Arslanbek Makhmudov recently caught the attention of the boxing world by wrestling a bear in Dagestan. And from the first round on Saturday night, he seemed to realise that wrestling Tyson Fury was a better option than boxing him. Yet on this occasion, that’s no comment on the wizardry that Fury can produce in the ring, but rather on Makhmudov’s flaws. The story of this fight was that, luckily for Fury, those flaws eclipsed the Briton’s own, increasingly apparent faults.
This wasn’t the triumphant return of the “Gypsy King”, see, but an underwhelming – perhaps even concerning – return to the ring from the former world heavyweight champion, as he emerged from his fifth retirement.
Sixteen months on from his second defeat by Oleksandr Usyk, Fury was back; three-and-a-half years after his last fight on home soil, he was back in Britain. The goal of this points win over Makhmudov was to set up a long-overdue duel with compatriot Anthony Joshua, who watched on from the front row, and while that contest still gets the juices flowing (just), Fury’s performance here did not.
Tyson Fury after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov on points (Getty Images for Netflix)
In the cold shell of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before a smattering of empty seats, Makhmudov came forward in laboured movements, hurling overhands that Fury could see coming before his opponent had even dreamed them up.
Yet one early entry did trouble Fury enough to elicit an echoing “ooh!” from the stands, as a right hand connected over the top. Early in the second round, there was also a nervy movement for Fury, who was arguably backing up too frequently in a passive start. Maybe there was an element of the 37-year-old simply wishing to stay mobile and remote from Makhmudov in the earliest rounds, in which the Russian is at his most dangerous, but Fury was doing little besides throwing sporadic jabs to the body.
Perhaps they were an investment for the later rounds, though, and in any case, it didn’t take long for him to shift gears. But are there as many gears as before?
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Fury began to let his hands go as round two neared its conclusion, and anticipation rose when he sidestepped Makhmudov and attacked with the 36-year-old trapped against the ropes. By the third round, a trend had emerged, with Fury able to slingshot himself off the ropes at just the right moment, getting close enough to force Makhmudov to overshoot with his right hand.
Still, after continually allowing the Russian to steer him towards the ropes, Fury was caught flush by a left hook, again stirring up some nervousness in round four. However, Makhmudov’s efforts to build on the attack were messy, and although he landed another left before long, Fury again turned him against the ropes and slid a cross onto his chin – which was slack amid another deep breath.
Fury went the distance with Makhmudov but was always a step or two ahead (Getty Images for Netflix)
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The rest of the round was back and forth, with both men taking a punch to land one, while a grappling-heavy round five sucked the atmosphere out of the stadium – a common feeling in Tottenham this season, courtesy of their Premier League travails. In round six, the most-interesting action was in the crowd, as a fight was broken up by security, though Fury did his best to put a dent in Makhmudov with hooks to the body.
The constant chatter in the stands was proof of a disinterested audience at this point, although two clean overhands from Makhmudov brought the fans to attention. Perhaps it was becoming clear, even this early, that Fury was not going to find a finish, despite trainer SugarHill Steward’s desperate pleas between rounds.
For as slow and one-dimensional as Makhmudov looked, Fury was off the pace as well. Two-dimensional, sure, with the occasional southpaw switch and the eventual, effective introduction of uppercuts, but not inventive enough to assert himself in the captivating manner of old – or not sprightly enough to act fully on his inventive impulses.
Fury looked somewhat close to finishing Makhmudov in the final rounds (Getty Images for Netflix)
At one point in the ninth, Makhmudov was a sitting duck against the ropes, and rather than fire off shots at the Russian, Fury simply leaned on him. And while Fury’s uppercut started to serve him well in the later rounds, when he finally did look capable of a finish in the 11th, it appeared as much a result of Makhmudov’s tiredness as Fury’s power – or what’s left of it.
Of course, these faults in Fury could be down to ring rust. Yet they could be down to age and degradation.
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The quirk is that this is okay, as long as he is paired with Joshua next. What Fury vs Joshua has always needed, as a match-up, is a sense of equality, or something close to it. Fury’s current form might just balance out with Joshua’s struggles in and out of the ring; as much as one feels guilty to factor “AJ”’s recent car crash into an evaluation of his chances in a super-fight, one also cannot ignore the grief of losing two of his teammates.
Joshua, 36, has had to reckon with the passings of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele in recent months, while his last three results read as such: a stoppage of a YouTuber-turned-boxer, a devastating defeat, and a KO of a mixed martial artist. Meanwhile, Fury laboured to victory here, after twice being outdone by Usyk.
Fury calling out Anthony Joshua after beating Makhmudov (Getty Images for Netflix)
Joshua (right) with Saudi boxing matchmaker Turki Alalshikh (Getty Images for Netflix)
Go back further, in Fury’s case, and he was lucky to outpoint the same mixed martial artist that Joshua destroyed, after beating Derek Chisora in an uneven fight the year before. So, in pursuit of Fury’s last clear win, you have to venture back to 2022, and even then it was not an especially impressive result.
At least Fury’s boxing tools worked better than the microphone that was handed to Joshua, after Fury had formally called him out. But even when AJ was given a working mic and hinted that he would face Fury next, there was some room for doubt. It was telling that, when boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh beckoned Joshua’s promoter into the ring, Eddie Hearn would not budge.
Fury vs Joshua is not a done deal, but it must be made immediately, before both boxers are done. Deal?
The Red Sox came into the final frame with a tenuous one-run lead, after Garrett Whitlock gave up a solo shot to Jordan Walker in the bottom of the 8th. Trevor Story led off with a walk—something that hasn’t been a big help to the Red Sox with two GIDPs in the game so far. Marcelo Mayer flies out and this looks like another ho-hum inning for the men in red tonight.
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No so fast.
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It wasn’t anything flashy nor did it need to be. It was just put your head down, keep the lineup rolling baseball. Six singles in a row! Narváez, Rafaela, Anthony, Durbin, Duran, Contreras. I’m not sure what Ollie Marmol was doing other than staring into the abyss letting Matt Svanson languish on the mound. Maybe he knew this was a wash for the Cardinals but this hopefully turns into much more of a momentum turner for the Red Sox.
Kudos to Alex Cora for sticking with Durbin too and not pulling the trigger on a pinch hitter—either Monasterio or Yoshida.
Not so many kudos to Greg Weissert who looks almost opposite of the Italian workhorse he was in the World Baseball Classic—everything is trouble for him right now and Danny Coulombe bailed him out.
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Still, three wins in four games isn’t something to wag your finger at. None of them have been truly pretty wins but they’re wins regardless. FOX made a lot of mention that it takes 40-50 games to really see the makeup of a team. Let’s hope that first 10 was truly the worst of it and this Sox squad is starting to find its footing.
What a nice Saturday night!
Studs
Ranger Suárez (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 ER)
Ranger was extremely frustrated after a 20+ pitch first inning and let it show in his final five. He looked extremely comfortable the rest of the way through. If this is the Suárez we’re getting on a more consistent basis, it’s very stabilizing for the rotation.
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Willson Contreras (2-for-4, 3 RBI)
Against his old club, Contreras came to play. The game-winning RBIs in the fourth and another line-moving RBI single in the ninth.
Duds
Wilyer Abreu (0-for-4, 1 K)
I actually had Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin here for a while; their production in the 9th saved their skin. Just a quiet day for Abreu who had the rest of his team pick him up!
Play of the Game
For the better part of five innings, this was going to be Willy’s two-run double in the fourth. The ninth changed my mind, we’re going with Ceddanne’s RBI single to start the chain.
Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko — with an assist — also scored while Jet Greaves stopped 20 shots for Columbus (40-28-12), which is fighting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Adam Fantilli added two assists.
The Blue Jackets sit outside the playoff picture, two points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Cole Caufield — with his 51st of the season — and Josh Anderson replied for playoff-bound Montreal (47-23-10) two nights after Caufield scored his 50th in an electric 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jakub Dobes made 28 saves.
Defenceman Noah Dobson exited in the second period after blocking a Zach Werenski slap shot with his left hand. Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov also went to the dressing room in the third when he was hit headfirst into the boards by Werenski, but he returned later in the period.
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Montreal (104 points) fell from second to third in the Atlantic Division behind Tampa Bay (104 points), which holds the regulation-wins tiebreaker over the Canadiens. The Buffalo Sabres lead the division at 106 points with two regular-season games remaining for all three teams.
The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 2-0 lead Saturday before the game was six minutes old.
Jenner got it started in just 73 seconds, sliding home a backhand. Coyle then doubled the lead at 5:42 when he finished off a tic-tac-toe play.
Anderson capitalized on a net-front pass from Jake Evans to respond at 11:48 in the first period, giving the Canadiens life until Marchenko ripped a shot over Dobes’ shoulder 1:24 into the second.
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Monahan put the Blue Jackets ahead 4-1 at 10:36 in the middle frame after a turnover from defenceman Jayden Struble.
Caufield beat Greaves from a sharp angle on the power play 3:58 into the third period, but Coyle restored the Blue Jackets’ three-goal lead on the man advantage at 9:59.
Blue Jackets: On top of the early goals, Columbus registered eight shots just 3:18 into the game, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
Canadiens: Will hope Dobson’s injury is not severe with the playoffs starting in one week.
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Marchenko set up Coyle for his second of the night to give Columbus a commanding 5-2 lead.
Montreal captain Nick Suzuki, with an assist on Caufield’s goal, moved within one point of becoming the first Canadien to hit 100 since Mats Naslund in 1985-86.
Blue Jackets: Host the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
Canadiens: Visit the New York Islanders on Sunday.
After three low scores, Sanju Samson returned to form with a hundred as Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by 23 runs to register their first win of IPL 2026 in Chennai on Saturday.Samson (115 not out, 56 balls) and Ayush Mhatre (59, 36 balls) added 113 runs for the second wicket to take CSK to 212 for two. Delhi Capitals struggled against Jamie Overton, who took 4/18, and were bowled out for 189.Tristan Stubbs (60) delayed the inevitable for DC with a gutsy half-century.This was Chennai Super Kings’ first win of the season, while Delhi Capitals recorded their second loss in a row.There were tense moments during the match after Delhi Capitals players, including Nitish Rana, questioned the umpire over a denied glove change request for Tristan Stubbs.The incident took place during the chase when Stubbs asked to change his gloves in the 19th over. He appeared uncomfortable, with sweaty gloves affecting his grip. Nitish Rana spoke to the umpire after the request was turned down, saying that playing with damp gloves could affect performance and safety.Soon after, on the third ball of the 19th over, Stubbs was dismissed while trying to hit Jamie Overton over mid-off, with Noor Ahmed taking the catch. Stubbs walked back and threw his bat and gloves on the way to the dressing room. Stubbs had asked for a glove change before getting out, but the fourth umpire had denied the request.With the win, CSK moved to ninth place with one win and three losses, while DC remained fourth with two wins and two losses.
Tyson Fury has come out of retirement to face Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov in a heavyweight clash in London on April 11. The fight will stream live on Netflix, which fans can get for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle or £24 Ultimate TV bundle, the latter of which also includes HBO Max and Disney+.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; April 25, 2025; A wide shot captures the stage video board displaying “The Pick Is In” for the Minnesota Vikings during the third round of the NFL Draft, as fans and team personnel await the announcement inside the draft theater in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Perry Knotts-Getty Images
Next week, our staff will formally predict the Minnesota Vikings’ 1st-Round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, but first, we asked our writers to get funky — the bold stuff that might unfold between April 23rd and 25th. “Bold predictions,” by design, are supposed to be “out there” and even a little bizarre.
These predictions lean weird for a reason.
Minnesota has nine picks this time; here’s what our people say will happen if things get a bit weird.
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12 Vikings Calls That Could Rattle Minnesota’s Draft
Thinking outside the box for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates after reaching the end zone during first-half action against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, Nov 8, 2025, as teammates react nearby and momentum swings in Nebraska’s favor during a high-energy matchup. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
1. The First 4 Pick Are Offensive Players
Predictor: Wes Johnson
The Vikings are in a prime position to add to the offensive side of the ball, and when you futurecast it, you can see why they’ll lean that way. Jordan Addison had his 5th-year option picked up, which means he will be on the 2027 books for around $18m.
Justin Jefferson will come in around $49.5m, with the two WRs set to command about 21% of the cap. That’s not sustainable for future years, and thinking about the position’s future is smart football.
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WRs KC Conception or Jordan Tyson could be targets in the first round. Tight end is another area to focus on for the future. T.J. Hockenson will be a free agent and has slowed down since his knee injury.
Drafting someone dynamic on Day 2 should be a must; Eli Stowers, Max Klare, or Oscar Delp would be options here. Finally, finding a center of the future to shore up the line moving forward will only help keep the pocket clean for Kyler Murray. At pick No. 97, I can see them bringing home Emmitt Johnson, who many are saying is an Aaron Jones clone. Who better to learn under than Jones in what might be a swan-song year for #33?
2. Offensive Tackle Drafted Early
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
On paper, the Vikings don’t need an offensive tackle with Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw still on the roster. Furthermore, the franchise signed backup Ryan Van Demark this offseason. Still, with injury concerns surrounding both starters, the front office will select a tackle in the Top 100 to add a long-term backup to the squad, who will be developed until he’s ready to enter the starting lineup in a year or two.
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3. Vikings End up with 10 Picks + Plus One Banked for 2027
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The Vikings go into the event with nine picks. By the time it’s done, the Vikings will have made 10 selections and added an extra pick for 2027.
4. Vikings Trade Down, Draft DT Peter Woods
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The Vikings trade back from Pick No. 18 and stay in the 1st Round to select DL Peter Woods from Clemson to pair with Jalen Redmond. The Vikings know they need to build in the trenches to be successful on defense.
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5. J.J. McCarthy Traded, Rookie QB Drafted
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
Not only is J.J. McCarthy gone, but the Vikings can also land a developmental prospect. By trading McCarthy, Minnesota gets mid-round draft capital this cycle. They’ll stick with Kyler Murray when it works, and landing Taylen Green (Arkansas) or Cole Payton (NDSU) on Day 3 gives Kevin O’Connell a lower-profile project.
6. The Pick Is Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
Predictor: Dustin Baker
When the Vikings reworked T.J. Hockenson’s contract, making him a free agent in 2027, many fans thought, “Hockenson is back, huh? I guess they’re not drafting a tight end.”
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What they should have thought? “Hockenson’s last year in Minnesota is 2026, so a tight end from the draft is now in play.”
The pick at No. 18 is Sadiq, who will help compensate for the Vikings’ lack of WR3 at the moment — and so much more.
7. First 2 Picks Are Safeties
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Flores seems happy with his starting cornerbacks, but even if Harrison Smith returns, the safety position must be addressed. With that in mind, interim GM Rob Brzezinski selects either Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on Day 1 and pairs him with A.J. Haulcy as their second pick
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8. Vikings Trade Out of Round 1 Altogether
Predictor: Adam New
This year’s draft appears low on top-end talent, and the Vikings look like they are in a good spot to trade back. They go out of the first round completely for more Day 2 picks.
9. Jeremiyah Love Somehow Lands in MIN
Predictor: Cole Smith
South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) carries the football while USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald (19) closes in defensively during second-half play at Notre Dame Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Irish offense pushes for yards in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Vikings land Jeremiyah Love … without trading up. That’s it. That’s the prediction. This is what I’m rooting for, and I think there’s a world in which it happens. Very unlikely, but I don’t want the Vikings trading up for him either.
10. No Safety in First 3 Rounds
Predictor: Josh Frey
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There are plenty of reasons for the Vikings to pick a safety early in this spring’s draft, but do they outweigh needs at other positions? I’m not so certain. The Vikings won’t end up with a new safety by the end of Day 2.
11. No Offensive Players until Rounds 4-7
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Glendale, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the sideline observing defensive alignments during the NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, Jan 13, 2025, as postseason intensity builds and communication remains critical throughout the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Vikings won’t select any offensive players until Day 3. Given how much the defense needs young talent and how the board could likely shake out, Minnesota could have some decent looks at good defenders at its selections at 18, 49, 82, and 97.
12. Vikings Draft DL and OL with First 3 Picks
Predictor: Sean Borman
Vikings bypass the secondary and WR early in the draft to use their first three picks on a “trench-first” overhaul of IDL and C. This strategy prioritizes long-term cap sustainability and leans into Brian Flores’ identity by betting that elite physical line play is more critical to success than high-priced cornerbacks.
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It’s building the roster from the inside out. After all, three of the four starting trenchmen who were signed in free agency last offseason are already gone.
Money in Graveyard Keeper is one of the most important resources, allowing you to purchase items and upgrades as you navigate this unique cemetery management simulator. So, it comes as no surprise that gamers are looking for ways to make money in the game.
Here’s how you can make money in Graveyard Keeper.
Guide to make money in Graveyard Keeper
1) Selling burial certificates
Selling burial certificates is one of the best ways to earn cash in Graveyard Keeper (Image via YouTube/NunoLac Games||Lazy Bear Games)
One of the easiest ways to make money in Graveyard Keeper is to sell the burial certificates. Every time you bury a body or cremate it, you will receive a certificate as a reward. These certificates can be sold to Horadic, the tavern keeper in the game.
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Each of these certificates is sold for one silver and fifty copper, making it one of the easiest ways to farm and make money in Graveyard Keeper. Essentially, being a graveyard caretaker is the best way to net some sweet cash in the game.
2) Church donations
Church donations can offer a fixed weekly income (Image via YouTube/NunoLac Games||Lazy Bear Games)
Church donations are one of the easiest ways to make money in the game. Simply give sermons every week and earn cash as a reward/handout for the prayer. While the initial rewards might not be good, upgrading your church will yield as much as 10+ silver per sermon.
You can upgrade your graveyard and use better sermons and prayers to increase the payout, making it a fixed weekly stream of guaranteed money in Graveyard Keeper.
3) Trading with the merchant
Trade with the merchant to earn a decent cache of silver (Image via YouTube/NunoLac Games||Lazy Bear Games)
Another easy way to make money in Graveyard Keeper is by trading with the merchant. After reaching reputation level 30, you will be able to unlock a trade post. This will enable you to trade and sell a range of items for money and other valuable resources.
You can create crates of goods, filling them with all kinds of items you wish to sell and dispose of. While silver crates sell for ten silver and seventy-five copper, a gold crate can be sold for sixteen silver and fifty copper. Meanwhile, a goods crate will net you fifteen silver pieces.
4) Selling meat
Sell meat to the tavern to make money in Graveyard Keeper (Image via YouTube/Clockwork0110||Lazy Bear Games)
Another great way to make money in later parts of the game is by selling meat from the corpses. Once you deal with the bodies on the autopsy table, you will notice that you can take the flesh from the morgue and sell it to the tavern. However, that requires a stamp to prove the meat’s authenticity.
This stamp can be obtained in two ways. Firstly, you can reach level 30 reputation with Snake, which can be done easily by completing his questline. Secondly, you can buy it through the royal services, located in the mailbox near the church. Once you unlock it, you can purchase the stamp for 50 silver. While it is a hefty initial fee, the constant supply of corpses more than makes up for it later on.
NEW DELHI: The monkey was finally off Sanju Samson’s shoulders. Emotions ran high for the wicketkeeper-batter as teammates surrounded him with high-fives, hugs, and celebrations. Samson, however, looked calm and content, flashing a big smile after playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ first win of IPL 2026.Samson, who managed scores of 6, 7 and 9 in CSK’s first three matches, roared back in style with a magnificent century to guide his team to a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday, finally opening their account after three straight defeats.The batter, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season, delivered his first major contribution in CSK colours after early struggles. He had entered the IPL with high expectations, having hit three half-centuries in India’s T20 World Cup triumph at home in March.Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, along with Ayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36, powered CSK to a commanding 212 for 2. The duo stitched together a 113-run stand for the second wicket. In response, Delhi Capitals faltered against a brilliant spell from Jamie Overton, who picked up 4 for 18 as they were bowled out for 189.“Really means a lot. The trust they showed, it was very responsible. Luckily everything came off nicely. It never felt like a different franchise. People are so nice. We had a meeting of 50 seconds today even after losing three matches,” Sanju Samson said after being named Player of the Match.“I have failed a lot. Mind gets a bit here and there. I need to know what my basics are. It’s about doing the basics right. We did some good sessions with the support staff,” he added.Samson was the chief architect of CSK’s memorable night at Chepauk. Asked to bat first, he registered his first big knock in a CSK jersey and shared a dominant partnership with Mhatre, who showcased his growing maturity in a vital stand of 113 runs in just over 11 overs.It was Samson’s fourth IPL hundred and his first for CSK, as well as the first century of the IPL 2026 season. The knock was crucial in restoring belief among the CSK faithful, especially after a poor start to the campaign.“It was very important to have great partnerships. Ayush has shown so much maturity. (On his celebration) That was for Fleming, I know how challenging it can be. I just wanted to dedicate this to him,” he said.
Sturm Graz will welcome Hartberg to Merkur-Arena in the Austrian Bundesliga on Sunday. The hosts are out to defend their title, while the visitors are looking to snatch a UEFA spot.
Sturm Graz vs Hartberg Preview
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Sturm Graz have won the Austrian Bundesliga in the last two seasons and are certainly eying a third, back-to-back, this term. They are on track, after winning the regular season by one point ahead of second-placed Red Bull Salzburg. However, they would have to clinch the Championship round to become champions anew.
Die Schwoazn, unlike the visitors, are undefeated in their last seven matches in all competitions. They seem to have extended their impressive run into the Championship round, winning twice and drawing once. Sturm Graz sit atop the Championship round on 26 points, but are closely followed by LASK on 25 points.
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Hartberg managed to escape the relegation battle by two points, after finishing sixth on 33 points, just above WSG Tirol (31 points). But the visitors are struggling in the Championship round, with two defeats already against Salzburg (2-1) and Austria Vienna (1-0). They boast only one draw.
TSV didn’t fare better last season either. They finished in eighth place and failed to qualify for the Championship round, taking part in the Relegation round. The visitors eventually finished second to earn qualification for the Conference League play-offs. Sturm Graz defeated Hartberg 1-0 in their last meeting.
Sturm Graz vs Hartberg Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Sturm Graz have won four times and drawn once in their last five matches against Hartberg.
Sturm Graz have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches at home against Hartberg.
Sturm Graz have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches at home.
Hartberg have won twice and drawn thrice in their last five matches on the road.
Sturm Graz have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches, while Hartberg have drawn thrice and lost twice. Form Guide: Sturm Graz – W-D-D-W-W, Hartberg – L-L-D-D-D.
Sturm Graz vs Hartberg Prediction
Sturm Graz are in a tight race to safeguard their top spot, with just one point clear. Any slip-up at this moment would be disastrous.
Hartberg have little hope of success in this competition, as they sit bottom on 17 points, trailing the top spot by nine points.
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Sturm Graz are expected to win based on form and home advantage.
Check in to GOLF’s Tour Confidential every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the Masters at Augusta National, we’ll hit one key topic every night.
After leading by a record six-shot margin at the 36-hole mark, Rory McIlroy now shares the lead with Cameron Young at 11 under par with one round remaining. Sam Burns is one shot back at 10 under, followed by Shane Lowry at 9 under, Jason Day and Justin Rose at 8 under, and Scottie Scheffler and Haotong Li at 7 under. So, who’s slipping into a green jacket on Sunday evening?
