Van Dam leads KPMG Women’s Irish Open, Maguire best of the Irish

Leona Maguire is the leading Irish player at the KPMG Women's Irish Open, but is eight shots off the leader. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

The Irish challenge faltered at the KPMG Irish Open at Dromoland Castle on Saturday as Dutch golfer Anne van Dam opened up a three-stroke lead.

Van Dam carded her second round of 66 to give her the clubhouse lead at the end of the third round. She sits on 15 under par, three strokes ahead of Lisa Pettersson from Sweden.

The Swede signed for her best round of the tournament so far, a 67, and is 12 under par, once shot ahead of England’s Alice Hewson (68 today) and Diksha Dagar from India (71 today).

Cavan’s Leona Maguire is best of the home players, having matched Friday’s round of 69. Maguire claimed birdies at 6, 11, 15 and 16, but crucially dropped a shot on the final hole, a par five. She now lies eight shots behind the leader Anne van Dam.

Banbridge’s Olivia Mehaffy is in 30th position overall heading into the final day. The Arizona State University graduate shot a 72 today, her worst score of the tournament, and is now on four under par, three shots behind Leona Maguire and 11 off the leader.

Beth Colter shot 72 on Saturday and is two under, the same score as Sara Byrne, who signed for a 69 this afternoon.

Kate Lanigan had a round of 74 for a one under par tournament total, while a 76 for Emma Fleming sees her on five over par.

European team show jumping silver for Ireland

Michael Duffy Europeans — Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 in action during the FEI European Show Jumping Championships. Image provided by Horse Sport Ireland.

The Irish Show Jumping team won a silver medal in the team final of the FEI Jumping European Championship in Milano, Italy, this afternoon.

Michael Blake’s team of Michael Duffy, Trevor Breen, Shane Sweetnam and Eoin McMahon headed into the team final with less than a time fault separating the top four nations.

Germany held the lead following the first two days of jumping on a score of 9.31, Sweden were second on 9.51 and Switzerland next on 9.92. The Irish team was just outside of the top three on 10.00 with over a fence in hand ahead of Austria in fifth place.

Clear for Michael Duffy and Cinca 3

Galway’s Michael Duffy was first into the arena for Ireland, riding the 14-year-old grey mare Cinca 3. This combination had jumped two clear rounds on Wednesday and Thursday.

This excellent form continued as they again went clear to give Ireland a brilliant start.

Germany’s first line rider Marcus Ehning withdrew from competition, while the final fence fell for Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann. A clear round from Steve Guerdat got Switzerland off to a strong start.

Trevor Breen and Highland President

Trevor Breen was next in for Ireland with Highland President. The Tipperary rider and the 11-year-old gelding were unlucky to roll the final part of the combination, but the result was enough to help move Ireland up to third spot overall.

At the half way stage Ireland were in bronze medal position as Germany dropped to fourth following a fence down for Philipp Weishaupt.

Sweden moved to top spot with a clear from Wilma Hellström, while Switzerland held second though they had two fences down from Bryan Balsiger.

Four faults for Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and the Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz were unlucky to add four faults as Sweden extended their lead with a Jens Fredricson clear.

Despite the four faults from Sweetnam, Ireland actually moved into the silver medal position on a score of 14. Switzerland’s third rider, Edouard Schmitz, had three fences down, forcing them to count Balsiger’s eight faults and putting the Swiss on a team score of 17.92.

Ireland move into silver medal position

Tipperary’s Eoin McMahon and the 11-year-old grey mare Mila had one fence down, leaving Ireland on 18 faults in third place.

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs needed to jump clear to hold onto the silver medal, but eight faults from the Swiss saw Michael Blake’s Ireland side move up to second.

Sweden claimed the gold medal and European title on a team score of 9.51, with three of their four riders jumping clear. Ireland took silver with Austria third, ahead of Germany in fourth and Spain in fifth.

Liverpool’s Rejection of Al-Ittihad’s Offer for Mohamed Salah

Liverpool recently received and declined an initial substantial offer from Al-Ittihad for their star player, Mohamed Salah.

The offer amounted to £100 million, with the potential to escalate to an impressive £150 million when considering additional add-ons.

Mike Gordon’s Response and Liverpool’s Firm Stand

This proposal was conveyed to Mike Gordon, who serves as the president of Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, during a phone call on a Thursday night. Gordon promptly rejected the offer and reiterated Liverpool’s unwavering stance that Salah is not available for transfer.

