Sports
Blue Jays’ Yesavage will need ‘at least one’ rehab game, Schneider says
Yesavage threw a bullpen session on Friday, his first time throwing off a mound since he had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee three weeks ago.
“Trey threw a 23-pitch pen today,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s Blair & Barker Friday. “He was up to 92 m.p.h. and said he felt great.”
Schneider said Yesavage will throw another bullpen on Monday, and if that goes well, he will throw two simulated innings on Thursday.
As far as what Yesavage’s rehab game schedule will look like, Schneider said the 23-year-old right-hander will need at least one game before rejoining the Blue Jays.
“I think it will probably be most beneficial to do at least one game,” Schneider said of Yesavage. “But I think if he continues to feel good, it will be like 30 pitches on Thursday to live hitters after another pen, then you can bump him up to like 45, 50 (pitches), and then kind of make a decision.”
However, Schneider did say this week that if Yesavage does return to the Blue Jays this season, it will most likely be in a bulk role instead of going back to being a traditional starter.
“That would make it interesting for a bullpen-y bulk day, with him being part of it,” Schneider said on Thursday. “That would be nice. It just depends on how much time he’s missed, how much he can build up. Is it an inning or two? Is it three or four? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
The 23-year-old Yesavage left Toronto’s loss to the Houston Astros on Aug. 4 after throwing 16 strikes over two innings. His left knee appeared to buckle as he warmed up for the third inning, and he was checked by a trainer before exiting the game.
Yesavage (5-5) has a 3.65 earned-run average over 18 starts this season with 91 strikeouts over 93.2 innings pitched.
Despite the loss of Yesavage, the Blue Jays enter Friday’s game (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, Sportsnet and Sportsnet+) against the Kansas City Royals just 0.5 games back of the Guardians for the final wild-card spot in the American League.
Victor Osimhen scored for Galatasaray again, but his latest goal was overshadowed by an injury scare during their thrilling 3-2 away victory over İstanbul Başakşehir in the fourth round of the Trendyol Süper Lig on Friday.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 16th minute after creating space near the edge of the penalty area before firing a powerful shot that struck the crossbar and bounced down near the goal line.
After a VAR review, the goal was awarded to Galatasaray.
It was another impressive moment from Osimhen, who has continued his excellent start to the new campaign. The Nigerian has now scored in all four league matches he has played this season, taking his tally to six goals and two assists.
However, the mood changed in the 33rd minute when Osimhen was forced off after picking up an injury. He had shown signs of discomfort before eventually being replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz.
The injury has raised concerns at Galatasaray, particularly with the club preparing for an important UEFA Champions League meeting with Sporting CP.
Turkish doctor Gürkan Kubilay reportedly suggested that the injury could involve ligaments inside the muscle and may require three to four months of recovery if confirmed. Such a timeline could keep Osimhen out until around January 2027.
However, the exact nature and seriousness of the injury have yet to be confirmed by Galatasaray’s medical team.
Galatasaray Complete Dramatic Comeback
Despite losing Osimhen early in the match, Galatasaray continued to fight for the victory.
Eldor Shomurodov equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute before Lucas Torreira restored Galatasaray’s lead five minutes later.
Davinson Sánchez then scored an own goal to make it 2-2, but Gabriel Sara produced a stunning free-kick in the 90th minute to give Galatasaray a dramatic 3-2 victory.
For Osimhen, however, the result was overshadowed by his injury.
The goal also extended his remarkable scoring run for Galatasaray. He has now been directly involved in at least one goal in each of his last 16 Süper Lig appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists during that run.
Nigeria Also Await Medical Update
The injury could also be a major concern for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles expected to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action on September 23.
If Osimhen is ruled out for an extended period, Nigeria would have to prepare for the qualifiers without one of their most important attacking players.
For now, Galatasaray and Nigeria will wait for further medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury and how long the 27-year-old striker could be sidelined.
