Pragmatic Rory McIlroy plays Open conditions to stay in contention
Rory McIlroy virtually had the putting green to himself as he finished off the preparations for his second round, striding purposefully after a couple of long ones and then a medium-length attempt before he joined his caddie and they headed off for the 1st tee. He looked as if he meant business.It was just after 7.45am, light rain had started a couple of hours earlier and there was room to spare in the stands surrounding the tee-box as he hammered his drive down the right-hand side of the fairway, a good 100 yards beyond those of his playing partners, Marc Leishman and Thorbjørn Olesen, who both opted for irons. Dustin Johnson fights his own game until Carnoustie lands knockout blow Share on Messenger Rory McIlroy hopes teenage mindset will open path to ending drought Rory McIlroy Support The Guardian Since you’re here… “It was just damp enough and cold enough that the game plan that I was trying to adapt to be aggressive and hit driver a lot, I just couldn’t do it,” McIlroy said.“A lot of the fairway bunkers were in play with driver where, if it’s dry and a little warmer, you’re flying those bunkers. With the moisture on the club face and the ball, it wasn’t worth it. So it was a lot more irons off tees and a lot more conservative, but I ended up being the same score [as day one], so I’m pretty pleased with that.”The pace of play, with the three-ball often having to wait to play their second shots from as early as the 2nd fairway – a situation made more difficult by having an amateur shooting eight over in the game ahead and, further in front, Tommy Fleetwood waiting for a ruling by the 6th green – could not have helped, but the trio managed to keep sufficiently dry and fully occupied. The Dane got round in a second successive 70 for a two-under total and Leishman managed a second 72 for two over. The round took them a little over four hours and 40 minutes. Photograph: Paul Childs/X03809 The Open 2018 Share on Facebook McIlroy had spent the earlier part of the week speaking of a desire to display more of the carefree spirit he showed in his younger playing days and admitted that his failure to put up a meaningful battle when in the final pair with Patrick Reed for the fourth round of the Masters and then to some extent his first 18 holes at the US Open, where he shot an 80, had left a mark on him.“Sunday at Augusta was a big learning curve for me because, even if I hadn’t won that tournament but I went down swinging and aggressive and committing to every shot, I would have walked away a lot happier,” he said.“This week one of my main thoughts has been just to let it go. I’d rather fail by trying 100% than by sort of holding back and maybe not giving myself the opportunity to do well. So I’m committed to making sure, even if I don’t play my best golf and shoot the scores I want, I’m going to go down swinging and I’m going to go down giving it my best.“When I did hit driver today I hit it well, so that was a good thing. So if the conditions do change and go back to the way they were on the first day, I’d see myself hitting a lot more drivers. I’m in a great position going into the third day. I feel like I played in the toughest of the conditions and definitely our side of the draw, we had to tough it out a little bit and I’m happy to be in with a shot.” Quick guide The Open 2018: Third round tee times … we have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.The Guardian will engage with the most critical issues of our time – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. Reuse this content news Share on Pinterest Show 
Hide Share on LinkedIn 9.15am BST Gavin Green (Mal)9.25am Rhys Enoch (Wal), Patrick Reed (US) 9.35am Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha), Justin Rose (Eng)9.45am Yusaku Miyazato (Jpn), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)9.55am Ross Fisher (Eng), Keegan Bradley (US) 10.05am Ryan Fox (NZ), Jason Dufner (US) 10.15am Bryson DeChambeau (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe) 10.25am Tom Lewis (Eng), Sam Locke [a] (Sco) 10.35am Paul Casey (Eng), Chris Wood (Eng)10.45am Bernhard Langer (Ger), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Sp) 11am Paul Dunne (Ire), Brett Rumford (Aus) 11.10am Masahiro Kawamura (Jpn), Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) 11.20am Cameron Smith (Aus), Brendan Steele (USA) 11.30am Marc Leishman (Aus), Lee Westwood (Eng)11.40am An Byeong-hun (Kor), Kevin Na (US) 11.50am Julian Suri (US), Adam Hadwin (Can)Midday Gary Woodland (US), Kim Si-woo (Kor) 12.10pm Yuta Ikeda (Jpn), Satoshi Kodaira (Jpn) 12.20pm Marcus Kinhult (Swe), Thomas Pieters (Bel) 12.30pm Beau Hossler (US), Li Haotong (Chn) 12.45pm Cameron Davis (Aus), Sean Crocker (US) 12.55pm Louis Oosthuizen (SA), Stewart Cink (US) 1.05pm Phil Mickelson (US), Austin Cook (US) 1.15pm Shaun Norris (SA), Tiger Woods (US) 1.25pm Lucas Herbert (Aus), Michael Kim (US) 1.35pm Jason Day (Aus), Francesco Molinari (It) 1.45pm Kang Sung-hoon (Kor), Webb Simpson (US) 1.55pm Patrick Cantlay (US), Eddie Pepperell (Eng)2.05pm Matthew Southgate (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US) 2.15pm Kyle Stanley (US), Adam Scott (Aus) 2.30pm Charley Hoffman (US), Alex Norén (Swe) 2.40pm Ryan Moore (US), Brandon Stone (SA) 2.50pm Luke List (US), Danny Willett (Eng)3pm Thorbjørn Olesen (Den), Rickie Fowler (US) 3.10pm Jordan Spieth (US), Kevin Chappell (US) 3.20pm Zander Lombard (SA), Tony Finau (US) 3.30pm Matt Kuchar (US), Erik Van Rooyen (SA) 3.40pm Rory McIlroy (NI), Xander Schauffele (US) 3.50pm Pat Perez (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)4pm Kevin Kisner (US), Zach Johnson (US) Topics Thank you for your feedback. Read more Golf The Open He was to miss the birdie putt, as did the other two, and despite several of his tee shots missing the fairways thereafter, one of them at the par-five 6th which ended in the rough on the adjacent 5th before he recovered well but missed a second successive makeable birdie putt, he was to all intents and purposes treading water. Olesen and Leishman had both picked up shots by that stage.That was to change at the 7th and, with the rain getting heavier, he picked up his first shot and three more followed on the back nine, with two bogeys, and he signed for a two-under 69, the same total as on the first day but with his name significantly advanced on the leaderboard. The world No 8 then pronounced himself satisfied with his morning, even though the changing conditions had forced him to abandon the attack-at-all-costs approach he planned to use. European Tour Share via Email Was this helpful? PGA Tour Share on WhatsApp Share on Twitter Read more
