Precious Zaragosa closes with a 68 to forge sudden death. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Just a week removed from folding up when it mattered, Precious Zaragosa on Thursday rallied from five shots down to rule the girls’ 15-18 division of the ICTSI Junior PGT Pueblo de Oro Championship in a playoff over the same player that caused her that heartbreak.

Zaragosa closed our regulation with a four-under-par 68 to catch Zero Plete at the top at 224, before dropping a four-foot putt for par on the first hole of sudden death to win for the first time in the Visayas-Mindanao circuit in two years and exorcise the ghost of Del Monte in Bukidnon last week.

“I believed I still had a chance (at the start of the day) and kept telling myself to stay focused and give my best no matter what happens,” said the 15-year-old Zaragosa. “This victory really boosts my confidence after Del Monte.

“I’m so happy to finally get my first win in the VisMin series after failing to win last year,” she added.

After signing for a 73 to drop into that 54-hole tie, Plete three-putted the first playoff hole and failed to score a follow-up to a stirring one-shot win in Bukidnon last week when she took advantage of all of Zaragosa’s miscues. Lois Laine Go placed third with a 238 after a 77.

Alexis Nailga, meanwhile, coasted to a three-shot win in the boys’ division over Martin Lun even after submitting a birdie-less 78 for a 54-hole 229 total.

The hometown bet Lu and Bukidnon standout Clement Ordeneza were unable to capitalize as both unraveled on the frontside in a punishing stretch that paved the way for Nailga’s victory, his third in the regional series.

Lu signed for his version of a 78, while Ordaneza struggled to shoot an 80.

NU Lady Bulldogs during a game against La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Despite getting swept by unbeaten La Salle in the title series opener, National University coach Regine Diego urged her Lady Bulldogs to keep their heads high as they try to save their “three-peat” bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals when Game 2 is played on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs lost early control in the first set and then went down easily after that as the Lady Spikers shook off the cobwebs of a 17-day break before posting a 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 victory and inching closer to regaining championship glory they last tasted three years ago.

It may be frustrating, but Diego told her wards to stay confident heading into the do-or-die Game 2.

“I told them to keep their heads high because it’s not the end,” Diego said. “If we get too emotional about this loss, it’ll be harder for us to move forward.

“We just have to keep working so we can fight until the end,” Diego went on. “Of course, it’s upsetting, but we need to focus more on preparing rather than feeding in the negative atmosphere. We’re still confident heading into the next game.”

The Lady Bulldogs dropped Game 1 of the Finals for the first time since Season 85, when they lost the championship to La Salle, which debuted a superstar who won Rookie-MVP, Angel Canino, that year.

There has been no Game 3 played in the women’s title series since the Season 81 championship between Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas in 2019.

Arah Panique led NU with 18 points, Vange Alinsug backstopped her with 12, while top rookie Sam Cantada was a missing piece after struggling in her Finals debut with two points on a 1-of-18 attacking clip.

“I feel overwhelmed. It’s my first time,” Cantada said in Filipino. “But the (senior players) are there to guide me.

“I think it’s normal, especially for a first-timer like me,” she added.

Despite receiving a rude welcome in her finals debut, Cantada vowed to bounce back.

“We just keep reminding ourselves that it’s not over yet. This isn’t finished,” said Cantada. “I’ll try to rebuild my confidence starting in training, because that’s really where everything begins.”

Diego, a former player of coach Ramil De Jesus at La Salle, admitted it will be tough to stop the Lady Spikers in close-out games, but she’s confident that her Lady Bulldogs will bounce back.

Diego wants premium on composure, which was evidently missing from her team in Game 1.

“We have to learn that we can’t stop playing, especially in moments when we already have the lead,” Diego said. “We were close at the end, but we just couldn’t finish it.

“Everything in a championship series is more mental than physical. Skills are already pretty even,” she added.

