Berger wins playoff at Colonial in US PGA return

WASHINGTON: Daniel Berger parred the first playoff hole Sunday to defeat Collin Morikawa and capture the Charles Schwab Challenge, the first US PGA event in three months after a coronavirus pandemic shutdown.

Berger went over the green with his approach at the par4 17th in the playoff, chipped inches from the cup and tapped in, then watched Morikawa lip out from three feet on the left edge to deliver the emotional victory at Colonial Country Club.

It marked the biggest moment in Berger’s fightback from a left wrist injury that threatened his career.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life, from where I’ve been and where I’ve come from,” Berger said.

“It has been a long year and a half. I’m happy to be here.”

The victory, which came with no spectators on the course, was the third career US PGA title for Berger, whose wins at the 2016 and 2017 St. Jude Classics also came on the second weekend of June.

It was a level the 27-year-old Floridian feared he might not attain again after his injury.

“It’s just a range of emotions,” said Berger. “I’ve grinded so hard the last two months -- just to be in this position. I’m glad all the hard work paid off.

“I came back stronger than I ever have before, and I wanted it more than I ever have before. It means more than it ever did before.” — AFP

BIOT, France: With new rules and new formats, Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, unveiled his Ultimate Tennis Showdown tournament in the south of France on Sunday.

Targeting a younger audience, the players were alloted nicknames such as the ‘ Sniper, ‘ Underdog’, ‘ Rebel’ and ‘ Artist’