AMERICAN Bruce Vaughan won the Senior British Open today with a birdie on the first hole of a play-off against John Cook at Royal Troon Golf Club.

It marks the first major title for the 51-year-old Vaughan, who carded a one-under-par 70 in the final round en route to finishing at six-under 278.

Vaughan, who lost his mother six weeks ago in a car accident, said the win was "very emotional".

CYCLING: Carlos Sastre became the third Spaniard in succession to win the Tour de France, following triumphs for Oscar Pereiro and Albert Contador.

Australian Cadel Evans finished second overall with the Austrian Bernhard Kohl in third.

TENNIS: Andy Murray believes Rafael Nadal will soon usurp Roger Federer as world No.1 after being unable to overcome his Spanish opponent in the semi-final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

The Scot pushed Nadal all the way but the Wimbledon and French Open champion prevailed on the big points to secure a 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 victory and went on to beat Germany's Nicolas Kiefer in the final.

It was far closer than their previous meeting at Wimbledon last month when Nadal trounced the Scot in straight sets but Murray believes the Spaniard is still improving.

Murray said: "I think he's moving better on hard courts, and he's changing the pace of the ball a little bit more and not playing so far behind the baseline like he did in the past.

"That's why I think he'll be number one in the world soon."

SPEEDWAY: Glasgow Tigers mauled title hopefuls Reading 60-32, spurred by news that skipper Shane Parker will return in a fortnight.

Trent Leverington was again in stunning form and posted his THIRD successive Ashfield double figures return as he roared to a maximum.

The Berkshire side get a chance of revenge at home tonight, before Tigers head to the Isle of Wight.