Senior India pacer Umesh Yadav says Jasprit Bumrah has been trying too many things and that is the reason for his inconsistent run this IPL, while experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has succeeded because of his clear planning and ability to deliver in both the Powerplay and death overs. Bhuvneshwar is so far the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL with 17 wickets from nine games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while, on the other hand, Mumbai Indians’ Bumrah has struggled this season, picking up just three scalps from 10 games.

“Bhuvi’s and his team’s planning is clear. He bowls in the Powerplay and death overs, and his game plan is set. He is able to swing it both ways,” Umesh, a JioHotstar expert, said.

“Bhuvi is consistent with his line and length and variations, and Bumrah is trying a lot of things, which is creating problems for him.

“Bumrah is not consistent this season for Mumbai. Sometimes he is asked to bowl in the Powerplay, and sometimes he comes on to bowl in situations that are not under pressure. That is affecting him. MI needs to create chances for Bumrah to attack and give him opportunities to take wickets.”

Umesh also said that Rishabh Pant‘s form cost Lucknow Super Giants dearly. Apart from that, they failed to field the right combination.

“It’s his (Pant’s) decision, he has got responsibility and he needs to take decisions. In the last two years, his and the team’s performance has been down. This year, the batting is up and down, unlike last year.”

“The combination is not settling. Pant’s form is not good, Nicholas Pooran has only scored in the last match. Everything is not working for them. Batting is an issue this year. Everyone needs to contribute together in T20,” he said.

“Their batting order is not consistent. You are just searching; you need to believe a bit and not change the order in every match. For that, you need to sit and talk with the batters,” he added.

Asked about his predictions for the play-offs, Umesh said: “Punjab, RCB, Rajasthan and SRH are likely contenders for the top four.”

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NASCAR’s decision to move Watkins Glen to the spring will not last, as the historic road course confirmed plans to move the Cup date to the fall in 2027.

WGI will be part of the Chase for the Championship, and unless there is a dramatic change to the schedule, it will likely be the only road course in the Chase. This year, there are no road courses in the ten-race Chase after the Charlotte Roval’s late removal from the schedule.

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Why May date was questionable

This is a remarkably quick announcement for next year’s schedule, and comes after controversy surrounding the decision to move the race into early May for 2026 — the earliest in the year NASCAR has ever raced at Watkins Glen. Not only is the weather far more volatile (making for muddy conditions in the campground that fans are already battling), but it’s an odd time for CNY and the Finger Lakes region.

Many local residents keep their campers in storage until Memorial Day Weekend, and the main Gorge trail at the popular Watkins Glen State Park is not even open yet as it’s one of the slowest times of year in the region for tourism. Various local tracks (like Oswego) don’t even begin their racing season until the end of the month.

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Watkins Glen is also one of the more visually stunning tracks on the schedule, but many trees are still barren in early May as they just begin to grow spring leaves.

No official date has been set for The Glen’s 2027 date, but the confirmation for September means that it will be in the first-half of the Chase. Watkins Glen was part of the Chase in 2024, taking place on September 15 as the 28th round of the season.

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How to watch NASCAR at Watkins Glen: Weekend schedule, weather, start time, TV

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Manchester United have few problems heading into their Premier League match versus Sunderland as Michael Carrick considers his starting lineup to finish the season well

Michael Carrick looks to have a short injury list heading into this weekend’s match against Sunderland. Manchester United have already qualified for the Champions League but still have three Premier League matches remaining to end the season.

The clash with Sunderland marks the first of those as Carrick awaits a decision on his future at the club. His audition continues against the Black Cats, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

The former Middlesbrough boss has been without defender Matthijs de Ligt for the duration of his time in charge. The Dutchman has been out of action since November 30 and appears unlikely to return just yet, despite being spotted training on the grass last week.

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The other injury worry on Carrick’s hands is Benjamin Sesko. The striker was replaced at half-time of United’s win over Liverpool at the weekend after picking up an issue when he was pushed off of the pitch by Ibrahim Konate when protecting the ball.

Following that game, Carrick said: “He got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch. It’s something that he’s been carrying for a little bit as well, so we’ve had to manage him a bit but he’s certainly had a bang right on the same spot.”

