The sixth edition of ‘Round the Sports World in five minutes’ will talk you through The Open in golf, the Women’s Euros and the much-awaited First Test between The British Lions and Australia in rugby. And as ever, we’ll round things off with our Bet of the Week.
The Open Golf
- Start: Thursday, 17 July
- Venue: Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- TV Coverage: Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event
- Fun Fact: The first of the three times The Open was held at Portrush (this will be the third time) was way back in 1951 and was also the first time the tournament was fully covered on the BBC. It was won by the stylish, extravagant and eccentric Max Falkner, who predicted his own win before he’d hit his first shot. Apparently, when someone asked him to sign a ball on the first tee, he signed it: Max Falkner - Open Champion.
Betting
In last week’s column, we highlighted the importance of playing The Scottish Open as preparation for this event because practice on a links course is a big plus going into the year’s fourth Major. But what’s even more important, unsurprisingly, is putting in a strong performance.
Which is what the likes of Rory McIlroy (finished third at The Scottish Open, current odds of 6/1 with Ladbrokes), Scottie Sheffler (tied 8th, favourite for The Open at 9/2) and Xander Schauffele (tied 8th, odds of 20/1) last year’s Open winner, all did last week.
The betting markets have reacted, slightly cutting the odds on those three since last week, while Ludvig Aberg has also seen his odds slashed after an impressive showing in Scotland. All will feel they have a strong chance.
The ones to avoid are the LIV players such as John Rahm (11/1) and Bryson DeChambeau (18/1), who, instead of playing in blustery Scotland, were playing in sunny Spain last week; hardly ideal preparation.
Summary
It’s a shame that there aren’t many big links tournaments on the golfing calendar because it’s arguably the most fascinating of all types of courses, with wind, rain, large undulating greens and punishing fairways.
What the stats tell us over the years is that you can make mistakes off the tee and still recover, but only if you’re strong around the greens and your putting is even stronger, as that’s where the tournament is really won. So, if you’re having a bet, focus more on the top putters than the big drivers.
Scheffler is starting to find some form after an injury-hit start to the season, while McIlroy has had one of his best seasons of recent years with three wins already and a runner-up spot. But as we know, outsiders have won this event plenty of times in the last few years, so it will be a fascinating tournament to watch.
Women’s 2025 European Championship
- Start: in progress
- Venue: Switzerland
- TV Coverage: BBC and ITV
- Fun Fact: Bettors playing the over 3.5 goals market would have been in clover so far. The tournament has had 89 goals at an average of 3.71 per game. That included a 4-3 between Norway and Iceland, Spain beating Portugal 5-0, and France beating the Netherlands 5-2 in what has been a surprisingly high-scoring competition so far.
Betting
Coral make Spain the odds-on favourites to win it now at 5/6, which is unsurprising given their results in recent years and the fact they’ve been the most impressive side in the tournament so far, beating Portugal 5-0, Belgium 6-2 and Italy 3-1.
Additionally, they have arguably the kindest quarter-final draw of anyone, playing hosts Switzerland, who haven’t really impressed and were fortunate to advance out of the Group Stages on goal difference. Spain are just 1/8 to beat Switzerland on Friday night.
Next up in the betting to go all the way are England (7/2), followed by France (7/1), Sweden (9/1) and Germany, at 12/1.
Summary
So far, the tournament has largely gone to form with all the favourites progressing pretty easily and some of the weaker teams in the tournament – such as Iceland, Portugal and Wales- finding that there’s still a huge gulf between them and the top teams.
Aside from injuries, suspensions and fatigue, the most important factor from hereon may be the tournament draw, and in that regard,d it’s probably advantage England. They’re 21/20 favourites to beat Sweden, and after that it will probably be Norway, who play Italy in the quarters. Despite not being at their best so far, England will fancy their chances of winning both those games.
We know Spain have a nice quarter-final against Switzerland, but after that they’ll be seriously tested by either France or Germany, so it’s a harder route to the final than what England have. Still, a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain beat England, looks the most likely scenario right now.
Australia v British and Irish Lions First Test (Rugby)
- Start: Saturday, 19 July at 10:00
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
- TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event
- Fun Fact: Englishman Mario Itoje is the Lions captain on this Tour. Despite the presence of a large number of English players in the Lions rugby side over the years, it’s only the first time in six Tours and the first time since 2001 that they will be captained by an English player.
Betting
It’s very rare to see the Lions as short as 1/3 to win the First Test of a Series, but William Hill aren’t taking any chances and are clearly as unconvinced about this Australia side as they are convinced by the Lions one, who have been impressive in their warm-up matches so far. You can get 10/11 on the Lions -8 on the handicap, while it’s 5/4 Australia scores the first try of the match.
Summary
The Lions started preparations in the worst possible way with a 24-28 defeat to Argentina, but since then, it’s been five comfortable wins in a row, passing the 50-point mark in the first two of them. The last time the Lions toured Australia, they beat them 2-1 and a win in the First Test would go a long way towards another Series win. But home support will be huge in Melbourne, so it may not all be plain sailing for the tourists.
Betting Tip of the Week: England Women to beat Sweden Women and both teams to score
England started the Euros with a loss to France but recovered to beat a good Netherlands side 4-0 and Wales 6-1. They have a better pedigree in this tournament than their quarter-final opponents, Sweden, and the more experienced coach.
With their defence not at its best, it might be wise to take the 3/1 with England winning and both teams scoring with Ladbrokes, rather than the straight win at a much shorter 21/20.
