Home Blog Page 300

Olympic Boxing: Walsh secures medal, Harrington dominates first bout

Team Ireland had two strong boxers, Kellie Harrington and Aidan Walsh, in action early this morning from the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo

Women’s Lightweight (57-60kg) – Round of 16

Kellie Harrington (Ireland) v Rebecca Nicoli (Italy)

Harrington has had to wait a week but has finally done her first bout at Tokyo 2020 and looked as calm and collected as ever.

Ireland’s flag bearer was to face Italy’s 21-year-old boxer Nicoli in her first fight. The Irish fighter had a slight height and reach advantage over the Italian but also comes in as one of the favourites to claim a medal at these Games.

The first round went as expected, Harrington played her game by keeping her distance from her opponent, making strong combos and ducking out before the Italian could strike.

Harrington dominated the round and it was reflected in the judges scores with her unanimously winning.

The Irish woman slowed from her usual high tempo in the second round as Nicoli became more attacking. Instead, Harrington changed to using quick punches while keeping her head moving.

She adapted perfectly to the situation and won all the judges votes again in that round all but guaranteeing her place in the quarterfinals.

Round three and Harrington continued to show her class. She never seemed tired, barely breaking a sweat as she landed punch after punch on her opponent.

In one of the most dominant displays of any boxer so far at the Olympics, Harrington took a clean sweep of all the judges scores, winning the bout over Nicoli 5-0.

The Irish boxer will now face Algeria’s Imane Khelif in the quarterfinals, one fight away from guaranteeing at least a bronze medal for herself.

The quarterfinal bout will take place at 04:35 on Tuesday, 3rd August.

Men’s Welterweight (63-69kg) – Quarterfinal

Aidan Walsh (Ireland) v Merven Clair (Mauritius)

Aidan Walsh qualified for the quarterfinal by easily beating Cameroon’s Mengue Ayissi three days ago. His opponent Clair beat Canada’s Sanford and Jordan’s Eashash already in the tournament.

This would be a big step up from his last bout but Walsh seemed confident that he could get himself into a medal position.

The fight started cagey with both boxers not wanted to leave themselves open and choosing to make fast swings from distances. Walsh, always on his toes, seemed to be the much faster athlete, continuously ducking and dodging while leaving hits on the Mauritius man.

The Irish boxer ended the round with a unanimous vote in his favour.

The second round continued in the same vein but Walsh did not slow down. Clair knew he needed to step up or this would be the end of his Olympics but the Irish man kept eluding him.

The second round had Walsh winning 30-28 on three of the judges scores meaning except for something special, he would be going through.

The third round was one for only the diehard fans as Walsh wanted to run down the clock with little incident. He received two warnings from the referee for inactivity but that would not faze him, leaving Clair with little to do.

The final bell rang out and Walsh’s hand was raised, winning 4-1 on a split decision. This means that Ireland now have their first medallist in the boxing.

We will have to wait until he faces Team GB’s Pat McCormack to see if it will be a bronze medal or the chance of silver or gold.

That fight will take place at 04:03 on Sunday, 1st August.

Ireland’s other boxer Kurt Walker will also fight against USA’s Duke Ragan on Sunday at 03:30.

Olympic Sailing: Murphy narrowly misses out, 49ers pair in tough position

This has been a very mixed two days for Team Ireland on the sailing circuit at Enoshima and Kamakura between Annalise Murphy and the men’s 49er

Laser Radial Women Race 9/10 – Annalise Murphy

Murphy came into this morning’s races seemingly back on he usual form after finishing first and second in her last two races. Due to her bad luck and form and the beginning of the competition she sat in 14th place overall in the rankings.

If she managed to pull off two more great performances today she would be in with a shout of the ten-team medal race.

The wind had slowed to eight knots but it remained hot in Enoshima with 27 degree temperatures and 80 percent humidity.

Race nine seemed like a bridge too far for Murphy as she dropped back to 30th place effectively leaving her knocked out.

Race ten took place an hour later and Murphy started poorly again, she finished her final race of Tokyo 2020 down in 40th place.

This ends a disappointing run at the Olympics for the 31-year-old who only briefly showed her true quality in yesterday’s races finishing first and second.

 

49er Men Race 7/8/9 – Robert Dickson, Sean Waddilove

This Irish pair were looking to be having a great Olympics so far until yesterday’s second and sixth place finishes were disqualified for using a harness that was too heavy.

