2 hours ago
New Delhi: India's team management and selectors are working on backups for the middle order ahead of the ODI World Cup next year. TOI has learnt that Tilak Varma's name has come up as a potential backup option for Shreyas Iyer in the top six of the batting lineup.
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
7 hours ago
Daytona was roller coaster of a night for Shane van Gisbergen, and it ended in disappointment for the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.
He watched Ryan Preece, Chris Buescher, and Kyle Larson all crash in front of him early in the running, clearing the way for SVG to earn his first-ever oval stage win and secure ten points.
However, Preece pulled off a remarkable save and suffered minimal damage. Even while sliding, he crossed the line in eighth and scored three points. He added another nine in Stage 2, bringing his total to 12.
Van Gisbergen spent the final stint of the race knowing that he had a 29-point cushion, which meant that Preece would have to beat Van Gisbergen by at least 30 positions on track (as SVG would win the tiebreaker) to make the Chase ... unless he won the race.
In a situation where Preece -- who entered Saturday's race 0-248 in Cup wins -- captured the checkered flag, Van Gisbergen couldn't afford to finish any worse than 11th.
#race #points #chevrolet
He watched Ryan Preece, Chris Buescher, and Kyle Larson all crash in front of him early in the running, clearing the way for SVG to earn his first-ever oval stage win and secure ten points.
However, Preece pulled off a remarkable save and suffered minimal damage. Even while sliding, he crossed the line in eighth and scored three points. He added another nine in Stage 2, bringing his total to 12.
Van Gisbergen spent the final stint of the race knowing that he had a 29-point cushion, which meant that Preece would have to beat Van Gisbergen by at least 30 positions on track (as SVG would win the tiebreaker) to make the Chase ... unless he won the race.
In a situation where Preece -- who entered Saturday's race 0-248 in Cup wins -- captured the checkered flag, Van Gisbergen couldn't afford to finish any worse than 11th.
#race #points #chevrolet
8 hours ago
In what was the biggest race of his life, Ryan Preece not only earned his first career win at Daytona, but he clinched himself into the Chase for the first time in his career. This was not only huge for his season, but this race was personal. Considering the scary crashes Preece experienced in 2023 and 2025 at Daytona, it was fitting for it to be a happy ending this time. Yet, for what seemed like a dream scenario for RFK Racing and this #60 team, it definitely did not go to plan.
Things went array early in the race. As the field came to end stage one, Kyle Larson gave RFK's Chris Buescher a bad push. Buescher would hit the outside wall, while Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece would Tokyo drift through the grass. Preece's involvement in the incident was huge intially. Entering the race, he was one of three drivers who was fighting for the remaining two Chase positions. While this crash didn't eliminate him, it did send him from third to eighth in just a few hundred feet. This would end up costing Preece five points. In addition, his competitor Shane van Gisbergen would benefit from the incident, passing the crash to win the stage. This exchange put him another seven points behind his target.
Preece made up for that loss by clawing his way back in stage two to finish second. Throughout the race, he earned himself twelve stage points, while van Gisbergen only scored the ten. While two points isn't significant, it still is something.
The latter portion of the race was an uneventful strategic battle. With 39 laps to go, Ross Chastain led a group of Chevy's into pit road. Then, another handful of drivers countered with around twenty laps to go. These drivers would attempt to gain an advantage, but it would later be washed away. Preece and others would remain on the track, hoping for some luck.
With around ten laps to go, thing got chaotic while Preece was leading. Then with six laps to go, it snapped. Carson Hocevar made an abrupt move on Preece entering turn three, where he would lose control of his car. Hocevar would then come back onto the track, make hard contact with the outside wall, and collect Erik Jones in the process.
#daytona
Things went array early in the race. As the field came to end stage one, Kyle Larson gave RFK's Chris Buescher a bad push. Buescher would hit the outside wall, while Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece would Tokyo drift through the grass. Preece's involvement in the incident was huge intially. Entering the race, he was one of three drivers who was fighting for the remaining two Chase positions. While this crash didn't eliminate him, it did send him from third to eighth in just a few hundred feet. This would end up costing Preece five points. In addition, his competitor Shane van Gisbergen would benefit from the incident, passing the crash to win the stage. This exchange put him another seven points behind his target.
Preece made up for that loss by clawing his way back in stage two to finish second. Throughout the race, he earned himself twelve stage points, while van Gisbergen only scored the ten. While two points isn't significant, it still is something.
The latter portion of the race was an uneventful strategic battle. With 39 laps to go, Ross Chastain led a group of Chevy's into pit road. Then, another handful of drivers countered with around twenty laps to go. These drivers would attempt to gain an advantage, but it would later be washed away. Preece and others would remain on the track, hoping for some luck.
With around ten laps to go, thing got chaotic while Preece was leading. Then with six laps to go, it snapped. Carson Hocevar made an abrupt move on Preece entering turn three, where he would lose control of his car. Hocevar would then come back onto the track, make hard contact with the outside wall, and collect Erik Jones in the process.
#daytona
8 hours ago
The NASCAR Cup Series Chase field was set after the ****** e Zero 400 race on Aug. 29 at Daytona.
Ryan Preece clinched a Chase spot via his first career win in a frantic final lap at Daytona.
Austin Cindric joined him, clinching with a sixth-place run. Shane van Gisbergen dropped out of the top 16 following a 27th-place finish, giving up track position with a pit stop before the overtime restart.
Denny Hamlin clinched the Chase's top seed last week at New Hampshire and goes into the Chase with a 25-point lead.
Here's a look at the 16 NASCAR Cup Series Chase drivers, with the 10-race Chase beginning next week at Darlington:
#week #zero
Ryan Preece clinched a Chase spot via his first career win in a frantic final lap at Daytona.
Austin Cindric joined him, clinching with a sixth-place run. Shane van Gisbergen dropped out of the top 16 following a 27th-place finish, giving up track position with a pit stop before the overtime restart.
Denny Hamlin clinched the Chase's top seed last week at New Hampshire and goes into the Chase with a 25-point lead.
Here's a look at the 16 NASCAR Cup Series Chase drivers, with the 10-race Chase beginning next week at Darlington:
#week #zero
9 hours ago
When 49ers tight end George Kittle recently emerged from the active/physically unable to perform list, many ***** umed it meant he'd be available to play in the Week 1 game against the Rams in Australia.
After the recent preseason finale, however, coach Kyle Shanahan made a comment that could be interpreted as meaning Kittle has had a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
While discussing whether various injured players will be available for the season-opening game, Shanahan mentioned Kittle's name, adding this: "who's taken a step back."
It happened quickly. The comment was made almost in passing. There was no further explanation.
Did Shanahan mean Kittle has had a setback? Did it mean he has taken a step back toward playing?
#game
After the recent preseason finale, however, coach Kyle Shanahan made a comment that could be interpreted as meaning Kittle has had a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
While discussing whether various injured players will be available for the season-opening game, Shanahan mentioned Kittle's name, adding this: "who's taken a step back."
It happened quickly. The comment was made almost in passing. There was no further explanation.
Did Shanahan mean Kittle has had a setback? Did it mean he has taken a step back toward playing?
#game
9 hours ago
Lionel Messi is unstoppable. The Inter Miami star once again had a night to remember on Saturday, scoring four goals as the Herons thrashed CF Montréal 7-1.
With the haul, Messi hit 17 goals on the season, a number that pulls him to a lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Inter Miami captain tied and then passed FC Dallas forward Petar Musa for the sole spot at the top of the scoring standings.
Two of Messi's goals came off free kicks, one of the veteran forward's specialties. Messi pulled Miami back into the lead in the 40th minute with a curving shot that was mishandled by the Montéal defense.
Early in the second half, Messi found the back of the net again, staying upright through traffic before sending in a powerful shot.
In the 83rd minute, Messi timed a chip past Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, who surged to meet the captain but didn't get there in time.