Share on Pinterest RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood is thought to be determined to get the measure approved by the gambling industry before he steps down in January.It requires agreement from the National Casino Forum, Association of British Bookmakers, Bingo Association and the amusement arcade body Bacta, although their blessing is likely to be a formality as the online industry is by far the biggest TV advertiser.The RGA has also put forward other proposals but is expected to stop short of adopting Labour’s stated policy of banning gambling companies from sponsoring football shirts.Matt Zarb-Cousin, spokesman for campaign group Fairer Gambling, said: “This is long overdue but to be truly effective it should have also included bans on shirt and league sponsorship and pitch-side rolling displays.” E-commerce Read more Reuse this content Topics Advertising Share via Email A senior gambling industry figure said he would be “surprised and disappointed” if the measures were not agreed and said that while not every online betting firm would support them, all were likely to comply.“It would be a very brave company that would stick its head above the parapet in isolation,” he said.The whistle-to-whistle ban, which excludes horse racing, would involve the industry falling into line with Labour party proposals. The advertising proposals, first reported by the BBC, have been put forward by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which represents online betting firms.Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, said: “I’m delighted that gambling operators have adopted Labour’s proposal of a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling advertising during live sport.“With over 430,000 problem gamblers in the country, many of them children, the number of adverts during live sports had clearly reached crisis levels.“There was clear public support for these restrictions and I’m glad that for once the industry, led by [the RGA], has taken its responsibilities seriously and listened.” William Hill Since you’re here… Share on WhatsApp Support The Guardian Several chief executives in the gambling industry, including the bosses of William Hill and Paddy Power Betfair, have said they would support greater restrictions on advertising to protect children.Concern about the normalisation of gambling has risen due to the sheer volume of ads during televised sport.Research by the Guardian during the World Cup found that children were “bombarded” with 90 minutes of gambling adverts during the tournament.Shares in gambling companies fell on reports of a plan that would restrict their ability to reach TV viewers, while broadcasters are also likely to take a significant hit on lost advertising revenue.One senior executive at a media agency told the Guardian that gambling ads were worth £200m to broadcasters last year, with the majority going to Sky and, to a lesser extent, ITV.Online gambling companies are thought to have learned a lesson from the resistance shown by the Association of British Bookmakers, which fought tooth and nail against the cut in maximum stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals.Their campaign was ultimately unsuccessful and caused considerable damage to the industry’s reputation over efforts to prevent curbs on machines that the government branded a “social blight”. Children ‘bombarded’ with betting adverts during World Cup Gambling
Now I’m beating my debt and gambling addiction, I can enjoy Christmas Danny Cheetham … we have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. Whether we are up close or further away, the Guardian brings our readers a global perspective on the most critical issues of our lifetimes – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. We believe complex stories need context in order for us to truly understand them. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. Read more Share on LinkedIn news Online gambling companies have agreed in principle to a voluntary “whistle-to-whistle” ban on advertising during live sports, in an effort to address concerns about their impact on children.Companies such as Bet365, William Hill and Ladbrokes would agree not to advertise during live sports, including after 9pm if the event started before the watershed.While the proposals have yet to be approved, they are likely to be rubber-stamped at a meeting of the five major gambling industry associations next week, with a view to implementing the ban within six months. Internet Ladbrokes Sport betting Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Messenger Sign up to the daily Business Today email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk
Big Bash’s flipping bats recall stories of cunning ploys with tossed coins Share on Messenger … we have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. Whether we are up close or further away, the Guardian brings our readers a global perspective on the most critical issues of our lifetimes – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. We believe complex stories need context in order for us to truly understand them. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. Share via Email Since you’re here… England’s Sam Curran set for high price at IPL cricket auction With Surrey’s title-winning director of cricket, Alec Stewart, not applying for the role and Leicestershire’s chief executive, Wasim Khan, recruited by Pakistan in recent weeks, Giles became the obvious candidate given a wealth of relevant experience both at county level and as a former England selector.The latter coincided with the back end of his first spell in charge of Warwickshire – a five-year tenure that brought with it the 2012 County Championship title. He then stepped up as England’s one-day coach for an 18-month period in which the team reached the 2013 Champions Trophy final, before returning to county cricket at Lancashire where further domestic success followed.Securing promotion and the T20 Blast title for the Red Rose in 2015 – his first season in charge – he returned to Warwickshire two years later when, amid a desire to return to the Midlands for family reasons, the club bought him out of his contract at Old Trafford.He will doubtless leave Edgbaston for the second time with a heavy heart and a sense of unfinished business. An ageing side was relegated from Division One in 2017 before bouncing back at the first attempt, with Giles midway through an overhaul of the first-team squad at the club where he spent his entire 13-year playing career. Read more Read more Share on WhatsApp Share on Twitter news It marks a comeback of sorts for the 45-year-old, albeit in higher position, after he was stood down as one-day coach at the end of the torrid 2013-14 winter. That move was prompted chiefly by the 5-0 Ashes whitewash inflicted on the Test team and a desire by Paul Downton, Strauss’s predecessor, to unify the head coach position.Andy Flower, who was the Test team director at the time, has worked for the England and Wales Cricket Board ever since – most recently as a stand-in for Strauss while he took time out from the position – and it now remains to be seen whether a role remains for the Zimbabwean when Giles is appointed.The England role has been set up well by Strauss – not least when looking ahead to next summer’s World Cup and home Ashes campaign. Joe Root’s Test side has recently risen to No 2 in the world, while the No 1-ranked one-day team, led by Eoin Morgan, will head into the 50-over tournament as favourites following three trailblazing years.Giles will be required to appoint a new head coach in his first year in the the job, with Trevor Bayliss having already confirmed he will not be seeking a contract extension beyond the end of the 2019 home season. Paul Farbrace, his assistant, is also expected to step down at the same time.Giles will oversee the entire men’s pathway – from the Loughborough academy and the Lions through to the national teams – and despite the ECB securing a £1.1bn broadcast deal from 2020-23, he will need to manage a reduced budget as funds are directed towards the creation of the controversial new 100-ball tournament.As well as knowing the demands of international cricket from a career that brought 143 Test wickets from 54 caps between 1998 and 2006 – as well as 62 one-day international appearances – Giles has not rested on his reputation, having furthered his off-field experience by studying for a Masters in sports directorship at Manchester Met University. Cricket Reuse this content Topics Ashley Giles Support The Guardian Share on Pinterest England cricket team ECB Ashley Giles is set to be named the new director of England cricket. The former left-arm spinner is understood to have been offered the role and is now in the final stages of negotiations over terms.The appointment, which should be confirmed in the coming days, will bring to an end a two-month search for a successor to Andrew Strauss, who stepped down in October after three years in the role as his wife, Ruth, undergoes treatment for cancer.Giles, the sporting director at Warwickshire, has emerged from the second round of interviews this week as the preferred candidate and his tenure is now expected to begin when the Test side tours the Caribbean in January. Strauss, who will continue to work for the ECB on an ad hoc consultancy basis, was on the interview panel. Share on Facebook Warwickshire Share on LinkedIn
FA Cup FA Cup fourth round draw: Manchester United to face minnows Yeovil Town Goal Last updated 1 year ago 03:19 1/9/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(2) 
Getty Images FA Cup Manchester United Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea Manchester City The Red Devils have drawn the lowest-ranked club remaining in the competition while Spurs and Man City will also face lower league opposition Manchester United have been handed the lowest-ranked team remaining in the fourth round of the FA Cup after being drawn against Yeovil Town. The Red Devils will square off against the League Two side at Huish Park on the weekend of January 27-28 having seen off Derby County in the third round. Tottenham also drew League Two opposition, being matched up with Welsh side Newport County. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Meanwhile league leaders Manchester City will have to travel to face either Cardiff City or Mansfield Town while after defeating Everton in the third round, Liverpool will again be paired up with Premier League opposition as they face West Brom at Anfield.That will not be the only all-Premier League clash in the fourth round as Southampton will host Watford while Bournemouth could face West Ham should they beat Wigan Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in their respective replays. Match Liverpool vs West Brom Peterborough United vs Fleetwood Town/Leicester City Huddersfield Town vs Birmingham City Notts County vs Wolves/Swansea City Yeovil Town vs Manchester United Carlisle United/Sheffield Wednesday vs Stevenage/Reading Cardiff City/Mansfield Town vs Manchester City MK Dons vs Coventry City Millwall vs Rochdale Southampton vs Watford Middlesbrough vs Brighton Bournemouth/Wigan Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town/West Ham Hull City vs Nottingham Forest Newport County vs Tottenham Norwich City/Chelsea vs Newcastle United Sheffield United vs Preston North End Chelsea too face a replay against Norwich City, with a home tie against Newcastle United the reward for the winner. Nottingham Forest, who stunned Arsenal in the third round, will face off against fellow Championship side Hull City in their fourth-round clash.