This dropped them in the rankings from seventh to 13th with an uphill battle to reach the medal race in a few days time.

The Irish pair lined up in slightly hotter conditions of 29 degrees in Kamakura.

In race seven they showed some of the form that saw them so highly ranked before as they fought for an eight place finish.

This was following by race eight that saw them drop all the way back to eighteenth while the Australian’s received a ‘U’ Flag disqualification.

This left a lot of pressure on their final go of the day in race nine. The pair bounced back to come home in ninth place. This now leave them with an overall ranking of 14th leaving it all to do in the last three races.

Ireland’s last day of sailing will take place tomorrow morning at 04:05 with the 49er team competing in race 10, 11 and 12. They will need to but everything into it to make the medal race.

 

Thomas Barr Into Semis As Team Ireland Start Track Events

Team Ireland track athlete Thomas Barr came second in his heat to confirm a spot in the Men’s 400m Hurdles semi-finals on Friday morning.

An impressive finish brought the Irishman up to fourth in heat three and granted him a time of 49.02, behind only Norway’s Karsten Warholm – the athlete expected to win the heat.

The top four spots granted athletes automatic qualification into the semi-finals with Barr among them and guaranteed a decent starting spot in the race.

The Rio Olympics fourth placer qualified 11th-fastest in the heats on what is seen as a quick track but his second-place finish is the one that matters as they grant starting positions based on the latter.

The Irishman’s time bodes well for him as he looks set to fall into the pattern of progression throughout each round at previous championships.

His times from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Berlin 2018 showcase increased speed after every race.

The 29-year-old began Rio 2016 with a time of 48.93 and shaved almost a second of it by the time he crossed the line in the final race to take fourth – he ran a personal best of 47.97.

Berlin 2018 also followed a similar pattern, with his semi-final time being identical to his time in Rio – 48.39.

Earlier, three other Team Ireland athletes took the track – Nadia Power, Louise Shanahan and Siofra Cleirigh-Butler all finished seventh in their heats in their respective events.

Power ran the Women’s 800m in heat two in a time of 2:03.04 with Shanahan getting over the line half a second slower in the succeeding heat.

Cleirigh-Butler was a second behind the pair after her run in heat four, crossing the line after 2:04.62.

All the athletes ran in very humid conditions at the new Olympic Stadium, built on the same site as the old 1964 Olympic Stadium.

The Men’s 400m Hurdles semi-finals will take place on Sunday, August 1st with the first of three starting at the later time of 1:05 pm.

Basketball Ireland Appoint Paddy Boyd As Interim CEO

Basketball Ireland has announced that they have appointed Paddy Boyd as interim CEO of the sports governing body with immediate effect.

The role was vacated by former CEO Brendan O’Byrne after he came under fire for a social media comment.

Boyd has experience in the position with other Irish National Governing Bodies, having also performed the role with Irish Sailing, Canoeing Ireland and the Camogie Association and is also a former CEO of Sail Canada.

Boyd will take up the position with Basketball Ireland on a part-time basis, alongside his current role as CEO of Pentathlon Ireland, a position that he has held since May 2018.

His experience totals to over 30 years in the position with his first role beginning in 1988.

Speaking about his appointment, Paddy Boyd said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with Basketball Ireland on an interim basis. It’s Ireland’s biggest indoor sport and has shown incredible growth over the last number of years. During my time I will strive to keep this positive momentum going until the permanent CEO is appointed.”

The Ireland Women’s national basketball team recently finished runners-up in the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries in Cyprus, missing out on their first-ever triumph.

The men are set to kick off their Euros for Small Countries campaign, which will be hosted in Limerick at the University of Limerick’s UL Sport Arena on Tuesday, August 10th.

Basketball Ireland CEO, Paul McDevitt, said: “Paddy’s experience as an NGB CEO is without question and his expertise will help Basketball Ireland during a busy period for our sport. Our international teams back are in action, we’re hosting the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries and we’re gearing up for the return to indoor sport, preparing for the 2021/22 season.

“We have begun the recruitment process to find a permanent CEO and it’s a position we expect to receive a high calibre of applicants for a hugely attractive position in Irish sport.”

Betting 101: A Guide to Sports Betting

Gambling has been around for centuries, evolving to what we know today. Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling loved by avid sporting fans. It is defined as placing a real money wager on the outcomes of a sport.