Ryan Garcia has offered a few words of advice to rising star Moses Itauma, who suffered the first defeat of his career against Filip Hrgovic last Saturday.
The Brit was bidding to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson, only for Hrgovic to pull off a major upset at London’s O2 Arena.
Itauma had, indeed, been made an almighty favourite and looked to be in control, dominating their exchanges with a pronounced speed advantage.
After attempting to knock his man out in round eight, however, the 21-year-old ran out of gas and was stopped on his feet in the following three minutes.
As a result, Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF strap and now looks set to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who stepped aside and allowed the Croatian to become his country’s first-ever heavyweight champion.
Itauma, meanwhile, appears to have some rebuilding to do, with many hoping that he makes the necessary improvements and eventually fulfils his full potential.
Speaking during a media scrum, WBC welterweight champion Garcia suggested Itauma should start with focusing on his conditioning.
“It seemed like he had asthma. It’s a marathon – don’t look too much into this defeat. Look into what you need to fix, for sure, but don’t let it get you down completely.“
“You were obviously the better fighter – you just weren’t conditioned and you just don’t have enough experience at this current time.“
“He was doing pretty good, but I don’t know what was going on in his head. If you watch his interviews before, he was saying that he’s not the best physically right now, nor mentally, but that it would be enough to beat Hrgovic.”
While many have attributed Itauma’s defeat to a lack of fitness, it was perhaps more a result of his inexperience and overall approach to a 12-round fight.
Troy Parrott scored his first Real Betis goal as the Republic of Ireland striker delivered an 81st-minute winner in a dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.
The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.
Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.
Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.
The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.
It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid
Goalscorer: Troy Parrott, 81 minutes Parrott introduced: 69 minutes Disallowed goal: Carlos Espí, 87 minutes Late penalty: Álvaro Vallés saved from Kylian Mbappé Venue: Estadio La Cartuja, SevilleVAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser
Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.
The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.
There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.
Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.
Landmark night for Ireland striker
The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.
Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.
Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.
Troy Parrott scored his first Real Betis goal as the Republic of Ireland striker delivered an 81st-minute winner in a dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.
The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.
Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.
Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.
The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.
It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid
Goalscorer: Troy Parrott, 81 minutes Parrott introduced: 69 minutes Disallowed goal: Carlos Espí, 87 minutes Late penalty: Álvaro Vallés saved from Kylian Mbappé Venue: Estadio La Cartuja, SevilleVAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser
Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.
The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.
There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.
Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.
Landmark night for Ireland striker
The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.
Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.
Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.
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The fine folks at Vikings Territory make an effort to keep the Vikings news flying. Sometimes, things still get lost in the shuffle.
Earlier in the week, VT has covered the J.J. McCarthy trade answer from Nolan Teasley, the rumor about Kyler Murray’s Vikings work ethic, where the dead money has landed, and the pass rusher signing. Exploring the site a little more will lead to finding a little more news. Consider some of the other stuff to have emerged this week that didn’t get a devoted piece.
3 Vikings News Updates | Friday, September 4th, 2026
News No. 1 — Captains Named
The team has made the announcement. Consider the eight players to see a “C” slapped onto their chests:
- RT1 Brian O’Neill
- S1 Josh Metellus
- LS1 Andrew DePaola
- QB1 Kyler Murray
- WR1 Justin Jefferson
- EDGE1 Andrew Van Ginkel
- LB1 Blake Cashman
- RB1/2 Aaron Jones
Lindsey Young of the team website covered things in more detail. Check out her piece on the team website.
News No. 2 — Some Number Changes
Lately, the updates about Vikings number switching has largely focused on depth outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss. Why? Well, he snagged a number in the preseason so that he could play fullback. It’s a good day for football whenever a linebacker gets to play fullback.
Craig Peters documented the journey: “Chaz Chambliss’ jersey number has been on quite a ride. He began this offseason at No. 32, but the Vikings wanted Jamal Adams to be able to line up at safety, so Adams went from No. 54 to 32, and Chambliss reverted to the 57 he wore as a rookie.”