PSG PSG without Neymar for Nantes trip Alex Fisher Last updated 1 year ago 04:01 1/14/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(1) 
AFP PSG Neymar Nantes v PSG Nantes Ligue 1 The Ligue 1 leaders will be without their superstar attacker against Nantes on Sunday, reportedly due to a rib injury Neymar will not be part of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad on Sunday when the Ligue 1 leaders resume their league campaign against Nantes.The Brazil international played and scored in Wednesday’s Coupe de la Ligue victory over Amiens, but he will not travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire.A rib injury has reportedly sidelined the 25-year-old, although head coach Unai Emery offered little suggestion of a fitness problem for the star striker in his pre-match media conference. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “We are preparing for the match against Nantes with the entire squad,” he said on Friday.”Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore will rejoin the squad when they have caught up the training days they missed.”We have two more sessions ahead of Sunday’s match. We will see how the players recover from the Amiens match. I think everybody should be fine.”Only Thiago Motta is working individually to come back from injury.”However, when the travelling squad was confirmed by PSG later on Saturday, Neymar was a notable absentee – along with Pastore.Le groupe parisien pour affronter le @FCNantes en @Ligue1Conforama !#FCNPSG#AllezParis pic.twitter.com/R7B0IoSYBn— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) January 13, 2018Neymar has had no problems adjusting to Ligue 1, scoring 11 goals for PSG in just 14 games so far, and has scored 20 times in all competitions.Emery was forced to address questions over Neymar’s future this week, with the manager insisting his squad will not be shaken by over talk of Real Madrid’s interest in the star attacker.
Transfers Arsenal & Liverpool warned Monaco star Lemar not for sale Dejan Kalinic 08:39 1/30/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Transfers Arsenal Thomas Lemar Liverpool Monaco Ligue 1 The 22-year-old has been heavily linked to a move to the Premier League in recent transfer windows, but the Ligue 1 side will not be letting him go Monaco star Thomas Lemar is certain to stay with the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season, vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said.Lemar, 22, was the subject of a bid from Arsenal towards the end of the summer transfer period, agreeing a club-record £90 million deal on the final day, only for the midfielder to back out of it.Links to the Gunners and Liverpool have continued through to the January window, but Vasilyev said the France international was sure to remain with Monaco until the end of the campaign. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “He will stay at Monaco until the end of the season at 100 per cent,” he told RMC.Vasilyev said even if his club received huge offers for Lemar, there was no chance they would sell in January.”If Liverpool or Arsenal come with a big offer before the end of the market? This is not relevant,” he said.”We will say no because the objectives are clear.”Without important players like Lemar, we will not succeed.”Lemar has provided five assists and scored two goals in the league this season. He is contracted to the club until June 2020.
