Two gloves, one major - England's Rai wins US PGA title

Behind Rahm and Smalley, there was a three-way tie on five under between American two-time champion Justin Thomas, Swedish Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg and little-known German Matthias Schmid. Former world number one Thomas had posted the early target after a five-under 65, then sat back in the clubhouse to watch and wait patiently - while hoping for a "little bit of help" to win. The wind did not whip up as Thomas hoped. Yet, with the severely-sloped greens playing firm in the Pennsylvanian sun, and the thick rough continuing to be penal, scoring opportunities remained at a premium. For almost everyone other than Rai. All week long it felt like a strategic thinker would be the one to prevail and Rai, known on tour for his diligence, carefully plotted his way to victory. Keeping his ball on the fairway from the tee - he was fourth best for the week - proved to be an effective tactic which others did not find as simple. Once Rai moved clear of the pack on seven under - thanks to birdies on the 11th and 13th, going up and down from a front bunker on the latter - it looked like a score which would not be caught. In what was now by far the biggest moment of his career, an emotionless Rai stayed in the zone. The experience of beating a strong field at the DP World Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship in November was perhaps something he was able to draw on. …