Sports
The Open 2024: Justin Thomas sets pace as McIlroy and DeChambeau struggle at Troon
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McIlroy was moving along serenely at level par after his opening seven holes, a birdie on the third cancelling out a dropped shot on the first.
But the four-time major champion found trouble on Troon’s two iconic holes.
His tee shot to the 118-yard par-three eighth ‘Postage Stamp’ landed on the green but trickled off right into a bunker and he took two to escape from the sand as he posted a five.
The Northern Irishman then sliced his tee shot on the par-four 11th ‘Railway’ on to the train track, as he carded a six on what has been the hardest hole in each of the past three Opens held here.
A run of three pars followed as he fought stay in the tournament but the emotion spilled out after he hit his second shot on the par-four 15th into one of Troon’s many penal pot bunkers. He found another on the last. Both led to bogeys.
McIlroy came into this week on the back of a solid performance at last week’s Scottish Open, where he finished joint fourth, but he is perhaps still bearing the scars of his collapse at last month’s US Open, where he dropped three shots in the closing four holes to lose by one to Bryson DeChambeau.
American DeChambeau also failed to sparkle in the dreary conditions. He was five over after seven and he too found trouble at the eighth, where he dropped another shot.
“I could have thrown in the towel after nine and been like, I’m going home,” he said.
“It’s a difficult test, something I’m not familiar with. I can do it when it’s warm and not windy.”
The two-time major winner was seven over after bogeying the 15th but he was smiling after converting a 55-foot putt for eagle on the next as he ended on five over.
“I’m proud of the way I persevered. I’ve got a chance, I’m excited for the challenge,” he added.
Sports
Alex Robertson: Cardiff sign Manchester City midfielder
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Robertson is the nephew of former Cardiff player Gavin Rae, who spent four years with the capital club between 2007-11.
Robertson, who used to wear Bluebirds kit as a child, told the club website: “He [Rae] told me a lot of good things about the city and the club.
“Going forward in my career now, this feels like the right place to be. I’m buzzing. It’s been a few weeks coming. I’m so glad it is over the line.
“City have built a great squad for the upcoming season now and I want to be a part of that. The gaffer told me the way he likes to play and what he expects from his players.
“I feel I can learn a lot from him and the more senior players in our squad. I’m ready to go. I’ve got stronger over the last few months.”
Cardiff boss Erol Bulut said: “We’re delighted Alex is here.
“There were six other clubs that were in for him, which shows what a talent he is. We had a meeting 10 days ago and explained our goals for the club and for Alex. Our hopes and plans were aligned.
“Alex can deliver a lot. He’s got quality. He’s technically very good with a great work rate and can add to what we already have. We now have a great mix of youth and experience in the midfield.”
Sports
Olympics high-jump highlights: Injury scare for Murtaz Barshim
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Joint-defending high jump champion Murtaz Barshim puills up with injury during qualifying for the Paris 2024 final, with his fellow gold medallist Gianmarco Tamberi the first to check on his rival.
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Sports
Paris 2024: Kellie Harrington has ‘no more mountains’ as double Olympic champion retires
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At Roland Garros, the home of French tennis that had been transformed into a boxing arena for Olympic finals, it was more akin to Dublin than Paris.
Before Harrington and Wenlu Yang of China had even entered Court Philippe-Chatrier, you could sense there was something special brewing.
Two fights earlier, Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who put aside noise surrounding her eligibility, guaranteed herself a medal and the atmosphere was electric.
But it was about to be dialled up to 11.
Zombie by the Cranberries blared out just before Harrington entered to a sea of colour and noise.
She was cool and methodical as she strode towards the ring. It was the walk of a champion.
Fifteen minutes later, her calm exterior was shattered as the result was drowned out by a crescendo of noise from the Irish support.
While those in the stands celebrated, Harrington fell to her knees before jumping into the arms of her coaching team and then dancing around the ring.
There was even singing ringside as the Irish party was shaping up to go on well into the Parisian night.
It was an outpouring of joy and elation. Both in the stands and the ring, it was pure pandemonium.
“It was amazing. I said to the coaches after: ‘Is there anything I won’t do?'” Harrington said.
“It was brilliant. The Irish are just great. I never expected anything like that. This is something I’m never going to forget, ever.”
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