Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
One of the perks of being traded to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is the opportunity to be a teammate of close friend Patrick Surtain II.
The former Alabama teammates often discussed being on the same NFL team at some point during their careers, even more so when both were top-10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle went sixth overall to the Miami Dolphins and Surtain, a cornerback, was chosen at No. 9 by the Broncos.
But Wednesday, the duo officially became NFL teammates when the Broncos formally announced they acquired Waddle and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft from the Dolphins for three 2026 picks – a first-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder.
“It was special,” Waddle said of learning he’d be playing with Surtain, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “He was one of the first calls that I made. We talked about this earlier in our careers, we wanted to get together and play with each other. Just seeing it happen, it’s special.”
The frequent conversations allowed Waddle to glean some information about Denver coach Sean Payton’s methods.
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“Not too many details,” Waddle said. “We kept in contact through the years when Coach Payton has been here. He’s been keeping me in the loop without even knowing.”
The acquisition of Waddle gives Denver another solid target for quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos feature two-time Pro Bowl wideout Courtland Sutton, who led the team in catches (74), receiving yards (1,017) and receiving touchdowns (seven) in 2025.
The 5-foot-10 Waddle recorded 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season for the Dolphins. He is signed through the 2028 season.
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“I don’t think there are No. 1s, everyone is here to make plays and try to win,” Waddle said of the receiving room. “That’s ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization.”
Waddle, 27, has 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns in 78 career games (all starts) since entering the NFL. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons and had a career-high 104 catches as a rookie in 2021.
Best of the deal for Waddle is he gets to play on a team expected to contend for a second straight AFC Championship Game berth. The Dolphins aren’t part of that conversation after going 7-10 last season and entering a rebuilding phase.
“It’s exciting, like I said, just playing with great players,” Waddle said. “Everyone is talking about how great and close the team is. I’m excited to be around the guys, get to know them, and they get to know me and go from there.”
Iran’s players pose for a team photo at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran (left) and US President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo)
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said Iran will take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup but intends to boycott the United States amid ongoing tensions.“We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup,” Taj said in a video released by the Iranian press agency Fars News Agency on Wednesday, as cited by news agency AFP.Iran are currently scheduled to play their group-stage matches in the United States. However, the federation has started discussions with FIFA about the possibility of shifting those fixtures to another venue. FIFA has so far said that the tournament schedule remains unchanged.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that Mexico is ready to host Iran’s group matches if required. “Yes,” she said when asked about the possibility. “Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides.”Iran’s participation in the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has come under focus since the conflict in the Middle East began last month. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the safety of Iranian players could be at risk if they travelled to the United States.Gianni Infantino had initially said that assurances were received from Trump that the Iranian team would be allowed to participate. Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle.However, Trump later said that Iran’s team should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety”, drawing strong reactions. Iran responded by stating that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.Iran had qualified for the tournament almost a year ago after topping their group, becoming the second Asian side after Japan to secure a place.The team’s base camp for the tournament is currently planned in Tucson, Arizona.Meanwhile, Abolfazl Pasandideh criticised “the US government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation in a statement released on Monday.If Iran eventually withdraws from the tournament, it is not yet known which team would replace them.
Galatasaray also confirmed that Victor Osimhen suffered a fracture to his right forearm during the first half.
The Nigeria forward went down holding his arm following a challenge with Ibrahima Konate in the eighth minute, but he played on until he was replaced by Leroy Sane at half-time.
“Following the match, a check-up at the hospital under the supervision of our medical team revealed that our player had a fracture in his right forearm, and a cast was applied,” Galatasaray said.
“A decision regarding surgery will be made in the coming days after further evaluation.”
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Buruk complained about referee Pawel Raczkowski’s decision-making following Osimhen’s injury.
“Looking at Osimhen’s position, we saw that Konate was able to commit these fouls very easily, he could easily apply any kind of foul,” Buruk said.
“While we were expecting the best referee in the world, perhaps one of the worst referees officiated the game.”
Liverpool will face reigning champions Paris St-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Bruno Guimaraes is one of many midfield transfer targets for Manchester United with Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season
Manchester United are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, as per Reuters. Their report has claimed it would be in an €80million (£69m) summer move but that Real Madrid’s interest threatens to complicate a switch.
Los Blancos’ interest dates back to 2022 with the Brazilian midfielder seeming likely to join before Newcastle’s hefty bid was sent to Lyon. However, initial contact between United and Guimaraes’ camp have suggested that both parties want the move.
