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Diabolical’ – Golf stars vent frustrations as major issue overshadows first round at the Open Championship

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Golf stars expressed their frustrations at the slow pace of play during the opening round of The Open.

Slow rounds often spark annoyance whatever the level being played and it was very much the case at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Some players were seen putting out on the 18th green around six hours after teeing off on the first hole.

The slow speed of play could be attributed to a multitude of factors.

Despite there being a whopping 156 golfers taking part at the open, no players start simultaneously on the first and 10th tee which is widely the case at majors played in the United States.

Weather conditions were not favourable on Thursday with spells of gusty wind and rain wreaking havoc on play.

Tee-shots regularly went off target and landed in the rough, leading to players spending extensive time looking for their balls.

Those involved were far from impressed with how the day’s play unfolded with Masters champion Rory McIlroy not completing his round until 9.04pm having teed off at 3.10pm.

“It felt like we were on the golf course for about 12 hours,” said Australia’s Marc Leishman, who plays on the LIV Golf tour.

“We’ve been on the course for three hours through eight holes.

“That was tough to deal with, especially coming from somewhere where we play in under four and a half hours every week.”

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre added: “We couldn’t have gone any faster. I guess golf courses are too long.”

Meanwhile, England’s Aaron Rai said: “It was a little on the slow side. But naturally with the challenging course, pace of play is going to be a little bit slower than normal.”

Golf podcast host Michael McEwan was particularly critical of how the day unfolded.

He wrote on X: “The pace of play today has been diabolical. I get that it’s a major, that there’s a lot at stake and blah blah blah. But let’s not kid ourselves on: six-hour rounds are just s****.

Pace of play is not solely a problem at The Open with problems reported at last month’s US Open at Oakmont.

A field of over 150 players were grouped in threes white facing the prospect of a challenging course with millions at stake.

And the same can be said of this week’s opening round at The Open with backlogs forming at the 5th hole due to players waiting on the tee for the green to clear.

And at one stage, five groups aligned on the 7th hole according to American golfer Keegan Bradley.

The field will hope the pace of play during the second round of the Open picks up, which you can keep up to date with via talkSPORT.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence

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Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.

The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.

Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.

In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:

“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”

That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”

Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟

Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾

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Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide

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Tennis fans across the globe are rallying behind Holger Rune, after the Danish star shared an emotional but determined message following his devastating Achilles injury that abruptly ended his 2025 season.

The 22-year-old, known for his fierce competitiveness and electric energy on court, was forced to retire during the Stockholm Open semifinals after collapsing in pain mid-match against Ugo Humbert. Moments later, Rune confirmed what fans feared — a torn Achilles tendon, one of the toughest injuries any athlete can face.

But instead of silence or despair, Rune chose to face the challenge head-on. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, he wrote:

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again… It’s tough. I had so much joy out there, and it’s unbearable to think I won’t feel that energy for some time. But I’ll be back — stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever.”

His words, filled with pain yet overflowing with resilience, immediately resonated with millions. Fellow players, coaches, and fans flooded his post with encouragement, calling him a “fighter”, a “true champion in spirit”, and the embodiment of perseverance.

Rune has already undergone successful surgery and, in a move that stunned many, shared photos of himself training from a seated position — refusing to let recovery stop his momentum. The images showed a young man focused not on what he’s lost, but on what he can rebuild.

Even as he faces months of rehabilitation, Rune’s story has become a symbol of mental toughness and grace under pressure. His family and team remain by his side, reminding the tennis world that this setback doesn’t define his career — it refines it.

As one fan beautifully wrote:

“He may be off the court, but his spirit is still winning matches.”

For Holger Rune, this isn’t the end of a season — it’s the start of a comeback story that could inspire a generation. 💥🔥

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