An advantageous barrier is a prized asset, most notably on venues with compact turns.
Hence, Lindsay Park swiftly decided to eliminate Plymouth from the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) held last Saturday, even with the prize including a ballot exemption for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this October.
Plymouth, prepared by Ben, Will and J D Hayes, was allocated barrier 17 in that Mornington Cup, while Kings Valley from gate 6 triumphed and gained the Caulfield Cup qualification.
Following the scratch at Mornington, Plymouth pivots to the 2000m Benchmark 100 at Flemington on Saturday.
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Ben Hayes expressed disappointment over the Mornington no-go but stressed the barrier’s difficulty for the gelding.
“Unfortunately, 17 over 2400 metres at Mornington, we didn’t feel it was right,” he said.
“He needed a nice barrier. Last start he drew well and we ended up too far back, so we decided to scratch from Mornington, and we will head towards the 2000-metre race at Flemington on Saturday.
“After that, and depending on his performance, he could then head towards the Warrnambool Cup.”
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Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on May 7 represents a target, one Lindsay Park took out in 2019 via Furrion with David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig training.
Plymouth entered his last run with creditable results.
Second in March 20’s Albury Cup, he was then 12th of 14 in April 3’s Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield won by Ambassadorial.
“He’s fine and it was just the barrier why we didn’t run,” Hayes said.
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“It’s very hard from out there, especially at Mornington.”
Visit premier betting sites to find the best racing odds for the Flemington Benchmark 100 featuring Plymouth.
HOUSTON — Traditions take years, sometimes decades, to take hold but they’re a vital part of professional golf. They help tell the story of the game’s most important tournaments. Think the green jacket at the Masters, or U.S. Open Sunday on Father’s Day.
But it has. In 2023, when the Chevron moved from Mission Hills in California to The Club at Carlton Woods in Houston, the players told the tournament’s organizers that they wanted to keep the pond jump alive. So the organizers dredged a pond and ringed it with gator netting to give players peace of mind.
The tradition appeared in danger this year, with the tournament moving to Memorial Park, a Houston muni that doesn’t have water on the 18th hole. But the LPGA and tournament organizers heard from numerous players about the importance of the pond jump’s legacy and so made short- and long-term plans to keep it alive. For the 2026 edition, organizers constructed a temporary plunge pool off to the right of the 18th green, measuring 15 feet by 10 feet and 4 1/2 feet deep. If a ball goes into the pool during tournament play, players will get free relief in the same way they would if they hit an approach into a grandstand.
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The LPGA knows the makeshift pool is not a perfect solution and has already drawn a few eyeball rolls on social media, but given the time constraints, it was the most feasible solution. After the 2026 tournament, course architect Tom Doak will redesign the finishing hole with a permanent pond.
The temporary plunge pool on the 18th hole at Memorial Park
LPGA
Rendering of the 18th hole at Memorial Park after planned redesign
LPGA
“When a tradition matters, you find a way to honor it — and bring fans closer to it, too,” the LPGA said in a statement to GOLF. “The winner’s jump has become one of the most fun and distinctive traditions at The Chevron Championship, and what makes it especially meaningful is that it was created organically by the players themselves.
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“It is a nod to the championship’s history, a bridge to the future and part of creating a more engaging fan experience by giving spectators a place to connect with and experience this tradition up close. And, as always, it is entirely up to the winning player whether she wants to take the plunge.”
Stacy Lewis made the jump into Poppie’s Pond after winning the 2011 Chevron at Mission Hills. Lewis said that plunge, not how she played at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, is what most sticks with her about her first major win.
“There has been a lot of debate about the pond and the jump,” Lewis said Tuesday at Memorial Park. “I’ve told a lot of people that I don’t remember getting the trophy. A lot of things I don’t remember about that ceremony. But I remember the jump and what that felt like and how cold that water was in California.”
As the LPGA and women’s golf seek to grow in popularity, the importance of building traditions is crucial. Women’s golf hasn’t been good at that. The number of majors has gone from three to four to five. The LPGA Championship became the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Things get lost.
