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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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Rob Burrow: Thousands pay final respects to Leeds Rhinos legend on funeral route | Rugby League News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to Leeds Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow as a private funeral service was held.

Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and a half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The service was attended by many of Burrow’s ex-team-mates and coaches, including Kevin Sinfield, with whom Burrow raised more than £15m for MND charities since his diagnosis.

Sinfield – who ran seven ultra-marathons in as many days last December to generate funds – flew back from New Zealand, where he has been part of the England rugby union side’s coaching staff.

The funeral procession passed by Featherstone Lions’ ground where Burrow played rugby as a young boy, and slowed again through Featherstone near to where he played junior rugby.

Cars arrived and slowed into Pontefract Crematorium, passing through family and friends for the final time before a haka was performed as Burrow was carried out of the hearse.

Burrow’s former Leeds colleagues Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Hall and Matt Diskin were among those also present.

‘Burrow a true inspiration, a giant of a person’

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington told the PA news agency of Burrow: “He was a true inspiration.

“The whole rugby league community has come together supported by Leeds Rhinos fans and so many others and his efforts over the last four and a half years with MND inspired the nation.

“With so much support from those such as Kevin Sinfield, politicians and other sports figures… it has been quite remarkable and he leaves a huge legacy. This is the final journey, it has been a remarkable chapter.

“We all knew what the outcome would eventually be and Rob has been remarkable with his fight and what he’s been able to do, not only Rob, but his family.

“The whole family have come together and have been supported by sport in general. It’s brought people together and has moved the nation.

“He was full of life, full of ambition and full of enthusiasm.

“Rob was 5ft 4in but was a giant of a man, a giant of a rugby league player and a giant of a person.”

You can donate to the MND Association at www.mndassociation.org/skysports

PGA Tour: Davis Thompson two ahead of Aaron Rai going into John Deere Classic final round | Golf News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

American Davis Thompson fired nine birdies in a third-round 62 to take a two-shot lead into the final day of the John Deere Classic.

Soft conditions on the TPC Deere Run in Illinois continued to bring low scores, Thompson moving to 21 under par – two clear of England’s Aaron Rai and fellow American Eric Cole.

“I guess it was just my day today,” said Thompson, who is seeking his first PGA Tour victory. “The guys behind me are playing really well.

“I know it’s going to be tough to finish off a golf tournament, but I’ve done it before. I just have to stay present-minded.”

With the final day being played in threesomes with a delayed start in a bid to beat storms, Rai, co-leader after the second round, will play in the last group for the second successive week.

He had six birdies in a round of 66 as he bids to go one better than his second place at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week.

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Hayden Springer, who shot a 59 on the opening day, is a further two strokes back on 17 under par after a 66, alongside Taiwan’s CT Pan.

Rookie Michael Thorbjohnsen and amateur Luke Clanton are among those on 16 under par, while a third-round 70 saw England’s Harry Hall tumble down the leaderboard to seven shots adrift.

Watch the final round of the John Deere Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 5pm on Sunday.

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Khyree Jackson: Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback dies following car accident | NFL News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson has died in a car accident.

Jackson was 24 years old. The cornerback was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 draft.

He previously spent two years with the University of Alabama and one with the University of Oregon.

Jackson and two of his former high school football teammates, Anthony Lytton and Isaiah Hazel, were killed in a car crash early on Saturday morning, Maryland State Police said.

Jackson was the front-seat passenger in a Dodge Charger when they were struck by an Infiniti Q50 shortly after 3am, the preliminary police investigation found.

The Infiniti was attempting to change lanes and traveling at a high rate of speed when the car hit the Charger and then struck another vehicle.

The impact sent the Charger off the road, where it came to rest after hitting “multiple tree stumps” according to the report.

A Vikings team statement read: “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.

“While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counselling for those who need emotional support.

“Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell added: “I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team.

“His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.

“I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

England 1 – 1 Switzerland

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a penalty shootout win over Switzerland as Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick proved decisive following a 1-1 draw.

Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold converted their penalties unerringly with Pickford thwarting Akanji, Switzerland’s first taker, to clinch a 5-3 shootout win and set up a last-four showdown with either Netherlands or Turkey.