Al-Ittihad’s Ongoing Pursuit

Despite the rejection, it is expected that Al-Ittihad will persist in their pursuit of the Egyptian international. Their efforts are likely to continue until the conclusion of the Saudi transfer window later this month.

Salah’s Contract and Commitment to Liverpool

Notably, Mohamed Salah, at the age of 31, still has two years remaining on his contract, which was extended to a lucrative £350,000 per week just last year. His agent, Ramy Abbas, has been vocal in asserting that this contract renewal would not have occurred if Salah had any intentions of leaving. It underscores Salah’s steadfast commitment to Liverpool.

Jürgen Klopp’s Response and Concerns

Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, addressed the situation on Friday morning. He claimed to be unaware of any bids for his star forward but acknowledged the gravity of the threat posed by the Saudi Pro League to the European transfer market.

Klopp also highlighted the recent departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Middle East due to lucrative offers this summer. He expressed concerns about the evolving landscape of football transfers and suggested that governing bodies like Uefa or Fifa should closely monitor these developments to protect the integrity of the sport.

“We are still a bit surprised by the activity from Saudi Arabia. I don’t know where it will lead to but it feels rather like a threat or a concern than not. I don’t see how we really deny it. The difference in contracts is so big it will cause conflict 100%.”

Vera Pauw criticises FAI and has no issues with Katie McCabe

Former Republic of Ireland manager, Vera Pauw, has expressed strong criticism of the FAI’s review process, which ultimately led to the decision not to renew her contract for the World Cup qualification campaign.

Allegations of Staff Discontent

During an interview on RTÉ Radio’s News at One, Pauw also revealed that some of her staff members had turned against her during the final weeks of her tenure.

Communication Breakdown

Pauw emphasized that the situation could have been avoided if the FAI had informed her about their non-renewal decision prior to the World Cup. She felt that events were unfolding behind her back, without her knowledge.

Flaws in the FAI Review

Pauw did not hold back in her criticism of the FAI review, describing it as “highly flawed” and pointing out unsettling developments that she discovered happening behind the scenes, including within her own staff.

No Bad Blood with Katie McCabe

Despite an on-field dispute with team captain Katie McCabe during the Nigeria match in Brisbane, Pauw emphasized that there was no lasting animosity between them.

“We’ve spoken for over an hour with each other. We are absolutely fine with each other. I’ve seen a lot on Twitter regarding Katie. I hope that stops now. It’s a young woman that made a mistake. I’ve made mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. She should not be held accountable. I love Katie. Without spark no fire. And without fire no performance. Katie gives us so much. No hard feelings to her at all.”

Richie Hogan, Renowned Hurler with 7 All-Ireland Medals, Announces Retirement

Richie Hogan, Renowned Hurler with 7 All-Ireland Medals, Announces Retirement

After an illustrious career marked by seven All-Ireland hurling medals achieved with Kilkenny, Richie Hogan has officially retired from intercounty hurling at the age of 35.

A four-time All-Star recipient and the Hurler of the Year in 2014, Hogan’s remarkable journey also includes securing an impressive 12 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship titles throughout his celebrated tenure.

“To the people of Kilkenny, thank you for everything. I always think of how lucky I was to be born into a county where my obsession with hurling was equally matched by everyone in our great city,” Hogan said in his retirement statement.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support you have given me through both good and challenging times on the pitch. My body has tried to call time on my career many times over the past few years;but my mind always convinced me that the call to represent you was always greater.”

Liverpool and Brighton’s Europa League Draw: A Glimpse into Their European Campaigns

In a thrilling draw that had football fans around the world on the edge of their seats, the stage is now set for Liverpool and debutants Brighton & Hove Albion in the upcoming Europa League group stage. As the anticipation builds, let’s take a closer look at the groups and the challenges each team will face in their quest for European glory.

Liverpool’s Quest in Group E:

Liverpool, a club with a rich history in European competitions, finds themselves in Group E. Their opponents: LASK, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Toulouse. With three Europa League trophies already in their cabinet, Liverpool is undoubtedly the favorite to top this group. The action begins on September 21st, and fans can’t wait to see the Reds in action once again.

Brighton’s Debut: A Tough Initiation:

For Brighton & Hove Albion, this marks their debut in European competition. The Seagulls have been drawn into Group B, which includes former champions Ajax Amsterdam, three-time finalists Olympique de Marseille, and Greek champions AEK Athens. Brighton faces a formidable challenge, and their journey in Europe begins with high stakes.