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But Lewis and other past champions are adamant that the leap into the pond should continue. She knows the temporary pool isn’t an ideal solution but years down the road this spell won’t be remembered — only the jump will.
“What did it take, almost 20 years to develop the pond jump?” Lewis said. “Traditions don’t just happen overnight. I just think it’s so important that we keep it and that it’s — is it a little bit different this year? Yes. Does it look great? I mean, it’s up for debate, right? But somebody is still going to jump in there, and it’s still going to be — when we look back on 10 years, we’re going to put all these jumps together, and they’re all going to look the same. So I just think we’ve got to get through this year, but it has to continue.”
Lewis thought the temporary pond would “be bigger,” but is pleased with the LPGA and Chevron’s decision to keep the tradition in play. Lewis, who is 41 and retiring after this week, also believes the course will benefit from the addition coming in 2027.
“They did a really good job of doing the best they could given the situation,” Lewis said. “It’s going to be a lot better when we come back next year, and frankly, the 18th green is going to be a lot better, too. It’s going to fit more with the golf course, and now, the last four finishing holes will all have water on them.”
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Given the depth of the pool, there won’t be any cannonballs this year, and the number of team members who go in with the winner will be limited. It’s even possible that the victor could forgo wading into the temporary pool.
Nelly Korda jumped into the pond at Carlton Woods in 2024. Should she be the last woman standing this week at Memorial Park, there’s no question, she’s going in.
“I think when it comes to what people think about it, you’re always going to be in a lose-lose situation,” Korda said Tuesday. “Once you kill a tradition, it’s killed forever. If you kind of look at it, maybe some people don’t like it that it’s at a different golf course, different venue. I still give props to Chevron and to the LPGA for wanting to keep that tradition alive.
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“I know that there is a bigger plan for it to be a better jump into Poppie’s Pond. But at the end of the day, if I’m hoisting the trophy, like I’m going to jump in.”
And once the winner exits and puts on the tournament robe, the work will begin to ensure that tradition remains just that.
VANCOUVER — Tereza Vanisova scored and contributed a pair of assists, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes held on for a 4-3 win over the Montreal Victoire on Tuesday.
Sarah Nurse tallied her eighth goal of the season, Ashton Bell added a power-play marker midway through the second and Claire Thompson rounded out the scoring for the Goldeneyes (9-2-4-14).
Thompson’s goal at the 5:06 mark of the third period gave Vancouver a 4-0 lead, but Montreal (16-5-2-6) pulled goalie Sandra Abstreiter with more than seven minutes left on the game clock in favour of an extra attacker.
Hayley Scamurra responded with three goals over two minutes and 44 seconds to cut the Victoire’s deficit to a single goal with the first hat trick of her PWHL career. Nicole Gosling registered three assists and Erin Ambrose had two helpers.
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Vancouver goalie Kristen Campbell stopped 25 of the 28 shots she faced and Abstreiter made 14 saves for Montreal.
The Victoire have locked up their playoff spot but are still looking to secure first place so they can pick their semifinal opponent. The Goldeneyes have been eliminated from post-season play, but are aiming to rack up draft order points with strong showings in their final games.
Goldeneyes: Earned their first-ever win against Montreal. The Victoire came out on top in the three previous meetings this season by a combined score of 8-2. … Defender Sophie Jaques contributed an assist on Thompson’s goal, marking her 50th PWHL point.
Victoire: Outshot Vancouver 10-4 across the first period but couldn’t get a puck past Campbell. … Ann-Renée Desbiens did not dress for the game. The Montreal goalie leads the league in save percentage (. 955) and goals-against average (1.12), and is tied with Aerin Frankel of the Boston Fleet for most wins (18).
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Victoire star Laura Stacey picked off a puck in the defensive zone for a short-handed breakaway midway through the second period and steamed up the ice unimpeded, only to see Campbell make a solid save, sending the blistering shot off the knob of her stick.
The Goldeneyes have earned at least one point against every other PWHL team during their first season in the league.
Victoire: Visit the Seattle Torrent on Saturday.
