4 days ago
In his surprise return to the ATP 500 event in Basel this year, Novak Djokovic could not quite produce the run he would have hoped for, as he fell to Jan-Lennard Struff in his second match of the tournament.
Although it was a tightly contested encounter, with all three sets reaching the 5-5 mark, Djokovic eventually lost after making some uncharacteristic errors in the final-set tiebreak, handing Struff his first-ever victory against him in their ninth meeting.
At this stage of his career, Djokovic is far removed from needing results at ATP 500 tournaments. However, he has consistently stated that, regardless of his age, he always plays to win. More importantly, this defeat has dented his hopes of achieving something he was particularly keen on when returning to Basel: securing his place at the ATP Finals in Turin in just over two weeks.
Djokovic entered Basel ranked 12th in the Race to Turin, an event for which only the top eight players qualify. This is a significant change from previous years, when the Serbian would typically have secured his qualification by this stage of the season, even if he subsequently chose not to participate, as he did in each of the past two years. The Serbian needed a deep run in Basel to strengthen his position and avoid having to rely entirely on the Paris Masters to secure qualification.
However, following this defeat, Djokovic will now have to do precisely that. Given the current landscape of the live rankings, he will need a deep run in Paris to put himself in a strong position to qualify. At the time of writing, Djokovic sits 11th in the Race to Turin, with Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton already having secured their places.
#djokovic #turin #struff #serbian
Although it was a tightly contested encounter, with all three sets reaching the 5-5 mark, Djokovic eventually lost after making some uncharacteristic errors in the final-set tiebreak, handing Struff his first-ever victory against him in their ninth meeting.
At this stage of his career, Djokovic is far removed from needing results at ATP 500 tournaments. However, he has consistently stated that, regardless of his age, he always plays to win. More importantly, this defeat has dented his hopes of achieving something he was particularly keen on when returning to Basel: securing his place at the ATP Finals in Turin in just over two weeks.
Djokovic entered Basel ranked 12th in the Race to Turin, an event for which only the top eight players qualify. This is a significant change from previous years, when the Serbian would typically have secured his qualification by this stage of the season, even if he subsequently chose not to participate, as he did in each of the past two years. The Serbian needed a deep run in Basel to strengthen his position and avoid having to rely entirely on the Paris Masters to secure qualification.
However, following this defeat, Djokovic will now have to do precisely that. Given the current landscape of the live rankings, he will need a deep run in Paris to put himself in a strong position to qualify. At the time of writing, Djokovic sits 11th in the Race to Turin, with Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton already having secured their places.
#djokovic #turin #struff #serbian
4 days ago
TOMARATA, New Zealand (AP) — Defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand salvaged a 1-over 71 in strong wind Friday in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to take a two-stroke lead into the weekend at Te Arai Links.
A day after opening with an 8-under 63, Laopakdee began his morning round on the seaside layout bogey-bogey-birdie-bogey-bogey in 35 mph wind. The Arizona State senior also bogeyed the 10th, then birdied Nos. 12, 13 and 17.
"I had a 5‑footer two holes in a row and the ball just snapped 90 degrees," Laopakdee said. "I aimed a foot left from 5 feet and it went like 3 feet right. It's pretty tricky. Overall, it was a grind out there and I would take 7 under for the first two rounds."
The winner will receive spots in the Masters and British Open. Last year in Dubai, Laopakdee won the third hole of a playoff to become the first Thai champion in event history.
Three players from New Zealand followed on the leaderboard. Cooper Moore (70) was second at 5 under, Ryan Xie (71) was 4 under, and Zack Swanwic (67) 3 under. Kaito Sato of ****** an was 2 under after a 72.
#first #defending
A day after opening with an 8-under 63, Laopakdee began his morning round on the seaside layout bogey-bogey-birdie-bogey-bogey in 35 mph wind. The Arizona State senior also bogeyed the 10th, then birdied Nos. 12, 13 and 17.
"I had a 5‑footer two holes in a row and the ball just snapped 90 degrees," Laopakdee said. "I aimed a foot left from 5 feet and it went like 3 feet right. It's pretty tricky. Overall, it was a grind out there and I would take 7 under for the first two rounds."
The winner will receive spots in the Masters and British Open. Last year in Dubai, Laopakdee won the third hole of a playoff to become the first Thai champion in event history.
Three players from New Zealand followed on the leaderboard. Cooper Moore (70) was second at 5 under, Ryan Xie (71) was 4 under, and Zack Swanwic (67) 3 under. Kaito Sato of ****** an was 2 under after a 72.
#first #defending
28 days ago
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The documentary Dolph Lundgren: Unbreakable, on digital video on demand Tuesday, follows the actor's 40-year career through his recent health crisis. For Lundgren, the ups and downs are evidence of his perseverance.
In a recent Zoom interview with UPI, Lundgren, 68, reflected on his career again. He said he values his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
"Part of life is being around to fight another day," Lundgren said. "It's not all successful, great battles. It's like the small battles that get you to the big one, and that's where you make a name for yourself, or that's where you win the war."
From Arnold to Sly
By 1982, Lundgren was a martial artist with a Masters Degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney. He was dating singer Grace Jones, and got his first taste of Hollywood when he joined her on the set of Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
#zoom
In a recent Zoom interview with UPI, Lundgren, 68, reflected on his career again. He said he values his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
"Part of life is being around to fight another day," Lundgren said. "It's not all successful, great battles. It's like the small battles that get you to the big one, and that's where you make a name for yourself, or that's where you win the war."
From Arnold to Sly
By 1982, Lundgren was a martial artist with a Masters Degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney. He was dating singer Grace Jones, and got his first taste of Hollywood when he joined her on the set of Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
#zoom
2 months ago
It's time to take a look at the standout performers from Section V.
