round four. MORE

Farrell's 'dilemma' before return

Andy Farrell found it hard to leave Saracens for England. "The dilemma was difficult," he said. "On one hand I had a fantastic job at a fantastic club, on the other there was an opportunity to keep working with the cream of the country." MORE

O'Sullivan drops out of world elite

Ronnie O'Sullivan has fallen out of the top 16 for the first time in 19 years. The 36-year-old won a fourth world crown in May but his stalling over a new contract and non-appearance in recent events mean he has tumbled down the rankings.

Love can't wait for golfing 'Olympics'

United States captain Davis Love III has spoken of his mounting excitement ahead of tomorrow's start of the tournament in Chicago. "I haven't been getting to bed until 2.30 thinking about my team," he said. "This is getting like the Olympics for our country." MORE

Norwich and Reading go through

Alex Tettey's fine debut strike took Norwich City through to the fourth round last night, earning a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers. Elsewhere, Reading twice came from behind at QPR to progress 3-2 at Loftus Road, Pavel Pogrebnyak scoring the late winning goal.

Opinion: James Lawton

Seve Ballesteros – the inspir-ation of Jose Maria Olazabal's life – charged down the fairway on his buggy. He was not so much Europe's captain as the source of its most passionate emotion. MORE