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FARMINGDALE, New York: Captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley voiced respect but took their shots on Wednesday in Ryder Cup opening ceremony comments.

The ceremony, advanced from Thursday due to thunderstorms in the forecast on the eve of Friday’s opening matches at Bethpage Black, had thousands of supporters cheering each team.

Europe captain Donald took the opportunity to stress that unlike US players who are paid to play, European Ryder Cup stars play for their legacy alone.

US captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, played up one of Europe’s most bitter Ryder Cup moments as a galvanizing force for himself and the US team.

Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received $200,000 for charities of their choice but that was raised this year to $500,000, $300,000 for charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend to use however each liked.

In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as Europe players loving the Cup more than their American counterparts.

“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It’s unlike anything else in our sport,” Donald said.

“It’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Time and again, we’ve shown that when we come together as one with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.”

Europe captured the Cup in Rome in 2023 and hope to win this week for only the fifth time on US soil.

“Two years ago, we wrote a chapter in Rome. This week in New York, we aim to write history. We didn’t come here just to be a part of the show. We came here to earn our place in Ryder Cup folklore,” Donald said.

“The toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards. We are fueled by something money cannot buy: Purpose, brotherhood, and a responsibility to honor those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”

‘Lit a fire in me’

Bradley cited US pride and legacy, saying, “The Ryder Cup doesn’t just test skill. It reveals souls.”

Bradley thanked Europe players for “passion (that) elevates this competition” and pal Donald for “quiet strength and undeniable class.”

But he also also recalled the 1999 “Battle of Brookline” moment when Americans celebrated a victory by dancing on a green before Jose Maria Olazabal had a long putt to deny a US clinch.

“I’ve never forgotten what it felt like to run on to that green at Brookline, watching a team come together in a way that changed my life,” Bradley said.

“The moment lit a fire in me and this week that same Ryder Cup fire will fuel our team. It will drive us through every match, every moment and every challenge.”

Both captains said they were bracing for a raucous but respectful crowd.

“We know the atmosphere this weekend will be electric, raucous, and yes, respectful,” Bradley said. “That’s part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special on both sides of the pond.”

Donald tried to make the case his side could win over some support.

“New York is a place where if you show up with talent and a fighting spirit, the city will get behind you — although maybe not if you’re wearing European blue this week,” he said.

“We know what awaits us. Bethpage isn’t exactly shy. This is New York sports country, passionate, loyal, and ferociously loud, and rightly so.

“Fans here respect effort over ego. You show up for those who grind, for those who fight, and for those who rise to the big occasions. And you make us earn every cheer.

“We may not be your team, but we will give you something to respect, something to admire, and maybe by the end of this week, something to cheer for.”

NEWCASTLE, England: Two goals apiece by Joelinton and William Osula helped holders Newcastle United ease to a 4-1 victory over third-tier Bradford City and into the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

Newcastle ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought by beating Liverpool to win last season’s competition and once Joelinton and Osula scored in the space of two minutes early they were never in any danger of a shock exit.

The night could have been billed Premier League vs. League One as Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all entered the competition against third-tier opposition.

Phil Foden was on target for Manchester City as they beat League One Huddersfield Town 2-0 away while Eberechi Eze netted his first goal for Arsenal since his move from Crystal Palace to send his side to a 2-0 win at Port Vale.

Tottenham Hotspur’s bright start to the season under new manager Thomas Frank continued as they cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to Doncaster Rovers.

The fourth-round draw, made late in the evening, gave Newcastle a home tie against Tottenham while Manchester City are away at second-tier Swansea City. Arsenal will host Brighton and Hove Albion while Liverpool are at home to Crystal Palace. Chelsea are away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe fielded a strong line-up for his side’s opening hurdle in the defense of their trophy and his team proved too slick for League One leaders Bradford.

Joelinton put them ahead in the 17th minute with his first goal for nine months, controlling Anthony Gordon’s shot and placing his effort past Bradford keeper Sam Walker.

Osula ran through to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute but Newcastle had to wait until the 75th minute for Joelinton to make it 3-0 with another cool slotted finish.

Boyhood Newcastle fan Andy Cook smashed a reply for the visitors after coming off the bench but Osula confirmed Newcastle’s superiority with his second goal.

Foden has shown glimpses of a return to his best form for City and he gave them an early lead with a clinical finish after exchanging passes with Divine Mukasa. He then set up Savinho in the 74th minute to wrap up the tie.

Eze made a big impact when coming off the bench against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday — his pass creating a stoppage-time equalizer for Gabriel Martinelli.

On Wednesday, Martinelli returned the favor, helping set up the 60 million pounds ($81 million) signing to score in the eighth minute.

“Very special. I’ve been waiting to score for this club for a long time and the first is very special,” Eze said.

Arsenal were rarely in top gear and needed a late goal by Leandro Trossard to wrap it up.

Joao Palhinha scored with an acrobatic overhead kick to give Tottenham an early breakthrough at home to Doncaster, his first goal for the club and the hosts were in cruise control after a Jay McGrath own goal. Brennan Johnson got on the scoresheet for the London club in stoppage time.

The draw for the last-16 included three Welsh clubs for the first time and two of them meet, with Hollywood-backed Wrexham at home against Cardiff City.