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Blake wins Power & Speed at Tryon with Merveldt 4th in Austria

Co Clare rider David Blake won the $10,000 Power & Speed Stake at Tryon, North Carolina, USA, while Irish Dressage rider Anna Merveldt was fourth in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special at Achleiten in Austria.

Blake, riding Don’t Touch Du Bois, dominated the second phase of the Power and Speed competition as the 11-year-old mare clocked 26.893 seconds to win ahead of Australian Rowan Willis with Wellington Grandorie, who finished in 27.419 seconds. American Daniel Geitner and Vesta De Lavardin were third in 28.404 seconds.

David Blake and Don’t Touch Du Bois won in Tryon, North Carolina. Credit: Sportfot.

Anna Merveldt and the 11-year-old stallion Esporim, with a personal best score in Grand Prix Special of 71.426%, were fourth in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special at Achleiten, Austria, a competition won by Germany’s six-time Olympic Gold medallist, Isabel Werth, with DSP Quantaz on a score of 80.149%.

Anna Merveldt and Esporim. Credit: Joe Reynolds.

Irish competitors will be represented at international shows this weekend, across the USA and Europe.

In showjumping, Irish riders will be in action as St Tropez Grimaud (FRA), Opglabbeek (BEL), Vilamoura (POR), Royan (FRA), Traverse City Michigan (USA), Bonheiden (BEL), Ste Cecile (FRA), Tryon North Carolina (USA) and San Giovanni In Marignano (ITA).

Ireland will also be represented in dressage at Grote-Brogel (BEL), in endurance at Ehrhardt South Carolina (USA) and in driving at Buehl (GER).

Champions League round of 16 get go ahead

The Champions League round of 16 games have been given the go ahead by UEFA it has been announced. The four second leg ties in the round of 16 were subsequently postponed owing to Covid 19. Travel will have to be possible without restrictions.

In a statement UEFA said the Europa League equivalent will also go ahead, with the same rules applying. The games in both competitions will be played behind closed until further notice the European football governing body said.

The games still to be completed are Manchester City v Real Madrid, Bayern Munich v Chelsea, Juventus v Olympique Lyonnais and Barcelona v Napoli. These matches will be played on 7-8 August.  Going by the first league results, City lead Real 2-1, Bayern are 3-0 up against Chelsea, Juventus are behind  Lyon 1-0 while Barca and Napoli are level a goal each.

UEFA have said it will monitor the ongoing pandemic and if plans change between now and August then they will look at moving the matches to Portugal. Stating, “If New events occur that would make it impossible to play one or more matches at the original venues.” The quarter finals of the Champions League have already been pencilled to be played in a mini tournament as such in Portugal. The Europa League will be played in Germany from the quarter-finals onwards also as mini tournament.

UEFA have also said it would be mandatory for all participating teams to follow health guidelines. This sets out sanitary and hygiene-related procedures that have to be adhered to.

Taylor v Persoon fight confirmed for August 22nd

Katie Taylor v Delfine Persoon will take place on August 22nd. It means the Bray women will put her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine title on the line.

It’s a rematch between the two fighters after they met last year in Madison Square Garden in a controversial fight. Taylor got the win on points but on evidence the fight should have gone to Persoon. In fact, Persoon was quite furious after the fight as she believed she had done enough to win the fight.

Katie Taylor was due to meet Amanda Serrano. But a deal failed to materialise. This led to Matchroom Boxing and Taylor’s promoter, Eddie Hearn seesrching elsewhere for a fight for the Bray woman. The fight will now be apart of the Fight Camp, which is a series of fights behind closed doors in Essex in England.

Taylor speaking to the media about the fight said, “With Amanda Serrano not taking the fight I wanted the biggest fight possible in August and I think a second Persoon fight is one that everyone wants to see”. She continued, “I’ve been looking forward to a rematch ever since the first fight and I’m delighted it’s been made”. Taylor stated the first fight between them was “very close” and felt she done enough to win the fight but she will know doubts this time around.

Belgian boxer Persoon was also looking forward to the rematch. She said, “I am ready to get the victory following the injustice last June in New York, not by words but in the ring – I am ready.”

The fight will be on the same card as Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin. The fight will be also be shown on Sky Sports television.

Ryder Cup rescheduled for September 2021

The PGA of America, Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA Tour jointly announced that both The Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup have been rescheduled and will now be played one year later than originally planned.

The 43rd Ryder Cup, scheduled for the week of September 22-27 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA, has been rescheduled for the week of September 21-26, 2021.

Likewise, the 2021 Presidents Cup, initially scheduled for September 30-October 3, 2021 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, will now be played September 19-25, 2022.

Guy Kinnings, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director, said of the decision:

“The Ryder Cup is rightly celebrated as one of the world’s greatest sporting occasions, made special and totally unique in our sport by the fervent atmosphere created by the passionate spectators of both sides.

“While that point is significant, it is not as important as the health of the spectators which, in these difficult times, is always the main consideration. We considered all options including playing with a limited attendance but all our stakeholders agreed this would dilute the magic of this great occasion.”