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The Magpies’ elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona has increased the likelihood of Guimaraes departing with European qualification for next season currently unlikely. Guimaraes would almost certainly arrive as a replacement for the outgoing Casemiro.
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Two additions in the centre of the park would likely be needed this summer as United are light in midfield even with Casemiro still currently at the club. Champions League football also looks destined to return to Old Trafford for the 2026/27 campaign which makes the need for a deep squad even more important.
Having been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions at the first round, United will only play 40 games this season which has allowed focus to be firmly on the Premier League.
United have subsequently moved up to third in the table, six points clear of Chelsea, who occupy the first position outside of Champions League qualification.
United could also be just four points behind Manchester City heading into the March international break as they are in Carabao Cup final action this weekend.
Despite mostly only playing once every week, injury problems have ramped up for Carrick in recent weeks and some key players are set to remain absent.
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On Lisandro Martinez and then Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick said: “He’s [Martinez] a lot closer. He’s getting there. After this one, I think he’ll be alright Frustrating for Mata (De Ligt), he’s been trying to work towards getting back, it’s a back issue that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can.”
Mason Mount returned to the matchday squad last weekend but is unlikely to be in the starting XI while Patrick Dorgu remains absent.
Carrick also revealed that Noussair Mazraoui has missed some training this week through illness but he is confident the defender can still feature at the Vitality Stadium.
Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy has unveiled a distinctive menu for the traditional Champions Dinner, featuring grilled elk sliders and a dish inspired by his mother.
The Northern Irishman, who completed a career Grand Slam with his play-off victory over Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose at Augusta last April, will host the exclusive event.
Held in the clubhouse on the Tuesday evening of Masters week, the dinner sees the reigning champion curate a bespoke menu for fellow past winners.
Among the four appetisers are bacon-wrapped dates, a nod to McIlroy’s mother Rosie, alongside the grilled elk sliders, rock shrimp tempura, and peach and ricotta flatbread.
McIlroy explained the personal touch behind his choices, stating: “My mum does these really, really nice dates stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon, so I put those on the appetisers list. So thanks to Rosie for that one.”
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McIlroy won the Masters in dramatic fashion last year (Getty Images)
He added: “In the build-up to the Masters last year, I got this big shipment of elk and I was eating a lot of that, and I didn’t want elk to be the main course because I didn’t know if everyone would like that. I incorporated that into the appetisers so I’m doing grilled elk sliders, which I think is fun.”
For the first course, Yellowfin tuna carpaccio has been selected, replicating a dish from Le Bernardin, McIlroy’s favourite restaurant in New York City.
Main course options include Wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon, accompanied by Irish champ (mashed potatoes with spring onions), followed by sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
McIlroy described his selections as being “from the heart and from personal experience, and I guess a little bit of nostalgia for me of what I wanted to serve.”
The 36-year-old was particularly enthusiastic about the wine list, which includes a 2015 Salon Brut champagne, a 2022 Domaine Leflaive Batard Montrachet – the first white wine he “actually liked” – a 1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and a 1989 Chateau D’Yquem dessert wine.
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The 1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild was enjoyed the night he won the Masters, while the dessert wine hails from his birth year and is described as “like liquid gold.”
“I wanted to be really intentional with the wines,” he said, highlighting his growing passion for collecting. “To work with the sommeliers at the club and be able to choose these wines was a lot of fun.”
The 2026 Masters is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 9.
The Philadelphia Eagles made an interesting trade to bring in a backup for starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles acquired veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, according to multiple reports.
The 38-year-old signal-caller spent the past three seasons with the Panthers, where he mostly served as a backup to Bryce Young, the first overall selection of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton throws against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
But he did take over in 2024 as the team’s starter after first-year head coach Dave Canales didn’t like what he saw out of Young to start the year. Dalton started five games for the Panthers, going 1-4 in that stretch before Young’s return.
Dalton was a starter for nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, going 70-61-2 over that span with four straight playoff berths from 2011-14. Unfortunately for Dalton and the Bengals, they were never able to pick up a postseason victory.
After the 2019 season, the Bengals shifted away from Dalton after they drafted Joe Burrow first overall during the 2020 NFL Draft. Dalton was in and out of a starting role in Dallas and with the Chicago Bears in the 2021 season.
He assumed the role full-time with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, going 6-8 over 14 starts before ultimately joining Carolina.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium.(Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
It’s an interesting move for the Eagles considering Tanner McKee, who has played well during the preseason, was Hurts’ backup all last season. While this could be competition for McKee entering training camp, Dalton continues to play with the idea of being on a roster full-time, even if he’s not the starter.
