An injury-hit Republic of Ireland team began their Uefa Nations League campaign with a 4-1 defeat to Wales last night. With Gareth Bale pulling the strings, Ireland were totally overwhelmed as Wales cut loose at Cardiff. Emmet Malone writes: "If you are inclined to count it as the start of a qualifying campaign then it was a bad one; the worst, in fact, since the preliminaries for the 1962 World Cup when Ireland lost their opening game, also by four goals to one, in Scotland." Best for Ireland on the night was Callum Robinson, making his debut.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods put on stunning shows in the opening round of the BMW Championship in Pennsylvania to tie each other for the lead at eight under. Out early, it was a 62 for Woods, tying the course record and getting within one of his career low round. While thoughts of a 59 for McIlroy were dashed with two bogeys in his closing three holes.
The Pro14 may only just be underway but last season's respective pacesetters in the two conferences renew their rivalries tonight, as Munster travel to Glasgow. Jaco Taute, Tadhg Beirne and Joey Carbery are among the Munster replacements. Meanwhile Ulster will hope home advantage can help them maintain their early momentum against Edinburgh, as new signing Jordi Murphy makes his debut in the backrow. While Johnny Watterson is this morning looking at the wealth of backrow options available to Joe Schmidt - who gets a spot on the plane to Japan for the World Cup next year is anyone's guess.
Serena Williams overwhelmed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-0 to reach her 31st grand slam singles final in the early hours at the US Open - there she will face a first-timer 16 years her junior in Naomi Osaka, who grew up idolising the woman she must now try to beat.
Ireland's Nicolas Roche slipped three places to 34th overall in the Vuelta a España, losing time to a large breakaway which stayed clear until the end of the stage. Frenchman Alexandre Geniez won the stage and one of the breakaway riders, Jesús Herrada takes over at the top of the general classification. Roche is 17 minutes 5 seconds back.
