Meralco Bolts’ Jordon Varnado during a game vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Jordon Varnado knocked down huge shots in his debut as Meralco took down Barangay Ginebra, 97-88, to stay in the hunt for a quarterfinals berth in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Varnado scored 12 of his 31 points in the final three minutes as the Bolts staved off the Gin Kings’ pesky comeback attempts to secure a much-needed victory that snapped a four-game skid.

Meralco improved to 3-5 behind Varnado, who was reactivated after playing the last six games with Antonio Hester.

He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks while staying in the game after shaking off what initially looked like a twisted ankle during a fastbreak situation.

It was an impressive showing by Varnado after sitting out Meralco’s opening assignment against Phoenix last month, prompting the team to tap Hester.

Chris Newsome posted 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals even as Cliff Hodge added 13 points and seven rebounds to put Meralco out of the cellar in Group B, jumping to fifth out of six teams in the standings.

Ginebra dropped to the bottom of the group at 2-4 despite 34 points and 10 rebounds from import Riley Grigsby and 21 points from RJ Abarrientos.

Scottie Thompson made his conference debut for Ginebra after recovering from a hamstring injury and finished with four points, six rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes.

David Benavidez has the full support of WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman as he looks to further establish himself in the cruiserweight division.

The 29-year-old made his 200lb debut in May, becoming a three-division world champion by dethroning Gilberto Ramirez with an emphatic sixth-round stoppage.

In doing so, Benavidez claimed the WBO and WBA titles while also retaining his WBC light-heavyweight strap, so as to afford himself the option of moving back down to 175lbs.

Since then, though, it would seem that the American has decided to remain at cruiserweight, having successfully lobbied the WBC to position him as its mandatory challenger.

WBC champion Noel Mikaelian, meanwhile, was already rumoured to be facing Jai Opetaia, who became Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight titlist by unanimously outpointing Brandon Glanton earlier this year.

But while their contest has now been announced for September 12, featuring on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, Mikaelian could soon be forced to relinquish his world title.

This is because, according to BoxingScene, Sulaiman has threatened to strip the 35-year-old of his belt unless he and promoter Don King agree to a fight with Benavidez.

From an outside perspective, it seems the Benavidez showdown is becoming increasingly unlikely, given that Mikaelian has reportedly signed to face Opetaia, a former IBF champion, and is attempting to distance himself from the notorious King.

Benavidez, however, is set to secure his three-belt unification match regardless, potentially with WBC ‘interim’ champion Michal Cieslak standing in the opposite corner.

The Polish veteran claimed his secondary title against Jean Pascal, who he stopped in four rounds, but has not fought since their cruiserweight contest in June 2025.

Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin bow out in Chess quarterfinals

India’s campaign in the Chess tournament at the Esports World Cup ended in the quarterfinals on Friday, with Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin finishing among the top eight.Arjun, representing Gen.G Esports, lost to Team Falcons’ Hikaru Nakamura after their quarterfinal was decided in an Armageddon tiebreak.The four regulation games all ended in draws, leaving the match level and forcing a decider. Nakamura had White in the Armageddon game and converted his advantage before checkmating Arjun to reach the semifinals.It was another close meeting between the two Grandmasters. Nakamura had also beaten Arjun in last year’s third-place playoff at the tournament.Nihal also faced a familiar opponent in his quarterfinal, taking on defending champion Magnus Carlsen of Team Liquid in a repeat of last year’s knockout stage.Carlsen won the first two games before the third ended in a draw, giving him a 2.5-0.5 victory and sending him into the semifinals as he continues his title defence.The other two quarterfinals also needed decisive results. AG.AL’s Denis Lazavik beat Natus Vincere’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov in Armageddon, while Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja defeated GodLike Esports’ Hans Moke Niemann 2.5-1.5.The semifinal line-up will see Nakamura face Lazavik, while Carlsen will meet Firouzja in a repeat of last year’s final.Although Arjun and Nihal did not make the semifinals, their quarterfinal appearances gave India its best showing in the Chess event. Both players will receive USD 75,000 each from the tournament’s USD 1.5 million (approximately Rs 14.3 crore) prize pool.India’s four-player contingent also featured S8UL Esports’ Pranesh M, who was knocked out in the Lower Bracket a day earlier. He earned USD 55,000 (approximately Rs 52.5 lakh).S8UL’s Aravindh Chithambaram, who exited during the Play-Ins, received USD 23,000 (approximately Rs 21.9 lakh).The EWC Chess playoffs now move into the semifinals, which will be played across six games. The championship match will follow a best-of-three sets format. The first two sets will consist of four games each, while a third set, if required, will have two games to decide the champion.

Former British champion and Olympic bronze medallist David Price has assessed whether his countryman, Conor Benn, possesses the necessary hand speed to defeat Ryan Garcia.

The two welterweights will square off at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on September 12, with Garcia making a first defence of his WBC world title.

