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DP World Tour: Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson clinches Open Championship spot with emotional BMW International Open win | Golf News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

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.

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.

“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.

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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Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal striker ends Euro 2024 without a goal – is his international career over? | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

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.

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.

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.

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.

International rugby: New Zealand vs England and Australia vs Wales updates and highlights | Rugby Union News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Live

England face New Zealand in first of two Tests, followed by Australia vs Wales; Ireland are up against South Africa later today along with Argentina vs France; watch the summer rugby union internationals in the southern hemisphere live on Sky Sports

James Anderson takes six wickets in opening spell for Lancashire ahead of England international farewell | Cricket News

On: July 2, 2024 By: admin

James Anderson marked his first County Championship of the summer by taking six wickets in his opening spell as Lancashire dominated Nottinghamshire in Southport.

The 41-year-old is back in action for the first time since featuring for England in India in March and ahead of his farewell international in their Test opener against the West Indies, live from July 10 on Sky Sports.

Anderson rolled back the years as took 6-19 from 10 overs, ripping through the Nottinghamshire top order in cloudy conditions, leaving the visitors struggling at 40-6 in reply to Lancashire declaring on 353-9.

Lancashire declared early on Tuesday morning after securing a third batting bonus point, following day two being washed out by rain, with Anderson finishing unbeaten on nought off two deliveries as opener Keaton Jennings fired a brilliant 187 not out.

Anderson made the breakthrough when Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed (six) defended a delivery that rolled onto his stumps, with New Zealand’s Will Young (two) caught behind by keeper Matty Hurst in his next over.

Jennings caught Joe Clarke (nought) in the slips and Jack Haynes (two) fell soon after to Anderson, who completed the 55th five-wicket haul of his career when he removed Lyndon James for five.

Liam Patterson-White (four) became Anderson’s sixth wicket in as many overs before the bowler was replaced by George Balderson, with Nottinghamshire reaching lunch at 69-6 and leaving work to do to avoid the follow-on.

Anderson is set to step into a newly-created role as England’s fast-bowling mentor for the last two Tests against the Windies, following his farewell Test appearance, along with the following three-match series versus Sri Lanka that follows.

Watch the first Test between England and West Indies, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday July 10 (11am first ball). The series then continues at Trent Bridge (July 18-22) before the final game at Edgbaston (July 26-30).

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India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire from T20 international cricket after World Cup win over South Africa | Cricket News

On: June 30, 2024 By: admin

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have announced their retirement from international T20 cricket after India’s win over South Africa in the World Cup final in Barbados.

Kohli snapped a lean run of form in the tournament, which had seen him score just 75 runs in seven innings at an average below 11, by hitting 76 from 59 deliveries in his side’s total of 176-7.

After India limited South Africa to 169-8 in reply to win their second T20 World Cup and first since 2007, the 35-year-old confirmed in his Player of the Match interview that he was now quitting T20Is.

Captain Rohit, 37, then revealed in his post-match press conference that he was also retiring from the format after striking 4,231 runs in 159 matches with five tons and 32 half-centuries.

Kohli bows out from T20Is with 4,188 runs in 125 games at an average of 48.69, hitting 38 fifties and a sole hundred.

‘It is time for the new generation to come through for India now’

He said: “This was my last T20 World Cup.

“It is time for the new generation to come through for India now. We have some amazing players coming through and they have to take this team forwards now.

“One day you feel like you can’t get a run but one day, things just click. I am so proud to get the runs for the team the day it mattered most.

“The occasion prompted that change for me. I felt like it was now or never.

“We have wanted to lift a trophy for a long time and the occasion made me put my head down, respect the situation and play the innings that the team needed from me.

“I wasn’t feeling myself before today. I wasn’t confident. So I am very grateful and humble right now. It has been difficult, so there are a lot of emotions.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in for me yet. It’s an amazing day, I am so thankful.”

Rohit said: “This was my last game as well. There’s no better time to say goodbye to this format. I’ve loved every moment of this.