#montr #lead #captain #back
With the haul, Messi hit 17 goals on the season, a number that pulls him to a lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Inter Miami captain tied and then passed FC Dallas forward Petar Musa for the sole spot at the top of the scoring standings.
Two of Messi's goals came off free kicks, one of the veteran forward's specialties. Messi pulled Miami back into the lead in the 40th minute with a curving shot that was mishandled by the Montéal defense.
Early in the second half, Messi found the back of the net again, staying upright through traffic before sending in a powerful shot.
In the 83rd minute, Messi timed a chip past Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, who surged to meet the captain but didn't get there in time.
#montr #lead #captain #back
9 hours ago
Happy Saturday, folks! Hope you're having a nice weekend. If you decide to spend it watching late-night West Coast baseball, I hope the Orioles grace you with a series win tonight. They ******* ed a win in Game One last night with a 4-3 victory in ten innings. Although Brandon Young pitched a strong seven innings, the bullpen couldn't hold onto a meager 2-0 lead, and it took extras to sort things out: two clutch base hits by Coby Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand gave the birds the winning margin of victory.
Let's hope the Orioles make Game Two worth staying up for. Tonight, taking the mound at Sacramento's Sutter Health Park for the Athletics is Jack Perkins, a 26-year-old righty who debuted for the A's in 2025, and has been used mostly as a swingman. In 11 starts and 20 relief appearances in 2026, he has an ugly 6.68 ERA, although it seems he's been the victim of bad defense, to judge by his FIP (4.79) and xERA (3.96). He's still been much more effective as a reliever, going by his ERA splits (4.76 ERA in relief/8.17 ERA as a starter). His best pitch is the sweeper, which generates a 36.1% whiff rate, followed by a decent changeup and cutter. The soft spot in Perkins' ******* nal is his mid-90s four-seamer: it's been his most hittable pitch by far (.318 average, .664 slugging against, Run Value -14), and he still throws it nearly a third of the time. Perkins is also ******* e to the long ball (1.69 HR/9) and to putting runners on via the walk (3.79 BB/9) or hit-by-pitch (9 on the year).
As for the O's starter, I don't know if it's crazy or reasonable to hope for a win, given that it's unlucky Shane Baz who takes his turn on the mound tonight. Despite the fact that Baz (4.04 ERA, 3.34 FIP) has allowed three or fewer runs in 19 of his 26 starts, he doesn't have a win in his last twelve starts (which is incredible to process). And he's been pretty good! He had a 3.68 ERA in June, a 3.00 one in July, and August, while slightly worse, shows him at a 4.30 mark. Poor Baz. Can the schneid please end tonight?
Tonight's lineup features a surplus of lefties. Jackson Holliday back in the leadoff spot, and Henderson, hopefully rested after his day off, hitting third. Dylan Beavers, hot lately, is back in, and so is Cowser playing center field. The newly activated Blaze Alexander is sitting today. However, Coby Mayo, slayer of lefties, is getting a start against the right-handed Perkins anyway, hitting seventh. And Pete Alonso, lately called our team's "iron man," is still out there, hitting, even with a sore calf.
Last night saw these Orioles ******* a game back from Cleveland's lead to put them just two games back of the third and final Wild Card spot. Earlier today, the lowly Royals did the Orioles a huge favor, pummeling the Guardians 8-3, which gives the team chance to make up yet another game! The next four games against the A's and the Rockies, whom the O's visit next, represent a best chance to make score some easy wins in the wild card race
Let's hope the Orioles make Game Two worth staying up for. Tonight, taking the mound at Sacramento's Sutter Health Park for the Athletics is Jack Perkins, a 26-year-old righty who debuted for the A's in 2025, and has been used mostly as a swingman. In 11 starts and 20 relief appearances in 2026, he has an ugly 6.68 ERA, although it seems he's been the victim of bad defense, to judge by his FIP (4.79) and xERA (3.96). He's still been much more effective as a reliever, going by his ERA splits (4.76 ERA in relief/8.17 ERA as a starter). His best pitch is the sweeper, which generates a 36.1% whiff rate, followed by a decent changeup and cutter. The soft spot in Perkins' ******* nal is his mid-90s four-seamer: it's been his most hittable pitch by far (.318 average, .664 slugging against, Run Value -14), and he still throws it nearly a third of the time. Perkins is also ******* e to the long ball (1.69 HR/9) and to putting runners on via the walk (3.79 BB/9) or hit-by-pitch (9 on the year).
As for the O's starter, I don't know if it's crazy or reasonable to hope for a win, given that it's unlucky Shane Baz who takes his turn on the mound tonight. Despite the fact that Baz (4.04 ERA, 3.34 FIP) has allowed three or fewer runs in 19 of his 26 starts, he doesn't have a win in his last twelve starts (which is incredible to process). And he's been pretty good! He had a 3.68 ERA in June, a 3.00 one in July, and August, while slightly worse, shows him at a 4.30 mark. Poor Baz. Can the schneid please end tonight?
Tonight's lineup features a surplus of lefties. Jackson Holliday back in the leadoff spot, and Henderson, hopefully rested after his day off, hitting third. Dylan Beavers, hot lately, is back in, and so is Cowser playing center field. The newly activated Blaze Alexander is sitting today. However, Coby Mayo, slayer of lefties, is getting a start against the right-handed Perkins anyway, hitting seventh. And Pete Alonso, lately called our team's "iron man," is still out there, hitting, even with a sore calf.
Last night saw these Orioles ******* a game back from Cleveland's lead to put them just two games back of the third and final Wild Card spot. Earlier today, the lowly Royals did the Orioles a huge favor, pummeling the Guardians 8-3, which gives the team chance to make up yet another game! The next four games against the A's and the Rockies, whom the O's visit next, represent a best chance to make score some easy wins in the wild card race
10 hours ago
Shane van Gisbergen won his first stage win on an oval of his NASCAR career.
But it didn't come without controversy.
The Trackhouse Racing driver ******* ped the back of Kyle Larson's Chevrolet as they approached the finish line to end Stage 1 of the ******* e Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona on Aug. 29. Larson then ran into the back of race leader Chris Buescher to send both Larson and Buescher into the frontstretch grass. Larson finished sixth and Buescher went from the lead to 11th and didn't get any stage points.
Ryan Preece, Buescher's teammate, was collected in the wreck by Buescher and Larson when they went across the track to the grass. Preece entered the regular-season finale 17th in points, 31 points behind van Gisbergen for the final spot in the Chase.
Ty Gibbs finished second and Joey Logano finished third.
#larson #finished #points
But it didn't come without controversy.
The Trackhouse Racing driver ******* ped the back of Kyle Larson's Chevrolet as they approached the finish line to end Stage 1 of the ******* e Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona on Aug. 29. Larson then ran into the back of race leader Chris Buescher to send both Larson and Buescher into the frontstretch grass. Larson finished sixth and Buescher went from the lead to 11th and didn't get any stage points.
Ryan Preece, Buescher's teammate, was collected in the wreck by Buescher and Larson when they went across the track to the grass. Preece entered the regular-season finale 17th in points, 31 points behind van Gisbergen for the final spot in the Chase.
Ty Gibbs finished second and Joey Logano finished third.
#larson #finished #points
13 hours ago
The final weekend of August is the cue for many to squeeze in a little late-summer fun. But for football fans, it's time for an early welcome to the fall gridiron action.
College football is back with a broad slate of Week 0 action across the country. Monmouth will help ring in the 2026 season with one of the most exciting matchups on Saturday. The No. 23 Hawks go on the road to face No. 15 Tennessee Tech in one of just two Division I matchups between ranked teams during the opening weekend of action.
The APP will have live updates and ******* ysis of the Monmouth season opener as it unfolds. Stay tuned here for all the latest on the Hawks as they try to pull off a major road upset.
