Related items

• The Open: McIlroy looking to respond after Nadal and Jordan support following Pinehurst setback

  Rory McIlroy insists his U.S. Open capitulation is behind him as he aims to respond at The Open Championship, backed by support from two sporting stars.

  The Northern Irishman collapsed in remarkable fashion at Pinehurst, missing two simple putts as Bryson DeChambeau sneaked in to profit and win the major.

  Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal and NBA legend Michael Jordan both reached out to McIlroy in the aftermath of that disappointment.

  The 35-year-old has now racked up four runners-up finishes in majors since his last such victory at the PGA Championship in 2014.

  Yet McIlroy is intent on responding when The Open returns at Royal Troon this week.

  "Rafa Nadal and Michael Jordan," McIlroy told The Guardian. "Two of the most unbelievable competitors that have ever been in sport.

  "MJ was maybe the first person to text me after I missed the putt on the 18th but both of them got in touch very, very quickly. They just told me to keep going. MJ reminded me of how many game-winning shots he missed. Really nice."

  The four-time major champion scored bogeys on three of his final four holes during his U.S. Open downfall.

  "Was it a great opportunity to win a major? Absolutely," McIlroy added of his short-putting nightmare. "It hurt and in the moment it was tough, terrible.

  "I'd say people would be surprised to see how quickly I got over it and moved on."

  McIlroy subsequently took a short break before returning at the Scottish Open last week, finishing tied for fourth place at the Renaissance Club.

  "Maybe the one drawback from me not talking [to media] afterwards was that you got three weeks of speculation," McIlroy said, referring to his swift exit at Pinehurst. 

  "He should have done this, should have done that but we will never know because he didn't say. I trust the people around me. I don't need to go looking for external counsel.

  "If the tournament ended after 68 holes, people would be calling me the best golfer in the world. You have to be an eternal optimist. Say you play 25 events a year and win three of those. You are one of the best players in history. We lose way more than we win.

  "Yes, I was in a great winning position and should have won but it's not the first time I have let something slip away. It's probably not going to be the last.

  "You have to look at it on the continuum. It was tough but it is one tournament, I play 23-25 per year. You have to keep going.

  "The great thing about this game is you have an opportunity to get back on the horse right after a tough loss. You try to learn from it and do better next time."

• KFC Basketball Star Search Camp tips off at GC Foster College on Monday, July 15

  The Jamaica Basketball Association's annual KFC Basketball Star Search Camp is set to tip off on Monday, July 15, at the GC Foster College in St. Catherine. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., will gather the top 120 youth basketball players from across the island, aged 12 to 20, providing them with a unique opportunity to hone their skills, interact with mentors, and prepare for potential scholarship opportunities.

  This highly anticipated camp is known for its comprehensive approach to player development. Participants will benefit from the expertise of both overseas and local coaches who will guide them through various drills and competitions. The camp's itinerary includes general fitness tests, skills assessments, special drill stations, a 3-point shooting contest, and both 3x3 and full-court team competitions.

  Beyond the court, the camp places a strong emphasis on holistic development. Campers will engage in life skills sessions, receive nutrition tips, learn about anti-doping guidelines, and partake in cultural presentations. This multifaceted approach aims to prepare young athletes not only for the demands of basketball but also for the broader challenges they may face in life.

  One of the highlights of the camp is the presence of overseas coaches and scouts, who will be on hand to offer scholarships and provide valuable insights into the criteria and requirements necessary to maintain these offers. This exposure is crucial for young players aspiring to continue their education and basketball careers in North America.

  The KFC Basketball Star Search Camp has a rich history of over 20 years, during which it has been instrumental in the development of numerous young Jamaican basketball talents. Many of these players have successfully transitioned into high schools, junior colleges, and universities in North America, thanks in part to the foundation laid by this camp.

  This year's camp is supported by several notable sponsors, including KFC, The Bob Marley Foundation, Gatorade, and the Sports Development Foundation. Their contributions ensure the continued success and impact of the camp, fostering the next generation of Jamaican basketball stars.

  As the camp kicks off on Monday, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With a blend of skill development, mentorship, and holistic growth opportunities, the KFC Basketball Star Search Camp promises to be a transformative experience for all participants.

• Brunson takes $156.5 million to help Knicks' flexibility

  Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the New York Knicks on Friday.

  The figure is $113 million less guaranteed than he would have been eligible to receive next offseason, but it puts the Knicks in a much better position financially to build a championship-caliber roster around him.

  The deal was first reported by ESPN, with Brunson’s agent telling the organisation his client chose the extension over a five-year, $269 million contract he could have received as a free agent in 2025.

  It’s an unprecedented move for the All-Star guard who finished fifth in MVP voting last season after he averaged career highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists in 2023-24.

  Those numbers were far better than expected when the former second-round pick signed with the Knicks in 2022, with some questioning if a player who had mostly been a backup in Dallas was worth more than $100 million.

  Brunson, 27, helped the Knicks reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013 before falling to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brunson broke his hand in the second half and the Knicks were already dealing with a plethora of injuries to key players.

  He has blossomed into one of the league's most impactful players and leaders and earned All-NBA honours after totalling 11 40-point games in the regular season.

  Brunson’s extension will begin with the 2025-26 season and his decision to take less money should help the Knicks manage their payroll after a busy offseason in which they re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year contract worth more than $210 million and acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets.