Event of the Day: The Ryder Cup
Our event of the day is the opening day of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France. This is not just one of the highlights of the golfing calendar, this is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world sport. The United States enter as reigning champions, having halted Europe’s winning streak in Chaska in 2016. They are blessed with a supremely talented squad, containing 11 of the top 20 players in the world, and nine major winners. In addition, the USA have a superb blend of youth and experience. Whilst the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are Ryder Cup veterans, making their eighth and twelfth appearance respectively, this is balanced by the youthfulness of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, who are both Ryder Cup debutants. Victory for the USA would top off an astonishing comeback year for Tiger Woods. The 14-time major winner was ranked 1,199 in the world less than a year ago following surgery, before going on to secure his first win in five years at the Tour Championship last weekend. Woods’ record in the Ryder Cup is somewhat disappointing in comparison to the rest of his illustrious career. A win in Paris would be just his third Ryder Cup title in eight attempts, but would round off a remarkable season for the golfing great.
Europe have a slightly less impressive team when compared to their American counterparts. Rory McIlroy is the only player with more than one major to his name. However, the Ryder Cup has often seen the underdog emerge victorious. In just two of the last eight Ryder Cups has the team with the most major winners triumphed. Europe boast a team that contains recently crowned FedEX Cup champion Justin Rose, along with real Ryder Cup experience in the shape of Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia. With Europe undefeated on home soil in 25 years, it will certainly be no easy task for the star-studded American team. Let one of the greatest events of the sporting calendar commence!
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the final of the ODI Asia Cup between India and Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India are currently unbeaten in the competition, whilst Bangladesh impressively overcame Pakistan in the semi-finals to set up today’s encounter. Elsewhere in Asia, ATP World Tour action comes from the Chengdu Open and the Shenzhen Open, whilst on the WTA World Tour, it’s day 6 of the Wuhan Open. MLB is on display at Target Field, with a double header between the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox. In Premiership Rugby, Newcastle Falcons take on Wasps at Kingston Park. Meanwhile in rugby league, Super 8’s action comes from the Totally Wicked Stadium, where St Helens welcome Castleford. Elsewhere in England, Sheffield Wednesday entertain Championship-topping Leeds at Hillsborough. In the Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin host Bayern Munich, whilst in La Liga, Espanyol travel to Rayo Vallecano. The 2018 UCI Road World Championships continue in Austria. In Boxing, George Groves takes on Callum Smith in the super-middleweight final of the WBSS.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Ryder Cup