Carl Markham

Rory McIlroy began the final day of The Open with an early birdie but remained seven shots behind leader Sam Burns. Toughened course conditions set by the R&A made scoring difficult, with tightly positioned flags across Royal Birkdale. Matthew Southgate briefly threatened a low round before finishing level par, while Collin Morikawa also faltered after a strong start.

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty at The Open for improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale, dropping him to five under despite a strong round of 66. After an on-course review and discussion with R&A officials, he was penalised under rule 8.1, which prohibits altering natural objects affecting a stroke even accidentally. DeChambeau publicly disagreed with the ruling but vowed to continue competing. The R&A’s chief referee Grant Moir detailed the reasoning behind the decision, while DeChambeau prepares to resume play alongside Sam Burns in the third round.

Rory McIlroy opened The Open at Royal Birkdale with a two-over-par 72 after missing several short putts and making six bogeys, leaving him seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber. Despite struggles on the greens, he balanced errors with timely birdies and remains optimistic about improving in more favourable conditions on day two. Historical trends indicate a difficult path back into contention, but McIlroy is confident his strong driving and solid ball-striking can help him recover.

Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating Australia 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw, capitalising on all four attempts including a decisive chip from Mohamed Salah. Australia’s tactical decision to substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan moments before the shoot-out proved ineffective as he failed to stop any Egyptian penalties. Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour before an own goal from Mohamed Hany brought Australia level. Missed penalties from Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington sealed Australia’s exit, while coach Tony Popovic defended the late goalkeeper switch.

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed manager of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract, replacing Jorge Jesus after the club’s title-winning season. The move follows his dismissals from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest in the previous year. Postecoglou, previously considered a contender for the Scotland head coach role, will take charge of a squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.

Enzo Maresca has taken on the role of Manchester City manager after contributing personally to Chelsea’s compensation fee, ending a six-week delay in negotiations. Chelsea criticised his departure, noting he had eyed the City job since autumn and expressing disappointment over the disruption caused. Maresca apologised, emphasising the decision was his alone. He signed a three-year deal to replace Pep Guardiola and pledged to maintain City’s playing identity. City executives welcomed his return, and England midfielder Elliot Anderson is expected to become his first major signing following a record agreement with Nottingham Forest.