Quarterback13 Frankie Weaver (6-5, 215, R-Fr.)Running Back3 Elijah Jennings (5-9, 180, R-So.)6 Kenny Smith Jr. (5-10, 190, R-Fr.)28 ******* r Treadwell (6-1, 225, R-So.)Wide Receiver0 Gavin Nelson (6-0, 180, R-Sr.)7 Tra Neal (6-1, 180, R-Jr.)14 Christian Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.)Tight End88 Marcus Middleton (6-3, 235, R-Jr.)84 Shane Garrett (6-4, 240, R-Jr.)Left Tackle73 Matt Fries (6-5, 295, R-Sr.)71 Moses Gakodi (6-5, 315, R-So.)Left Guard61 Collin Goetter (6-4, 295, R-So.)75 Bleek Turner (6-4, 305, R-Fr.)Center65 Kevin Shriner (6-1, 300, R-Sr.)79 Alec Grijalva (6-4, 305, R-Sr.)Right Guard74 Michael Petito (6-2, 325, R-Jr.) OR70 Reed Collins (6-5, 310, Gr.)Right Tackle77 Josh Duran (6-6, 305, R-Jr.) OR60 Brady O'Hara (6-7, 300, R-Fr.)Defensive End4 Hunter Watson (6-5, 260, R-So.)Defensive Tackle8 JJ Lewis (6-3, 280, Sr.)90 Brendan Bigos (6-4, 280, R-Sr.)92 Bryce Rooks (6-0, 295, R-Sr.)Defensive End52 Mounir Keshen (6-2, 245, So.)Linebacker27 Spencer Kishbaugh (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)5 Charlie Sasso (6-0, 230, R-Sr.)1 Ryan Russo (6-2, 230, R-Sr.)Star20 Hasson Manning Jr. (5-11, 190, Sr.)Safety2 Jaeden Jones (6-0, 200, Jr.)26 Donovan Fey (6-2, 205, R-Jr.)Cornerback22 Christian Palmer Jr. (6-1, 185, So.)24 Zac Ricci (5-11, 175, R-Jr.)
Game: No. 23/22 Monmouth vs. No. 15/14 Tennessee Tech
#Tech #christian #right #weekend
College football is back with a broad slate of Week 0 action across the country. Monmouth will help ring in the 2026 season with one of the most exciting matchups on Saturday. The No. 23 Hawks go on the road to face No. 15 Tennessee Tech in one of just two Division I matchups between ranked teams during the opening weekend of action.
The APP will have live updates and ******* ysis of the Monmouth season opener as it unfolds. Stay tuned here for all the latest on the Hawks as they try to pull off a major road upset.
Quarterback13 Frankie Weaver (6-5, 215, R-Fr.)Running Back3 Elijah Jennings (5-9, 180, R-So.)6 Kenny Smith Jr. (5-10, 190, R-Fr.)28 ******* r Treadwell (6-1, 225, R-So.)Wide Receiver0 Gavin Nelson (6-0, 180, R-Sr.)7 Tra Neal (6-1, 180, R-Jr.)14 Christian Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.)Tight End88 Marcus Middleton (6-3, 235, R-Jr.)84 Shane Garrett (6-4, 240, R-Jr.)Left Tackle73 Matt Fries (6-5, 295, R-Sr.)71 Moses Gakodi (6-5, 315, R-So.)Left Guard61 Collin Goetter (6-4, 295, R-So.)75 Bleek Turner (6-4, 305, R-Fr.)Center65 Kevin Shriner (6-1, 300, R-Sr.)79 Alec Grijalva (6-4, 305, R-Sr.)Right Guard74 Michael Petito (6-2, 325, R-Jr.) OR70 Reed Collins (6-5, 310, Gr.)Right Tackle77 Josh Duran (6-6, 305, R-Jr.) OR60 Brady O'Hara (6-7, 300, R-Fr.)Defensive End4 Hunter Watson (6-5, 260, R-So.)Defensive Tackle8 JJ Lewis (6-3, 280, Sr.)90 Brendan Bigos (6-4, 280, R-Sr.)92 Bryce Rooks (6-0, 295, R-Sr.)Defensive End52 Mounir Keshen (6-2, 245, So.)Linebacker27 Spencer Kishbaugh (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)5 Charlie Sasso (6-0, 230, R-Sr.)1 Ryan Russo (6-2, 230, R-Sr.)Star20 Hasson Manning Jr. (5-11, 190, Sr.)Safety2 Jaeden Jones (6-0, 200, Jr.)26 Donovan Fey (6-2, 205, R-Jr.)Cornerback22 Christian Palmer Jr. (6-1, 185, So.)24 Zac Ricci (5-11, 175, R-Jr.)
Game: No. 23/22 Monmouth vs. No. 15/14 Tennessee Tech
#Tech #christian #right #weekend
13 hours ago
MMA fans got an early morning treat. UFC Shanghai is in the books and delivered some incredible highlights. The fight card finished with 10 finishes and just three decisions, an all-action slate of matchups.
Even though the fight card delivered as a whole, the takeaway is Song Yadong, who scored a massive upset win against former **** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. After narrowly losing the first round, Yadong landed a perfectly timed uppercut as Nurmagomedov shot in for a takedown attempt.
MORE: UFC power rankings following Fight Night 285 in Sacramento
This result is one of the bigger upsets of the year, and theres been a ton of them already in 2026. The win now moves Yadong towards the top of the bantamweight division. It could even land him a **** le shot, but that's not guaranteed, not yet, at least.
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Sean O'Malley fights Song Yadong during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#fight #nurmagomedov
Even though the fight card delivered as a whole, the takeaway is Song Yadong, who scored a massive upset win against former **** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. After narrowly losing the first round, Yadong landed a perfectly timed uppercut as Nurmagomedov shot in for a takedown attempt.
MORE: UFC power rankings following Fight Night 285 in Sacramento
This result is one of the bigger upsets of the year, and theres been a ton of them already in 2026. The win now moves Yadong towards the top of the bantamweight division. It could even land him a **** le shot, but that's not guaranteed, not yet, at least.
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Sean O'Malley fights Song Yadong during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#fight #nurmagomedov
15 hours ago
With just days ahead of a flight to Melbourne, Australia for their season-opening showdown with the Rams, several 49ers stars descended upon St. Francis High School in Mountain View to watch Kyle Shanahan's son play.
George Kittle and his wife Claire, Kyle Juszczyk and his wife Kristin, Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Mac Jones were all in attendance for the first St. Francis game of the season with a field-level view against Manteca High School. Instagram Stories posts by Kristin Juszczyk and Claire Kittle show the pair en route to and in attendance at a high school football game, and the group of 49ers can be seen sitting underneath the scoreboard on the school's livestream of the game.
While there were many games going on across the Bay Area on Friday night, the connection with their coach's family appears to be a big reason why all the 49ers went to the Mountain View private school for a game. Shanahan's son, Carter, is a junior this year who takes after his dad, who was a wide receiver at the University of Texas, and plays the same position for the Lancers. Carter Shanahan was a starter on Friday night as the Lancers beat Manteca, 31-23, and even was the team's primary kick returner.
The 49ers ties at St. Francis run deeper than just the coach's kid, too. Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bryant Young were hired as ******* istant coaches for the varsity team over the summer, and both are in their first seasons on the Lancers' staff. And two former St. Francis players are currently with the 49ers: the team signed defensive end Villami "Junior" Fehoko Jr. last week and employs Michael Lauck, a former quarterback at the school, on the 49ers' video team. Other former 49ers stars have also sent their kids to St. Francis in the past, including Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott and former head coach Steve Mariucci, and were frequently seen at the school's sporting events.
It isn't the first time the 49ers have made their presence felt on the St. Francis football field, as Shanahan also attended his son's junior varsity game last season after his team's Week 5 dramatic win against the Rams.
#school #high #view
George Kittle and his wife Claire, Kyle Juszczyk and his wife Kristin, Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Mac Jones were all in attendance for the first St. Francis game of the season with a field-level view against Manteca High School. Instagram Stories posts by Kristin Juszczyk and Claire Kittle show the pair en route to and in attendance at a high school football game, and the group of 49ers can be seen sitting underneath the scoreboard on the school's livestream of the game.