Goldeneyes: Close out their inaugural season Saturday when they host the Minnesota Frost.
Tolu Arokodare’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have been relegated from the Premier League following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.
Their drop was confirmed on Monday after other results went against them, leaving Wolves unable to close the gap on teams above and ending their eight-year run in the top flight.
It has been a frustrating season from the start. Wolves failed to win a league match until January, putting them under early pressure. Although results improved later, including a draw with Arsenal and wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool, they remained stuck in the relegation zone.
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A change in the dugout saw Rob Edwards replace Vítor Pereira, but the situation did not improve enough. Wolves struggled in attack and defence, conceding 61 goals and scoring only 24 in 33 matches, leaving them with the worst goal difference in the league.
Relegation means the club must now regroup in the Championship, with key decisions expected about the squad. For Arokodare, it brings uncertainty over whether to stay and fight for promotion or seek a move elsewhere.
Arokodare’s difficult debut season
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The Nigerian striker joined from KRC Genk in September 2025 after finishing as the Belgian league’s top scorer. However, his first season in England did not meet expectations.
He featured in 28 league games, mostly as a substitute, scoring three goals and providing one assist. It was a modest return for a player brought in to lead the attack.
There were a few bright moments. His first Premier League goal came as a late header against Arsenal, showing his strength in the air. He also contributed in a surprise win over Liverpool and impressed more in cup competitions, scoring twice in the EFL Cup.
However, he struggled for consistency. Despite his height and physical presence, he found it difficult to convert chances, reflecting a low scoring rate. Like many of his teammates, adapting to the speed and intensity of the league proved challenging.
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Off the pitch, his situation became more complicated after reports of a dressing-room clash with teammate Mateus Mané following a heavy loss to West Ham United. The incident led to disciplinary action, including a fine and his omission from the squad.
Big decision ahead
At 25, Arokodare faces an important choice. He could remain with Wolves and try to rebuild in the Championship, where his physical style may suit the demands of the league.
With more regular playing time and better support, he has the chance to regain confidence and rediscover his scoring form, similar to his time in Belgium. However, staying would also require him to rebuild trust within the squad and prove himself again to the coaching staff as Wolves prepare for a fresh start.
Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper Rishabh Pant and teammates. (ANI Photo)
LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants return to the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday needing more than a win — what they need is a course correction. LSG have lost four of their first six matches, including a 54-run defeat to Punjab Kings in their previous outing, and are still without a home win this season after two losses in Lucknow. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, arrive better placed, with four wins from six games and third place on the points table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!For LSG, the concern is straightforward: their top order has not given them enough. The side has too often been forced into recovery mode and on a ground where setting up the innings matters, another shaky start could leave them chasing the game early. That makes the first six overs the clearest tactical window of the contest. Asked what whas wrong with their batting unit, LSG’s Aiden Markram said, “It’s probably just a case of maybe struggling for a bit of rhythm. It’s quite strange. We laugh about it in the sense that one or two guys can struggle, it’s part of the game, but when the full batting lineup does so… the odds of that happening normally are quite slim.”Rajasthan look better equipped in that phase. Jofra Archer has been their early enforcer, with nine wickets in his last eight T20s, and he goes up against an LSG batting group still searching for rhythm. If Archer breaks through up front, Rajasthan can immediately squeeze a middle order that has not consistently played from positions of control. Lucknow’s counter lies with Prince Yadav, whose recent numbers also stand out.
He has been one of LSG’s few bright spots with the new ball and his duel with Rajasthan’s aggressive opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaswal could shape the match. If Prince can strike in the Powerplay, LSG would have already done half the job.There is also a wider context for LSG. They are yet to feel at home at the Ekana stadium after three winless games. Home cannot become a disadvantage and on a red-soil pitch, Lucknow’s batter have a lot to play for.
82 – Sanju Samson’s unbeaten knock off 52 balls in Jaipur on March 24, 2024 is the highest individual score in matches involving RR and LSG.
4/41 – Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling performance for RR at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 10, 2022 is the only four-wicket haul in games involving these two teams.
