The Hundred: MD Sanjay Patel on profits, participation, gender equality and winning over sceptics with English cricket’s new competition July 17, 2021 Sanjay Patel, managing director of The Hundred, could be forgiven a few sleepless nights as Wednesday 21 July approaches. That is when the Oval Invincibles are due to host the Manchester Originals in a women’s match that raises the curtain on the controversial new competition designed to breathe new life into domestic cricket. Patel has [...]
Record-breaking Louis Oosthuizen strengthens case for second Open triumph but Collin Morikawa stays in pursuit at Royal St George’s July 16, 2021 Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen set a new record for the lowest halfway total at the major tournament to establish a two-shot lead at Royal St George’s. Oosthuizen shot a 65 featuring an eagle and four birdies for a 36-hole score that eclipsed the previous best of 130, set by Sir Nick Faldo in 1992 [...]
Man City owner raises almost half a billion to fund further expansion – reports July 16, 2021 City Football Group, the owner of Manchester City and a host of other clubs across the world, has raised almost half a billion-worth of debt capital according to reports this morning. The Group has raised $650m (£470m) to finance international ambitions, according to sources who spoke to the Financial Times. The seven-year package has been [...]
The Open prize money 2021: Players in line for record sums at Royal St George’s as payouts continue to rise July 16, 2021 The biggest names in men’s golf are playing for record levels of Open prize money this week at Royal St George’s. Organisers of the world’s oldest tournament have laid on extra bread at Sandwich by increasing the prize fund and winner’s cheque on the Kent coast. The 156 players will be battling for a slice [...]
Jordan Spieth laughs off Grace favour after he and fellow former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen set the pace at Royal St George’s July 15, 2021 Jordan Spieth played down the benefits of the “Branden Grace effect” after making a superb start to the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s. Playing alongside South African Grace for the first two rounds proved something of a lucky charm for the last two Open champions, Shane Lowry and Francesco Molinari. Spieth and fellow [...]
Allowing Winter Olympics to go ahead in China is akin to ‘appeasing Hitler’, says Iain Duncin Smith July 15, 2021 A former Conservative leader has said allowing China to go ahead with the Winter Olympics next year is akin to “appeasing Hitler”. Iain Duncan Smith made the comparison while giving his support to a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 games. Sir Iain said: “We have forgotten what happened when we appeased another ghastly dictatorship. Sixty [...]
The Croods: A New Age review – familiar animated fun July 15, 2021 Eight years is a long time to wait for a family film. Yes, genre icons such as Toy Story can endure generations, but it’s likely that most of the children who were taken along to The Croods in 2013 will now be in their teens and less inclined to follow the adventures of an animated [...]
Rugby League World Cup chiefs confirm tournament will go ahead in England this year despite Australia refusing to commit yet July 15, 2021 The Rugby League World Cup will go ahead in England later this year, officials have said, despite Australia still not committing to playing. The participation of around 500 Australia-based players and staff has been in doubt due to the strict quarantine rules they would face on their return. And although Australian rugby league chiefs have [...]
Lionel Messi accepts 50 per cent pay cut to stay at Barcelona – but will still earn £59m a year July 15, 2021 Lionel Messi has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a 50 per cent pay cut to stay at Barcelona. The Argentinian superstar, 34, has been a free agent since his €138m (£118m)-a year contract expired last month. Messi had discussed a two-year extension but will instead sign for five years on a lower wage, [...]
Sam Torrance’s Open Championship preview 2021: I’d love to see Lee Westwood emulate best mate Darren Clarke at Royal St George’s July 14, 2021 It’s the Open Championship this week: one of the best tournaments you’ll ever play, with history that is second to none. I have so many great memories of The Open, from scaling a lamppost on the last fairway of the Old Course at St Andrews, aged 10, to watch “Champagne” Tony Lema win the Claret [...]