Davis Thompson put in record-setting performance as he wrapped up victory at the John Deere Classic and secured a spot in the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Thompson’s final total of 28 under par in Illinois eclipsed the previous tournament record of 27 under set by Michael Kim in 2017 and earned him a first PGA Tour title as well as a debut appearance in the British major from July 18-21.
The 25-year-old carded a seven-under 64 on Sunday to finish four strokes clear of CT Pan, Michael Thorbjornsen and amateur Luke Clanton, with Pan securing the second Open qualification spot by virtue of having the higher world ranking.
Image: CT Pan will tee it up at the Open Championship for the first time since 2021
Thompson led fellow American Eric Cole and England’s Aaron Rai by two strokes heading into the final round and never looked in danger of being caught as he birdied five of his first six holes at TPC Deere Run and reached the turn in 29.
The Georgian – who came joint-second at last week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic after a ninth-placed finish at the US Open in June – saw his lead trimmed to three shots after he bogeyed 12 with Thorbjornsen making six birdies on the trot between eight and 13.
However, Thompson birdied 14 to effectively clinch victory with Thorbjornsen bogeying the same hole before picking up a birdie at 18 to end up alongside Pan and Clanton at 24 under.
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Thompson told CBS: “Qualifying for the Open was just an added incentive into this. The goal was to win the golf tournament after getting off to a great start and I was able to finish it off.”
Bizarrely, the winner of this tournament has stayed in the same rental house for three years running, with Thompson following in the footsteps of JT Poston in 2022 and last year’s winner Sepp Straka.
Clanton – who played the back nine in six under – became the first amateur to finish in the top 10 in back-to-back starts on the PGA Tour since 1958 having come 10th at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
England’s Rai ended up tied for seventh at the John Deere Classic after a two-under 69, with compatriot Harry Hall a further stroke back in a tie for 12th after closing with a six-under 65 that featured eight birdies and a double bogey.
Watch the 152nd Open Championship, from Royal Troon, live on Sky Sports Golf from 6.30am on Thursday July 18.
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An emotional Ewen Ferguson clinched a spot at the Open Championship after winning the DP World Tour’s BMW International Open in Germany.
Scottish player Ferguson’s two-stroke stroke victory in Munich left him as one of the highest five players in the top 20 on the Race to Dubai – alongside Jesper Svensson, Laurie Canter, Nacho Elvira and Matteo Manassero – who were not otherwise exempt for the 152nd Open at Troon between July 18-21.
The 28-year-old finished on 18 under par after a four-under 68 on Sunday, with England’s Jordan Smith – who shared the lead with Ferguson after three rounds – and Australia’s David Micheluzzi tied for second on 16 under.
Highlights from the final day of the BMW International Open as Ferguson, who has recently battled bouts of vertigo, triumphed in Munich
Ferguson, who revealed after his second round that he was glad simply to be playing again following recent bouts of vertigo, told Sky Sports in a teary interview: “I honestly can’t believe it.
“The last four holes I felt like I was in a dream, I just didn’t think this was actually happening. It was crazy. I was hitting it so well, hitting it so much further than usual.
“I wanted to do it for my dad, my mum, my sister, my brother at home. I love them so much and every shot I hit was with them in mind.
Image: Ferguson now has three wins on the DP World Tour
“It’s such a hard game. I’ve been moaning like mad the last two months with also being sick. [This win] is so much weight off my shoulders. I’m so happy.
“The Open Championship is a tournament that everyone wants to play in and I feel like I could do well there and the Scottish Open next week too. It’s such an exciting time for me.”
Ferguson hopes to practice with Fleetwood ahead of Open
Ferguson later revealed that he had been planning to contest final qualifying for the Open Championship on Tuesday, but felt he was playing well enough to secure a place either in Munich or via the Genesis Scottish Open.
He added: “I didn’t want to tire myself out. I felt like I could maybe win this week or maybe finish in the top 10 in Scotland and get my own spot that way, so we decided to pull out of Open qualifying.
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“It’s obviously a really good decision. It kept me fresh and I’m here with the trophy. I actually got a text from Tommy Fleetwood saying well done so I said to him, let’s get a practice round in [at the Open] so I’m looking forward to that.”
Ferguson’s victory was his third on the DP World Tour and first since the ISPS Handa World Invitational in August 2022, which came five months after his maiden triumph at that year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Micheluzzi finished birdie, birdie, eagle to earn his share of second spot alongside Smith, whose title hopes were effectively ended when he found the water off the 16th tee as he tried to drive the green.
