WORLD OF SPORT
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Most surreal experience of the day
Danny Willett may have struggled this week but by being first out yesterday he at least made the British Open memorable for one fellow Yorkshireman. Sheffield’s 2016 Masters champion shot eight-over par for his first three rounds at Royal Birkdale and therefore had the dubious honour of getting play under way on the final day. And with an odd number of players left, Willett teed off alongside a markery. The man fulfilling that role was Nick Jennings, an assistant professional at the host club who was beaming with pride afterwards. Jennings, who hails from York, said: “That was unreal. It’s not often you get a chance to play your own golf course with a Masters champion and on the final day.”
▷▷▷ Best crowds of the day
This week’s crowds at Royal Birkdale have set a new record for the Open in England, the R&A said. The aggregate attendance of 235,000 is also the third best for an Open, behind only the St Andrews marks of 239,000 and 237,000 from 2000 and 2015 respectively. The figure has exceeded expectations, with organisers the R&A having expressed hope earlier in the week of attracting crowds of at least 225,000. The previous best for an Open in England was 230,000 at Royal Liverpool in 2006. R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “A record-breaking crowd has enjoyed a week of thrilling golf and we thank every single person who has visited Royal Birkdale over the last eight days for making this a very special Championship.”
▷▷▷ Worst comeback of the day
Mike Smith tried everything he could with Arrogate. He moved the colt to the outside, but he did not pick up the pace. Smith dropped him down near the rail before wheeling him outside once more. Nothing worked. “He just wasn’t trying,” the Hall of Fame jockey said. Accelerate stunned overwhelming favourite Arrogate to win the US$300,000 (Dh1.1 million) San Diego Handicap by eight-and-ahalf lengths on Saturday at Del Mar, snapping the seven-race winning streak of the world’s top-ranked horse, who finished fourth. It was Arrogate’s first race since winning the Dubai World Cup on March 25. “I’m at a loss for words,” Smith said. His trainer, Bob Baffert, was blunter, saying Arrogate “laid an egg”.