BRAZIL'S record fifth triumph confirmed what had looked increasingly inevitable in The Watford Observer's World Cup competition, with Mr R Bailey claiming the first prize.

Ahead since the end of the group phase, Mr Bailey takes home a portable colour TV after finishing an impressive 113 points clear of Paul Cuthbert and Philip McNamara, who finished in joint second, while Greg Butler was ten points further back in fourth.

Although the Brazilians march to glory gave him 493 points, Mr Bailey also benefited from the unexpected strong showing of the South Koreans, who added a further 190 points.

His player selection was Spanish striker Raul, while his third team choice was Belgium.

The selections of the other entrants in the top ten were:

Paul Cuthbert: Brazil, Croatia, South Korea; player - David Trezeguet

Philip McNamara: Brazil, Croatia, South Korea; player - Thierry Henry

Greg Butler: Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria; player - Thierry Henry

Mark Finch: Brazil, Cameroon, Japan; player - Christian Vieri

Sam Freedman: Brazil, Cameroon, Japan; player - Raul

Jeremy Hill: Brazil, Belgium, Poland; player - Christian Vieri

Mr C Clack: Brazil, Russia, Poland; player - Pauleta

Adam Hicks: Brazil, Sweden, Japan; player - Thierry Henry

D Clarke: Brazil, Denmark, Poland; player - Michael Owen

Peter Gough: Brazil, Denmark, Poland; player - Michael Owen

To find out where you finished in the final table, and how your selections, click on the special World Cup section of this website.

July 1, 2002 14:30