But they are savouring the chance to be standard bearers for their country.

BBC: Scotland slow to embrace Games

The former British under-19 champion is particularly savouring his appearance at the Crucible, with uncertainty surrounding the famous theatre's snooker link.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Snooker | Holt gears up for Hunter reunion

Cricket fans were savouring India's spectacular win in the World Cup which preceded the tournament, and had little appetite for more cricket.

BBC: Why is the Indian Premier League floundering?

"Old Winthrop, that day he wrote a cheque for five grand and put it in the chapel fund, " smiles Daniel Merry, savouring the memory.

BBC: Johnny Cash and his prison reform campaign

The Somerset-born driver says he is still savouring his victory almost two months after sealing the win at the penultimate race of the 2009 season in Brazil.

BBC: Jenson Button supports new Formula 1 points system

Eavesdropping on their inanities at Ascot and Henley, shrinking at their brayings and cavortings at Queen Charlotte's Ball, suffering and yet somehow savouring his sense of exclusion, he is aghast at the fact of his humiliation.

ECONOMIST: English snobbery