5 hours ago
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic will team up in a blockbuster pairing at the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship next month.
Women's world number one Sabalenka and record 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic are among the high-profile teams on the New York entry list for an event played before the singles competition takes place.
Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper and Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev are among the other star-studded pairings, but Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alacaraz are notable absentees so far.
The entry window will close on August 17 when the the top six teams with the best combined singles ranking will be accepted into the main draw. Eight teams will be determined via wild card.
United States Tennis ******* ociation chief executive Craig Tiley said, "Anytime you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best. We are proud to again bring the world's top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans."
#teams #tennis #team #singles
Women's world number one Sabalenka and record 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic are among the high-profile teams on the New York entry list for an event played before the singles competition takes place.
Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper and Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev are among the other star-studded pairings, but Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alacaraz are notable absentees so far.
The entry window will close on August 17 when the the top six teams with the best combined singles ranking will be accepted into the main draw. Eight teams will be determined via wild card.
United States Tennis ******* ociation chief executive Craig Tiley said, "Anytime you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best. We are proud to again bring the world's top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans."
#teams #tennis #team #singles
11 hours ago
The Diamondbacks dropped the opener of The Most Important Series of the Season™, losing 3-2 in ten innings to the Pirates. Merrill Kelly pitched well, and Max Kepler gave Arizona a 2-0 lead. But a throwing error by Kelly allowed a key Pittsburgh run, and Juan Morillo then gave up the tying score, which pushed the contest into extras. The Diamondbacks were unable to take advantage of a major Pirates gaffe, stranding the Manfred Man. A ball which was clanked off the glove of Ildemaro Vargas let the home team walk off, but the key stat tonight was the D-backs going just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position. And one of those hits didn't score a run either.
But to focus on the positives. Merrill Kelly continued his resurgence. He finished June with an ERA above six (6.11, to be precise). But since the calendar turned to July, he has been much improved. Tonight, he allowed only an unearned run over 5.2 innings, on four hits – all of which were singles. He walked one and struck out six. [That is still an area of concern. Through nineteen starts last year, he had 7 or more K's eight times: he hasn't gone past six at all this year] He did hit a batter, Pirates' rookie Esmerlyn Valdez wearing a pitch around the wrist area, and having to leave the game in obvious discomfort. Hopefully, there's no serious damage there.
Through five innings, both Kelley and his opposite number – confusingly, called M. Keller – were basically cruising. Each side has managed to advance only one runner past first-base to that point. In the top of the second, Max Kepler led off with a single, advanced to third on a pair of outs, but was stranded there when Ildemaro Vargas grounded out. For the Pirates, they got a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth, and the runner stole second before being left there. Kelly even got a pick-off, ending the fourth by nailing the pinch-runner who had come in to replace Valdez. Rather embarrassing for them, I imagine.
Both pitchers were also being highly efficient. Through five innings, Keller had needed just 63 pitches, and Kelly less than a handful more at 67. I particularly enjoyed this strikeout by Kelly which ended the fifth inning. None of the six pitches in the zone, and zero contact by the batter on his three swings. However, my hopes of a quick recap foundered thereafter, as neither starting pitcher would make it through the sixth. Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo singled to lead off the top of the frame, though Gabriel Moreno would strike out looking, on a master-class of ABS by the Pirates catcher, which reversed two ******* to strikes, by very narrow margins.
[Conversely, Moreno was 0-for-2 in his challenges tonight. Though it is worth noting that the team's overall challenge rate when on defense is still 66.7%, significantly better than the MLB average of 58.1%.]
#innings #tonight #runner
But to focus on the positives. Merrill Kelly continued his resurgence. He finished June with an ERA above six (6.11, to be precise). But since the calendar turned to July, he has been much improved. Tonight, he allowed only an unearned run over 5.2 innings, on four hits – all of which were singles. He walked one and struck out six. [That is still an area of concern. Through nineteen starts last year, he had 7 or more K's eight times: he hasn't gone past six at all this year] He did hit a batter, Pirates' rookie Esmerlyn Valdez wearing a pitch around the wrist area, and having to leave the game in obvious discomfort. Hopefully, there's no serious damage there.
Through five innings, both Kelley and his opposite number – confusingly, called M. Keller – were basically cruising. Each side has managed to advance only one runner past first-base to that point. In the top of the second, Max Kepler led off with a single, advanced to third on a pair of outs, but was stranded there when Ildemaro Vargas grounded out. For the Pirates, they got a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth, and the runner stole second before being left there. Kelly even got a pick-off, ending the fourth by nailing the pinch-runner who had come in to replace Valdez. Rather embarrassing for them, I imagine.
Both pitchers were also being highly efficient. Through five innings, Keller had needed just 63 pitches, and Kelly less than a handful more at 67. I particularly enjoyed this strikeout by Kelly which ended the fifth inning. None of the six pitches in the zone, and zero contact by the batter on his three swings. However, my hopes of a quick recap foundered thereafter, as neither starting pitcher would make it through the sixth. Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo singled to lead off the top of the frame, though Gabriel Moreno would strike out looking, on a master-class of ABS by the Pirates catcher, which reversed two ******* to strikes, by very narrow margins.
[Conversely, Moreno was 0-for-2 in his challenges tonight. Though it is worth noting that the team's overall challenge rate when on defense is still 66.7%, significantly better than the MLB average of 58.1%.]
#innings #tonight #runner
3 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion during India's first T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, becoming the youngest player ever to score a maiden T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
3 days ago
It's another busy day at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow for Team Northern Ireland athletes.
It's an early start for bowler Gary Kelly, who faces Liam Hill from Tonga in the men's single sectional play at the SEC Centre at 08:30 BST as he aims to make it three wins from three.
Shauna O'Neill and Chloe Wilson will get under way at 17:50 when they take part in the women's pairs selection play against Isle of Man as they also aim for their third victory.
Kelly's final session of the day is at 19:15 as he takes on Singapore in the men's singles.
At the Tollcross Swimming Centre, it is a second morning full of heats from 10:30.
#commonwealth #glasgow
It's an early start for bowler Gary Kelly, who faces Liam Hill from Tonga in the men's single sectional play at the SEC Centre at 08:30 BST as he aims to make it three wins from three.
Shauna O'Neill and Chloe Wilson will get under way at 17:50 when they take part in the women's pairs selection play against Isle of Man as they also aim for their third victory.
Kelly's final session of the day is at 19:15 as he takes on Singapore in the men's singles.
