Browsing: happened

WWE has officially pulled the trigger on pairing Aleister Black and Zelina Vega together on-screen, and itâ€s already adding a darker layer to Friday Night SmackDown. But according to Black, the idea wasnâ€t always on the table—at least not in Triple Hâ€s eyes.

On the October 17, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown from San Joseâ€s SAP Center, fans got another eerie glimpse at the real-life coupleâ€s new presentation. A cryptic vignette aired showing Black and Vega speaking in riddles, calling themselves “a necessary evil, a balance, and a venom of salvation.†But this story goes back years.

In a new interview with Sports Illustratedâ€s Rick Ucchino, Aleister Black revealed the idea to pair him with Vega dates back to his first WWE run. When he returned to the company, the pitch came up again—but Triple H wasnâ€t immediately on board.

“We started shooting little vignettes for it, and we started creating outfits for it. That first mask that I ever wore when I worked with [AEW] was actually one of the masks that was utilized. If you remember the Dark Father character that was at the end of my initial run [with WWE], that would eventually see my wife joining me… that was one of the pitches.â€

Despite Blackâ€s excitement for the pairing, Triple H reportedly needed some convincing—until he looked at some successful WWE couples and had a change of heart.

“When I got back, the conversation arose again and initially [Triple H] was not really into it. But I think that with the success of AJ [Lee] and CM Punk, and Seth and Becky, I think that he kinda went like, you know what, this might actually really, really work.â€

Once Triple H bought in, the idea took off. According to Black, things moved quickly in the weeks leading up to their on-screen debut—and what fans are seeing now is only the beginning.

“He was completely sold on it and he really liked it. And then it kind of started building from there [during] those last two, three weeks. Where weâ€re now looking at the presentation that you saw last week, and slowly but surely weâ€re adding elements. This is a work in progress.â€

With WWE diving into supernatural storylines once again, Aleister Black and Zelina Vega might just be the next power couple to dominate SmackDown—if the creative direction stays the course.

Do you think WWE made the right call pairing Aleister Black and Zelina Vega on TV? Could they become the next big act in the company? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

October 31, 2025 12:52 pm

Source link

IND vs AUS:The India tour of Australia 2025 will get underway on October 19 in Perth. The Men In Blue will take on the hosts in a white-ball tour, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is.

All of these matches are important for different reasons. The ODI series signals the beginning of the Shubman Gill era as Indiaâ€s ODI skipper, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now officially in the final stages of their international careers, as both seniors will now have to merit their places in the ODI XI as batsmen as the selectors begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup.

The T20I series is part of Indiaâ€s preparation for next yearâ€s T20 World Cup, which is indeed only a few months away.

India have historically fared half-decently in Australia when it comes to ODI cricket.

What is Indiaâ€s record in ODI cricket in Australia?

India played their first ODI on Australian soil in 1980 and their last one in 2020. In 99 ODIs in Australia, across bilateral series and multi-nation tournaments, India have won 40 matches and lost 53 ODIs, with two matches being tied and four ending in no result.

What is Indiaâ€s record in ODI cricket in Australia against Australia?

Indiaâ€s record in ODIs against Australia in Australia is poor. Out of 54 IND vs AUS ODIs in Australia, the hosts won 38 games, while India clinched only 14 ODI wins.

India, meanwhile, have played only three bilateral series in Australia against Australia, of which they won once, in 2019, and lost twice, in 2016 and 2020.

IND vs AUS: What Happened Last Time India Played ODI Series In Australia?

The last time India played an ODI series in Australia was on the 2020/21 tour. The tour began with a three-ODI series in December 2020, which Australia won by 2-1.

The first two ODIs of that series were held in Sydney, where hometown boy Steve Smith slammed centuries in both matches, helping his side pile up totals beyond 375 in both games, which the hosts won by hefty margins.

India claimed victory in the third ODI, in Canberra, by 13 runs, with Hardik Pandya recording his highest ODI score of 92*, which came off only 76 balls. Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja hit half-centuries in that game, while Shardul Thakur conjured a three-wicket haul.

The momentum of this win helped India substantially as they went on to win the T20I series that followed.

Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.

Source link

Only a handful of pictures trickled out over social media earlier this week — not nearly enough of a sample size to understand the totality of what LPGA players were facing in Shanghai.

But then the tournament started, the broadcast cameras turned on, highlight reels cut and sent to the world. Indeed, the greens at Qizhong Garden Golf Club are in rough shape. Probably the roughest you’ve seen in your time watching pro golf this year.

The LPGA itself released this statement:

We are aware of the course conditions at the Buick LPGA Shanghai. The golf course superintendent, tournament team and the LPGA rules officials have worked diligently against extreme heat conditions this season in preparation for this week’s event. We will continue to monitor the situation and care for the course appropriately throughout the week.

They’re right about extreme heat conditions. Typical high temperatures in Shanghai in September float between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But this year, from the last week of August through the first week of October, Shanghai saw 23 days with a high of at least 95 degrees.

What that heat has done to the greens isn’t totally clear from 6,000 miles away, but the visuals weren’t great from the first round of the event Thursday. Some areas are clearly baked dry and others show uneven surfaces. Some greens are so ravaged that it would seem difficult to find a place to cut the hole.

This is the second time in the last month the LPGA has battled damage from Mother Nature. In September, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship was shortened from 54 holes to just 18 — leading to its cancelation — after heavy thunderstorms made the course unplayable.

The shape of this week’s greens didn’t completely deter scoring, as 57 players still shot under par. Of the handful of top performers who conducted post-round press conferences, none were asked to talk about the greens, though Minjee Lee did reference them.

“I feel like with how the greens are, the condition, I think I managed pretty well, to make, what, seven birdies,” she said.

Lee was putting a positive spin on things through 18 holes. One of her birdie looks that didn’t fall was this one, from just nine feet, which she left one foot short.

Paul Azinger says he texted Keegan Bradley for “taking the high road.” He’d been impressed with how he handled not making the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team. He felt he was gracious. He told him he’d be a captain someday.

But the move to have Bradley serve in that role two years after that moment?

“The people that put him there,” Azinger said, “should know better.”

Talking on GOLF’s Subpar podcast hours after Europe defeated the Bradley-captained U.S. team 15-13 on Sunday in the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the 2008 American Ryder Cup captain said he was critical of the Bradley pick because of Bradley’s play. When Bradley made his captain’s picks at the end of August, he’d been 11th in the American team standings and 11th in the World Ranking, but he opted not to select himself and committed fully to the captaincy.

But Azinger said that was a mistake, though not of Bradley’s doing.

“I had no idea he’d be captain now,” Azinger said on Subpar. “And I’ve been critical of him being the captain. If you’re going to pick a guy in his prime, you’re going to risk what happened here this week.”

And that was the defeat, the ninth by the Americans in the past 12 Ryder Cups. So who should have been captain?

On Subpar, Azinger wondered why players beyond their prime weren’t picked. He named David Toms, Stewart Cink and Justin Leonard. But last July, Bradley instead was named to the spot, which he accepted.

The question of whether he’d become a playing-captain then followed.

Said Subpar co-host Drew Stoltz: “Do you pick yourself, do you not? Or if he had played bad and was 38th in the rankings, no problem, you’re just the captain. But he had to go through all that over and over.”

Said Azinger: “All year long. And that was his focus. And I feel like you could almost say, well, he screwed up. He didn’t pick himself.”

Said Stoltz: “That’s what I think. I mean, people will say that now. They’ll blame it on a lot of stuff.”

Said Azinger: “He was just put in an unfortunate spot and the people that put him there should know better.”

Editor’s note: To watch the entire interview with Azinger, clickhere or scroll below.

Key events

Show key events only

Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature

… and here’s a reminder of how everything panned out on yet another memorable Singles Sunday at the Ryder Cup. Team USA regained their pride after two days of struggle, and while Team Europe made their task significantly harder than it should have been, there’s no doubting they were the better team over the three-day piece, and thoroughly deserved their victory. Congratulations to Europe, commiserations to the USA, and thanks to you, dear reader, for reading. Back in a couple of years time at Adare Manor? Great, see you then, it’s a date!

1UP Young v Rose
1UP Thomas v Fleetwood
DeChambeau A/S Fitzpatrick
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2&1
4&3 Schauffele v Rahm
2&1 Spaun v Straka
Henley A/S Lowry
1UP Griffin v Højgaard
Morikawa A/S Hatton
Burns A/S MacIntyre
English A/S Hovland
USA 13-15 Europe

Share

This is only Europe’s fifth win on American soil. Here’s the updated roll of honour.