Irish golfer Pádraig Harrington, Captain of the European Ryder Cup Team, spoke about the change of date for the event, admitting:

“Rescheduling the Ryder Cup was never going to be an easy decision given the many factors to take into consideration. But I believe it is the right assessment given the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this time.

“When you think of the Ryder Cup you think of the distinctive atmosphere generated by the spectators, such as around the first tee at Le Golf National two years ago. If that cannot be responsibly recreated at Whistling Straits in September, then it is correct that we all wait until it can be.”

For Ryder Cup qualifying, both the United States and European teams will revisit their respective selection processes in the near future.

Tickets purchased for The 2020 Ryder Cup via rydercup.com will be automatically valid for the corresponding day(s) in 2021.

With the decision to play The 2020 Ryder Cup in September 2021, all subsequent Ryder Cups after Whistling Straits will also shift to odd years: 2023: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club (Rome); 2025: Bethpage Black (Farmingdale, New York); 2027:Adare Manor (Co. Limerick); 2029: Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska, Minnesota); 2031: Europe (to be determined); 2033: The Olympic Club (San Francisco); 2035: Europe (to be determined); 2037: Congressional Country Club (Bethesda, Maryland).

Champions Cup Final moved from Marseille

The Champions Cup Final has been moved from Marseille. The EPCR confirmed the news on Thursday and have said a new venue is still to be decided on.

The European Professional Club Rugby organisers have said that the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Finals will not take place at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Both finals were due to take place on the weekend of 16th of October, but a new venue will now be required to host the games.

However, it is not all bad news for Marseille, as they will get the chance to host the finals in 2021. The EPCR have also announced that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London will host the 2022 finals. The tickets for this years final will be valid for the 2021 showpiece in Marseille according to the tournament organisers. A refund can also be given if fans can’t travel.

In a statement the EPCR said, “Due to the many uncertainties created by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided that the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals will not now be held in Marseille as planned and the matches will be played at a new venue or venues,”. It continued, “With tens of thousands of fans scheduled to travel to the south of France, the Board of EPCR and the local organising committee have agreed that insufficient safeguards are currently in place during the public health crisis to stage two high-profile matches at the 67,000-capacity Stade Vélodrome”.

“As a consequence, EPCR is currently working with its shareholder leagues and unions to secure an alternative venue or venues for the two finals which will be played on the weekend of 16/17/18 October, and details will be announced as soon as practicable.”

Irish sides Leinster and Ulster are due to play their Champions Cup quarter-finals in September, against Saracens and Toulouse. It is thought the finals will still go ahead on the same weekend of 16th of October.

Taylor looks set for rematch with Persoon

The pride of Bray Katie Taylor looks set for a rematch with Delfine Persoon. The fight although not confirmed will be a rematch of the 2019 bout between the pair, a fight which Taylor won.

The rematch with Persoon looks inevitable with the boxers promoter Eddie Hearn tweeting a link to the Persoon fight last summer, under which Katie Taylor commented “Let’s Go”. Taylor has already been confirmed on the same card as Dillian Whyte v Alex Povetkin on August 22nd. However, her opponent has yet to be announced for this. Katie who was a gold medalist at the London Olympics in 2012 was also due to fight Amanda Serrano in May, however, the deal and arrangement fell through.

Speaking to Sky Sports Eddie Hearn said, “We are working hard on the Taylor versus Persoon rematch for August 22,”. He continued, “Katie wants the biggest fights out there and when [Amanda] Serrano pulled out, Katie immediately asked about the Persoon rematch”. “The first fight was one of the best I’ve ever seen live and as a fan I would love to see it again. Whyte versus Povetkin and Taylor versus Persoon 2 is an epic double header – let’s see if we can get it done.”

Eddie Hearn has said in a recent interview that he and his team have made three offers to Persoon for the fight.” We’ve made three offers to Delfine Persoon. It’s close, it’s close.” Hearn continued, “It’s a much bigger fight because of the controversy from the first fight,”.

He said,” Katie Taylor is a legacy fight. When you look at the world, the only thing I can guarantee Katie Taylor if we can get Persoon over the line is, we can do it now. Can we do it in October or November? I don’t know. But I know we’ve got a slot in August. I think she’ll be up for it.”

 

Betindex.bet: Guardiola is confident that City will participate in the Champions League next year

Pep Guardiola is confident that Manchester City will win the appeal against the two-year ban outside European club tournaments.

The “Citizens” are waiting for the decision of the Sports Arbitration Court (CAS) on July 13. The club was banned outside Europe for two years by UEFA in February after being found guilty of violating the Financial Fair Play rules. Their case was heard by the CAS last month, but the decision was postponed to mid-July. “We’re ready. I have great confidence and trust in the people who will be allowed to play in the Champions League, because we want to participate in the tournament in the coming seasons. On July 13, we will understand the decision, I hope, for the club, all employees, players and staff – to continue to grow as a club in the coming seasons, “said the Spaniard.

