Australia humiliated, Sabalenka’s US Open joy, what happened overnight in world of sport
Wallabies suffer record defeat to Argentina, China teen Jiang Yuyan wins seventh Paralympics gold, Irish trio take England to victory
There are times when getting up early to ensure people know what’s been happening in the early hours is a chore, but then you see a result that makes it all worth while.
I won’t spoil the surprise, if it still is, but the size of Australia’s defeat to Argentina is enough to make the heart sing, unless of course you’re Australian, in which case, my condolences.
Coupled with Aryna Sabalenka’s win in New York and England’s victory over Ireland, and there’s been plenty going on while you were sleeping.
Retreat Australia fair
Not much reason for any rejoicing in either land Down Under after Saturday’s Rugby Championship matches, with the Wallabies walloped 67-27 by Argentina, and the All Blacks losing 18-12 to South Africa.
Australia were 20-3 up after 30 minutes, but the home side stormed back to score 38 unanswered points before inflicting a record defeat on their opponents, who had only conceded more than 60 points in a Test once before when losing to South Africa in 1997.
“We played some really good footy in the first half but in the second Argentina got a roll on and we couldn’t stop them,” Harry Wilson, the Wallabies captain, said, in what could be the understatement of the year.
South Africa, meanwhile, secured a fourth win in a row against old foes New Zealand for the first time in 75 years - ending the All Blacks title hopes in the process. Happy days.
Hard hitting on hard courts
Aryna Sabalenka reportedly hits her forehand harder than some men on the ATP Tour, and that helped power her to the US Open crown with a thrilling victory over a gallant Jessica Pegula in a rollercoaster final at Flushing Meadows.
