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Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson: It’ll be ‘no picnic’ playing Raptors in Round 1

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Kenny Atkinson shared some high praise for his team’s first-round opponent on Tuesday.

“Toronto, we know, that’s no picnic; they low-key dominated us in the games we played them this year,” Atkinson said. “A lot of respect, it’s great, Toronto’s a great basketball city, great challenge for us, really good team.”

The Raptors swept the Cavaliers 3-0 in their regular-season series. Winning by scores of 112-101, 126-113 and 110-99.

Toronto limited Cleveland’s offence to earn the victories. It held the Cavaliers to 42.2 per cent shooting and just 28.1 per cent from deep in the three games. Both are down from their regular-season averages of 48.2 per cent from the field and 36 per cent from three.

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“Transition defence is the first, their speed and then they turn you over,” Atkinson said.

The Raptors forced the Cavaliers into 38 turnovers in their matchups.

Toronto’s leading scorer, Brandon Ingram, was also effective against Cleveland during the regular season. He averaged 22.7 points on 45 per cent shooting against the Cavaliers and exploded for 37 points in the final meeting.

“Brandon Ingram is a high-level player, high-level scorer, but they’ve done it as a group this year,” Atkinson said. “So a lot of respect for what they’ve done, I think they deserve to be where they are. This is gonna be a big challenge for us, that’s what I think.”

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The Cavaliers and Raptors begin their first-round series on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.

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Pundits claim Liverpool are now ‘underdogs’ for Merseyside derby

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Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has claimed that Liverpool could be underdogs for this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton after the Reds were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.

Arne Slot’s side were hoping for a historic European comeback as they welcomed PSG trailing 2-0 from the first leg, but instead they offered up another disjointed performance as a brace from Ousmane Dembele sent the holders through 4-0 on aggregate.

It means the Reds have lost four of their last five games in all competitions following the 4-0 demolition at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup and the loss to Brighton in the league before the international break.

And there is now even more jeopardy in each remaining match of the Premier League season, with the Reds sitting in fifth as they look to earn a top-five finish to return to the Champions League next season.

Liverpool have now lost four of their last five games in all competitions
Liverpool have now lost four of their last five games in all competitions (Getty)

Slot’s men have six games left of the domestic season and the first one comes this weekend in a Merseyside derby, though Fowler and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney think that the champions could be “underdogs” heading into that game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“Obviously the form in the last month, I know the Galatasaray [win was] a great result but I don’t think Galatasaray are great, so they’ve been turned over by Brighton, beat by Man City. I think Liverpool go into this game as probably underdogs,” said Fowler on Amazon Prime Video after the full-time whistle at Anfield.

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“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve spoke to so of many friends who are Liverpool fans and they’re a little bit worried about the Merseyside derby,” explained Rooney.

“We’ve seen this Liverpool team all season not give as much as they can, I believe. And I think this derby game has come at the wrong time for Liverpool,” he added.

The Merseyside derby takes place on Sunday, 19 April at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Merseyside derby takes place on Sunday, 19 April at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (Getty)

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge disagreed, hitting back: “Let’s not try and make out like now all of a sudden Everton are in a good moment, now Liverpool are underdogs.

“I know we’re talking about pressure and stuff, but for games like that you don’t need anything extra,” said the former England international.

Liverpool sit just four points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea going into the final six games of the season, and a win for Everton would take the Toffees within two points of their fierce rivals.

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And if that wasn’t enough, Liverpool still have to play each of their main rivals in the battle for top five. The Reds will face Manchester United away on 3 May before welcoming Chelsea to Anfield on 9 May and then facing Aston Villa away around a week later on the weekend of 17 May.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad Pacer Brydon Carse Ruled Out Of IPL 2026 Day After Victory Over Rajasthan Royals, Replacement Named

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A day after Sunrisers Hyderabad notched a memorable win over Rajasthan Royals, one of their players has been ruled out of IPL 2026. The 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been dealt a big blow amid the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as all-rounder Brydon Carse has been ruled out of the entire tournament without playing a single match due to injury. The team has announced Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka as Carse’s replacement.

“Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have picked Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Brydon Carse for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Carse has been ruled out of the ongoing IPL season due to an injury,” the Indian Premier League said in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Dilshan Madushanka, a left-arm medium pacer, has represented Sri Lanka in one Test, 28 ODIs, and 19 T20Is and has 70 wickets in international cricket to his name. He will join SRH for INR 75 lakh. The Sri Lankan bowler was previously part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL,” the statement added.

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Madushanka’s entry will further bolster the SRH bowling unit, which already includes youngsters Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, along with experienced pacers Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat. Designated captain Pat Cummins is likely to join the group on April 17.

Madushanka has not played a match in the IPL so far. He was acquired by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs 4.6 crore in 2024 but was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old Sri Lankan left-arm pacer is known for his ability to swing the ball early in the powerplay.

Ishan Kishan is leading the side in Cummins’ absence. Under his captaincy, the team has won two out of five matches in the ongoing season. They are currently placed fourth in the points table with a net run rate of +0.576.