World Cup ‘I did my homework on Messi’ – Iceland’s Halldorsson revels in ‘dream’ penalty save Rob Lancaster Last updated 1 year ago 01:32 6/17/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Clive Rose/Getty Images World Cup Argentina v Iceland Iceland Argentina The goalkeeper did plenty of research ahead of facing the world’s best player, saying he had a good feeling he knew which direction he would shoot Hannes Thor Halldorsson’s homework paid off as he saved a penalty from Lionel Messi to help Iceland clinch an unlikely point against Argentina.Goalkeeper Halldorsson dived to his right to turn away Messi’s spot-kick as an eventful Group D opener at the 2018 World Cup finished in a 1-1 draw.Sergio Aguero’s left-footed drive put Argentina ahead in the first half, only for debutants Iceland to hit back four minutes later with a goal from Alfred Finnbogason, the country’s first at a World Cup. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now Arsenal would be selling their soul with Mourinho move Messi had the chance to put the South American nation back in front after a foul on Maximiliano Meza, but Halldorsson’s guessed correctly to deny the Barcelona forward.”For me, as a goalkeeper, to play for Iceland at the first game of the World Cup and face the best player in the world with a penalty, it’s a big moment,” he told the media.”It’s a dream come true to save it, especially as it got us a point that I hope is going to prove important for us to reach our goal and qualify [for the knockout stages].”I did some homework. This was a situation I knew could come up.”I looked at a lot of penalties from Messi, and I also looked at my behaviour in the last couple of penalties I’ve faced.”I tried to get into the minds and what they’d be thinking about me – I had a good feeling he was going to go that way today.”The remarkable story of Icelandic football has just witnessed a new chapter! #ISL #VikingClap pic.twitter.com/gPZVEa4spv— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2018Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side struggled for possession but defended impressively to frustrate one of the leading contenders to lift the World Cup on Russian soil.”Our gameplan worked really well,” Halldorsson added. “We could feel it in the first half that the game was playing out as we wanted it to. They were playing the game in front of us, never having a lot of space.”Our confidence grew minute by minute, because you never know what is going to happen in a game against Argentina. We felt that as time grew, we had them where we wanted them.”They maybe grew a bit frustrated as they weren’t getting through. We equalised so early too, which was important for the development of the game. I guess our plan worked perfectly.”Hannes Þór Halldórsson saves the penalty from Messi!!!#fyririsland pic.twitter.com/JaD2GYW92h— Knattspyrnusambandið (@footballiceland) June 16, 2018
New South Wales will meet Queensland across 13 divisions when the 2012 State of Origin Series is contested in Port Macquarie in September. Teams from Under 20’s Boys and Girls through to Men’s 50’s will battle it out at Port Macquarie’s Regional Sports Stadium on Friday, 21 September and Saturday, 22 September in three games. The State of Origin Series will be run in conjunction with the 2012 X-Blades National Youth Championships, which will run from Wednesday, 19 September through to Saturday, 22 September. Stay tuned to the State of Origin Series website for all of the latest news and information in the lead up to and during the 2012 State of Origin Series – www.soo.myclub.mytouchfooty.com. Keep in touch with the New South Wales Touch Association in the following ways:Facebook – www.facebook.com/nswtouch Twitter – www.twitter.com/nsw_touch Website – www.nswtouch.com.au Keep in touch with the Queensland Touch Association in the following ways:Facebook – www.facebook.com/queenslandtouch#!/pages/Queensland-Touch-Association/186547374757440 Twitter – www.twitter.com/QueenslandTouch Website – www.qldtouch.com.au Keep in touch with Touch Football Australia in the following ways:Facebook – www.facebook.com/touchfootballaustraliaTwitter – www.twitter.com/touchfootyaus (#SOO2012)YouTube – www.youtube.com/touchfootballausWebsite – www.austouch.com.auRelated LinksState of Origin
TagsTransfersAbout the authorFreddie TaylorShare the loveHave your say Monaco boss Henry targets Cahill, Koscielny to solve defensive crisisby Freddie Taylor10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveMonaco are monitoring Chelsea defender Gary Cahill. The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has been told he can leave the club in January.According to beIN sports reporter Matt Spiro, Monaco are looking at Cahill, among a host of other defenders, to fix their poor defence.The Ligue 1 bottom-feeders, managed by Thierry Henry, are also scouting Laurent Koscielny, Pepe and Martin Skrtel.Cahill has also been linked with Aston Villa, West Ham, Southampton and Arsenal. 
Huddersfield set to sign Crystal Palace winger Puncheonby Ansser Sadiq10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveHuddersfield are set to sign Jason Puncheon from Crystal Palace.The winger will be on loan at David Wanger’s team for the rest of the season.The 32-year-old has not played much at Palace this season.But he has the type of experience that Wagner wants in his team, as Huddersfield look to stay in the top flight.Since Palace are also involved in that fight, it is a surprise they let Puncheon leave to a rival.The winger has not started a Premier League game this season. TagsTransfersAbout the authorAnsser SadiqShare the loveHave your say
TagsTransfersAbout the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Jofre Mateu says former Barcelona teammate Carles Puyol won’t be returningby Carlos Volcanoa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveFormer Barcelona player Jofre Mateu says former teammate Carles Puyol won’t be returning to the club.The ex-Barcelona captain was expected to take up the sporting director job offered to him by President Josep Maria Bartomeu.”Although he [Puyol] has been thinking about it,” Jofre, a former Barcelona player himself said on Que t’hi jugues!”Right now I can tell you that he will not be a sporting director.”I’m 99 percent sure Puyol won’t take the position. He has other plans.” 