At the Tollcross Swimming Centre, it is a second morning full of heats from 10:30.
#commonwealth #glasgow
4 days ago
The Colorado Rockies played the Milwaukee Brewers' kind of game better than the Brewers did Friday afternoon.
Colorado attacked Shane Drohan with hard contact, created pressure on the bases, and turned productive outs into runs. Tomoyuki Sugano used his seven-pitch mix to keep Milwaukee from settling into a comfortable look, while the bullpen covered the final 3.2 innings without allowing a run.
The Rockies built a 4-1 lead by scoring in the first, third, and fourth innings. Christian Yelich and Brice Turang supplied Milwaukee's only damage against Sugano with solo home runs, but TJ Rumfield answered with a pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh to extend the advantage to 5-2.
Milwaukee made one final push in the ninth with back-to-back singles against Jordan Romano, bringing the tying run to the plate with **** ody out. Romano recovered by retiring Joey Ortiz, Gary Sánchez and Yelich to secure the win.
The Brewers entered the afternoon 26-7 in series openers under two-time reigning NL Manager of the Year Pat Murphy. They also entered allowing fewer stolen bases than any team in baseball.
#runs
Colorado attacked Shane Drohan with hard contact, created pressure on the bases, and turned productive outs into runs. Tomoyuki Sugano used his seven-pitch mix to keep Milwaukee from settling into a comfortable look, while the bullpen covered the final 3.2 innings without allowing a run.
The Rockies built a 4-1 lead by scoring in the first, third, and fourth innings. Christian Yelich and Brice Turang supplied Milwaukee's only damage against Sugano with solo home runs, but TJ Rumfield answered with a pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh to extend the advantage to 5-2.
Milwaukee made one final push in the ninth with back-to-back singles against Jordan Romano, bringing the tying run to the plate with **** ody out. Romano recovered by retiring Joey Ortiz, Gary Sánchez and Yelich to secure the win.
The Brewers entered the afternoon 26-7 in series openers under two-time reigning NL Manager of the Year Pat Murphy. They also entered allowing fewer stolen bases than any team in baseball.
#runs
4 days ago
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Tomoyuki Sugano picked up his 10th win and Kyle Karros and TJ Rumfield each had two hits as the Colorado Rockies capitalized on a fast start to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2 on Friday.
Sugano (10-4) struck out five over 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on a pair of homers — Christian Yelich's 413-foot leadoff drive in the first inning and Brice Turang's 434-foot blast in the sixth. Sugano was making his second start since coming off the injured list after missing three weeks due to back spasms.
Milwaukee brought the tying run to the plate after Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers started the ninth inning with consecutive singles. Jordan Romano regrouped from there by getting Joey Ortiz to pop up, striking out Gary Sánchez struck out and retiring Yelich on a fly to right.
Romano picked up his eighth save in 10 opportunities.
Although the Rockies (42-63) have the National League's worst record, they're just one win away from matching their total from a year ago, when they finished 43-119.
#Rockies
Sugano (10-4) struck out five over 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on a pair of homers — Christian Yelich's 413-foot leadoff drive in the first inning and Brice Turang's 434-foot blast in the sixth. Sugano was making his second start since coming off the injured list after missing three weeks due to back spasms.
Milwaukee brought the tying run to the plate after Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers started the ninth inning with consecutive singles. Jordan Romano regrouped from there by getting Joey Ortiz to pop up, striking out Gary Sánchez struck out and retiring Yelich on a fly to right.
Romano picked up his eighth save in 10 opportunities.
Although the Rockies (42-63) have the National League's worst record, they're just one win away from matching their total from a year ago, when they finished 43-119.
#Rockies
4 days ago
Jason Banks made it two wins from two in the men's singles on a mixed day for Team Scotland in the bowls at the SEC Centre.
Former world number one, Banks, backed up his first group game win on Thursday with another straight sets victory, this time against Pakistan's Mohammed 'Chico' Qureshi - who runs an Indian restaurant in Glasgow.
The 30-year-old stormed to a 16-2 win in the first set, scooping up two full-houses of four bowls in a single end along the way, before a tighter 7-3 victory in the second set.
Banks faces Fiji and Wales over the weekend, before rounding off his Group C campaign against England on Monday morning.
The women's pairs endured the mixed emotions of the tie-break on their first day of action.
#jason
Former world number one, Banks, backed up his first group game win on Thursday with another straight sets victory, this time against Pakistan's Mohammed 'Chico' Qureshi - who runs an Indian restaurant in Glasgow.
The 30-year-old stormed to a 16-2 win in the first set, scooping up two full-houses of four bowls in a single end along the way, before a tighter 7-3 victory in the second set.
Banks faces Fiji and Wales over the weekend, before rounding off his Group C campaign against England on Monday morning.
The women's pairs endured the mixed emotions of the tie-break on their first day of action.
#jason
4 days ago
The Pittsburgh Pirates (53-50) return home on Friday night with a new bullpen arm as they open a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs (57-45) at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (32) singles during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Channel: Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh
#Chicago #bronx #davis
Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (32) singles during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Channel: Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh
#Chicago #bronx #davis
4 days ago
Scottish bowler Jason Banks is fond of the Alishan Tandoori in Glasgow. But he knows it is best to avoid it this week.
Why? Because Pakistan's Mohammed 'Chico' Qureshi - who Banks will face in the Commonwealth Games men's singles on Friday - runs the restaurant.
While Banks was the first Team Scotland athlete to compete at these Games - as he defeated Robert Simpson of Jamaica in straight-sets - you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise, as the well-supported Qureshi took to the portable rink at the SEC Centre in the session prior.
Pakistan was the name on the back of his shirt, but the 67-year-old restaurateur - who competed at the 2014 Games - has called Glasgow home for over 50 years.
Is 2026 the Commonwealth Games' last dance or a future-proofing revamp?
#games #commonwealth #jason
Why? Because Pakistan's Mohammed 'Chico' Qureshi - who Banks will face in the Commonwealth Games men's singles on Friday - runs the restaurant.
While Banks was the first Team Scotland athlete to compete at these Games - as he defeated Robert Simpson of Jamaica in straight-sets - you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise, as the well-supported Qureshi took to the portable rink at the SEC Centre in the session prior.
Pakistan was the name on the back of his shirt, but the 67-year-old restaurateur - who competed at the 2014 Games - has called Glasgow home for over 50 years.