It was arguably a career-best performance that saw him dethrone Mario Barrios in February, scoring a first-round knockdown before winning a wide unanimous decision.

But despite coming off this dominant display, Garcia was far less impressive when he returned from a year-long doping ban and lost on points to Rolando Romero in May 2025.

Still, many would argue that the 28-year-old has shown signs of world-class quality, while Benn remains glaringly unproven at the top level.

The 29-year-old has also not fought at 147lbs since 2022, with his last two outings resulting in unanimous decision victories over faded versions of Chris Eubank Jr and Regis Prograis.

Against Eubank, in particular, Benn’s speed seemed a key factor in their two middleweight encounters last year, despite him suffering a points defeat the first time around.

As he approaches this welterweight contest against Garcia, though, former heavyweight contender Price has told The Smith Brothers that he sees Benn contending with an unfamiliar disadvantage.

“I think I [favour Garcia]. Conor Benn’s got great hand speed, but I think [Garcia’s] hand speed could make the difference in the fight.”

Like Garcia, Benn tested positive for a banned substance – clomifene – and was eventually removed from his cancelled 2022 encounter with Eubank.

The best defensive linemen are the ones who play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Think back to some of the elite players of recent years such as Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and J.J. Watt (among others). How often did those guys get behind the blockers?

Vikings d-lineman Jalen Redmond isn’t at that level (or, for that matter, likely to get to that level). Still, he’s a good player who is getting better.

Jeff Diamond used to be the Vikings’ GM. He now offers his work for Vikings Territory, writing a weekly column for us. Check out what he had to say of the ascending talent: “In watching pass rush drills on Wednesday, Darrisaw did a good job on Dallas Turner and Donovan Jackson had a solid rep against Jalen Redmond who has been in the backfield often in camp practices” (emphasis added).

Vikings D-Lineman Jalen Redmond Ready to Explode

In 2024, Mr. Redmond was a promising player who represented a good story. His 18 tackles alongside the single sack and 6 tackles for loss were representative of promise.

The 2023 undrafted talent always boasted nice athleticism but didn’t stick around in the NFL after Carolina scooped him up. A major part of his problem was health, or lack thereof. Still, the lineman ran a blistering 4.81 forty, a terrific time for somebody at his position. The Panthers moved on but nobody in the NFL gave him a deal to stick around.

What followed was a trip to the spring football league before getting a shot with the Vikings. All along, his chance of making the final roster was small, but he overcame the odds in that ’24 season.

Part of what’s missing within that all-too-tidy retelling is that Redmond got shuffled around in that 2024 season.

On October 11th, 2024, Jalen Redmond was waived by the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL’s 31 teams had a shot to snag the defender for free. No team decided to do so, allowing the Vikings to put him on the practice squad on October 14th. He then got elevated to the active roster again on October 19th.

The back-and-forth between the practice squad and roster continued for October, meaning he was vulnerable to getting poached the whole time. Minnesota tossed him back onto the roster on November 6th of 2024.

Looking back, it’s wild that no NFL team saw how good he would become. Goodness, it’s wild that the Vikings took the risk to expose him to getting stolen away.

Since then, Redmond has proven to be indispensable for where the Minnesota Vikings are going. He’s one of the few young talents to be on the cusp of breaking through into the range of “very good” or possibly even “elite.”

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Jalen Redmond’s first career sack!

Brian Asamoah does a good job of getting upfield on the Zero blitz and forcing Mills to step up in the pocket. The LG abandoned his block on Redmond to go block Ward, but he had no inside help, which freed up Redmond for the sack. pic.twitter.com/aUBOiFIsVA

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) October 5, 2024

Last year, Redmond had 62 tackles; 12 of his tackles were for a loss (in the backfield, as Diamond’s recent observation notes). The Vikings d-lineman also had 6 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 5 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble.

Quite possibly, Jalen Redmond will see a boost in production in 2026. Some of that is likely to be due to his own improvement and yet there’s a broader contextual argument. Is the front seven talent around Redmond better?

Adding Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange means welcoming a youth movement in the trenches. Some of the other key actors in play are Levi Drake Rodriguez, Ty Ingram-Dawkins, and Elijah Williams, none of whom are yet at their third pro seasons. Can youthful speed stress the other team’s o-line sufficiently to create more room for Redmond to do damage?

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Jalen Redmond is a 6’3″ and 305-pound lineman who is 27. Per Over the Cap, Redmond is demanding just $1,075,000 on the cap. Continuing to get into the backfield will mean seeing his compensation explode in the offseason of 2027.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

It seems like only yesterday that Away Game was actively participating in sprint races across Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Away Game triumphed in the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic held at the Gold Coast and was subsequently retired after finishing last in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in September 2022, having accumulated five victories and 11 minor placings from 26 starts.