Matthew Southgate made a superb eagle during the BMW International Open, following his namesake Gareth Southgate’s success in leading England to the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Germany
Scotland’s Connor Syme and England’s Matthew Southgate finished in joint fourth on 14 under with Southgate making an eagle at the sixth hole.
Watch the Genesis Scottish Open live on Sky Sports Golf from 8.30am on Thursday July 11. Then catch the 152nd Open Championship live on the same channel from 6.30am on Thursday July 18.
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There is increased optimism from all parties that a deal can be finalised for Joshua Zirkzee’s move from Bologna to Manchester United.
Extensive talks have taken place with Zirkzee’s representatives and there is a broad agreement on terms with the player.
As was reported by Sky Sports, United have made it clear they will meet the 23-year-old’s £34m release clause.
Discussions are ongoing internally over whether United will pay the clause in full or negotiate a structure with Bologna.
Zirkzee is with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 and made his first appearance of the tournament in Saturday night’s quarter-final win over Turkey, coming on as a late substitute.
Arsenal and AC Milan are also interested in Zirkzee, who has two years left on his contract with Bologna.
Juventus are another club keen on Zirkzee but are currently working on other targets, and they would need to sell a striker to bring one in.
Why is Zirkzee in demand?
Image: Zirkzee is also on Arsenal’s radar
Zirkzee graduated through Bayern Munich’s system and had spells with Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in the summer of 2022.
The forward received limited game time in his first campaign in Serie A, scoring only two league goals from 808 minutes.
Last season he scored 11 league goals and the shot map below suggests he is most lethal from the left-of-centre region.
The heat map below also shows how the forward typically plays deeper than a conventional striker.
He also ranks among the top five players in Serie A for creating big chances, attempting dribbles and regaining possession in the final third.
Indeed, the radar graphic below reveals he ranks among the top five per cent across Europe in those three metrics.
When does the summer transfer window close?
The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at midnight in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
Gareth Southgate hailed England’s character after what he described as their best performance of Euro 2024 in the quarter-final penalty shootout win against Switzerland.
Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener to take the game to extra-time and onto penalties where Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored and Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s opening effort for the Swiss as England reached the semi-finals.
It was a dramatic end to an edgy encounter and England’s first shoot-out win since beating the Swiss in the Nations League third-placed play-off five years ago in Portugal.
“I just thought the players were brilliant. It’s the best we have played,” Southgate told the BBC after the win.
Image: Jordan Pickford saves Manuel Akanji’s penalty
“I thought we caused them a lot of problems. They are a really good side. They are hard to press, they are hard to defend against, their movement is good.
“To come from behind again and show the character and resilience we did, talking to the players about that, winning tournaments isn’t just about playing well. It’s not just about that. You’ve got to show other attributes to win and we showed them all tonight.
Image: England players celebrate after defeating Switzerland on penalties to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024
“We played well today and we had to be tactically spot on. I don’t know what people think of us but we are in a third semi-final, so that says a lot about the group.
“We knew we needed to get pressure on their back three and that’s not easy without changing the shape. I thought the players were disciplined with it.
“I thought Phil was a real problem for them to pick up, Kobbie and Jude were finding those gaps on the side of their block. I thought we had good control. For some of the balls into the box, we probably needed more men in the box, but l thought it was the best that we have played.”
Southgate: No doubting Saka would take a pen
Saka missed the decisive penalty in the final of the last Euros against Italy at Wembley Stadium in 2021 as England fell just short in this competition last time around.
On Saka stepping up to take a penalty in the shootout and scoring this time, Southgate said: “So brave. He is one of our best, so we were never in any question that he was going to take one. But we all know what he went through.
Image: Bukayo Saka after scoring England’s equaliser against Switzerland
“To deliver as he did…. But not just him, Trent and Ivan, to come on and take them as they did; Cole, he’s like an old man in the way he is fearless. So a huge result for us, a huge performance, and we’re still in it.
“We played well today and we had to be tactically spot on. I don’t know what people think of us but we are in a third semi-final, so that says a lot about the group.”
Analysis: Saka shows his mettle and quality
Image: Bukayo Saka scores England’s equaliser against Switzerland
England would not be celebrating a place in the last four without Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal forward, England’s most dangerous player throughout the contest, scored a stunning equaliser during a player-of-the-match performance in Dusseldorf.
