Historical Events
Million Dollar World Challenge
American golfer Johnny Miller wins the sport's first $1 million tournament when he beats Seve Ballesteros of Spain in a playoff in the inaugural Million Dollar World Challenge at Sun City, South Africa
Chappell Scores 204
Australian cricket captain Greg Chappell scores a masterly 204 v India in the 1st Test in Sydney; home side wins by an innings and 4 runs
Mandlíková's 1st Grand Slam
Australian Open Women's Tennis: Czech teenager Hana Mandlíková wins her 1st of 4 career Grand Slam singles titles; beats home favourite Wendy Turnbull 6-0, 7-5
- NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers retire jersey # 34, Austin Carr
Famous Birthdays
- Chris Blais, American off-road racing rider (Motorcycle San Felipe 250 2005; Dakar Rally 2007 3rd overall), born in Apple Valley, California
Eli Manning (43 years old)
American football quarterback (MVP Super Bowls XLII, XLVI; Pro Bowl 2008, 11, 12, 15; NY Giants), born in New Orleans, Louisiana
Famous Deaths
- (Charles) Felton Jarvis, American record producer (Elvis Presley, 1966-77; Charley Pride; Willie Nelson), and singer, dies from complications of a stroke at 46
- Princess Alice of Albany (b. 1883)
About January 3, 1981
Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 3 months and 25 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
- #1 Song: (Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon
- #1 Song: There's No One Quite Like Grandma - St Winifred's School Choir