It is now one of the most exciting ways for fans to enjoy the game. If you are a newbie to sports betting, you might be confused by the lingo you encounter. Well, this quick guide is here to help! We have compiled a short-detailed guide to sports betting for novices. 

How to Read Sports Odds

For starters, you will need to know how to read the sports odds before you can place a bet. There are three formats in which odds are displayed: American, Decimal, or Fraction odds. Knowing how to read odds is vital in that they indicate possible payout you could win and show your probability of the outcome you are deciding to choose. Select the odds with the highest value. However, you should know that the game’s results are affected by many factors. Solely relying on the odds is not advisable. The + or – on the betting line will show you which is the favorite and the underdog.

Types of Sports Bets you can Place

Moneyline

Moneyline bets require you to choose the winner of the game. You have to know when it comes to moneylines that sportsbooks will assign favorites a minus designation. For instance, you will be risking $200 to win $100. Underdogs are not expected to win; therefore, the payout is higher if they do best. It would help if you used moneylines when betting on low-scoring sports. 

Betting against Spread 

Spread bets are a wager on a team’s margin of victory. Spreads are one type of bet in which you are guaranteed that the cashback is great. The underdog is the team that receives points, while the favorite team is the giver. A push means that the favorites win by precisely the number of points indicated by the sportsbooks. In this case, your wager is refunded. If your team wins by more points, you “cover” your bet, and when they win by fewer points, you automatically lose the bet. 

Over/Under Betting

Sportsbooks will set a total number of points which they think teams will cumulatively score in that game. You will have to decide whether the totals will exceed or be less than the set target. It would help if you do some due diligence and research on the teams in question and the strategies they use to play. Of course, there is an element of luck to win!

Managing your Cash as you Bet

Remember that you are placing bets with real cash. So, you have to balance between being mathematically precise and knowledgeable in sports. It is very easy to go bankrupt if you aren’t disciplined enough to bet with your head!
The amount of money you decide to deposit in your sportsbook should depend on your financial situation and the amount of money you are comfortable losing. Next, you should decide on a preferable and manageable unit size that you will use to wager on events. Since sports betting is highly dynamic, constant re-evaluation of your bankroll is advisable.
In other words, be savvy as you bet!

 

Tip: Know your strengths and weaknesses

Since you have real money at stake, you need to track your progress and assess whether you are winning or losing money. Carry out a self-evaluation and ask yourself which teams you are most comfortable betting on and more knowledgeable. The good thing is that there are applications that can help keep track of your bet cover probability and odds shopping. You can use them to manage your cash and maximize your profits. 

Common Sportsbooks Rules 

Sportsbooks set rules to remain legitimate and be allowed to stay in the market. Failure to adhere to these rules may mean that you miss out on your payout. Betting on correlated events, for instance, placing a wager on both point spreads and totals of the same event, is not allowed. Online sportsbooks will not accept any bet placed after the commencement of a game, so be sure you place your wagers before the game starts. Your wager will be rejected if there is a significant change in odds between the time of bet submission and acceptance. 
In most cases, you should not be less than 18 years old to participate. You will be required to verify your identity before any transaction can be done on legit gambling sites

Shortcomings on your side or technical errors in the sportsbooks’ system can lead to cancellations of bets. If your sportsbook offers accidental odds, they will be obliged to cancel the wager for anyone who had placed a bet. Sportsbooks will also cancel bets of wagers that are difficult to quantify. In the rare event that a sportsbook detects rigging or any other suspicious activity, they have a right to declare these bets null and void. If you construct your parlay in a manner that goes against the rules, your bet will also likely be canceled. 

Wrap up

Sports betting has a plethora of advantages, including the fact that it is convenient and can be done in the comfort of your home. Betting is exhilarating, and it is a great pastime that can potentially earn you some good cash. You control this hobby and can choose to bet as frequently as you like, only wagering money that you are comfortable losing. 

Shane Ryan Breaks Irish Senior Record In 100m Butterfly

Team Ireland swimmer Shane Ryan has set a new Irish senior record in the Men’s 100m Butterfly Heats with a time of 52.52.

The tie was enough for fourth place in his heat and an 11-place jump in the 100m Butterfly rankings but he missed out on a semi-final spot.