• 1987: USA 13-15 Europe (Muirfield Village)

• 1995: USA 13½-14½ Europe (Oak Hill)

• 2004: USA 9½-18½ Europe (Oakland Hills)

• 2012: USA 13½-14½ Europe (Medinah)

• 2025: USA 13-15 Europe (Bethpage Black)

Share

Post-stress postbag. “Bob MacIntyre getting half a point in the final match was not insignificant. Had Europe won on 14.5 points people could say it was only thanks to the half point obtained by Hovland’s injury, a half point they might not have obtained had he actually played and lost†– Chris Healy

“I can’t help thinking Europe’s captain and vice-captains, going all the way back to Tony Jacklin, and their preparation of the team, continues to have a lasting influence on the destination of the Sam Ryder trophy†– Simon McMahon

“Just entranced watching the best sporting event in the world†– Colin Livingstone

“Maybe it shows an insight into the team dynamics that individually the US showed more fight than as pairs†– Fin

“Shane Lowry dancing: Michael Flatley eat your heart out!†– Pól Ó Dochartaigh

Share

Ewan Murray’s report has landed …

… as has Bryan Armen Graham’s view from a US perspective.

Share

The president of the PGA of America, Don Rea Jr., rocks up to congratulate Team Europe on winning the 45th Ryder Cup … and then it’s handed over to Luke Donald, who raises it to wild cheers. Then it’s lifted again and again by the team. First Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Ã…berg, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre (who theatrically switches from a right-handed lift to a leftie), Sepp Straka, Tyrrell Hatton (who spins around a-la Lowry on the 18th), Jon Rahm (who does the hide-the-trophy-then-come-up-with-nothing gag), Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, and finally Rory McIlroy, who gives it a kiss. And then Shane Lowry gathers up the cup and races down the bank to the fans, disappearing momentarily into the gallery. What a celebration! What a team! Let’s be honest with ourselves: what relief!

Rory McIlroy of Team Europe kisses the Ryder Cup trophy. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 18.26 EDT

“I don’t think my heart can take two more years,†Donald adds. Some proper disappointed boos now, so he quickly backtracks. “We’ll see!†Cheering again.

Share

There’s that booing sound again … we’ve heard it so often this week … though this time it’s Luuuuuuuuke! He takes the microphone to address the gallery. “I must congratulate Team US and Captain Keegan for the amazing job they did and the fight they showed … but we got it done … to win in New York, they said it couldn’t be done, but we did it! … Shane [Lowry] is a legend! … honestly so proud of each and every one … that putt at the end was dead centre, right?! … only 37 players have ever won away … now we’ve got 47 … this is for Europe, for the legends that came before us, and the future generations that will be talking about this team for a long time!â€

Share

All of the players line up on the 18th green to clasp hands, offer congratulations and commiserations, and hug each other. It was a hell of a battle, but now it’s over, there’s so much respect between everyone involved. Europe congregate for the victory ceremony and the award of their prize.

Share

Keegan Bradley, grim-faced but proud, delivers a magnanimous verdict. “The players are a tough group … we didn’t play our best the first couple of days but we did today … that was a really fun day … we had all of our fun in one day … I really enjoyed doing this … I will never forget it … it was amazing … I think I would have set the course up a little different … but they played better than us … they deserved to win … they’re a great team … in my eyes Luke Donald is the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time … I got a real weird relationship with this tournament … a lot of heartbreak … but I still love it … I love the guys … I don’t know if I’ll ever get to do this again, so I’ll remember this all of my life.â€

The US team stand together on the 18th green. Photograph: Michael Reaves/PGA of America/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 18.22 EDT

Rory McIlroy has arrived for the party, and, after choking up for a moment, he tells US television: “I’m extremely proud to be part of this team … every single one of the players, the VCs, the captain, all the backroom support staff … it was an unbelievable collective effort … as soon as we won in Rome we turned our attention to trying to do something everyone thought was pretty impossible … win here in New York … it’s been an amazing week … to here the olés here in America … the comments after Whistling Straits [where the USA won a record 19-9 in 2021] about decades of American dominance, we took a lot from that … we let it fuel us … we got so lucky in getting an incredible leader in Luke Donald …we are going to celebrate like there’s no tomorrow!â€

Share

Result: USA 13-15 Europe

Sam Burns races his long birdie putt eight feet past the hole. Bob MacIntyre, to the soundtrack of some glorious lone eejit singing Flower of Scotland, rolls up to pick-up distance. Burns can’t make the putt coming back, and that’s the hole and a half-point for Bob Mac. It’s ended way closer than anyone expected six hours ago … but Europe won’t care a jot right now!

Burns A/S MacIntyre (F)
USA 13-15 Europe

Share

Shane Lowry meanwhile continues to sob. He’s hugged by Jose Maria Olazabal, the man who oversaw the Miracle of Medinah. Fancy reliving that as well?

Share

Tyrrell Hatton, blissfully relaxed, speaks to Sky. “To be honest it’s been one of the hardest days I’ve ever experienced on a golf course … going out number 10 of 11 matches, you are obviously hoping that everything’s wrapped up … but you still want to take pride in your individual record … the US lads put up an incredible fight … it was to be expected, they’re amazing players … selfishly I was really hoping that it wouldn’t have to come down to me … the last five, six, seven holes were just horrible to be honest … I’m just so happy we’ve managed to win … it’s a special team … I’m very fortunate to be a very small part of it … the greatest golf weeks of your life!â€

Share

There’s still one match out on the course, and here it comes up 18. Bob MacIntyre knocks his second into the heart of the green. Sam Burns can only spin his ball off the front and onto the fringe. While that plays out, the European fans – who have taken over the main grandstand, nearly all of the USA supporters having gone home – serenade the absent Rory McIlroy, who having been put through the emotional ringer all week is currently nowhere to be seen.

Share

Luke Donald – who has just become only the second European captain after Tony Jacklin to win home and away – speaks to Sky Sports. “It’s got to be the most stressful 12 hours of my life … shout out to the Americans … Keegan and his captaincy … we knew they would be tough but I didn’t think this tough! … on Sunday they fought so hard and all the respect to them … but this means a lot to me and the team … we came here knowing the task was very difficult … I couldn’t be more proud of the guys and what they have gone through … I was fortunate to have a team that knew me and trusted me … I just tried to be the best prepared I could be … I am so, so happy for them.â€

What about another “two more years / two more yearsâ€? “I think I wanna enjoy tonight first, thank you!â€

European captain Luke Donald. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PAShare

Updated at 17.58 EDT

The European team flood the green. Hatton raises his arms more in relief than pure celebration. But there’s plenty of time to celebrate properly later. Europe to a man look utterly exhausted. Delighted, but spent. They hug and chat. Wow, that was harder than anyone thought it would be. Hats off to Team USA for giving Europe such a huge fright … and congratulations to Europe for hauling it over the line. Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton the heroes of the day!

Share

USA 12½-14½ Europe: Europe win Ryder Cup!

… Collin Morikawa’s putt never looks like making it to the hole. He’s three feet short. Tyrrell Hatton isn’t taking any chances, and doesn’t go for the heroic win. He rolls carefully up to kick-in distance, and the Ryder Cup is Europe’s once again! Collin Morikawa ties with Tyrrell Hatton.

Morikawa A/S Hatton (17)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (16)
USA 12½-14½ Europe

Tyrrell Hatton celebrates with Shane Lowry. Photograph: Paul Childs/ReutersShare

Updated at 17.56 EDT

… while in the meantime, Sam Burns and Bob Mac share the spoils on 17. They’ll be coming up 18 too. Then up on the green …

Share

Collin Morikawa up first from 116 yards. He reaches the green, but he’s short and it spins back to that 50-foot range, McIlroy-Griffin-Hojgaard Country. Tyrrell Hatton barges through the open door, his approach landing 15 feet short. Serious advantage to Europe here! So close to the half-point they need for victory. Can Morikawa do anything about it?

Share

Back on 17, Sam Burns sends an average tee shot into the green. He’ll have a 35-foot look at birdie. Over to Robert MacIntyre, who lands his tee shot pin high. He’s got an 18-footer coming up. Meanwhile up on 18, both Collin Morikawa and Tyrrell Hatton send decent drives away. Hatton a bit longer, but in the first cut, while Morikawa sits on the fairway. This is sporting melodrama at its heightened best!

Morikawa A/S Hatton (17)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (16)
USA 12-14 Europe

Share

USA 12-14 Europe

Ben Griffin rolls his long birdie putt up to kick-in distance. That turns things over to Rasmus Højgaard, who has the chance to win the Ryder Cup … albeit from 50 feet. He prowls. He ponders. He leaves the pin in. He surely won’t die wondering. He gives it a good rattle, but it slides by on the right. Ben Griffin beats Rasmus Højgaard 1UP.

1UP Griffin v Højgaard (F)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (17)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (15)
USA 12-14 Europe

Share

Shane Lowry is already on the Magners. Fair play, he’s done more than most to earn a cold one. He watches on from the side of 18 as Rasmus Højgaard, who had sent his tee shot into sand, whips into the middle of the green. Backspin costs him a quite a few feet. But the same thing happens to Ben Griffin from the centre of the fairway, and the pair will have a look at birdie from McIlroy Country. Meanwhile Collin Morikawa and Tyrrell Hatton halve 17 in par.