Chelsea winger Pulisic admits feeling American pressureby Freddie Taylor10 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea winger Christian Pulisic admits he’s feeling the pressure of being a top American player in Europe.The 21-year-old arrived from Borussia Dortmund this surrounded by much fanfare.But he has struggled to find consistency in his game under Frank Lampard.Speaking to the Players’ Tribune, the winger said: “It makes you feel really good at the beginning to be honest, you feel great, you see all these things, people talking about you on social media; ‘wow this kid is great, he’s special, he’s playing, he’s scoring goals at 17 or 18 years old for his national team, he’s playing for Dortmund in Europe’.”You feel really great and then it’s more just pressure you feel like all the stuff is kind of hitting you, and you start being expected to do all of these things.”This generation can be tough, for young players especially, having people talk about you, having constant pressure on your back.”Especially as Americans, we haven’t had a lot of top international talents throughout our years. If you’re not able to tune it out then it can be a weight on your shoulders.”I think there are obstacles, I think not a lot of American players have really proved themselves in Europe and I think when you’re an American player and you’re trying to prove yourself amongst all these European guys or international guys that are top players who have played in these big competitions, not a whole lot of Americans have been there, it can be tough.” About the authorFreddie TaylorShare the loveHave your say
CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 04: The Cincinnati Bearcats mascot performs during the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Fifth Third Arena on February 4, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Before NBA star Kenyon Martin was lighting it up in the professional ranks, he played his collegiate ball at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to the nation’s No. 1 ranking for 12 weeks in 1999-2000. Naturally, that means that he isn’t a huge fan of the team’s major rival, Xavier.But just how much does he dislike the Musketeers? Martin posted the below graphic just hours before the two teams tip off in Cincinnati.It’s going down tonight. #bearcatnationstandup. UC Basketball where greatness happens. #letsgoA photo posted by Straightjacketcrazy. (@kenyonmartinsr) on Feb 18, 2015 at 9:14am PST Both Xavier and Cincinnati could use a win tonight to bolster their NCAA Tournament resumes. It should be another fantastic game between these two.
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 2: General view during the game between the University of Southern California Trojans and the Arkansas Razorbacks on September 2, 2006 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Southern California won 50-14. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)Arkansas football is known for big lineman and a dominant run game, but on Tuesday evening, the Razorbacks proved they can do a bit of high-flying as well. The team took part in a dunk contest, emceed by offensive lineman Sebastian Tretola, and the results were really quite impressive.Who’s the best dunker on @RazorbackFB? https://t.co/tc6g5SeG1n— Arkansas Razorbacks (@ArkRazorbacks) December 22, 2015That is defensive end and former high school hoops star Jamario Bell taking over the show at the end. Our only regret is that Tretola didn’t get involved himself. He’ll just have to settle for throwing touchdown passes.[Razorbackers]
The reports of Manchester City’s demise are greatly exaggerated. Sure, Pep Guardiola’s side were not quite at their brilliant best as they beat Southampton, but they showed more than enough to prove that there is plenty of life in them yet.Whether they have enough to win the Premier League title this season is another matter, however, and depends as much on Liverpool as it does City.And with the two sides set to face each other on Thursday night in what could be a pivotal match in the season, we are soon to learn exactly how well City have recovered from their two bruising defeats over Christmas. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Compared to the performances against Crystal Palace and Leicester City, this was much, much better. In those defeats City looked starved of creativity in attack (by their high standards, anyway) and brittle at the back. In the absence of David Silva and Fernandinho, City could not carve open their determined opponents and resorted to lumping crosses into the box, to no avail. They were counter-attacked, and without their Brazilian enforcer there was nobody to do anything about it.Those defeats left them 10 points off Liverpool (albeit with a game in hand) and with questions to answer heading into Sunday’s game at St Mary’s. Those questions were, by and large, answered.It was no coincidence that they looked so much better with both Silva and Fernandinho restored to the line-up. The passing link-ups were back in effect and the dirty work was, usually, taken care of.City’s biggest concern on the day was that they missed a hatful of chances and flirted with another poor result. Silva finished off a trademark City move to open the scoring – Danilo and Bernardo Silva combined to get City to the byline, from where the ball was pulled back into the Spaniard’s path. He made no mistake this time, having already produced a superb save from Alex McCarthy in the opening stages.
Riyad Mahrez and Sergio Aguero then missed gilt-edged chances to extend the lead and give the visitors some much-needed breathing space. And then Southampton, who had in fact gone close to opening the scoring before Silva did the honours, drew level.City were asking for this one. Not only had they failed to put their chances away but they then invited pressure in their own third. Not usually a problem for them (and certainly not for the ice-cool Ederson) but Oleksandr Zinchenko got himself in a terrible position, asked for the ball to be played to Fernandinho, received it himself and then lost it. Southampton sprung free and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg leathered the ball into the net.For all City’s slick attacking play, they were now back at square one. Having given up leads in their last two games, things were suddenly looking dicey. The performance was better, the passing was slicker and the energy was there, but was there enough belief to overcome another set-back?Zinchenko got himself in another mess and almost gave away a penalty (although the referee was right not to give one) and City appeared to be on the ropes. No wonder Guardiola wants Ben Chilwell.And then the clouds lifted. A stroke of luck in their favour, this time, as Raheem Sterling found himself with the ball near the byline (not the product of an incisive passing move, this time) and fired in a cross that deflected into the net.And then the killer blow. Zinchenko swung in another cross – one of City’s better efforts from the past three games – and found Aguero, who headed in a firm effort. The Ukrainian left-back celebrated gleefully on his own before his team-mates realised what it meant to him to make such a decisive contribution.That was that, really. The biggest story of the second half was City’s inability to take their chances. Sterling tested McCarthy, Aguero hit the crossbar and Mahrez again should’ve done better when through one-on-one.Had Southampton had any fight left in them it could have made for a nervy finale, but they didn’t.Liverpool do, though. City could be confident of continuing this revival if they were playing anybody else in the Premier League next Thursday, but it is Jurgen Klopp’s side that come to the Etihad Stadium.City have plenty of weapons to win the match, of course, and plenty will argue that so they should, given the level of investment and the quality of the coaching.