Your vote will determine who will be the Turf Masters Girls Sports Athlete of the Week for August 31 - September 6. The players' credentials are listed above the poll — which will be live until 8 p.m. Thursday. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page Friday.
The nominees are chosen by our sports reporters. If you would like to call attention to an athlete's performance to be considered for the nomination, please email sportsdemocratandchronicle.com. All athletes who play on Section V girls teams are eligible to be nominated.
Now, let's meet the candidates.
LeRoy girls soccer player picked up three goals and one ****** ist in the Oatkan Knights' shutout win against Dansville on Thursday.
#sports #masters #september
Your vote will determine who will be the Turf Masters Girls Sports Athlete of the Week for August 31 - September 6. The players' credentials are listed above the poll — which will be live until 8 p.m. Thursday. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page Friday.
The nominees are chosen by our sports reporters. If you would like to call attention to an athlete's performance to be considered for the nomination, please email sportsdemocratandchronicle.com. All athletes who play on Section V girls teams are eligible to be nominated.
Now, let's meet the candidates.
LeRoy girls soccer player picked up three goals and one ****** ist in the Oatkan Knights' shutout win against Dansville on Thursday.
#sports #masters #september
2 months ago
Last Word On Hockey's Puck Drop Previews are back for the 2026-27 season! As the regular season approaches, Last Word will preview each team's current outlook and stories to watch for the upcoming year. We'll also do our best to project how things will go for each team throughout the campaign. Today, we're previewing the 2026-27 Minnesota Wild.
There's been plenty of chatter about the 2026-27 Minnesota Wild. The main offseason rabble has been whether or not Quinn Hughes will sign an extension. Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin was able to weaponize the salary cap **** e since the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter were greatly reduced. Guerin has been taking care of players like Brock Faber and Kirill Kaprizov.
However, the Hughes question hangs over the franchise's head like a cloud. The Wild rolled the dice to get the high-flying defender from the Vancouver Canucks. However, it would be a disaster if the Olympic Gold Medal winner doesn't stay beyond this season. The Wild have only made the Western Conference Final once in the franchise's history. Minnesota knows the pressure is on to at least get back there.
Guerin fulfulled his promise of making the team into a Stanley Cup contender. He managed to give Kaprizov the deal that would keep the dynamic forward in the fold. However, getting Hughes proved to be a masterstroke. It cemented the Wild as a contender despite being in one of the toughest divisions in hockey.
Minnesota looked the part of a contender by finishing 10th in scoring, fourth in defence, and seventh in points. The Wild even broke some of their bad postseason luck by getting past the Dallas Stars. However, the same old Wild came back in the second round in a loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Wild were exposed as not having as much depth as the Avs and not having enough team speed. Minnesota has made plenty of progress, but the team still has a long way to go.
#hughes #guerin #back #last
There's been plenty of chatter about the 2026-27 Minnesota Wild. The main offseason rabble has been whether or not Quinn Hughes will sign an extension. Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin was able to weaponize the salary cap **** e since the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter were greatly reduced. Guerin has been taking care of players like Brock Faber and Kirill Kaprizov.
However, the Hughes question hangs over the franchise's head like a cloud. The Wild rolled the dice to get the high-flying defender from the Vancouver Canucks. However, it would be a disaster if the Olympic Gold Medal winner doesn't stay beyond this season. The Wild have only made the Western Conference Final once in the franchise's history. Minnesota knows the pressure is on to at least get back there.
Guerin fulfulled his promise of making the team into a Stanley Cup contender. He managed to give Kaprizov the deal that would keep the dynamic forward in the fold. However, getting Hughes proved to be a masterstroke. It cemented the Wild as a contender despite being in one of the toughest divisions in hockey.
Minnesota looked the part of a contender by finishing 10th in scoring, fourth in defence, and seventh in points. The Wild even broke some of their bad postseason luck by getting past the Dallas Stars. However, the same old Wild came back in the second round in a loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Wild were exposed as not having as much depth as the Avs and not having enough team speed. Minnesota has made plenty of progress, but the team still has a long way to go.
#hughes #guerin #back #last
2 months ago
Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton overpowered former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to book a US Open quarter-final date with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Shelton -- riding high after a strong August that included a ***** le at the ATP Montreal Masters, where he didn't drop a set -- dominated on serve.
The American blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.
Shelton put 71 percent of his first serves in play and won 84 percent of those points.
"I was focused today," said Shelton, a 2023 US Open semi-finalist. "I played a complete match from start to finish."
#eighth #tsitsipas #sunday #alcaraz
Shelton -- riding high after a strong August that included a ***** le at the ATP Montreal Masters, where he didn't drop a set -- dominated on serve.
The American blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.
Shelton put 71 percent of his first serves in play and won 84 percent of those points.
"I was focused today," said Shelton, a 2023 US Open semi-finalist. "I played a complete match from start to finish."
#eighth #tsitsipas #sunday #alcaraz
2 months ago
CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Thriston Lawrence of South Africa overcame a six-shot deficit Sunday with an 8-under 62 and denied Paul Casey his first victory in five years by making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to win the European Masters.
Casey stood over a putt with the chance to win four times on the 18th green at Crans-sur-Sierre, three of them in the playoff. Lawrence made good on his first chance. He became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
Casey (68) led by one going to the 18th and got a huge break when his approach from rough hit a rock and bounced over a stream. But he couldn't get up-and-down for par, leading to the playoff.
Casey had a 35-foot birdie putt for the win on the first playoff hole at No. 18. On the second extra hole, his 10-foot birdie narrowly missed to the right. Officials moved the pin toward the back of the green, and Casey had 8 feet for birdie and the win. That spun off the right edge.