Ryan beat fellow Olympian Brendan Hyland’s record of 52.58 that he had held since December, achieved in a race in which he beat Ryan.

Hyland had also owned the record previous to that, which he set back in 2018 at the National Championships.

The Irish swimmer started the race strong and was fourth after the first length.

He finished off a consistent and strong swim to seal the Irish senior record and bring the curtains down on his Tokyo 2020 journey.

Ryan becomes the fourth Irish swimmer to set a new Irish senior record at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

It’s a suitable high-note to bring his second Olympic Games to a close after having to pull out of his main event, the 100m backstroke, due to injury.

The 27-year-old had been forced to pull out after suffering from persistent shoulder pain.

Ryan had also competed in the Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay alongside Hyland, Finn McGeever and Jack McMillan.

The group finished eighth in their semi-final and fourteenth overall.

The swimmer noted that he wanted to enjoy a stress-free swim in his final event after the time that he has had.

“I’m super happy to end on that, especially with all of the injuries I’ve been going through,” Ryan told RTÉ after the race.

“I never swam it like that before and I think I have a lot more to offer.”

Ryan’s head will now turn towards qualification Paris 2024 as the Ben Higson product will aim to represent his country at the third consecutive Olympic Games.

Ten Most Expensive Signings in Premier League History

Who are the ten most expensive signings in Premier League History?

With the recent signing of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United after a lengthy transfer saga lasting more than 16 months, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally got the winger his side has needed.

Since United appointed Solskjaer in 2018, he has made some inspired arrivals that have cost a fortune.

Sancho’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund has increased the overall expenditure of the most lucrative signings in Premier League history.

As it stands Manchester United have the most signings in the top ten, with five.

Chelsea is in second with two big-name signings, both of which were made in the past 3 years.

Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all make up the rest of the top ten with one signing a piece.

Making the overall expenditure of the ten most expensive signings in Premier League history reach £740 million.

But who makes up the current top ten? Who has cost the most in English top-flight history with Sancho now making the list?

10. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid to Manchester United in 2014) – £67 million

The Argentinian winger was coming off a sensational 2013/2014 season for Los Blancos, contributing to 36 goals in 53 appearances.

He made the world take notice of his talent in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, putting in a man of the match performance which saw him lift his first Champions League title.

Louis Van Gaal signed the winger in the summer of that season, and he immediately hit the ground running.

Contributing to 7 goals in 10 games, and scoring a wonder goal against Leicester.

After injuries, he never seemed to adapt to the league itself and immediately left for PSG after one season. Only making 27 appearances for United.

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg to Manchester City in 2015) – £68 million

After leaving Chelsea under manager Jose Mourinho, De Bruyne left for German outfit Wolfsburg at the age of 24.

His best season is the 2014/2015 one, scoring 16 goals and assisting 28 in 51 games made Man City jump at the chance to bring him back to England.

Since his arrival, he has become the best midfielder in world football. Winning 3 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup and 5 League Cups.

Along with these trophies, he has been named as Manchester City’s Player of the Season (3 times), FIFA FIFPro World 11 (1 time), UEFA Team of the Year (3 times), ESM Team of the Year (3 times), PFA Premier League Team of the Year (3 times), Premier League Playmaker of the Season (2 times), Premier League Player of the season in 2019/2020 as well as picking up the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2 times).

Making him on the most expensive midfield signings in Premier League history, bit one worth the price tag.

8. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018) – £72 million

In the summer of 2018, Chelsea lost goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid in the final few days of the transfer window.

August 18th, saw Chelsea sign the young keeper for a world-record fee for a goalkeeper, beating out Liverpool’s then world-record fee for Alisson.

Signing the 24-year-old keeper for £72 million who was an unknown and on a 7-year contract was risky for the London club.

His first season was a mixed one. Performance-wise he performed adequately, keeping 23 clean sheets and making some good saves.

Winning the Europa League, but causing controversy in the League Cup Final against Manchester City. Refusing to be substituted by then manager Maurizio Sarri before a penalty-shoot out.

He suffered to gain form during his second season under Frank Lampard and was dropped for the remainder of the season.

Now playing second fiddle to Édouard Mendy, he has been rumoured to be leaving Chelsea, with a return back to Spain the most likely destination.

7. Nicolas Pépé (LOSC Lille to Arsenal in 2019) – £72 million

Under Unai Emery, Arsenal was looking for a marquee signing. Having failed with a summer-long attempt to lure Wilfred Zaha to the Emirates. They turned their attention to France.

