Biggest Sports Stories of 2021

As we approach the end of the calendar year, now is a good time to look back on the last 12 months and reflect on what some of the biggest stories have been in the world of sport. 

Gerwyn Price Wins Maiden World Darts Championship

Welshman Gerwyn Price once played professional rugby but a switch in sports paid off for him as he is now one of the leading darts players in the world. The 36-year-old prevailed in the most prestigious darts event in the world back in January, the PDC World Darts Championship.

Price defeated Gary Anderson 7-3 in the final in what was an outstanding performance at the Alexandra Palace in London. He is the 7/2 favourite in the darts betting from Betfair to defend his crown in the 2022 tournament.

The defending champion recently won the Grand Slam of Darts so goes into the event as one of the leading darts tips. The number one seed is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner since Anderson in 2016.

Read also: Everything you need to know ahead of SPOTY 2021

Italy and Brazil Prevail in Respective Continental Tournaments

It was a huge year in international football for Italy and Brazil. The former was successful in the European Championship. They defeated England in the final at Wembley after penalties.

Roberto Mancini's side defeated Belgium and Spain on their way to the final. It was a return to form at a major event for Italy, as just three years earlier they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Over in South America, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi finally won his maiden major tournament with Argentina. They defeated their biggest rivals Brazil in the final of Copa America 2021. The PSG forward has won just about every domestic silverware available to him but this trophy will be very special to him.

Argentina will be one of the strong contenders for the World Cup next year in Qatar. This latest win will give them a lot of confidence ahead of that tournament next November.

Australia on Top of the World in T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup was the biggest cricket tournament in 2021 and after seven attempts, Australia finally got their hands on the trophy. Prior to the final in Dubai, the Aussies had only reached the final once, they were beaten by England in 2010.

In what was a tense semi-final encounter, Australia defeated Pakistan by five wickets. David Warner was Australia's leading run-scorer at the tournament, and he starred with the bat, scoring 49 runs from 30 balls.

Australia won the toss in the final and opted to bowl first. They restricted New Zealand to 172 and they made easy work of reaching that total. Mitchell Marsh finished with an unbeaten 77 to help his side prevail by eight wickets.

Justin Langer will now be hoping his side can complete the World Cup double by landing the trophy in the 50 overs format of the game in 2023 in India.

Hopefully, 2022 produces some memorable sporting storylines too. With so many major events scheduled for next year, there is a good chance it will be a great 12 months.