World number one Scottie Scheffler fell short in his bid to complete the career Grand Slam as Wyndham Clark secured victory at the US Open.
The American ended the tournament at Shinnecock Hills four strokes behind Clark in a tie for fourth place.
He was aiming to become only the seventh male golfer in history to win all four major championships.
However, a sluggish opening-round 72 immediately left the pre-tournament favourite eight shots adrift of the lead.
Fightback falls short
The 30-year-old rallied with impressive rounds of 68 and 69 to earn a final-day pairing alongside the eventual champion.
He continued to apply pressure during the closing round, moving to within three shots of the lead with just five holes remaining.
A costly bogey on the 14th hole ultimately derailed his momentum before four closing pars sealed an even-par finish for the week.
Clark expertly navigated the final holes to claim a one-shot victory over compatriot Sam Burns and seal the prestigious title.
Frustration over early errors
The major champion expressed frustration over his inability to establish early leads in recent tournaments.
“This week will be another example where you could chalk it up to the first round.”
“Wyndham went out late in the day on Thursday and shot six under to my two over in the morning – that’s eight shots right there.”
He acknowledged that his early-tournament sharpness has been noticeably lacking compared to previous dominant seasons.
Celebrating amidst the challenge
Despite the disappointment, the final round coincided with the world number one celebrating his 30th birthday on Father’s Day.
This encouraging display also secured his fifth top-four finish in his last seven worldwide starts.
“It was a battle all week, the golf course was challenging.”
The Texan noted that he hit several good putts down the closing stretch that ultimately refused to drop into the hole.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the team will review how Kimi Antonelli and George Russell race each other to protect their championship lead against a resurgent Lewis Hamilton.
The Silver Arrows drivers lost crucial time battling for the lead at the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
That mid-race duel allowed their former team-mate, charging on fresh tyres after a second pit stop, to catch and pass the pair for Ferrari.
Hamilton secured his first Sunday victory of the 2026 season in Barcelona, while Antonelli suffered a late retirement.
Closing the championship gap
The seven-time world champion has now reduced the young Italian’s lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to just 41 points.
He also extended his advantage over Russell to nine points, shifting the dynamic within the title race.
Wolff acknowledged that the growing threat from the Scuderia necessitates a strategic rethink ahead of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.
“We didn’t interfere in them fighting, because that’s how we’ve always raced.”
Recalibrating for the title fight
The Austrian executive stressed the need to evaluate how to handle future pace differentials when a race victory is at risk.
This is not the first time the Mercedes duo have clashed on track this campaign.
The pair almost collided during both the Sprint and Grand Prix in Canada last month after going wheel-to-wheel.
“There is a third party now getting involved in the championship fight, constructor and driver.”
Wolff wary of former driver
Prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, Antonelli had suggested the team were comfortable with them racing freely provided there was mutual respect.
However, the growing momentum behind the Maranello-based squad means internal discussions are now required to prevent the team-mates from holding each other up.
“If he smells blood, he goes.”
Wolff remains acutely aware of the danger posed by the veteran British driver as the season intensifies.
Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup victory by beating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on Sunday.
The 34-year-old rolled back the years to guide the Pharaohs to the top of Group G at the eighth attempt.
His talismanic display means the North African side now face Iran in Seattle knowing knockout qualification is within touching distance.
Contrasting fortunes for ageing stars
While the Liverpool legend thrived on the global stage, other veteran players struggled to make an impact during the latest round of fixtures.
Belgium’s golden generation faltered once again as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku failed to break down a resilient Iran side in Los Angeles.
The goalless draw leaves the European outfit desperately needing a positive result against New Zealand to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Pressure delivers historic breakthrough
Despite possessing a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, the Pharaohs arrived at this tournament having never won a finals match.
Only Honduras had previously played more games without registering a victory on football’s biggest stage.
The pressure on their talisman has always been immense, but he finally delivered the elusive result his nation craved.
This commanding performance quietened rumours of a rift with head coach Hossam Hassan following a substitution in their opening match.