More: “He is primarily an outside linebacker, but the Vikings tested his versatility as a backup fullback, which necessitated a change to No. 40. Adams sadly was lost for the season in Minnesota’s opener, so 32 became available again for Chambliss, keeping open the option of lining up at fullback and allowing him to return to the number he wore in college at Georgia. That reversion and other jersey changes were announced by the Vikings on Thursday.”
Further down in that Peters piece, there’s news of CB Zemaiah Vaughn going with #5, P Brett Thorson going with #19, S Jacob Thomas going with #29, and OLB/FB going with #32.
The Peters piece then digs into other number updates for new signings (there has been a lot of work done on the roster). Go ahead and see what else has been going on for Minnesota’s number changing in that Peters article.
News No. 3 — Former MIN Players Earn More Work
Taking a look at the list of the NFL’s recent signings means seeing several former Minnesota players getting their next opportunity. Consider at least a few to have put pen to paper:
- TE Nick Vannett <—> Baltimore Ravens (PS)
- CB Fabian Moreau <—> Washington Commanders
- DT James Lynch <—> Chicago Bears
- TE Tyler Conklin <—> Detroit Lions
Not major news, it’s still good to see these some of the former players earn more work in the NFL.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
The Canucks and defenceman Zeev Buium agreed to an eight-year, $75.04-million contract extension on Friday, the team announced.
“Zeev has settled in nicely with our organization since his trade to Vancouver last season, and we are extremely happy to see him make this long-term commitment to the Canucks,” Canucks GM Ryan Johnson said in a statement. “He is a key member of our young core and a player we will build around moving forward. Zeev has a lot of upside, and we feel with his abilities he will flourish in the system and environment we are creating inside our locker room. We look forward to working together and creating a strong partnership and foundation for our future.”
Buium, 20, was acquired by the Canucks last season in the blockbuster trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.
He recorded three goals and nine assists over 45 games with Vancouver.
The Wild selected Buium with the 12th-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Remember at the beginning of the season when Rory McIlroy switched into a set of cavity-back irons, and more pros were switching out of blades seemingly every week?
That didn’t last long.
Not only did McIlroy switch back to his TaylorMade RORS Proto blades before his season debut at Pebble Beach and ultimately used them to win his second-straight Masters, the first five events of the PGA Tour season were also won by blade players.
Ultimately, blade players won 17 of the FedEx Cup regular season’s 37 events, a not-so-insignificant share. Players still value the precision and control offered by muscle back irons en masse on the PGA Tour.
But just because a large number of PGA Tour pros are still playing muscle backs doesn’t mean they’re completely giving up forgiveness. Quite the contrary, in fact.
Twenty-eight of this season’s winners used multiple models in their iron sets. Specifically, more than half (15), opted to use something more forgiving for just the 4-iron slot. Two winners, Aaron Rai and Alex Fitzpatrick, had the same iron model throughout the bag, but didn’t have a 4-iron at all! World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was a prime example, as he accounted for three of this season’s six wins by players using a utility iron as their 4-iron.
From a brand and model standpoint, Titleist led the count with 13 wins, which is right on par with their overall usage share on the PGA Tour of 34 percent. Titleist has been the most played iron on the PGA Tour for the past 13 seasons.
Keep reading below to see the winning iron brands on the PGA Tour in 2026.
The winningest iron brands during the 2026 FedEx Cup season
No. 1 Titleist (13 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Not only did Titleist have the most winning iron sets on the PGA Tour, they also had the most different models among those 13 winners. Among primary iron set models, three generations of the T100 won this season, with the current generation 2025 model capturing five wins alone.
The other wins were made up of combo sets featuring the 620 MB, 620 CB and MB prototypes. Those prototype wins were by Cameron Young and his 631.CY MBs and Jackson Koivun, who was using the 620 MB Dot Prototype.
