NEW DELHI: Arun Jaitley Stadium was painted yellow on Tuesday evening. Everywhere the eye went, in every stand that celebrated the best that Delhi has ever produced, a trove of yellow jerseys was unmissable. They were there in groups and in small numbers, but their presence was hard to ignore. At one point, chants of ‘Dhoni, Dhoni’ rang out. Ironically, the former India captain, or ‘Thala’ as he’s more affectionately called by the Chennai Super Kings faithful, hadn’t even travelled to the capital and is yet to play a game this IPL season.At the other end, bar a small section of DC Toli, Delhi Capitals fans were conspicuous by their absence. The blue-and-red of the home side had little to show for themselves and little cause to erupt over the course of Match 48 of IPL 2026.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Having won the toss and opted to bat, DC never got going, and only a late show from Tristan Stubbs (38 from 31 balls) and Sameer Rizvi (40 from 24) helped reach a respectable 155/7.Chennai Super Kings, led by Sanju Samson‘s 87 off 52 balls at the top of the order, and Kartik Sharma’s unbeaten 41 from 31, sauntered to the total with 15 balls and 8 wickets to spare.As a result, DC are seventh in the IPL standings with one win in the last five played or two in the last eight. They are only better than the Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants at this juncture.Besides harbouring slim hopes of making the playoffs, what is common to this bunch is their woeful home record. MI (33.3 per cent win record at home), KKR (25 per cent), DC (20 per cent), and LSG (0 per cent) have all had a dreadful home run, which goes hand-in-hand with their overall poor season.In contrast, CSK, who are sixth after back-to-back victories, have the third-best home record (60 per cent win record at home). The four teams in playoff spots – Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals – all have strong home win records of 75 per cent, 80 per cent, 60 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively.Delhi Capitals have not helped their cause with a variety of surfaces on offer, while conditions have been inconsistent due to unseasonal rains and cooler temperatures in the evening.The afternoon fixture against the Punjab Kings was a flat deck and ended up producing 529 runs. Then, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a lively track saw DC bundled for just 75.On Tuesday, a surface that hadn’t been used yet was expected to slow down by DC skipper Axar Patel. By the end, though, he witnessed the opposite and well-set batters were the need of the hour. Where DC barely found any, CSK had Samson and Karthik produce an unbeaten 114-run stand.Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani admitted they’ve struggled in most departments and have to adapt better to conditions and pitches.“We do not control the pitch. The surfaces are managed under BCCI guidelines to ensure neutrality,” he said in the post-match media conference.“You play what is given to you. Yes, it has been slightly unpredictable at our home ground. One game had a very high score, and another assisted spin.“But that is the case for all teams. You have to adapt and find ways to win,” he stated.Badani said the need of the hour is to win all four of their remaining matches, with two coming at home. But for that, the inconsistencies need to be addressed.“One day, we bowl well but do not bat well. Another day, we bat well but fall short in another area.“At this level, you need at least 60 to 70 per cent of your players contributing on a given day. That has been missing,” he finished.
Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens spent three seasons of his 16-year Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Although 16 seasons have passed since Owens played in the league, his time with the franchise famously dubbed “America’s Team” remains memorable. Owens first played for the Cowboys in 2006, before abruptly exiting after the 2008 campaign.
This week, Owens briefly revisited his time wearing “The Star” on his helmet, but he made it clear the team has not been at the front of his mind for quite some time. “I don’t concern myself with the Cowboys,” Owens told the Action Network.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, on Nov. 27, 2008.(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Owens then suggested the less-than-harmonious feelings are mutual, saying: “The Cowboys haven’t concerned themselves with me since I left there. That’s speaking of Jerry Jones or anybody really from that organization… The way things ended there with the Cowboys, I couldn’t care less. I have nothing to say about them.”
Owens signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys in 2006 and was rewarded with a three-year contract extension in 2008. Around the time of his March 2009 release, reports suggested he had become a source of tension inside the Cowboys’ locker room.
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He was cut roughly two months after Dallas finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. Dallas struggled offensively at times that season, though Owens still totaled 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those were considered productive numbers by any standard, but they also marked his lowest totals in three seasons with the Cowboys.