Fading hopes for Belgian veterans
Expectations for the Red Devils contrast sharply with those of their Group G rivals following years of underachievement.
The formidable squad that carried high hopes into previous tournaments in Brazil and Russia has largely faded away.
Stalwarts such as Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany are long gone, leaving the remaining veterans with one final shot at international glory.
However, their recent lacklustre displays suggest time may finally be running out for this legendary group of players.
Nneka Ogwumike sank a dramatic three-pointer at the buzzer to complete a 17-point comeback and secure a 98-97 victory for the Los Angeles Sparks against the New York Liberty.
The thrilling finish came on a historic Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena as the WNBA celebrated its 30th anniversary season in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,043.
This fixture was a direct rematch of the league’s inaugural game from June 1997, fittingly decided by one of the competition’s most influential modern figures.
Historic comeback stuns Liberty
New York appeared entirely in control for the majority of the contest, leading by 12 points at half-time and extending their advantage to 17 during the third quarter.
However, the California franchise steadily chipped away at the deficit to set up a frantic final sequence.
After Liberty forward Breanna Stewart missed a crucial free throw to leave the visitors 97-95 ahead, Los Angeles guard Erica Wheeler found the WNBA Players Association president hovering behind the arc.
The veteran forward confidently swished her second three-pointer of the night to finish with a game-high 24 points and send the home fans into delirium.
Emotional return for a franchise legend
The 2016 Most Valuable Player was drafted first overall by Los Angeles in 2012 but recently spent two seasons with the Seattle Storm before returning to her spiritual home this year.
Her game-winning heroics felt particularly poignant on an evening attended by numerous former trailblazers, including Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie.
“It is emotional seeing all these legends in the building,” Ogwumike told ESPN after wiping away tears.
“People that didn’t get paid their value are still coming here and supporting us, and I am so grateful.”
Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts praised her star player’s enduring legacy, referencing the forward’s pivotal role in negotiating the league’s recent collective bargaining agreements.
“On a night like tonight, where we are honoring the legacy of not only the Sparks but the league, what Nneka has done is powerful,” Roberts said.
“You couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened the 2026 NBA offseason by trading Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for two future second-round draft picks.
This transaction marks the very first official roster move ahead of the upcoming NBA Draft.
The Western Conference franchise will receive a 2030 second-round pick as part of the initial agreement.
Oklahoma City also acquires a 2032 second-round selection, which will be the least favourable between the Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anticipation builds for blockbuster summer
The departure of the versatile wing signals the beginning of what is expected to be a highly active trading period across the league.
Franchises are bracing for major landscape shifts, with several high-profile superstars currently dominating the rumour mill.
A years-long saga surrounding Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could finally reach its conclusion in the coming weeks.
Former All-Stars such as Ja Morant and Domantas Sabonis are also being heavily monitored by rival executives as potential trade targets.
Strategic shift for both franchises
By acquiring the 25-year-old guard, the Eastern Conference side adds valuable depth and perimeter defence to their rotation.
The former Maryland standout has established himself as a highly reliable two-way player during his professional career.
Meanwhile, the Thunder continue their unprecedented strategy of accumulating future draft capital to sustain their long-term championship window.
Wyndham Clark has won his second major championship by securing the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, finishing one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler despite facing a fiercely hostile crowd.
The American started the final round with a commanding six-stroke advantage but was forced to grind through severe challenges to claim the title.
As the tournament leader navigated the demanding Long Island layout, spectators made their allegiance to world number one Scheffler abundantly clear.
Hostile New York atmosphere
Fans actively jeered the eventual winner’s mistakes and cheered when his approaches found trouble, creating an intensely partisan environment.
The contrast in spectator reaction was starkest on the back nine of the iconic Southampton venue.
While Scheffler received deafening roars for routine pars, crucial birdies from the Denver-born golfer were met with muted applause or total silence.
Even as the grand slam hopeful finished four shots adrift of the lead, the grandstands serenaded him on his birthday rather than acknowledging the champion’s arrival at the 18th green.
“Man, they definitely didn’t want me to win,” Clark admitted after the round.