Jack Hirsh, associate equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey): That feels like a loaded question at this point… I don’t know who else to rationally think will win this golf course if it’s not Rory. I would assume he’ll fix whatever is going on with his ball striking because he’s putting together a world-class scrambling effort. I think if he’s just a little better off the tee and with his irons Sunday, he gets it done. Otherwise, Scottie pulls off the unthinkable.
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): My heart tells me Rory gets it done, but my brain tells me it’s going to be Cameron Young. Since shooting 40 on his opening nine of the tournament, Young has been far and away the best player in the field, going 15 under over his next 45 holes. It’s going to take some serious golf to keep up with Young’s torrid pace, and with Rory looking exceedingly shaky on Saturday, I don’t know that he’s up for the task.
Jessica Marksbury, senior editor (@jess_marksbury): I’m not having a strong feeling about any player at this point — you could make a reasonable case for just about anyone within four shots or so of the lead. But if I have to choose someone, it’s going to be Rory. Assuming today was pretty much as bad as it could be for him, with a six-shot lead melting away in 12 holes, he’s still in front with one round remaining, and I believe has the fortitude and experience to right the ship and get this done.
Josh sens, senior writer (@joshsens): Because the golf gods have a wicked sense of humor, and because I see Scheffler posting another low round, I predict we get a three-way playoff, with Scheffler edging McIlroy and Young in sudden-death. There’s no doubt Rory has put the worst of his Augusta agony in the past. But it’s not going to feel great, slipping the green jacket back on the guy who helped him put it on last year. This game is cruel like that.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@schrock_and_awe): “Well, pal, we would’ve taken this on Monday morning.”
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Yes, Rory’s six-shot lead evaporated after 12 holes. But he still has a share of the lead and I think he’ll be able to rectify the right miss with the driver and left miss with his irons and wedges. I expect Cam Young and Scottie Scheffler to push him, but I think Rory once again gets this across the line. Like Nicklaus in ‘75, who blew a five-shot lead with a Saturday 73 and then rebounded to win, Rory figures it out and beats Scottie by one.
On Friday at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy was sublime. He made six birdies over his last seven holes to close out a seven-under 65, he opened up a six-shot lead (the largest in tournament history) and many questioned if the green jacket was already clinched.
As golf fans have witnessed so many times before, though, no lead is safe around Augusta National. And on Saturday, they got another reminder.
McIlroy, who is looking to become just the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters, was out of sorts during his third round, posting a one-over 73 to drop back into a tie for the lead with Cameron Young heading into the final round.
“This golf course has a way of — when you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle,” McIlroy said. “I just need to go to the range and try to figure it out a little bit.”
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By “it” he, of course, means his swing. Specifically, a pesky left miss with his approach shots into greens.
Several times throughout his third round, McIlroy missed left of the green. And as he made his way through Amen Corner, those left misses cost him three dropped shots as he made double bogey on 11 and bogey on 12.
The good news for McIlroy fans? The left miss he fought is correctable — and he seems to know why it’s happening.
“For me it’s just about keeping my lower body moving,” McIlroy said. “If I can just get my lower body moving through impact, then that should sort of fix it. But I am going to go and hit a few balls on the range to neutralize the ball flight a bit.”
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When the lower body slows (or stalls) around impact, your arms and hands take over and close the clubface. This is a miss that plagues everyone from casual recreational players all the way up to green jacket winners, and it’s something that can be round-wrecking if you aren’t careful.
McIlroy’s left miss makes much more sense with the added context of the type of shot he was trying to hit on some of the trouble shots. On Nos. 6 and 12, for example, he noted he was in between clubs and trying to hit a knockdown shot. When trying this three-quarter knockdown type shot, the tendency is for you to stall your turn around impact in a subconscious effort to keep the ball from going long. When you do this, however, the arms and hands take over and produce the pesky left miss.
“I had maybe awkward numbers or trying to take a little bit off and I missed those ones left,” McIlroy said. “So something to maybe go and work on tonight and, again, try to figure that out.”
If he can figure out how to guard against that miss, look for McIlroy to return to his form from the first two rounds and claim a second consecutive green jacket. If he can’t, he’ll be slipping the jacket on one of his competitors come Sunday evening.
;)
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