Other Notable Groups and Contenders:

The intrigue doesn’t end there. Europa Conference League champions West Ham United find themselves in Group A alongside Olympiacos, Freiburg, and TSC Backa Topola. Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up AS Roma are set to face Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol, and Servette in Group G. In Group H, 1988 winners Bayer Leverkusen of Germany prepare to take on Qarabag, Molde FK, and BK Hacken.

The Road to Round of 16:

As the competition intensifies, remember that the winners of each group will secure a direct ticket to the round of 16, scheduled for February onwards. Group runners-up, on the other hand, will face the playoff round, where they will meet one of the eight teams that have finished third in their groups in the top-tier Champions League.

Europa Conference League Challenges:

The intrigue isn’t limited to the Europa League. Aston Villa, after a 13-year European hiatus, has been drawn into Group E of the Europa Conference League. They will face AZ Alkmaar, Legia Warsaw, and Zrinjski, and the Premier League club is eager to make their mark in this competition. Aberdeen, the only other British club in the Europa Conference League group stage, has been drawn in Group G alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, PAOK Athens, and Helsinki, after a challenging qualifier.

**Conclusion:**
With the paths laid out and the excitement building, the journey through the Europa League and Europa Conference League promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions for football fans. The Aviva Stadium in Dublin eagerly awaits the final showdown on May 22nd, 2023. For Liverpool, Brighton, and the other contenders, the dream of European glory is alive and well, and the stage is set for a season of unforgettable moments.

India’s Diksha Dagar leads KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland

Leona Maguire 2 — Leona Maguire is six shots off the lead after round one of the KPMG Women's Irish Open at Dromoland Castle. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar leads the KPMG Women’s Irish Open after round one, with Olivia Mehaffy leading the Irish challenge.

Twenty-two year old Diksha Dagar shot a bogey-free round of seven under par to sign for a 65 at Dromoland Castle on Thursday. She holds a one-shot lead over Gurleen Kaur from the United States and Emma Grechi of France.

Mehaffy leading Irish player

County Down’s Olivia Mehaffy is the leading Irish golfer following her three under par opening round of 69. Her round included six birdies and three bogeys, leaving her four shots behind the overnight leader.

Cavan’s Leona Maguire is six shots behind first round leader Diksha Dagar after a one under par round of 71. Despite birdies at four, five and six, Maguire dropped a shot at the par-four eighth, having already bogeyed the eighth holes she played, which was the par-three 17th.

Other Irish Scores

Meath amateur Kate Lanigan carded a level-par 72 on Thursday, while Beth Coulter and Emma Fleming shot 73s.

Áine Donegan and Sarah Byrne both signed for 74s.

Victoria Craig is four-over par, the same score as Olivia Costello, while Aideen Walsh is six over after the opening round at Dromoland Castle.

Investec Joins Forces with EPCR: A New Era for Club Rugby

In a monumental stride for club rugby, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and Investec have unveiled a dynamic partnership that is set to reshape the landscape of the sport.

The announcement, made on Thursday, 31st August, marks Investec as the title partner of the prestigious Investec Champions Cup – a revered tournament renowned for its global appeal and unparalleled competitiveness. With this collaboration spanning the next five years, rugby enthusiasts can anticipate a series of transformative changes that will leave an indelible mark on the game.

Elevating Club Rugby to New Heights

The Investec Champions Cup, already recognized as the world’s foremost club rugby competition, is about to witness a new era of growth and excellence. EPCR and Investec’s partnership will herald the dawn of a series of innovative initiatives aimed at propelling club rugby to unprecedented heights. The tournament’s spotlight will remain on the top eight clubs from each of the three leagues: Premiership Rugby, the Top 14, and the United Rugby Championship. This expansive representation encompasses clubs not only from Europe but also from the dynamic rugby landscape of South Africa.

A Sustainable Journey towards Excellence

A core pillar of this partnership is a steadfast commitment to sustainability. EPCR and Investec are unwavering in their resolve to transform the Investec Champions Cup into a carbon-neutral event. This ambitious endeavor aligns seamlessly with EPCR’s recently launched sustainability strategy, impACT. By adopting eco-friendly practices and embracing innovation, the partners aim to set a new standard for environmentally conscious sporting events.

Empowering Women’s Rugby and Financial Innovation

Beyond sustainability, the EPCR-Investec partnership brings forth a resolute focus on empowering women’s rugby. By investing in and advancing the women’s game, the collaborators seek to champion gender equality within the sport. Additionally, a pioneering drive to develop innovative financial solutions and wellness programs tailored to players will be a cornerstone of this partnership. This holistic approach demonstrates a commitment to players’ well-being both on and off the field.