The fourth time around, Lawrence made the winning putt to capture the European Masters for the third time in the last five years.
#casey #lawrence #birdie #crans
Casey stood over a putt with the chance to win four times on the 18th green at Crans-sur-Sierre, three of them in the playoff. Lawrence made good on his first chance. He became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
Casey (68) led by one going to the 18th and got a huge break when his approach from rough hit a rock and bounced over a stream. But he couldn't get up-and-down for par, leading to the playoff.
Casey had a 35-foot birdie putt for the win on the first playoff hole at No. 18. On the second extra hole, his 10-foot birdie narrowly missed to the right. Officials moved the pin toward the back of the green, and Casey had 8 feet for birdie and the win. That spun off the right edge.
The fourth time around, Lawrence made the winning putt to capture the European Masters for the third time in the last five years.
#casey #lawrence #birdie #crans
2 months ago
European Masters, final leaderboard
-18 P Casey (Eng), T Lawrence*; -17 H Hall; -16 F Laporta (Ita), A Ayora (Spa), A Hidalgo (Spa), B Wiesberger (Aut), E Lopez-Chacarra (Spa)
Selected others: -15 M Wallace (Eng); -14 R Hoejgaard (Den), P Reed (US); -13 T Clements (Eng); -11 M Penge (Eng); -9 C Hill (Sco), S Garcia (Spa)
*= Won at fourth play-off hole
Full leaderboard
#masters
-18 P Casey (Eng), T Lawrence*; -17 H Hall; -16 F Laporta (Ita), A Ayora (Spa), A Hidalgo (Spa), B Wiesberger (Aut), E Lopez-Chacarra (Spa)
Selected others: -15 M Wallace (Eng); -14 R Hoejgaard (Den), P Reed (US); -13 T Clements (Eng); -11 M Penge (Eng); -9 C Hill (Sco), S Garcia (Spa)
*= Won at fourth play-off hole
Full leaderboard
#masters
2 months ago
Thriston Lawrence did what Paul Casey could not: covert a winning putt at the Omega European Masters.
Lawrence made a 20-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to defeat Casey and successfully defend his ******* le in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. He also joined Seve Ballesteros as the only three-time winner of the DP World Tour event. Lawrence won as well in 2022, while Ballesteros was victorious in 1977, '78 and '89.
The two men finished regulation at 18 under par, with Lawrence closing in 8-under 62 and Casey, the overnight leader by three, shooting 68.
Casey, however, had a chance to end it on the 72nd hole. Leading by one, his approach shot from the rough on the par-4 18th landed well short of the green, bounded onto a rock, bounced over a creek and settled in the rough. The fortunate break allowed Casey to chip from a difficult lie to 10 feet past the hole. His winning effort, though, lipped out.
That led to sudden death with Lawrence, who was watching things unfold on TV.
#three
Lawrence made a 20-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to defeat Casey and successfully defend his ******* le in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. He also joined Seve Ballesteros as the only three-time winner of the DP World Tour event. Lawrence won as well in 2022, while Ballesteros was victorious in 1977, '78 and '89.
The two men finished regulation at 18 under par, with Lawrence closing in 8-under 62 and Casey, the overnight leader by three, shooting 68.
Casey, however, had a chance to end it on the 72nd hole. Leading by one, his approach shot from the rough on the par-4 18th landed well short of the green, bounded onto a rock, bounced over a creek and settled in the rough. The fortunate break allowed Casey to chip from a difficult lie to 10 feet past the hole. His winning effort, though, lipped out.
That led to sudden death with Lawrence, who was watching things unfold on TV.
#three
2 months ago
Paul Casey leads the Omega European Masters by three strokes heading into the final round on Sunday.
Casey will be looking to chalk up the 16th DP World Tour victory of his career on Sunday at Crans-sur-Sierre.
The Englishman joined LIV Golf back in 2022, so we don't see him play as much on the DP World Tour as we once did.
However, with LIV Golf set to head in a different direction in 2027, Paul Casey may well decide to play more golf on the DP World Tour.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
#casey #tour #european
Casey will be looking to chalk up the 16th DP World Tour victory of his career on Sunday at Crans-sur-Sierre.
The Englishman joined LIV Golf back in 2022, so we don't see him play as much on the DP World Tour as we once did.
However, with LIV Golf set to head in a different direction in 2027, Paul Casey may well decide to play more golf on the DP World Tour.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
#casey #tour #european
2 months ago
Real Madrid pulled off a masterstroke with Nico Paz's situation this summer as they utilised the buy-back clause on the young star to earn a profit on him.
Shining bright at Como, Paz was happy at the Serie A club and only wished to continue in Italy. Los Blancos, however, bought him back and enabled a deal where Como were forced to shell out a larger sum for him.
Eventually, the deal closed with Como paying Real Madrid €60 million for Paz. However, they still do not have complete control over his future as Real Madrid have kept a buyback clause of €80 million valid for next summer.
As confirmed in a recent update on BBC Sport, **** nal admire Nico Paz and see him as a special player with sky-high potential.
Arsenal are interested in Paz. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
#real #madrid #como #back
Shining bright at Como, Paz was happy at the Serie A club and only wished to continue in Italy. Los Blancos, however, bought him back and enabled a deal where Como were forced to shell out a larger sum for him.
Eventually, the deal closed with Como paying Real Madrid €60 million for Paz. However, they still do not have complete control over his future as Real Madrid have kept a buyback clause of €80 million valid for next summer.
As confirmed in a recent update on BBC Sport, **** nal admire Nico Paz and see him as a special player with sky-high potential.