But there are still signs of frailty there, where Liverpool seemingly have none.There were times on Sunday when City could count themselves lucky that their opponents could not keep their heads in front of goal, not least when Charlie Austin broke clean through the middle early on. Any of the Reds’s forwards will surely finish better than Austin did.And then there are City’s own attacking players. If they show this level of profligacy again they could be made to pay, and that payment could well be a 10-point gap to the leaders.Amid City’s romp last season Guardiola told his players, “if you want to be a top, top team, you need to learn to score the f***ing goals.” By that definition they were not a top, top team on Sunday.But given one of their problems heading into this game was that they hadn’t even been creating the f***ing chances, it would be foolish to think City are about to collapse altogether.They showed here that they are a far, far better side than recent performances suggested, and with the promise of Kevin De Bruyne to return.Liverpool are in a commanding position, and could be in an even better one on Thursday night, but City will not give up. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Italy made it three wins from as many Group J matches with a 3-0 victory over Greece in their pursuit of a place at Euro 2020.Roberto Mancini’s side added to wins over Finland and Liechtenstein as Nicolo Barella, Lorenzo Insigne and Leonardo Bonucci all scored inside 10 first-half minutes in Athens. It leaves Italy – who are yet to concede in qualifying – with a maximum return of nine points, while Greece remain on four. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Andrea Belotti was thwarted by Zeca’s timely intervention as he sought to get on the end of a threatening throughball inside the opening five minutes. The Torino striker then showed poor technique in lifting a shot from the edge of the box well over the crossbar at the end of a promising move.But the breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Greece were overrun at the back and Belotti’s cutback was slammed home by Barella.#EuropeanQualifiers23’YES!!!! #BARELLA POPS UP TO OPEN THE SCORING! #GreeceItaly 0-1 #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/qaglYvd4N1— Italy (@azzurri) June 8, 2019Greece charged forward in an attempt to get back into the match but were caught on the counter-attack as Insigne darted past Andreas Samaris and poked a deft finish beyond goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas.The match as a contest was over before half-time, Bonucci’s header from Emerson’s delivery clipping the upright on its way in.With the points practically assured, Italy produced a composed second-half showing in which retaining possession took precedence over creating opportunities.And Greece could do little to instigate a turnaround, Georgios Masouras going close only to see an offside flag raised as the hosts’ frustrations grew.When substitute Manolis Siopis fired wildly over the bar from a decent position, it was clear that even a consolation goal was going to be beyond Angelos Anastasiadis’ side. What does it mean? Italy in cruise controlWith a 100 per cent record from their opening three games, Italy are already five points ahead of third-placed Greece and look well set to qualify. Mancini’s men have not yet conceded a goal, which further underlines the strides they have made since failing to reach the 2018 World Cup.Left flank woes for GreeceGreece struggled in general to contain Italy in the first 45 minutes, but it was down the visitors’ left side that the threat came, be it from Insigne or Marco Verratti. The former scored, the latter was typically industrious. Kourbelis bypassed in midfieldDimitrios Kourbelis was perhaps more a symptom of Greece’s first-half capitulation than a cause, but the way the game passed him by showed just how dominant Italy were.After managing just 11 touches and seven passes, he was substituted at the break.What’s next?Greece remain in Athens to welcome Armenia on Tuesday, while Mancini’s men host Bosnia-Herzegovina in Turin on the same night. read more
Benfica intend to tie in-demand midfielder Florentino Luis to a new contract when he returns for the pre-season programme on July 1 in an effort to stave off interest this summer, but could face fielding bids before they have the opportunity to do so.Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are long-standing admirers of the 19-year-old while Roma, under new manager Paulo Fonseca, were credited with interest in recent days.The Portuguese champions are already braced for bids from interested parties but want Florentino to sign a new contract as soon as possible in order to raise his buyout clause. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Portugal under-20 international Florentino is currently available for €60 million (£54m/$68m) but Benfica want to raise it to the €100m mark.Florentino would be in line for an extension and a significant pay-rise under the terms of the new deal.He has been watched extensively by Man City and earmarked as a potential long-term replacement for Fernandinho, although Rodri of Atletico Madrid is Pep Guardiola’s immediate priority in that position.PSG, having lost Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer, are also seen as a potential destination for Florentino while Roma are believed to have made their interest known as they plan ahead for a new season under Fonseca and new sporting director Gianluca Petrachi.Having made the breakthrough to the first team in the early part of this year, Florentino established himself in the midfield with nine Primeira Liga starts as Benfica reclaimed the Portuguese title from Porto. He is a defensive midfielder represented by Bruno Carvalho, whose current contract runs until 2023.Florentino has been a regular in the Portuguese youth setup, winning the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016 and the European Under-19 Championship in 2018, appearing in the team of the tournament at each of those competitions.Benfica are expecting to lose forward Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid in the coming days for €120m and ideally would not like to sell two of their young jewels in the same transfer window.Nonetheless, they would be powerless should a bid materialise in the next few days, before they have the chance to increase the release clause.
