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Wales 0 Ireland 1: James McClean breaks Welsh hearts as Republic reach play-offs

It was just as the Wales fans had loudly evoked the spirit of Euro 2016 with a booming verse of ‘please don’t take me home’ that James McClean scored the goal that crushed hopes of another big party next summer.

Justin Thomas completes remarkable season with $10m FedEx Cup win

Justin Thomas has $10m worth of consolation after losing the Tour Championship by a stroke to Xander Schauffele. Sunday on the outskirts of Atlanta golf produced one of its curious scenarios in which even the runner-up had cause for epic celebration.

For Thomas, the FedEx Cup was fitting reward for a season which returned five victories, one of which was a major championship, the US PGA. Schauffele has cause to be equally delighted with his efforts. Not only did he see off a stellar field at East Lake but his rookie year on the PGA Tour has brought two wins and a cataclysmic rise from the position of merely seeking to retain his card. Even after a share of fifth at the US Open and victory at the Greenbrier Classic Schauffele was 82nd in the world rankings, in what proves an indication of his earlier standing.

Rafa Nadal refuses to give up on Roger Federer's Grand Slam record after continuing "unbelievable year" with US Open success

Rafa Nadal has not given up on Roger Federer's all-time Grand Slam record following his 16th title at the US Open.

The Spaniard was too strong for Kevin Anderson, winning 6-3 6-3 6-4 in just two and a half hours.

His success continued the renaissance of the sport's two biggest superstars, with Nadal having also won the French Open this year and Federer enjoying success in Australia and Wimbledon.

And with Nadal five years younger than the Swiss, there is a possibility he could hunt down his record.

"I really never thought much about that," insisted Nadal. "I just do my way. He does his way. Let's see when we finish.