A Legacy of Excellence in Sponsorship

Investec’s alignment with EPCR marks a triumphant return to the world of rugby sponsorship. Building upon its storied history of innovative partnerships across men’s and women’s sports, arts, and culture, Investec’s involvement in rugby has been truly transformative. From supporting England Rugby to contributing to the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa, Investec’s legacy is one of elevating sports to new heights.

Embracing Excellence and Vision

The Investec Champions Cup epitomizes the pursuit of excellence, energy, and exceptional talent. This renewed partnership between EPCR and Investec signifies a shared vision to cultivate enduring relationships and deliver extraordinary outcomes. As the world watches and anticipates the unfolding of this promising collaboration, rugby enthusiasts can only look forward to a new era of exceptional sporting achievement.

In the words of EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay, “Our combined passion for the game will enable us to deliver our new ambitious strategy for the Investec Champions Cup as we seek to grow our audiences further around the world in an intentional and sustainable way.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound impact that this partnership is poised to make on the world of club rugby.

With Investec Chief Marketing Officer, Abey Mokgwatsane, stating, “The Investec Champions Cup embodies Out of the Ordinary sporting achievement and is a fantastic platform to further innovate in diversity, sustainability, and financial solutions,” the stage is set for an extraordinary journey that will leave an indelible mark on the world of rugby.

Decoding Success: NFL Point Spread Betting Strategies and College Football Odds

Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of NFL point spread betting? This exhilarating form of wagering has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil effective strategies, delve into trends, and even touch upon college football odds. Get ready to enhance your betting prowess and ride the waves of NFL excitement.

Understanding Point Spread Betting

Point Spread Betting Explained

Point spread betting is a cornerstone of NFL wagering. It adds an exciting twist to the game by handicapping the favored team and giving the underdog a virtual head start. The point spread is essentially a margin set by oddsmakers to level the playing field. When you place a point spread bet, you’re not just predicting the winner; you’re also forecasting the margin of victory.

Why Point Spread Betting Is Popular

Point spread betting’s popularity lies in its balanced odds and college football lines. It creates a scenario where both teams have close-to-even chances of attracting bettors, offering a level playing field for wagering enthusiasts. This balance opens up various strategic avenues for bettors to explore, making it a game of skill as much as chance.

Key Strategies for Successful Point Spread Betting

Analyzing Team Performance

Delve into teams’ recent performances, not just in terms of wins and losses but also how they perform against the spread. Assess their offensive and defensive strategies, player injuries, and the impact of home-field advantage.

Tracking Trends

Trends reveal valuable insights into team dynamics and performance. Explore trends in teams’ point spread records, their consistency in covering the spread, and how they fare in different weather conditions or against specific opponents.

Weather and Game Conditions

Weather can drastically influence game outcomes, affecting scoring and gameplay. Rain, snow, or strong winds can impact passing and kicking, potentially leading to lower scores.

Psychological Factors

Consider the psychological aspect of teams and players. Factors like team morale, rivalries, and a team’s performance in high-pressure situations can play a significant role in point spread betting outcomes.

Navigating Trends in NFL Point Spread Betting

Rise of Underdogs: Betting Against the Spread

In recent years, the NFL has witnessed a rise in underdog performances against the spread. This trend showcases the league’s competitive nature and highlights the value in exploring underdog betting opportunities.

Prime Time Point Spread Trends

Prime time games, such as Monday Night Football, exhibit unique point spread trends. Teams often bring their A-game to the spotlight, and understanding these trends can offer a strategic edge.

Impact of Player Injuries on Betting

Player injuries can dramatically alter a team’s performance and point spread prospects. Keeping a close eye on injury reports and understanding their potential impact is a smart move.

Insights from College Football Odds

Comparing NFL and College Football Odds

While point spread betting principles remain similar, there are nuances between NFL and college football odds. Understanding these differences is crucial for bettors looking to expand their wagering horizons.

Volatile Nature of College Football

College football’s reputation for unpredictable outcomes and volatile point spreads creates a dynamic environment where savvy bettors can capitalize on shifting NCAA football odds and make informed wagering decisions.

The Role of Home Field Advantage

Home field advantage holds varying weight in college football compared to the NFL. Factors like crowd influence and travel distance play a significant role in college games.

