The five best sporting events to watch in Q4

Sports fans are in for a treat in the final quarter of 2023, with the upcoming calendar packed with a host of top-class events taking place across the world.

From the drama of the Ryder Cup to the thrills of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and more, the next three months are filled with must-watch sport.

Read on as we take a closer look at what’s in store, starting with what promises to be an epic golf clash between the United States and Europe.

Golf – Ryder Cup

We adopt a bit of artistic licence with our first recommendation, with the Ryder Cup actually getting underway in Italy in the final throes of Q3.

However, golf’s biggest team event culminates on October 1, which will provide a fitting way to start the sporting calendar for the final three months of the year.

Online bookmakers rate United States as 1/1 favourites to win the competition following their emphatic 19-9 victory over Europe two years ago.

European captain Luke Donald was never on the losing side in his four appearances as a player and is confident his team can deliver a winning return for sports fans.

Cricket – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

The 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India is shaping up to be a cracker as several teams have a genuine chance of lifting the trophy.

The hosts have been well backed in the outright market, with PayPal bookmakers cutting them from odds of 11/4 to 9/4 in the past couple of weeks.

Reigning champions England will be one of India’s toughest opponents, especially with all-rounder Ben Stokes reversing his ODI retirement decision to play in the tournament.

England’s recent 3-1 series victory over New Zealand highlighted their title credentials and they will be extremely tough to stop if they continue in the same vein in India.

Australia, Pakistan and South Africa are among the other teams who will fancy their chances of getting their hands on the prestigious trophy on November 19.

Horse Racing – Breeders’ Cup World Championships 2023

If one appreciates PayPal-facilitated transactions for horse racing events, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita could be of great interest.

The 40th edition of the meeting is scheduled to take place on November 3-4, showcasing 14 championship races across various disciplines.

The event commences with Future Stars Friday on the opening day, presenting five exhilarating juvenile races as part of a rich lineup at the Californian racetrack.

The following day features an additional nine championship races, each anticipated to stimulate a high volume of activity through PayPal facilitated transactions with top bookies.

One race to watch is the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which is expected to host prominent participants including the English and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin and Prince of Wales’s stakes scorer Mostahdaf.

Darts – PDC World Darts Championship

The PDC World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace has become an integral part of the festive sporting calendar in the United Kingdom.

PayPal sports platforms offer a plethora of markets throughout the tournament, making it one of the most popular events of the year with punters.

Reigning champion Michael Smith is a best-priced 6/1 to retain the title, but could find it difficult to get the job done in the face of some stiff competition.

Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen will attract plenty of support, while Gerwyn Price is another player who could go a long way in the tournament.

Horse Racing – Kempton Christmas Festival

Another cracking festive sporting event is the Kempton Christmas Festival, which offers punters a host of thrilling National Hunt action during the two-day meeting.

The standout race on Boxing is the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day – a three-mile steeplechase that ranks only behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup in terms of prestige.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has historically been the punters’ pal in the race, saddling the winner of the King George a record 13 times.

His Kauto Star won the race five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2011) – once more than legendary grey Desert Orchid (1986, 1988, 1989 & 1990).

Nicholls saddled Bravemansgame to win the King George in 2022 and is eyeing up a repeat performance with the horse this year.

The editorial unit