Even more impressive, though, was his willingness to then step up and take one of England’s penalties in the shootout, only three years after the miss that proved so costly in the final of Euro 2020. Not only that, he converted it too, demonstrating his quality and mettle to help England get over the line.
As sure as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name appeared on Portugal’s team-sheet on Friday night. Perhaps for the last time. But there was no romanticism about his selection, Roberto Martinez wanted him there.
Only goalkeeper Diogo Costa played more minutes for Portugal this summer, as their tournament ceased with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to France. It felt like an abrupt end for one of the world’s greatest footballing talents, who shed more tears at these championships than he did much else.
This time, though, the tears were not Ronaldo’s. Instead, the Portugal captain’s role was to console a weeping Pepe as another painful quarter-final exit came into full focus.
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo consoled Pepe after Portugal’s penalty shoot-out loss to France
Portugal generated an xG of 9.41 over the five games they played, but only scored three times (five if you include own goals scored by Czech Republic’s Robin Hranac and Turkey’s Samet Akaydin). Ronaldo’s personal tally amounted to zero.
Why, then, was the 39-year-old chosen to lead the line against France over the abundance of talent stationed on Portugal’s exceptionally-gifted bench? Neither Diogo Jota nor Goncalo Ramos even made it onto the pitch, despite the game going the full distance – Martinez persisted with his labouring frontman for the entire 120 minutes. Bruno Fernandes was replaced with 15 minutes to go, but not Ronaldo.
Image: Ronaldo was comforted by team-mates after seeing an extra-time penalty saved against Slovakia
What is more alarming still, is that Portugal did not score at all during their final three fixtures. A 2-0 defeat to Georgia (with a severely-weakened side, that still included Ronaldo), was followed up by goalless stalemates against Slovenia and then fatefully France. Surely Martinez was feeling the heat? Or perhaps the Portuguese following, and press, are also afraid of what a Ronaldo backlash would do to the perceived stability of a side so often saved by their famed No 7.
Because, let’s face it, Ronaldo’s selection was not made on merit, it was dictated by the rigours of reputation. Martinez was scared to leave him out. Ronaldo’s unwavering self-belief in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary permeated all within the Portugal camp – there was little argument to be made. Certainly not one deemed valid enough to stand the great man down.
And so Jota, Ramos and co watched on as Ronaldo enjoyed six fewer touches of the ball than goalkeeper Costa – and less than any other Portuguese player. They agonised as Portugal created, backed up by superior xG data (1.84 to France’s 1.14), the more presentable chances of the two sides without finding the net. And finally, they despaired as France’s Theo Hernandez struck the decisive penalty.
Image: Having dumped Portugal out, France will play Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024
Neither Jota, Ramos nor indeed any other forward-minded substitute – reserve some sympathy for Pedro Neto too – was afforded the chance to impact the game. And thus the fascination with Ronaldo – who did convert his spot-kick during the shoot-out – is again called into question. It remains a symptom of a wider stubbornness on both his and Portugal’s behalf. Neither he nor his country can move on from his glory days.
Ronaldo has represented Portugal at six European Championships and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130, and is his nation’s most-capped player (212). His overall total of 14 goals is the most ever at Euros finals – for context, France great Michel Platini is second with nine.
And maybe those facts provide as compelling a rationale as any as to why the Portugal manager stood by his talisman until the very last. But this, Ronaldo’s final Euros hurrah, has ended without an in-game goal, and surely, an unavoidable realisation that it is time to move on to the next generation.
After the emotional farewell, it’s back to the day job for Andy Murray at Wimbledon as he prepares for a mixed doubles campaign alongside Emma Raducanu on Saturday.
The two-time former singles champion was honoured with a ceremony on Centre Court on Thursday evening to celebrate his career after he and brother Jamie lost in the first round of the men’s doubles.
But the Scot was back on the practice schedule at the All England Club on Friday to prepare for his mixed doubles opener alongside former US Open champion Raducanu.
Super Saturday at Wimbledon
Centre Court from 1.30pm BST
Norrie vs Zverev
Jabeur vs Svitolina
Popyrin vs Djokovic
Court One from 1pm
Shelton vs Shapovalov
Swiatek vs Putintseva
Rybakina vs Wozniacki
Arevalo/Zhang vs Murray/Raducanu
Court Two from 11am
Dart vs Wang
Tim Henman and Andy’s brother Jamie pay tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 as he nears closer to playing his final match at Wimbledon and retirement from the sport
Murray had considered playing singles just over a week after back surgery before deciding on Tuesday morning that it would not be a good idea.
