In Jerez, a second place for Darren Clarke in the Volvo Masters proves enough for him to regain a first place position in the Order of Merit. However, a week later at Valderrama, Clarke pays a £1 wager, made in New York back in August, to Lee Westwood who claims the overall Order of Merit with earnings of £1,858,602.

Clarke trails him by £242,161. After three successive tournaments without a win, Tiger Woods bounces back to claim his 10th title of the year in Thailand. Lennox Lewis punches his way to another heavyweight title defence with a comfortable win over Samoan outsider David Tua. After a storming Rugby League World Cup performance, Ireland lose to England by 26-16. South Africa visit Lansdowne Road and find themselves up against a serious Irish side. Glorious tries from Denis Hickie and Tyrone Howe confirm Ireland's new running threat. With the game poised at 18-18 in the last 10 minutes, the visitors close it out formidably, with Andre Venter steaming through for a try. Final score is 28-18. Sixmilebridge take the Munster hurling title while Graigue-Ballycallan come through in Leinster. Celtic travel across to Ibrox with the swagger of old and are suckerpunched by Rangers, losing 5-1. Rio Ferdinand joins Leeds United from West Ham for £18 million.