Is 2026 the Commonwealth Games' last dance or a future-proofing revamp?
#games #commonwealth #jason
5 days ago
Mets starter Clay Holmes returned to the mound on Thursday night after making his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Syracuse.
With the plan for Holmes to go roughly three innings, per interim manager Andy Green earlier in the week, the right-hander lasted 2.1 innings after throwing 51 pitches (28 strikes) and allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two.
Holmes' evening began with a 1-2-3 first inning, including back-to-back strikeouts that ended the frame. Things got hairy in the second after a leadoff double and a walk put runners at first and second with **** ody out. Holmes didn't allow a hit for the rest of the inning, but the RailRiders scored the game's first run on a sacrifice fly.
In the third, Holmes allowed a walk and consecutive singles that brought home a run before getting a flyout to end his night. Tobias Myers came in for relief and struck out the next two batters to strand the inherited runners and close the book on Holmes.
The expectation is that the right-hander will likely need one more rehab start following Thursday's performance before being activated. If Holmes is on a regular schedule, that final start could come on July 28, which is six days before the MLB trade deadline.
#night #three #innings
With the plan for Holmes to go roughly three innings, per interim manager Andy Green earlier in the week, the right-hander lasted 2.1 innings after throwing 51 pitches (28 strikes) and allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two.
Holmes' evening began with a 1-2-3 first inning, including back-to-back strikeouts that ended the frame. Things got hairy in the second after a leadoff double and a walk put runners at first and second with **** ody out. Holmes didn't allow a hit for the rest of the inning, but the RailRiders scored the game's first run on a sacrifice fly.
In the third, Holmes allowed a walk and consecutive singles that brought home a run before getting a flyout to end his night. Tobias Myers came in for relief and struck out the next two batters to strand the inherited runners and close the book on Holmes.
The expectation is that the right-hander will likely need one more rehab start following Thursday's performance before being activated. If Holmes is on a regular schedule, that final start could come on July 28, which is six days before the MLB trade deadline.
#night #three #innings
5 days ago
Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Jelena Ostapenko has plenty to celebrate these days. She completed the trifecta of Grand Slam ******* les earlier this month. The Wimbledon mixed trophy joins the 2017 French Open singles, and 2024 US Open women's doubles trophies in the 29-year-old Latvian's trophy case.
Ostapenko is a polarizing figure in women's tennis. Fans either love her, or they don't. Her outspoken nature can offend some, but she appears to have a different personality and interests off court.
MORE: Are Victoria Azarenka and Danielle Collins done with WTA tennis?
Fans learned that Ostapenko enjoys ballroom dancing from her recent TikToks.
We are no experts, but she looks like she knows what she is doing and with relative ease.
#doubles #trophy #jelena
Ostapenko is a polarizing figure in women's tennis. Fans either love her, or they don't. Her outspoken nature can offend some, but she appears to have a different personality and interests off court.
MORE: Are Victoria Azarenka and Danielle Collins done with WTA tennis?
Fans learned that Ostapenko enjoys ballroom dancing from her recent TikToks.
We are no experts, but she looks like she knows what she is doing and with relative ease.
#doubles #trophy #jelena
5 days ago
TORONTO (AP) — Shane Bieber pitched a season-high seven innings to win his second straight start, George Springer reached base three times and drove in a run, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Thursday to avoid a four-game sweep.
Bieber (2-1) allowed one run and three hits. He walked none and struck out three.
Tyler Rogers worked the eighth and Louis Varland finished for his 21st save in 21 opportunities.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two singles and an RBI, and Springer went 2 for 3 with a walk as Toronto won for the second time in 10 meetings with the Rays.
The Blue Jays are 2-5 since the All-Star break, scoring just 13 runs.
#springer #second #george
Bieber (2-1) allowed one run and three hits. He walked none and struck out three.
Tyler Rogers worked the eighth and Louis Varland finished for his 21st save in 21 opportunities.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two singles and an RBI, and Springer went 2 for 3 with a walk as Toronto won for the second time in 10 meetings with the Rays.
The Blue Jays are 2-5 since the All-Star break, scoring just 13 runs.
#springer #second #george
5 days ago
Chris Sale tied a season-high with 11 strikeouts and earned his 11th win of the season in the Atlanta Braves' 6-5 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
Sale tallied three strikeouts in the first inning, but the Padres tagged him for a 3-0 lead in the second.
Gavin Sheets and Freddy Fermin led off the frame with consecutive singles. Fermin hit a weak pop-up to left field, but outfielder Mauricio Dubón lost the ball in the sun and allowed it to drop.
Sale then hit Jake Cronenworth with one out to load the bases and Fernando Tatis Jr. drew a walk to bring in San Diego's first run. Fermin and Cronenworth scored on a Luis Rengifo single.
Atlanta began chipping away at the Padres' lead as Griffin Canning took over for Padres opener Kyle Hart in the second inning. Michael Harris II led off the frame with a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Sale then allowed no hits or runs in the third and fourth frames.
#season
Sale tallied three strikeouts in the first inning, but the Padres tagged him for a 3-0 lead in the second.
Gavin Sheets and Freddy Fermin led off the frame with consecutive singles. Fermin hit a weak pop-up to left field, but outfielder Mauricio Dubón lost the ball in the sun and allowed it to drop.
Sale then hit Jake Cronenworth with one out to load the bases and Fernando Tatis Jr. drew a walk to bring in San Diego's first run. Fermin and Cronenworth scored on a Luis Rengifo single.
Atlanta began chipping away at the Padres' lead as Griffin Canning took over for Padres opener Kyle Hart in the second inning. Michael Harris II led off the frame with a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Sale then allowed no hits or runs in the third and fourth frames.
#season
5 days ago
Bowler Ross Owen kicked off the Team Wales campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a comfortable 2-0 men's singles victory against Mohammed Ayub Qureshi from Pakistan.
Owen, 32 from Merthyr Tydfil, won the two sets 12-5 and 17-0 and is next in action against England's Sam Tolchard on Friday.
This is Owen's third Games having won a bronze medal as part of the men's triples in Birmingham in 2022.
The bowlers were the first Welsh competitors in action in Glasgow as they competed on Thursday before the evening's opening ceremony at the Hydro.
Amy Williams and Lauren Gowen will compete in the women's pairs against Canada at 15:10 BST on Thursday.
#commonwealth #mohammed
Owen, 32 from Merthyr Tydfil, won the two sets 12-5 and 17-0 and is next in action against England's Sam Tolchard on Friday.