The Panthers signed Kenny Pickett, a former Eagles quarterback, this offseason. As a result, Dalton was expendable.
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The Eagles head into the 2026 season with the obvious hope that Hurts is healthy enough for a full 17-game slate and then some. However, he didn’t have the best season under offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who caught flak from the rabid fan base as the team struggled.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Philadelphia finished 11-6 before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round at home. Patullo was fired days later, and the Eagles hired ex-Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion to take over the role.
While a UFC title shot has eluded him so far, Movsar Evloev is widely regarded as one of the best talents at featherweight. He is 9-0 in the promotion with wins over the likes of Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes, among others.
The 32-year-old will next be seen against Lerone Murphy this weekend, in what many believe to be a title eliminator, with the victor likely earning a shot at the reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Evloev is primarily a grappler and has outwrestled every opponent he has faced inside the octagon. Fueling that domination is an exceptional gas tank, and while his work ethic is undeniable, many believe his heritage also plays a significant role.
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What is Movsar Evloev’s ethnicity?
Movsar Evloev comes from the Caucasus region of Ingushetia, Russia. The UFC fighter belongs to the Ingush ethnic group.
The Caucasus regions of Russia, particularly Dagestan and Chechnya, are renowned for producing world-class combat sports athletes and wrestlers, including UFC greats like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Khamzat Chimaev.
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Evloev holds a takedown accuracy of 48%, a takedown defense of 61%, and averages 4.67 takedowns per 15 minutes. He trains out of the American Top Team, home to MMA elites including Dustin Poirier, Kayla Harrison, and Arman Tsarukyan, among others.
His nationality appears to have posed a major hurdle for him in the lead-up to his fight against Lerone Murphy in Manchester, England. Evloev was reportedly facing visa issues. However, those hurdles appear to have been sorted out, and the undefeated fighter is now in the U.K. ahead of the event.
During an interview with MMA Junkie in the lead-up to the event, he detailed the ordeal:
“I was very quiet for the past couple of weeks. I was busy with all of those different distractions. What was important for me was that I sleep well, I eat well, I prepare well, and with all of those things, trying to stay focused and maintaining all of this composure. I literally had time for nothing else than just to figure out the bureaucracy, figure out the documents, and stay in shape and work, so I can come out here and show my best at the best level.” [7:58 mark of the interview]
Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and owner Ziggy Wilf talk at training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Free agency is about ebbs and flows as teams lose and add key players. We’re now in the second week of free agency, which signals the start of Phase 2 in the free agency cycle.
The big bucks early signings have taken place involving highly sought players such as center Tyler Linderbaum, DE Trey Hendrickson, WRs Mike Evans and Alec Pierce, and Edges Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh. Daniel Jones was re-signed in Indy on a two-year deal that could reach $100 million with incentives.
Kyler Murray’s signing by the Vikings was in Phase 1, and he is certainly a significant addition. It was a bargain deal for the Purple at only $1.3 million (the league minimum) this year, while the Cardinals pay Murray $36.8 million, guaranteed for 2026. That was a big free agency win for the Vikings since he’s the likely 2026 starter over J.J. McCarthy if Murray stays healthy. The re-signing of LB Eric Wilson last week was also a win for the team.
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What Phase 2 of Free Agency Means for the Vikings’ Roster Plan
A potentially significant loss would be the departure of third WR Jalen Nailor to the Raiders (three years, $35 million) if the Vikings don’t find a capable replacement via free agency, the draft, or significant Year 2 improvement from 2025 third-rounder Tai Felton.
The Vikings launched Phase 2 with the signing of a new punter, which looks like a negative development in the long run. Six-time All-Pro Johnny Hekker signed a contract that is surely less in guaranteed money than departing Ryan Wright’s $8 million guaranteed in his four-year, $3.5 million per year deal with the Saints.
Hekker is 36 years old, 11 years older than Wright, who is coming off a fine season with better stats than Hekker (who still had a respectable 46.8 gross average with 22 punts inside the 20 in Tennessee, but Wright was at 49.0 for gross average with 25 inside the 20). Both Hekker and Wright are fine holders in the kicking game.
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Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers place kicker Eddy Pineiro (4) celebrates with punter Johnny Hekker (10) and tight end Tommy Tremble (82) after the game winning field goal in the last seconds of the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Wright’s 2026 cap hit is only $1.875 million, so it seems like the Vikings could have stepped up to get a much younger player in Wright signed to keep the same three successful specialists in the kicking game — Wright (as the punter and holder), kicker Will Reichard, and snapper Andrew DePaola (who did re-sign).