Fabian Delph says he made the decision to leave Manchester City in hopes of boosting his chances of playing for England. Delph completed an £8.5 million ($11m) move to Everton last week, ending a four-year run with the City side he joined in the summer of 2015. Having won the Premier League twice with the Manchester club, Delph made the decision to leave in search of more regular playing time this summer, with Everton his landing spot heading into the new season as he hopes to keep his place in the England squad. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? “From a personal point of view, I felt it was time for a change,” he said to The Daily Mail. “I could have stayed there. They were happy with me. I wasn’t told to leave. I played quite a key role within that squad.”I had a fantastic four years there, thoroughly enjoyed it, but I wanted a new challenge. I wanted to play more football.”Playing for England is massive for me, so if I’m playing more regularly, there’s more chance of me being selected.”I’ve got a great relationship with Gareth [Southgate] and the England lads, we’re a really close group. The mentality there is fantastic.”Delph has been a regular for England under Southgate and started the Nations League semi-final loss to the Netherlands earlier this summer.The move to Everton should offer a regular starting spot for the 29-year-old, though it also brings an adjustment to a new manager. And while Delph was impressed with Pep Guardiola’s style at his old club, he claims training under his new boss Marco Silva is tougher than it was with the Premier League champions. “The volume is a lot higher, we cover a lot more distance,” he said. “There’s a lot more intensity and you definitely feel like you’ve worked come the end of the day.”I love it. There’s nothing worse for me than going home with energy.”City’s training is very good, it’s shorter and sharper and is the way the manager likes the lads to play.”Having drawn 0-0 with Wigan on Tuesday, Everton will take on Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly on Aug. 3 before facing their first Premier League test of the season against Crystal Palace a week later.
Awful news broke earlier Tuesday when it was reported a college football player died during team workouts this afternoon. He reportedly collapsed and could not be resuscitated by those who tended to him.University of Maine freshman Darius Minor never suited up in a Black Bears uniform. He was 18.According to the university, Minor collapsed at 1:15 p.m. ET.School president Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy released a statement about Minor’s passing.18-year-old Darius Minor was pronounced dead after he collapsed on the Univ. of Maine campus during a preseason workout. Minor was an incoming first-year student pursuing a major in political science. #MaineCMJ #UMaine #football -NM— The Maine Campus (@TheMaineCampus) July 24, 2018Via UMaine:“Darius was one of 17 first-year student-athletes taking part in the three-week Freshman Workout. He collapsed on the field at approximately 1:15 p.m. Campus athletics training staff and local first responders were unable to resuscitate him.”The temperature in the area was in the low 80s during Tuesday’s workout, however, the humidity levels were high. Minor was enrolled in Summer Session at UMaine and reportedly intended to pursue a major in political science.Our thoughts go out to the family, the Maine football community, and everyone affected.
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: C.J. Fuller #27 of the Clemson Tigers hauls in a touchdown pass over C.J. Saunders #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)At just 22 years old, former Clemson running back C.J. Fuller died in October. We now know more about the cause of death, and surprisingly, it is football related.At the time of death, it was reported that Fuller had complications with a seizure. His aunt speculated that a blood clot might have played a role.It turns out that she was on the right track.C.J. Fuller died from a pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis, a condition that stemmed from a football-related knee injury.He was rehabbing the knee when the incident occurred. From The Greenville News:Fuller was doing physical therapy for a knee injury and began to experience chest pains in the moments before his death his aunt, Zola Fuller Beeks, said after his death in an interview with the Independent Mail and The Greenville News.Fuller was a role player for the Tigers from 2014-2017. He had a big kick-off return in the 2016 national championship that helped set up the Tigers’ game-winning drive over Alabama.Fuller was set to be a graduate transfer after finishing his Clemson degree, but had not yet found a new school at the time of his death.[The Greenville News]