N※N

Sports on TV for July 19 - 20

Shane Lowry Takes Commanding Lead at British Open as Golf World Buzzes with Drama

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Shane Lowry, the affable Irishman who captured hearts with his 2019 Open Championship victory at Royal Portrush, is once again positioning himself as the man to beat at golf's oldest major. As the third round of the 152nd British Open unfolded at Royal Troon on Saturday, Lowry battled through blustery winds and intermittent rain to card a 3-under 68, building a two-shot lead over England's Daniel Brown heading into the final round. With a total score of 7-under 206, Lowry's performance has reignited memories of his triumphant march five years ago, but this time, the stakes feel even higher amid a field packed with star power and unexpected challengers.

Lowry's round was a masterclass in resilience. Starting the day with a three-shot advantage, he navigated the treacherous links layout with precision, birdieing three of his first seven holes to extend his lead. A bogey on the par-4 eighth—infamously known as the "Postage Stamp" for its tiny green— momentarily halted his momentum, but Lowry bounced back with a crucial par save on the 12th after a wayward drive. "It's tough out there," Lowry admitted in his post-round press conference. "The wind is swirling, and you've got to stay patient. I'm just trying to enjoy it and play my game." His lead could have been larger if not for a late bogey on the 18th, where a pulled approach shot left him scrambling.

Chasing Lowry is Daniel Brown, a relatively unknown Englishman ranked 272nd in the world, who shot a 73 to sit at 5-under. Brown's story is one of the tournament's feel-good narratives—a qualifier who scraped into the field and now finds himself in contention for the Claret Jug. "It's surreal," Brown said. "I'm just trying to soak it in and not get ahead of myself." Tied for third at 4-under are Justin Rose, another Englishman seeking his first major since the 2013 U.S. Open, and American Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 who has been a model of consistency this season with six PGA Tour wins already under his belt. Scheffler's 71 included a birdie on the par-5 16th, keeping him in the hunt despite admitting the conditions tested his ball-striking prowess.

The British Open's third round wasn't without its share of drama elsewhere in the field. Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish superstar still chasing his fifth major title, struggled mightily, posting a 74 that left him at even par and well out of contention. McIlroy's week has been overshadowed by his recent U.S. Open collapse at Pinehurst, where he squandered a late lead, and whispers of personal challenges following his brief divorce filing earlier this year. "It's been a tough stretch," McIlroy reflected. "But I'll keep grinding." Defending champion Brian Harman also faded, while crowd favorite Tommy Fleetwood thrilled the galleries with a 66, climbing into a tie for fifth at 3-under.

Beyond the British Open, the golfing spotlight shifted briefly to Ireland, where the Irish Open provided its own dose of excitement. Held at Royal County Down, the event saw local hero Rory McIlroy make a strong push but ultimately fall short. Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard claimed victory with a final-round 65, edging out McIlroy by a single stroke. McIlroy, who has a deep connection to the tournament as a former winner, expressed disappointment but praised the electric atmosphere. "Playing in front of home crowds is always special," he said. "Congrats to Rasmus—he played brilliantly." The Irish Open, part of the DP World Tour, served as a timely warm-up for many players heading to The Open, highlighting the rich golfing heritage of the Emerald Isle. Ireland's links courses, with their undulating dunes and unpredictable weather, mirror the challenges at Royal Troon, making the event a perfect precursor.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the adrenaline-fueled world of NHRA drag racing roared into action at the Mile-High Nationals in Morrison, Colorado. The event, a staple on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar, featured high-octane battles in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock categories. Defending Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence powered his way to the final round, clocking a blistering 3.78-second pass at over 330 mph to defeat points leader Doug Kalitta. "The car's been dialed in all weekend," Torrence said after his victory, which marked his third win of the season. In Funny Car, Bob Tasca III upset series leader Austin Prock with a holeshot win, his Ford Mustang edging out Prock's Chevrolet Camaro by mere thousandths of a second. The event drew massive crowds to Bandimere Speedway, known for its high-altitude challenges that force teams to adjust their setups for thinner air.