Winger Nicolas Pépé arrived in London in the summer of 2019, with massive hype. Contributing to 35 goals in 41 assists in his final season with Lille.

His first season with Arsenal was respectable, with 18 goals and assists in 42 games, and winning the FA Cup.

Coming under criticism for his performances since his arrival, with some lacklustre games making fans and pundits call him ”overrated”

However, he fared slightly better statistically in his second season, getting 21 goals and assists in 47 games, impressing towards the end of the season.

6. Kai Havertz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Chelsea in 2020) – £72 million

Chelsea’s incredible transfer haul in the 2020 summer transfer window saw the London club spend up to £225 million on 5 high calibre players.

With German ”generational talent” Kai Havertz topping off a great window.

The 21-year-old midfielder took time to adapt under Frank Lampard, after a solid performance away to Burnley, he tested positive for Coronavirus and suffered from ”long Covid” for many months.

Contributing to 18 goals all season, playing very well towards the end of last season under Thomas Tuchel, playing as a false 9.

Scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final and putting in a star performance.

5. Virgil Van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool in 2018) – £75 million

Liverpool made a statement of intent in the January transfer window, signing centre-back Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton.

Becoming one of the most expensive defensive signings in Premier League history.

The previous transfer window saw Liverpool having to end their interest after reportedly ”tapping up” the player.

They ultimately signed him for a then world-record fee and has become the best centre-back in world football.

Winning the Champions League and Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years while putting in colossus performances.

Missing the whole of last season through injury saw Liverpool fall off massively. He will return for the upcoming season with Ibrahima Konate by his side.

4. Romelu Lukaku (Everton to Manchester United in 2017) – £75 million

Then Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho made a statement with the signing of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Beating Chelsea to his signature in the summer of 2017 was a big coup for the club and in his first season, he contributed to 36 goals in 51 appearances.

In the 2018/2019 season, his numbers and performances dwindled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, being played out of position ultimately saw him depart to Italy.

Inter Milan under Antonio Conte transformed Lukaku’s game, notching up 80 goal contributions in 95 games. Winning his first league title in the process.

3. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United in 2021) – £76 million

One of the most drawn-out transfer saga’s of recent history has seen Manchester United fill in the gap they have needed to fill for many years.

Capturing one of the world’s most talented young players will make them title challengers going forward.

Leaving Manchester City under Pep Guardiola for more game time saw him leave for German outfit Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Notching up 121 goal contributions in 146 games, all in the space of 4 years is remarkable for a 21-year-old.

His arrival in England will be one to look out for, being touted as the next Man United number 7 will be a daunting task, but given his talent and age, he will go on to do big things.

2. Harry Maguire (Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019) – £80 million

 

The much-maligned English centre-back has come under criticism for his performances since his world-record fee for a defender in the summer of 2019.

Solidly performing for Leicester, saw United gain interest, finally agreeing to their wanted £80 million fees after months of talks.

A standout for England during their European Championship campaign, the United captain is now highly respected as a competent defender.

1. Paul Pogba (Juventus to Manchester United in 2016) – £90 million

The French midfielder left Man United under Sir Alex Ferguson as a youth team player, making his name in Serie A with Juventus made him one of the best midfielders in the world at the age of 23.

United pounced at the opportunity to re-sign the midfielder with a record £90 million in fees in the summer of 2016.

Never fully performing the best to his ability in a United shirt.

Pogba has been a figure of ridicule for many outside influences, with his dancing, ghosting of games and use of social media has made him a controversial figure.

His international performances have seen him win a World Cup in 2018 and he is now reported to be leaving Manchester United after rejecting to sign a new deal.

For more news and opinions on the Premier League take a read here.

 

McIlroy & Lowry Underwhelm As Lightning Strikes

Team Ireland golfers Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry kicked off their Olympic careers when they teed-off on Thursday morning but they underwhelmed in the first round while lightning struck during their 18 holes.

McIlroy sits joint-20th after his opening round which saw the Northern Irish golfer finish two-under-par.

Lowry ended the first day just one shot behind his Team Ireland teammate on -1.

McIlroy began his day at the Kasumigaseki Country Club with two birdies in his first four shots but a bogey on the sixth hole pegged him back a little.

