Thursday Morning Sports Update

Soccer, golf and swimming action for Thursday morning's sports update

SOCCER

A 2-nil win over Brentford has helped Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka were both on the mark for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium last night.

Liverpool were held to a 1-all draw by Sunderland at Anfield, while Chelsea dropped down to fourth after a 3-1 defeat to Leeds.

Aston Villa came from 2-nil down to beat Brighton 4-3, Wolves lost to Nottingham Forest by a goal to nil and Crystal Palace beat Burnley by the same scoreline.

Tonight, Manchester United host West Ham from 8pm.

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Celtic are now level on points with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Hoops beat Dundee by a goal to nil last night in what was Martin O'Neill's final game in interim charge

Frenchman Wilfried Nancy takes the job on a permanent basis from this morning.

Hearts conceded a late goal to Kilmarnock in their 1-all draw at Tynecastle.
 

GOLF

Rory McIlroy is one-over-par after his opening round overnight at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Masters champion - who won the event in 2013 - mixed five birdies with six bogies to card a 72.

Ryan Fox, Carlos Ortiz and Elvis Smylie lead the way on six-under-par.

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Tom McKibbin is in the field for the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.

He's due to tee off inside the next hour.

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Lauren Walsh represents the Irish interest in Alabama at the LPGA Q-Series final qualifying event.

The Kildare woman tees off just before half three Irish time as she bids for a tour card for next season.
 

SWIMMING

It's set to be another busy day for the Irish swimmers at the European Short Course Championships in Poland.

After his gold medal exploits yesterday, John Shortt goes in the heats of the 100-metres backstroke this morning.

This evening, Daniel Wiffen returns for the final of the 15-hundred metres freestyle, while Evan Bailey goes in the final of the 200-metres freestyle.

Ellen Walshe competes in the 100-metres Individual Medley final.


CRICKET

England's cricketers have lost another wicket in the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane.

A short time ago, the tourists were 166 for 3 at the Gabba off 36 overs.
 

SNOOKER

World snooker number one Judd Trump is into the quarter-finals of the UK Championship in York.

The Englishman progressed with a 6-3 victory over Si Jiahui.

Mark Selby continued his bid for a third title after a 6-2 win against Zhou Yuelong.