The extent to which he was physically hampered was apparent from the start of Thursday’s match, which the Murrays lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
He is entered into singles as well as doubles at the Olympics in Paris later this month, which is set to be the final tournament of his career, although whether he plays singles depends on how he continues to recover from the surgery.
“There’s no question that, even with the physical issues around the hip, I was still able to compete at the highest level,” said Murray. “Not as consistently as I would have liked, certainly not having the results I would have wanted.
“I could definitely still win matches here on the grass once I’m recovered from the back injury. But I don’t want to do that now. I know I could do it, but I have no plans to play singles again.
“Because I knew definitively that that was going to be the last time I’m playing here, the last week and everything has been really emotional for me. Every time I was on my own, I find myself getting a bit emotional and thinking about it.
“Obviously I’ll try and enjoy the mixed doubles. It should be fun. Then I’ve got a family holiday planned after this, then the Olympics. That’s it.”
Watch Murray showing his more humorous side on the ATP Tour in his funniest moments
Raducanu said she had no hesitation in accepting Murray’s mixed doubles proposal and will fulfil a childhood dream by playing with him at Wimbledon.
He revealed Raducanu was at the top of his list when he decided to enter the event on Tuesday evening, and he did not have to wait long for the reply.
“Literally like 10 seconds,” said Raducanu. “For me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think some things are bigger than just tennis.
“I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re going to have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things don’t come by.
“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’m going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in a home slam. For me, it was an honour to be asked.”
Dan Khan and Raz Mirza give their thoughts on Andy Murray’s chances, as he pairs up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon
Dart dreaming of reaching fourth round
Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after one of the most emotional victories of her career against long-time rival Katie Boulter.
Dart’s only previous appearance in the third round at a major came here five years ago, when she lost to Ashleigh Barty.
This time she appears to have a better chance up against unseeded Chinese player Wang Xinyu, who defeated fifth seed Jessica Pegula in round two.
Image: Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time
Dart is ranked 58 places below Wang but did win their only previous match in Australian Open qualifying two years ago.
“She’s a great player,” said Dart. “Hits the ball really flat, low. I’m not surprised she’s doing really well here. She’s been having a phenomenal year.
“She’s been beating some really good players. Jess is an incredible player. She’s also been winning so much on grass. I know that I’m expecting a very tough match. I’m excited for it. It’s another opportunity for me.
“I think for me to be able to make the second week has been a really big goal. I tried not to put too much pressure on it. I wasn’t really expecting too much coming into Wimbledon this year.
“But it means more than anything for me to be sitting here and getting ready to compete in the third round.”
Norrie faces rematch with Zverev
Image: Cameron Norrie upset British No 1 Jack Draper to reach the third round but he faces Alexander Zverev next
Both Thursday’s British No 1 versus No 2 battles went the way of the lower-ranked player, with Cameron Norrie finding his best form for months to see off Jack Draper.
Norrie lost top spot in the domestic rankings to Draper a couple of weeks ago after a difficult run but was delighted with his showing against his younger compatriot and now faces a rematch against fourth seed Alexander Zverev.
The pair met in the fourth round of the Australian Open this year, when Norrie pushed Zverev to a deciding tie-break before losing out in five sets.
“My level’s been really good,” said Norrie. “I’ve been losing a lot of close matches recently, so nice to win one of those, especially in a grand slam.
“I’m building. It doesn’t get any easier. I’m going to have to keep raising my level. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s against another top player. He’s in form. He’s serving well. He likes the grass.
“All the skills that I’ve been practising I can use in this match especially. I played him in Australia. I know what to expect. I’ve never beaten him before so I think it’s a really tough, tough draw for me.”
British tennis stars Cameron Norrie and Emma Raducanu revealed what their ideal days away from tennis would look like!
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
Taylor Fritz told his Wimbledon opponent, Arthur Rinderknech, to “have a nice flight home” after beating him in their second-round match on Thursday.
Fritz was involved in a heated French Open clash with the Frenchman Rinderknech at Roland Garros last year, in which he shushed the rowdy home crowd after winning match point and was booed for minutes afterwards.
Rinderknech made reference to the match ahead of their Wimbledon meeting, and said in comments reported by French media: “The atmosphere will be quieter and he won’t cry as much.”
The pair got into a bit of a back-and-forth at the net after the 13th-seeded American’s 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-4 victory at the All England Club.
