Rory wins order of merit
2015 has been largely frustrating for Rory McIlroy but he has seen his year out in style, with victory in the Tour Championship yesterday seeing the 26-year-old retain the order of merit title and end the season as the number one player on the European Tour yet again.
For much of the season it was McIlroy’s ankle rather than his golf which grabbed most headlines after he damaged ligaments playing football with friends and was forced to watch form the sidelines as Jordan Spieth and Jason Day picked up three of the year’s Majors between them and in the process leapfrogged him in the world rankings.
But a final round of 66 in Dubai saw McIlroy finish a shot clear of 54-hole leader Andy Sullivan and secure a fourth win of a year which was also disrupted by a court case with his former management.
Leo Cullen pleads for patience from fans
Leinster boss Leo Cullen has urged supporters to be patient as his side endured another disappointing weekend in Europe, losing 19-16 to Bath on Saturday.
The province must now play Toulon home and away to keep their Champions Cup campaign alive and could face a French backlash after the three-in-a-row champions were thrashed 32-6 by Wasps yesterday.
However while things are looking ominous for Leinster Bath coach Mike Ford believes they can still progress in the competition after two opening defeats, with his side topping their pool last season despite losing their first two games.
Castlebar dethrone Corofin in Connacht
Castlebar Mitchels are the new kings of Connacht after they beat defending champions Corofin 2-10 to 0-11 in the senior football final at Tuam Stadium. Elsewhere, an impressive Na Piarsaigh secured a third Munster senior hurling title in five years thanks to a 2-18 to 2-11 win over Ballygunner.
International Rules set to survive
Meanwhile the medium-term survival of the International Rules series looks secure following Ireland's 56-52 win over Australia on Saturday. Word around Croke Park is that the agreement to play the series is being renewed and is likely to be restored to a two-match event, writes Sean Moran.
Spurs swat away West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur showed their top-four credentials yesterday as they swatted away West Ham United 4-1 at White Hart Lane thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and strikes from Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker.
Spurs now lie fifth in the Premier League table, with Leicester in top spot after Jamie Vardy scored his 10th in 10 games against Newcastle. Manchester United are up to second after their win at Watford, while Manchester City are third following their defeat to Liverpool.
Benitez baiting another bloodsport
Rafael Benitez’s position as Real Madrid boss is under severe pressure just four-months into the job following a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabeu, but he is far from the first Madrid boss to come under scrutiny from his own supporters and press, writes Ken Early.
Djokovic ends year in style
Novak Djokovic rounded off another fine season by becoming the first player to win the ATP World Tour finals four years in a row following a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Roger Federer yesterday. The two have won 11 of the last 13 season-ending titles behind them and are now tied at 22 wins apiece in their head-to-head record.
What to watch out for:
Football
Sunderland make the long journey south to play Crystal Palace in tonight’s Premier League fixture. (SS1 8pm ko)