No update has been forthcoming on Sesko’s progress, and it appears likely he will continue to be managed by Carrick.

In better news, Carrick will be able to choose Lisandro Martinez if he chooses. The Argentina international has served his three-match suspension after being sent off in defeat to Leeds United.

Despite a relatively clean bill of health, Carrick has suggested he will make changes in the coming matches. The 44-year-old has admitted he is ‘aware’ he has kept a consistent team heading into the final games of the season.

“I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,” he said. “Some have played a lot more than others and I understand from a professional and a playing point of view it can be difficult.

“But the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly each other, is great to see. It’s what we need within the group and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked.

“It’s the balance that we’ve made the most of really, so coming into these games it’s something we’re aware of, I think it’s really something we’re keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Connacht Rugby are entering one of the most important summers in the province’s recent history, with a significant overhaul of the squad underway ahead of the 2026/27 season.

While several big names are moving on, there is also a real sense of renewal and opportunity around the Sportsground, with experienced internationals arriving, academy talent being trusted, and long-serving servants of the province leaving behind major legacies.

For supporters, this summer feels less like an ending and more like the beginning of a fresh cycle.

Confirmed Departures

• Jack Carty — retirement
• Matthew Devine — to Ulster Rugby
• Joe Joyce — to Gloucester Rugby
• Dennis Buckley — destination unknown

Club legend Jack Carty will retire from professional rugby, bringing an end to one of the great Connacht careers of the professional era. Carty has been central to so many of Connacht’s biggest moments and leaves as one of the province’s finest ever servants.

Expected / Likely Departures

• Jack Aungier — likely to Munster Rugby
• Temi Lasisi — destination unknown
• David Hawkshaw — destination unknown
• Peter Dooley — destination unknown
• James Nicholson — destination unknown
• Chay Mullins — destination unknown
• Oisín McCormack — destination unknown
• Oisín Dowling — destination unknown

Expected To Re-Sign

The expected re-signing of Shamus Hurley-Langton would be a massive boost. He has become one of the province’s most important forwards with his relentless physicality, leadership and consistency.

Incoming Signings

• Thomas Connolly — from Old Belvedere RFC
• Jerry Cahir — from Leinster Rugby
• Ciarán Frawley — from Leinster Rugby
• Will Connors — from Leinster Rugby
• Francois van Wyk — from Bath Rugby
• Fiachna Barrett — promoted from the Academy
• Seán Naughton — promoted from the Academy
• Matthew Victory — promoted from the Academy

The headline arrivals are undoubtedly Irish internationals Ciarán Frawley and Will Connors from Leinster Rugby.

Frawley’s versatility across out-half, centre and full-back could prove invaluable, while Connors brings huge work-rate and breakdown quality when fully fit.

Former Bath Rugby prop Francois van Wyk also looks like a smart acquisition, adding size and power to the front row.

There is excitement too around the younger additions, with academy promotions underlining Connacht’s continued commitment to developing talent internally.

And for those arriving, they walk into a club and a fanbase desperate to build something exciting again.

In September, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez looks to win back a world title following his loss to Terence Crawford last year, but he has warned that it will be far from an easy task.

Crawford moved up two divisions and delivered a disciplined, intelligent performance, outboxing Canelo over twelve rounds to become a three-weight undisputed champion and strengthen his case as one of the finest fighters of his era.

For Alvarez, the loss marked the end of a dominant run at 168lbs that had seen him collect all four major world titles and establish himself as the division’s leading force. Though he remained competitive throughout, Crawford’s timing, movement and adaptability consistently disrupted the Mexican star, who struggled to impose his usual pressure and combination punching.

Crawford’s subsequent retirement scattered the super-middleweight belts and left Canelo facing a fresh path back to the top. The Mexican icon has since confirmed that he plans to return on September 12 against reigning WBC champion Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia.

Mbilli had emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders before being crowned champion, and brings an unbeaten record, aggressive style and growing momentum into the clash. His promoter, Camille Estephan, calls it his ‘arrival’ at the top.