Making Informed Bets: A Checklist

Before placing your point spread bets, consider this checklist to maximize your chances of success:

Thorough Research: Analyze team performance, trends, and weather conditions.
Bankroll Management: Set a budget for betting to ensure responsible wagering.
Line Shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value.
Stay Informed: Keep up with injury reports, team news, and expert analyses.
Embrace Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your strategy based on evolving trends and circumstances.

Elevate Your Betting Game Today!

As you embark on your NFL point spread betting journey, remember that success comes with a blend of knowledge, strategy, and intuition. By understanding the intricacies of point spread betting, tracking trends, and exploring college football odds, you’re arming yourself with a winning formula. So, take the plunge into this electrifying world of sports betting and watch your passion turn into informed victories.

Revealing the Enigma: Decoding Horse Racing Betting and Mastering Breeders Cup Picks

060A8583 (1) — Ushba Tesoro wins the Dubai World Cup. Credit: Dubai Racing Club.

Welcome to the exhilarating universe of horse racing betting, where anticipation and excitement converge to create an electrifying experience like no other. If you’ve ever wondered how to decipher the complexities of horse racing bets and gain an edge in this thrilling realm, you’ve come to the right place.

Get ready to embark on a comprehensive journey through the ins and outs of horse racing betting, all while discovering valuable insights like expert Breeders Cup picks that could make all the difference in your wagering success.

Understanding Horse Racing Betting: The Basics You Need

Placing Your Bets: Straightforward Yet Intricate

At its core, horse racing betting involves predicting the outcome of a race and placing a wager accordingly. It might seem simple, but beneath the surface lies a realm of nuances. From the classic Win, Place, and Show bets to more complex exotic bets like Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta, each bet type offers a unique thrill and potential payout. Delve into our guide to grasp the intricacies of each bet and determine which ones align with your betting style.

Cracking the Odds: The Science Behind Winning

Odds are the heartbeat of horse racing betting. They reflect the bookmakers’ predictions of a horse’s likelihood to win, based on factors like past performances, track conditions, jockey skills, and more. Demystify the world of odds, explore the concept of probability, and learn how to decipher the odds to make informed betting decisions that could lead to triumphant victories.

The Role of Handicapping: Your Ticket to Informed Bets

Handicapping is the art of analyzing and assessing horses’ abilities and potential outcomes. From studying a horse’s past performances to evaluating its pedigree and understanding track conditions, handicapping equips you with the tools to make strategic bets.

Uncover the methodologies of successful handicappers, and discover how to create your own system for evaluating horses, leading you to well-calculated bets with a higher likelihood of success.

Mastering Strategies: Elevate Your Betting Game

Bankroll Management: Safeguarding Your Wagers

In the world of horse racing betting, managing your bankroll is paramount. Without a solid bankroll strategy, even the most promising bets can lead to losses that sting.

Learn the art of bankroll management, set realistic betting limits, and discover how to allocate your funds wisely across different bet types, ensuring you stay in the game for the long haul.

Embracing Exotic Bets: Pursuing Bigger Rewards

While Win, Place, and Show bets are the bread and butter of horse racing betting, exotic bets offer an enticing path to bigger payouts. From the Exacta, where you predict the top two horses in order, to the Superfecta, where you forecast the first four horses in the correct sequence, exotic bets can be both thrilling and lucrative. Unlock the secrets of mastering exotic bets, and uncover strategies that could potentially lead to substantial winnings.

Breeders Cup Picks: Navigating the Championship Races

The Prestige of the Breeders Cup: A Global Showcase

The Breeders Cup stands as the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing, attracting the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world. This prestigious event comprises a series of championship races, each carrying its own weight of excitement and anticipation. Discover the history and significance of the Breeders Cup, and gain insights into how to approach betting on these high-stakes races.

Unveiling Breeders Cup Picks: Expert Insights at Your Fingertips

For both novice and seasoned bettors, accessing expert picks for the Breeders Cup can be a game-changer. With in-depth analysis from professionals who have dedicated their lives to studying horse racing, these picks can provide valuable guidance in your betting endeavors.

Learn where to find reputable sources for Breeders Cup picks and understand how to incorporate them into your betting strategy to enhance your odds of success.

Seizing the Winning Moments: Your Betting Journey Begins

As you immerse yourself in the world of horse racing betting, armed with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals and strategies, you’re poised to make educated and thrilling wagers. Whether you’re drawn to the classic bets or enticed by the allure of exotic bets, your journey is just beginning.

With the Breeders Cup picks in your arsenal, you’re equipped to navigate the championship races with confidence, aiming for those exhilarating moments of victory that make horse racing betting an unparalleled adventure.