England had looked at risk of limping out of the tournament in normal time when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo stole ahead of Kyle Walker to poke in Dan Ndoye’s deflected cross from close range in the 75th minute.

But Saka, England’s most dangerous player in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, found a leveller shortly afterwards when he cut inside and curled an outstanding finish in off the post from outside the box.

Saka’s goal came from England’s first shot on target and they continued to labour in extra-time, surviving heart-in-mouth moments when Xherdan Shaqiri struck the woodwork directly from a corner and Zeki Amdouni had a shot parried.

But none of that mattered as they held their nerve in the shootout to exorcise the demons of their Euro 2020 final defeat on penalties to Italy to go through to the semi-finals.

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Wimbledon: Iga Swiatek stunned by Yulia Putintseva as Harriet Dart is knocked out by China’s Xinyu Wang | Tennis News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

World No 1 Iga Swiatek was handed a stunning Wimbledon third-round exit as she lost to Yulia Putintseva on Saturday, while Britain’s Harriet Dart saw her championships end in defeat to China’s Xinyu Wang.

Swiatek was on a 21-match winning streak and looked on course to cruise into the last 16 at the All England Club when she claimed the opener, but the Kazakhstan player hit back with a brilliant second set where she broke twice.

Four-time French Open champion Swiatek raced off court before the decider and when she eventually returned faced boos from an impatient crowd.

It seemed to knock the top seed off her stride and she netted to give 30th seed Putintseva an impressive 3-6 6-1 6-2 victory on her third match point.

Moscow-born Putintseva soaked up the adulation before she said in her on-court interview: “It feels great, it feels really great.

“I was just so focused on playing fast and not giving her any time. So, that’s pretty much it.

“I was feeling it on the court and that is why I was like fire. I was trying to entertain you more and more with my shots.

“I just want to enjoy this moment, like cool down a little bit, do a stretch and eat. Important!”

Dart, who had rallied to defeat British rival Katie Boulter in the previous round, was beaten 6-2 5-7 3-6 in a match that lasted two hours and 18 minutes having been disrupted by rain delays earlier in the day.

The British No 2 was denied a spot in the fourth round after dropping six straight games in the deciding third set after leading 3-0 at one stage.

“I’m super happy to be in the fourth round,” Wang told the BBC in her on-court interview. “It was really tough today, Harriet was playing really good, her balls are super flat, she was serving good. It was just a really tough battle, I’m just happy.

“I was getting a bit more used to her balls and all the slices. I felt more comfortable each time as the match was going. Now I’m looking forward to my next match.”

World No 100 Dart opened up a 3-1 advantage to begin the match two hours after its scheduled 11am start, before responding emphatically to a Wang break to restore her two-game lead at 4-2.

A forehand winner chalked up the first set after 38 minutes and Dart looked on course for the next round when she held for 4-3 in the second after the pair had traded breaks of serve.

A double fault soon left her staring at a 15-30 deficit, before the Brit buried a smash into the net from deuce as Wang went on to rescue the hold for 5-5 followed by a defining break of serve.

Frustration began to tell for Dart, who had fought through tears to overcome Boulter in a tense tiebreak earlier in the week.

Dart vs Wang: Tale of the Tape


Dart	Match Stats	Wang
2	Aces	0
7	Double Faults	5
61%	1st serve win percentage	59%
39%	2nd serve win percentage	42%
4/8	Net points won	28/40
6/13	Break points won	7/17
20	Total winners	32
36	47	14
105	Total points won	104

She initially appeared to have recovered well when she raced out to a 3-0 cushion, only for Wang to wrestle the match in her favour by reeling off sixth straight games.

Wang had arrived on the back of defeating America’s Jessica Pegula, making her first win against a top-five opponent.

“Really super happy to be here, I enjoy playing here. I hope to see you guys for my next match and hopefully you cheer more for me next time!”

Ons Jabeur meanwhile crashed out in her pursuit of a third finals appearance at Wimbledon as she lost 6-1 7-6 to Elina Svitolina, who will now go on to face Wang.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

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.

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.