Owens’ connection with then-offensive coordinator Jason Garrett also came under scrutiny during his stint with the team.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett talks to Terrell Owens during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2008.(Getty Images)
Owens joined the Buffalo Bills after he parted ways with the Cowboys. Despite snapping his streak of three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his lone year in Western New York, Owens praised Buffalo, describing it as a rare NFL market that still embraces him years after he left.
“The Buffalo Bills have been very gracious in inviting me out and involving me in some of their community initiatives,” Owens said. “I went there for a couple of games and for Thurman Thomas’ jersey retirement.”
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Former wide receiver Terrell Owens gestures to the crowd before the game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Dec. 6, 2021.(Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)
Owens appeared in 14 games with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010, marking his final NFL season. He was a five-time All-Pro selection and six-time Pro Bowler during his standout career.
He skipped the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, in 2018, choosing instead to hold his own ceremony at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0), cornerback Byron Murphy (7), and outside linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrate after recovering a fumble that was later ruled dead during second-quarter play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. The defense showed high energy despite the reversal. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
Basically everyone can see that most of the d-lineman got bumped down (other than Jalen Redmond) due to the DT draft picks. Likewise, there has been some added competition at corner, center, and even punter.
Lost in the shuffle, perhaps, has been the impact on veteran linebacker Blake Cashman.
For a little while, I’ve written about the status of Ivan Pace Jr. on the Vikings’ roster. After all, the former UDFA had gone from rookie starter to playing a minimized role as a sophomore. And then his third season involved getting fully demoted, placed in a LB3 job behind Eric Wilson and Cashman. Going into 2026, is Mr. Pace the linebacker who is most impacted? Or, perhaps, is his teammate facing the toughest battle?
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Blake Cashman Among The Vikings’ Roster Losers
After the 2026 NFL Draft, Dustin Baker considered the impact within the team’s in-house talents. Ivan Pace came in at No. 2 for players most impacted by the draft haul.
“Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson will start as off-ball linebackers in 2026,” Baker begins. “Then, the Vikings used a 2nd-Round pick on Jake Golday. He’s the new youth movement at ILB. Pace Jr. is scheduled to be a Viking through the 2026 campaign. If Golday is worth the draft pick, that probably puts Pace Jr. on the chopping block next offseason.”
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) take the field prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
No doubt, Mr. Pace is facing an uphill battle. At no point has he been a fantastic option in coverage, but he at least excelled when allowed to come forward. Let the ‘backer blitz and chase down runners, right? The great issue last season were the missed tackles.
Where Pace can find some optimism is that he’s still young and has a history of playing strong ball. The former Cincinnati Bearcat is still only 25. Even better, his cap charge is coming in at roughly $3.5 million. Sitting on the defender for the upcoming season has merit if only to help on specials and be a backup linebacker. Doing more than that — getting back to becoming a starter — means arriving at a nice bonus for the team and player alike.
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What of Blake Cashman?
The veteran is still a good football player, doing well last season even as he took a step back from his debut Vikings season. In 2024, Cashman was excellent. His stats showed 112 tackles to stand alongside 4.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, 8 tackles for loss, and 8 passes defended. Just great ball from the free-agent addition.
Working against him, though, is that he has battled injuries in each season in Minnesota. Worse yet, Cashman is coming up on his 30th birthday (May 10th). There’s then the reality of a roster cut. Doing so would mean freeing up $7,632,353 if it occurs after June 1st.
Does he meet a similar fate to Harrison Phillips, somebody who got traded away last August?
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Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Moving on from Blake Cashman would be about more than just cap savings. After all, the decision to cut or trade could have already occurred if money was so tight. What would be needed is to see a roster competition where Minnesota feels really good about the other linebackers.
Begin with Eric Wilson. He was brought back on a reasonably hefty three-year deal. At minimum, Mr. Wilson appears likely to be around for two more seasons.
Next up would be Pace. He does need a bounce back, something that feels far off given the recent play. Nevertheless, the option is there. On just a basic level, Pace is a great fit for a Brian Flores who is all gas and no brakes.
Choosing Jake Golday in the 2nd is indicative of enthusiasm for what he can offer. Again, there does need to be a process of proving to be ready, but that’s not too hard to envision.
