‘Hard to watch’: Rory McIlroy relives Masters triumph on return to action | Rory McIlroy

“Please welcome your Players and Masters champion, Rory McIlroy.” Shortly before 8am on the 10th tee at TPC Louisiana. The gallery is less than 100 in number. Still, there is extra pep in the starter’s voice. Those last four words carry such weight, they conjure such images. Masters champion, Rory McIlroy. An introduction he had … Read more

England’s Josh Hull fired up by Lions beasting and ‘gold dust’ of Anderson | England cricket team

Josh Hull returns for Leicestershire this week, his first outing since that fast-tracked Test debut against Sri Lanka last summer. A winter “beasting” by the England Lions fitness coaches has the giant left-armer feeling stronger, with a more robust base from which to attack a potentially huge year of cricket. Through no fault of his … Read more

Manchester United among teams to play in seven-a-side women’s tournament | Manchester United Women

Manchester United will compete in the inaugural edition of a lucrative, new women’s seven-a-side series from 21-23 May, alongside Bayern Munich, Ajax and Benfica, with the remaining four of the eight competing teams still to be confirmed. The new competition, named World Sevens Football, which has a $5m (£3.75m) prize pool per event, with half … Read more

England play down World Cup fears as Kildunne ruled out of France decider | Women’s Six Nations

England remain confident Ellie Kildunne will be fit for this summer’s Rugby World Cup buildup after the joint-top try scorer in this year’s women’s Six Nations was ruled out of Saturday’s grand slam decider due to a hamstring injury. Kildunne, the World Rugby women’s player of the year, has played all four games of England’s … Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on 1,000 goals – but may be running out of games | Cristiano Ronaldo

On Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo can take a big step towards a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia but the quarter-final of the Asian Champions League against Yokohama F Marinos also offers a chance to take a smaller stride towards an unprecedented personal milestone: 1,000 first-class goals. Pelé scored plenty but claims of 1,279, … Read more