1. #US OPEN Novak Djokovic is the 2011 US Open champion after he outmuscled Rafael Nadal in a vintage final at Flushing Meadows last night.
The Serb’s 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 victory earned him a third Grand Slam title of the season, and improved his 2011 record to 64-2.
2. #RWC2011 The Irish camp confirmed this morning that Tony Buckley suffered a bruised shoulder during the win over America, but stopped short of ruling the Sale prop out of Saturday’s game against Australia.
There are fresh worries about the fitness of Geordan Murphy, however, after the full-back sat out training with a hamstring strain.
Coach Declan Kidney is expected to name his starting XV in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
3. #BANTY Seamus McEnaney made clear his determination to stay on as Meath senior football manager last night, but not before departing selectors Barry Callaghan and Cyril Harnan had a chance to take a swipe at him.
The Irish Examiner reports that pair described McEnaney as “gutless and disrespectful” and “devious and cowardly” in statements presented to the meeting before McEnaney’s ratification was proposed.
4. #ROUND-UP Derry City remain one point clear at the top of the Airtricity League, despite only securing a 2-2 draw against Drogheda through a Dave Rogers own goal four minutes from time.
Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers are poised just behind the Candystripes following last night’s action. Rovers drew 1-1 against St Pat’s in Inchicore while Sligo had a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bray in the Showgrounds.
5. #BANNED English lock Courtney Lawes has been handed a two-game suspension after he was found guilty of striking Mario Ledesma with his knee during last weekend’s win over Argentina.
Unless an appeal is successful, Lawes will miss the games against Romania and Georgia, before returning for the final pool match against Scotland.
6. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Is it that time of the year again already? The road to Munich begins this evening as the group phase of this year’s Champions League gets underway, and we’ll have minute-by-minute coverage for you right here.
Chelsea welcome Bayer Leverkusen to Stamford Bridge, Arsenal travel to face Borussia Dortmund while, in the pick of the evening’s games, Barcelona meet AC Milan in the Camp Nou.
