UP - Jules Bianchi / Marussia - A touching start to this weeks ladder as the thoughts and prayers of the Formula 1 community are firmly behind a speedy recovery for Jules Bianchi. Following his accident in Japan a week ago, the Frenchman remains in a critical condition. Hamilton dedicating his Russian GP win and Marussia opting not to replace Bianchi at the weekend are just two examples of the compassion shown from the paddock this week.
UP - Roy Keane - The Irishman will have divided opinion with the release of his autobiography but no one can deny the boldness of the former Manchester United captain in voicing his concerns about Sir Alex Ferguson. Standing up to the former United manager is something few have dared to do so in that sense you have to admire his courage. That said, Keane never was one to shy away from conflict.UP - Wade and Thornton - It's pretty rare that you get to see a nine-dart-finish in darts, especially on television. James Wade and Robert Thornton had other ideas this week though, as they both knocked down 501 with just nine darts. Wade stepped up first before Thornton replied to send the World Grand Prix crowd into raptures. Wade went on to win the match but realistically, darts was the winner.
UP - Simone Biles - Britain re-fell in love with gymnastics over the summer after the success of Claudia Fragapane and the rest of the team at the Commonwealth Games. However, it was a different teenage sweetheart who stole the show at the World Championships with America's Simone Biles sweeping up an outstanding four gold medals including the best all-rounder. British gymnasts may be the best in the Commonwealth, but the World is still yet to be conquered.
UP - Bayern Munich - The German champions have long been known to treat their fans with the utmost respect and this shows no signs of changing if this week is anything to go by. With Munich's Champions League match with CSKA held behind closed doors, 55 fans rented a room in a nearby skyscraper to watch the match. Munich refunded all 55 of these fans, much to the shock of most English fans who have never seen such generosity from their club.
DOWN - Umberto Gandini - Bitter, is the only word to describe the comments made by AC Milan Chairman Gandini this week. His suggestion that big clubs in Europe should have a wildcard if they don't qualify is quite frankly ridiculous. An alternative would be to play better football and run the club more intelligently so that then you can qualify legitimately like the rest of the teams. Unsurprisingly my opinion of him has decisively dropped this week.
DOWN - Justin Gatlin - Lord Coe this week questioned the decision to nominate Justin Gatlin for World Athlete of the Year after the sprinter has served out two seperate doping bans and I would have to agree. It is one thing letting ex-sprinters race again but to nominate them for awards is certainly a contentious decision. All this week has done though is re-highlight the ongoing drugs problem in athletics.
DOWN - Andy Murray - I think it's fair to say that 2014 has been a year to forget for Britain's number one. Murray has won just one tournament and reached just four tournament semi-finals all year. This week was no different as he tumbled out of China to David Ferrer. Murray seems to be suffering psychologically as he cannot seem to close out matches at the moment and the up-and-coming tennis stars are ready to pounce on the wayward Brit. 2015 cannot come quickly enough.
DOWN - England's Bowlers - Whether you like him or not, there is no question that Kevin Pietersen is one of England's best batsman in recent years. He has always been a bit of an outcast in the England camp though and this week's revelations about his treatment by some of England's bowlers perhaps proves why. With Steve Harmison backing up Pietersen's claims about bullying, it looks like some of the bowlers may have been knocked for six by the claims.
DOWN - Ben Flower - There is no better way to endear yourself to the public than to punch an opponent in the Grand Final of this seasons Rugby League. Flower took just two minutes to launch two punches on opponent Lance Hohaia, earn himself a red card and ultimately cost Wigan the game and the trophy. So literally an example of letting me down, letting the kids down, letting the team down, but most importantly letting himself down. At least an eight game ban awaits.
