By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Araujo opens up on mental health battle and emotional Barcelona comeback: ‘Been suffering from anxiety for a year-and-a-half’
Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has finally spoken about the most difficult period of his career, revealing the mental health struggles that forced him to step away from football.
After months of silence, the defender has now returned to the pitch and, more importantly, to a better mental place.
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Following his comeback appearance against Albacete, Araujo admitted he felt both physically strong and emotionally stable again.
The defender explained that the match was an important step in his recovery and confidence.
“The truth is, I’m feeling really good. I felt very comfortable. I think I played a good game. I was also able to help with the goal, which was great for me.
“Physically, I felt strong too. At the end, I was obviously tired because I hadn’t played so many minutes in a long time, but overall, I’m very, very happy.”
The red card against Chelsea
The Uruguayan also reflected on how much he has changed since his red card in London on November 25, an incident that marked the start of his break from football.
Araujo was sent off against Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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“I’ve changed quite a bit because I’ve learned a lot during this time. I think it was what I needed to do after that decision I made.
“I feel different and I’m happy about that because I’m more comfortable, happier. I can enjoy what I love doing, which is playing football, and that helps a lot.”
When asked what exactly had changed, Araujo explained that the time away helped him gain a new perspective on life and football.
“Well, you see things from another point of view. I felt that the worst of the worst was over and now I see things differently.
“The time I took off was for a reason, because in the end I was able to work on it with professionals, with my family, and spiritually, which was what I needed.”
Looking back at the red card against Chelsea, Araujo revealed that the moment was only part of a deeper and longer struggle.
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“It was a combination of things. I hadn’t been feeling well for a long time, maybe more than a year and a half. You try to be strong, but I felt that I wasn’t well.
“Not only on a sporting level, but also on a family and personal level. I wasn’t feeling myself, and that was when I clicked and said: Something is happening, I need to raise my hand and ask for help.
“I’m one of those people who keep everything to myself, but you also have to understand that there are professionals who can help you.
“I needed to raise my hand and say that something was happening to me in order to recover.”
Been dealing with it for a long time
He also revealed the extent of the issue, admitting that anxiety had turned into depression while he was still playing matches.
Araujo has opened up on his mental state. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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“In the moment, you feel sad, but then, when the game is over, it all hits you. I already felt that I wasn’t well, that’s the truth, but out of inertia, you try to keep going, and sometimes you need help.
“I had been suffering from anxiety for a year and a half, which turned into depression, and I was playing like that. That doesn’t help, because you don’t feel like yourself on the field.
“When I wasn’t feeling well, I knew something was going on. That day, I realised that I needed to talk to professionals and the club so they could help me.”
Despite the mental struggle, Araujo insisted that quitting football was never truly on his mind.
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“I didn’t think about giving up playing, but you consider a lot of things because I wasn’t feeling myself.
“I knew my performance wasn’t what I’m capable of. That’s why you consider a lot of things, but it wasn’t the idea.”
Support from Barcelona
The defender also spoke about the reaction inside the club when he decided to speak up, starting with sporting director Deco.
“First, I spoke to Deco because he’s the sporting director and he’s close to us. I told him what was happening to me.
“At first, he was a little surprised because it’s not very common for a Barcelona player to tell him these things, but he took it very well, in a very personal way.
“From the very first minute, Deco called the president and the coach. They were spectacular.
“I’m very grateful to Deco, the president, the coach, and also to the people behind the scenes who you might not see, who are part of our day-to-day lives. The club gave me everything I needed to recover.”
Araujo is thankful to Flick. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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He also highlighted the support he received from Hansi Flick, who encouraged him to take the necessary time to recover.
“He took it very personally. Flick knows my condition, and it was clear that I wasn’t performing at my best. He knew something was going on.
“From the beginning, he sent me messages telling me to take my time recovering, that the most important thing was to get through it well.”
Araujo admitted that the dressing room also played a key role during his darkest days.
“A huge one. After making the decision, I had some really bad days. I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was hard, because I had always dreamed of playing football and now I had to stop.”
He also remembered the encouraging words from teammates, which helped him stay motivated.
