The Vent: Lydia Ko and the curse of female sporting victories

Lydia Ko celebrates winning her first major tournament - the Evian Championship. Photo / AP

Does Lydia Ko's victory rank alongside Michael Campbell's? Has Ali Williams just thrust the All Blacks into a public slanging match, all because of one column?

In this week's episode of the Vent, Tony and Eric Young go over the big sporting issues over the weekend.

Ko's maiden major - Is it up there with Cambo?

Young: It has to be doesn't it? We are talking about a major. She's now the youngest female winner of a major.

Veitch: But will it be recognised? Remember Cambo, there was the ticker-tape parade and Wellington was shut down and we went nuts because he'd beaten Tiger. Will it get the same recognition because we're talking about a female event?

Young: The thing I love about it, is that she didn't win that tournament...she destroyed it. She was the only golfer to go under 70 in all four rounds. The final hole, she birdied on the last.

Veitch: I feel really sorry for Lisa Carrington. She's won gold in the K1 250, the K1 500, dominated the world. She's probably sitting back thinking 'Non-Olympic year, it could get me sportswoman of the year'. Valerie injured and then Lydia goes and wins a major.

Ali Williams' on losing to England

Veitch: So Ali comes out and says that Twickenham is the most vindictive place in the world and that we all hate losing to the English, which by the way is right. We do. What is does is that the All Blacks have been on a charm offense and then Ali comes out and says, if you read between the lines, that all of New Zealand hates England.

Young: He's right but Ali should know better. He should have always known better. Four years ago he was part of a World Cup winning team. He should know to shut the hell up.
He should have picked his moment and he should have picked it in English.

Wayne Smith with the Warriors

Veitch: Do we like?

Young: I do because it can only help. Let's be honest he [McFadden] needs all the help he can get right now.