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Sport shorts: ‘mental energy’ key for Molinari’s Open defence, Fenerbahce plan Ozil loan, big three progress at Wimbledon
Ten things from the world of sport on Tuesday 9 July
Italian golfer Francesco Molinari says having as much “mental and physical energy” as possible will be critical when he defends his title at The Open next week.
Taking place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from 18-21 July, this year’s British major will see Ryder Cup star Molinari start as one of the favourites along with Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy.
Speaking on the BBC golf podcast The Cut, Molinari revealed he is taking a different approach as he is the defending champion.
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2. Max ‘can’t imagine’ calendar without Silverstone
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen says the British Grand Prix at Silverstone must remain on the Formula 1 calendar. The 21-year-old said: “There is always a big turnout and they are definitely some of the most passionate F1 fans in the world. I can’t imagine the calendar without the British Grand Prix.”
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Brazilian bad boy Neymar is set to be punished by Paris Saint-Germain after he failed to turn up for the first day of pre-season training. The French champions said in a statement: “Paris Saint-Germain notes that Neymar Jr was not in attendance at the agreed time and place. This was without the club’s prior authorisation. The club regrets this situation and will therefore take appropriate action.”
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has his eye on the top job in New Zealand rugby. Current All Blacks chief Steve Hansen steps down after the Rugby World Cup in Japan and Robertson is on the shortlist to replace him, The Guardian reports. Confirming he will be interviewed in December, Robertson said: “I’m a pretty optimistic person. If you have a crack I’d like to think you have a chance. I’ve got to prepare as best I can to put myself forward, I’ve done what I can do. Hopefully I’ll have a great interview, all going well, and if they want someone, they know who they’re getting with me.”
5. Konta into the quarters at Wimbledon
Johanna Konta hit back from a set down to beat Petra Kvitova and reach the quarter-finals of the women’s singles at Wimbledon. Konta, the remaining British player in the singles at the All England Club, lost the opening set but fought back to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 against the two-time champion. In today’s women’s singles quarter-final 19th seed Konta plays Barbora Strycova in the second match on Centre Court.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are safely through to the last eight of the Wimbledon men’s singles. The “big three” all won their fourth-round matches in straight sets yesterday. In tomorrow’s quarter-finals Djokovic plays 21st seed David Goffin, Federer takes on eighth seed Kei Nishikori and Nadal faces unseeded American Sam Querrey. In the other quarter-final Guido Pella plays Roberto Bautista Agut.
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is a target for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. According to reports the Turkish club are keen on the 30-year-old and plan to land him on loan this summer. Fenerbahce are looking to pay £8m towards Ozil’s £13.5m-a-season wages with Arsenal stumping up the remaining £5.5m.
A recently-retired Italian Olympic swimmer has helped save the life of a drowning man in Sardinia. Filippo Magnini was relaxing on the beach with his girlfriend when the man got into trouble. Lifeguards started running towards him but were beaten there by Magnini, who held the man’s head above water until he could be put onto a raft.
9. Women’s World Cup record for the BBC
The BBC has revealed that a record 28.1m people - 47% of the UK population - watched its coverage of the Fifa Women’s World Cup on TV and online. The semi-final clash between England and eventual winners United States attracted a peak audience of 11.7m.
10. Etihad and Stamford Bridge to host WSL games
It was announced yesterday that two FA Women’s Super League (WSL) matches will be played at Premier League grounds in September. On the league’s opening weekend of the season the Manchester derby between City and United will be held at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 7 September. It was also confirmed that Chelsea vs. Tottenham will be held at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 8 September.