Just two players, Tom Kim and Ricky Castillo, played the same Titleist iron model in their set, 4-PW. The rest use either a combo set, like Wyndham Clark, who splits his set of T100s with T200s at the 5-iron, or have a more forgiving 4-iron like the T100 for MB and CB players, or the players distance T250.
Unmatched precision meets unrivaled feel with T100 Irons. Fully forged with more aggressive grooves in the mid/short irons, T100 offers pure player’s feel with improved consistency in variable conditions. Now with higher long-iron launch for optimal trajectory control in every club. Forged Player’s Design Masterfully forged into a pure player’s design that offers precision control and buttery feel. Superior Flight and Stability Split High-Density Tungsten produces optimal CG with remarkable stability for precise shotmaking. Consistent Speed & Spin New VFT technology and progressive groove design for consistent spin and speed across the face in variable conditions. Elevated Long-Iron Launch Lower CG and a new muscle channel help improve peak height and carry.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, Titleist
No. 2 TaylorMade (8 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Thanks to Scottie Scheffler’s three victories and Aaron Rai’s PGA Championship win, the P7TW accounted for half of TaylorMade’s iron victories.
The only player to win with TaylorMade irons without any muscle backs in his set was Jacob Bridgeman.
None of TaylorMade’s eight iron winners used the same model in the 4-iron spot. Rory McIlroy jumped from his RORS Protos to a P760 at 4-iron, Michael Thorbjornsen used a P7MC 4-iron from the P7MB, Collin Morikawa had a split set of P730 blades and P7CBs, and Bridgeman moved from the P7CBs to a P770 5-iron before using a utility 4-iron.
Rai’s only iron model was the P7TW, but he plays a 5-hybrid instead of a 4-iron.
BEST-IN CLASS FEEL Using Tour feedback and modal analysis we’ve strategically designed mass placement for best in class feel. Crafted using Compact Grain Forging and 2000 tons of pressure to deliver the purest feeling 1025 soft carbon steel possible. PRECISE CONTROL Precise milled face and grooves combined with a constant CG the P•7CB is designed to deliver an optimal launch and spin combination for the ultimate control and precision. CONSISTENCY Created to maximize accuracy and consistency. The P•7CB optimized perimeter weighting and co-forged tungsten designed to deliver a beautiful blend of stability and workability. COMPACT TOUR SHAPING Every aspect of shaping in this iron was intended to meet the needs of discerning ball strikers. A compact blade length and thin topline create a confident, clean look in the playing position while the sole camber and progressive bounce profile provide consistent turf interaction.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, TaylorMade
No. 3 Ping (6 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Perhaps no brand had a more interesting set of winning irons than Ping. Only two of Ping’s victories, Kristoffer Reitan (Blueprint S) and Brandt Snedeker (i240), were by players using irons still in Ping’s current lineup.
Matt Fitzpatrick collected three victories with the 13-year-old Ping S55 irons that he’s used for nearly all of his PGA Tour career. Viktor Hovland collected the last win with Ping i210 irons that are now two generations old.
Interesting, not only were none of Ping’s victories by blade players, but also only Fitzpatrick played any semblance of a combo set by moving to an i210 4-iron.
Developed following extensive testing with PING’s top tour pros to meet their “must haves” — control and precision — Blueprint S delivers the score-lowering performance demanded by the best players in the world. COMPACT SHAPE The compact shape fits the discerning eye with a thin top line and minimal offset. The 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design, distinguished by an eye-catching forged textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish. PRECISION POCKET FORGING This patented forging technique allows PING to forge a pocket into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is re-allocated to increase the MOI and optimize the center of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore
T4. Srixon (3 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
While it didn’t duplicate the success of 2025, Srixon again had another solid year in 2026, with three wins, including Ryan Fox winning the Open Championship in July.
Fox and Nico Echavarria both won with the same composition of Srixon ZXi7 in the 6-iron through PW and the larger ZXi5 in the 5- and 4-iron. J.J. Spaun had a similar setup, but played the ZXi5 only in the 4-iron.
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ALSO AVAILABLE: PGA TOUR Superstore, Srixon
T4. Bridgestone (3 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Chris Gotterup’s three victories came as the only player on the PGA Tour using Bridgestone’s 220 MBs. Durring his wins, Gotterup played the muscle backs through his set from 4-iron to PW, but starting in the playoffs, he added a new, Japan-only Bridgestone cavity-back at the 4-iron spot.
Forged players muscleback clubhead design Tour Groove Design with super precise .02mm groove for stable consistent spin on all shots Consistent ball flight from the balanced center of gravity throughout the set Compact clubhead to maximum workability
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6. Callaway (2 wins)
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Callaway’s two iron victories this year came from their top two Tour irons. Akshay Bhatia used his Apex TCB set at Bay Hill while Stefano Mazzoli used the new Apex MB ’26 in the Dominican Republic.
As with the trend, both players had different 4-irons, with Bhatia choosing a utility iron and Mazzoli using Apex TC 4- and 5-irons.
Since Xander Schauffele put a TCB iron in play,his strokes gained in approach have significantlyincreased year over year. Now in 2024, he is top 5 inthe world in strokes gained on the field, and has wontwo major championships with the new ’24 TCB Iron. MAJOR SUCCESS Trusting the ‘24 Apex TCB iron, Xander Schauffelewent on to secure two major championships in the2024 season. TOUR FEEL Combining our best in technology, the ’24 TCB usesa 1025 tour cavity back body with a 17-4 tour tunedface for consistent spin and control up and down thebag. The feel is second to none. Just ask Xander. PRO LOOKS The beautiful raw aesthetic and overall footprint isexactly what Xander was looking for. With a compact controllable shape, and shorter blade length, TCB ’24 are players irons for discerning golfers.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, Callaway
Other iron brands to win on the PGA Tour in 2026
All won one event.
- Miura (Justin Rose: TC-202 4-6, MC-502 7-PW)
- Cobra (Gary Woodland: King Tour 4, King MB 5-PW)
- Mizuno (Steven Fisk: Pro 245 4, Pro 243 5, Pro S-3 6-PW)
Want to overhaul your bag for 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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Carlos Alcaraz covered his modesty as he cruised into the fourth round of the US Open.
The Spaniard’s baggy sleeveless top has been raising eyebrows this week as it occasionally revealed a nipple during matches.
The sight even prompted former player-turned-pundit Genie Bouchard to post on social media: “Love you Carlos but we’ve got to put the nip away.”
So Alcaraz fixed his malfunctioning wardrobe by wearing a skin-tight vest underneath as he beat China’s Wu Yibing 6-3 6-4 6-1 in a two hours and 19 minutes.
The 23-year-old, back to defend his title after four months out with a wrist injury, said he has surprised himself with how well he is playing.
“I think today was a really high rhythm, the way he played was unbelievable,” he said.
“I played aggressive, I played smart in the toughest moments which I’m really happy about. I did everything good. Could be better, but I’m proud of the performance today.
“To be honest I’m better than I thought. I thought I would be dead after the first match, but I’m recovering really well. Right now my level is really good.”
In the fourth round Alcaraz will play American Tommy Paul, the former Queen’s Club champion, who came through a titanic five-setter with Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.
“He’s going to play at home which is going to be an advantage for him,” added Alcaraz. “But hopefully he will be a bit tired from today’s match.”
Russian seventh seed Daniil Medvedev beat France’s Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4 while, in the women’s draw, third-seeded American Jessica Pegula recovered from a disastrous first set to knock out former runner-up Leylah Fernandez 1-6 6-4 6-3.
Katie Taylor has done it all. Well, nearly all.
