THIGH fives all round this week for Melinda Messenger and Rafael Nadal (SA Melinda’s magic message, p9 Jan 31). Both won through despite carrying thigh injuries. Melissa scraped into her fourth week of Dancing on Ice, performing to the naffest musical accompaniment the show has probably ever offered.

Sadly Melinda has little or no chance of coming first. Ray Quinn and Jessica Taylor have plenty of previous experience, whilst Todd Carty and Donal McIntyre have stolen the public’s hearts because they can barely stand on the ice, let alone skate. However, if Melinda can improve each week she could make the top three.

Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer in a titanic Australian Open final. Roger is still one shy of Pete Sampras’s record 14 Grand Slams (hence the tears), but at this rate Rafael will also be setting career records. This is his maiden hard court Grand Slam.

NICHOLAS E GOUGH Kennedy Drive Eldene Swindon