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Tiger makes Masters return

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 18/03/2010
Golf betting

Tiger Woods has confirmed he will end his self-imposed exile from golf by returning to competitive action at next month's Masters at Augusta.

The world number one has been on an indefinite break from the game since admitting marital infidelity in the wake of a car crash outside his Florida home in late November.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem hinted at an impending return at a press conference on Monday evening and Woods has now revealed he intends to compete at Augusta National, where the first Major of the season takes place from April 8-11.

"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect," he said in a statement. "After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.

"The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played."

Can Tiger Woods return with a victory? - Latest Golf Betting

Iain Dowie has been confirmed as the new manager of Premier League strugglers Hull City, following the sacking of Phil Brown earlier in the week.

Dowie has been handed the task of trying to keep the Tigers in the Premier League, having previously enjoyed spells in charge of Oldham Athletic, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers.

He has nine games to try and save City from the drop, with Hull currently down in 19th place and three points adrift of the safety mark ahead of a trip to rock-bottom Portsmouth this weekend.

Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge has been ruled out for around a month after being forced to undergo surgery to correct a hernia problem.

The 29-year-old, who recently retired from international football, was forced off after just over half an hour of the 1-1 weekend draw at Sunderland, having been troubled by a knee injury earlier this season.

Sunderland have been boosted by the news that striker Kenwyne Jones' hip injury is not as serious as was first feared.

The 25-year-old frontman had to be replaced at half-time of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, amid fears that he could be facing a period of time on the sidelines.

However, subsequent scans have revealed no serious damage and Jones is expected back in action in the near future, although he remains a doubt for this weekend's visit of Birmingham City.

Jonny Wilkinson has been dropped for England's final game of another disappointing Six Nations campaign when they take on France in Paris on Saturday evening.

The Toulon star has been replaced at fly-half by Toby Flood after producing a string of below-par displays culminating in a lacklustre performance in the 15-15 draw against Scotland at the weekend.

Northampton's Ben Foden is named at full-back instead of Delon Armitage, while Chris Ashton will make his international debut after replacing the injured Ugo Monye on the wing.

Mike Tindall replaces Mathew Tait at centre, while Simon Shaw starts at lock and in the back row Lewis Moody is named on the open-side flank, with Joe Worsley moving to the blind-side.

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