1UP Griffin v Højgaard (17)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (17)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (15)
USA 11-14 Europe

Share

There’s still work to be done. Can anyone find the half-point for a European victory? Or will the USA force the first tie since 1989 at the Belfry?

1UP Griffin v Højgaard (17)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (16)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (15)
USA 11-14 Europe

Share

Lowry then announces that Luke Donald is “the greatest captain that’s ever lived … the most amazing man in the world … he’s done the best job … I honestly don’t know what to say … I dunno … [the 2027 match at Adare Manor, Ireland] will be a little bit nicer than playing here, I know that!â€

Share

Updated at 17.44 EDT

A lovely moment as Justin Thomas, who did so much to drag Team USA back into contention, arrives to offer Lowry his warm congratulations. The crowd may have acted up once or twice this week, but that’s a gorgeous gesture. Lowry unfurls the Ireland flag – the Eamonn Darcy de nos jours – then is asked by US television how this ranks in his career. He crumbles, sobbing sweetly, before gathering himself: “I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things … aw! … that was the hardest couple of hours of my life … I can’t believe that ball went in … I stood over it going, this is it … I said to [my caddie] walking down 18 I have the chance to do the coolest thing in my life here … the Ryder Cup means everything to me … I won the Open in Ireland and it was a dream come true … but the Ryder Cup for me is everything … so to do that today … fair play to the US lads … I just hope one of the boys can get the half point for the win!â€

Share

USA 11-14 Europe: Europe retain Ryder Cup!

… rolls it in! Shane Lowry leaps around, as elegantly as he can! He skips and spins and runs and skips and hops and skips and screams! A huge release of pressure! He’s fought back for the half point that means the Ryder Cup stays in Europe’s possession! Russell Henley ties with Shane Lowry.

Henley A/S Lowry (F)
1UP Griffin v Højgaard (16)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (15)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (14)
USA 11-14 Europe

Europe: Europe retain the Ryder Cup! Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 17.47 EDT

… leaves it a smidgen short! Shane Lowry will have a chance to make a putt that’ll secure half a point, and ensure Europe will retain – if not win – the trophy! What absurd drama. This is sport, right here. Lowry prowls, and prowls, and …

Share

… and while we wait for that, Ben Griffin and Rasmus Højgaard take turns to nearly make long birdie putts on 16. Nearly, but not quite. The pressure immense! Back to 18 now, and Russell Henley, one of the best putters around, steps up with another chance to win the match, and …

Share

One of the shots of the week by Russell Henley! He whips his wedge over the high face of the bunker, through some tall grass, and sends a draw towards the back-left of the green. He’s just ten feet from the flag! Over to Shane Lowry, who needs something very special now. He responds by wedging to six feet. But will he get the chance to take his putt? Because if Henley makes it, this point is America’s.

Share

… or how about Tyrrell Hatton, who betters Collin Morikawa’s approach at 15 from 162 yards to 22 feet with an iron from 165 yards to 12 feet? Morikawa is one joule of energy away from draining his putt; Hatton’s is always missing on the high side. Meanwhile Bob MacIntyre flays his tee shot at 15 off some poor punter’s leg down the right. A lot of hopping around in pain ensues. The tension is off the scale!

1UP Henley v Lowry (17)
1UP Griffin v Højgaard (15)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (15)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (14)
USA 1o½-13½ Europe

Share

USA have celebrated many heroes this afternoon. Europe not so much. They desperately need one. Someone to step up. As things stand, only Ludvig Åberg is coming out of this potential fiasco blameless. What about Shane Lowry? He zips his drive down the track at 18, turning the pressure back on Russell Henley … who pulls his tee shot into a bunker down the left. He’s up against a steep face, too. He’ll probably be able to get his ball up, out and onto the green … but let’s just see.

Share

Shane Lowry does his best with the long putt across 17. But it stops four feet short. That gives Russell Henley the chance to win the match from ten feet … but he underhits a nervous one. That gives Lowry the opportunity to salvage a half, and at least take the match up 18. He strides around the putt, before rolling it home confidently. Lowry still alive. Just. But he needs to win 18.

1UP Henley v Lowry (17)
1UP Griffin v Højgaard (15)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (14)
USA 1o½-13½ Europe

Share

The opera star is clearing her throat once again on 17. Shane Lowry’s tee shot topples down the ridge on the right side of the green; Russell Henley knocks his to ten feet. Lowry will most likely have to sink a putt from 55 feet to stay alive. Meanwhile on 15, Ben Griffin has two putts from distance for the win. He overhits his first one, but it clanks into Rasmus Højgaard’s marker, which takes some pace off the ball. It stops near the cup. A stroke of luck for Team USA, but my goodness they’re earning it!

1UP Henley v Lowry (16)
1UP Griffin v Højgaard (15)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (14)
USA 10½-13½ Europe

Share

USA 10½-13½ Europe

Straka’s putt from the back of 17 doesn’t reach the hole. That gives JJ Spaun two putts to put another point on the board for the hosts, and he nudges the first close enough to earn the concession. Bethpage Black en fête! JJ Spaun beats Sepp Straka 2&1.

2UP Spaun v Straka (F)
1UP Henley v Lowry (16)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (14)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (13)
USA 10½-13½ Europe

Share

Updated at 16.56 EDT

Sepp Straka, three down with three to play, wins 16 to stay clinging on by his fingernails. He then sends his tee shot at 17 to 25 feet … but JJ Spaun knocks his to 15. Meanwhile Bob Mac birdies 13 to draw level again in his to-and-fro match with Sam Burns. And a sickener for Shane Lowry on 16: he was odds-on to draw level after sending his second from 170 yards to three feet, only for Russell Henley to make a 16-footer for birdie. Lowry makes one too, but there’s a half that’ll feel like a loss. Especially under these circumstances!

2UP Spaun v Straka (16)
1UP Henley v Lowry (16)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (14)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (13)
USA 9½-13½ Europe

Share

Updated at 17.14 EDT

USA 9½-13½ Europe

In fact Rory McIlroy’s birdie putt is a 60-foot behemoth. He rolls it 61 feet up the green, just past, and it’s not enough. Scottie Scheffler cradles his birdie putt to kick-in distance, and world number one beats number two. McIlroy offers his congratulations but this will sicken him … especially if Europe fail to close the deal. Scottie Scheffler beats Rory McIlroy 1UP.

1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (F)
3UP Spaun v Straka (15)
1UP Henley v Lowry (15)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (14)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (12)
USA 9½-13½ Europe

Share

Updated at 17.14 EDT

Europe still need half a point to retain the cup, and absolutely nothing is certain. Time is running out for Shane Lowry, but from the semi-rough to the right of 15, he whips an iron to a couple of feet, and slices his deficit against Russell Henley in half. Meanwhile Tyrrell Hatton shoves a short putt wide right on 14; a chance to take the lead over Collin Morikawa gone. Repeat: absolutely nothing is certain.

1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (17)
3UP Spaun v Straka (15)
1UP Henley v Lowry (15)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (14)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (14)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (12)
USA 8½-13½ Europe

Share

Rory McIlroy’s tee shot on 18 finds a big bunker down the right of the fairway. Before he can take his second, he’s heckled again, and is forced to step away. Can he find the heart of the green with his wedge? Not quite. Just the front fringe, and he’ll have a 50-footer for the birdie he realistically needs to snatch half a point. And even then … Scottie Scheffler lands his second pin high from the centre of the fairway. He’s got an 18-footer to seal the deal.

1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (17)
3UP Spaun v Straka (15)
2UP Henley v Lowry (14)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (14)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (13)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (12)
USA 8½-13½ Europe

Share

USA 8½-13½ Europe

Bryson DeChambeau rolls in from three feet to secure a half on 18. So nearly one of the all-time Ryder Cup comebacks. Coming from 5DOWN after seven holes, it was still pretty damn remarkable! Bryson DeChambeau ties with Matt Fitzpatrick.

DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick (F)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (17)
3UP Spaun v Straka (15)
2UP Henley v Lowry (14)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (13)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (12)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (12)
USA 8½-13½ Europe

Bryson DeChambeau ties with Matt Fitzpatrick. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.52 EDT

USA 8-13 Europe

… par is enough for Ludvig Åberg on 17! His tee shot lands 25 feet away, from where he tickles down for a tap-in par. Patrick Cantlay can’t steer home from the fringe at the back, and that’s Europe’s first win of the day! Ludvig Åberg beats Patrick Cantlay 2&1.

Ludvig Aberg celebrates winning his singles match against Patrick Cantlay. Photograph: David Davies/PAShare

Updated at 16.53 EDT

DeChambeau putting first on 18. From 45 feet. A left-to-right slider that doesn’t slide enough. It stays high on the left, and rolls a couple of feet past. Fitzpatrick hits a similar putt. Nothing conceded yet. But before that’s tidied up …

Share

Matt Fitzpatrick finds the fairway at 18. Bryson DeChambeau sends his drive into the thick stuff down the right. Fitzpatrick can only find the front of the green, 40 feet away, nerves taking their toll. Bryson powers from the filth to similar distance. He’ll be putting first. Huge moments coming up! Meanwhile Ludvig Åberg has a putt on 16 to close out his match against Patrick Cantlay, but can’t make it. He’s dormie two, though, so is guaranteed at least half a point. Europe will take anything and everything right now!

DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick (17)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (17)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (16)
3UP Spaun v Straka (15)
2UP Henley v Lowry (14)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (13)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (12)
1UP Burns v MacIntyre (12)
USA 8-12 Europe

Share

USA 8-12 Europe

Xander Schauffele won 10, 11, 12 and 14, and now closes out his match against Jon Rahm with par on 15. Rahm running out of gas over the closing stretch. The USA closing in on something quite remarkable! Xander Schauffele beats Jon Rahm 4&3.

Share

Updated at 17.05 EDT

USA 7-12 Europe

… and in it goes! Never missing! JT drops his putter and emits a huge COME ON! The crowd go ballistic. Tommy Fleetwood, ever the gentleman, offers his warm congratulations. What a moment in the heat of battle. What a comeback the USA are threatening here! Justin Thomas beats Tommy Fleetwood 1UP.

1UP Thomas v Fleetwood (F)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (16)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (16)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (15)
4UP Schauffele v Rahm (14)
2UP Spaun v Straka (14)
1UP Henley v Lowry (13)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (12)
1UP Morikawa v Hatton (11)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (11)
USA 7-12 Europe

Justin Thomas beats Tommy Fleetwood 1UP. Photograph: Mike Stobe/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.32 EDT

Tommy Fleetwood’s putt never looks like dropping. Always dying to the left. Just a par. The door’s wide open for Justin Thomas. If he makes this birdie putt, the roof will come off every house in the state of New York…

Share

No he can’t. Fitzpatrick’s putt doesn’t catch enough of the right-hand lip, and horseshoes out. Bryson was 5DOWN but now they’re level going up 18! What drama here! And up on the 18th green, Justin Thomas sends his approach inside Tommy Fleetwood’s. He’ll have a look at birdie from 11 feet, while Tommy is putting from 20. Wow.

Share

Bryson sets his birdie putt at 17 off on the correct line, a left-to-right glider. But it stops one turn short. A chance for Fitzpatrick to halve the hole and secure at least a half-point coming up. But can he take it? Huge putt coming up.

Share

Bryson finds the heart of the par-three 17th. Matt Fitzpatrick’s tee shot topples into the fringe at the back … and he doesn’t hit the putt coming down the green at all. Very timid. He’s got seven feet still to travel. Bryson with a putt from 25 feet for the win? Birdie meanwhile for Russell Henley on 13, and he takes the lead against Shane Lowry for the first time, while JJ Spaun re-establishes his two-hole lead over Sepp Straka on 14.

Thomas A/S Fleetwood (17)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (16)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (16)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (15)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (14)
2UP Spaun v Straka (14)
1UP Henley v Lowry (13)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (12)
1UP Morikawa v Hatton (11)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (11)
USA 6-12 Europe

Share

Like Justin Rose before him, Tommy Fleetwood has the chance to secure at least half a point for Europe with a gettable birdie putt on 17. But he leaves it short. Match two will be going up 18 as well. What drama here! Fleetwood finds the fairway, while Justin Thomas’s drive fades into the semi-rough down the right.

Thomas A/S Fleetwood (17)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (16)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (15)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (14)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (14)
1UP Spaun v Straka (13)
Henley A/S Lowry (12)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (12)
1UP Morikawa v Hatton (11)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (11)
USA 6-12 Europe

Share

USA 6-12 Europe

… this one’s not missing! A left-to-right curler that’s perfectly judged! Cameron Young nearly threw that point away, shipping a three-hole lead on the home stretch. But he came good again when it really counted. Rookie of the week? Rookie of the week. Cameron Young beats Justin Rose 1UP.

1UP Young v Rose (F)
Thomas A/S Fleetwood (16)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (16)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (15)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (14)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (13)
1UP Spaun v Straka (13)
Henley A/S Lowry (12)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (12)
1UP Morikawa v Hatton (11)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (10)
USA 6-12 Europe

Cameron Young defeats Justin Rose. Photograph: Mike Stobe/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.27 EDT

Justin Rose and Cameron Young still can’t be separated. Both take turns to send their second at 18 towards the back-left portion of the green. Rose to putt first. He leaves his 15-footer on the high side. Over to Young, who has one from 13 feet. A similar line. And …

Share

Ben Griffin has just missed a tiddler on 11. So golf being golf, he tramlines a 50-footer across 12 for birdie! But it’s not enough for the win, because Rasmus Højgaard rattles in a staunch 12-footer for the half. Meanwhile birdie for Sepp Straka on 13 to half the deficit against JJ Spaun.

Share

So much depends upon a red wheel barrow this lead match between Cameron Young and Justin Rose. Young was 3UP and cruising; now it’s in the balance going up 18. And both men have just split the fairway. Young’s a few yards further along, so it’ll be Rose approaching first. A classic matchplay situation straight out of the top drawer!

Share

Rory McIlroy’s second into 15 sticks on the fringe at the back of the green. Scottie Scheffler is nine feet away. Something has to happen for Europe. And it does, as McIlroy tickles in his downhill right-to-left slider. He turns to face the crowd, throws his arms wide, soaking up the cheers from a European contingent nearby, and bashes the European crest upon his heart. But it’s only enough for a half, as Scheffler teases in his missable left-to-right swinger. The hardest hole on the course, halved in birdie. The world numbers one and two took a while to get going, but they’ve done so in some style here!

Share

… this one stays up on the left! The crowd celebrate the half as they would a win. A huge let-off for Young there; a huge missed opportunity for Rose. Meanwhile on 13, Jon Rahm spurns another promising European position, a ten-footer that dies on the low side. A chance to eat into his arrears against Xander Schauffele gone.

Young A/S Rose (17)
Thomas A/S Fleetwood (15)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (15)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (14)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (14)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (13)
2UP Spaun v Straka (12)
Henley A/S Lowry (11)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (11)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (10)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (10)
USA 5-12 Europe

Share

Justin Rose whistles his iron at the par-three 17th to 13 feet. Cameron Young hits an almost identical shot, to 15 feet. Young up first. His downhill left-to-right tickler dies to the right on its last turn. Just a par. A chance for Rose to complete the comeback and guarantee at least half a point, and his putt is a little bit straighter. He steps up, and …

Share

Bryson continues to close in on Matt Fitzpatrick! He makes his fourth birdie in a row, this time at 15, after nearly slam-dunking his second into the hole from 143 yards. He tidies up and now there’s just one hole in it. Fitzpatrick looks stunned. Can he hold onto his point? Even a half? Meanwhile Ben Griffin watches in horror as a par tiddler lips out on 11. His match with Rasmus Højgaard is all-square again.

Young A/S Rose (16)
Thomas A/S Fleetwood (15)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 1UP (15)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (14)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (13)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (12)
2UP Spaun v Straka (12)
Henley A/S Lowry (11)
Griffin A/S Højgaard (11)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (10)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (9)
USA 5-12 Europe

Share

Cameron Young’s birdie putt from 13 feet on 16 skates by the left-hand lip. Justin Rose’s putt from four-and-a-half feet is never missing. Rose has won three of the last four holes, and the lead match is now level. Better news for the USA on 12, where JJ Spaun whips a fairway wood from 226 yards to three feet! In goes the birdie putt, and there was very little Sepp Straka could do about that. The US Open champion moves 2UP.

Young A/S Rose (16)
Thomas A/S Fleetwood (15)
DeChambeau v Fitzpatrick 2UP (14)
1UP Scheffler v McIlroy (14)
Cantlay v Ã…berg 2UP (13)
3UP Schauffele v Rahm (12)
2UP Spaun v Straka (12)
Henley A/S Lowry (11)
1UP Griffin v Højgaard (10)
Morikawa A/S Hatton (10)
Burns A/S MacIntyre (9)
USA 5-12 Europe

Share

Six-time TNA Knockouts Champion Angelina Love helped establish the women’s (or Knockouts) division within TNA when she joined the promotion back in 2007. She quickly joined up with Velvet Sky to form The Beautiful People, a defining villainous tag team of the time. Recently, it was announced by TNA President Carlos Silva that Love and Sky will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame, alongside fellow Knockout Mickie James.

Love spent almost 10 years in TNA across various stints with the promotion. In addition to winning the top women’s gold six times, she also captured the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships with Winter. She spent the majority of her career with TNA during a time where women’s wrestling wasn’t taken nearly as seriously in the top company in the world. The Beautiful People and its various iterations, which included Madison Rayne, Lacey Von Erich, and even Billy Gunn as Cute Kip at one point, is often considered one of the most iconic stables in TNA history.Â

Love left the company full-time, for the final time, in 2017, though she’d make appearances in later years, including at Impact 1000 in September 2023 alongside Sky to confront Gail Kim and the Knockouts Division. The soon-to-be Hall of Famer had quite the career in TNA/Impact Wrestling, but she’s still going strong in the professional wrestling world and beyond.

