TENNIS - Nick Kyrgios has been handed a nightmare opening round draw at the US Open, the controversial Australian to face world No.3 and 2012 champion Andy Murray at Flushing Meadows.
CRICKET - Australia has avoided the embarrassment of a loss to world No.10 Ireland, Steve Smith's full captaincy debut ending with a rain-affected 23-run win in Belfast.
SOCCER - Reigning champions Barcelona and returning giants Manchester United were dealt favourable hands in the Champions League draw in Monaco, while Manchester City will take on Italian giants Juventus and Europa League champions Sevilla in a tough early assignment.
RUGBY UNION - Less than 12 months after helping South Sydney to a first NRL premiership in over four decades, Sam Burgess has played his way into England's Rugby World Cup squad- edging out the more experienced Luther Burrell for a centres berth.
ATHLETICS - Usain Bolt again relegated controversial American Justin Gatlin to the silver-medal position in the men's 200m final at the world championships as the Jamaican completed the sprint double.
