April 29, 2012 (Monte Carlo) – They just cannot leave each other alone. Petter Northug and Marcus Hellner have been challenging each other for several years not only on cross-country skis but also in other sports. Recently, another duel took place in Monte Carlo under the supervision of Boris Becker.

Poker Duel for Northug
The first challenge of the two cross-country skiing superstars took place in Monte Carlo at a poker table. Northug has carried on his winning streak from Las Vegas in 2010 and scored again a victory against Hellner. However, at first the fortune seemed to be on the Swede’s side. Both skiers started with 10,000 in the pot and after an hour Hellner had a clear lead. But Northug did not give up and won everything back and eventually won the match.

Boris Becker as a mentor and a ball boy
It did not take long until the second duel, which was of a more sporting manner. On the tennis courts of Monte Carlo, where Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were playing for the title on Sunday, the match of beginners took place. Nobody less qualified was brought in as a mentor and a coach – Boris Becker – who was standing at the sideline and giving the two cross-country stars some basic tennis tips.

It didn’t take Hellner long to realize that he would not beat Northug. In the end the game finished 6-0 for the Norwegian who crushed Hellner using some special tennis strokes such as a two-handed forehand.

You can find pictures from the duel in Monte Carlo HERE.

Includes contributions by www.xc-ski.de