Shane Lowry has sent the patrons at Augusta National wild by hitting a spectacular hole-in-one on the par-three sixth hole during the Masters.
The 2019 Open champion produced a moment of magic at the iconic Georgia venue.
Striking a crisp iron shot down the significant elevation change, the Irishman watched his ball track perfectly toward the pin.
It landed softly on the putting surface before trickling directly into the cup, sparking thunderous roars through the pine trees.
A magical moment for the Irishman
Achieving an ace at the first major championship of the year is a rare feat that guarantees a place in tournament folklore.
The 37-year-old immediately raised his arms in celebration as the deafening crowd reaction confirmed the perfect shot.
This spectacular effort provides a massive momentum boost for the seasoned European star.
Conquering a legendary par-three
The sixth hole is notorious for its tricky pin placements and a severely undulating green.
Navigating this section of the course safely is often a primary objective for the world’s elite golfers.
Instead, the former major winner bypassed the putter entirely to safely etch his name into the iconic Augusta highlights reel.
Anthony Joshua will return to the boxing ring this July to face Deontay Wilder before pursuing a highly anticipated all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
The former unified world heavyweight champion has not competed since securing a knockout victory over Jake Paul in December.
His planned comeback was significantly delayed following a tragic car accident in Nigeria earlier this year that claimed the lives of two close friends.
Wilder issues aggressive post-fight challenge
The 34-year-old made his first major public appearance since the fatal incident last weekend at London’s O2 Arena.
The Olympic gold medallist was ringside to support Derek Chisora, who suffered a narrow split-decision defeat to Wilder.
Following the gruelling bout, the victorious American immediately confronted his long-time heavyweight rival.
“Now let’s get it on.”
Deontay Wilder
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ subsequently accused his British counterpart of being scared while aggressively pushing for the blockbuster clash.
Hearn confirms active negotiations
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn has now confirmed that discussions for the heavyweight spectacle are nearing completion alongside Saudi Arabian officials.
“We had the fight virtually agreed before the terrible accident and we have had to obviously jig timings around, but the same conversations are being closed off.”
Eddie Hearn
The veteran promoter outlined a clear two-fight roadmap for his athlete, prioritising the American knockout artist before turning attention to the ‘Gypsy King’.
“We plan to fight in July, then we want to fight Tyson Fury.”
Eddie Hearn
Scouting a domestic rival
Fury recently emerged from retirement and is scheduled to face Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on 11 April.
Demonstrating a renewed focus, the two-time world champion is expected to be ringside for that April fixture to heavily scout his prospective domestic opponent.
Hearn noted that this proactive approach is highly unusual for the typically reserved fighter, indicating a significant shift in his sporting mindset.
“Right now, I have never seen ‘AJ’ so fired up for fights. He is actively chasing these fights.”
Eddie Hearn
Wales will target a desperately needed Women’s Six Nations victory when they host Scotland at Principality Stadium on Saturday following a dismal previous campaign.
Head coach Sean Lynn is under mounting pressure to deliver positive results in his second year in charge.
The Welsh Rugby Union significantly increased investment when the side turned professional in 2022.
Despite initial success, including consecutive third-place tournament finishes, the national team has since suffered a severe decline in form.
Overhauled coaching staff
The former Premiership Women’s Rugby title-winning coach endured a punishing debut season at the helm.
His squad suffered defeats in all five championship matches last year before losing three consecutive World Cup pool fixtures.
The backroom staff has now been drastically reshaped to halt this alarming slide.
Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin have replaced Shaun Connor and Mike Hill to oversee the attack and forwards respectively.
New faces and renewed optimism
Former Scottish set-up member Tyrone Holmes has also crossed the divide to become the first full-time Welsh defence coach.
The playing roster itself features significant changes, with nine potential debutants named in the latest squad.
“It’s a high performance sport,” said Lynn.
“I learned a lot about myself last year. I learned a lot about the group and I learned a lot about the programme.”
“Those small changes that I’ve made within the programme itself, the Celtic Challenge, what we’re looking at coming into camp, I’m hoping we will start to see the big difference in that.”
Taking inspiration from the men’s squad
The women’s setup is looking to mirror the recent resurgence of their male counterparts.
Men’s head coach Steve Tandy recently guided his squad to a drought-breaking final-round victory over Italy.
