McIlroy was four strokes behind the early clubhouse leader Keita Nakajima of Japan, who carded eight birdies and just one dropped shot in a seven-under 65.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and world number one Magnus Carlsen have a long history of disagreements, but both backed a new world championship concept that sets the stage for the Norwegian's return.

Banyana Banyana return to action later this month in their bid for a place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus announced her immediate retirement from swimming on Thursday, calling it a "really tough" decision.

US figure skater Ilia Malinin and Japan's Kaori Sakamoto headline the Olympic season opener at the elite ISU Grand Prix de France in Angers.