02 Dec Quartermain's top 5 defining sporting moments of 2018

Stephen Quartermain has named his top five sporting moments of 2018.

These are listed as the moments that defined the calendar year – not the best of the year, but what had the most impact.

It was a year for sporting controversy and that’s clearly been reflected in Quartermain’s list.

5. The FIFA World Cup

“France defeated Croatia in the final, would’ve been sensational if England got through,” Quartermain told SEN’s Whateley.

“I was in Paris for the semi-final when France played and I was in England for the quarter-final when England played.

“The reason I put it in the top five is you realise how big it is in Europe when you’re over there.

“When you’re over there, it’s bigger than the Olympics by a long, long way.”

4. Tiger’s comeback story

“Yes, he’s disgraced himself. We know that. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last,” Quartermain said.

“If that didn’t finish him, his debilitating knee and back injuries I thought were going to write him off, but he’s back.

“He’s had seven top 10 finishes this year. Golf needs Tiger Woods.

“I reckon he can win a Major next year and that would be one of the greatest comeback stories ever.”

3. Winx’s 2018 dominance

“That was the pinnacle of horse racing, it just captured everyone’s imagination,” Quartermain said.

“People went there that aren’t horse racing fans. People just went to say I was there.”

Gerard Whateley said Winx’s Cox Plate run had everyone scampering for a glimpse of the mare.

“The day itself was like no other day I’ve experienced at the races,” Whateley said.

“20 minutes before the race, the betting ring was completely abandoned, people had taken up positions at the mounting yards to see her.”

2. Serena Williams’ meltdown

“The meltdown in the U.S Open final, divided the world like no other,” Quartermain said.

“The social media coverage of this was extraordinary.

“I thought it was way out of order. I thought she got off lightly, but people forgive and forget pretty quickly.

“She’s won 23 Grand Slam titles, one in 2016, one in 2017 and nothing in 2018. Is she finished?

“It’s fascinating to see what she can achieve next year. The Australian Open for her, this is going to be a huge event.

“She’s a fighter so I can’t wait to see what she produces.”

1. The Australian cricket ball tampering scandal

“A little bit of square sandpaper ended up resulting in one of the most infamous moments in Australian sports,” Quartermain said.

“Is it the lowest moment in Australian sport? It’s close.

“Three men suspended. It brought down the captain, two opening batsmen, the coach, the chairman, a board member, the chief executive and the high-performance manager.

“What a disaster. One piece of sandpaper did all of that.”