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“They were all very nice messages from Pedri, Frenkie… Messages like, “Take it easy, get well, and come back as the titan you always are.” That was really nice because you see that they trust you.”
Support from the football community
Finally, Araujo revealed that the support went beyond Barcelona, with players from other clubs reaching out privately.
“That surprised me a lot. When I decided to stop, I didn’t imagine the boom it would cause, but, of course, we’re at Barça. Players from other teams in Italy and Germany.
“They appreciated what I had done.
“Some told me they had been through the same thing but had kept it to themselves because they were perhaps being paid, they were afraid to stop, afraid of how people would react.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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The past 25 years have led up to this moment.
Arizona finally broke its Elite 8 curse and is back in the Final Four.
The last time the Wildcats were here, they beat Michigan State to advance to the National Championship Game.
This time, another Big Ten program is standing in their way: The high-octane Michigan Wolverines, a team with enormous size and elite defense.
The winner of this game may very well end up as the 2026 National Champion.
Here’s my preview of what might be the best Final Four matchup in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
No. 1 Michigan vs No. 1 Arizona
Final Four
Saturday, April 4
5:49 pm PT, TBS
Indianapolis, IN
Offensive rebounding and steals.
Those are the keys to the game for Arizona.
Michigan is a great rebounding team, but the Wildcats are elite on the glass. The Cats come into the game No. 2 nationally in rebounds per game and No. 4 overall in rebounding margin.
Getting second-chance opportunities might end up being the difference in the game.
Generating extra possessions by forcing turnovers, however, is just as important.
The Wolverines are sloppy with the ball, coming into the night No. 201 nationally in turnovers per game. And they run at a high pace. That’s a weakness that must be exploited.
If Arizona can generate TOs and get transition buckets, it will be in a stronger position to win the game.
At the same time, the Cats can’t let Michigan get hot from three. The Wolverines are No. 31 overall in three-point percentage.
If they start burying their shots from deep, Tommy Lloyd’s team will be in an uncomfortable spot.
As for the individual matchups, the most important one might be the battle between Motiejus Krivas and Aday Mara. The two bigs are essentially evenly matched.
Whichever player has the better game, on both sides of the floor, could be the deciding factor at the end of the day.
Similarly, the battle between Koa Peat and Yaxel Lendeborg is critical. The two forwards could go toe-to-toe in an all-time battle on the biggest stage.
Lendeborg may be older and more experienced, but Peat is a winner who thrives in the brightest moments.
Yet, the reason why Arizona will win is Brayden Burries.
Who is going to guard him? Nimari Burnett? The guy who averages fewer than one steal per game and commits the least amount of fouls among the UM starters?
He sounds soft.
Burnett is about to learn the type of physical basketball that Arizona plays. Burries gets downhill quickly and finishes with efficiency around the rim.
Plus, the star freshman is the best three-point shooter on the Arizona squad.
Look for Burries to exploit the matchup and take it to Burnett. If Dusty May doesn’t have an answer, the Cats should win.
The Michigan coach could bring Trey McKenney off the bench to handle the defensive assignment.
But that would be a signal that the battle is already lost, potentially resulting in Burries getting even more aggressive and confident.
It’s the type of matchup where Burries could score 25 points or more. You heard it here first.
At the same time, Ivan Kharchenkov is a bit of a wildcard. There have been too many games where Kharchenkov is a high-volume, low-efficiency shooter.
In Arizona’s two losses, the freshman went a combined 10-for-28 from the field while taking 14 shots in each contest. Both were season-highs in field goal attempts, and both ended in losses.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a clear stat that jumps off the page and is something the Michigan coaching staff will know to exploit.
May’s game plan could be to slack off him from three and the midrange, essentially goading him into jacking up shots. If those shots aren’t falling and Kharchenkov keeps taking them, it could play directly into Michigan’s hands.
The Wolverines are also an elite shot-blocking team. They come into the matchup No. 2 in the country in blocks per game.
That means Arizona might need to have its stroke going from the midrange.