Arsenal are interested in Paz. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
#real #madrid #como #back
2 months ago
In Hollywood, star power often runs in the family. A new generation of famous sons has stepped up to shine in film, TV, music, and fashion, following in their celebrity parents' footsteps—while putting their own twist on fame. With their lineage giving them a unique perspective on showbiz, these men are making headlines and winning hearts not just because of their last names, but because of their own impressive talent and charisma.
Lisa O'Connor / AFF-USA / MEGA
With a distinct look and undeniable charm, Rafferty Law has carved out his own lane in the industry. As the son of famed actor Jude Law and Sadie Frost, he wanted to prove he was more than just a famous last name. He made his feature film debut in 2021's Twist and later appeared in the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air, as reported by Country&Town House.
Jen Lowery / MEGA
Brooklyn Beckham has carved out his own creative path, exploring everything from photography to fashion. As the son of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, he grew up surrounded by two of the world's biggest names in sports and style, but he has pursued his own interests. His photography career reached an early milestone with the 2017 release of his book, What I See. That same year, he received a scholarship to New York's Parsons School of Design, where he enrolled in a four-year art and photography program, per Biography.com.
#twist
Lisa O'Connor / AFF-USA / MEGA
With a distinct look and undeniable charm, Rafferty Law has carved out his own lane in the industry. As the son of famed actor Jude Law and Sadie Frost, he wanted to prove he was more than just a famous last name. He made his feature film debut in 2021's Twist and later appeared in the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air, as reported by Country&Town House.
Jen Lowery / MEGA
Brooklyn Beckham has carved out his own creative path, exploring everything from photography to fashion. As the son of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, he grew up surrounded by two of the world's biggest names in sports and style, but he has pursued his own interests. His photography career reached an early milestone with the 2017 release of his book, What I See. That same year, he received a scholarship to New York's Parsons School of Design, where he enrolled in a four-year art and photography program, per Biography.com.
#twist
2 months ago
Unseeded Bu Yunchaokete made history at the 2026 US Open on Wednesday. He became the first "lucky loser" to beat a top-15 seed at a tennis major in the Open Era, which began in 1968.
The term "lucky loser" represents the player who lost the final qualifying match for the major but still gets added to the field because players in the draw had to withdraw.
Yunchaokete replaced Thanasi Kokkinakis in the tournament and found out only on Tuesday that he would be playing the 12-seeded Rafal Jodar on Wednesday. Kokkinakis withdrew due to an ankle sprain and calf injury suffered at the Cincinnati Masters leading up to the US Open.
Jodar is ranked as the No. 13 men's tennis player in the world entering the tournament, but was not able to build any momentum on Wednesday. Yunchaokete didn't just pull off the upset; he dominated.
The 24-year-old allowed Jodar to win only four games in the match, advancing in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
#wednesday #jodar #player
The term "lucky loser" represents the player who lost the final qualifying match for the major but still gets added to the field because players in the draw had to withdraw.
Yunchaokete replaced Thanasi Kokkinakis in the tournament and found out only on Tuesday that he would be playing the 12-seeded Rafal Jodar on Wednesday. Kokkinakis withdrew due to an ankle sprain and calf injury suffered at the Cincinnati Masters leading up to the US Open.
Jodar is ranked as the No. 13 men's tennis player in the world entering the tournament, but was not able to build any momentum on Wednesday. Yunchaokete didn't just pull off the upset; he dominated.
The 24-year-old allowed Jodar to win only four games in the match, advancing in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
#wednesday #jodar #player
2 months ago
After all the weather delays at the Belfry, getting the Husqvarna British Masters through 72 holes was quite an accomplishment. Hats off to tournament officials and greenkeepers.
They packed so much into the final day, the DP World Tour will probably get a hefty bill for excess baggage.
The final group, for instance, shoehorned 31 holes into an exhausting Sunday as Saturday's third round spilled over.
In fact, the closing 18 holes began before round three had even finished as the field tried to get home and dry ahead of predicted storms in the area later in the afternoon. There was no redraw either for the closing circuit, with speed being the order of the day
This golfing marathon became a sprint for the line. Joe Dean certainly got a shift on as he surged up the order to claim his maiden victory on the DP World Tour in thrilling style.
#closing #belfry
They packed so much into the final day, the DP World Tour will probably get a hefty bill for excess baggage.
The final group, for instance, shoehorned 31 holes into an exhausting Sunday as Saturday's third round spilled over.
In fact, the closing 18 holes began before round three had even finished as the field tried to get home and dry ahead of predicted storms in the area later in the afternoon. There was no redraw either for the closing circuit, with speed being the order of the day
This golfing marathon became a sprint for the line. Joe Dean certainly got a shift on as he surged up the order to claim his maiden victory on the DP World Tour in thrilling style.
#closing #belfry
2 months ago
BIRMINGHAM, England — Joe Dean, a former grocery delivery driver ranked No. 292, captured his first DP World Tour ***** le by shooting 9-under 63 to win the British Masters with his wife on the bag on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Englishman started the final round seven strokes off the lead at The Belfry but made nine birdies — including four on his last six holes — to finish the week on 14-under par and move into the lead with the late starters still having holes to play.
No one could catch him, with four players — Nacho Elvira (69), third-round leader Daniel Hillier (73), Niklas Norgaard (71) and Jakob Skov Olesen (71) — tying for second place, three shots back.
This was the first tournament in Team Europe's qualifying process for next year's Ryder Cup, so that's suddenly an unlikely target for Dean — quite the turn of events for someone who spent time delivering groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and kept doing it for nearly four years to help fund his career when he didn't have a card.
"I enjoyed it for most of the time," Dean said of his old part-time job. "Obviously it's a completely different life, a completely different lifestyle. I still see the vans going up and down the road every now and then, and I keep in touch."
#still
The 32-year-old Englishman started the final round seven strokes off the lead at The Belfry but made nine birdies — including four on his last six holes — to finish the week on 14-under par and move into the lead with the late starters still having holes to play.