What would then make things intense for the Vikings’ roster is if the UDFA linebacker adds — Keli Lawson and/or Scooby Williams — step up. Or does the safety depth show itself to be fantastic? All of Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, Tavierre Thomas, and Jakobe Thomas are very likely to make the 53-man roster. Seeing Kahlef Hailassie be too good to cut would make things snug, especially with Flores being so willing to shuffle a safety into linebacker spot.
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Oh, and then there’s that Harrison Smith guy. Welcoming him back to town means carving out a roster spot. He, too, can play in the box.
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0), safety Camryn Bynum (24) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrate against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Linebacker Blake Cashman is very likely to be a key component of Minnesota’s roster for 2026. He’s a good ball player and a very good leader, fully earning the green dot due to his abilities as a communicator and versatile skills. What does need to be remembered, though, is the investment in Wilson, the 2nd devoted to Golday, and then the retention of Pace. All of the sudden, Cashman needs to compete in a way he didn’t in the past pair of seasons.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) celebrates after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings drafted nine players during the 2026 NFL draft. Each of those Vikings rookies will go on their own journey, with expectations for a first-round draft pick wildly different from those for a seventh-round pick.
Caleb Banks Headlines Minnesota’s Rookie Outlook
The purpose of this article is to set realistic expectations for each of the non-Vikings rookies that were selected in the draft. Minnesota also hit the undrafted free agent market hard, making 19 signings. Those players won’t be included here, but their aim should be to surprise everyone and make the final roster. We turn our attention now to the draftees.
Pick 18: DI Caleb Banks, Florida Gators
The choice of Caleb Banks has come under criticism and is seen as a sign, largely due to his injury history, which includes a current foot injury. Banks is a risk, but he showcased his talents at the combine despite carrying the foot injury.
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He is a good fit in Brian Flores’ defense and if he can stay healthy, he should see plenty of opportunity in his rookie season. Banks’ length and strength give the Vikings a unique presence on the defensive front, allowing them to move across a variety of alignments. A healthy Banks can make an immediate impact in Minnesota.
Pick 51: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati Bearcats
Minnesota used its second-round pick to add much-needed depth at linebacker. Jake Golday has intriguing length and athleticism with starter potential.
He will have time to develop his weaknesses, such as his instincts and anticipation, with veteran LB Eric Wilson returning this year as the placeholder at the position. Golday should shine on special teams early and look to make his mark when he gets the chance in the rotation on defense.
Pick 82: DI Domonique Orange, Iowa State Cyclones
Selecting another DT with their third pick in the draft, the Vikings seemed to be making this draft about making Flores happy. Domonique Orange is a massive defensive line prospect with elite power potential, supported by impressive weight-room strength.
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His first-step explosiveness allows him to generate strong speed-to-power as a bull rusher. Expect Orange on the field on early downs and short yardage. His overall playing time this year may hinge on the health of Banks, but Orange can be a reliable lineman for the Vikings from Day 1.
Pick 97: T Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern Wildcats
The first offensive pick of the draft, being a tackle, was a bit of a surprise. Still, Caleb Tiernan is a smart, balanced, and experienced player whose limitations stem from a naturally high pad level and shorter arm length.
That could see him kick inside to guard, where the Vikings seriously lack depth with Blake Brandel on course to be the new starting center. Tiernan’s technique and football IQ give him a path to a starting role, but early in his career he can cover multiple positions, where his value this season lies.
Pick 98: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Many thought that Minnesota would prioritize the safety position and look for a starter to replace Harrison Smith. Instead, they waited until late on Day 2 to draft Jakobe Thomas.
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He offers intriguing size and physicality as an enforcer-type safety, but inconsistency in his play means plenty of development is needed for him to handle more than a rotational role, which is what he will be in his rookie season.
The Vikings selected Max Bredeson as a fullback. He never had a single rushing attempt in his college career. However, he did show he can catch passes. His value is rooted in his blocking ability, highlighted by a career-best 85.2 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025. The retirement of C.J. Ham has left the Vikings with holes at FB and on special teams that Bredeson should be able to fill.
Pick 163: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Cornerback was another position the Vikings were expected to look at early by many, but instead, it was a late-round developmental prospect that landed in Minnesota. Charles Demmings drew attention at the Combine with an explosive athletic profile and strong testing numbers.
He measured 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and posted elite explosiveness with a 42-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump. His ball skills and tackling efficiency support sleeper potential, though he will require development at the next level. His rookie year will likely be spent in the shadows.