“Let me tell you how this goes down! A lot of claims that Mbilli is the perfect style for Canelo… Christian is coming in violent and relentless. This is not a showcase. This is the arrival!”

A win would not only elevate Mbilli’s profile overnight but also solidify his status as champion. He was upgraded from interim to full champion when Crawford was stripped of the WBC belt, having retained the interim strap via a draw against Lester Martinez on the undercard back in September.

For Canelo, it represents an immediate opportunity to reclaim a world title and prove that, even after a major setback, he remains a central figure in boxing’s elite. How the fight unfolds will play a major part in the closing chapter of his career.

Crystal Palace soared into their first European final on Thursday, completing an emphatic 5-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk to give manager Oliver Glasner the chance of a fairytale end to his golden reign.

The Eagles claimed a 2-1 victory over the exiled Ukrainian team in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final thanks to an own goal from Pedro Henrique and an Ismaila Sarr strike.

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Glasner’s men will face Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig later this month after the Spanish side beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate.

“We always talked before, this is why when we were little boys we always wanted to become professional football players, and told the players this is the reward we get, and this is the reward you can’t buy,” the Palace boss told TNT Sports.

“I said this after the FA Cup final (in 2025). Now we’re playing the next final together, so it’s amazing what this group of players are doing for Crystal Palace.”

Shakhtar, desperate to recover from their 3-1 defeat in the first leg, started strongly in south London but Palace strengthened their grip on the tie at a crackling Selhurst Park in the 25th minute after a surging attack.

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Dmytro Riznyk palmed away Adam Wharton‘s stinging long-range shot but was helpless as Daniel Munoz’s follow-up from a tight angle flicked off Henrique and flew past him.

Eguinaldo gave the visitors hope with a nonchalant finish into the top corner in the 34th minute.

Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta crashed a shot against the post with an audacious scissor-kick shortly before the interval as the home side continued to threaten.

The tie was effectively over soon after the restart when Sarr turned in Tyrick Mitchell‘s cross from close range for his ninth goal in the competition this season.

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Palace saw out the game comfortably, relishing the wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.

– History makers –

The final in Leipzig on May 27 will be Glasner’s final match in charge of Palace after he announced earlier this season that he would leave when his contract expires next month.

The 51-year-old Austrian, who arrived early in 2024, has overseen a golden period for Palace, guiding them to a 1-0 win over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final — the club’s first major trophy.

Palace then beat Liverpool on penalties in the season-opening Community Shield.

The Premier League club are only in Europe’s third-tier competition because they were demoted from the Europa League before the start of the season after UEFA ruled they had breached multi-club ownership rules.

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Winning the Conference League would guarantee entry into next season’s Europa League.

Glasner, who won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, said he had never imagined reaching a continental final with Palace.

“For me personally, it’s massive because everybody who knows me, especially when I announced to leave, it was for me, more of a duty to work even harder, if this is possible, to deliver as a manager, to support the players, to support the group, and to make our fans proud.

“If you wish something, you always want your last game not to play for nothing. So you want to play for silverware, and now we can play for European silverware, and what I can promise, we will give everything we have to bring it here back to Selhurst.”

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The Ibom Air @7 Anniversary Football Tournament will begin on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

The competition is part of activities marking the seventh anniversary of Ibom Air, the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline. Kick-off time for all matches is 4pm.

The opening semi-final match will see Lagos take on Calenport on Saturday, May 9, before Abuja face Uyo in the second semi-final on Saturday, May 16.

The final of the tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at the same venue.

Organisers confirmed that all matches in the competition will be played at the Uyo Township Stadium.

The football tournament also highlights Ibom Air’s growing interest in sports development. Last year, the airline entered Nigerian football after signing a record-breaking sponsorship agreement with 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Akwa United FC.

After the tournament, Ibom Air and Akwa United will clash in a friendly match on May 30, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, began commercial operations on June 7, 2019, and currently operates domestic and regional flights.

Earlier this month, the airline also airlifted the maiden international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport, marking another major achievement for the company.