No one could catch him, with four players — Nacho Elvira (69), third-round leader Daniel Hillier (73), Niklas Norgaard (71) and Jakob Skov Olesen (71) — tying for second place, three shots back.
This was the first tournament in Team Europe's qualifying process for next year's Ryder Cup, so that's suddenly an unlikely target for Dean — quite the turn of events for someone who spent time delivering groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and kept doing it for nearly four years to help fund his career when he didn't have a card.
"I enjoyed it for most of the time," Dean said of his old part-time job. "Obviously it's a completely different life, a completely different lifestyle. I still see the vans going up and down the road every now and then, and I keep in touch."
#still
2 months ago
JENNERSTOWN -- The Jennerstown Speedway Complex hosted its crown jewel race of the season Saturday, Aug. 29.
For the ninth time, the Motor Mountain Masters was held at the storied track. Despite a rainout earlier in the year and the CRA backing out just over a week before the race, chief pit steward Mike Belardi and the Jennerstown staff put together a stout field of 22 drivers.
Standouts from out of state along with Jennerstown Speedway weekly competitors battled for $10,000 and the Crimson Jacket.
For the first time, the jacket is headed North of the border, as 19-year-old Chase Pinsonneault from Belle River, Ontario claimed the victory.
Albert Francis, a former Jennerstown Martella's Pharmacies Late Model champion, dominated the first 50 laps.
#time
For the ninth time, the Motor Mountain Masters was held at the storied track. Despite a rainout earlier in the year and the CRA backing out just over a week before the race, chief pit steward Mike Belardi and the Jennerstown staff put together a stout field of 22 drivers.
Standouts from out of state along with Jennerstown Speedway weekly competitors battled for $10,000 and the Crimson Jacket.
For the first time, the jacket is headed North of the border, as 19-year-old Chase Pinsonneault from Belle River, Ontario claimed the victory.
Albert Francis, a former Jennerstown Martella's Pharmacies Late Model champion, dominated the first 50 laps.
#time
2 months ago
Rory McIlroy was feeling good in the third round of the Tour Championship.
The two-time Masters winner was in form, carding a 7-under score of 63 and skyrocketing up the leaderboard on Saturday, Aug. 29. He started the day near the bottom in 23rd and found himself tied for third after 18 holes at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta in the third and final event of the FedEx Cup.
Like his performance in the previous rounds, McIlroy started off with a bogey, this time on the second hole. Then, he rebounded with four birdies on the front nine and five in the last nine holes for a total of nine birdies. He had three straight birdies in holes No. 15, 16 and 17 to secure his overall score of -10.
Since he had an earlier tee time, McIlroy will now sit and wait to see how his score holds up. Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland were the top of the leaderboard after Friday's second round with a score of 10-under. At the time of publication, McIlroy sits tied in fourth place. Gerard has surged slightly ahead with two early birdies to bring his score to -12 and take the lead on his own.
McIlroy has won the Tour Championship three times, in 2016, 2019 and 2022. His second straight Masters win in April was his only PGA Tour victory of this season.
#score #nine
The two-time Masters winner was in form, carding a 7-under score of 63 and skyrocketing up the leaderboard on Saturday, Aug. 29. He started the day near the bottom in 23rd and found himself tied for third after 18 holes at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta in the third and final event of the FedEx Cup.
Like his performance in the previous rounds, McIlroy started off with a bogey, this time on the second hole. Then, he rebounded with four birdies on the front nine and five in the last nine holes for a total of nine birdies. He had three straight birdies in holes No. 15, 16 and 17 to secure his overall score of -10.
Since he had an earlier tee time, McIlroy will now sit and wait to see how his score holds up. Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland were the top of the leaderboard after Friday's second round with a score of 10-under. At the time of publication, McIlroy sits tied in fourth place. Gerard has surged slightly ahead with two early birdies to bring his score to -12 and take the lead on his own.
McIlroy has won the Tour Championship three times, in 2016, 2019 and 2022. His second straight Masters win in April was his only PGA Tour victory of this season.
#score #nine
2 months ago
British Masters
-11 D Hillier (NZ) (5), M Penge (Eng) (5); -10 T McKibbin (NI) (6); -9 F Zanotti (Par) (7), S Norris (SA) (5); -8 O Lindell (Fin) (14), J Olesen (Den) (7), I Elvira (Spa) (6)
-7 M Jordan (Eng) (6); -4 M Wallace (Eng) (14); -3 T Hatton (Eng) (12), D Willett (Eng) (8)
Full leaderboard
England's Marco Penge and New Zealand's Daniel Hillier are the joint leaders of a British Masters that is still playing catch-up after storms hit the opening couple of days at the Belfry.
#masters #elvira
-11 D Hillier (NZ) (5), M Penge (Eng) (5); -10 T McKibbin (NI) (6); -9 F Zanotti (Par) (7), S Norris (SA) (5); -8 O Lindell (Fin) (14), J Olesen (Den) (7), I Elvira (Spa) (6)
-7 M Jordan (Eng) (6); -4 M Wallace (Eng) (14); -3 T Hatton (Eng) (12), D Willett (Eng) (8)
Full leaderboard
England's Marco Penge and New Zealand's Daniel Hillier are the joint leaders of a British Masters that is still playing catch-up after storms hit the opening couple of days at the Belfry.
#masters #elvira
2 months ago
Ahead of the 2026 US Open, five Last Word on Tennis writers – Ilemona Onekutu, Shane Black, Amanda Bergman, Zain Mustafa, Coby Spratte – made their US Open predictions. Let's dive in.