DENVER — Los Angeles interim coach D.J. Smith quickly ducked when shattered glass fell on him after a pane broke behind the Kings bench Tuesday night in Game 3 against Colorado.
It happened right after Quinton Byfield was stopped on a penalty shot by Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood with 16:48 remaining in the second period. The glass began to sway as fans pounded on it in excitement and then gave way, with pieces raining on Smith. He covered his head and then brushed the glass off his suit before heading down the tunnel to the locker room. He returned a few minutes later.
The Avalanche cleanup crew brought out shovels and buckets to clean up the fragments from the L.A. bench. The Kings players mingled on the ice as they waited for a new pane to be brought in and installed.
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog told ESPN hockey analyst Erik Johnson he’s never seen something like that happen before. Landeskog added: “It was loud there when ‘Wedgy’ made that save and fans got a little too excited.”
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The delay took more than 15 minutes. The score was 0-0 when play was halted.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116).
Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season.
But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too.
“This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.”
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Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime.
He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals.
Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one.
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This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.
West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024.
Blessed Stars FC began their 2025/2026 Nationwide League One campaign on a bright note with a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC ONE Rocket on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Eket Stadium.
Blessed Stars showed strong character to claim all three points despite playing most of the second half with ten men. Defensive midfielder Godwin Akpan was sent off in the 52nd minute after denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
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Earlier in the match, FC ONE Rocket had the first real chance when Godswill Ita Ndaeyo broke through on goal but chose to pass instead of shooting with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Blessed Stars responded well and nearly took the lead before the break, but Isaiah Adeoye’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
The turning point came in the second half when Blessed Stars, despite being a man down, pushed forward in search of a goal. Their effort paid off in the 70th minute as right-back Victor Umoh rose highest to head home a well-delivered free kick from Victor Benjamin.
FC ONE Rocket increased the pressure in the closing stages as they searched for an equaliser, but Blessed Stars stood firm. The defence, led by Emmanuel Nwoke and Austin Oboho, remained organised, while goalkeeper Emediong Dickson made key saves to protect the lead.
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The victory was witnessed by the club’s major sponsor, Wikiproject by Medally, along with partners Judex Autos, KASTREAM, Kleva’s Couture, ED Signature, Ibom Sports Hub, and Emeka Gadgets.
The match was a repeat of the opening fixture from last season, which ended 1-1 at the Uyo Township Stadium. This time, however, Blessed Stars secured maximum points to go top of the table after the first round of matches.
In other results, Blackpool FA came from behind to hold Krane FC to a 1-1 draw.
Looking ahead, FC ONE Rocket will face KMK Academy on Saturday, April 25, while Blessed Stars will take on Krane FC on Sunday, April 26, both matches scheduled to take place at the Eket Stadium.
The Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel and the Montreal Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky dropped the gloves in Game 2 on Tuesday.
The incident unfolded during the second period when Hagel landed a solid right hand that dropped Slafkovsky to the ice. Hagel then taunted him on the way to the penalty box with a sleeping gesture and chirped toward the Canadiens’ bench.
Watch the video below:
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The Canadiens and the Lightning, meanwhile, are battling hard in overtime after a 2-2 tie in regulation. Brandon Hael and Nikita Kucherov were the scorers for the Bolts. Meanwhile, Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens.
This is a developing story that will be updated later.
A domestic cricket match in the West Indies was abandoned after the pitch was deemed “dangerous” for play. The match, taking place at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, saw senior West Indies pacer Jayden Seales taking a total of seven wickets before the game was called off. The decision to end the match prematurely came after one of Seales’ deliveries hit a batter on the helmet after producing a sharp bounce off the pitch. The contest under the spotlight was a West Indies Championship match between the Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.
Bowling to the Leeward Islands’ Jeremiah Louis, a delivery by Seales produced an unexpected bounce, rising sharply to hit the batter’s helmet. The batter immediately fell to the ground, and his helmet also came off. In frustration, Louis kicked his helmet and walked off the field.