Mental resilience and defiance
Anticipating the raucous environment, the champion and his caddie, David Pelekoudas, had devised a psychological strategy beforehand.
The pair agreed to internally frame every cheer for the Texan challenger as applause for their own efforts.
The relentless pressure ultimately culminated in a 52-foot lag putt on the final hole, leaving a simple tap-in for victory.
Rather than waiting for validation from the unsupportive galleries, the victorious golfer let out a defiant, echoing yell to celebrate his triumph.
Scheffler condemns crowd behaviour
The severity of the galleries’ conduct did not go unnoticed by his closest rival.
Scheffler expressed discomfort with the overtly antagonistic treatment directed at his playing partner throughout the final round.
“The crowd was tough today. I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people,” Scheffler said.
“You like seeing the fans cheer for you. I think sometimes it can get a little too much when, you know, balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me.”
Iraq manager Graham Arnold joked he asked to play three goalkeepers to stop Kylian Mbappe when his side faces France in Monday’s World Cup group match.
The 27-year-old enters the Group I fixture in formidable form after scoring twice in a 3-1 opening-game victory over Senegal.
Those strikes saw the Real Madrid forward surpass Olivier Giroud to become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 international goals.
A historic milestone awaits
Before a ball is even kicked against the Asian nation, the prolific attacker will celebrate his 100th appearance for Les Bleus.
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to play on the national team,” the forward said ahead of the match.
“There’s nothing bigger than the national team. One hundred, that’s historic.”
Should the 2018 champions advance deep into the tournament, the lightning-fast striker could overtake his manager Didier Deschamps, who earned 103 caps during his playing career.
Chasing World Cup immortality
The former Parisian’s brace against Senegal also moved him past Brazilian legend Pele on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
With 14 goals across three tournaments, the French captain is now tied with Germany’s Gerd Muller in fourth place overall.
He remains just two goals shy of the all-time record of 16, jointly held by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi.
Despite mounting debate over whether he will go down as the greatest player in the competition’s history, the Golden Boot winner remains focused entirely on collective success.
“It’s debate for the journalists, debate for the fans of football,” he stated.
“For me, it’s not a question in my head. It’s just about how can I help my team tomorrow against Iraq and can I bring the trophy home in July.”
The ultimate test for Iraq
Tasked with containing this historic threat, Arnold admitted his staff had brainstormed unconventional methods ahead of the daunting clash.
“I asked if we could play three goalkeepers,” Arnold said with a laugh on Sunday. “But they said no.”
The underdog side will now have to rely on traditional defensive structures to suppress a generational talent who appears to be at the absolute peak of his powers.
Scotland defender Jack Hendry is relishing the prospect of facing a returning Neymar when his side take on Brazil in a crucial World Cup group stage match in Miami.
The national team currently sit third in their group after recording a victory over Haiti and suffering a defeat against Morocco.
Securing any points against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad on Wednesday would provide a significant boost to their hopes of progression.
Familiar foes prepare for battle
The South American heavyweights are set to be strengthened by the recovery of their talismanic forward.
The former Paris Saint-Germain winger initially arrived at the training camp carrying an injury but has now been declared fit for the tie.
Al Ettifaq centre-back Hendry has previously encountered the prolific attacker during his time at Club Brugge in the Champions League.
I’m quite comfortable coming up against Neymar and I look forward to it. It should be a really good battle.
Tactical shifts and injury updates
Ancelotti has hinted that the returning star may be deployed in a central role rather than operating on his traditional flank.
His likelihood of featuring prominently has increased following a hamstring injury sustained by Barcelona wide man Raphinha.
Hendry acknowledged the severe anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined the Brazilian while playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Played against him once in the Champions League when he was at Paris Saint-Germain, so that was a good test. Learnt a lot from these moments playing these top-calibre players, so I look forward to it and we’ll see if he plays.
Brazilian camp lifted by return
The mood within the Selecao squad has been noticeably elevated by the presence of their veteran attacking focal point.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta expressed his delight at seeing his compatriot back in full training.
Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team. He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot.
The pivotal encounter in Miami is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 BST on Wednesday.