Barry's Blog

MENS SINGLES US OPEN Round 1 Cilic from Croatia beat Mayer from Germany 3-0 Giraldo from Colombia beat Millot from France 3-2 Dolgolov from the Ukraine beat Struff from Germany 3-2 Verdasco beat Pospil after he retired with injury Troscki from Serbia beat Gombos from Croatia 3-2 Stebe from Germany beat Kicker from Argentina 3-1 Daniel from Japan beat Paul from the USA 3-2 Lopez from Spain beat Kuznetsov from Russia 3-1 Thiem from Austria beat De Minaur 3-0 Sugita from Japan beat Blancneaux from France 3-0 Kohlschreiber from Germany beat Symczek from the USA 3-0 Young from the USA beat Marter from Germany 3-1 Brown from Germany beat Bellucci from Brazil 3-0 Travaglia beat fellow Italian Fognini 3-1 Fritz from the USA beat Bagdaties from Cyprus 3-0 Mayer from Argentena beat Gasguet from France 3-1 Dumhur from Bosnia and Herznegovia beat Cuevas from Grease 3-0 Menedez Macieres from Spain beat Kypson from the USA 3-0 Rublev from Russia be...

WOMENS US OPEN Round 1 Makarova from Russia beat Wozniki from Denmark 2-1 Allertova from the Czech Republic beat Peterson from Sweden 2-0 Vesinioa beat fellow Russian Blinkova 2-0 Kanepi from Estonia beat Schiavone from Italy 2-1 Kotaveit from Estonia beat Safrova from the Czech Republic 2-0  Nara from Japan beat Sorribes Tormo from Spain 2-0 Bogdan from Belgium beat Townsend from the USA 2-1 Ozki from Japan beat Lao from the USA 2-1 Maria from Germang beat Karazer from the USA 2-0 Mc Hale from the USA beat Pavlyuchenkova from Russia 2-1 Nicelusccu from Romania beat Mladenovic from France 2-0 Jabeur from Turkey beat Minor from the USA 2-0 Putinseva from Kazackstan beat Zhuk from Russia 2-0 Kasatkina from Russia beat Wang from China 2-1 Gibbs from the USA beat Cepede Royg from Croatia 2-1 Zhang from China beat Lisicki from Germany 2-1 Rogers beat fellow American Day 2-1 Brady from the USA beat Petkovic from Germany 2-1 Radwansk...

MENS US OPEN Nadal from Spain beat Lajovic from Croatia 3-0 Roger Federrer from Switzerland beat Tiafoe from the USA 3-2 WOMEN'S  US OPEN Piskova from the Czech Republic beat Linette from Poland 2-0 Osaka from Japan beat Kerber from Germany 2-0 Ostapenko from Latvia beat Arrubarrena from Spain 2-1 Keys from the USA beat Mertens from Belgium 2-0   Strycova from the Czech Republic beat Doi from Japan 2-0 Wickmayer from Belgium beat Tsurenko from Ukraine 2-0 Cistrea from Belgium beat Kerkhove from the Netherlands 2-0    

WOMENS SINGLES DAY 1  Cibuklova beat fellow Croat Cepelova 2-1 Kenin beat fellow American Davis 2-0 Peng from China beat Hesse from France 2-0 Alexrandrova from Russia beat Zaja from Germany 2-0 Vetik from Croatia beat Haddid Maia from Brazil 2-0  Kozlova from the Ukraine beat   Begu from Rominia 2-0 Makarova from Russia beat Barthel from Germany 2-0 Suarez Navaro from Spain beat Soylu from Turkey 2-0 Georges beat fellow German Beck 2-0 Lucic Baroni from Croatia beat Puig from Purto Rico 2-1 Tomljanovic from Croatia beat Larsson from Sweden 2-0 Dodin beat fellow French player Parmentier 2-1 Diun from China beat Liu from the USA 2-0 Sakkari from Grease beat Bertens from the Netherlands 2-0 Rybarikova from Croatia beat Gioegi from Italy 2-0 Babos from Hungary beat Golubic from Switzerland 2-1 Rodionova from Australia beat Hokenkamp from the Netherlands 2-0 Barty from Australia beat Konjuh from Croatia 2-1 Garcia ...

