Francesco Molinari on Sunday evoked memories of Nick Faldo’s memorable Open Championship win at Muirfield 31 years ago as the machine-like Italian played faultless golf before administering the coup de grace.
While the form of his title rivals was going up and down like a violinist’s elbow in treacherous 40kph winds at Carnoustie, Molinari was grinding out par after relentless par — 13 in a row.
The 35-year-old’s first birdie of the day finally arrived at the par-five 14th and a pinpoint approach at the final hole set up another birdie opportunity from six feet that he needed no second invitation to take.
Photo: AFP
“It’s amazing to stand here with the Claret Jug,” Molinari told reporters after a closing 69 secured an eight-under tally of 276 and a two-stroke victory over Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele. “I knew I was coming in with some good golf. My record around here was terrible so that didn’t make me too optimistic about the week, but I just tried to not think about it and focus on hitting good shots day by day.”
Faldo famously churned out 18 straight pars to land the first of his three Open Championship victories in 1987 and Molinari was even more efficient, going 37 holes without an error following his double-bogey at 17 in the second round.
“To go the weekend bogey-free, it’s unthinkable. I’m very proud,” Molinari said after rocketing from 15th to sixth in the world rankings and clinching his place in Europe’s team for the Ryder Cup in France in September. “To look at the names on that Claret Jug, what can you say? It’s the best golfers in history and to be on there is incredible for someone like me coming from Italy, not really a major golfing country.”
Molinari on Sunday played alongside Tiger Woods in a repeat of their singles match on the final day of Europe’s “Miracle in Medinah” Ryder Cup win six years ago.
“Tiger was great today,” he said after becoming Italy’s first major winner. “Really good sportsmanship with me. There’s a lot more people watching if you’re grouped with him. I’ve played with him before in Ryder Cups and in big occasions, so I knew what was coming and I was ready for it.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely