Rory McIlroy in action at the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind. Getty
Rory McIlroy in action at the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind. Getty
Rory McIlroy in action at the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind. Getty
Rory McIlroy in action at the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind. Getty

Rory McIlroy targets majors with renewed focus after coronavirus shutdown


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Rory McIlroy says the coronavirus shutdown has made him more focused on adding to his tally of four major titles, the last of which came in 2014.

The Northern Irishman, 31, will compete in the PGA Championship at Harding Park starting on Thursday, before the US Open and the Masters in September and November. The British Open, the fourth men's major, was cancelled earlier this year.

"Those were the three, even in quarantine, I was looking towards. Once the schedule was set it was those three events I was trying to get ready for," McIlroy told The Guardian.

"Everything was normal then we had this massive gap where I had time to think: 'OK, what are you looking forward to after this break?' It's a funny year ... but I've three opportunities from now until November to add to my major tally.

"Because of all that's happened this year, it's made me focus a little more on just these weeks that are coming up."

The US Open and PGA Championship will be held without fans present due to the virus outbreak but McIlroy is hopeful that might change for the Masters.

"I think if anyone can make it work with spectators, it's them. Georgia is a state that's maybe a little more open to having crowds, and on the 'getting back to normal a little quicker' side of things'," the world No 3 added.

"But it's up to Augusta National and governor of Georgia. It's not just about players when you bring fans back, it's about keeping the community you're playing in safe. If you can't guarantee that you'll do that, then it's not worth it."

What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
QUALIFYING RESULTS

1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.

Eliminated after second session

11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.

Eliminated after first session

15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

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Rating: 2/5

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