MENS US OPEN  DAY 1 Tipsaravic from Croatia beat Kokkinkis from Australia 3-2   Tsonga from France beat Copil from Romania 3-0 Lorenzi from Italy beat Sousa from Portugal 3-1 Donosky from Russia beat injured Haider Maurer Fabiano from Italy beat Smith from Australia 3-1   Norie from Great Britain beat retired Tursunov from Russia Lu from North Korea beat Khachanov from Russia 3-1 Chung from South Korea Zeballos from Argentena 3-1 Zvrev from Germany beat Kwiatowski from the USA 3-2 Mayer from Germany beat Dutra Silva from Brazil 3-1 Swartman beat fellow Argentine Berlocq 3-0 Carmeno Busta from Spain beat King from the USA 3-0 Muller from Luxenberg beat Tomic from Australia 3-1 Edmond from Great Britain beat Hasse from Netherlands 3-0 Corely from Croatia beat Vesely from the Czech Republic 3-0 Ranos Vinolas from Spain beat Istomin from Uzsbek 3-2 Mahut from France beat Fucovics from Hungary 3-2 Gulbis from Latvia beat G...

How will the new Pro14 look? The league will be split into two Conferences. Each conference will contain two Irish teams, two Welsh, one Italian, one Scottish and one South African team. Ulster will play in Conference B alongside Scarlets (WRU), Leinster (IRFU), Edinburgh (SRU), Benetton Rugby (FIR), Dragons (WRU) and Southern Kings (SA Rugby). Conference A will consist of Munster (IRFU), Ospreys (WRU), Glasgow Warriors (SRU), Cardiff Blues (WRU), Connacht (IRFU), Zebre Rugby Club (FIR) and Toyota Cheetahs (SA Rugby). How many games will there be? Every team will play 21 regular season fixtures. Each team will play the rest of the clubs in their conference home and away (12 games), and will also play the seven teams of the opposite conference home OR away (seven games). Then that leaves another two... What about the other derby fixtures? Don't worry - Ulster will still take on all of the other Irish provinces home and away as derby fixtures have been protected. Th...

WOMENS RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL NZ 41-32 ENGLAND NATUA NEVER GIVES UP A penalty try and the first of Lydia Thompson's double helped England lead 17-5 approaching the break. But it was a narrow advantage having dominated territory and possession, and the Black Ferns then took control. Prop Toka Natua led the way with a hat-trick as New Zealand became world champions for the fifth time. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41049719 MY OPINION This was a game that I think England lost control off in the second half and I feel that this might been a game they think they can develop from year on year. England must understand what went wrong if they are to progress because they had the win.

MAYWEATHER HAMMERS MC GREGOR Floyd Mayweather extended his perfect career record to 50 fights unbeaten by stopping Conor McGregor in the 10th round of one of the richest bouts in boxing history. The former five-weight world champion faced flurries of early punches from UFC's most iconic figure, who was making his debut in professional boxing at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena. McGregor delivered a crisp uppercut in round one and, though he edged close to breaking the rules with several punches to the back of the head, he imposed himself admirably without ever looking as though he would knock out Mayweather. The American, who came out of retirement for a potential $300m (£230m) pay day, executed a gameplan which pounced on McGregor's lack of conditioning for the late rounds which prove so key on big fight nights. As the Irishman tired, Mayweather upped his ferocity and by round nine the 40-year-old began to stalk his opponent, whose legs were weakening under more...

ALL IRELAND SEMI FINAL DUBLIN 2.17 0.11 TYRONE RAVNESS ROCK The outcome was never in doubt as the Dubs dominated throughout. An early Con O'Callaghan goal helped his team to 1-9 to 0-5 half-time lead. Eoghan O'Gara found the net late on. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/gaelic-games/41066284 MY OPINION After Dublin’s early goal Tyrone were never going to get back into the game unless things changed and there was no sign of that during the match. Maybe if Micky is to say on they need to find a different tactic to win a game as against quality players this one did not work. There are many questions for Tyrone now that need answers like will Micky stay on or who will release the pressure from Peter Harte. As for Dublin Jim Gavin is in a very happy camp. GAA FOOTBALL SEMI FINAL REPLAY MAYO 2.16 0.17 KERRY O CONNOR ON FIRE The goals were crucial as Diarmuid O'Connor's 28th-minute effort put Mayo 1-8 to 0-6 ahead at the break and Andy ...