Pick 198: HB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Demond Claiborne gives the Vikings an interesting third option at running back. With a sprinter’s track background that clearly translates to the field, his speed and acceleration can stress defenses. Claiborne offers solid receiving upside and can be the team’s RB3 with special-teams value.
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Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) awaits the snap in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images.
With Aaron Jones’ recent injury history, he might be thrown in for a bigger workload. If Kevin O’Connell uses him smartly, he can be effective.
Pick 235: C Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati Bearcats
Gerhardt brings extensive experience, having played 3,374 career snaps. In 2025, he earned a 68.4 overall grade from PFF with a 75.2 pass-blocking mark and a 66.1 run-blocking grade. He allowed just seven pressures and no sacks across 426 pass-blocking snaps, including only one pressure on 99 true pass sets.
His job is to make sure he’s second in line behind Brandel for the center job, and if the switch for Brandel doesn’t work he might get his chance.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
MLB’s hardest-throwing pitcher lived up to his reputation on Friday and then some, firing 36 pitches measured by Statcast at 100 mph or faster. Ten of them came in the first inning, when he blew away the top of the Yankees order.
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Per MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, the previous fastest pitch ever record by a starting pitcher was Jordan Hicks with a 103.2 mph fastball on July 12, 2022 (with data going back to 2008). Misiorowski threw seven pitches harder than that on Friday.
The results matched the velocity, as he struck out 11 Yankees in 6 scoreless innings while allowing only 2 hits and 2 walks. That’s a strikeout for every letter in his last name.
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For those curious, the overall fastest pitch ever tracked by MLB is 105.8 mph from Aroldis Chapman (Sept. 24, 2010).
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The most cruel moment came in the second inning. Friday marked the MLB debut of Yankees prospect Spencer Jones, who has many fans excited about a power-speed combination that saw him post 11 homers and 7 stolen bases at Triple-A before his call-up.
Here is what Misiorowski did to him in his first big-league plate appearance: 103.6 mph up and in for a called strike, 102.3 mph up and in for a swinging strike, 103.6 mph up and in fouled off, 89 mph curveball in the zone for a foul-tip strikeout.
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It’s like the Yankees outsourced his rookie hazing.
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To Jones’ credit, he did better next time, drawing a walk in the fifth inning.
Misiorowski was already well-known as a flamethrower — Friday just represented his peak (so far) when it comes to velocity. His actual results have been up and down through about a full year in MLB, but he’s been absolutely terrifying for most of 2026. He leads all qualified MLB starters with a 39.5% strikeout rate through Friday, plus a 2.43 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
Despite pleas from Joel Embiid and the best efforts of the 76ers’ ticket office, plenty of Knicks fans — including celebrity supporters Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Fat Joe — populated Xfinity Mobile Arena and provided loud support for the road team. Once again, the Sixers’ home court sounded like Madison Square Garden East.
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Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup after missing Wednesday’s Game 2 loss. He tussled early on with Karl-Anthony Towns in the post, though the Knicks center pulled Embiid toward the perimeter to create lanes to the basket and offensive-rebound opportunities. Sixers coach Nick Nurse adjusted by putting Dominick Barlow on Towns, allowing Embiid to roam near the basket for rim protection and rebounding.
But Towns still grappled with Embiid while playing defense and the two fell to the floor at least two times while fighting for position. That got Towns into foul trouble, putting him on the bench with three personal fouls as eight minutes remained before halftime.
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Knicks took control in second quarter
The 8:20 mark of the second quarter is also when the Knicks took their first lead of the game on a 3-pointer from Jose Alvarado putting them ahead, 38-35. That was part of an 11-3 run that included a ferocious poster dunk by Mitchell Robinson over Embiid on a lob from Brunson. Eventually, the Knicks outscored the Sixers 26-7 to take a 54-42 lead.
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Paul George got off to a scorching start, shooting 6-for-9 in the first quarter and hitting 3-of-4 3-pointers for 15 points. Yet he went scoreless in the second quarter as the Knicks surged ahead. George also showed zero defensive effort after his bad pass was picked off by Bridges for a fast-break layup.