Olympic gold. Five amateur world titles. Nine major pro belts, including undisputed champion status at two weights. Settling a generational rivalry with fellow great Amanda Serrano and beating every woman she has faced in a professional boxing ring.
For most people, it would be more than enough. But Taylor, at 40, wanted one thing more than anything else before she could contentedly call time on perhaps the greatest female boxing career of them all.
She had long wanted to box at Dublin’s Croke Park, the iconic – and enormous – ancestral home of Irish sport.
Taylor had called for it for years, even while fighting in a variety of other bucket-list boxing venues, from London’s Wembley to New York’s Madison Square Garden, and elsewhere across the UK, US and Ireland.
It might have felt at times as though it would never happen, but it was worth the wait. It will now happen at the best, and most poignant, time of all.
More than 80,000 fans are expected to fill Croke Park as it hosts the final fight of Taylor’s career. She could not have asked for a grander, or more personal, stage for her swansong.
Known as an often-reluctant interviewee, Taylor is perhaps now aware that the spotlight will only shine on her one more time, and as such is making the most of the media rounds. She has always been in high demand, and is now more so than ever, but this time she’s glad of the attention as she traverses Ireland to meet fans and press,
“We are actually on a bus doing a road trip across the country. It’s been crazy,” she tells Boxing News amid a whistlestop tour of the Emerald Isle.
“But this is what I always wanted,” she adds of the Croke Park date. The question of when it would happen, or if it would ever happen at all, has been a constant narrative over the past few years.
“I can’t believe we actually got it over the line. [Promoter] Eddie [Hearn], [trainer] Brian (Peters) and the rest of the team have worked so hard.
“It’s been amazing. It’s been a whirlwind few days, just to see the buzz about the place.
“But I have got a fight to prepare for now. I am looking forward to getting my head down and to start training for the fight.
“I have had doubts along the way. There were times when I didn’t think it [a fight at Croke Park] would happen. So, to get the phone call from Brian saying that all the contracts were signed and it was a done deal, it’s been surreal, I’m delighted.
“I have been envisioning my ringwalk and the crowd. It’s going to be very special – and emotional at the same time.”
It was a case of all or nothing for Taylor. She hasn’t fought since last July, when she closed out her trilogy with Amanda Serrano with a third victory over the Puerto Rican legend.
This time it came without the doubt that surrounded the first two fights in their perhaps unrivalled series. Serrano had pushed her oh-so close twice, but Taylor pulled away in the concluding contest, with one of the best performances of her career securing a definitive victory.
It was rivalry that started and ended at Madison Square Garden. Their first fight was the first time women had headlined MSG. It was perhaps the most important achievement in the life and career of a woman who had arguably broke more ground for the female sport than anyone else.
Taylor only had one dream remaining. If Croke Park couldn’t be delivered, she would have walked away.
“I remember saying to Eddie and Brian after the last fight, it’s either Croke Park or nothing for me,” she says.
“I was ready to hang up the gloves. For me, there was really nothing else to chase after. The only thing for me to achieve was Croke Park.”
Taylor would have been forgiven if she had taken a far safer fight for her farewell outing. But that isn’t the Katie Taylor way.
The 40-year-old will go out against the unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili. The vacant WBO super-lightweight title will be on the line, with Taylor defending her WBC, WBA, and IBF 140lb belts.
The final ring appearance had to be one which came with some semblance of jeopardy, Taylor relays to Boxing News.
“It was very important to me,” she says.
“I had two conditions if I was to fight again: To fight at Croke Park and be involved in a real fight.
“I didn’t just want a walkover. I wanted a challenge; a real risk.
“I have been like that throughout my career. I have always wanted to fight the best.
“To end my career as a three-time undisputed champion – you just can’t get any better than that.
“I could have picked an easy fight, but what’s the point in that?”
As for the looming prospect of a life without boxing, she says: “I am going to miss parts of it, for sure.
“I won’t miss all the media stuff, but I will miss the fighting part. I will miss the training camps.