“I started my India career in T20 and this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to win the cup and say goodbye.”

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India’s Virat Kohli retires from T20 international cricket after World Cup win over South Africa | Cricket News

On: June 29, 2024 By: admin

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from international T20 cricket after hitting a half-century in India’s win over South Africa in the World Cup final in Barbados.

Kohli snapped a lean run of form in the tournament, which had seen him score just 75 runs in seven innings at an average 11, by hitting 76 from 59 deliveries in his side’s total of 176-7.

Kohli bows out from the format with 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, with 38 fifties and one century – against Afghanistan in September 2022 – at a strike-rate of 137.04.

He said: “This was my last T20 World Cup.

“It is time for the new generation to come through for India now. We have some amazing players coming through and they have to take this team forwards now.

“One day you feel like you can’t get a run but one day, things just click. I am so proud to get the runs for the team the day it mattered most.

“The occasion prompted that change for me. I felt like it was now or never.

“We have wanted to lift a trophy for a long time and the occasion made me put my head down, respect the situation and play the innings that the team needed from me.

“I wasn’t feeling myself before today. I wasn’t confident. So I am very grateful and humble right now. It has been difficult, so there are a lot of emotions.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in for me yet. It’s an amazing day, I am so thankful.”

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Anthony Elanga: Newcastle open transfer talks with Nottingham Forest over Sweden international | Transfer Centre News

On: June 29, 2024 By: admin

Newcastle have opened talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal for Anthony Elanga, with Elliot Anderson potentially heading in the opposite direction.

Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen in attack and Elanga’s versatility appeals having played across the front three for Forest last season.

It is expected this will be a tricky summer to recruit for Newcastle with financial restrictions affecting what they can spend.

They are also in need of closing the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) gap when the financial accounting period ends on June 30, so are under pressure to get deals done quickly.

However, Forest do not want or need to sell Elanga, who scored five goals and registered nine assists in 36 Premier League games last season. He is a core member of their squad and they would like to keep him.

Unlike Newcastle, it’s understood Forest do not have any PSR concerns this month so are under no pressure to get a deal done, with the the sales of Orel Mangala and Moussa Niakhate to Lyon expected to go through.

Newcastle’s Anderson is a player Nuno Espirito Santo is keen on bringing to the club as he looks to strengthen in midfield. The sale of the 21-year-old would represent 100 per cent profit for Newcastle.

Chelsea show further interest in Newcastle’s Isak

Meanwhile, Chelsea have shown further interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

New Blues boss Enzo Maresca is keen to add a proven Premier League goalscorer to his ranks and Isak fits the bill.

Newcastle need to sell a player to comply with PSR before July 1 and would be looking for over £100m to consider selling their star striker.

Liverpool’s move for Gordon fails to materialise

Talks between Newcastle and Liverpool over the potential sale of Anthony Gordon did not progress because Jarell Quansah would have been part of the deal.

Liverpool are understood to admire Gordon but see Quansah as a big part of their future having established himself as a first-team regular.

The club also have strength in depth in attacking positions and see him as a future England regular.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership 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.

Eastbourne International: Emma Raducanu misses out on semi-finals after defeat to Daria Kasatkina | Tennis News

On: June 28, 2024 By: admin

Emma Raducanu insists she feels ready for Wimbledon, despite going down 6-2 6-2 to Daria Kasatkina in the Eastbourne International.

Russian Kasatkina stormed ahead to claim a dominant first set, and though Raducanu recovered from an early break in the second to break straight back, she was no match for the rest of the encounter.

From 1-1 back on serve, Kasatkina proceeded to rattle to 4-1 ahead in the second set – breaking Raducanu twice more – before serving the match out for 6-2 after the pair traded breaks again before the end.

Raducanu struggled to adapt to blustery conditions during her comprehensive defeat, but the 2021 US Open champion, who missed the entire 2023 grass-court season following wrist and ankle surgery, dismissed any concerns about her fitness ahead of Wimbledon, for which she has received a wildcard.