The Knicks got a surprising spark off the bench late in the first quarter and midway through the second with nine points from Shamet, who hit four of his first five shots. That led to New York’s bench outscoring Philadelphia’s 16-0 in the second quarter.
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Kelly Oubre Jr. hit a Kawhi Leonard-like 3-pointer from the wing as time expired to cut the Knicks’ halftime lead to 60-52. But despite the score, New York seized control on the court and in the crowd, not letting go on either front.
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Philadelphia cut the Knicks’ lead to 78-76 with 2:28 in the third quarter, helped in part by frequently fouling Robinson and hoping he would miss free throws. However, the reserve center somewhat negated that strategy by swishing four of his eight attempts. New York built its lead back up to six points at the free-throw line before Shamet knocked down a 3 to give the Knicks a nine-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday with tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Danhausen made an insane demand from Nick Aldis ahead of tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown. Tonight’s show is the final episode of the blue brand ahead of Backlash tomorrow night.
Ahead of this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Danhausen shared a video featuring Nick Aldis. In the video, the former AEW star demanded a lifetime supply of Slim Jims from the General Manager of SmackDown. You can check out the hilarious video in the veteran’s post below.
Thanks for the submission!
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“Snap into a @SlimJim or You….Are….Cursed!” he wrote.
The former AEW star debuted with the promotion at Elimination Chamber 2026 earlier this year in Chicago. He was revealed to be inside the mystery crate at the PLE and was booed by the fans in attendance.
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However, The Very Nice, Very Evil star has developed a connection with the WWE Universe since his shaky debut and has become a fan favorite. He will be teaming up with a mystery star tomorrow night at Backlash against The Miz and Kit Wilson. There was a report earlier today revealing the promotion’s plans for the 35-year-old’s mystery tag team partner at Backlash.
Former WWE star pitches Lio Rush as Danhausen’s replacement in AEW
Wrestling veteran Stevie Richards recently suggested that Lio Rush could become Danhausen’s replacement in All Elite Wrestling.
“I’ll tell you what, Lio Rush was smart—and you know why? Who was the last person to pull off a larger-than-life, ridiculous character and get super over in AEW? Toni Storm. It was so off the charts. When he did that run into the dive, the crowd actually reacted—and this is Collision, where the energy is usually pretty quiet. You could feel it lift. They lost Danhausen to WWE, but this could be a viable replacement. Like we said about Danhausen, wrestling needs more absurdity—and this is exactly that,” said Richards.
NORMAL LIO RUSH SHOWED UP ON ROH. During Action Andretti’s match this week, regular Lio Rush without his BLACKHEART persona came at ringside and then left. The split personality gimmick is official.
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Only time will tell who the popular star’s mystery tag team partner will be at Backlash tomorrow night in Tampa, Florida.
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The second-seeded San Antonio Spurs look to retake control of their best-of-seven series when they take on the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup on Friday night in the 2026 NBA playoffs. San Antonio evened the series 1-1 with a 133-95 win on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards (knee) is available for Minnesota, while Ayo Dosunmu (heel) is listed as questionable.
Tipoff from Target Center in Minneapolis is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. The Spurs are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Spurs vs. Timberwolves odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 216.5. Before making any Timberwolves vs. Spurs picks, check out the Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
After 10,000 simulations of Spurs vs. Timberwolves, SportsLine’s model is going Under on the total (216.5). The Under has hit in five of the last seven San Antonio games, and in four of the last six Minnesota games. The Under has also hit in 30 of the last 44 Timberwolves home games. The Under has also hit in 25 of the last 45 Spurs road games, with one push.
The SportsLine model is projecting the Spurs to have just three players scoring 15 points or more, led by Victor Wembanyama’s 23.3 points. Edwards is projected to lead the Timberwolves with 20.5 points scored, as only two Minnesota players will score 14 points or more. The teams are projected to combine for 211 total points as the Under hits in 59% of simulations, making it a great selection for anybody targeting NBA parlay betting. See the Spurs vs. Timberwolves spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Under in Spurs vs. Timberwolves at FanDuel here:
ENGIE Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 9 AFL game between GWS Giants and
Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 4:15 pm with GWS Giants heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the GWS Giants vs.