What’s She’s Doing Today

Joern Pollex/Getty Images

Love has stayed active within the professional wrestling world since leaving TNA fulltime, and even since her most-recent TNA appearance. She is currently signed with the NWA. Since her 10-woman tag team match loss at Impact 1000, she has worked with various independent promotions, including All Star Wrestling, Fortitude Wrestling Entertainment, MCW Pro Wrestling, and many more, including a Ring of Honor appearance in a losing effort for the ROH Women’s World Title against Athena. According to Cagematch, her most recent match took place in August for FWE in a match for the FWE Women’s Championship against Savannah Evans.

Love is also a mother to her son David, who was born during one of her breaks from TNA, and is now 9 years old. She married Merton Woolard, a fellow wrestler, in a beach ceremony in October 2023, after she announced their engagement that March. Love and her first husband, TNA wrestler Davey Richards, divorced in 2017. She remains active on her various social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where she shares photos of her family and what she’s up to in the professional wrestling world now, in addition to throwback photos.

The Beautiful People will be inducted to the TNA Hall of Fame at the company’s Bound for Glory event at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 12.

Source link

• Mark Schlabach

  Close

  Mark Schlabach

  ESPN Senior Writer

  • Senior college football writer
  • Author of seven books on college football
  • Graduate of the University of Georgia

• Paolo Uggetti

Sep 26, 2025, 05:00 PM ET

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The opening day of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black sure seemed like the one in Rome two years ago.

The Europeans blitzed the Americans in the first two sessions at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in 2023, and they did it again Friday in grabbing a 5.5-2.5 lead.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Riding the hot hands of Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the Europeans are in position to capture the Ryder Cup for the 11th time in the past 15 matches — and they’ll be looking to end the home team’s five-match winning streak as well.

The Europeans haven’t won on U.S. soil since their 14.5-13.5 victory at Medinah Country Club in Illinois in 2012.

They need to take only 8.5 of the final 20 points available over the next two days to do it again.

What stood out on Day 1?

Paolo Uggetti:Beyond the fact that the best players on the American side struggled, the expected home-crowd advantage that Bethpage Black was supposed to give the U.S. was not quite as impactful as expected.

Though most of the first-tee grandstand was packed as early as 5:30 a.m. and the energy for Bryson DeChambeau’s opening shot was present, it took until the afternoon for the crowd to show its teeth. By then, the Europeans were up 3-1 and riding the momentum, and they were able to transition from quiet confidence into a kind of fire of their own every time they made a crucial putt in front of them.

“It gets louder as it goes,” Europe captain Luke Donald said. “You cross the road, and there’s a lot of grandstands. There’s a lot of hospitality. In the afternoon, maybe guys have had a couple more beverages. You know, it gets loud, and the guys handled it with absolute class and poise.”

No one did that more than McIlroy, who made several long putts in his afternoon four-ball match against Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns, yelling out “Come on! Let’s f—ing go!” multiple times.

Rory McIlroy celebrates after making a birdie to win the seventh hole during afternoon four-ball matches. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

It seems that McIlroy and the Europeans were able to not just mostly ignore the crowd’s aggression but also to match it when needed. According to Donald, that was part of the plan — to let the noise bounce off and not react when they were taunted, but also to use that as motivation to perform.

“It was really incredible to see the Europeans come into a hostile environment and go out there and perform the way they did,” Keegan Bradley said.

With the U.S. down by three points heading into Saturday, it will be interesting to see what kind of crowd we get on Day 2. If Europe once again dominates foursomes, the afternoon could be too late to turn around the momentum in favor of the U.S.

What needs to happen for U.S. to get back into it?

Mark Schlabach: The U.S. stars have to play like stars, especially three-time major championship winner Scottie Scheffler. He hasn’t won in his past six Ryder Cup matches, going back to the Americans’ 16.5-11.5 defeat in Italy two years ago. On Friday, he became the first world No. 1 golfer to lose both matches on the opening day with neither one getting to the 17th hole.

Scottie Scheffler lines up a putt on No. 5. Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

For whatever reason, Scheffler, who won 13 times on the PGA Tour the past two seasons, hasn’t yet figured out how to do it in the Ryder Cup. He’s only the third world No. 1 golfer to lose twice on the opening day — Tiger Woods (1999 and 2002) and Ian Woosnam (1991) were the others.

Scheffler and Russell Henley lost 5 and 3 to Sweden’s Ludvig Ã…berg and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in a foursomes match Friday morning. Scheffler trailed by at least four holes in each of his three career Ryder Cup foursome matches.

Scheffler and U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun put up a fight at the end of their 3-and-2 loss to Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka in a four-ball match, but it was too little, too late.

Scheffler’s putter abandoned him until late in his four-ball match. He didn’t seem to have much confidence reading the putts, and a few of them weren’t close to going in the hole. He didn’t make a birdie in the four-ball match until the par-5 13th hole and added two more on Nos. 15 and 16, so maybe he’ll turn things around.

Scheffler has bounced back after below-average putting performances in the past, and he’ll have to do it again Saturday.

“We gave ourselves plenty of opportunities. It really just came down to me not holing enough putts,” Scheffler said. “We put up a good fight at the end. The guys just really turned it on on the back nine, but it really came down to us not taking advantage of the holes early in the match that we needed to, but overall it was a good fight at the end, and we’ll come back out tomorrow.”

Saturday morning foursomes matches and tee times

7:10: Bryson DeChambeau-Cameron Young vs. Matt Fitzpatrick-Ludvig Ã…berg

7:26: Harris English-Collin Morikawa vs. Rory McIlroy-Tommy Fleetwood

7:42: Xander Schauffele-Patrick Cantlay vs. Jon Rahm-Tyrrell Hatton

7:58: Russell Henley-Scottie Scheffler vs. Robert MacIntyre-Viktor Hovland

What can we expect in Saturday’s foursomes?

Schlabach: More of the same? The Europeans are rolling out the same four teams, and the only change the Americans made to their lineup was substituting New York native Cameron Young for Justin Thomas.

Young was terrific in his first Ryder Cup match Friday, picking up five birdies in he and Thomas’ 6-and-5 victory over Ã…berg and Rasmus Højgaard. If I were Bradley, I probably would have rolled with JT and Young again Saturday.

Young and DeChambeau both hit the ball a mile off the tee, and there’s a chance they’ll provide a spark that DeChambeau and JT didn’t Friday.

“We just thought this was an option for us before the week started,” Bradley said. “We really like this pairing. Their golf balls are very similar. We feel like they are going to match up really well together.”

I’m surprised Bradley decided to go with Harris English and Collin Morikawa again. They’re going to face Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in the second match, and the “Fleetwood Mac” pairing has been beating just about everyone in the Ryder Cup.

“We have a plan of what we’re going to do,” Bradley said. “They beat us today, but you know, we’re really comfortable with our plan. We’re really comfortable with those two players. Excited [about] who they are playing tomorrow.

“[It’s going to] be an exciting match, and we’re sticking to our plan. We’re not going to panic. We’re not going to panic and make those sorts of mistakes. We’re going to stick to what we know. We have a lot of confidence in them.”

Thomas struggled Friday morning, but he bounced back and played well. He’s sitting out Saturday’s first session, along with Ben Griffin, Sam Burns and J.J. Spaun.

It seemed like a no-brainer for European captain Luke Donald to roll out the same lineup, which won three of four foursomes matches Friday. Give him credit for pairing Ã…berg with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, who had a 1-7-0 record prior to this year.

“They jelled very well,” Donald said. “You never know when you’re trying new partnerships under intense pressure, but they seemed very relaxed. Their personalities really jelled, and their games were fantastic.

“Fitzy especially played some scintillating golf. He looked very comfortable out there. He look very confident. Just great to see because, you know, there’s been some media about his Ryder Cup record.”

Player to watch Saturday

Uggetti:If there was a silver lining for the U.S. team beyond the usual consistent play from Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, it was the fact that Ryder Cup rookie Cameron Young looked like he was made for this event.

Cameron Young made five birdies on the way to a four-ball win Friday. Harry How/Getty Images

Young was stellar in his debut, pairing up with Thomas to record the most dominant win of the event (6 and 5). Despite the fact that his demeanor never seems to change and seeing a fist pump from him is rare, Young looked comfortable, firing at flags and making a slew of birdies to push the U.S. to their only full point of the session.

Young’s play earned him a ticket to the first tee Saturday in foursomes, where he’ll be paired alongside DeChambeau in another blockbuster matchup against Fitzpatrick and Ludvig, who already took down Scheffler and Henley.

