GOLF : Norman noble to the last

Southern Africa defeated Australasia 14-11 yesterday in the inaugural Alfred Dunhill Challenge in Johannesburg, but an incident during the eagerly anticipated meeting between the world's top two - Nick Price of Zimbabwe and Australia's Greg Norman - stole the show.

On the 16th, with their match level, Norman, who eventually lost at the final hole, offered a half with his own ball nine feet from the hole and Price's 15 feet away.

"We said yesterday we would do it if there was the opportunity, and that seemed the right time," Price said. "We don't want to end up with a situation like the Ryder Cup where Paul Azinger and Seve Ballesteros and so many guys don't talk to each other or are guarded in each other's company."

Australasia's captain, Terry Gale, said: "I'm surprised and while it's up to players to decide I would hope it doesn't happen again. I agree the players owe an allegiance to their team-mates."

Gary Player, Gale's opposite number, said: "This is a debatable issue and if that's what they saw fit I am not going to be concerned. The camaraderie was fantastic and there were great gestures made."