BBC presenter Mark Chapman has made a quick exit from the World Cup to be part of the corporation's coverage of The Open Championship. The 52-year-old Match of the Day host, who had been alternating presenting duties with Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Alex Scott, led coverage of England's semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta alongside pundits Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
Brief US Trip for Chapman
The BBC had only recently moved its production team to the United States, having based most of its World Cup coverage from its Salford studio. However, Chapman's time in America proved especially brief as he has already returned to the UK to present BBC 5 Live's coverage of The Open, being played at Royal Birkdale near Southport.
Amid his hectic schedule, Chapman also managed to record an episode of the Sports Agents podcast, which he co-hosts with Logan. During the podcast, Logan asked him: "Are you already kind of working out where you're going to watch the World Cup final? Because you're working on it, aren't you?" Chapman responded: "No, I'm not. No, I'm not. I'll be at the golf."
Plans for Sunday
Regarding his plans for the World Cup final on Sunday, Chapman said: "I'm doing The Open golf that weekend, and then I will drive back from The Open golf listening to Kelly and the build-up on the radio and then I'll catch some of you on the telly."
While The Open is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, BBC 5 Live holds the radio rights. The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be shown live on both BBC and ITV, with Logan fronting the BBC's coverage and Mark Pougatch anchoring ITV's broadcast.
Light-Hearted Exchange with Richards
One of Chapman's final contributions at the World Cup saw him share a light-hearted exchange with Richards about former BBC presenter Gary Lineker. During a broadcast, a graphic displayed Jude Bellingham's contributions, with Lineker appearing prominently on the list. Former Manchester City defender Richards, who is part of Lineker's The Rest is Football podcast, joked: "One thing I don't like on that list, another graphic that's got Gary Lineker on there. He's just text me now, he's dropping down the table, thank god for that!"
Chapman cheekily replied: "Gary, Gary who?" before quickly backtracking: "Joke, joke, joke, before everyone piles on. Goodness me!"