While there were many games going on across the Bay Area on Friday night, the connection with their coach's family appears to be a big reason why all the 49ers went to the Mountain View private school for a game. Shanahan's son, Carter, is a junior this year who takes after his dad, who was a wide receiver at the University of Texas, and plays the same position for the Lancers. Carter Shanahan was a starter on Friday night as the Lancers beat Manteca, 31-23, and even was the team's primary kick returner.
The 49ers ties at St. Francis run deeper than just the coach's kid, too. Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bryant Young were hired as ******* istant coaches for the varsity team over the summer, and both are in their first seasons on the Lancers' staff. And two former St. Francis players are currently with the 49ers: the team signed defensive end Villami "Junior" Fehoko Jr. last week and employs Michael Lauck, a former quarterback at the school, on the 49ers' video team. Other former 49ers stars have also sent their kids to St. Francis in the past, including Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott and former head coach Steve Mariucci, and were frequently seen at the school's sporting events.
It isn't the first time the 49ers have made their presence felt on the St. Francis football field, as Shanahan also attended his son's junior varsity game last season after his team's Week 5 dramatic win against the Rams.
#school #high #view
15 hours ago
The Bills announced their first wave of cuts on Saturday afternoon.
The list includes the previous reported release of wide receiver Mecole Hardman, but not the release of punter Mitch Wishnowsky. The Bills have reportedly decided to go with rookie Tommy Doman over Wishnowsky.
Buffalo is also parting ways with linebacker Cade Denhoff, cornerback Jordan Dunbar, guard Bruno Fina, linebacker Theron Gaines, center Sincere Haynesworth, defensive lineman Zion Logue, cornerback D.J. Miller, safety Wande Owens, wide receiver Dante Pettis, linebacker Otis Reese, wide receiver Quentin Skinner, and tight end Shane Zylstra.
If Wishnowsky's reported release is included, the Bills are left with 23 more moves to make to get to the 53-man limit on Sunday.
#receiver #linebacker #wishnowsky
The list includes the previous reported release of wide receiver Mecole Hardman, but not the release of punter Mitch Wishnowsky. The Bills have reportedly decided to go with rookie Tommy Doman over Wishnowsky.
Buffalo is also parting ways with linebacker Cade Denhoff, cornerback Jordan Dunbar, guard Bruno Fina, linebacker Theron Gaines, center Sincere Haynesworth, defensive lineman Zion Logue, cornerback D.J. Miller, safety Wande Owens, wide receiver Dante Pettis, linebacker Otis Reese, wide receiver Quentin Skinner, and tight end Shane Zylstra.
If Wishnowsky's reported release is included, the Bills are left with 23 more moves to make to get to the 53-man limit on Sunday.
#receiver #linebacker #wishnowsky
20 hours ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship touched down again at the SPDBank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, for an excitingevent.
In the UFC Shanghai headliner, UmarNurmagomedov and Yadong Songlocked horns in an exciting 135-pound tilt with **** le implications.In the co-main event, UFC strawweight veteran Xiaonan Yancollided with up-and-comer DeniseGomes. The event saw 10 fights end inside the distance, withmost by knockout.
Here's a list of possible matchups for the main card winners.
The UFC Shanghai main event ended with a huge upset as Song(24-9-1, 1 NC; 13-4-1 UFC) starched former 135-pound **** lechallenger Nurmagomedov (20-2, 8-2 UFC). Song clipped his foe witha well-timed punch right on the ear, immediately dropping him.The two follow-up punches turned Nurmagomedov's lights out, and theofficial end came at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. With the currentdivisional **** leholder Petr Yan andNo. 1 challenger MerabDvalishvili already set to lock horns in October, the logicalmatchup for Song seems to be a rematch with Sean O'Malley. "Suga"impressed in his outing at UFC White House, and the "Kung Fu Kid"looks mature enough to overcome his rival, and possibly not leaveit in the judges' hands this time. In their first encounter,O'Malley took home a unanimous decision victory.
In the co-feature, Gomes (13-3, 7-2 UFC) crushed Yan (19-6, 1 NC;9-5 UFC) in an intriguing clash in the women's strawweightdivision. Gomes landed a vicious elbow to her opponent's face before following up withmore punches, forcing the halt at 4:49 of Round 1. A surgingcontender in the women's strawweight division, the Brazilian is nowriding a five-bout winning streak and is 7-1 in her most recentassignments. A few interesting names are climbing the rankings at115 pounds, so it might be time to see who's the next big thing ina clash with AlexiaThainara. "Burguesinha" is currently riding an impressive13-bout winning streak. The winner of this clash might be next fora dance with the current divisional queen, MackenzieDern.
It took a little more than a round for Kai Asakura(23-6, 2-2 UFC) to stop onetime Wu Lin Feng **** leholder Qileng Aori(26-14, 1 NC; 4-6, 1 NC UFC) with a praiseworthy sequence started by a head kick followed by punches and punctuated by someknees to the body. The official end came 34 seconds into Round2. Asakura has scored back-to-back wins now, and it's time for theformer Rizin Fighting Federation 135-pound **** leholder to step upin competition. ViniciusOliveira is currently looking for a fight, coming off a winover Andre Fili inJune. Neither Asakura nor Oliveira backs down when it comes totrading blows, and the outcome could be a treat fortechnical-striking fans.
In a 125-pound attraction, Su Mudaerji(20-7, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) finally managed to overcome Alex Perez(26-11, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC). The first time the pair met in theOctagon, it ended in no contest following an accidental groin shot.This time, Mudaerji relied on sharper strikes and so
In the UFC Shanghai headliner, UmarNurmagomedov and Yadong Songlocked horns in an exciting 135-pound tilt with **** le implications.In the co-main event, UFC strawweight veteran Xiaonan Yancollided with up-and-comer DeniseGomes. The event saw 10 fights end inside the distance, withmost by knockout.
Here's a list of possible matchups for the main card winners.
The UFC Shanghai main event ended with a huge upset as Song(24-9-1, 1 NC; 13-4-1 UFC) starched former 135-pound **** lechallenger Nurmagomedov (20-2, 8-2 UFC). Song clipped his foe witha well-timed punch right on the ear, immediately dropping him.The two follow-up punches turned Nurmagomedov's lights out, and theofficial end came at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. With the currentdivisional **** leholder Petr Yan andNo. 1 challenger MerabDvalishvili already set to lock horns in October, the logicalmatchup for Song seems to be a rematch with Sean O'Malley. "Suga"impressed in his outing at UFC White House, and the "Kung Fu Kid"looks mature enough to overcome his rival, and possibly not leaveit in the judges' hands this time. In their first encounter,O'Malley took home a unanimous decision victory.
In the co-feature, Gomes (13-3, 7-2 UFC) crushed Yan (19-6, 1 NC;9-5 UFC) in an intriguing clash in the women's strawweightdivision. Gomes landed a vicious elbow to her opponent's face before following up withmore punches, forcing the halt at 4:49 of Round 1. A surgingcontender in the women's strawweight division, the Brazilian is nowriding a five-bout winning streak and is 7-1 in her most recentassignments. A few interesting names are climbing the rankings at115 pounds, so it might be time to see who's the next big thing ina clash with AlexiaThainara. "Burguesinha" is currently riding an impressive13-bout winning streak. The winner of this clash might be next fora dance with the current divisional queen, MackenzieDern.
It took a little more than a round for Kai Asakura(23-6, 2-2 UFC) to stop onetime Wu Lin Feng **** leholder Qileng Aori(26-14, 1 NC; 4-6, 1 NC UFC) with a praiseworthy sequence started by a head kick followed by punches and punctuated by someknees to the body. The official end came 34 seconds into Round2. Asakura has scored back-to-back wins now, and it's time for theformer Rizin Fighting Federation 135-pound **** leholder to step upin competition. ViniciusOliveira is currently looking for a fight, coming off a winover Andre Fili inJune. Neither Asakura nor Oliveira backs down when it comes totrading blows, and the outcome could be a treat fortechnical-striking fans.