This is Owen's third Games having won a bronze medal as part of the men's triples in Birmingham in 2022.
The bowlers were the first Welsh competitors in action in Glasgow as they competed on Thursday before the evening's opening ceremony at the Hydro.
Amy Williams and Lauren Gowen will compete in the women's pairs against Canada at 15:10 BST on Thursday.
#commonwealth #mohammed
5 days ago
Husband and wife Ian and Alison Merrien will lead out Guernsey at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
The pair both made their debuts at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, with Alison going on to win a number of World Indoor ***** les.
The pair have returned to the Commonwealth Games this year, having last represented Guernsey in 2010.
This will be their fifth games, having also competed in 1998, 2002 and 2006 - the latter year of which Alison reached the quarter-finals of the women's singles.
This year, Ian will partner Jason Greenslade in the men's pairs while Alison will compete in both the women's singles and pairs events.
#pairs
The pair both made their debuts at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, with Alison going on to win a number of World Indoor ***** les.
The pair have returned to the Commonwealth Games this year, having last represented Guernsey in 2010.
This will be their fifth games, having also competed in 1998, 2002 and 2006 - the latter year of which Alison reached the quarter-finals of the women's singles.
This year, Ian will partner Jason Greenslade in the men's pairs while Alison will compete in both the women's singles and pairs events.
#pairs
5 days ago
Gary Kelly is off to a winning start in the men’s singles. The silver medallist from four years ago dominated the game against Fred Tafatu from Niue Island winning by 2 sets to 0 (13-1, 8-3).
While the 36 year-old from Ballymoney ran away with the first set, the second was nip and tuck before Kelly sealed the win with a full house of four shots in the seventh and final end.
With only the group winner reaching the semi-finals, Kelly’s next game against New Zealander Shannon McIlroy on Friday morning will be crucial.
McIlroy recorded a big win over Tonga’s Liam Hill.
#four #gary
While the 36 year-old from Ballymoney ran away with the first set, the second was nip and tuck before Kelly sealed the win with a full house of four shots in the seventh and final end.
With only the group winner reaching the semi-finals, Kelly’s next game against New Zealander Shannon McIlroy on Friday morning will be crucial.
McIlroy recorded a big win over Tonga’s Liam Hill.
#four #gary
5 days ago
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Chase Meidroth went 4 for 4 while he and Andrew Benintendi had a pair of run-scoring singles apiece, Anthony Kay pushed through five innings for his first win in more than a month, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Texas Rangers 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Braden Montgomery scored all three times he reached base. Meidroth's fourth career four-hit game helped the White Sox move out of a tie with Cleveland atop the American League Central as the Guardians lost to Minnesota 10-6.
Texas rookie Cam Cauley hit his first major league homer as the Rangers dropped back to .500 but stayed in first place in the AL West by a half-game over Seattle with the defending division champion Mariners' second consecutive loss to Cincinnati.
Kay (7-4) allowed five hits and two runs to end a six-start winless streak. The left-hander hit his majors-leading 19th batter to put Cauley on and load the bases with no outs in the fourth. Elias Díaz’s double-play grounder brought home Brandon Nimmo, and Kay preserved a 3-2 lead by striking out Alejandro Osuna.
Four Chicago relievers finished with four hitless innings. Bryan Hudson had two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fourth save.
#fourth #Chicago #rangers
Braden Montgomery scored all three times he reached base. Meidroth's fourth career four-hit game helped the White Sox move out of a tie with Cleveland atop the American League Central as the Guardians lost to Minnesota 10-6.
Texas rookie Cam Cauley hit his first major league homer as the Rangers dropped back to .500 but stayed in first place in the AL West by a half-game over Seattle with the defending division champion Mariners' second consecutive loss to Cincinnati.
Kay (7-4) allowed five hits and two runs to end a six-start winless streak. The left-hander hit his majors-leading 19th batter to put Cauley on and load the bases with no outs in the fourth. Elias Díaz’s double-play grounder brought home Brandon Nimmo, and Kay preserved a 3-2 lead by striking out Alejandro Osuna.
Four Chicago relievers finished with four hitless innings. Bryan Hudson had two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fourth save.
#fourth #Chicago #rangers
5 days ago
In a game that first crawled due to a deluge of walks (but few runs) and then saw dueling late-inning paroxysms in each team’s final time at the plate, the Braves eventually emerged victorious. But boy, was it a winding path to get there.
At the beginning of this contest, things seemed like they were going to drag on forever with little to show for it. After a one-walk, no other action first from Martin Perez, the Braves took aim at Michael King, who dominated them a few weeks ago in San Diego, and…
…he did not dominate this time. In fact, King walked the first three batters he faced, grimacing and looking generally uncomfy all the while. A groundout from Michael Harris II plated a run, but both Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski kind of lost the plot and went down looking. Yastrzemski, in particular, looked at five straight pitches to end the inning… the Braves’ track record with guys skimping on rehab **** ignments this year is looking abysmal.
Staked to a small lead, Perez did his normal thing — it just happened to work out this time. He walked two in the second, but then recovered with two punchouts. The Braves got a couple of singles against a resurgent-ish King in the bottom of the inning, but Ozzie Albies struck out on a changeup that was literally in the other batter’s box. There was another walk from Perez, this time of the leadoff variety, in the third, but nothing else. King followed suit, but again, nothing doing from the bats. Perez had a quicker fourth, three up and three down thanks to a double play. Meanwhile, the Braves kinda-sorta tried to rally against King with a leadoff double from Mauricio Dubon and an infield single by Brewer Hicklen, but two weak flyouts kept it a 1-0 game.
Some combination of “Perez didn’t have a rehab **** ignment and had thrown 75 pitches” and “Perez had a 3/4 K/BB ratio in four innings” ultimately convinced the Braves to go to the bullpen for the fifth. Dylan Dodd came in and was delicious, throwing an 11-pitch frame with two strikeouts and a first-pitch groundout. King stayed in, and worked around a two-out single. Didier Fuentes followed Dodd and had to work a little harder (18 pitches), but had his two strikeouts, one groundout inning all the same. King’s night finished with a flourish, a nine-pitch frame that featured a strikeout of Hicklen. He rebounded and once again mystified the Braves despite the rocky start, with a 7/4 K/BB ratio — a 7/1 K/BB ratio after the first three batters.
#perez #looking #groundout
At the beginning of this contest, things seemed like they were going to drag on forever with little to show for it. After a one-walk, no other action first from Martin Perez, the Braves took aim at Michael King, who dominated them a few weeks ago in San Diego, and…
…he did not dominate this time. In fact, King walked the first three batters he faced, grimacing and looking generally uncomfy all the while. A groundout from Michael Harris II plated a run, but both Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski kind of lost the plot and went down looking. Yastrzemski, in particular, looked at five straight pitches to end the inning… the Braves’ track record with guys skimping on rehab **** ignments this year is looking abysmal.
Staked to a small lead, Perez did his normal thing — it just happened to work out this time. He walked two in the second, but then recovered with two punchouts. The Braves got a couple of singles against a resurgent-ish King in the bottom of the inning, but Ozzie Albies struck out on a changeup that was literally in the other batter’s box. There was another walk from Perez, this time of the leadoff variety, in the third, but nothing else. King followed suit, but again, nothing doing from the bats. Perez had a quicker fourth, three up and three down thanks to a double play. Meanwhile, the Braves kinda-sorta tried to rally against King with a leadoff double from Mauricio Dubon and an infield single by Brewer Hicklen, but two weak flyouts kept it a 1-0 game.
Some combination of “Perez didn’t have a rehab **** ignment and had thrown 75 pitches” and “Perez had a 3/4 K/BB ratio in four innings” ultimately convinced the Braves to go to the bullpen for the fifth. Dylan Dodd came in and was delicious, throwing an 11-pitch frame with two strikeouts and a first-pitch groundout. King stayed in, and worked around a two-out single. Didier Fuentes followed Dodd and had to work a little harder (18 pitches), but had his two strikeouts, one groundout inning all the same. King’s night finished with a flourish, a nine-pitch frame that featured a strikeout of Hicklen. He rebounded and once again mystified the Braves despite the rocky start, with a 7/4 K/BB ratio — a 7/1 K/BB ratio after the first three batters.
#perez #looking #groundout
5 days ago
Carmelo Anthony singles out Meleek Thomas as the most impressive rookie at Summer League originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
During his only season in college, Meleek Thomas was an impressive scorer with 15.6 points per game. Of course, he was overshadowed by Darius Acuff Jr., his backcourt partner who ended up being a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Unfortunately for Thomas, he did not have the same experience because he fell all the way down to the second round. Thomas was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 34th overall pick, which is turning out to be one of the biggest steals of the draft, especially after Thomas' impressive showing at NBA Summer League, where he caught a lot of people's attention.
Across four Summer League games for the Cavaliers, Thomas became a member of the All-Summer League First Team alongside the likes of fellow rookies Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer, Brayden Burries, and Yaxel Lendeborg.
In fact, Thomas was the leading scorer in Las Vegas, as he averaged 27.3 points per game to go along with a decent 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 **** ists, and two steals per game. Considering he was a second-round pick, standing alongside all those lottery picks was impressive for a 19-year-old guard.
#summer
During his only season in college, Meleek Thomas was an impressive scorer with 15.6 points per game. Of course, he was overshadowed by Darius Acuff Jr., his backcourt partner who ended up being a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Unfortunately for Thomas, he did not have the same experience because he fell all the way down to the second round. Thomas was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 34th overall pick, which is turning out to be one of the biggest steals of the draft, especially after Thomas' impressive showing at NBA Summer League, where he caught a lot of people's attention.
Across four Summer League games for the Cavaliers, Thomas became a member of the All-Summer League First Team alongside the likes of fellow rookies Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer, Brayden Burries, and Yaxel Lendeborg.
In fact, Thomas was the leading scorer in Las Vegas, as he averaged 27.3 points per game to go along with a decent 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 **** ists, and two steals per game. Considering he was a second-round pick, standing alongside all those lottery picks was impressive for a 19-year-old guard.
#summer
5 days ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Rookie Jim Jarvis drilled a run-scoring double into the right-field corner to give Atlanta the lead in a six-run eighth inning and the Braves survived a ninth-inning scare to beat the San Diego Padres 7-6 on Wednesday night.
With one out in the eighth, Mauricio Dubón singled off left-hander Wandy Peralta (1-1). Jarvis followed with the double that allowed Dubón to score from first base for a 2-1 lead.
Brewer Hicklen drove in Jarvis with a double to left field. Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Dominic Smith added run-scoring singles off Randy Vásquez. The Braves collected seven of their 14 hits in the inning.
Right-hander Víctor Mederos gave up a run-scoring single to Gavin Sheets and a two-run triple to Fernando Tatis Jr. in the ninth. Raisel Iglesias gave up a two-run homer to Luis Rengifo before recording the final two outs for his 20th save.
Dylan Lee (5-0) pitched a scoreless eighth.
#jarvis #atlanta #field #lead
With one out in the eighth, Mauricio Dubón singled off left-hander Wandy Peralta (1-1). Jarvis followed with the double that allowed Dubón to score from first base for a 2-1 lead.
Brewer Hicklen drove in Jarvis with a double to left field. Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Dominic Smith added run-scoring singles off Randy Vásquez. The Braves collected seven of their 14 hits in the inning.
Right-hander Víctor Mederos gave up a run-scoring single to Gavin Sheets and a two-run triple to Fernando Tatis Jr. in the ninth. Raisel Iglesias gave up a two-run homer to Luis Rengifo before recording the final two outs for his 20th save.
Dylan Lee (5-0) pitched a scoreless eighth.
#jarvis #atlanta #field #lead
5 days ago
In the 1980s, Coca-Cola infamously introduced a reformulated version of their signature soda that ended up going by the name New **** e. It didn’t go over very well: sales slumped, chastened executives were forced to reintroduce the classic **** e, and conspiracy theories about the revamped recipe being a scheme to juice sales of the rescued original recipe spread. Tonight, Aaron Nola pitched in front of a Coca-Cola logo drawn into the mound dirt. Like that vaunted soft drink, Nola has two recipes: Nola Classic, a highly effective, if not quite ace-level, pitcher, and New Nola, the struggling hurler whose long-ball nemesis often gets the better of him. Will Coca-Nola Classic ever make a permanent return to the beverage aisle? We hope so. But tonight, we got the not-so-sweet taste of New Nola, as the Dodgers took the series.