They may well have tried hard to keep Wright and lost him in part because Wright had a New Orleans connection from playing college football at Tulane.
Another Vikings signing this week that could turn out positive involves Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark, who is a restricted free agent. He was tendered by Buffalo, which means they can retain Van Demark by matching the Vikings’ offer in the next five days of a one-year deal for $4.25 million.
The Vikings are hoping Van Demark will be a better backup tackle than Justin Skule was last year, and Van Demark is more highly regarded. It’s an important spot for the Vikings, given the recent injury histories of starting tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill (Skule started 9 games last season).
It’s somewhat disappointing that the Vikings have not yet signed a new center to replace the retired Ryan Kelly. They could be pointing to the draft or this Phase 2 of free agency to address this critical position.
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After signing Aaron Jones to a reduced contract, it appears the team will look to the draft for a young, explosive back to go with Jones, Jordan Mason, and Zavier Scott as the running back corps.
Also on the to-do list: after releasing vet DTs Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the team needs to add a veteran defensive lineman or draft one in the early rounds (from the four picks in the first three rounds) to play alongside a young star in Jalen Redmond and two promising recent draftees — Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DL19) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Safety remains an area of concern and a likely target in the first couple of rounds of next month’s draft, along with a talented young corner and more quality O-line depth in the late rounds.
There’s also an apparent contract issue with Jonathan Greenard, who is rumored to be seeking a big extension on his current $19 million-per-year deal, signed in 2024 and with two years remaining. With the league’s top pass rushers in the $40 million-plus range, Greenard obviously is seeking a substantial raise.
Will the Vikings trade him, keep him and risk a holdout, or renegotiate with a player who had shoulder surgery late in the season and missed five games last season while having his sack total drop from 12 in 2024 to three in 2025?
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I think they should keep Greenard this season and sweeten his current deal with some major sack incentives while asking him to wait until next year for an extension. He’s an elite pass rusher when he’s healthy, and perhaps the best approach for the team is to wait until next year to either extend or trade him, while they see how this coming season plays out for him and the team.
By then, Dallas Turner will be another year into his career, having made big strides last season. I’d like to see Greenard, Turner, and Andrew Van Ginkel play together in passing situations as one of the league’s top trios (and I’m sure Brian Flores would concur with that scenario).
Around the NFL Free Agency/Trade Observations
As usual, there’s a lot of media chatter on winners and losers in early free agency. The reality is we have to wait and see how things play out over a couple of years before making accurate assessments of how teams have done in free agency, trades, and the draft.
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Topping my list of teams appearing to have done well are the Rams after their trade with the Chiefs for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie and the further addition of corner Jaylen Watson in a free agent signing to solidify the weakest position on their roster.
Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) defends during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.
The Kenneth Walker III signing by the Chiefs to add an impactful running back to the offense also could be a difference maker in a wide-open AFC.
Miami is on the other end of the spectrum and appears to be pointing to 2027 rather than this coming season with their moves under new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley.
The Dolphins are absorbing over $100 million in dead money hits to their salary cap this year after releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa and WR Tyreek Hill and trading WR Jaylen Waddle. They also lost their leading pass rusher, Bradley Chubb, to division-rival Buffalo in free agency.
The signing of QB Malik Willis is not enough to excite the Dolphins fan base, and Willis will have to play great (with a suspect receiving corps as of now after the departures of Hill and Waddle), or the Dolphins will likely pick a first-round QB next year from a highly rated draft class.
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Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
Sanju Samson, front centre, being congratulated by head coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has long been an admirer of Sanju Samson, who recently earned the Player of the Tournament award as India clinched a record third T20 World Cup title. Reflecting on the wicketkeeper-batter’s rise, Tharoor recalled telling a young Samson that he could become the next MS Dhoni.“I feel tremendous pride. I first met him when he was 14, a young club cricketer with a big smile and immense talent, already excelling in both wicketkeeping and batting. I had told him, somewhat patronisingly, that he would be the next Dhoni,” Tharoor said.