 

Beyond these problems, City continue in this year’s edition of the Champions League, which will be renewed in August. The team has a 2-1 lead against Real Madrid after the first round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu. It is still unclear exactly where the rematch will take place – the second match will be played in Portugal if City cannot accept the match at the Etihad, but Guardiola is determined to keep the team in the best possible shape for the clash with the Royal Club. Betindex.bet reminds that Manchester City was dethroned by Liverpool in the Premier League, but the teams’s form after the resumption of the season after a three-month break due to the coronavirus is excellent. On Thursday, they convincingly defeated the newly crowned champion with 4: 0 and Guardiola believes that this is a positive sign.


“Every game is different, but I can’t deny that beating Liverpool 4-0 in the way we did was great. Football is about feelings, moments. Sometimes your mood rises, sometimes you are disappointed, but we can safely conclude that we beat probably the best team in the world at the moment. So we can do it. But every match is different. Arsenal, which is our rival in the semifinals for the FA Cup, Real Madrid – they all play differently. What I want is to enter the matches in the best possible conditions and then to show mental resilience on the field. These matches are not won with tactics or ideas, but with passion. We want to do it. ”Guardiola concluded before visiting Southampton on Sunday.

Sheridan named as Waterford FC boss

Waterford FC have named John Sheridan as their new manager for the up and coming season.

The former Republic of Ireland international made 34 appearances and played a part in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He is not unknown to management. He has managed Oldham, Plymouth, Newport, Notts County, Fleetwood and Carlisle. Sheridan also had two spells at Chesterfield who operate in the National League. His last spell of management at the club ended in January 2020.

Sheridan made over 600 appearances for various sides in England. The majority of them appearances coming for Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday. The league is set to begin on July 31st.

Speaking to Waterford.fc.ie, Sheridan said he was “under no illusions of the task I hand”. He continued, “Speaking to [chairman] Lee [Power] and others around the club, I am more than aware of what the club means to fans, and those involved”. He said the club will be “looking to hit the ground running” and getting sharp again ahead of the league resumption.

Sheridan stated that him and the chairman have met a couple of times and have set goals and will now look to pushing the players to make sure they achieve these goals. Chairman of the club Lee Power said he was delighted with the appointment. He said, I’ve known John for over 20 years and am delighted that he has agreed to help me and the club out.

Power continued, “To have someone with John’s calibre managing the club is fantastic for the supporters and the city and will also put to bed a number of silly rumours that have surrounded my families commitments and ownership of the club.”

Stephen Kenny has also finalised his backroom staff

Ahead of the return to international football in the autumn, Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has also finalised his backroom staff as he counts down to September and UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria, in Sofia, and Finland, in Dublin.

Ennis native Gary Seery has been appointed Assistant Analyst and makes the step up from the Irish Under-21 squad to work with Head Analyst Ger Dunne. The FAI Development Officer for Offaly, Gary is a UEFA A Licence holder and has also coached with the Clare District League representative side and St Kevin’s Boys Academy.

Danny Miller will join Kevin Mulholland as a Chartered Physiotherapist with the Senior squad for the new campaign with Colum O’Neill and Sam Rice joining the set-up as Athletic Therapists.

The current Dundalk FC physio, Danny is an Associate Lecturer at University College Dublin and completed his Masters Degree in Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2001 at Curtin University, Perth. He achieved the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists of Australia Student of the Year Award (Manipulative Therapy) and the Vice-Chancellors Prize for Most Outstanding Research Project.

A graduate from the University of Ulster, Derry man Colum O’Neill moves up to his new Athletic Therapist role from a similar position with the Ireland Under-21 squad. Colum has also worked as a physiotherapist with Finn Harps, Derry City and Dunfermline Athletic.

Like Danny Miller, Termonfeckin native Sam Rice worked alongside Stephen Kenny at Dundalk for four years and with the Irish Under-21 squad for the Toulon Tournament. A graduate of Dublin City University, Sam has studied and worked in Ireland and Australia.

Completing Stephen Kenny’s backroom staff are Shamrock Rovers equipment manager Mal Slattery, on the Equipment and Kit Team where he is joined by Under-21 team kitman Fergus McNally. Mal has also worked with Shelbourne while Fergus has been kit manager with Bohemians and Longford Town.

Eligibility Process begins for Rotherham winger Chiedozie Ogbene

Rotherham United winger Chiedozie Ogbene has expressed his desire to represent the Republic of Ireland at international level to national team boss Stephen Kenny.

The FAI have now begun the paperwork on the eligibility process for 23-year-old Ogbene who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but moved to Cork aged seven with his family in 2005.

Chiedozie played schoolboy football in Cork with College Corinthians, Kilreen Celtic, Tramore Athletic and Everton before he was signed by Cork City in 2015 and then moved to Limerick in January 2017. After a move to England and Brentford in 2018, Ogbene spent a season on loan with Exeter City before a transfer to Rotherham in August 2019.

A mainstay of Rotherham’s successful push for promotion in the season just ended, Ogbene was an ever present for the Millers in the shortened campaign and scored one goal as they finished runners-up in League One.

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