I know picking a guy whose best US Open is R2 sounds risky, but Fils just won his first Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, crushing Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0. His serve is a weapon (94.3% holds), paired with athleticism and a heavy forehand. He's 10-0 in deciding sets this year and 8-0 against Americans.
At 22, he's the youngest French Masters 1000 champion ever—and peaking as the draw opens up. After missing eight months with a stress fracture, he's reached the Doha final, Miami and Madrid semis, and won Barcelona and Cincinnati. In a tournament where Sinner is out, Alcaraz is rusty, and Djokovic is 39, I'm not saying it's likely—but I'm saying it's possible, and that's more than you can say for almost anyone else.
All eyes are pointed on Carlos Alcaraz, and rightfully so. I don't believe his team would have him play this event if he wasn't 100 percent healthy (wrist injuries are no joke; look at Dominic Thiem). That said, just because he is healthy does not mean he will have the consistency to win 21 sets.
In steps Alexander Zverev. The 29-year-old German got the Grand Slam monkey off his back at the French Open. He followed that up with a Wimbledon runner-up. Even before his ***** le in Paris, Zverev was a final eight mainstay at majors. With the pressure removed from looking for that elusive maiden slam, paired with his hunt for year-end No. 1, he is going to be very tough to beat in New York.
#open
I know picking a guy whose best US Open is R2 sounds risky, but Fils just won his first Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, crushing Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0. His serve is a weapon (94.3% holds), paired with athleticism and a heavy forehand. He's 10-0 in deciding sets this year and 8-0 against Americans.
At 22, he's the youngest French Masters 1000 champion ever—and peaking as the draw opens up. After missing eight months with a stress fracture, he's reached the Doha final, Miami and Madrid semis, and won Barcelona and Cincinnati. In a tournament where Sinner is out, Alcaraz is rusty, and Djokovic is 39, I'm not saying it's likely—but I'm saying it's possible, and that's more than you can say for almost anyone else.
All eyes are pointed on Carlos Alcaraz, and rightfully so. I don't believe his team would have him play this event if he wasn't 100 percent healthy (wrist injuries are no joke; look at Dominic Thiem). That said, just because he is healthy does not mean he will have the consistency to win 21 sets.
In steps Alexander Zverev. The 29-year-old German got the Grand Slam monkey off his back at the French Open. He followed that up with a Wimbledon runner-up. Even before his ***** le in Paris, Zverev was a final eight mainstay at majors. With the pressure removed from looking for that elusive maiden slam, paired with his hunt for year-end No. 1, he is going to be very tough to beat in New York.
#open
2 months ago
A number of stars from overseas have joined the Women's Super League this summer - but one move that has gone slightly under the radar could turn out to be more important than them all.
Kirsty Hanson has swapped Aston Villa for Tottenham and there is reason to believe Spurs have quietly pulled off a recruitment masterstroke.
The 28-year-old was the third-highest goalscorer in the WSL last season despite the Scotland forward's side labouring in ninth place in the table.
With 12 goals in 22 matches, only PFA player of the year Khadija Shaw and England striker Alessia Russo scored more than her.
So why did Hanson make the move and how does she intend to take ambitious Tottenham - who start their WSL season on 6 September at home to West Ham - to another level this season?
#super #aston
Kirsty Hanson has swapped Aston Villa for Tottenham and there is reason to believe Spurs have quietly pulled off a recruitment masterstroke.
The 28-year-old was the third-highest goalscorer in the WSL last season despite the Scotland forward's side labouring in ninth place in the table.
With 12 goals in 22 matches, only PFA player of the year Khadija Shaw and England striker Alessia Russo scored more than her.
So why did Hanson make the move and how does she intend to take ambitious Tottenham - who start their WSL season on 6 September at home to West Ham - to another level this season?
#super #aston
2 months ago
Jannik Sinner ranks first in 2026 tennis tournament winnings with $11.62 million. The world No. 1 won the first five Masters 1000 tournaments this year, earning more than $1 million for each championship. The 25-year-old Italian then won his first major of the year at Wimbledon, which tacked on nearly $4.8 million and pushed him up to fifth all-time in career prize money, with a total of $69.6 million.
Alexander Zverev sits just behind Sinner in year-to-date on-court earnings with $9.22 million. The German took home $3.27 million for winning Roland Garros—that amount was up 10% from the previous year's winner's prize—and followed that up by making the final at Wimbledon. Zverev is up to sixth all-time in career prize money won, with a total of $68.6 million, despite only winning one major.
More from Sportico.com
U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Morphs Into Showcase for Singles Stars
Chelsea Kicks Off Season After Losing $650M in 3 Years
#first #major
Alexander Zverev sits just behind Sinner in year-to-date on-court earnings with $9.22 million. The German took home $3.27 million for winning Roland Garros—that amount was up 10% from the previous year's winner's prize—and followed that up by making the final at Wimbledon. Zverev is up to sixth all-time in career prize money won, with a total of $68.6 million, despite only winning one major.
More from Sportico.com
U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Morphs Into Showcase for Singles Stars
Chelsea Kicks Off Season After Losing $650M in 3 Years
#first #major
2 months ago
Dua Lipa has revealed the two pieces of advice she and Callum Turner followed on their wedding day.
The British pop star tied the knot with the Masters of the Air actor in Palermo, Sicily in early June, several days after getting legally married in a small civil ceremony at London's Marylebone Town Hall.
Opening up about their weddings in a cover interview with Vogue Italia, Lipa revealed the advice they decided to follow to maximise their enjoyment of the celebrations.
"The wedding day was magical," she gushed. "We received so much advice, but we decided to follow just two pieces of it: to experience the day as if we were guests ourselves and to constantly seek each other out in the crowd, never losing sight of one another. That way, we really have so many memories together."
Lipa and Turner began dating in 2024, and she confirmed their engagement in July 2025.