DeChambeau and Young should match up relatively well in alternate shot. Both bomb the ball, and Young’s putter has been particularly hot as of late. If Young can replicate some of the magic he produced with Thomas on Friday, the Americans will be well-served to get that first point of the day Saturday, Bradley might even have to ride Young out in the afternoon as well. So far, he has looked like their best player.

“He played awesome. He’s been playing great for a long time,” Bradley said. “We’re excited to have him in the lineup tomorrow.”

Key events

Show key events only

Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature

Thatâ€s all for tonight. Iâ€ll leave you with match reports from Anfield and the LNER Stadium (aka Sincil Bank). Goodnight.

Share

Liverpool reaction

Alexander Isak

I could have done better with my first chance. But then itâ€s all about being ready for the next one [which he scored], so Iâ€m happy with that. It was good to get some more minutes but itâ€s a competitive game so the main priority is to win.

I feel good, I feel fit. Itâ€s still early – new club, new teammates – and with each game itâ€s only going to get better.

[On being asked to do sprints on the pitch at half-time] Yeah that was a new one. It was funny. Gotta get fit!

Andy Robertson

We canâ€t keep relying on late goals. We were nowhere near our standards, especially in the first half. Iâ€m delighted for Alex; the first goal is always the hardest. Hopefully there are many more to come.

He was excellent against Atletico and again today. He looks fit to me! Maybe the sports scientists think a little differently. But thatâ€s what we had to do in pre-season as well!

[On the Ekitike red card] Iâ€ll be very surprised if he does it again. Scoring a goal is always emotional and he must have forgotten heâ€d already been booked. The first one was stupidity, for kicking the ball away, and now we miss him for Saturday. Itâ€s silly on his part but heâ€s only young and heâ€ll learn from it.

Share

The four remaining ties will be played tomorrow night.

Share

Carabao Cup results

The shock of the night came at Turf Moor, where League One Cardiff joined Wrexham* and Swansea in the last 16. Imagine.

* The last time they reached this tage of the League Cup was in 1977, when Ryan Reynolds was a one-year-old with a dream. Probably didnâ€t even have the dream.

Share

Full time: Liverpool 2-1 Southampton

Liverpool are through to the last 16 after yet another late winner, their sixth of the season. It was scored by the substitute Hugo Ekitike, who was then sent off for his celebration. Some bloke called Isak scored as well.

Share

“Among the other consequences of Ekitikeâ€s silly moment, the one that I rue the most is that it takes the spotlight off Chiesa,†writes Kári Tulinius. “Heâ€s been brilliant every time Iâ€ve seen him this season. It would be lovely to see find his mislaid form. At his best he cut through defences like a flashlight beam through fog.â€

Thatâ€s a lovely image. His two assists tonight were really superb.

Share

90+3 min: Liverpool 2-1 SouthamptonJoe Gomez makes a vital takcle on Charles, who controlled a pass from Armstrong and was about to shoot when Gomez lunged across him to win the ball. Terrific defending.

Share

90+1 min: Liverpool 2-1 Southampton“Ekitike rightly sent off for taking off his red shirt to reveal his red undershirt,†says Niall Mullen. “Disgusting.â€

Laws are there for a reason. To be ignored, if recent world events are anything to go by, so good on the referee for taking us back to a more respectcful, draconian age.

Share

90 min: Liverpool 2-1 SouthamptonThat Ekitike red card means heâ€ll miss the tricky trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Share

Cardiffand Wycombehave also made it through to the last 16. That means the 7.45pm games are all done.

• Barnsley 0-6 Brighton

• Burnley 1-2 Cardiff

• Fulham 1-0 Cambridge

• Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea

• Wigan 0-2 Wycombe

• Wolves 2-0 Everton

• Wrexham 2-0 Reading

Share

Federico Chiesa made a fine run in behind, drew the keeper and gave the goal to Ekitike. He whipped his top off in celebration – but heâ€d already been booked and the referee showed him a second yellow card.

Share

GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Southampton (Ekitike 85)

Hugo Ekitike scores – and is sent off for his celebration!

Whatever you do, donâ€t take off your shirt… Photograph: Peter Byrne/PAOh. Photograph: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.51 EDT

84 min: Liverpool 1-1 Southampton Just before we switched to this game, Liverpoolâ€s new defender Geovani Leoni was stretchered off after landing awkwardly. Hopefully itâ€s nothing too serious, and it sounds like he made a very impressive debut.

Share

Some more full-time results

Wolves 2-0 Everton

Wrexham 2-0 Reading

Fulham 1-0 Cambridge

Share

82 min: Liverpool 1-1 SouthamptonLetâ€s watch this game now, shall we? Shea Charles†equaliser came from a corner, helped by a poor defensive header by Wataru Endo (I think).

Share

Full time: Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea have survived a sizeable scare to make it through the last 16.

Share

Full time: Barnsley 0-6 Brighton

Harry Howell, 17, and Yasin Ayari scored late goals for Brighton at Oakwell. But the star was Diego Gomez – he scored the first four goals, including two absolute belters.

Share

GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Southampton (Charles 76)

Perhaps Anfield is the place for a shock. Southamptonâ€s young substitute Shea Charles has equalised with 14 minutes to play.

Shea Charles scores for Southampton! Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.38 EDT

89 min: Lincoln 1-2 ChelseaA cross from the right is missed again by Jorgensen and volleyed over an open goal by the substitute Francis Okoronkwo. He saw it very late, but in hindsight he had time to control the ball and roll it into the net.

Share

GOAL! Wolves 2-0 Everton (Arokodare 88)

Wolves may be pointless in the Premier League but theyâ€re heading through to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Emmanuel Arokodare, who came on to replace Jorgen Strand Larsen, has doubled their lead against Everton with a cool chip over Mark Travers.

Share

Updated at 16.33 EDT

82 min: Lincoln 1-2 ChelseaThe substitute Pedro Neto plays a lovely through ball to Buonanotte, whose shot is blocked by the outrushing Zach Jeacock. Thatâ€s a vital save.

Share

80 min: Lincoln 1-2 ChelseaThereâ€s no extra-time in this round, so a Lincoln equaliser would lead to a penalty shootout. They are still right in this tie – theyâ€ve had more attempts at goal than Chelsea – and know that one set-piece or cross into the box could get the job done.

Share

Updated at 16.25 EDT

Four teams have already qualified for the last 16.Iâ€ll remind me you who they are just as soon as Iâ€ve checked Wikipedia.

Like I said: Grimsby, Brentford, Swansea and Crystal Palace.

Share

74 min: Barnsley 0-4 BrightonSInce you asked so kindly, no, Diego Gomezâ€s four goals arenâ€t a League Cup record. That record, as any child of the eighties knows, is held by Frank E Bunn.

Share

Updated at 16.23 EDT

Latest scores

Share

GOAL! Wrexham 2-0 Reading (Smith 70) It looks like Wrexham are heading for the last 16; Sam Smith has put them 2-0 up against Reading.

Itâ€s worth remembering that Wrexham should really have gone out in the first round, when they were 3-1 down at home to Hull going into injury time. Ollie Palmer scored twice and they won on penalties.

Share

Brighton’s Gomez scores four at Oakwell

GOALS! Wigan 0-2 Wycombe (McNeilly 62); Barnsley 0-4 Brighton (Gomez 68)

Thatâ€s not a typo: Diego Gomez has scored his F-O-U-R-T-H goal of the night at Oakwell. On this occasion he ran onto a deft first-time pass from Danny Welbeck and slid the ball under the keeper.

What a night for Diego Gomez! Photograph: Cody Froggatt/PAShare

Updated at 16.20 EDT

GOAL! Fulham 1-0 Cambridge (Smith Rowe 66)Emile Smith Rowe has broken the deadlock at Craven Cottage.

At Sincil Bank, meanwhile, Lewis Montsma walloped that free-kick into orbit.

Share

66 min: Lincoln 1-2 ChelseaLincoln are not going quietly. Draper is fouled 25 yards from goal by Santos, which gives htem another chest to test the vulnerable Jorgensen…

Share

Goals plural! Burnley 1-2 Cardiff (Flemming 61); Wrexham 1-0 Reading (Broadhead 57)

Meanwhile, at Sincil Bank, Draper misses a good chance to equalise after a horrible fumble from Jorgensen. Heâ€s had a tough night.

Share

54 min: Lincoln 1-2 ChelseaLincoln threaten again when Draperâ€s close-range header is desperately cleared by a combination of Chalobah and Hato.

Share

The latest scores

Share

GOAL! Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea (Buonanotte 50)

The fairytale has gone up in smoke. Facundo Buonanotte receives a clever pass from George just inside the area and walks straight through a couple of woolly challenges to score. Itâ€s his first goal for Chelsea.

Facundo Buonanotte turns it around for Chelsea. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images/ReutersShare

Updated at 16.03 EDT

GOAL! Lincoln 1-1 Chelsea (George 48)

Who needs substitutes? The teenager Tyrique George has equalised for Chelsea with a brilliant goal. A loose ball bounced towards him, maybe 25 yards out, and he arrowed a half-volley into the net via the far post. Inspector Gianluigi Gadget-Donnarumma wouldnâ€t have saved that.