In a 125-pound attraction, Su Mudaerji(20-7, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) finally managed to overcome Alex Perez(26-11, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC). The first time the pair met in theOctagon, it ended in no contest following an accidental groin shot.This time, Mudaerji relied on sharper strikes and so
20 hours ago
Umar Nurmagomedov's return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night 286 didn't end in a pretty scene.
Umar (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was left unconscious after eating a monster uppercut from fellow UFC bantamweight ***** le contender Song Yadong (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) in the main event of Saturday's card in Shanghai.
Song's win was a big upset that few predicted. It left many watching in shock, but perhaps those impacted most were Umar's corner team, which was composed of PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as Iakub Shikhdzhamalov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. All four were left visibly distraught by the result.
Usman, the younger brother of Usman, jumped into the cage and immediately rushed toward his fallen sibling. In the process, Usman collided with Song, who was running around the octagon celebrating the upset in front of an electric crowd. It then appeared that Usman held back from throwing an elbow at Song.
THe situation quickly deescalated, with Khabib offering to help wipe blood from Song's cut eyebrow as the teams interacted in a respectful manner.
#song #khabib #night
Umar (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was left unconscious after eating a monster uppercut from fellow UFC bantamweight ***** le contender Song Yadong (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) in the main event of Saturday's card in Shanghai.
Song's win was a big upset that few predicted. It left many watching in shock, but perhaps those impacted most were Umar's corner team, which was composed of PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as Iakub Shikhdzhamalov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. All four were left visibly distraught by the result.
Usman, the younger brother of Usman, jumped into the cage and immediately rushed toward his fallen sibling. In the process, Usman collided with Song, who was running around the octagon celebrating the upset in front of an electric crowd. It then appeared that Usman held back from throwing an elbow at Song.
THe situation quickly deescalated, with Khabib offering to help wipe blood from Song's cut eyebrow as the teams interacted in a respectful manner.
#song #khabib #night
21 hours ago
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has opened up about his bowling spell in East Zone's opening Duleep Trophy 2026 match, saying he always enjoys bowling and joking that captain Ishan Kishan did not know he was a "wicket-taker."
Sooryavanshi, who was named East Zone vice-captain for the tournament, made an impact with the ball in the second innings against North East Zone. The left-arm spinner took two wickets in a three-over spell as East Zone completed an innings and 210-run win on Tuesday.
Speaking in a video shared by BCCI Domestic, Sooryavanshi said batters enjoy bowling just as much as bowlers enjoy batting.
"If you ask any batter, they always enjoy bowling. A batter always enjoys bowling and a bowler always enjoys batting equally," Sooryavanshi said.
The teenager said Kishan brought him into the attack because East Zone needed a breakthrough, but added that the captain did not know what he was capable of with the ball.
"Opponent team's wickets weren't falling, so I was asked to bowl two or three overs. Ishan bhaiya felt like he was taking a risk, but he didn't knew that I am a wicket-taker," he added.
Sooryavanshi's spell changed the innings quickly.
He first dismissed Kishan Lyngdoh, who was caught at deep covers while trying to play an aerial shot. Three ***** later, he got left-handed batter Imliwati Lemtur to edge behind, with Kishan taking the catch behind the stumps.
The Bihar youngster said he knew he had only three overs to bowl and wanted to make the most of them.
"I had only one thing in my mind: that even if I take five wickets, I'm only going to get to bowl three overs only. So (the plan) was to bowl as well as I can and target one spot only and finish my spell well."
The Rajasthan Royals batter did not have much success with the bat in the match. He scored eight in East Zone's only innings but said contributing with the ball made up for it.
"It was a lot of fun because batting didn't go so well in the match. So, contributing with the ball was great. And of course, when a batter takes a wicket, there's no greater enjoyment than that, so it was a lot of fun!" he concluded.
Sooryavanshi now has four wickets in First-Class cricket.
East Zone have qualified for the Duleep Trophy semi-finals and will face Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru. The match starts at 9:30am on Sunday, while the final begins on September 6.
#only #batter
Sooryavanshi, who was named East Zone vice-captain for the tournament, made an impact with the ball in the second innings against North East Zone. The left-arm spinner took two wickets in a three-over spell as East Zone completed an innings and 210-run win on Tuesday.
Speaking in a video shared by BCCI Domestic, Sooryavanshi said batters enjoy bowling just as much as bowlers enjoy batting.
"If you ask any batter, they always enjoy bowling. A batter always enjoys bowling and a bowler always enjoys batting equally," Sooryavanshi said.
The teenager said Kishan brought him into the attack because East Zone needed a breakthrough, but added that the captain did not know what he was capable of with the ball.
"Opponent team's wickets weren't falling, so I was asked to bowl two or three overs. Ishan bhaiya felt like he was taking a risk, but he didn't knew that I am a wicket-taker," he added.
Sooryavanshi's spell changed the innings quickly.
He first dismissed Kishan Lyngdoh, who was caught at deep covers while trying to play an aerial shot. Three ***** later, he got left-handed batter Imliwati Lemtur to edge behind, with Kishan taking the catch behind the stumps.
The Bihar youngster said he knew he had only three overs to bowl and wanted to make the most of them.
"I had only one thing in my mind: that even if I take five wickets, I'm only going to get to bowl three overs only. So (the plan) was to bowl as well as I can and target one spot only and finish my spell well."
The Rajasthan Royals batter did not have much success with the bat in the match. He scored eight in East Zone's only innings but said contributing with the ball made up for it.
"It was a lot of fun because batting didn't go so well in the match. So, contributing with the ball was great. And of course, when a batter takes a wicket, there's no greater enjoyment than that, so it was a lot of fun!" he concluded.
Sooryavanshi now has four wickets in First-Class cricket.
East Zone have qualified for the Duleep Trophy semi-finals and will face Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru. The match starts at 9:30am on Sunday, while the final begins on September 6.
#only #batter
22 hours ago
'He doesn't know I am a wicket-taker': Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reveals chat with Ishan Kishan after bowling in Duleep Trophy match originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India's teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi claimed 2 for 11 as East Zone beat North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final.
RR star revealed skipper Ishan Kishan felt giving him the ball was a risk, cheekily declaring himself a genuine "wicket-taker".
Suryavanshi's wickets reduced North East Zone in their follow-on innings as East Zone sealed a victory by an innings and 210 runs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an unexpected impact with the ball during East Zone's commanding victory over North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. Despite falling for just eight runs with the bat, the 15-year-old prodigy turned heads by picking up two quick wickets during the second innings.
#east #trophy #kishan #Cricket
India's teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi claimed 2 for 11 as East Zone beat North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final.
RR star revealed skipper Ishan Kishan felt giving him the ball was a risk, cheekily declaring himself a genuine "wicket-taker".
Suryavanshi's wickets reduced North East Zone in their follow-on innings as East Zone sealed a victory by an innings and 210 runs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an unexpected impact with the ball during East Zone's commanding victory over North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. Despite falling for just eight runs with the bat, the 15-year-old prodigy turned heads by picking up two quick wickets during the second innings.
#east #trophy #kishan #Cricket
22 hours ago
Song Yadong delivered as a massive underdog at home in the UFC Fight Night 286 main event.
Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) took out former ****** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a big knockout at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. The bantamweight bout was the headliner at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Nurmagomedov struck first with a low kick. Song fired back with one of his own, then landed a body kick. Song threw a low kick, which Nurmagomedov caught to land a takedown. Song grabbed Nurmagomedov's neck to try and cinch in a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov popped his head out. Nurmagomedov controlled Song on the ground, but Song eventually got back up with just over a minute left in the round. Song landed a right, but Nurmagomedov shoved him off.