Elsewhere in the interview, the New Rules singer reflected on how finding love has changed her approach to songwriting.
#advice #wedding #interview
The British pop star tied the knot with the Masters of the Air actor in Palermo, Sicily in early June, several days after getting legally married in a small civil ceremony at London's Marylebone Town Hall.
Opening up about their weddings in a cover interview with Vogue Italia, Lipa revealed the advice they decided to follow to maximise their enjoyment of the celebrations.
"The wedding day was magical," she gushed. "We received so much advice, but we decided to follow just two pieces of it: to experience the day as if we were guests ourselves and to constantly seek each other out in the crowd, never losing sight of one another. That way, we really have so many memories together."
Lipa and Turner began dating in 2024, and she confirmed their engagement in July 2025.
Elsewhere in the interview, the New Rules singer reflected on how finding love has changed her approach to songwriting.
#advice #wedding #interview
2 months ago
It has been quite a few months for Wyndham Clark and girlfriend, Emily Tanner, who revealed their relationship in style at the Masters. The couple "hard launched" their relationship in Augusta as Tanner served as Clark's caddie at the Masters Par 3 Contest.
PGA Tour golfers often select their significant others as the caddie for the annual event. Months later, it appears things have gotten serious for Clark and his girlfriend.
During the BMW Championship, Tanner announced that she plans to move from California. Clark's girlfriend hinted that she intends to move in with Clark.
"I cannot believe I'm about to say this, but I am moving," Tanner revealed in an Instagram video posted on August 20, 2026. "I have lived in California for the last five years and honestly, I never thought that I would leave here.
"I think one of the most special parts about falling in love is realizing that the life you've pictured for yourself can completely change when you find someone that you want to build it with," Tanner continued.
#tanner #relationship
PGA Tour golfers often select their significant others as the caddie for the annual event. Months later, it appears things have gotten serious for Clark and his girlfriend.
During the BMW Championship, Tanner announced that she plans to move from California. Clark's girlfriend hinted that she intends to move in with Clark.
"I cannot believe I'm about to say this, but I am moving," Tanner revealed in an Instagram video posted on August 20, 2026. "I have lived in California for the last five years and honestly, I never thought that I would leave here.
"I think one of the most special parts about falling in love is realizing that the life you've pictured for yourself can completely change when you find someone that you want to build it with," Tanner continued.
#tanner #relationship
2 months ago
Jessica Pegula rallied from a break down in the final set to topple defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday and reach the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.
World number three Pegula needed nearly three hours to dethrone Swiatek as the duo rode a rollercoaster of breaks and re-breaks before the 31-year-old American took a 5-4 lead in the final set after Swiatek saved three break points but double-faulted on a fourth.
Pegula quickly closed it out, firing a service winner on match point to reach Sunday's championship match in the US Open tune-up.
"Crazy match today," Pegula said. "A lot of back and forth, a lot of breaks," Pegula said, "Really windy, kind of odd conditions. I felt like we were playing well and then not playing well.
"It was really tough to kind of get a gauge on the match.
#pegula
World number three Pegula needed nearly three hours to dethrone Swiatek as the duo rode a rollercoaster of breaks and re-breaks before the 31-year-old American took a 5-4 lead in the final set after Swiatek saved three break points but double-faulted on a fourth.
Pegula quickly closed it out, firing a service winner on match point to reach Sunday's championship match in the US Open tune-up.
"Crazy match today," Pegula said. "A lot of back and forth, a lot of breaks," Pegula said, "Really windy, kind of odd conditions. I felt like we were playing well and then not playing well.
"It was really tough to kind of get a gauge on the match.
#pegula
2 months ago
Arthur Fils charged into the men's final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on Saturday as he dispatched Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4 in a match delayed for 45 minutes by rain and lightning.
In his first ever Masters 1000 final, 22-year-old Fils will play the winner of the all-American semi-final clash between Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe.
Fils beat Cobolli -- the Roland Garros finalist from Italy -- for the third time in their career series to become the youngest French Masters finalist since a 20-year-old Richard Gasquet in Toronto two decades ago.
The 68-minute match finished with perfect timing as rain began only minutes after the conclusion, briefly delaying the start of a women's semi-final between holder Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Fils said the weather delay that had halted the start of his match as the players took to the court was difficult to deal with.
#fils #semi
In his first ever Masters 1000 final, 22-year-old Fils will play the winner of the all-American semi-final clash between Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe.
Fils beat Cobolli -- the Roland Garros finalist from Italy -- for the third time in their career series to become the youngest French Masters finalist since a 20-year-old Richard Gasquet in Toronto two decades ago.
The 68-minute match finished with perfect timing as rain began only minutes after the conclusion, briefly delaying the start of a women's semi-final between holder Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Fils said the weather delay that had halted the start of his match as the players took to the court was difficult to deal with.
#fils #semi
2 months ago
Novak Djokovic has reignited the COVID-19 vaccine debate after offering a blunt explanation for his decision not to get vaccinated, despite previously testing positive for the virus.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to take the vaccine, a decision that led to his deportation from Australia in 2022 and the cancellation of his visa. At the time, Djokovic said he was not against vaccination but wanted to exercise his right to decide what he put into his body.
The decision resulted in him missing several high-profile tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open in 2022, Indian Wells in 2022 and 2023, the Miami Open in 2022 and 2023, the Canadian Open in 2022 and the Cincinnati Masters in 2022.
Now, Djokovic has revisited the controversy in the Amazon Prime documentary Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, explaining why he decided against getting vaccinated despite having previously contracted COVID-19.
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
#previously
The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to take the vaccine, a decision that led to his deportation from Australia in 2022 and the cancellation of his visa. At the time, Djokovic said he was not against vaccination but wanted to exercise his right to decide what he put into his body.