“But, at the same time, you can’t do this forever.”
After a long, hard career that began she was a 12-year-old pretending to be a boy in order to fight boys – because there were no girls boxing in Ireland at the time – she knows it has to end eventually. Even her body has a limit.
But as one story ends, another is about to begin.
“I’m excited for the next chapter in my life,” says Taylor. “I’m not quite sure what it looks like. I am sure I will be kept busy. I am sure I will stay involved in the sport in some way.
“I am not sure what it will be, but I am definitely looking forward to that chapter. I won’t be like Tyson Fury, going in and out of retirement.”
“Once I have retired from the sport, I will then get a chance to reflect on all that,” Taylor says of her trailblazing career and her myriad accomplishments.
“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had, even as a kid dreaming of becoming an Olympic champion.
“Over the last ten years, I don’t think I would have had the capacity to dream up all these things – fighting at Madison Square Garden, fighting on the same card as Mike Tyson – it’s like a movie to me. I am super grateful.”
Taylor is almost certainly the most important female boxer of all. Her place in the sport can never be overstated.
But she remains humble: “I feel as though I am standing on the shoulders of giants as well. There have been lots of women who have paved the way,
“I am blessed to have had such a strong impact on the sport that I can inspire the next generation.”
Picking standout moments from a career that has had so many is a difficult task, but a couple in particular resonate for Taylor: “The first Amanda Serrano fight was very special.
“To headline at such an iconic venue, that was such an amazing moment – and an amazing fight as well.
“Even driving into Manhattan that week and seeing my face on the billboards, that was a huge pressure moment. We just had to perform.
“Winning the Olympics as well, because that was a childhood dream. That was incredible.”
Outside of her first fight with Chantelle Cameron, Taylor has always found a way to win.
And she has ridden out more than one moment when a lesser fighter would have crumbled.
There was that desperately hard fight with Delfine Persoon in 2019. Taylor survived the first real scare of her professional career in a fight that just might have changed the perception of many a doubter.
Serrano had even bigger moments in two of their three fights. Badly hurt and looking ready to go, Taylor found something from deep within.
Even against her old rival Natasha Jonas in 2021, Jonas was seemingly in the ascendancy after eight rounds – but Taylor boxed quite beautifully in the ninth round to take away all the Jonas momentum that had been steadily building up.
That part of the Katie Taylor story is often overlooked.
“It’s that will to win,” she says of that underappreciated part of her arsenal. “That relentless determination.”
Taylor has only lost once in her quite astonishing professional career. Only one fighter has found a way to beat her.
It was the long-awaited homecoming in May 2023. Chantelle Cameron was in the opposite corner and delivered a near-perfect performance to inflict that defeat on the local hero.
Almost immediately, revenge was on Taylor’s mind.
“After the Chantelle Cameron loss, I was back in the gym on the Tuesday after the fight,” Taylor says.
“It was probably the longest six months of my life, waiting for that rematch.
“I knew, stepping into that rematch, I was a different fighter. I knew the world would see a different version of me.
“That was a very important victory, a very important fight. That was a must-win fight. That was also a highlight for me, getting that revenge. That was a redemption moment for me.”
That redemption moment came in Dublin, the city which will now host her richly deserved send-off at Croke Park.
It is a chance to go out in style, a chance to leave the sport as an undisputed champion of the world (again).
Flora Pili will have other ideas, of course. The 12-0 former European champion can’t be overlooked. Taylor is highly unlikely to take victory for granted.
We have seen Taylor soak up ringwalks before. The first fights with Cameron and Serrano, where she was absorbing every single second before she climbed through the ropes, were vivid spectacles.
This last call to arms will be extra special.
“Making that final ringwalk will be an emotional moment for me. I think I will have to hold all my emotions together.”
Even when caught up in what will surely be a tsunami of emotions, Taylor knows she still has a job to do before thoughts turn to reflection on what she has achieved and all the incredible memories she has amassed.
“I will obviously have a fight to focus on,” Taylor points out. “But once this fight is over, I will be able to look back on my career with a heart full of gratitude.
“I have dreamed of things as a kid, impossible dreams: To become an Olympic champion, and I did. I dreamt of one day headlining Madison Square Garden, and that came to pass. Meeting and fighting on the same card as Mike Tyson.
“Those sorts of things are just incredible. And to end my career at Croke Park, it’s like a fairytale ending.”
Win, lose, or draw at Croke Park, Taylor has already secured greatness. An unrivalled career that has transformed her side of the sport means history will be extremely kind to her.
History will perhaps remember her best for that first fight with Serrano.
It was billed as the Fight Of The Century in a nod to Ali-Frazier I at the same venue. The tag drew scoffs from some due to such hallowed comparisons, but it was not a hyperbolic description of the event’s place in female boxing history.
The attention afforded the contest also meant it drew the scepticism of a more old-fashioned type of fight fan; one who believes women should not be in a boxing ring at all, and that they deliver an inferior spectacle when they are.
Accordingly, Taylor and Serrano simply had to deliver. And they did.
It felt like a moment in time, because it was.
Taylor showed her greatness that night. Blistering skills and sheer heart and desire got her through when all seemed lost, when her great Puerto Rican rival had her rocking and rolling and on the verge of defeat.
Twenty scintillating minutes later, the course of women’s boxing had changed.
Croke Park, as atmospheric as it will be, is unlikely to witness that kind of drama on September 5.
Taylor will likely leave on a high, without having had to navigate the peril of some of her greatest nights. It will be a night of pure emotion. The tears will undoubtedly flow once the final bell has chimed.
Despite the tears, it will feel like a celebration. And that’s exactly what it will be.
PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain and coach Luis Enrique agreed to extend his contract until 2030, the European champion said on Friday.
Luis Enrique, 56, has steered PSG to back-to-back Champions League titles. The Spaniard’s previous contract was set to expire next summer.
The French powerhouse also announced contract extensions for several players before Friday’s Ligue 1 game against Monaco.
Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu, João Neves, Willian Pacho and Fabián Ruiz all got longer deals.
Thailand’s EST Cola during a game vs Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Thailand’s EST Cola handed Creamline its first defeat, 17-25, 25-21, 25-22, to force a tie at 3-1 atop the PVL Invitational Conference standings on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
EST Cola turned to Patpachaya Phontham anew as she erupted for 27 points off 24 kills, two blocks, and an ace as they cruised to their third straight win.
READ: No doubt that Creamline is team to beat as PVL Invitational Conference fires off
The Thais have a chance to book a finals ticket against Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday at 4 p.m.
With EST Cola moving closer to victory with a 23-19 lead in the fourth set, Creamline tried to pull off a comeback with four straight points capped by Jaja Santiago-Minowa’s ace to tie the frame before missing her next serve.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago Minowa during a game vs Thailand’s EST Cola in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Bea De Leon saved a match point, followed by a four-touch violation by the Thais to take the set point, 25-24. Setter Natnicha Saelao nailed an equalizing drop, followed by a clutch kill from Phontham to regain match point. Saelao delivered a game-winning block on Tots Carlos.
Nannaphat Moonjakham led the charge with 16 points and 15 excellent receptions. Nirarach Srikuta had 12 points and 15 receptions. Setter Serah Ankomah, who also translates for the team in interviews, was a revelation from the bench with 13 excellent sets.
WATCH: EST Cola’s Serah Ankomah and Papatchaya Phontham after upsetting Creamline. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/lYMZ0eZ7dp
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) September 4, 2026
Creamline tries to book a championship berth against PLDT on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Minowa had 19 points to lead the Cool Smashers. Jema Galanza delivered 15 points, 16 excellent receptions, and 15 digs. Alyssa Valdez had 11 points and 11 receptions.
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