Jaden Bradley, Burries, and Peat’s efficiency from the edge of the paint and inside the arc could end up being a game-changer. If the Cats aren’t making those shots, Michigan might end up on top.
But if Arizona forces turnovers, scores in transition, and gets second-chance buckets, the Wildcats could find themselves in the National Championship Game.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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LAS VEGAS — Shortly after the Vegas Golden Knights put the wraps on their first practice under John Tortorella, the rink at City National Arena turned into something far more meaningful than a workspace.
It became a reunion hall. A reminder. A quiet, emotional tribute to the bonds this sport builds and never breaks.
Instead of heading to his dressing room, Rasmus Andersson headed to the opposite corner of the rink, toward a familiar handful of Calgary Flames staffers and players standing along the glass. He left the ice, sat down on an equipment box in full gear, still sweating, still catching his breath, and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Former teammates, equipment staff, trainers, friends who’d watched him grow from an 18‑year‑old kid into a 29‑year‑old leader.
They emerged from the Flames dressing room, spotted him, and broke into smiles that said everything. Andersson stood to hug each of them, laughed with them, held onto them a little longer than usual.
“It’s friends for life, it’s family,” he said afterward.
“I grew up there. I spent 10 years growing up with them. You spend more time with them than your own family sometimes.”
Fifteen feet away, another reunion unfolded.
Jack Eichel, Keegan Kolesar and a handful of Golden Knights players stepped off the ice when they spotted Zach Whitecloud — their former teammate who was traded to Calgary in the Andersson deal — waiting for them with the same grin, the same warmth, the same open‑armed welcome.
Two reunions. Two players who were clearly beloved.
And for a few minutes, their Pacific Division rivalry paused. The standings didn’t matter. The playoff race didn’t matter. The new jerseys didn’t matter.
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Whitecloud admitted the moment hit him harder than he expected.
“It’s a lot of emotions, but I think the main emotion is just sadness,” said Whitecloud, who won a Stanley Cup with Vegas.
“Those are guys I went to war with. A lot of ups, a lot of big downs, a lot of tough times, a lot of good times. It’s sad seeing those guys because it reminds you of the times you had. But you’re also grateful that you had them.”
He didn’t expect the outpouring of love. But he understood it.
“You don’t expect anything, but guys who treat people how they want to be treated — those guys go a long way in this game,” said Whitecloud.
“People don’t forget. When you’re done playing, the No. 1 thing you want to be remembered for is not the hockey player, it’s the person.”
He learned that from Alex Pietrangelo, from Mark Stone, from Nic Hague and Nic Holden, “All guys who lead by example.”
For Andersson, the reunion was overwhelming in its own way.
He admitted he spent the first few minutes of practice distracted, sneaking glances at his old teammates watching along the glass.
“I saw Depo (equipment manager Mark DePasquale) in the corner and I kind of focused on them a little too much at the start of practice, so I missed a couple easy passes,” he laughed, following his first practice under Tortorella.
“As soon as practice was over, I wanted to skate over and say hi to all of them.”
Wednesday night, he took the entire Flames team and staff out for dinner. And he paid.
Because that’s what family does.
Thursday’s game also included all the feels, as a video tribute to Whitecloud prompted a stirring standing ovation that touched his soul, as he circled to acknowledge the crowd by tapping his heart.
“It goes to show you how much both those players meant to their teams while they were with them,” said Ryan Huska.
“They have a lot of good friends on both sides, and they spent a lot of time with each other’s organizations. It goes to the character that both the players have.”
Noah Hanifin, who knows both players well, summed it up perfectly.
“The bond we have with the guys over there is special,” said Hanifin, now reunited with Andersson as his defensive partner.
“Equipment guys, trainers, players, that’ll never go away, even when I’m done with hockey.
“Whitey is the man. Unbelievable competitor, great human being, a leader. Soft‑spoken but a winner. Those relationships never go away.”
The love-in all served as a reminder that the game ends, but the relationships don’t. That the jersey changes, but the person doesn’t. That the wins fade, but the memories don’t.
Andersson admitted he was nervous about his first game against a team and a franchise that did so much for him and his family.