The decision resulted in him missing several high-profile tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open in 2022, Indian Wells in 2022 and 2023, the Miami Open in 2022 and 2023, the Canadian Open in 2022 and the Cincinnati Masters in 2022.
Now, Djokovic has revisited the controversy in the Amazon Prime documentary Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, explaining why he decided against getting vaccinated despite having previously contracted COVID-19.
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
#previously
2 months ago
England's James Wade beat qualifier Brody Klinge to win the Australian Masters final and clinch his first World Series of Darts ****** le.
The 43-year-old composed himself to earn an 8-5 victory, holding off a thrilling comeback from Klinge in a dramatic best-of-15 final in Wollongong, New South Wales.
It was the 10-time PDC major winner's first World Series ****** le in what was his third final, coming 13 years after he made his debut in the competition in Dubai.
Australian Klinge, 34, threatened to provide one of the stories of the World Series after becoming only the second qualifier ever to reach a final, but after coming back from 6-2 down to 6-5, he was unable to complete a fairytale win.
"Perhaps I thought I would get a nice easy win, but I didn't," Wade told the packed Entertainment Centre.
#final #qualifier
The 43-year-old composed himself to earn an 8-5 victory, holding off a thrilling comeback from Klinge in a dramatic best-of-15 final in Wollongong, New South Wales.
It was the 10-time PDC major winner's first World Series ****** le in what was his third final, coming 13 years after he made his debut in the competition in Dubai.
Australian Klinge, 34, threatened to provide one of the stories of the World Series after becoming only the second qualifier ever to reach a final, but after coming back from 6-2 down to 6-5, he was unable to complete a fairytale win.
"Perhaps I thought I would get a nice easy win, but I didn't," Wade told the packed Entertainment Centre.
#final #qualifier
2 months ago
If Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), was looking for a reason to pull its money out of the LIV Golf tour, he reportedly found it in Sergio Garcia's outburst at the Masters in April.
That's the claim in Friday's edition of The Financial Times.
"In April, as LIV golfers floundered at the Masters, golf's most prestigious tournament, Spanish star Sergio Garcia damaged the Augusta National course during a fit of rage in the final round," read the Times. "People familiar with the matter say Rumayyan's embarrassment at the sequence of events helped lead to his decision to pull the plug on PIF's financing of the rival tour, as the fund focuses more on its huge domestic commitments in the kingdom."
Now, one's first thought is likely that many factors led the PIF to pull its funding from LIV, which has consistently lost money amid poor ratings and bad PR since its brief moment in the sun. However, when you look at the timing of everything, it kinda checks out.
Garcia's meltdown, which included him slamming his driver in frustration, tearing out chunks of grass, and breaking it against a cooler, took place on Sunday, April 12, the final day of the 2026 Masters.
#final
That's the claim in Friday's edition of The Financial Times.
"In April, as LIV golfers floundered at the Masters, golf's most prestigious tournament, Spanish star Sergio Garcia damaged the Augusta National course during a fit of rage in the final round," read the Times. "People familiar with the matter say Rumayyan's embarrassment at the sequence of events helped lead to his decision to pull the plug on PIF's financing of the rival tour, as the fund focuses more on its huge domestic commitments in the kingdom."
Now, one's first thought is likely that many factors led the PIF to pull its funding from LIV, which has consistently lost money amid poor ratings and bad PR since its brief moment in the sun. However, when you look at the timing of everything, it kinda checks out.
Garcia's meltdown, which included him slamming his driver in frustration, tearing out chunks of grass, and breaking it against a cooler, took place on Sunday, April 12, the final day of the 2026 Masters.
#final
2 months ago
2026 Australian Darts Masters: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The World Series of Darts circuit resumes this week as we head to Wollongong for the 2026 Australian Darts Masters.
The tournament will feature eight PDC representatives and eight regional qualifiers.
Let's take a look at some of the specifics of the tournament.
MORE: 2026 Australian Darts Masters qualifiers
#darts #australian #masters
The World Series of Darts circuit resumes this week as we head to Wollongong for the 2026 Australian Darts Masters.
The tournament will feature eight PDC representatives and eight regional qualifiers.
Let's take a look at some of the specifics of the tournament.
MORE: 2026 Australian Darts Masters qualifiers
#darts #australian #masters
2 months ago
ST. LOUIS – As Rory McIlroy settled into a chair to be interviewed by Golf Channel's Kira K. Dixon, he summed up his bogey-free 6-under 64 at Bellerive Country Club on Thursday – good enough for a share of the lead with four other players at the BMW Championship — in one word.
"Unexpected," McIlroy, the world No. 2 and reigning Masters champion, said.
"I knew you had it in you," Dixon shot back with a smile.
McIlroy was coming off a dismal performance in the sweltering heat of Memphis at a TPC Southwind course that he's on record as saying isn't his cup of tea. The Northern Irishman got lapped by winner Scottie Scheffler, finishing 66th and beating just two players in the field who bothered to complete 72 holes.
McIlroy left Memphis deflated but he flew home and got back to work on Monday with his longtime swing coach Michael Bannon and caddie Harry Diamond.
#memphis #players #louis #kira
"Unexpected," McIlroy, the world No. 2 and reigning Masters champion, said.
"I knew you had it in you," Dixon shot back with a smile.
McIlroy was coming off a dismal performance in the sweltering heat of Memphis at a TPC Southwind course that he's on record as saying isn't his cup of tea. The Northern Irishman got lapped by winner Scottie Scheffler, finishing 66th and beating just two players in the field who bothered to complete 72 holes.
McIlroy left Memphis deflated but he flew home and got back to work on Monday with his longtime swing coach Michael Bannon and caddie Harry Diamond.
#memphis #players #louis #kira