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Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s World Cup win and backing Sanju Samson in the tournament
However, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir later advised Tharoor that Samson did not need to emulate anyone else and would instead forge his own path. Gambhir, even before becoming India’s head coach, had consistently backed Samson. In 2020, he had called him “not just the best wicketkeeper-batsman in India, but the best young batsman in India.”“Years later, Gambhir corrected me, saying he does not need to be the next Dhoni; he will be the one and only Sanju Samson — and that is exactly what he has become,” Tharoor added.Dhoni remains the benchmark for wicketkeeper-batters, arriving at the international stage as a big-hitting top-order batter before becoming one of India’s finest middle-order finishers and captains, winning all three major ICC white-ball trophies.Samson, meanwhile, had struggled with form in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and was even benched before returning for the crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe. He then followed that performance with three consecutive half-centuries: 97* against West Indies, 89 against England, and 89 against New Zealand in the final, consistently anchoring India’s innings and guiding them to defend the title.“He has been a terrific success — quiet, modest, unpretentious, and an effective leader,” Tharoor said. “He has led Rajasthan Royals very well for years and brought stability to India’s top order. Even during his difficult phases, I always felt that if he composed himself, his core talent would shine through.”Recalling Samson’s semi-final and final displays, Tharoor added, “In both matches, he reached 89 before being dismissed while selflessly playing big shots for the team. He could have played conservatively, but he chose to accelerate, showing the selfless, talented, and dedicated nature of Sanju Samson.”
Sanju Samson’s record-breaking T20 World Cup 2026 campaign
Sanju Samson’s stellar campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 has rewritten the record books. In just five innings, he scored 321 runs, breaking Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup for the most runs by an Indian in a T20 World Cup, and set a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single World Cup with 24.Samson also broke multiple other records, including the most runs for India in consecutive innings, the most runs in T20 World Cup knockout matches, and the highest score for India in a T20 World Cup final and in a chase. His blend of power-hitting, composure under pressure, and match-winning instincts made him the standout performer of the tournament. With these feats, Samson not only helped India clinch their third T20 World Cup title but also elevated himself into the elite echelon of T20 cricket legends.
PSG and Liverpool will face each other in the Champions League for the second consecutive year, this time in the quarter-finals. After being defeated 1-0 by Galatasaray in the first leg, the Reds completely turned the situation around in the return leg, winning 4-0. This gives them the chance to take revenge on the French side, who knocked them out on penalties last year in the round of 16.
In other results of the evening, Barcelona crushed Newcastle 7-2 to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, while Bayern Munich, once again victorious over Atalanta, will meet Real Madrid in the next round.
Stripped of their African champion title by the CAF on Tuesday, Senegal say they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Meanwhile, outrage is spreading across the country.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal, another milestone for the 38-year-old legend.
Tom Charlton, a competing trainer, yields that if Autumn Glow rocks up to Rosehill in excellent order, the George Ryder Stakes will likely boil down to chasing the supporting positions.
He’s far less certain about a repeat in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) were the glamour mare to target it subsequent to Saturday.
Both Linebacker and Yorkshire, under Charlton’s guidance, face the Group 1 this coming weekend carrying 2kg more than Autumn Glow on the weight-for-age conditions.
Charlton points out this setup favors the Chris Waller superstar heavily as she chases win number 11 in a row, with her standard performances possibly relegating rivals to a battle for the minors.
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“I can’t be definitive with that, but if she’s on her normal game, it probably is,” Charlton said.
“As we know with horses, that’s not always the case, but we’re realistic about the challenge at set weights. “Perhaps if we meet her in the Doncaster we might have more favourable conditions to give us our best chance of beating her.”
For the Doncaster Mile (1600m) in a month’s time, Linebacker and Yorkshire weigh in at 53kg against Autumn Glow’s allotted 56.5kg, delivering a substantial 6.5kg benefit.
The marquee race represents the primary path ahead for both runners, as Charlton hopes Linebacker repeats his near-miss, beaten 1-1/2 lengths by Joliestar when resuming over 1300m in the Canterbury Stakes.
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“He didn’t jump as well as he can. He ended up a bit further back in what was a dash home,” Charlton said.
“But all-in-all, it was a very good run. A run with a lot of merit and if he’d got the first hundred metres a bit more clinical, he would have been right in the finish. “We want to see a similar run second-up. Top three would be great.”
Yorkshire shaped nicely too with fifth place in that sprint, tracking the pace effectively amid recovery from a preseason knockback that delayed his seasonal bow by a week.
“To see him put in that effort and only be beaten a couple of lengths was really creditable,” Charlton said.
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“Again, we want to see another strong performance and then third-up into the Doncaster.”
Entries list Linebacker and Yorkshire under Charlton’s sole name Saturday, subsequent to John O’Shea’s four-month ban imposed Tuesday by Racing NSW for misconduct with vets after the disputed removal of Bev’s Nine at Rosehill last month.
O’Shea aims to fight the decision and secure an interim suspension lift.
Visit online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the race in the George Ryder Stakes.
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