This cross-department collaboration has provided a vital boost to morale in Cardiff.
“I’ve worked really closely with Steve Tandy, I’ve been into his camp, it’s an open environment,” added the head coach.
“That’s what we’re about, supporting each other as a nation.”
Captain Kate Williams believes her side must forge their own path to success this weekend.
“We can be inspired by them, but we’re not limited to what they’re doing as well,” Williams explained.
“We’re looking internally about what we can do and finding confidence in ourselves.”
New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg will face former champion Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light-heavyweight title at UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday.
The 35-year-old enters the Octagon at the Kaseya Centre riding a formidable nine-fight win streak.
This championship opportunity arises after Brazilian star Alex Pereira vacated the 205lb belt to move up to the heavyweight division.
While the bout represents the pinnacle of his sporting career, the surging contender credits a turbulent upbringing for his elite resilience.
Forged in foster care
Moving between dozens of different families from the ages of four to 13, the challenger experienced a remarkably challenging childhood.
He acknowledges that while some households provided stability, others left him facing daily physical abuse from fellow foster children.
That’s what has created me into this space that I am now and it’s a good thing. That’s what’s brought the best out of me.
I grew out of that kind of feel-sorry-for-yourself mentality and started to just push forward, and that’s what built a resilience in me.
An unconventional path to the top
The Auckland native has lived an exceptionally diverse life before focusing entirely on mixed martial arts.
Known for his explosive athleticism, the former reality television star previously played semi-professional rugby league and competed in professional boxing.
He believes experiencing such a wide spectrum of family dynamics during his youth ultimately fostered a crucial sense of empathy and open-mindedness.
I was really understanding at that age how different families would be, how loving some would be.
I guess it just made me understand people. It just made me open-minded.
The final hurdle in Miami
Standing between him and championship glory is the formidable Czech fighter Prochazka.
Ranked third in the division, the New Zealander has frequently visualised the moment the referee raises his hand in victory.
When I get that belt raised, it’s gonna feel amazing because time will flash at that moment.
When you’re visualising it you just know you’ll be thinking back to the times you had and the stresses – the physical stress, the emotional stress and everything that you’d gone through.
Chinese golfer Li Haotong overcame severe stomach illness to shoot a three-under-par 69 in the second round of the Masters, moving within two shots of the lead at Augusta National.
The 30-year-old feared he would be unable to compete on Friday after spending the morning violently unwell.
Despite arriving at the course drained of energy, he displayed remarkable resilience to complete all 18 holes.
Surviving the front nine
The returning competitor, making his first appearance at the prestigious tournament since 2019, initially intended to play only a handful of holes.
This morning when I got to the golf course I was still feeling really bad and kind of living in the toilet.
He started steadily with a birdie on the first hole before consecutive bogeys on the fourth and seventh left him one over par at the turn.
At that stage, mere survival appeared to be the primary objective for the exhausted athlete.
A stunning back-nine surge
However, his fortunes changed dramatically as he settled into the notoriously challenging back nine.
The Chinese star delivered an exceptional run of four successive birdies across the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th holes.
This spectacular flurry propelled him high up the leaderboard, securing a position just two strokes behind clubhouse leader Sam Burns.
I didn’t hit many balls on the driving range. I was feeling really, really bad. No energy, fuzzy, want to throw up something.
Defying physical expectations
The impressive second-round performance leaves him at four under par overall for the first major of the year.
He admitted that the sudden sequence of birdies served as an unexpected remedy for his acute physical discomfort.
I actually just planned to play a few holes, see how it goes. If really sick, then I probably just decide not to. I’m glad I survived today.
His sheer determination now sets up an intriguing weekend as he unexpectedly hunts for the coveted Green Jacket.
Englishman Justin Rose insists he feels no added pressure to avenge last year’s play-off heartbreak after moving into halfway contention at the Masters.
The former world number one carded a three-under-par 69 at Augusta National to reach five under for the tournament.
His impressive second round comes a year after he narrowly missed out to Rory McIlroy at the first extra hole, marking his third career runner-up finish at the prestigious major.
Chasing an elusive second major
Despite the painful memories of that near-miss, the 2013 US Open champion is using the patrons’ support to his advantage in pursuit of the Green Jacket.
“I feel no added pressure or expectation because of what happened last year,” Rose said.