“I wasn’t tired at all. I was feeling really good,” she said.

“I think I just dealt with the circumstances badly. Yeah, I was very inflexible in my approach. That’s my honest reflection of the match.

“But physically I’m in a really good spot. I’m fine. I just need to learn to be more willing to adapt. I hadn’t really played many matches in that level of wind.

“Daria actually plays really good in those conditions, because she makes it very awkward for the opponent. I just think she handled it a lot better.”

While Raducanu awaits the Wimbledon draw, Kasatkina will now face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the last four at Eastbourne, the latter having knocked out another Brit earlier on Thursday in Katie Boulter.

Raducanu failed to get to grips with Kasatkina in the relatively one-sided Centre Court contest.

However, the 21-year-old, who missed the entire grass-court season last year following wrist and ankle surgery, heads to the Wimbledon buoyed by impressive wins over Sloane Stephens and world No 5 Jessica Pegula.

Raducanu showed occasional glimpses of her class, catching the eye with a superb backhand sliced winner as she saved four set points in the opener.

Yet she blew a 40-0 lead on serve early in the second set and was broken six times overall as powerful Kasatkina dominated the majority of the rallies to secure progression.

Boulter, Dart lose Eastbourne quarter-finals | Klugman loses Wimbledon qualifier

Boulter’s quest to clinch another grass-court title ahead of Wimbledon was emphatically ended by a comprehensive Eastbourne quarter-final loss to French Open finalist Paolini.

Two-time Nottingham Open champion Boulter struggled for rhythm and with her serve en route to a resounding 6-1 7-6 defeat.

World No 7 Paolini dominated the tactical battle against the British No 1 and adapted far better to blustery conditions at Devonshire Park.

The prospect of three British women reaching the semi-finals of Eastbourne International had earlier been extinguished by Harriet Dart’s 6-2 6-1 loss to Leylah Fernandez in Thursday’s opening match.

Elsewhere, 15-year-old British schoolgirl Hannah Klugman missed out on reaching the main draw for Wimbledon, as she lost her final qualifying match 6-3 6-3 to the USA’s Alycia Parks.

Meanwhile, wildcard Billy Harris is one step away from becoming the first Briton to reach the men’s singles final at Eastbourne after battling from a set down to upset Italian world No 49 Flavio Cobolli.

The 29-year-old, a quarter-finalist at Queen’s last week, won 6-7 7-6 6-2, having beaten compatriots Jacob Fearnley and Charles Broom in the previous rounds.

Nottingham-born Harris, ranked 139 in the world, will meet Australian qualifier Max Purcell – a 6-3 7-6 victor against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic – in the semi-finals.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports.

Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

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Great Britain’s Katie Boulter beats Jelena Ostapenko to reach quarter-finals of Eastbourne International | Golf News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Katie Boulter beat former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets as she continued her fine form on grass ahead of Wimbledon by reaching the quarter-finals in Eastbourne.

British No 1 Boulter – who successfully defended her title in Nottingham earlier this month – defeated fifth seed Ostapenko 6-4 7-5 and will now face third seed Jasmine Paolini or Elise Mertens.

The world No 32 said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this grass-court season. I’m out here having fun and enjoying myself.”

Boulter took the first set amid a series of errors from Latvian Ostapenko and then broke at 5-5 in the second before holding to complete victory.

“Honestly, I was just trying to slap a little harder than she was,” Boulter said, after beating a Grand Slam winner for the first time.

“She’s so tough to play against, you never know what is going to happen and it’s completely in her control.”

Boulter’s fellow Brit Emma Raducanu will look to join her compatriot in the last eight later on Wednesday as she plays American second seed Jessia Pegula.

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, beat 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens in straight sets in Sussex on Tuesday to reach the second round having been awarded a wildcard.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports.

Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

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Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from football, darts, cricket, F1, tennis, golf, rugby league, rugby union and more.