British GP: George Russell tops wet Silverstone practice from Lewis Hamilton ahead of qualifying | F1 News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

George Russell set the pace from Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in a wet final practice for the British Grand Prix.

Heavy rain fell in the morning at Silverstone but stopped in time for practice, where Mercedes immediately looked strong in the cold, wet conditions.

Russell was just 0.035s quicker than Hamilton, with Friday’s fastest driver Lando Norris 0.185s off the 1:37.529 benchmark time ahead of qualifying, which is live at 3pm on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase.

After the three Brits there was a gap of six tenths to Carlos Sainz in fourth and championship leader Max Verstappen was 0.864s behind Russell.

Verstappen had a spin early in the session, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also lost control of his car but beached it in the gravel and caused a short red flag.

Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso made up the top eight.

Rain mixes up pecking order

For the first half of the session, there was no rain and the track continued to get faster with the drivers electing to use just one set of intermediates for the practice hour.

Several drivers traded top spot but Russell pipped Hamilton as the Mercedes pair were told where to find lap time on the radio, with different lines being used.

Mercedes have traditionally been strong in the rain, so will be hoping the wet weather continues into qualifying later on.

The only fully wet competitive qualifying this year was Sprint Qualifying in China, where Norris beat Hamilton to pole.

After topping both of Friday’s practice sessions, Norris said he was open to rain and he also looks strong in the wet.

Verstappen has often delivered when it mattered most, so cannot be ruled out. However, Red Bull look to be on the back foot compared to McLaren in all conditions, and Mercedes in the rain.

Sky Sports F1’s live British GP schedule (all F1 sessions on Sky Showcase)

Saturday July 6
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

Southgate: Shaw is available to start against Switzerland

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England manager Gareth Southgate says left-back Luke Shaw is fit to start their Euro 2024 quarter-final versus Switzerland and he was also full of praise for the job Kieran Trippier has done in Shaw’s absence.

Chelsea unwilling to meet asking price for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite £110m release clause – Paper Talk | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

DAILY MIRROR

Chelsea remain unwilling to meet Napoli’s asking price for striker Victor Osimhen despite the Italian club lowering their demands below his £110m release clause.

Reports in Italy have hinted that Liverpool are in pole position to sign a player Jurgen Klopp wanted while he was in charge at Anfield – Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

THE SUN

Chelsea have had a £42m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected, with the Spanish club holding out for at least £70m.

Reports in Italy claim the Saudi PIF have met with representatives of Kevin De Bruyne and come away happy that the Manchester City midfielder “verbally agreed” to a move to Al-Ittihad.

THE TIMES

Harry Kane has called on England’s players to “repay” Gareth Southgate with the kind of statement performance they have been lacking so far at Euro 2024 when they take on Switzerland for a semi-final spot.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea have agreed a £12m to sign Portugal U20 defender Renato Veiga from Swiss side FC Basel.

Switzerland and Newcastle United star Fabian Schar has told England to keep their hands off his club boss Eddie Howe, who is one of the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate.

Gregg Berhalter is set to learn his fate next week as US Soccer faces increasingly loud calls to move on from their head coach after a disappointing Copa America exit.

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes the go-ahead to open transfer talks with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund which could end up with him joining good friend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, according to reports.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Leicester City hope to add free-agent forward Bobby Decordova-Reid to their squad over the weekend.

Switzerland’s goalkeepers have been training in futuristic battery-powered sunglasses designed to sharpen their reflexes ahead of the Euro 2024 last-eight clash with England.

The row over Olympic Games selection policy at UK Athletics continues to deepen, with hammer thrower Anna Purchase saying she fears for her future in the sport after being omitted from the team despite being in the world’s top 16.

Police in Germany have arrested a security guard who used to work for the family of stricken Formula One driver Michael Schumacher in connection with a recent blackmail attempt.

DAILY RECORD

Birmingham City have reportedly made their move to try and sign former Dundee loan defender Owen Beck from Liverpool on a temporary basis.

Kenny Miller has agreed to join former Celtic boss Ronny Deila in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Wahda.

Celtic have “positioned themselves” in the chase to sign Switzerland’s third-choice goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo from Lorient according to reports in France.

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.