Jayden Seales has claimed the first seven wickets to fall in an innings for Trinidad & Tobago against Leeward Islands, but looks set to be denied the chance to take 10 with the game halted due to a dangerous pitch. The last ball before the suspension is not for the faint-hearted pic.twitter.com/o4G5ULiSAh
The Leeward Islands were 140/7 when the incident took place, with all seven wickets being taken by Seales. Louis was taken to the hospital for a concussion check and is said to be stable.
Cricket West Indies Statement
Cricket West Indies (CWI) also issued a statement after the game, saying the match had to be abandoned due to the dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
“Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the second match of the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago bilateral series in the 2026 West Indies Championship has been abandoned as a draw due to dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
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“Play was halted in the first session of the third day after the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable and uneven behaviour, raising serious concerns for player safety. During this period, Leeward Islands player Jeremiah Louis was struck while batting. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and subsequently transported to hospital to be evaluated for a possible concussion and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The decision to abandon the match was made in accordance with the official playing conditions governing the competition. Under these conditions, when on-field umpires determine that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue, play must be stopped, and the CWI Match Referee consulted.
“Following discussions with the curator, it was determined that the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore deemed unfit to resume, resulting in the match being abandoned as a draw. Both teams will be awarded points earned up until the abandonment of the contest in accordance with the championship’s playing conditions.
“CWI further advises that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the Championship Final, set for 17-20 May, and confirms that all necessary resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure the preparation of a safe and competitive playing surface for that fixture,” it read.
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The final of the tournament is also due to be held at the same venue. CWI has assured that it will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe and competitive pitch is prepared.
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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season
Coventry City have clinched the Sky Bet Championship title with a resounding 5-1 victory over Portsmouth, featuring a brace from Ephron Mason-Clark.
Haji Wright opened the scoring before Mason-Clark capitalised on a Nicolas Schmid error just 90 seconds after the break. Regan Poole’s own goal compounded Portsmouth’s woes three minutes later.
Adrian Segecic pulled one back for the visitors, but Mason-Clark swiftly added his second, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden completing the rout in added time.
Frank Lampard’s side had already secured promotion following their 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Friday night, but went a step further to claim the title four days later.
This triumph marks the Sky Blues’ return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, following their relegation at the end of the 2000-01 season.
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The defeat ended Portsmouth’s run of three straight victories without conceding, including over promotion-chasing Ipswich and Middlesbrough, but Oxford’s loss to Wrexham means John Mousinho’s side have secured their place in the Championship for next season.
The newly-crowned champions were up and running inside 11 minutes when Jack Rudoni’s corner was nodded in by top scorer Wright.
The Coventry players celebrate after securing the title (Mike Egerton/PA)
Pompey goalkeeper Schmid should have done better as he flapped at the corner and allowed Wright to notch his 17th of the season.
It was the 27th goal the Sky Blues had scored from a set-piece this season, and they almost added another before half-time.
Bobby Thomas’ late goal at Ewood Park on Friday had secured Coventry’s promotion, and the defender headed another Rudoni corner onto the top of the crossbar.
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Portsmouth had registered just one shot in the opening 45 minutes and found themselves two goals behind almost immediately after the break.
It was another moment to forget for Schmid, whose heavy touch from Poole’s backpass allowed Mason-Clark to steal in and tap into an empty net.
Things were starting to unravel for Portsmouth as Poole then diverted Milan van Ewijk’s cross into his own net just five minutes into the second half.
Wright should have made it four when he missed a glorious chance on the hour mark.
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Rudoni took aim from distance and rifled his low effort off the post before American Wright lifted the follow-up over the bar with the goal gaping.
Pompey were next to take advantage of a lack of concentration as Segecic latched onto Rudoni’s loose pass and lashed beyond Carl Rushworth from the edge of the box.
But any hopes of an unlikely comeback were dashed almost immediately as Victor Torp’s defence-splitting pass played in Mason-Clark, who made space to fire in his second.
Substitute Kesler-Hayden put the icing on the cake when he slotted in Rudoni’s cross at the back post to notch Coventry’s 90th league goal of the season.
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