Nola got the night started off right with a one-pitch out of Shohei Ohtani. Alec Bohm got it started off even more right with a two-run shot to left in the bottom first. In the second, Nola struck out Max Muncy on a classic knuckle curve, then put out the next two Angelenos down on fly **** . It was smooth sailing at first for the Louisianan hurler. And it continued that way through the first two outs of the third. Then, unfortunately, came the familiar refrain, the song of the summer that you wish the radio would stop playing: a homer, this one courtesy of Dalton Rushing, to narrow the lead to one.
He encountered more trouble in the fourth. Freddie Freeman doubled, then did the little dance, both arms up and waving buoyantly, that the Dodgers apparently do after hits. It is said that this dance actually traces its origins back to the Brooklyn days, when the early Dodgers used it to hone the reflexes that were necessary for the dodging of trolleys; it is still extant despite the loss of its purpose, rather like the appendix. Max Muncy singled to put two runners on, but Nola was able to wrap the inning up without further damage.
The same could not be said of the fifth. Nola allowed singles to Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, then a two-bagger to Rushing to score two and give the visitors the lead. Ohtani was given an intentional walk. The move paid off, as Ohtani became part of a twin killing that ended the frame. But the damage was done, and the lead was lost.
Not for long. Bryan De La Cruz sent a fastball flying towards the greenery of the batter’s eye as the first batter in the Phillie fifth. Andy Pages stretched out his arm, and for a moment it looked as if he’d come down with it. Like a bank robber foiled by the dye packs in a sack of cash, his would-be burglary was foiled at the last second, with the ball glancing off his leather and landing safely over the fence to tie the game. Bryson Stott doubled, but was put out on a baserunning blunder; dredging up some bad memories from the not-so-distant past.
#classic
Nola got the night started off right with a one-pitch out of Shohei Ohtani. Alec Bohm got it started off even more right with a two-run shot to left in the bottom first. In the second, Nola struck out Max Muncy on a classic knuckle curve, then put out the next two Angelenos down on fly **** . It was smooth sailing at first for the Louisianan hurler. And it continued that way through the first two outs of the third. Then, unfortunately, came the familiar refrain, the song of the summer that you wish the radio would stop playing: a homer, this one courtesy of Dalton Rushing, to narrow the lead to one.
He encountered more trouble in the fourth. Freddie Freeman doubled, then did the little dance, both arms up and waving buoyantly, that the Dodgers apparently do after hits. It is said that this dance actually traces its origins back to the Brooklyn days, when the early Dodgers used it to hone the reflexes that were necessary for the dodging of trolleys; it is still extant despite the loss of its purpose, rather like the appendix. Max Muncy singled to put two runners on, but Nola was able to wrap the inning up without further damage.
The same could not be said of the fifth. Nola allowed singles to Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, then a two-bagger to Rushing to score two and give the visitors the lead. Ohtani was given an intentional walk. The move paid off, as Ohtani became part of a twin killing that ended the frame. But the damage was done, and the lead was lost.
Not for long. Bryan De La Cruz sent a fastball flying towards the greenery of the batter’s eye as the first batter in the Phillie fifth. Andy Pages stretched out his arm, and for a moment it looked as if he’d come down with it. Like a bank robber foiled by the dye packs in a sack of cash, his would-be burglary was foiled at the last second, with the ball glancing off his leather and landing safely over the fence to tie the game. Bryson Stott doubled, but was put out on a baserunning blunder; dredging up some bad memories from the not-so-distant past.
#classic
10 days ago
Wimbledon got an unexpected blast from the past when Sacha Baron Cohen showed up at the men's singles final as Ali G — gold chain swinging and yellow shades on. The comedian's most outrageous accessory, however, was a white track jacket with "Official Wimbledon Ganja Dealer" splashed across the back. The high-profile stunt arrives as Cohen is reportedly filming a secret new Ali G movie.
According to Page Six, the 54-year-old actor worked the crowd from section 215, snapping selfies with fans while wearing gold shoes, a tennis-ball pendant and a "Da Championshipz Wimbledon" patch decorated with a cannabis leaf. Cohen then announced the character's comeback on Instagram with zero subtlety. "I iz BACK!" he wrote, adding that anyone at the "borin wimbledore final" looking to "get grand slammed" should send him a direct message.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
Ali G also delivered his own review of Britain's most prestigious tennis tournament. "It's like the World Cup of something called tennis, which is like a ******* version of ping pong," he wrote. "Them say that tennis is better played on grass, which is why I intend to sell as much of it while iz here."
Cohen's representative declined to comment on his appearance — or the growing reports that Ali G is headed back to the big screen.
According to Page Six, the 54-year-old actor worked the crowd from section 215, snapping selfies with fans while wearing gold shoes, a tennis-ball pendant and a "Da Championshipz Wimbledon" patch decorated with a cannabis leaf. Cohen then announced the character's comeback on Instagram with zero subtlety. "I iz BACK!" he wrote, adding that anyone at the "borin wimbledore final" looking to "get grand slammed" should send him a direct message.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
Ali G also delivered his own review of Britain's most prestigious tennis tournament. "It's like the World Cup of something called tennis, which is like a ******* version of ping pong," he wrote. "Them say that tennis is better played on grass, which is why I intend to sell as much of it while iz here."
Cohen's representative declined to comment on his appearance — or the growing reports that Ali G is headed back to the big screen.
13 days ago
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Dylan Cease struck out the side in the first inning, combining with 10 relievers on a three-hitter in a show of pitching dominance that led the American League to a 4-0 win over the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.
All-Star MVP Cody Bellinger hit a two-run single and Ben Rice followed with an RBI single in the first against Cristopher Sánchez of the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox added an eighth-inning home run off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Wrobleski, who was pitching on his 26th birthday, for the game’s only extra-base hit. The AL won for the 18th time in 23 games and holds a 49-45-2 advantage overall.
Singles by Juan Soto in the fourth, Pete Crow-Armstrong in the eighth and Otto Lopez in the ninth were the only hits by the NL, which failed to advance a runner past first.
Pitchers combined for 27 strikeouts, 15 by AL hurlers.
All-Star MVP Cody Bellinger hit a two-run single and Ben Rice followed with an RBI single in the first against Cristopher Sánchez of the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox added an eighth-inning home run off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Wrobleski, who was pitching on his 26th birthday, for the game’s only extra-base hit. The AL won for the 18th time in 23 games and holds a 49-45-2 advantage overall.
Singles by Juan Soto in the fourth, Pete Crow-Armstrong in the eighth and Otto Lopez in the ninth were the only hits by the NL, which failed to advance a runner past first.
