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Following another round of public vote this weekend, BBC will be all set to declare its Sports Personality of the Year 2019, on the night of December 15.
And as per the bookmakers, the most compelling winner of this title is believed to be Ben Stokes. With his incredible performance at the World Cup final along with the Headingley Ashes victory, Stokes poses to be the favorite by all means.
Sports Personality of the Year is going to have Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan, Claire Balding, as its hosts in Aberdeen, the second Scottish city to organize the event. Stepping into its 65th year, the event will be broadcasted live on BBC One.
Unlike previous years, there will be 8 personalities receiving the awards instead of 6. Out of the 8, some winners will be decided by judges, barring the ones that have been chosen based on public voting, such as the sporting moment of the year. A duration of fewer than 2 hours will be allotted to live audience vote for the main prize.
Hopes are high on Ben Stokes as he had exhibited spectacular form in winning the critical ‘super over’ for England against New Zealand. Also, the 28-year-old cricketer had an unbroken 135 runs at Headingley during the Ashes and won the third Test match.
Though there are 5 other deserving sportspersons, apart from Ben, contending for the most prestigious title of the year, bookies deem Ben to be the overwhelming favorite.
Being touted as the most probable winner of the title, Stokes has supposedly postponed his departure for South Africa, as per reports.
The fact that he came out with such a brilliant performance following the infamous court charges of a brawl (which was later cleared) strengthens his chances of winning, lending it a redemption vibe. Bookies believe such things are easily lapped up by the public.
Dina Asher-Smith, a 24-year-old sprinter, is another personality, likely to win according to the bookies. She is helmed to be one of the most influential women in sports. Considered a role model by many, she is the first to win a major global sprint title, after winning the 200m at the Qatar World Athletics Championships, and also the fastest British woman in history.
Her incredible accomplishments easily make her a probable winner too.
Katrina Johnson-Thompson, the winner of world championship gold, is yet another contender of the title, who has broken Jessica Ennis-Hill’s British record. This heptathlete’s extraordinary confidence and resilience make her a deserving contender.
Lewis Hamilton, winner of Formula 1 world championship; Alun Wyn Jones, excellent performer of Wales; and Raheem Sterling are the other sports personalities shortlisted for the honorable title.