Image: Fritz exchanged some words with Rinderknech after his win
Fritz revealed he had “extra fire” and motivation to beat the Frenchman after hearing his comments.
“I’m a very chill person. I don’t do anything that could rub people the wrong way, so when someone kind of just goes out of their way to take a shot at me, then I’m not just going to take it,” said Fritz. “It gave me the extra fire to win.”
So when it was time for the post-match handshake Thursday, there were some words exchanged. “I just said, ‘have a nice flight home’,” Fritz recounted.
According to Fritz, Rinderknech responded by pointing out that he’s still around in doubles. “I said, ‘oh, congrats. Good for you.’ Then he started acting like, ‘why are you blah, blah, blah?’ I’m like, ‘dude, you know what you said’.
“Don’t disrespect me before the match and then expect me to be all nice after the match,” said Fritz, who will take on 24th-seeded Alejandro Tabilo of Chile on Saturday for a spot in the fourth round. “That’s not how it works.”
Image: Fritz won their 2023 French Open contest in front of a rowdy partisan crowd, which he shushed afterwards
Fritz said it was hard not to see Rinderknech’s comments, which were posted on social media before their meeting at the All England Club.
“It’s tough not to [see the comments] when someone goes out of their way to take a jab at you. It’s tough not to see it because everyone is just going to tag me and make sure I see it,” he said.
“As soon as I saw it, the match was basically over.”
Nick Kyrgios took to social media to say: “This is what the sport needs @Taylor_Fritz97 cheeky…”
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
Lando Norris was fastest for McLaren in a tight opening practice session at the British Grand Prix.
The Brit, looking to bounce back from his controversial collision with world championship leader Max Verstappen last weekend in Austria, took advantage of McLaren choosing to run soft tyres to top the timesheet.
Norris was a tenth of a second faster than Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who also ran soft tyres, with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri two tenths back in third, before a technical issue cut his participation eight minutes short.
Charles Leclerc encounters a close shave with Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll during the first practice session at Silverstone
Verstappen, whose Red Bull team – along with Mercedes and Ferrari – chose not to run the theoretically fastest soft tyre, was the best of the rest in fourth.
George Russell, who benefitted from the Verstappen-Norris crash to win in Austria, was fifth for Mercedes, once more outpacing team-mate Lewis Hamilton who finished seventh behind Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
Ferrari showed little sign of improving from their recent drop off in form as Charles Leclerc was eighth, a place ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz.
Ted Kravitz brings updates of the RB20’s floor changes from the pit lane
Yuki Tsunoda was last after beaching his RB in the gravel within the opening 10 minutes, triggering a red flag and ending his participation in the session.
British teenager Oliver Bearman, fresh off signing a deal to drive for Haas next season on Thursday, was the highest placed of four drivers fulfilling the young driver sessions F1 teams are obliged to fulfil throughout the season.
More to follow…
British GP Practice One Timesheet
Driver
Team
Time
1) Lando Norris
McLaren
1:27.420
2) Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
+0.134
3) Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.211
4) Max Verstappen
Red Bull
+0.309
5) George Russell
Mercedes
+0.318
6) Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
+0.374
7) Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes
+0.438
8) Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.483
9) Carlos Sainz
Ferrari
+0.505
10) Esteban Ocon
Alpine
+0.554
11) Nico Hulkenberg
Haas
+0.662
12) Valtteri Bottas
Sauber
+0.834
13) Daniel Ricciardo
RB
+1.057
14) Oliver Bearman
Haas
+1.116
15) Zhou Guanyu
Sauber
+1.170
16) Alex Albon
Williams
+1.229
17) Jack Doohan
Alpine
+1.315
18) Franco Colapinto
Williams
+1.658
19) Isack Hadjar
Red Bull
+1.850
20) Yuki Tsunoda
RB
+2.444
Sky Sports F1’s live British GP schedule (all F1 sessions on Sky Showcase)
Friday July 5 2.05pm: F3 Qualifying 3pm: F2 Qualifying 3.45pm:British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
Saturday July 6 9.15am: F3 Sprint 11.15am:British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am) 1.10pm: F2 Sprint 2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up 3pm: British GP Qualifying 5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday July 7 8:15am: F3 Feature Race 9:50am: F2 Feature Race 11:50am: Porsche Supercup 1:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – British GP build-up 3pm: The BRITISH GRAND PRIX 5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction 6pm: Ted’s Notebook
F1’s summer triple-header concludes with the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
The Sky Sports Racing cameras head to Doncaster and Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon, with 14 live races in store on the Flat and over jumps.