Lady Catalina, the inaugural foal of Away Game and a yearling purchased for $1.8 million by Written Tycoon, is slated for her fifth start this Saturday. This event will mark her debut in Melbourne, competing in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

Lady Catalina’s developmental trajectory has not been as swift as that of Away Game; she commenced her racing career in March with a maiden win at Newcastle before eventually competing in Brisbane during the winter carnival.

Upon returning to Ciaron Maher’s Sydney training facilities, Lady Catalina was prepared for her comeback run through a trial at Warwick Farm on August 4, before being transferred to Maher’s Ballarat stable last weekend.

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, confirmed that Lady Catalina underwent a workout at Ballarat on Tuesday to ready her for Saturday’s contest.

“She’s a winner and is Stakes placed and had a gallop at Ballarat on Tuesday, and she seems to be in very good form,” Turnbull said.

Considering her breeding, the Maher team is keen to secure a Black Type victory for Lady Catalina.

Turnbull indicated that the filly would be targeted towards fillies’ Black Type races in the weeks ahead and, if her form supported it, a potential entry into the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.

He remarked that the Saturday race represents a favourable starting point.

“It’s usually a good form line type of race,” Turnbull commented.

“It could be a Coolmore preparation for some, or they could go down the filly’s path.”

The Maher stable has not made a final decision regarding Ghana’s Akan’s participation in Saturday’s race, given her draw from gate 18 in a 19-horse field.

“We drew wide first-up, and she did a bit of work. She was good, without being brilliant,” Turnbull stated.

“It’s disappointing (the draw), you either go back or try to blend in, that’s if we’re taking part.”

For those interested in the betting markets for the race, exploring Australian betting sites would be a prudent step.

British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died at the age of 19 after a crash during stage eight of the Volta a Portugal.

The race was neutralised after Tarling was involved in a “serious accident” on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe.

“The organisation of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regrets to announce the passing of British cyclist Finlay Tarling, from the NSN Development Team, following a serious accident that occurred during the 8th stage of the race,” race organisers confirmed in a statement.

“At this moment of profound dismay, the organisation of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones.”

Tarling was riding for the NSN Development Team having signed a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season.

In a statement, NSN said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.

“Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Fin’s parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend.”

A highly-rated talent, particularly as a time triallst, Tarling won three bronze medals at the 2024 UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships.

His elder brother Josh rides for Netcompany Ineos and is a world champion in the points race on the track.

Romeo’s Choice has been competing in excellent form this winter, leading trainer Richard Litt to extend his preparation while the gelding remains race-fit and in good condition.

The gelding, a dual acceptor at Rosehill on Saturday, has been withdrawn from the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) to compete in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m). This decision comes despite Romeo’s Choice having never won over this distance in five prior attempts.

However, the seven-year-old has placed twice at the 1400m journey, most notably a second behind the stakes-performed mare Firestorm. Litt feels the time is right to take a chance over this distance again.

“We haven’t had a lot of luck at the 1400, but we want to give it a go,” Litt commented.

“He’s going wonderful, and he’s a lovely horse.”

“It is tempting, and it opens up a lot more races going forward next ‘prep’ if we know he can run a strong 14.”

A winner over 1300m at Rosehill two starts prior, Romeo’s Choice experienced a checkered run in the straight when finishing fifth to Carbonados over the same distance on August 1.

He is set to face a smart field this weekend, featuring Group 1 winner Attica and Epsom Handicap runner-up Fully Lit. However, both are resuming from a break and have historically performed better over longer races.

Romeo’s Choice will have the benefit of race fitness. If he can receive some luck from his outside draw in barrier 12, Litt expects the horse to run his typical honest race.

“He was solid last time. He was in a tricky spot and didn’t get a great crack at them, so I just hope there’s good speed, he can relax, and he’ll finish off well,” he said.

Barber will represent the stable in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m). Litt believes the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) winner will be a strong contender, provided the track doesn’t deteriorate from its soft 5 rating on Friday.

“He’s a big chance,” Litt stated.

“He’s got Tyler (Schiller) back on him. We’ve been trying to get Tyler back on him for a while. He won a Takeover Target on him.”

“All sorts of stuff has happened to him this prep, but this is his race, and the competition probably isn’t as strong as it has been.”

“I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t fighting out the finish.”

Veteran galloper Huon completes Litt’s Rosehill team in the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m). With the assistance of apprentice jockey Siena Grima’s claim, Litt is optimistic about his prospects.

“If he has an ounce of luck – he’s got barrier one, a two kilo claim from Siena, he loves hugging that fence – he’ll be right there,” he said.

The news has been less encouraging for Litt’s stakes-winning mare Caffe Florian. Her future remains uncertain after sustaining a “pretty significant injury” when finishing fifth in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in April.

She is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and Litt anticipates receiving a prognosis towards the end of the year.

“We’re very hopeful we’ll get her back. We’re going to give her every opportunity to race again but if she doesn’t, she’ll make a beautiful broodmare,” he stated.

For those interested in the main race, consider exploring the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.