Tyrique George wallops in the equaliser! Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 16.01 EDT

46 min: Lincoln 1-0 ChelseaNo substitutions for Chelsea. Yet.

Share

Andnewchampion of the world…

“In the style of Scotland claiming to be world champions after beating England in 1967, I checked to see who the current world club champions are,†writes Niall Mullen. “Turns out itâ€s Sholing FC who beat Chelsea on the 26 July and have yet to lose since. They are 1-0 up at half time against the might Uxbridge so no sign that they are going to relinquish their crown just yet.â€

Thatâ€s my winter sorted. You can keep your Premier League, your Ashes and even your Fools and Horses Christmas Special.

Share

Updated at 15.56 EDT

Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Southampton

See below.

Share

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Southampton (Isak 43)

Alexander Isak gets his first Liverpool goal! Less than 60 seconds after Adam Armstrong hit the bar at the other end, Isak put Liverpool ahead. The keeper Alex McCarthy played a poor pass that was intercepted by Chiesa on the right side of the area. He screwed the ball back to Isak, who clipped a simple finish over McCarthy.

Terrific play from Chiesa, first to read McCarthyâ€s pass and then to pick out Isak, but Southampton should be in front, not behind. Armstrongâ€s chance wasnâ€t the only one; Caspar Jander headed the rebound just wide with Mamardashvili out of the game.

Alexander Isak scores for Liverpool! Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 15.49 EDT

Half-time scores

Itâ€s half time in the seven 7.45pm games. The big news is that Lincoln lead Chelsea 1-0, a scoreline that flatters them not one jot. Enzo Maresca will probably have to turn to a bench that includes Estevao, Pedro Neto, Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo.

Share

45 min: Barnsley 0-3 Brighton“Hereâ€s footage of that Gomez hat-trick goal,†says Niall Mullen.

Share

30 min: Liverpool 0-0 SouthamptonIâ€ve been following Lincoln rather than this game but it sounds like Southampton are doing very well and keeping Liverpool at armâ€s length.

Share

GOAL! Burnley 0-2 Cardiff (Robinson 36)Callum Robinson has doubled Cardiffâ€s lead at Turf Moor, where another Premier League team could be about to bite the Carabao dust.

Share

Rob Street has given Lincoln the lead– and it doesnâ€t flatter them. Fernandez played a risky pass across the face of the penalty area towards Chalobah, who dithered and was beaten to the ball by Ivan Varfolomeev. He headed it through to Street, who slid the ball calmly past Jorgensen. Lincoln are beating the world champions.

Lincoln are beating the world champions!!!

Rob Street cooly slots home and Lincoln lead Chalsea! Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 15.36 EDT

GOAL! Lincoln 1-0 Chelsea (Street 42)

Blimey.

Share

40 min: Lincoln 0-0 ChelseaJamie Gittens cuts inside from the left and smacks a shot into the side netting. Not a bad effort but the angle was very tight.

Share

39 min: Lincoln 0-0 Chelsea“Do you have any idea why the Lincoln supporters are booing Garnacho?†asks Kári Tulinius. “The commentators have acknowledged it, but not explained why.â€

You mean you donâ€t remember the incident? (Erm, thereâ€s no obvious reason. I guess heâ€s the most high-profile/flamboyant player in the Chelsea team; thereâ€s probably also a perception that heâ€s partial to a dive.

Share

Source link

Two years ago, at the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, a controversy brewed.

A day before the event, a reporter had asked European captain Luke Donald this:

“Sorry to hit you with this on the eve of the tournament, but following exhaustive investigations, it’s come to our attention you’ve got an American wife. And the phrase ‘sleeping with the enemy’ comes to mind. So I just wonder how tricky is it going to be this week for you? I wonder if you talk in your sleep.”

“Not tricky at all,” Donald said. “My wife’s parents were born in Greece. She has a lot of strong European roots, and my number one fan. There’s quite a few guys on our team that have U.S. wives. It’s really not a problem. They are 100 percent behind us.”

“She wants Europe to win?”

“Of course.”

And that was that. From there, the biennial event played on without any heat.

LOL. Not quite.

As we approach the next playing of the Ryder Cup, we offer 18 controversial moments from the 2023 event. Some you may remember. Some you may not. Each will include a brief introduction, some words from the story this site wrote at the time, and the link to the article.

We’ll go in order of occurrence.

18. Keegan Bradley wasn’t selected

Keegan Bradley wasn’t among six captain’s picks made by Zach Johnson, despite a spirited run and his fervor for the event. Selected instead were Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler — and Bradley’s reaction was captured on Netflix’s “Full Swing” show.

Wrote GOLF.com:

Few players have been as vocal in confessing their desire to make this team as Bradley, who was on the squad in 2012 and 2014 but hasn’t made one since.

Some golfer’s life will change forever next week at the Ryder Cup

By:

Sean Zak

“I think about the Ryder Cup every second I’m awake basically,” he said a couple of weeks ago at the BMW Championship. “My biggest thing right now is trying not to think about it while I’m playing because it’s important to me. I feel like I could bring some experience to the team. I would personally love to just be on a team with this younger group.”

The story can be found here.

17. European Ryder Cup legends and LIV Golf pros were absent

Absent from Team Europe were Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell, who all were playing their golf with LIV Golf.

Wrote GOLF.com:

On Wednesday morning at Marco Simone Golf Club, Rory McIlroy was asked a pointed question. McIlroy had been arguably the best player on those teams. Some of his best memories as a golfer came in those team rooms. But he’s been as anti-LIV as any top pro, which has left him in an awkward in-between.

“This week, of all weeks, do you actually miss guys like Sergio, Poulter, Westwood?”

McIlroy paused.

“I mean, it’s certainly a little strange not having them around,” he said. That wasn’t quite a “yes.”

The story can be found here.

16. Brooks Koepka and the ‘false confidence’ quote

During pre-Ryder Cup press conferences, Koepka had been asked this by the Associated Press’ Doug Ferguson:

If the Ryder Cup came down to one match on the course to decide it, I suspect if you ask all 24 guys here if they want the ball, they’d say yes. How many of them do you think really mean it?

Koepka’s answer:

This Bethpage Black par-5 is beast for hackers, treat for pros | The Hole Truth

By:

Josh Sens

“Very few,” he said, eventually. “False confidence, I think.”

The GOLF.com story can be found here.

15. Wyndham Clark and the Rory McIlroy quote

Wyndham Clark was feeling confident. Wrote GOLF.com:

On Golf Channel’s Golf Today, Clark had been asked how he would greet a singles matchup with McIlroy, and part of his response include this:

“I have the utmost respect for Rory — he is one of our great ambassadors of our game. He is obviously one of the best of all time and he is still going so he can be that. I have tons of respect for Rory and because of that respect, I also want to beat him. I like to think I am better than him and I want to prove that.”

And folks jumped on it. But it’s here where we’ll ask just this: Is he supposed to say he’s not better?

On Wednesday, Clark had a similar thought.

“If I say I think he’s better than me and he’s going to beat me,” he said, “then I’m going to get ridiculed because people don’t think I have any self-belief; and then if I have self-belief, which I do in myself, people take it out of context either way, so it was kind of a tough question.”

The story can be found here.

14. The U.S. was crushed in the opening session

While most Americans were sleeping, the Euros raced to a 4-0 lead after the first session.

Wrote GOLF.com:

Well, we hope your Thursday evening sleep was restful.

Because by the time you awoke on Friday morning, the Europeans had already commandeered control of the Ryder Cup.

It’s hard to say precisely when the blue wave crashed over the Americans in Friday morning’s alternate shot matches, but it didn’t take very long. By the time the first foursomes group — Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton vs. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns — crossed the ninth hole, the Europeans had claimed commanding leads in all four of the morning’s matches. By the time the morning was done, the Euros had claimed a clean sweep of the morning slate, holding their first 4-0 lead in the Ryder Cup’s 44-event history.

What’s it like camping out for a Bethpage Black tee time? Worth it

By:

Zephyr Melton

The story can be found here.

13. There were a lot of commercials

Folks were upset by the commercials. Wrote GOLF.com:

The USA Network, responsible for covering the first 10-plus hours of the Ryder Cup on Friday, delivered an onslaught of advertisements to viewers in those opening few hours, enraging the golf internet and resurrecting the never-ending debate about the state of golf viewing in the U.S.

As the night inched toward dawn, things didn’t get much better. One by one, viewers logged online to voice their displeasure with the pace of the NBC-run telecast, the technical gaffes that preempted key moments in matches, the moments that weren’t shown at all, and, most pressingly, the overall number of advertisements shown.

The story can be found here.

12. Koepka and the ‘child quote’

After Koepka and partner Scottie Scheffler lost a match to Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard, Koepka singled out Rahm in a comment.