Pitchers combined for 27 strikeouts, 15 by AL hurlers.
13 days ago
Major League Baseball’s night to celebrate its own has finally arrived. The 96th Midsummer Classic took place tonight at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This is the fifth time an All-Star Game has been held in Philly, but the first time at Citizens Bank Park.
The A’s were represented by two deserving All-stars, Shea Langeliers who was the American League (AL) starting catcher, batting third in the lineup and Nick Kurtz who unfortunately couldn’t play due to his thumb injury.
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The American League jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning against the Phillies hometown starter Cristopher Sánchez thanks to a Yordan Alvarez base hit, walks to our own Shea Langeliers, and Bobby Witt Jr. and then singles by the Yankees Cody Belanger and Ben Rice.
Shea led off the third inning against the Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien and singled to centerfield. He was erased on a fielder’s choice by Witt.
The A’s were represented by two deserving All-stars, Shea Langeliers who was the American League (AL) starting catcher, batting third in the lineup and Nick Kurtz who unfortunately couldn’t play due to his thumb injury.
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The American League jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning against the Phillies hometown starter Cristopher Sánchez thanks to a Yordan Alvarez base hit, walks to our own Shea Langeliers, and Bobby Witt Jr. and then singles by the Yankees Cody Belanger and Ben Rice.
Shea led off the third inning against the Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien and singled to centerfield. He was erased on a fielder’s choice by Witt.
14 days ago
Jul. 14—Plenty of Illinois athletes didn't generate many headlines or social media interaction during the past 12 months, but they still racked up accomplishments in their respective fields (and oftentimes in the classroom, too). Beat writer Scott Richey spotlights 10 Illini who deserved more pub from the 2025-26 school year:
Miyoshi got it done on the court and in the classroom. The Illini senior secured his 100th career singles win in the second round of the NCAA tournament and ended the year ranked as the No. 17 singles player in the country. Off the court, the Tokyo native was Illinois' Big Ten Medal of Honor winner, earned Second Team Academic All-American status and claimed the Midwest Region's Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award.
Schaefbauer made it a clean sweep for Illinois tennis as the university's other Big Ten Medal of Honor winner. Schaefbauer progressed from the Illini's No. 6 singles player after transferring from South Carolina to playing No. 1 singles exclusively her junior and senior year. The political science major was just as proficient in the classroom and earned her third straight CSC Academic All-District and third straight ITA Scholar-Athlete honor this year.
Luuk Pelkmans' standout freshman season did outshine his fellow Dutch multi-event star to some degree. But de Greef did put up a third-place finish in the heptathlon at the NCAA indoor championships and followed that up by qualifying for the decathlon in the NCAA outdoor championships. De Greef held the Illinois decathlon record briefly before Pelkmans took it after de Greef scored 8,039 points at the Illini Deca-Jam on April 10-11 at Demirjian Park.
Cho's 4.0 GPA in interdisciplinary health sciences helped her share Illinois' Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award for the sophomore class with Kylie Eaton (women's golf) and Ava Moore (softball). Something she accomplished while also leading the Illini women's gymnastics team. Cho was ranked as high as No. 2 on the uneven bars and No. 3 in the all-around on the national level during the 2026 season.
Miyoshi got it done on the court and in the classroom. The Illini senior secured his 100th career singles win in the second round of the NCAA tournament and ended the year ranked as the No. 17 singles player in the country. Off the court, the Tokyo native was Illinois' Big Ten Medal of Honor winner, earned Second Team Academic All-American status and claimed the Midwest Region's Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award.
Schaefbauer made it a clean sweep for Illinois tennis as the university's other Big Ten Medal of Honor winner. Schaefbauer progressed from the Illini's No. 6 singles player after transferring from South Carolina to playing No. 1 singles exclusively her junior and senior year. The political science major was just as proficient in the classroom and earned her third straight CSC Academic All-District and third straight ITA Scholar-Athlete honor this year.
Luuk Pelkmans' standout freshman season did outshine his fellow Dutch multi-event star to some degree. But de Greef did put up a third-place finish in the heptathlon at the NCAA indoor championships and followed that up by qualifying for the decathlon in the NCAA outdoor championships. De Greef held the Illinois decathlon record briefly before Pelkmans took it after de Greef scored 8,039 points at the Illini Deca-Jam on April 10-11 at Demirjian Park.
Cho's 4.0 GPA in interdisciplinary health sciences helped her share Illinois' Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award for the sophomore class with Kylie Eaton (women's golf) and Ava Moore (softball). Something she accomplished while also leading the Illini women's gymnastics team. Cho was ranked as high as No. 2 on the uneven bars and No. 3 in the all-around on the national level during the 2026 season.
15 days ago
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has given teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a new nickname - "Terminator 6" - and said he would love to mentor the youngster just as he did with India opener Abhishek Sharma.
Yuvraj believes the 15-year-old is a "serious player in the making" and has a bright future ahead.
Sooryavanshi recently made his senior India debut in the T20I series against England. Earlier this year, he also broke Yuvraj's record for the fastest List A fifty by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 11 ******* during the India A vs Sri Lanka A Tri-Series final.
Speaking on Star Sports, Yuvraj explained why he calls Abhishek Sharma "Terminator 4" and revealed that Sooryavanshi has now earned the ******* le of "Terminator 6."
"I always call myself a Terminator. Now there is Terminator 4, Abhishek Sharma, who is four times better than me. And after him comes Terminator 6, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has evolved even more. I did my part in my time, Abhishek elevated it, and now Vaibhav is setting new standards. This is the third phase of the same journey. It is great to see the sport evolving," Yuvraj said.
— StarSportsIndia (StarSportsIndia)
Yuvraj said he has already spent a lot of time working with Abhishek and hopes to do the same with Vaibhav. Drawing a comparison with modern tennis stars, he said the game continues to evolve with every generation.
"When I watch Sinner and Alcaraz, I see how tennis is changing. I see the same evolution in Abhishek and Vaibhav. I have spent a lot of time training Abhishek, and I would love to spend time with Vaibhav as well. He has a great career ahead of him. He is a serious player in the making, and I believe he will get there," he added.
Yuvraj, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek on Sunday attended the Wimbledon men's singles final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev at the All England Club.
Speaking about Yuvraj's influence, Sooryavanshi said meeting his idol was a special moment.