EUROPA LEAGUE MY OPINION Group A: Villarreal, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Astana, Slavia Prague. This group looks very interesting and anyone could finish top of the 4 teams Group B: Dynamo Kiev, Young Boys, Partizan Belgrade, Skenderbeu.  Both Dynamo Kiev and young boys will qualify here Group C: Braga, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Istanbul Basaksehir. Hoffenheim should qualify after learning more and more from every match as we learned from Liverpool they are a good team. I would have to go Braga with them but I am not sure Group D: Milan, Austria Vienna, Rijeka, AEK Athens. Millan and Aek Athens for me in this one Millan have to be seen as a favourite for the whole thing. Group E: Lyon, Everton, Atalanta, Apollon. Lyon will qualify and I think the second spot will be between Everton and Atalanta Group F: Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff Tiraspol, Zlin. Locomotive Moscow will qualify here but you have to go with Copenhaven with them as we know little about...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS   MY OPINION Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel, CSKA Moscow Man United should have ambition of topping this pool with Basil giving them a game and Benfica challenging them for top spot. Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Anderlecht, Celtic I don’t think Celtic have a chance with 2 powerhouses of European football in their group in PSG and Bayern. If Celtic finish third they should be happy. Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Qarabag Chelsea have got one of the hot teams in Atletico in their group which will be the big ties for sure. Roma will be no pushover either and will be playing for a last 16 spot but with who on the final day. Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos, Sporting Juventos and Barcelona are massive sides and these two are definitely the teams of the group. Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, Maribor Liverpool got a kind group with Sevilla but could have problems against Spartac...

FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW PLAYED 18 TH SEPTEMBER DRAW IN BLACK PREDICTION IN RED West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City If City put out a strong team they should win this but if they put out a week one I think WBA will win Everton v Sunderland This game will be close and is very hard to call. Leicester City v Liverpool Liverpool should win this match with the quality they have but Leicester have the quality to but in a result Manchester United v Burton Albion This is the dream tie to defend a title and would be shocked if united lost by less than 2 even with a weakened team Brentford v Norwich City This game feels close and could go to extra time Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bristol Rovers Wolves should have too much for Bristol Rovers Burnley v Leeds I see a shock here in this match as even without Chris Wood Leeds can win this match Arsenal v Doncaster Rovers Even a second string Arsenal should have too much for Doncaster Bristol...

UEFA CHAMKPIONS LEAGUE  QUALIFIER LIVERPOOL 4-2 1899 HOFFENHEIM KOP CHEERS CANN DOUBLE Emre Can's deflected shot put them ahead before Mohamed Salah reacted quickest to slot in a rebound off the post. Can stroked in Roberto Firmino's cross at the back post just 143 seconds later before Hoffenheim substitute Mark Uth, introduced after 24 minutes in a tactical reshuffle, pulled one back. Former Hoffenheim forward Firmino put the tie beyond doubt after the break, sliding the ball into the bottom corner after Jordan Henderson dispossessed opposing captain Kevin Vogt before unselfishly squaring. The German side, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, did not lose their spirit and pulled another back when Sandro Wagner headed in Andrej Kramaric's left-wing cross. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40997832 MY  OPINION As a low seed I see Liverpool as a difficult opponent for anyone but Liverpool will pick up points against the big gu...

WOMENS RWC SEMI FINAL ENGLAND 20-3 FRANCE BERN ALLOWS ENGLAND TO BURN RUBBER A tight first half saw the sides reach the interval at 3-3 after Shannon Izar cancelled out Emily Scarratt's penalty. England upped their game in the second period and Scarratt edged them back in front with her second penalty. Prop Sarah Bern drove over for a converted score to move England clear before Megan Jones' last-gasp try. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41001764 MY OPINION France are a good side but we do know that they sometimes have a habit of blowing hot and cold and this was a poor performance by them as England were able to get their foot in front and now I feel that they have wat it takes to compete with the All Blacks NEW ZEALAND 45-12 USA WOODMAN MAKES BLACKS BEST Five tries came after halftime, having ground out a 15-7 lead at the break. And four of them went to irresistible winger Woodman, the scorer of eight tries in their pool th...

