As host of the Duty Free Irish Open, Rory McIlroy knows that this week is going to be much longer than most.

So the Italians will rest their star performers on Wednesday to afford Ireland an easy ride to joining them in the knockout stages of Euro 2016? Well, think again.

He has watched his great friend and rival Rory McIlroy win three major championships already.

HATEM BEN ARFA: Is he a special talent who must be embraced by Newcastle United or a maverick who will never adapt to the unique demands of the Premier League? Discuss.

Pity poor Puerto Rico, who could find themselves on the end of a United States backlash in the men’s basketball.