Ones to watch

ROBERT KARLSSON

The giant Swede goes into next week's Volvo Masters in sparkling form, having won two of his past three tournaments. After clinching the Mercedes Benz and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships, the 39-year-old then finished tied third at the Portugal Masters last week and now sits top of the Order of Merit. He could clinch the Vardon Trophy at Valderrama.


RAFAEL NADAL

The World No1 is guaranteed to end the year in top spot despite his surprise defeat to Gilles Simon in the semi-final of last week's Madrid Masters. Roger Federer's loss at the same stage to eventual champion Andy Murray means the Swiss master can't catch the Spaniard, but Nadal will still eye this week's Paris Masters, starting Monday.


JUANDE RAMOS

Time is running out for the Tottenham boss and if his charges lose to Bolton at White Hart Lane tomorrow, his days in north London could be numbered. Spurs should be patient, but the Spaniard needs results. Fast.


MIKKO HIRVONEN

The BP Ford Abu Dhabi man needs a monumental drive in Japan this weekend to upset Sebastien Loeb's quest to become the first driver to win five consecutive World Rally Championship titles. The Finn sits 14 points behind the flying Frenchman, but will know that seemingly secure results can disappear in the blink of an eye, especially when only two races remain.


MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI

Will India's selectors bow to the pressure and keep the wicketkeeper as captain now that Anil Kumble is back from injury to face Australia in the third Test on Wednesday?