Event of the Day: The Ryder Cup
Our event of the day is the third and final day of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris. The opening two days have thrown up twists, turns and world class golf action. Today should be no different. Europe recorded a superb fightback on the first day to surge into a 5-3 lead. They had trailed 3-1 after the fourballs in the opening morning session, before taking a sublime clean sweep in the afternoon foursomes for the first time in Ryder Cup history. This form was taken into the second day of action. Europe won the morning session 3-1, thanks to wins from Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood.
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth were the only pair to get a point on the board for the United States, as they beat Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm 2&1. The afternoon session was a more even affair. Thomas and Spieth got their second win of the day, overcoming McIlroy and Poulter 4&3. Fleetwood continued his fine Ryder Cup debut as he and Molinari defeated Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau 5&4. Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson won their foursomes for the USA, while Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose secured another victory for Europe. This left the afternoon session tied at 2-2, giving Europe a healthy 10-6 lead going into the final day. Europe know they require 4½ points to secure the Ryder Cup and give them their fourth win out of the last five competitions. Today sees the highly anticipated singles matches. Europe’s most highly decorated player Rory McIlroy will play the United States stand out performer Justin Thomas. Ian Poulter plays world number one Dustin Johnson and the so far flawless Tommy Fleetwood will aim for a European first of five wins out of five against Tony Finau. Can the USA prevent Europe from reclaiming golfs most illustrious prize? Strap in for yet another exciting day of top-class golf.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Formula One Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes is pulling away at the top of the Driver’s Championship. Rival Sebastian Vettel needs a strong showing today to reduce his 40-point lead. One of the great occasions in Australian sport takes place at the ANZ Stadium, where it’s the NRL Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. Melbourne are aiming for their second title in as many years, whilst Sydney are looking to secure their first NRL title since 2013, but they were crowned Minor Premiers this season. The Sydney Roosters also compete in the women’s final earlier in the day against the Brisbane Broncos. In rugby union, Leicester Tigers take on Sale Sharks in Premiership Rugby. Elsewhere in the UK, Cardiff entertain Burnley at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Premier League. In Serie A, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo, whilst in the MLS, New York Red Bulls host Atalanta United. Additional sporting action in the States comes from Fenway Park, where the MLB series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees concludes. In Foxborough, the New England Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in NFL action. Zimbabwe play South Africa in the first ODI of a three-game series at the Diamond Oval. ATP World Tour action comes from China, where it’s the final day of both the Chengdu Open and Shenzhen Open.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by RyderCup