3.50 Doncaster – Kylian drops into handicap company
Kylian is having his first run in a handicap in the bettingsites.co.uk Betting Sites Handicap and should go close if running to the same form of his six-length win in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown a year ago.
His five subsequent starts – his last two for Archie Watson after switching from Karl Burke’s yard – in Listed and Group company have proved fruitless, but the horse should be more settled down in class after finishing 12th behind Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last time.
Looking For Lynda finished seventh in this race last year but now races off a 6lb lower mark and has been running consistently this season. He could make use of his falling rating.
Of the rest, Nigel Tinkler’s four-year-old Squealer just lost out to Navello at Windsor last time and a similar performance should allow him to be competitive, despite a 1lb rise.
2.40 Doncaster – Sea Regal and Regal Connection feature
William Haggas’ Sea Regal won at Ripon when stepped up to a mile and two furlongs for the first time and holds obvious claims representing a yard that landed this bettingsites.co.uk Safe Betting Sites Novice Stakes in 2022 with Sea On Time.
Regal Connection was a well-beaten bronze medallist on debut at Leicester and steps up to one mile and four, which looks sure to suit. He must be respected for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.
Ed Walker’s Crown Of India did well to finish third at Salisbury, having been short of room. He is bound to improve with race experience and looked to relish the step up in trip to 1m 4f.
2.50 Newton Abbot – Melton Mossy on hat-trick hunt
The Evan Williams-trained Melton Mossy won nicely at Worcester and faces another 7lb rise in the newtonabbotracing.com Handicap Hurdle but is the sort to keep improving with Adam Wedge onboard.
Sam Twiston-Davies gets the leg up on Jumeirah King, who carries a 7lb penalty following his recent win at Worcester. There could still be more to come.
Another to note would be Carrigeen Kampala who looked to have a fair bit in hand last time out when comfortably winning to land her fourth victory at the Devon track.
Best of the rest
Beylerbeyi was successful in handicap company at Doncaster last time out and returns seeking a treble for Richard Kingscote and Ian Williams. Thanks Dad and Panama City also go to post at 2.05 in what looks an intriguing one-mile contest.
Two last-time-out winners Arcon and Visibility clash at Doncaster (3.15) before Angel Shared goes in search of a four-timer at 4.25.
Over at Newton Abbot, Gower Prince is looking for his fourth victory at the track before the similarly prolific Clearance goes to post at 4.00.
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Watch every race from Doncaster and Newton Abbot – live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday July 5.
Hayden Springer has become the 14th player to record a sub-60 round on the PGA Tour after shooting a 12-under 59 in the first round of the John Deere Classic.
Springer carded eight birdies and two eagles, holing from just outside 12 feet on the final green for the last of his birdies to break the 60 barrier.
The 27-year-old American fired an eight under 27 on the front nine at TPC Deere Run, the lowest nine-hole score on Tour since 2000, then went quiet for several holes. He was nine under thru 16 holes when he holed out from the rough for eagle at the par-five 17th.
That put him one birdie away from the elusive 59. He found the centre of the 18th fairway, put his second shot about 12 feet from the pin and drained the putt.
His feat comes less than two weeks after Cam Young shot 59 at the Travelers Championship which was the first 59 since 2020. Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship and he has also carded a 59, along with Scottie Scheffler, Kevin Chappell, Brandt Snedeker, Adam Hadwin, Justin Thomas, Stuart Appleby, Paul Goydos, David Duval, Chip Beck, and Al Geiberger.
“I am feeling good. I am kind of at a loss for words in terms of being able to do that,” said Springer after signing his card.
“It is one of those rare things in golf, so to have that opportunity and pull it off is pretty special.
Springer struggled to contain his emotion after shooting a historic 59 in round one at the John Deere Classic
“It is special to be able to do that. I played well last week but it has been a little bit tough to find anything and get stuff going and go low.
“It is special. It feels good to be standing here and to have had a good round of golf.
“I didn’t actually think I could make that shot [on 17] but I did and that kind of changed the momentum.”
Image: Springer celebrates after holing his birdie putt on the 18th hole for a score of 59
Springer had missed seven of his last nine cuts but did finish 10th at last week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic.
He is ranked 236th in the world and has never won on the PGA Tour. He turned pro in 2019 but, after losing his card, he earned his way back on tour via Q-school last December.
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