This Week in Sport: 12th – 18th August 2019
A must-watch week of sport awaits. The week features thrilling tennis at the Western & Southern Open. England look to recover from a tough loss as the second Test of The Ashes gets underway. The Vitality Blast reaches the sharp end of the group stages. There is more thrilling golf from the States at the BMW Championship and there is a top of the table clash in the Premier League as Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur.
Monday 12th August 4:00PM GMT – Tennis: Western & Southern Open
Another exciting week of tennis gets underway as the Western & Southern Open begins in Cincinnati.
Tennis’ biggest names travel to the American Midwest for the Western & Southern Open. Andy Murray is set to make his return to singles tennis as he faces Richard Gasquet. Also in the men’s draw, Marin Čilić, Nick Kyrgios and Borna Coric are all in action today. In the women’s tournament, former world number one Maria Sharapova is also in action as well as Johanna Konta and Caroline Wozniacki. Get ready for a week of world class tennis.
Tuesday August 13th 5:30PM GMT – Cricket: Gloucestershire v Hampshire
The T20 Blast continues with a crucial match between Gloucestershire and Hampshire at The Bristol County Ground.
Gloucestershire can move into fourth in the South Group as they welcome Hampshire to Bristol. Gloucestershire are one point behind Somerset, who they play later this week. This means beating Hampshire would create a real battle for a knockout round spot against Somerset. Hampshire are currently sixth but can jump Gloucestershire with a win. However, Hampshire are on a two-game losing streak in the competition. Gloucestershire have won two of their last three. Which side will find success in their push for progression?
Wednesday August 14th 10:00AM GMT – Cricket: England v Australia (2nd Test, Day 1)
After a thrilling opener in Birmingham last week, the second Test of The Ashes starts at Lord’s.
After a bruising loss at Edgbaston, England will look to bounce back in London. However, they will have to overcome an invigorated Australia, who will be flying high after their sensational victory. Australia possess an incredibly strong squad of fast bowlers, making things all the more difficult for England. Despite this, England will look to their World Cup heroes to help even the series. If the bowlers can find an answer to the near-impossible challenge of Steve Smith, England will be in with a chance to even the series.
***Day 1 of the Ashes second Test at Lord’s has been abandoned due to rain.***
Thursday August 15th 2:00PM GMT– Golf: BMW Championship Day 1
The FedEx Cup playoffs continue with the BMW Championship at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.
The top 70 players on the PGA Tour will compete for the 30 places available at next week's Tour Championship. However, to get there they must navigate the iconic Course 3 at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois. After an exhilarating edition of The Northern Trust last week, several golfers have leapt into title contention. With such a narrow field and a challenging course to contend with, expect plenty of drama in Illinois.
Friday August 16th 10:00AM GMT – Cricket: England v Australia (2nd Test, Day 3)
The second Test of The Ashes continues at Lord’s.
England will look to avoid the mistakes of the first Test as we reach the midpoint of the second. Australia ran away with the first Test during an unforgettable second innings. England will look to its bowling core to really restrict Australia this time around. If they can do that, they can help keep this second Test close and competitive. The last team to come back from 2-0 down to win was the 1935-36 Australian side. England will do whatever it takes to avoid being put in that position.
Saturday August 17th 4:30PM GMT – Football: Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
The defending champions host a title contender at the Etihad Stadium for a potentially standings-defining Premier League fixture.
Both sides in this highly anticipated matchup recorded emphatic wins on opening weekend. City demolished West Ham 5-0 while Spurs beat Aston Villa 3-1. Now they are set to face each other. The sides are largely unchanged from the ones that played a number of memorable matches against one another last season. However, Spurs will look to record their first domestic win against the champions since 2016. Can Harry Kane and company put an early dent in City’s title defence?
Sunday August 18th 5:15PM GMT – Tennis: Western & Southern Open
The Western & Southern Open comes to an end in Cincinnati.
It’s the conclusion of the Western & Southern Open and we are sure to be in for some exciting Finals. There is a wealth of talent at this tournament, from big name players to rising stars. Who is looking in the best form as the US Open fast approaches? Can Andy Murray make a statement in his singles return? Will Novak Djokovic and Kiki Bertens retain their titles? The fight for the women’s number one ranking will also continue between Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka. Everything’s at stake in Cincinnati.
Other sport highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Women’s Cricket Super League. The week begins with Surrey facing the Southern Vipers at The Oval on Monday. There is further league action on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Elsewhere in the cricketing world, the Vitality Blast runs throughout the week. The West Indies and India play their third ODI in Port of Spain in Trinidad on Wednesday. The second Test of The Ashes is due to run from Wednesday until Sunday. A new set of four-day matches in the County Championship are due to begin on Sunday. Cowes Week, the prestigious sailing regatta, continues throughout the week. Liverpool and Chelsea meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for the UEFA Super Cup. Saturday sees a number of warm-up matches for the Rugby World Cup. The weekend also sees the Müller Grand PrixDiamond League event in Birmingham. UFC 241 is scheduled to take place at Anaheim’s Honda Center on Saturday. The main event has Daniel Cormier facing Stipe Miocic.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Written and information correct on 11th August at 10pm GMT