Essendon Bombers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
GWS returns home on Saturday afternoon looking to reignite its season against a struggling Essendon outfit. The Giants have found life difficult away from home in 2026, but a return to ENGIE Stadium could provide the perfect opportunity to reset after last week’s loss to Gold Coast. GWS has dominated Essendon in recent meetings in Western Sydney, winning its last four home games against the Bombers by hefty margins. Essendon’s problems deepened again during a heavy defeat to Brisbane, leaving the Bombers with just one win from eight matches this season. Defensive issues and a lack of midfield consistency continue to haunt Brad Scott’s side. While injuries have impacted GWS at times, the Giants still appear far more settled structurally and will see this fixture as a valuable chance to keep pace with the top-eight race.
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.
Everyone wants to get better at golf. Even the best players in the world are always looking for any edge they can find to shoot lower scores.
The problem with most recreational golfers is that they don’t fully understand why they shoot higher scores than better players. Sure, they recognize the macro-level differences — longer drives, closer approaches, fewer putts — but they don’t always understand how better golfers consistently put themselves in position for success.
As you might expect, low-handicap golfers are more accurate off the tee than their high-handicap counterparts. But the gap between the two is smaller than you might think.
According to Arccos’ data, low single-digit handicaps (0–5) hit 50 percent of fairways across all age groups, while high-handicap players (30+) hit 40 percent. So, over the course of an average round, a low-handicap player will hit only one or two more fairways than a high-handicap playing partner.
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That’s likely a much smaller discrepancy than you expected (it certainly surprised me). But if you dig a little deeper into the data, you’ll see the biggest difference between these groups comes from the severity of their misses.
Wayward drive percentage
Arccos Golf
The table above charts the percentage of wayward drives across handicap groups, and it highlights one of the clearest differences between good and bad golfers.
According to Arccos, a “wayward drive” is any tee shot that results in either a penalty stroke or a recovery situation, such as a punch-out or layup. And as the chart shows, better golfers hit far fewer wayward drives than higher-handicap players.
A low-handicap golfer hits only about 12 percent of tee shots into this wayward category, while high-handicap golfers hit 45 percent of their drives wayward. Over a typical round, that means a low-handicap player hits only one or two drives into serious trouble. A high-handicap player, on the other hand, hits six or seven wayward drives — nearly half of all tee shots.
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So what does this mean for you? If you want to shoot scores like a low-handicap golfer, you need to drive the ball like one — and that means keeping the ball in play. You don’t need to hit every fairway, but you do need to avoid the big miss. Do that consistently, and lower scores will follow.
Juveniles Uncertain Glory along with La Barrita faced mixed results at Warwick Farm, but opportunities in Queensland await both this winter.
Warwick Farm’s two-year-old fillies maiden could become a benchmark for Brisbane’s winter carnival, with the top finisher and third both earmarked for northern campaigns.
Tommy Berry guided Michael Freedman’s Uncertain Glory ($3.90) to claim the Ranvet Plate (1000m), prevailing by a long neck over Palmanova ($11), as favourite La Barrita ($3) stormed home third, beaten by a mere short half-head.
This Zoustar daughter Uncertain Glory debuted successfully, and Berry believes she will thrive over extended trips.
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“The biggest query today was the 1000 metres. She will be better at 1100 and 1200,” Berry said.
“She was just a bit impatient in the gates. She was the same at the trials and she’s not pinging the barriers, but she has got good speed after that.
She got a little bit lost at the furlong, but I loved that when Kerrin McEvoy’s filly (La Barrita) came to her outside, she really knuckled down late.”
Michael Freedman did not attend, yet stable spokesperson Sophie Johnson shared that plans include possible Brisbane raids for the filly during the carnival.
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“He’s got a couple of options and her owner is here and he’s quite keen on the idea of going to Queensland,” Johnson said.
From Victoria came La Barrita, handled by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, as a trial run before Queensland ambitions.
Denied the win, the filly nevertheless impressed by overcoming a wide draw and hitting the line hard.
“She did everything but win,” Calvin McEvoy said.
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“She made a couple of mistakes and from a wide barrier, it was always going to be tough if she didn’t fly the gates.
We wanted to come here as a bit of a fact finding mission, hoping she could win and get the prizemoney for the $1 million Magic Millions race. That’s going to be a bit difficult now, but she is a filly that is going to love 1200 and 1400 metres.
It’s all a bit open now, but we are going to go to Queensland.”
;)
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