Wrote GOLF.com:

When asked how he felt after the round, Koepka unloaded, saying, “I mean, I think me and Scottie [Scheffler] birdied, what did we say, 14, we birdied 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and then lost by two. So yeah. I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on.”

It’s unclear what specific incident, if any, Koepka is referring to, though Rahm is known to have a fiery demeanor and has shown frustration on the course in his career before.

The story can be found here.

11. Odd pairings

Were the pairings questionable during the morning session? Perhaps. Wrote GOLF.com:

Johnson had earned the criticism. He was the chief architect of a disastrous start to the Cup for the Americans, aligning some of the stranger foursomes pairings we’ve seen in recent Ryder Cup history. For the first several hours on Friday, he watched hopelessly as that octette of largely inexperienced Ryder Cuppers were swallowed up whole by a dominant group of Europeans, with only one of the Cup’s first four matches extending beyond the 16th hole. The Americans didn’t lead for a single hole, in a single match, until about an hour into Friday afternoon’s fourball pairings.

Keegan Bradley’s inspirational message to U.S. Ryder Cup team? It’s personal

By:

Nick Piastowski

The story can be found here.

10. Team sickness?

Were the Americans under the weather? Maybe. Wrote GOLF.com:

After his Ryder Cup team had absorbed a historic first-day beating, U.S. captain Zach Johnson was left with the unenviable, some might say impossible, task of explaining what went wrong. When asked in particular whether he made any on-the-fly tweaks to his afternoon four-ball pairings after the U.S. was shut out in the morning foursomes session, Johnson gave a curious answer.

“Well, we have contingencies and things of that nature based on a lot of things,” he said. “I would say that we’d love to have everything drawn out way, way ahead of time, but there’s certain things you cannot control, and we are trying to control the controllables in our team room, and I’ll leave it at that.”

“So you don’t want to answer?” a reporter said.

“No, not particularly,” Johnson said. “The bottom line is there’s been some unforeseen things that we’ve had to navigate around, which is really unfortunate, in the sense of health. It’s not an excuse, because we have depth, but I’ll just say, I’m grateful we have a team doctor.”

The story can be found here.

9. The 9-and-7 defeat

On Saturday morning, Koepka and Scheffler lost 9 and 7 to Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, the worst 18-hole loss in Ryder Cup foursomes history.

Wrote GOLF.com:

Koepka and Scheffler, the presumptive American all-star pairing, shot a preposterous (and generous) alternate-shot score of seven-over par in just 11 holes together on Saturday morning, gift-wrapping another point to the European pairing of Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg. After a heart-pumping display of shotmaking in their fourball match against Rahm on Friday evening, the two golfers looked entirely out of their depth in alternate shot, hitting it all over the yard in a match that was never really close — and that ended on the 11th hole.

Team USA’s Ryder Cup dilemma? Justin Rose thinks they have it all wrong

By:

Josh Schrock

The story can be found here.

8. Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson talk

During the Saturday afternoon matches, Spieth and Zach Johnson talked on the tee on the driveable par-4 16th hole, then Spieth swapped out his driver for a 3-wood — and he hit his ball into water and the Americans lost the match, 3 and 2.

Wrote GOLF.com:

“I have no idea what that was,” said Hunter Mahan, the six-time PGA Tour winner, who also was on the world feed call. “I’m really confused on why we just pulled a 3-wood.” Mahan added: “I’m not sure I made myself clear how dumbfounded I am by that decision.”

NBC Sports’ analysts were just as mystified.

“Zach Johnson, the first time we’ve ever seen him do anything like that,” Brad Faxon said of the captain’s decision to insert himself in the proceedings.

Added Faxon’s boothmate, Paul Azinger: “He’s three down with three to go. He really wants to make a 1, and he took a club he can’t come close to the front of the green with. I don’t understand it. Birdie’s not going to do much for you.”

The story can be found here.

7. HatGate

You probably remember this one. A report had surfaced that Patrick Cantlay believed players should be paid to play the Ryder Cup and that he was not going to wear a team hat to demonstrate his frustration — then Marco Simone fans started to wave their hats at him.

Wrote GOLF.com:

The assembled media members went into overdrive chasing questions raised by the report. Some of it was difficult to parse. There’s only one locker room, after all. How far away could they have been sitting? Does a team room that exists for less than a week have enough time to fracture by Saturday morning? How does Cantlay feel about Ryder Cuppers not being paid? And what was up with the hat, anyway?!

In some ways, the specific details and their respective veracity were irrelevant to the assembled masses. To fans, Cantlay tends toward the unknowable and, to casuals, has gotten more attention for viral slow-play clips than consistent top-tier golf. In other words, he can be an easy target. The idea that an American villain was debasing the sanctity of the Ryder Cup out of personal greed? They could work with that.

This U.S. Ryder Cup team hire? ‘It’s more of an asset for us’

By:

Nick Piastowski

The story can be found here.

6. The skirmish on the 18th green

This was related to HatGate. After Cantlay holed a putt on the 18th green, Americans waved their hats, including Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava — and chaos followed.

Wrote GOLF.com:

For the first time since the first balls had gone in the air on Friday, the Americans had a tangible piece of hope. But the celebration lasted only seconds until it was nearly interrupted by a fistfight.

The first offender was Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava, who had been the first American to rip his hat from his head in celebration. He stood at the center of the green for a few long seconds after Cantlay’s putt sunk, waving back toward the Americans on the far side of the green. Normally that wouldn’t have been an issue, but McIlroy was surveying a birdie putt of his own roughly five feet to LaCava’s right to halve the match.

McIlroy stood up awkwardly, appearing to share some choice words with LaCava about his position on the green, who turned away. Back behind the green, Euro teammate Shane Lowry exploded on his behalf, screaming for LaCava to get out of McIlroy’s way.

“Shut the f–k up, Shane,” LaCava yelled back, a retort that elicited only further screaming.

The story can be found here.

5. The parking lot scuffle

This was related to the scene on the 18th green. On Saturday night, McIlroy was caught on camera in a shouting match in the Marco Simone parking lot.

Wrote GOLF.com:

As darkness and quiet quickly enveloped the property, players, caddies and their families began to file out. Marco Simone is a swanky place, but everyone is staying off-site this week, about 30 minutes away. And while players are largely kept behind closed doors for much of the week, their exit was not concealed from NBC cameras, one of which caught McIlroy in a heated exchange over what took place on 18. As seen in the video, McIlroy points and shouts in a spirited manner multiple times.

6 burning Ryder Cup questions you might have 1 week before Bethpage

By:

Sean Zak

The story can be found here.

4. Xander Schauffele’s dad weighs in

Xander Schauffele’s dad, Stefan, also had a thought on Ryder Cup pay for play.

Wrote GOLF.com:

After Saturday’s round, a reporter asked Cantlay that question directly. He’d declined to answer. “It’s not about that,” he said. “It’s just about Team USA and representing our country.” The subtext was clear: This wasn’t the time nor the place. “That’s all I’ve got to say about that,” he concluded.

But if Cantlay’s approach was to handle matters behind closed doors, Stefan (who we’ll reference by first name here, just for clarity) favored the opposite.

“I think if the PGA of America is a for-profit organization, they need to have the players share in that profit,” he said. “Instead of being so damn intransparent about it, they should reveal the numbers. And then we should go to the table and talk.”

The story can be found here.

3. Fowler’s concession

During Sunday singles, Fowler conceded a 2-foot, 8-inch putt to Tommy Fleetwood, giving Fleetwood the win and ending the Ryder Cup. Should Fowler have made Fleetwood putt it? Maybe.

Wrote GOLF.com:

There are at least two ways to assess Fowler’s gesture: (1) It was the honorable and sporting thing to do; Fleetwood was highly unlikely to miss a putt inside three feet, or (2) Rick, come on, man! Yeah, it was close, but nerves make golfers do funny things. For the Ryder Cup-clinching point, you gotta make Tommy Lad earn it!”

Brad Faxon, a two-time Ryder Cupper on the call for NBC, was squarely in the second camp.

“That will not be conceded,” he said incorrectly. “No chance.”

U.S. Ryder Cup training camp appears to be a win. But is there downside?

By:

Nick Piastowski

The story can be found here.

2. The U.S. lost

The U.S. lost on European soil again. The Americans haven’t won an away Ryder Cup since 1993.

1. Why?

After the loss, GOLF.com wrote this:

If the performance wasn’t bad enough, Johnson seemed out of his depth even in trying to explain it, largely declining to acknowledge the European advantage or the Americans’ sleepwalking start to the event. Even after it was all over on Sunday evening, Johnson neglected to address any of the specific strategic or competitive differences that led to the Europeans’ lopsided victories, chalking up large amounts of the tournament’s outcome to good fortune and … the infinite possibility of the universe?

“This is a moment where you literally just have to accept that the European team played really, really good golf,” Johnson said Sunday. “And that is really my freshest reflection right now, is that Luke’s team played great, and my boys rallied and fought.”

The story can be found here.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Champions League debut for Real Madrid against Marseille but was forced off inside the first five…