In Round 2, Nurmagomedov threw a couple of leg kicks then went up high. Nurmagomedov shot for a takedown, but Song shucked him off. As Nurmagomedov dipped, Song landed a short right uppercut on the ear, followed by several shots which knocked Nurmagomedov out cold.
In his post-fight octagon interview with Brendan Fitzgerald, Song called for a ****** le shot after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Team Alpha Male Fighter has now won three of his past four fights, with his lone blemish being a narrow decision loss to Sean O'Malley in January.
#round #fight
Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) took out former ****** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a big knockout at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. The bantamweight bout was the headliner at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Nurmagomedov struck first with a low kick. Song fired back with one of his own, then landed a body kick. Song threw a low kick, which Nurmagomedov caught to land a takedown. Song grabbed Nurmagomedov's neck to try and cinch in a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov popped his head out. Nurmagomedov controlled Song on the ground, but Song eventually got back up with just over a minute left in the round. Song landed a right, but Nurmagomedov shoved him off.
In Round 2, Nurmagomedov threw a couple of leg kicks then went up high. Nurmagomedov shot for a takedown, but Song shucked him off. As Nurmagomedov dipped, Song landed a short right uppercut on the ear, followed by several shots which knocked Nurmagomedov out cold.
In his post-fight octagon interview with Brendan Fitzgerald, Song called for a ****** le shot after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Team Alpha Male Fighter has now won three of his past four fights, with his lone blemish being a narrow decision loss to Sean O'Malley in January.
#round #fight
22 hours ago
Denise Gomes may have punched her ticket to a UFC women's strawweight ***** le shot earlier this morning (Sat., Aug. 29, 2026) at UFC Shanghai LIVE on Paramount+ from inside the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, after stifling former UFC ***** le challenger Yan Xiaonan with a powerful first-round knockout (head kick and punches).
This co-main event matchup may not have jumped off the paper for many fight fans, but it always had the potential to deliver fireworks. That's because Yan is one of the most seasoned vets on the 115-pound roster and Gomes is one of the most vicious finishers. It was a recipe for disaster and one strawweight was going to end up on the losing end. Unfortunately for Yan, that was her in front of her own home crowd.
While Yan had her moments in the first round it was all about Gomes and her ability to land hard shots at almost every turn. Yan did well to stay busy and prevent Gomes from really pulling ahead, but that all changed when Gomes unleashed a head kick with 15 seconds left on the clock. It landed flush, cracked Yan, and allowed Gomes to land a few follow-up punches to earn the knockout stoppage.
Check out the video highlights below:
For complete UFC Shanghai results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
#strawweight
This co-main event matchup may not have jumped off the paper for many fight fans, but it always had the potential to deliver fireworks. That's because Yan is one of the most seasoned vets on the 115-pound roster and Gomes is one of the most vicious finishers. It was a recipe for disaster and one strawweight was going to end up on the losing end. Unfortunately for Yan, that was her in front of her own home crowd.
While Yan had her moments in the first round it was all about Gomes and her ability to land hard shots at almost every turn. Yan did well to stay busy and prevent Gomes from really pulling ahead, but that all changed when Gomes unleashed a head kick with 15 seconds left on the clock. It landed flush, cracked Yan, and allowed Gomes to land a few follow-up punches to earn the knockout stoppage.
Check out the video highlights below:
For complete UFC Shanghai results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
#strawweight
23 hours ago
In the UFC Shanghai co-featured fight, former **** le challenger and No. 4 ranked Yan Xiaonan faced and No. 9 ranked octagon veteran Denise Gomes.
Xiaonan entered the match at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center coming off a decision loss to Virna Jandiroba in her last outing. She had lost two of her last three fights and needed a win to stay in the top tier of the division. She last fought in April 2025.
Gomes brought with her a four-fight winning streak having emerged victorious in six of her last seven bouts. The Brazilian was looking to pick up the biggest win of her career and jump several spots in the rankings.
Xiaonan took the center of the cage. She connected with a right hand the two exchanged leg kicks. Xiaonan began mixing in side kicks to the lead leg of Gomes. Gomes pressed forward and connected with a huge right hand., Xiaonan took it and fired back. Xiaonan landed a combination with two minutes remaining in the round. She fought a home with an overhand right. Gomes connected with an elbow that dropped Xiaonan. A follow up combination left her unconscious on the canvas grabbing the referee's leg. Gomes left the crowd silent.
The official time of the stoppage was 4:49 of the first round.
#xiaonan #connected #center #ranked
Xiaonan entered the match at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center coming off a decision loss to Virna Jandiroba in her last outing. She had lost two of her last three fights and needed a win to stay in the top tier of the division. She last fought in April 2025.
Gomes brought with her a four-fight winning streak having emerged victorious in six of her last seven bouts. The Brazilian was looking to pick up the biggest win of her career and jump several spots in the rankings.
Xiaonan took the center of the cage. She connected with a right hand the two exchanged leg kicks. Xiaonan began mixing in side kicks to the lead leg of Gomes. Gomes pressed forward and connected with a huge right hand., Xiaonan took it and fired back. Xiaonan landed a combination with two minutes remaining in the round. She fought a home with an overhand right. Gomes connected with an elbow that dropped Xiaonan. A follow up combination left her unconscious on the canvas grabbing the referee's leg. Gomes left the crowd silent.
The official time of the stoppage was 4:49 of the first round.
#xiaonan #connected #center #ranked
23 hours 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
23 hours ago
Pakistan's struggles in England have deepened after their batting collapsed for 110 in the first innings of the Lord's Test, prompting a brutal ****** sment from former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Pakistan arrived at Lord's hoping for a response after being beaten by an innings and 53 runs in the opening Test. The return of regular captain Babar Azam had also provided some optimism, but his comeback did little to change the visitors' fortunes.
Babar managed only eight runs, while Abdullah Shafique (5), Shan Masood (1) and Mohammad Rizwan (7) all fell cheaply. Opener Azan Awais offered some resistance with 46, but Pakistan were bowled out for just 110.
Vaughan was scathing in his ****** sment of the Pakistan batting line-up, arguing that England's bowlers were operating without any real fear of being punished.
"I'll be brutally honest. The England bowlers aren't being challenged at all. And this Pakistan batting lineup is possibly the easiest batting lineup I've seen in a long time to bowl to. And not only that, I think as a bowler, I think they're all queuing up to bowl because they know there are wickets out there," Vaughan said on the BBC Test Match Special.
"You're not going to get hurt. There's no batter that's going to hurt them. No one's going to damage their figures, and it's really, 'roll up, roll up, who wants to get the wickets?'," he added.
The former England skipper continued his criticism by questioning whether Pakistan's current batting unit was even of Test-match standard.
With England's bowlers repeatedly finding breakthroughs, Vaughan suggested the visitors had made life remarkably easy for the hosts.
"I think they all know that Pakistan aren't going to get big scores. So you're only going to be out there for 40 to 50 overs, so you give everything in every spell, you keep going to Joe Root saying, Err, I'll bowl another one.' There are so many wickets out there," said Vaughan.
He then made a particularly harsh comparison, suggesting Pakistan's batting resembled a second-division county side rather than an international Test team.
"It's so easy. They're still doing a good job, and they're still looking very threatening. And I think this bowling attack, the way they're bowling, will challenge better batting lineups if they continue in this fashion. But this is Pakistan batting. Is it second division county cricket? There's no way that they are batting in any standard to say that, that is a Test match batting lineup," he added.
Pakistan's batting woes have been compounded by the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who did not bat in the first innings after suffering a calf strain while fielding at Lord's.
England capitalised on Pakistan's collapse to take a commanding position in the Test. The hosts finished the second day on 81/3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 261 runs.
After Pakistan's innings ended inside 38 overs, England remain firmly in control of the secon
Pakistan arrived at Lord's hoping for a response after being beaten by an innings and 53 runs in the opening Test. The return of regular captain Babar Azam had also provided some optimism, but his comeback did little to change the visitors' fortunes.