“I’m enjoying the crowd, they seem to be pulling for me out there, so I’m using that as good energy.”
The veteran recovered from a bogey on the opening hole to register four birdies during a scintillating five-hole stretch from the seventh.
He then cancelled out a frustrating three-putt on the 12th by taking full advantage of the par-five 15th to secure the early clubhouse target.
Hatton joins the English charge
Rose is not the only British hopeful making significant strides up the leaderboard heading into the crucial weekend action.
Fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton sits just one shot further back at four under par after delivering a magnificent round of 66.
The Ryder Cup star amassed seven birdies during his Friday charge, significantly boosting his chances of securing a maiden major championship.
His only blemish of a stellar afternoon came via a frustrating bogey at the difficult par-four 18th hole.
Keeping it light and aggressive
For Rose, the weekend objective is simply to maintain the relaxed mindset that has propelled him into this promising position.
“Whenever I play well, I tend to play controlled golf and get pretty focused,” he explained.
“The goal is just to try to keep it as free as I can as well. You’ve still got to keep it fun, light and aggressive, and keep it as loose as you can.”
If he can maintain that delicate emotional balance, a long-awaited second major crown could finally be within his grasp.
Bath completed a remarkable comeback from 21 points down to defeat Northampton 43-41 at the Rec and secure their place in the Champions Cup semi-finals.
In a truly breathtaking encounter, the current Premiership leaders dominated the early exchanges.
The visitors surged into a commanding advantage by scoring five blistering tries within the opening half hour.
However, the home side refused to fold and responded with four vital scores of their own before the interval.
Saints dominate early exchanges
The top two sides in English rugby produced an unforgettable 61-point first half that showcased sensational attacking flair.
Northampton looked completely in control as Henry Pollock, Fraser Dingwall, and Ollie Sleightholme all crossed the whitewash.
The Somerset club managed to stay in the contest through crucial finishes from Tom Dunn, Finn Russell, and Henry Arundell.
Bench depth proves decisive
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second period as the hosts utilised their powerful replacements.
Northampton’s attack stalled after the break, leaving them reliant on two Fin Smith penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The decisive moment arrived with just seven minutes remaining when Saints talisman Pollock received a controversial yellow card under heavy defensive pressure.
Replacement forward Ted Hill immediately capitalised on the numerical advantage, driving over to give his team their very first lead of the match.
French opposition awaits
The home side successfully held their nerve during a frantic final five minutes to seal a famous European victory.
They will now face either Bordeaux Begles or Toulouse in the last four of the prestigious tournament.
This dramatic victory highlights their serious title credentials both domestically and on the continent.
Australian jockey Shane McGovern has been placed in an induced coma and could lose both legs after spending six hours trapped beneath a deceased horse following a training accident.
The 67-year-old was pinned beneath his nine-year-old gelding, Reformist, during a routine morning ride on Wednesday.
The animal suffered a sudden fatal aneurysm, collapsing on top of the veteran rider and cutting off circulation to his lower extremities.
It was not until six hours later that his wife, Kim, finally discovered the harrowing scene.
Wife’s desperate discovery
She had initially assumed her husband was simply undertaking an extended training session ahead of a scheduled race the following Monday.
Upon locating the stricken horseman, she recalled a ghostly arm slowly rising from beneath the fallen animal.
“I’m absolutely kicking myself, and it’s a thing I will never forget. This ghoulish little arm comes up and he says, ‘I’m all right.'”
Fears of permanent nerve damage
The experienced rider is currently receiving specialist care at Townsville Hospital, where his condition remains highly critical.
King Ring, a health and safety officer for the Australian Jockeys’ Association, warned that the prolonged compression has caused severe medical complications.
“He couldn’t move his legs so that naturally affected his blood circulation and caused nerve damage as well. There’s a possibility he may lose one or both legs.”
Induced coma to aid recovery
Surgeons have already operated on the injured athlete, with medical staff closely monitoring his calves for tissue damage and potential infection.
Despite initially being conscious, the immense physical trauma and powerful medication caused severe hallucinations and hyperventilation.
“They knocked him back out into an induced coma, put the breathing tube back in to give his body a rest and they’ll keep him like that for a couple of days.”
The immediate prognosis remains deeply uncertain as specialists wait to determine if the horseman will permanently lose the use of his legs.