“It’ll go forever,” said Andersson, who had a nifty assist in a 6-3 Vegas win that included a 25-minute delay to repair ice damaged when the Zamboni lifted up a logo from under the ice in the second intermission.
“It will always be that special bond.”
Whitecloud said it just as well:
“Everyone’s going to see Zach the human being, how you treated the rink staff, the security guys, the gate guy,” he said of legacy.
“That’s what lasts.”
Whitecloud’s reputation in Vegas is so stellar, the marquee outside the rinkside Beerhaus read simply, “Welcome back Whitecloud.”
On a random Wednesday in Vegas, two reunions broke out at once.
And for everyone watching, it was impossible not to feel something.
Marvel Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 4 AFL game between Western Bulldogs and
Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Western Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Western Bulldogs vs.
Essendon Bombers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday April 5, 2026 at 7:20 pm
Where: Marvel Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Odds
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Preview
Well rested and appearing near peak condition, this side enters the clash with confidence and a clear game plan. Their ability to control possession and apply sustained pressure has been a standout feature, while their defensive setup has limited opposition scoring opportunities. The challenge will be maintaining intensity across four quarters against a determined opponent. Expect a structured and disciplined approach, with key contributors likely to play decisive roles. This match shapes as another opportunity to reinforce their standing and continue building a strong early-season platform.
First Goal Scorer
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 5 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and
Canberra Raiders. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs.
Canberra Raiders
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday April 5, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Odds
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Following a high-scoring encounter last week, this side will look to tighten its defence while maintaining attacking fluency. Their ability to create opportunities is clear, but consistency across both halves will be crucial. Their opponents will aim to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities. Expect an entertaining contest, with momentum likely to shift throughout. Execution under pressure and defensive discipline will be key factors in determining the outcome.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Teams
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Wilson De Courcey 20. Cody Hopwood 21. Francis Manuleleua 22. James Schiller
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Matthew Timoko 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jed Stuart 22. Daine Laurie
Asterisk Talley says it was pretty cool.
She’d been asked for her thoughts after finishing as the only player to go bogey free through two rounds at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur — but her response could’ve also worked for a couple other questions. Her play overall at Champions Retreat, where she topped the leaderboard? Pretty cool. Her mindset heading into Saturday’s final round at the tournament’s namesake? Pretty cool.
And all that’s, well, pretty cool.
Below is a look at the leaderboard, a record set, surprising players who missed the cut, highlights, quotes and schedule for Friday and Saturday.
Augusta National Women’s Amateur Round 2 leaderboard (and a record set)
Talley, after shooting a six-under 66 during Wednesday’s first round, fired a 67 during Thursday’s second round, and she leads by one shot over Meja Ortengren and Maria Jose Marin.
Talley, a 17-year-old who’s committed to Stanford University, birdied her first three holes, parred the next 10, birdied 14 and 15 and parred out from there. Combining her play on Wednesday and at last year’s ANWA — where she finished runner-up — Talley has gone bogey free for a tournament-record 48 straight holes.
Here is the ANWA top 10 after two rounds:
1, Asterisk Talley, 11-under (66-67)
T2, Meja Ortengren, 10-under (67-67)
T2, Maria Jose Marin, 10-under (65-69)
T4, Andrea Revuelta, 6-under (66-72)
T4, Avery Weed, 6-under (68-70)
T6, Lauren Kim, 5-under (68-71)
T6, Soomin Oh 5-under (65-74)
T6, Arianna Lau, 5-under (68-71)
T6, Gyubeen Kim, 5-under (69-70)
T6, Amelie Zalsman, 5-under (67-72)
T6, Chloe Kovelesky, 5-under (69-70)
T6, Raegan Denton, 5-under (67-72)
T6, Vanessa Borovilos, 5-under (66-73)
3 surprising players who missed the cut at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
–Megha Ganne: Last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur winner shot rounds of 77 and 74.
–Eila Galitsky: The world’s eighth-ranked amateur shot 74 and 70.
–Rianne Malixi: The 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur winner shot rounds of 73 and 71.
Highlights of the day
Below are a few, courtesy of the ANWA X feed:
Quotes of the day
“That’s pretty cool.”
–Talley, when asked about going without a bogey over the first two rounds
“No fights, no fights.”
–Ortengren, when asked if she got into any when she revealed she’s also played hockey
“It has been my best friend, which I don’t say usually.”
–Marin, on her putter
Quote from Bailey Shoemaker
Below, Bailey Shoemaker talks with GOLF’s Claire Rogers after her pre-shot routine on Wednesday went viral.
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder clash in a heavyweight showdown at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, with DAZN offering multiple ways to watch including a subscription that includes the PPV at no extra cost
This weekend, boxing titans Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder will face off in London. The heavyweight clash is set for Saturday (April 4) at the O2 Arena in the capital, and fans can order the fight here.
The bout will be the 50th professional fight for both ‘Del Boy’ and ‘The Bronze Bomber’, and it could potentially be the last, as rumours suggest Chisora may retire post-fight. The London-born boxer has had a distinguished career, having faced off against big names such as Tyson Fury, David Haye, and Vitali Klitschko.
Chisora enters the ring on the back of three consecutive victories and boasts a record of 36-13 (23 KOs), while Wilder stands at 44-4-1 (43 KOs). The former WBC champion has lost four of his last six bouts, including two stoppage defeats to Fury in Las Vegas.
Ahead of the showdown, Chisora stated that he will remain friends with Wilder regardless of the outcome on Saturday. Speaking to The Ring, he said: “It’s all love, but when that bell goes off, I need to get to him.
“If I give him space, it’ll be a long night for me. I have to get to him and smash him up.”.
Typically, boxing enthusiasts would need to purchase the Chisora vs Wilder fight on pay-per-view, but there’s also an option to watch it for free.
When is Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder?
Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, with live coverage commencing at 7pm. The main event’s ringwalks are expected to begin at around 10.25pm.
How to watch Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder for free
The Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight is being broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN, which offers several ways to watch the bout. Firstly, the PPV is included at no extra cost for fans who subscribe to DAZN’s Ultimate Tier.
This £24.99 subscription includes a minimum of 12 PPV fights per year – such as Wardley vs Dubois (May 9) and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) – along with an additional 185 fight nights. Subscribers can choose to pay monthly or annually, with DAZN stating that the subscription could potentially save customers £320 per year compared to purchasing 12 individual PPV fights.
Secondly, DAZN is offering a discounted bundle for the Wilder vs Chisora and Wardley vs Dubois PPVs at a price of £39.99. Lastly, the Wilder vs Chisora fight can also be purchased as a standard PPV for a one-off price of £24.99.
DAZN holds the exclusive rights to the Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight, meaning it won’t be shown by competing broadcasters such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
Full Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight card
- Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder (heavyweight)
- Viddal Riley vs Matuesz Masternak (for the European cruiserweight title)
- Denzel Bentley vs Endry Saavedra (middleweight)
- Matty Harris vs Franklin Igantius (heavyweight)
- Amir Anderson vs Jordan Dujon (middleweight)
- Ashton Sylve vs Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez (super lightweight)
Sports
Bogota 2026 Day 5: Women’s predictions ft. Varvara Lepchenko vs Emiliana Arango, Marie Bouzkova vs Darja Semenistaja
All quarterfinal matches will be contested on Day 5 (Friday, April 3) of the Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio 2026 in Bogota. A new champion will be crowned following the loss of two-time defending champion Camila Osorio in the second round.
Only two seeded players have made the quarterfinals, top seed Marie Bouzkova and eighth seed Panna Udvardy. With some interesting matches set in store, here’s a look at the predictions for all the singles matches lined up on Day 5 of the Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio:
Thanks for the submission!
#1. Varvara Lepchenko vs Emiliana Arango
Lepchenko scored three-set wins over Lia Karatancheva and second seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to make the quarterfinals of the Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio. She hadn’t won a main draw at the WTA level since October 2024 prior to her wins this week. She’s also through to her first quarterfinal since September 2018.
Arango beat Maria Lourdes Carle and Guiomar de Reales to reach the last eight here. She now has a 3-8 record this year. This will be her first meeting against Lepchenko. The latter managed to score her biggest win in years by beating Bouzas Maneiro. However, stringing together three wins in a row, a feat she hasn’t accomplished in nearly a decade, could prove to be a tall order for her.
Winner: Emiliana Arango
#2. Jazmin Ortenzi vs Julia Riera
Qualifier Ortenzi took down two-time defending champion Camila Osorio to reach the Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio quarterfinals, her first at the WTA level. Riera upset sixth seed Anna Blinkova in the previous round to book her spot in the last eight.
While this will be the first meeting between them on the WTA Tour, Riera won both of their previous matches, also on clay, at the ITF and Challenger levels. She will be favored to triumph once again based on her record in this rivalry.
Winner: Julia Riera
#3. Marie Bouzkova vs Darja Semenistaja
Bouzkova won her second-round match in Bogota after her opponent, Hanne Vandewinkel, retired after losing the first set. She’s through to her first quarterfinal of the season. Semenistaja hadn’t even won a main draw match prior to this week, and she has now reached the first WTA quarterfinal of her career.
This will be the first career meeting between them. Bouzkova has a 7-8 record this season, and Semenistaja hasn’t even won that many main draw matches in her career at the WTA level thus far. The Czech player will be favored to win this duel.
Winner: Marie Bouzkova
#4. Panna Udvardy vs Katarzyna Kawa
Udvardy needed three sets to dispatch Maria Torres and Julieta Pareja to make the Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio quarterfinals. She improved her record for the season to 3-3 with her run here. Competing in the main draw of a tournament for the first time this year, Kawa beat Carole Monnet and fourth seed Tatjana Maria to make the last eight here, that too without losing a set.
While they’ve never crossed paths on the main tour prior to this, Kawa won all three of their previous matches at the ITF and Challenger levels. Two of those wins were on clay as well. As such, the Pole will fancy her chances of scoring yet another win.
Winner: Katarzyna Kawa
Edited by Rohit
LOS ANGELES — The Nashville Predators defeated the Los Angeles Kings in a shootout, 5-4, on April 2, 2026 at Crpto.com Arena and The Sporting Tribune’s Jordan Teller was there to capture the following TST Images.
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings on the ice during warm ups before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings on the ice during warm ups before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is greeted by his family before being honored by the team before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is greeted by his family before being honored by the team before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is honored for his twenty years with the franchise before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is honored for his twenty years with the franchise before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Former Los Angeles Kings player Luc Robitaille gives Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings a golden stick before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Former Los Angeles Kings player Luc Robitaille gives Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings a golden stick before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
1,308 foam pucks are dropped on the ice to honor Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
1,308 foam pucks are dropped on the ice to honor Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings dives on the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings dives on the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators scores a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators scores a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Alex Laferriere #14 of the Los Angeles Kings and Erik Haula #56 of the Nashville Predators line up for a face off during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Alex Laferriere #14 of the Los Angeles Kings and Erik Haula #56 of the Nashville Predators line up for a face off during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Matthew Wood #71 of the Nashville Predators and Scott Laughton #21 of the Los Angeles Kings get chippy during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Matthew Wood #71 of the Nashville Predators and Scott Laughton #21 of the Los Angeles Kings get chippy during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Steven Stamkos #91, Ryan O’Reilly #90, and Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators celebrate a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Steven Stamkos #91, Ryan O’Reilly #90, and Zachary L’Heureux #68 of the Nashville Predators celebrate a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings on the ice after giving up a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings on the ice after giving up a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Reid Schaefer #49 of the Nashville Predators takes a fist to the face from Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Reid Schaefer #49 of the Nashville Predators takes a fist to the face from Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Los Angeles Kings celebrate a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
The Los Angeles Kings celebrate a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Kings mascot Bailey throws popcorn on fans during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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Los Angeles Kings mascot Bailey throws popcorn on fans during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Joel Armia #40 of the Los Angeles Kings ties the game in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Joel Armia #40 of the Los Angeles Kings ties the game in the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Los Angeles Kings celebrate the game-tying goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
The Los Angeles Kings celebrate the game-tying goal during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
A young Los Angeles Kings fan looks on during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
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A young Los Angeles Kings fan looks on during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators makes a save in the shootout against Artemi Panarin #10 of the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators makes a save in the shootout against Artemi Panarin #10 of the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Luke Evangelista #77 of the Nashville Predators scores the game-winning goal in the shootout during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
Luke Evangelista #77 of the Nashville Predators scores the game-winning goal in the shootout during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Nashville Predators celebrate a shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller – The Sporting Tribune
The Nashville Predators celebrate a shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL hockey game, Thursday April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Three in the net, three tacos you get.
The game wasn’t 22 minutes old when SAP Center’s 15,000-plus burst into a thunderous roar.
Not only had the plucky home team built a 3-0 lead, but San Jose’s shooters had already met Taco Bell’s promotional quota for everyone who paid to watch the up-and-coming Sharks outskate the downtrodden Maple Leafs to redeem their ticket for a savoury snack.
Yes, on the night Toronto’s nine-year playoff streak was officially crunched, it was raining tacos in Northern California.
What happened in The Tank Thursday night was also good for the tank in Toronto.
“They come out hot. They were buzzing. They got two goals right off the bat,” Simon Benoit said, following a 4-1 loss the wild-card-hunting Sharks.
“They have momentum. They’re fighting for that spot. So, everything is urgency for them — and for us. You know, everybody’s playing for something, even though… I think we’re eliminated, right?”
Anyone in Toronto who stayed up late for a 10:08 p.m. ET puck drop saw two franchises passing each other in the natural competitive cycle that is the NHL’s salary cap era.
The Sharks bottomed out not so long ago and were rewarded with saviour Macklin Celebrini, not unlike the Maple Leafs pulling the plug in 2016 to scoop Auston Matthews. They’ve missed the playoffs six straight times, watching attendance and interest and talent drain away.
But today, they’ve won four in a row straight. They’re playing fast and free and find themselves playing house-money hockey with two weeks left on the calendar.
Amazing what the hope of youth can do to energize a building, to say nothing of free fast food.
“It’s a great building,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “Back in the day, coming in here was a tough place to play. First period was like, ‘Woah.’ I mean, you gotta get out of the first period. But they’re definitely getting that attitude back here with their team.”
The Maple Leafs mustered merely six shots in the first period and five in the second. They were so hesitant to advance the puck and to rip it on net.
The Sharks, who’d just won an emotional comeback game here less than 24 hours prior, attacked the night with abandon.
Berube noted how San Jose’s young legs blow the zone as soon as they gain possession, looking to spring breakaways and odd-man rushes. Goalie Anthony Stolarz mentioned the challenge of blind behind-the-net passes to the F3 barrelling into the slot.
Their recoveries are speedy, their O-zone attacks dynamic and energetic.
“No doubt, they’ve been building. They got a lot of speed, a lot of skill up front. They use the width of the ice and the length very well,” John Tavares said.
“And when you when you get a player like 71 — one of the best in the game as a teenager — it’s pretty amazing how things can turn for a franchise.”
The mood around the ’26 Sharks is not so different than the vibes that percolated around the ’16 Leafs. Heck, the way things are trending, we might be saying this about the ’36 Leafs, too.
“They’re quick,” Berube said. “They got some good skill over there, and they try to extend the rink quickly.”
The veteran Maple Leafs have struggled this season when facing opponents that lean into a high-pace attack.
“They have their routes, and they’re kind of committed to it. Every time they would dump it in, there’s always a guy waiting for it,” Stolarz said. “As soon as their D touch the puck in the defensive zone, their wingers are flying.
“They have a lot of skill, a lot of speed, a lot of youth on that team. And it’s extremely impressive how they’ve meshed and how they can find one another.”
Funny, not funny: the losing room used to say similar things about the Maple Leafs’ emerging stars.
Unburdened, yet, by outside expectations or complicated by contract demands.
“They’re really young, right? Anaheim, they’re young. Sharks are young,” Benoit said.
“I mean, they’ve drafted well. And they’ve progressed in that sense of they rebuilt — but it didn’t take them 10 years. They took a couple years, and then it’s been working out for them.”
• As the Maple Leafs and Sharks were asleep, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake rocked the Bay Area. No one was harmed. Some didn’t even notice.
“I guess I’m an earthquake survivor again,” smiled ex-Shark Steven Lorentz, who has endured seven of them. “A little bit scary.”
“I’m rattled,” Jake McCabe added. “I woke up to the alert on my phone, and I was pissed that I didn’t wake up (in the middle of it). I’ve always been wanting to feel one.”
• What is the most unique thing about Celebrini?
“A kid of that age and what he’s doing, it’s right here,” Berube replied, pointing to his head. “He’s smart. He’s a very intelligent player. He goes to the Olympics to play with a guy like (Connor) McDavid and (Nathan) MacKinnon and stuff, and the coach keeps putting him out there with those guys and using him — and they want to play with him. You have to have intelligence.”
You see that hockey sense watching the kid anticipate plays with and without the puck from up high. Go see him if he comes to your town.
As impactful as San Jose’s MVP candidate was in this one, he did not register a point, marking just the second time all season the Sharks have won without their phenom splashing the scoresheet. They improved to 2-16-3 on the season when Celebrini gets shut out.
“We did a decent job on him today,” Tavares said.
• Celebrini rightly hogs headlines for painting this town teal, but the breakout of sophomore Collin Graf is intriguing.
The undrafted Quinnipiac University product quadrupled his rookie goal total Thursday, sniping his 20th on the season. It stood as the winner.
No, Graf won’t always convert on 18 per cent of his shots, but doing so in his first contract year is smart timing.
• Easton Cowan says he missed George Springer and Ernie Clement’s mic’d-up moment last week, as the two Blue Jays gushed over the Leafs rookie when attending a game at Scotiabank Arena. They met up in the Leafs’ room as well.
“Easton Cowan, that’s my guy,” Clement tells Springer in the clip. “He’s a grinder.”
“Clement’s my favourite player, too, so that was pretty cool,” Cowan says. “We had a good talk and just hearing some stories from Springer too, it was awesome.”
Cowan says he appreciates Clement’s versatility and attitude.
“Can play wherever, brings good vibes, and he was really good in the post-season,” Cowan says. “Definitely super cool.”
• Meanwhile, in the OHL playoffs…
Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue scored a beautiful Michigan goal in Game 4 of Ottawa’s first-round series versus Kingston. McCue, 20, was a seventh-round pick by Toronto in 2024.
Around 40% of clubs in England’s top four divisions of men’s football have changed their manager this season, and one in four of those teams have made more than one change.
With those stats still so high, I am sure people outside the game must be wondering about the process of appointing a manager.
In my day, I never once put on a presentation in front of a chairman or board of directors as part of any interview process.
Usually it was your management record, and your relative success with the respective budgets you’d been given, that would seal the deal.
Today, that has all changed. Many managers and coaches, I’m told, pay to have these presentations professionally prepared for them.
Before you get to that stage, however, club owners and chairmen will rely on their sporting director and chief executive to compile a list of names.
As I’ve mentioned in previous columns about the lack of opportunities now for British managers, with so many foreign owners in our game, there are lots of foreign sporting directors too, so it is not surprising they appoint managers and coaches they know.
Also, the agents who have assisted the owners when they purchased the club, will often have a big say on who the sporting director is too.
Players will also flow into some clubs in a similar fashion, I’m sure, and I’m afraid all of this impinges on managers and coaches from this country, who are not part of that network.
Academy coaches from the top clubs are finding a way through the system, as I am sure their contacts with clubs’ young players is part of their appeal.
It is definitely a route into management that is worth following but I am sure any ex-professionals who have followed it will have quickly been exposed to the key difference between managing at academy level and being in charge of a club’s first team.
Unlike academy football, which is about development, first-team football is about winning.
Every week you will be judged on your result and, no matter what philosophy you employ, the fanbase and the people above you will react accordingly.
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