Babar managed only eight runs, while Abdullah Shafique (5), Shan Masood (1) and Mohammad Rizwan (7) all fell cheaply. Opener Azan Awais offered some resistance with 46, but Pakistan were bowled out for just 110.
Vaughan was scathing in his ****** sment of the Pakistan batting line-up, arguing that England's bowlers were operating without any real fear of being punished.
"I'll be brutally honest. The England bowlers aren't being challenged at all. And this Pakistan batting lineup is possibly the easiest batting lineup I've seen in a long time to bowl to. And not only that, I think as a bowler, I think they're all queuing up to bowl because they know there are wickets out there," Vaughan said on the BBC Test Match Special.
"You're not going to get hurt. There's no batter that's going to hurt them. No one's going to damage their figures, and it's really, 'roll up, roll up, who wants to get the wickets?'," he added.
The former England skipper continued his criticism by questioning whether Pakistan's current batting unit was even of Test-match standard.
With England's bowlers repeatedly finding breakthroughs, Vaughan suggested the visitors had made life remarkably easy for the hosts.
"I think they all know that Pakistan aren't going to get big scores. So you're only going to be out there for 40 to 50 overs, so you give everything in every spell, you keep going to Joe Root saying, Err, I'll bowl another one.' There are so many wickets out there," said Vaughan.
He then made a particularly harsh comparison, suggesting Pakistan's batting resembled a second-division county side rather than an international Test team.
"It's so easy. They're still doing a good job, and they're still looking very threatening. And I think this bowling attack, the way they're bowling, will challenge better batting lineups if they continue in this fashion. But this is Pakistan batting. Is it second division county cricket? There's no way that they are batting in any standard to say that, that is a Test match batting lineup," he added.
Pakistan's batting woes have been compounded by the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who did not bat in the first innings after suffering a calf strain while fielding at Lord's.
England capitalised on Pakistan's collapse to take a commanding position in the Test. The hosts finished the second day on 81/3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 261 runs.
After Pakistan's innings ended inside 38 overs, England remain firmly in control of the secon
23 hours ago
MMA Fighting has UFC Shanghai results for the Nurmagomedov vs. Song fight card, a live blog of the main event, and more from Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, on Saturday morning.
In the main event, Umar Nurmagomedov takes on Song Yadong in a battle of bantamweight contenders. Nurmagomedov is currently No. 3 at 135 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Song holds the No. 7 spot. Both fighters are coming off of recent wins over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Ranked strawweights Yan Xioanan and Denise Gomes compete in the co-main event with a potential ****** le fight on the line.
Check out UFC Shanghai results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, LIVE NOW)
#shanghai #nurmagomedov #Event #fight
In the main event, Umar Nurmagomedov takes on Song Yadong in a battle of bantamweight contenders. Nurmagomedov is currently No. 3 at 135 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Song holds the No. 7 spot. Both fighters are coming off of recent wins over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Ranked strawweights Yan Xioanan and Denise Gomes compete in the co-main event with a potential ****** le fight on the line.
Check out UFC Shanghai results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, LIVE NOW)
#shanghai #nurmagomedov #Event #fight
1 day ago
Bilal Hasan could be the next big thing in the UFC flyweight division.
The recent Dana White Contender Series standout made a spectacular debut at UFC Shanghai, first walking out with a Michael Jackson-inspired entrance on what would have been Jackson's 68th birthday, and then delivering a thrilling performance capped off by a one-punch knockout over Nilson Rojas.
Watch the amazing finish below.
Hasan and Rojas both entered Saturday's event with spotless 9-0 records, but Hasan was the more hyped prospect after earning a UFC contract on DWCS just 18 days ago. "The IndoNinja" didn't notch another sub-one-minute knockout, but he showed plenty of the exciting striking that has fans drooling over the 25-year-old Hasan's potential.
Rojas was a game opponent, showing off solid boxing as he worked to get inside on the speedy Hasan, but Hasan was clearly a step ahead after the opening five minutes as he battered Rojas with laser-sharp kicks and fast counters, and even a little ground-and-pound. In Round 2, Hasan zeroed in and caught Rojas with a booming right hand that ended the contest, with the official time of the stoppage coming 2:28 into the period.
#rojas
The recent Dana White Contender Series standout made a spectacular debut at UFC Shanghai, first walking out with a Michael Jackson-inspired entrance on what would have been Jackson's 68th birthday, and then delivering a thrilling performance capped off by a one-punch knockout over Nilson Rojas.
Watch the amazing finish below.
Hasan and Rojas both entered Saturday's event with spotless 9-0 records, but Hasan was the more hyped prospect after earning a UFC contract on DWCS just 18 days ago. "The IndoNinja" didn't notch another sub-one-minute knockout, but he showed plenty of the exciting striking that has fans drooling over the 25-year-old Hasan's potential.
Rojas was a game opponent, showing off solid boxing as he worked to get inside on the speedy Hasan, but Hasan was clearly a step ahead after the opening five minutes as he battered Rojas with laser-sharp kicks and fast counters, and even a little ground-and-pound. In Round 2, Hasan zeroed in and caught Rojas with a booming right hand that ended the contest, with the official time of the stoppage coming 2:28 into the period.
#rojas
1 day ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 29, 2026) with UFC Shanghai, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The main event is Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong in the Bantamweight division.
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the **** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former **** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#Event #song #yadong
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the **** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former **** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#Event #song #yadong
1 day ago
What channel is NASCAR on today? TV schedule, start time, live stream for 2026 Daytona night race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NASCAR Cup Series heads back to Daytona this weekend for one final race ahead of the playoff Chase — get ready for the ******* e Zero Sugar 400.
After the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR will return to Daytona International Speedway to wrap up the regular season schedule, this time with a night race. There are still nine playoff spots up for grabs, which means drivers will be competing heavily in the Sunshine State.
There are several drivers currently on the bubble, including Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen, who holds the 16th and final bid. Ryan Preece is currently behind the cut line by 31 points, but a variety of factors could shake up these standings come Saturday.
Who will make their mark as the regular season comes to a close?
#nascar #sporting #final #playoff
The NASCAR Cup Series heads back to Daytona this weekend for one final race ahead of the playoff Chase — get ready for the ******* e Zero Sugar 400.
After the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR will return to Daytona International Speedway to wrap up the regular season schedule, this time with a night race. There are still nine playoff spots up for grabs, which means drivers will be competing heavily in the Sunshine State.
There are several drivers currently on the bubble, including Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen, who holds the 16th and final bid. Ryan Preece is currently behind the cut line by 31 points, but a variety of factors could shake up these standings come Saturday.
Who will make their mark as the regular season comes to a close?
#nascar #sporting #final #playoff
1 day ago
Rei Tsuruya looked like the biggest favorite of the UFC Fight Night 286 card against Kevin Borjas.
Tsuruya (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) dove for Borjas' (11-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC) legs and took him down immediately to start the flyweight bout. He controlled his foe on the ground with ease and took the back to score the rear-naked choke submission at the 4:14 mark of Round 1 in Saturday's bout at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Check out the video of Tsuruya's finish below (via X):
After losing to current UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van at UFC 313, Tsuruya rebounded with back-to-back first-round submissions. The 24-year-old **** anese fighter called for a ranked opponent in his post-fight interview with Brendan Fitzgerald
Rei Tsuruya def. Kevin Borjas via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:14
#kevin #fight #bout
Tsuruya (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) dove for Borjas' (11-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC) legs and took him down immediately to start the flyweight bout. He controlled his foe on the ground with ease and took the back to score the rear-naked choke submission at the 4:14 mark of Round 1 in Saturday's bout at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Check out the video of Tsuruya's finish below (via X):
After losing to current UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van at UFC 313, Tsuruya rebounded with back-to-back first-round submissions. The 24-year-old **** anese fighter called for a ranked opponent in his post-fight interview with Brendan Fitzgerald
Rei Tsuruya def. Kevin Borjas via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:14
#kevin #fight #bout
1 day ago
Jofra Archer produced the fastest spell of his Test career as England bowled Pakistan out for 110 on Day 2 of the second Test at Lord's and took complete control of the match.