"Yuvi Paaji is my idol too. Meeting him for the first time was a special moment. I got to spend time with him and he shared a lot of insights about the game."
"He spoke about the mental side of the game, how to handle pressure, and the importance of believing in yourself. It feels great to have so much to learn from someone like him. I am sure it will help me a lot in my career going forward," Sooryavanshi said.
Yuvraj believes the 15-year-old is a "serious player in the making" and has a bright future ahead.
Sooryavanshi recently made his senior India debut in the T20I series against England. Earlier this year, he also broke Yuvraj's record for the fastest List A fifty by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 11 ******* during the India A vs Sri Lanka A Tri-Series final.
Speaking on Star Sports, Yuvraj explained why he calls Abhishek Sharma "Terminator 4" and revealed that Sooryavanshi has now earned the ******* le of "Terminator 6."
"I always call myself a Terminator. Now there is Terminator 4, Abhishek Sharma, who is four times better than me. And after him comes Terminator 6, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has evolved even more. I did my part in my time, Abhishek elevated it, and now Vaibhav is setting new standards. This is the third phase of the same journey. It is great to see the sport evolving," Yuvraj said.
— StarSportsIndia (StarSportsIndia)
Yuvraj said he has already spent a lot of time working with Abhishek and hopes to do the same with Vaibhav. Drawing a comparison with modern tennis stars, he said the game continues to evolve with every generation.
"When I watch Sinner and Alcaraz, I see how tennis is changing. I see the same evolution in Abhishek and Vaibhav. I have spent a lot of time training Abhishek, and I would love to spend time with Vaibhav as well. He has a great career ahead of him. He is a serious player in the making, and I believe he will get there," he added.
Yuvraj, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek on Sunday attended the Wimbledon men's singles final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev at the All England Club.
Speaking about Yuvraj's influence, Sooryavanshi said meeting his idol was a special moment.
"Yuvi Paaji is my idol too. Meeting him for the first time was a special moment. I got to spend time with him and he shared a lot of insights about the game."
"He spoke about the mental side of the game, how to handle pressure, and the importance of believing in yourself. It feels great to have so much to learn from someone like him. I am sure it will help me a lot in my career going forward," Sooryavanshi said.
15 days ago
Another Wimbledon is in the books, with Jannik Sinner successfully defending his men’s ****** le and Linda Noskova becoming the 10th different women’s champion in the last 10 years.
For the second year in a row, men’s No 1 Sinner bounced back from disappointment in Paris to secure a cathartic Wimbledon crown, as the Italian defeated second seed Alexander Zverev in a gruelling four-set battle.
The 21-year-old Noskova became the youngest women’s champion since Petra Kvitova in 2011 and added to Czechia’s illustrious Wimbledon history as she defeated compatriot Karolina Muchova in a rollercoaster final.
There was not a single drop of rain across the Wimbledon fortnight while the wildcard run of Britain’s Arthur Fery, who reached the semi-finals, and the return of Serena Williams to singles at the age of 44 were also highlights during the tournament.
Here are some of the best moments from Wimbledon 2026, as well as an early look ahead to the US Open.
For the second year in a row, men’s No 1 Sinner bounced back from disappointment in Paris to secure a cathartic Wimbledon crown, as the Italian defeated second seed Alexander Zverev in a gruelling four-set battle.
The 21-year-old Noskova became the youngest women’s champion since Petra Kvitova in 2011 and added to Czechia’s illustrious Wimbledon history as she defeated compatriot Karolina Muchova in a rollercoaster final.
There was not a single drop of rain across the Wimbledon fortnight while the wildcard run of Britain’s Arthur Fery, who reached the semi-finals, and the return of Serena Williams to singles at the age of 44 were also highlights during the tournament.
Here are some of the best moments from Wimbledon 2026, as well as an early look ahead to the US Open.
15 days ago
Jannik Sinner's four-set win over Alexander Zverev in the men's singles final provided a fitting finale to a fabulous fortnight at Wimbledon.
Here, the Press **** ociation picks out five memorable matches.
Women's final – Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3
First-time grand slam finalist Noskova squandered five championship points in a dramatic second-set collapse before recovering to win a wild final.
Another former Czech champion, the late Jana Novotna, came to mind when Noskova blew a 5-2 lead in the second set to send the contest to a decider.
Here, the Press **** ociation picks out five memorable matches.
Women's final – Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3
First-time grand slam finalist Noskova squandered five championship points in a dramatic second-set collapse before recovering to win a wild final.
Another former Czech champion, the late Jana Novotna, came to mind when Noskova blew a 5-2 lead in the second set to send the contest to a decider.
16 days ago
Wimbledon 2026 is completed.
After weeks of tennis at arguably the most elite location in the world, it feels like a letdown that we have to wait over 340 days until next year's event.
Here are the surprising storylines from this year's Wimbledon Championships.
Serena Williams return to professional tennis did not turn out as she hoped, but that did not stop the world from watching her singles match against Maya Joint to see what her level was after four years away and at 44 years of age.
Maya Joint played the match of her life against Serena but subsequently lost in the next round.
After weeks of tennis at arguably the most elite location in the world, it feels like a letdown that we have to wait over 340 days until next year's event.
Here are the surprising storylines from this year's Wimbledon Championships.
Serena Williams return to professional tennis did not turn out as she hoped, but that did not stop the world from watching her singles match against Maya Joint to see what her level was after four years away and at 44 years of age.
Maya Joint played the match of her life against Serena but subsequently lost in the next round.
16 days ago
Jannik Sinner demonstrated once again why he is the world's best player by holding off Alexander Zverev to win back-to-back Wimbledon men's singles ******* les.
Italy's Sinner gradually took control of an extremely tight contest to win 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4 at the All England Club.
German second seed Zverev played confidently and boldly as he looked to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory at the French Open last month.
But it was still not enough to beat Sinner in an intense, high-quality encounter that gripped a star-studded Centre Court.
"It has been an amazing final once again. It always takes two players," said Sinner, who claimed the fifth Grand Slam ******* le of his career with his first major win in 2026.
Italy's Sinner gradually took control of an extremely tight contest to win 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4 at the All England Club.
German second seed Zverev played confidently and boldly as he looked to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory at the French Open last month.
But it was still not enough to beat Sinner in an intense, high-quality encounter that gripped a star-studded Centre Court.
"It has been an amazing final once again. It always takes two players," said Sinner, who claimed the fifth Grand Slam ******* le of his career with his first major win in 2026.
