McIlroy eyes Masters next after Open triumph July 20, 2014 FORMER world No1 Rory McIlroy immediately set his sights on completing a career grand slam at the Masters next year after clinching a commanding wire-to-wire Open victory at Hoylake yesterday. McIlroy kept rivals Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler at arm’s length with a final round 71 to win by two shots and become only the [...]
Golf Comment: Rory’s back on form and that’s great for golf July 20, 2014 A WEEK ago I wasn’t sure that Rory McIlroy was ready to win his third Major but he blew away concerns with two blistering opening rounds and barely looked back. It was a magnificent display that not only showcased McIlroy’s talent but also his character, as he kept a cool head and fended off his [...]
Cook feels heat as India close in on second Test July 20, 2014 BELEAGUERED England captain Alastair Cook received the backing of his coaches last night despite yet another batting failure helping India to take a stranglehold on the second Test at Lord’s. Cook (22) was one of three late England wickets for just two runs as the hosts finished day four on 105-4, 214 short of the [...]
Sport Comment: Commonwealth Games is a feast of variety and purity July 20, 2014 WHY DO you watch sport, play sport, talk sport, love sport? For 12 days, starting Wednesday, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow offers another chance to question our commitment to something that is inherently, in a world of surface-to-air missiles and global conflict, just a glorious triviality. On Thursday you’ll surprise yourself, telling children and dogs [...]
Hamilton riles Button but limits his title damage July 20, 2014 BEMUSED Jenson Button took a swipe at former team-mate Lewis Hamilton after the pair collided during an eventful German Grand Prix at Hockenheim yesterday. Hamilton, who fought his way through the field from 20th on the grid to finish third, damaged his front wing by touching Button’s car as he tried to pass his fellow [...]
McIlroy sets pace at Open and vows to kick up storm July 17, 2014 FORMER world No1 Rory McIlroy insists he is ready to cope with whatever the elements throw at him after he made the most of perfect Hoylake conditions to take a first-round lead at the Open yesterday. McIlroy’s masterful 66 means he begins today six under par, one stroke ahead of Italian Matteo Manassero and two [...]
Golf Comment: Rory answered doubts before and can again July 17, 2014 IT’S A case of so far, so good for Rory McIlroy, but this is a player who has developed an unfortunate habit of starting brilliantly only to scupper his chances on the second day. If the problem is psychological, then the backdrop of a Major, and a British one at that, is not going to [...]
Van Gaal fires a warning shot at United directors July 17, 2014 Manchester United’s new manager Louis van Gaal has warned that the board’s commercial ambitions may not be compatible with the success demanded at what he deems “the biggest club in the world”. United have led the way in monetising their appeal, as illustrated this week by a £750m, 10-year kit agreement with Adidas, the biggest [...]
Rosberg told to scrub World Cup win tribute from helmet by Fifa July 17, 2014 FOOTBALL’S governing body Fifa has forced German Formula One driver Nico Rosberg to remove an image of the World Cup from his helmet. Rosberg had changed the headgear artwork for his home grand prix at Hockenheim this weekend to celebrate his national team’s success at the World Cup five days ago. Fifa said the move [...]
18 July on this day… July 17, 2014 1976: James Hunt calls for champagne after winning the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch 38 years ago. Hunt went on to win the world championship and his famous battle with Niki Lauda that season would become the subject of the 2013 film Rush. Hunt had originally been disqualified at Brands Hatch after a first-corner crash [...]