England's pace attack made full use of the conditions after Pakistan resumed with hopes of staying in the game. Ollie Robinson finished with 4/11, Archer took 3/26 and Josh Tongue returned 2/27 as Pakistan were dismissed for 110, giving England a first-innings lead of 180 runs.
Archer set the tone with a five-over spell before lunch that brought the first breakthrough. According to CricViz, his opening spell averaged 90.7 mph, with some deliveries touching 94 mph. He dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who was caught behind, as the visitors went into lunch at 16/2 after 14.1 overs.
Despite the numbers on the speed gun, Archer said he was not convinced they were accurate.
"Nah, the speed gun isn't working properly," the 31-year-old said. "I saw some of them [speeds] and I was like, it didn't really feel that way. I don't know who's up in the box working it, but thanks. I remember playing here in the Ashes in 2019 and thinking the same thing. Maybe the speed guns are a little bit dodgy here."
Robinson and Tongue continued the pressure after Archer's opening burst. Archer praised the pace attack for working together rather than relying on one bowler.
"Everyone chips in. Ollie's been phenomenal since he started [playing] again. Gus and Tonguey, everyone's picking up the slack," Archer said. "With this attack you don't have to go and do too much. You don't have to try too hard. You know someone's going to back you up."
Pakistan's batting struggled throughout the innings. Opener Azan Awais was the only batter to offer resistance with 46, before pulling Robinson to deep square leg. Saud Shakeel was the next highest scorer with 16.
England ended the day on 81/3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 261 runs.
Even with rain forecast on Day 3, England remain in a commanding position as they look to secure their first home Test series win in two years.
#spell
England's pace attack made full use of the conditions after Pakistan resumed with hopes of staying in the game. Ollie Robinson finished with 4/11, Archer took 3/26 and Josh Tongue returned 2/27 as Pakistan were dismissed for 110, giving England a first-innings lead of 180 runs.
Archer set the tone with a five-over spell before lunch that brought the first breakthrough. According to CricViz, his opening spell averaged 90.7 mph, with some deliveries touching 94 mph. He dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who was caught behind, as the visitors went into lunch at 16/2 after 14.1 overs.
Despite the numbers on the speed gun, Archer said he was not convinced they were accurate.
"Nah, the speed gun isn't working properly," the 31-year-old said. "I saw some of them [speeds] and I was like, it didn't really feel that way. I don't know who's up in the box working it, but thanks. I remember playing here in the Ashes in 2019 and thinking the same thing. Maybe the speed guns are a little bit dodgy here."
Robinson and Tongue continued the pressure after Archer's opening burst. Archer praised the pace attack for working together rather than relying on one bowler.
"Everyone chips in. Ollie's been phenomenal since he started [playing] again. Gus and Tonguey, everyone's picking up the slack," Archer said. "With this attack you don't have to go and do too much. You don't have to try too hard. You know someone's going to back you up."
Pakistan's batting struggled throughout the innings. Opener Azan Awais was the only batter to offer resistance with 46, before pulling Robinson to deep square leg. Saud Shakeel was the next highest scorer with 16.
England ended the day on 81/3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 261 runs.
Even with rain forecast on Day 3, England remain in a commanding position as they look to secure their first home Test series win in two years.
#spell
1 day ago
MMA Fighting has UFC Shanghai results for the Nurmagomedov vs. Song fight card, a live blog of the main event, and more from Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, on Saturday morning.
In the main event, Umar Nurmagomedov takes on Song Yadong in a battle of bantamweight contenders. Nurmagomedov is currently No. 3 at 135 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Song holds the No. 7 spot. Both fighters are coming off of recent wins over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Ranked strawweights Yan Xioanan and Denise Gomes compete in the co-main event with a potential ****** le fight on the line.
Check out UFC Shanghai results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, 6 a.m. ET)
#main #nurmagomedov #fighting #fight
In the main event, Umar Nurmagomedov takes on Song Yadong in a battle of bantamweight contenders. Nurmagomedov is currently No. 3 at 135 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Song holds the No. 7 spot. Both fighters are coming off of recent wins over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Ranked strawweights Yan Xioanan and Denise Gomes compete in the co-main event with a potential ****** le fight on the line.
Check out UFC Shanghai results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, 6 a.m. ET)
#main #nurmagomedov #fighting #fight
1 day ago
The Minnesota Vikings suffered a brutal 34-6 loss to the Denver Broncos on Friday, but the most significant development may have been J.J. McCarthy's absence from the game.
While the Vikings have yet to make a final decision on his future, McCarthy's decision to sit out the Broncos matchup has only added to the speculation around his future. Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe has also weighed in on the turn of events, calling on the Vikings to move on from their experiment with McCarthy.
McCarthy didn't play on Friday night after suffering an ankle injury the previous Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. The timing is significant, with NFL teams approaching the deadline to trim their rosters to 53 players.
Unless Minnesota intends to carry four quarterbacks, the Vikings could be forced to decide between McCarthy and Max Brosmer if Carson Wentz secures the QB2 role behind Kyler Murray.
McCarthy's situation became a major talking point on Friday's episode of the "Nightcap" podcast, where hosts Shannon Sharpe, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, and Joe Johnson questioned his standing in Minnesota after he missed the Vikings' final preseason game.
#Vikings #Broncos #game
While the Vikings have yet to make a final decision on his future, McCarthy's decision to sit out the Broncos matchup has only added to the speculation around his future. Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe has also weighed in on the turn of events, calling on the Vikings to move on from their experiment with McCarthy.
McCarthy didn't play on Friday night after suffering an ankle injury the previous Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. The timing is significant, with NFL teams approaching the deadline to trim their rosters to 53 players.
Unless Minnesota intends to carry four quarterbacks, the Vikings could be forced to decide between McCarthy and Max Brosmer if Carson Wentz secures the QB2 role behind Kyler Murray.
McCarthy's situation became a major talking point on Friday's episode of the "Nightcap" podcast, where hosts Shannon Sharpe, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, and Joe Johnson questioned his standing in Minnesota after he missed the Vikings' final preseason game.
#Vikings #Broncos #game
1 day ago
NASCAR playoff standings 2026: Updated points, scenarios for final Cup Series spots at Daytona originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a regular season filled with highlights, the Cup Series is mercifully approaching its crescendo — a 10-race postseason to determine who will hoist NASCAR's greatest prize, the Cup Series crown.
This year's playoff format is markedly different from its latest predecessors. The "win-and-in" format gave way to the Chase, popularized in the mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s. The new layout rewards consistency as opposed to one-race excellence, offering a new path for riders who routinely place inside the top-five and top-10.
Toyota has shined in lieu of the change thus far — five of the top six performers helm the **** pits of the **** anese manufacturer, including regular-season champion Denny Hamlin.
Further down the standings, things remain compelling. Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen are clinging to postseason berths heading into the final week of the regular season. They have more work to do to lock themselves into the Round of 16 and give themselves a chance at competing for the top-flight's signature prize.
#playoff #race
After a regular season filled with highlights, the Cup Series is mercifully approaching its crescendo — a 10-race postseason to determine who will hoist NASCAR's greatest prize, the Cup Series crown.
This year's playoff format is markedly different from its latest predecessors. The "win-and-in" format gave way to the Chase, popularized in the mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s. The new layout rewards consistency as opposed to one-race excellence, offering a new path for riders who routinely place inside the top-five and top-10.
Toyota has shined in lieu of the change thus far — five of the top six performers helm the **** pits of the **** anese manufacturer, including regular-season champion Denny Hamlin.
Further down the standings, things remain compelling. Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen are clinging to postseason berths heading into the final week of the regular season. They have more work to do to lock themselves into the Round of 16 and give themselves a chance at competing for the top-flight's signature prize.
#playoff #race