The 32-year-old managed two birdies and a bogey on the back nine to finish on 69, an unremarkable score considering leader Sepp Straka got a 63.

His final shots were delayed after play was stopped due to lightning but the Holywood professional was able to get back onto the course and finish his day.

The 19-time PGA Tour winner put up some impressive numbers on his drives throughout the day.

Shane Lowry had a relatively uneventful day out on the course in Saitama, posting two birdies, one bogey and parring the other holes.

A steady, if unspectacular first day from the Offalyman has him seven shots off the pace.

The highlight of Lowry’s performance was a late birdie on hole 16 to bring himself under par again after going even with a bogey a couple of shots earlier.

The equal scores of 35 on both sides of the course ensured the 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year ended his first round with a chance to chase the pack.

However, the golfer was disappointed in his first round as an Olympian and understands that the margin of error has narrowed.

The pair will return to the course tomorrow night, or in the early hours of Friday morning, whichever you prefer.

Click here to see the pair’s tee times for Round 2 of the Olympic golf tournament.

Breaking News: Irish Sailing pair on the brink of disqualification

It has been found that Team Ireland’s men’s 49er race team used an illegal harness in their last two races this morning. This could lead to disqualification from those races, effectively ending their Olympics

At 04:05, the men’s pair of Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove got good results, finishing second and sixth in race five and six. At the halfway stage they are ranked at seventh in the competition and looking good to make the medal race.

During the post race checks, it was uncovered that the harnesses used by the pair were 90g, about the weight of six digestive biscuits, overweight. The official regulations state that harnesses must weigh no more than two kilograms.

Ninety grams may not seem like a lot but Olympic sailing is held to very high standard with their specification, in the interest of fairness. Extra weight would give the sailors extra leverage with their turns, giving them an advantage.

This rule break could lead to their Irish teams last two races been disqualified. They will still be able to compete but missing two races will make it virtually impossible to make the medal race.

The Irish team will attempt to appeal the decision but it is looking unlikely that it verdict will side in their favour.

How could something like this happen?

It is said that this harness is not a new piece of equipment and that the team have used it before.

The weighing process consists of the harness being dunked in water and being left hanging on a weighing scales for a minute as the water drips off.

Team Ireland will conduct into this problem as they await the verdict of their appeal.

This looks to be a big hammer blow for the Irish pair as the Olympic sailing committee is normally very strict and concise surrounding their rules.

A decision will be made by the end of this evening with race seven and eight taking place at 04:05 tomorrow morning.

Olympic Sailing: Murphy wins Race 7 on the comeback trail

Irish sailor Annalise Murphy firmly puts last weekends poor results behind her as she wins race seven and comes second in race eight

Laser Radial Women Race 7/8

The 31-year-old has continuously improved as the Tokyo Games have progressed. She came into today’s races ranked 20th after finishing tenth and ninth in her last two races on Tuesday morning.

She showed her real class in Fujisawa in the early hours of today in tough conditions. The 44 sailors had to compete with 13 knots of wind in 28 degree heat but Murphy was unaffected.

In Race seven she earned a well-needed victory over Denmark’s Anne-Marie Rindom and Italy’s Silvia Zennaro. This boosted the Dublin women into rank 18 overall in the competition.

This result boosted her going into race eight less than an hour later. In this race she finished second behind the Danish sailor but it is still a very impressive result.

Now she is ranked at 14th overall in this competition with two races left before the medal race. This will be a nail-biting finish for Murphy as only the top 10 will qualify for the final race so another world-class performance will be needed on the final race day.

Murphy’s final two races will go ahead tomorrow morning at 04:05, 30th July.

49er Men Race 5/6

This was an amazing day of sailing for Ireland as Robert Dickinson and Sean Waddilove tried to out due Murphy in the men’s 49er event.

Yesterday morning, the pair completed race two, three, four and finished 12th, 11th and 12th. Today they stepped up their game massively.

In race five, Dickinson and Waddilove finished second behind the dominant Danish team. Slightly later on in race six, the lads finished sixth in an event won by the Brazilian team.

The Irish pair are now ranked seventh overall in a very tight event where a favourite for gold in still very uncertain.

Their next races will be tomorrow morning at 04:05 as they have a triple header of Race seven, eight and nine. The team still have to compete in six more races over the next two days before a winner will be announced.

1...299300301...574Page 300 of 574

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie