SPORTS NEWS

The world No.1 said the achievements of the 21-year-old Masters champion were inspiring him to push harder in his quest to remain the best player on the planet. Last weekend, McIlroy warmed up for his 26th birthday by claiming his 10th PGA Tour win in San Francisco. And he told reporters: "I think everyone -- not just me, but everyone on Tour -- was inspired by seeing Jordan do what he did at Augusta. "It's always nice to have people pushing you, and I feel like he's one of the guys doing that right now." And after continuing his fine form on day one at Sawgrass, McIlroy said he felt "sharp" and "comfortable." The Irishman, whose round included an eagle at the 16th, was quickly into his stride as a confident start left him two shots off the lead -- currently shared by Hideki Matsuyama, David Hearn, Kevin Na and Charley Hoffman. The 26-year-old said a patient approach had paid dividends in blustery conditions -- and it saw him outscore playing...

The 21-year-old became the second-youngest player to win at Augusta, behind only Woods' 1997 effort, and just the fifth man to lead the prestigious tournament from start to finish. The American went into Sunday's final round with a four-shot lead, extended that by one after his opening nine holes, and at the next beat Phil Mickelson's Masters record of 26 birdies for the week. Unlike last year, where he squandered the lead just before the nine-hole turn on the last day, this time he was unstoppable. Spieth's 28th birdie, at the 15th hole, made him the first player to reach 19 under par at the Masters -- eclipsing Woods' 1997 winning total. A bogey at the last meant he ended tied with the 14-time major champion's mark. The Texan couldn't match Woods' 12-shot winning margin of 18 years ago, but finished four ahead of second-placed Justin Rose and Mickelson -- both of whom are already major winners. Spieth's halfway total of 14 under par on Friday brok...