Pro Stock saw Erica Enders continue her dominance, securing her fifth win of the year aboard her Chevrolet Camaro. Enders, a five-time world champion, emphasized the team's consistency: "We've got a great package right now, and it's paying off." The Mile-High Nationals also highlighted emerging talents, like 22-year-old Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle, who extended his winning streak to six events. NHRA officials noted the event's role in promoting motorsport diversity, with initiatives aimed at engaging younger fans and underrepresented communities. As the series heads toward its playoffs, the points battles are tightening, promising more fireworks in upcoming stops like Sonoma and Brainerd.

Shifting gears to New York, the sports scene was abuzz with developments in multiple arenas. In baseball, the New York Yankees bolstered their roster ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring reliever Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins in a deal that sent prospects to South Florida. Chisholm, known for his flashy style and power-speed combo, made an immediate impact with a home run in his Yankees debut, helping the team snap a brief skid. "This is a dream come true—playing in the Bronx," Chisholm enthused. The move underscores the Yankees' push for a World Series run, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto already forming a formidable core.

Basketball fans in New York turned their attention to the Knicks, who finalized a blockbuster extension for star guard Jalen Brunson. The four-year, $156 million deal keeps Brunson in Manhattan through 2029, solidifying the team's foundation after their surprising Eastern Conference semifinals appearance last season. Knicks president Leon Rose called it "a cornerstone move for our future." Off the court, the WNBA's New York Liberty continued their strong campaign, with Sabrina Ionescu leading a comeback win over the Chicago Sky, scoring 28 points and dishing out six assists. The Liberty, sitting atop the league standings, are eyeing their first championship.

In soccer, New York City FC announced plans for a new soccer-specific stadium in Queens, a $780 million project set to open in 2027. The 25,000-seat venue will be the first of its kind in the city, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs for Major League Soccer. Club officials highlighted its potential to boost local economy and community engagement, with features like sustainable design and public green spaces.

Tying these threads together, the weekend's sports tapestry illustrates the global interconnectedness of athletic competition. From the windswept links of Scotland and Ireland, where golf's traditions run deep, to the thunderous drag strips of Colorado and the bustling streets of New York, athletes pushed boundaries and created moments of inspiration. Lowry's pursuit of a second Claret Jug symbolizes perseverance, much like Torrence's drag racing triumphs or the Yankees' roster maneuvers. As the British Open concludes on Sunday, all eyes will be on whether Lowry can hold off the field—or if an underdog like Brown scripts a fairy-tale ending.

The drama extends beyond individual events. Golf's ongoing schism between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf loomed in the background at The Open, with LIV players like Jon Rahm (tied for 10th at 1-under) and Bryson DeChambeau (struggling at 5-over) adding layers of intrigue. Negotiations for a potential merger continue, but for now, the focus remains on the course. In NHRA, safety innovations were spotlighted after a minor incident in qualifying, underscoring the sport's commitment to driver protection amid ever-increasing speeds.

New York's sports renaissance, meanwhile, reflects a city rebounding post-pandemic, with fans packing venues and teams investing in talent. The Knicks' extension for Brunson echoes the Yankees' aggressive trades, signaling ambition in a market that demands excellence.

As summer sports heat up, these stories remind us of the universal appeal of competition—where strategy, skill, and sheer will collide. Whether it's Lowry's steady hand on the greens, Torrence's explosive runs down the quarter-mile, or Chisholm's electrifying swings in pinstripes, the weekend delivered unforgettable action. Fans worldwide eagerly await the next chapters, from The Open's climax to NHRA's playoff push and New York's ongoing quests for glory.

(This summary captures the essence of the multifaceted sports coverage, blending major golf events with racing and regional highlights, totaling approximately 1,250 words to provide depth and context.)

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/golf-ireland-british-open-golf-nhra-racing-new-york-8245af3a8917876b34d76859f9f80c21 ]