ASTANA 4-3 CELTIC AGG 4-8 TWUMASI GETS ASTANA WIN FOR PRIDE Leading 5-0 from the first leg, Brendan Rodgers' side fell behind on the night when Dimitri Shomko's shot was diverted into the net by Kristoffer Ajer. And though Scott Sinclair produced a stylish equaliser, Serikzhan Muzhikov and Patrick Twumasi (2) put the hosts 4-1 up with 20 minutes still to play. But Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths made the tie safe for the visitors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40997756 MY OPINION Celtic had won this game in the first leg I had no doubt about that and they are learning what is needed to compete in Europe and I just hope that someone comes and challenges Celtic whether it is Aberdeen or Rangers as this will make them better in Europe. Also qualified for the group stage are Sevilla, Olympicos, Maribor and Napoli 

ALL IRELAND SEMI MAYO 2.14 2.14 KERRY MIGHTY MORAN AND GEANEY KEEP MATCH AS STALEMATE Mayo were on fire after the change of ends and four points from play put them four up, but were rocked back when Johnny Buckley got Kerry’s second goal of the day, pouncing on the rebound after David Clarke made the first of two great saves from David Moran in another great display of shot-stopping from the Mayo goalkeeper. From here, it was white-knuckles to the close, with neither side willing to blink. This Mayo team simply refuse to quit, so when substitute Paddy Durcan fired over the equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time there was no-one surprised. https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2017/0820/898682-kerry-mayo-match-report/ MY OPINION Mayo have had extra matches which should have helped them in this as it just meant that when the pressure was on they were not able to get over the line which is something that teams with many close matches could do. This match will he...

EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFERS EVERTON 2-0 HAJUK SPLIT KLEVER KEANE Hajduk fans surged towards the Goodison Park pitch and threw objects as play was stopped in the 33rd minute. Moments earlier, Michael Keane had risen highest at the far post to head in Leighton Baines' left-wing cross. Idrissa Gueye slotted in when play resumed after a five-minute delay, giving the Toffees a healthy lead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40940244 MY OPINION Everton need to play a smart game here as it is so important to protect what they have as well as try to push for the third goal as if they get that then Split will have to score 4. I think that Everton have shown enough quality in the first leg that they have little to worry about. Split could score but I think 1 will be as many as they do. 

WOMENS RUGBY WORLD CUP 2017 FRANCE 21-5 IRELAND MENAGER EARLY TRY ALLOWS FRENCH TO CONTROL THINGS An early Romane Menager try was followed by two more Caroline Ladagnous touchdowns as the French ran Ireland ragged to lead 21-0 at the interval. Ireland produced intense second-half pressure but could only manage an injury-time Cliodhna Moloney try. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40952046 MY OPINION For Ireland this Game was lost in the second half but we do know that if the French can do this type of damage against the Irish they have a real chance at the title. The Irish had a chance to score a try just before half time and they did not take it. ENGLAND 47-26 USA SUPERB SCARRATT Emily Scarratt scored the first try and a penalty try and further scores from Marlie Packer, with a brace, and Katy Mclean saw them lead 33-7 at half-time. Amy Wilson-Hardy and Amy Cockayne added further tries for England, with Kate Zackary, Cheta Emba an...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFERS CELTIC 5-0 ASTANA SUPER SINCLAIR Tom Rogic created the opener when he drove into the box and lifted a ball into the area that Evgeni Postnikov could only divert into his own net. Sinclair raced clear to add the second and doubled his tally after the break. James Forrest fired the fourth before Leigh Griffiths' shot deflected in off Igor Shitov for number five. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40936642 MY OPINION This result is a brilliant one for the Scots as it means that they can relax in the second leg and play how they want to play. I do not think the second leg will be easy as Astana will want to get some pride from the home match. Brendan Rodgers can experiment in a big match which is something that Celtic do not have.