SRH defeated table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday, courtesy of a brilliant bowling display by debutants Praful and Sakib, who took four wickets each. RR were bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs while chasing a mammoth target of 217 runs, losing the match by 57 runs. SRH will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their home ground, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, on Saturday.

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Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore avoids jail, gets probation in stalking case

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Sherrone Moore avoided jail time Tuesday stemming from an alleged stalking incident after getting fired from the University of Michigan.

The disgraced former Wolverines head coach was fired in December after an investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Soon after the firing, he was jailed after allegedly breaking into the staffer’s house and threatening to kill himself.

Moore was placed on 18 months’ probation and ordered to pay just over $1,000 in fines. He also must continue mental health treatment and may not use alcohol or marijuana, may not have any weapons, and was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.

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Kelli Moore walking with her husband Sherrone Moore and attorney Ellen Michaels outside a courthouse

Kelli Moore, left, walks with her husband former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, and his attorney Ellen Michaels at the 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026. (Mandi Wright/USA TODAY NETWORK)

In the Ann Arbor courtroom, Moore thanked his wife, Kelli, for her support while stating that he took the process “very seriously.”

“There is a certain irony in a lot of this – the person quite frankly, Mr. Moore, who is saving you from the full wrath of this court is the one you betrayed,” Judge Cedric Simpson said to the former coach. “I don’t know where your wife, Kelli, finds her strength.

“When all the circumstances are happening and they’re happening to her and she’s absorbing them in real time, she does not once lose her focus. She not once bats an eye to sort of doubt you. She not once wants something terrible to happen for you.

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“As I listen to the terror in her voice that day, I don’t think there would be anybody in the world … that would’ve blamed her given the circumstances if she said ‘I don’t care.’ That’s not what she did. … She was going to tell the police to do this to try to find him. She said something remarkable — ‘Tell him I love him and to come home.’”

Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore being sworn in with attorney Ellen Michaels in court

Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore, left, is sworn in with his attorney Ellen Michaelsat right before he takes a plea in front of Judge J. Cedric Simpson at the 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026. (Mandi Wright/USA TODAY NETWORK)

EMMITT SMITH GIVES ADVICE TO NFL HOPEFUL SON WHO ONCE ADMITTED TO FEELING PRESSURE OF LIVING UP TO FAMILY NAME

Prosecutors accused Moore of contacting the staffer via phone calls and texts after the breakup, prompting the woman to contact the University of Michigan and cooperate in its investigation. Moore was subsequently fired from his position as head football coach, which prosecutors said prompted him to show up at her home.

Moore then allegedly “barged” his way into the residence, grabbed a butter knife and a pair of kitchen scissors and began threatening his own life. According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly told the staffer, “My blood is on your hands” and “You ruined my life.”

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Moore pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors later in the day to resolve the felony criminal case.

Kelli called 911 over concerns that her husband was “going to hurt himself” after getting “fired from his job.”

Moore and the alleged victim had an “intimate relationship for a number of years,” a prosecutor said during an initial hearing shortly after his arrest.

Moore went 16-8 as Michigan’s head coach — 8-5 in Year One, 7-3 last season. He missed a pair of games due to a suspension from a sign-stealing investigation.

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Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore leading team onto football field

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Nov. 29, 2025. (The Columbus Dispatch)

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Moore replaced Jim Harbaugh after the team completed a 15-0 season en route to a national championship. Moore was the offensive coordinator of that squad.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup

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Soccer: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images

FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic.

Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond.

During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis.

Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams.

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Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns.

According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event.

FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19.

Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event.

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–Field Level Media

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Turns Out the Vikings Met with the Guy They Could Very Well Draft in Round 1

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Minnesota Vikings helmet sits near the sideline during a preseason game against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests near the sideline beside scattered equipment, offering a quiet glimpse into pregame and in-game routines during exhibition play. Aug 12, 2016 captured the scene at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, where Minnesota edged the Bengals 17-16 in a tightly contested preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings own the draft’s 18th overall pick next week, and while many onlookers don’t expect them to draft a tight end, Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq might be too hard to ignore, especially if Minnesota embraces the popular “best player available” philosophy. And wouldn’t you know it? The Vikings — you guessed it — formally met with Sadiq.

Sadiq’s profile lines up with a real first-round debate for Minnesota.

Minnesota meets with many players before a draft, but a healthy faction of eager fans will highlight the Sadiq conversation.

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Sadiq’s Skill Set Could Tempt Minnesota at No. 18

The Vikings have never drafted a tight end in the 1st Round.

Kenyon Sadiq catches a touchdown pass for Oregon against USC in the end zone. Vikings Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq pulls down a touchdown reception during game action against USC, showcasing his red-zone presence and body control on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. The play highlights his ability to separate and finish through contact in a key Pac-12 matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images.

Sadiq Meets with Vikings

Most fans assumed the Vikings would do their homework on Sadiq — how could they not? — and thanks to some recent reporting, that indeed happened.

SI.com‘s Bri Amaranthus wrote earlier this month, “The fastest tight end in NFL Combine history is gaining serious momentum at the right time. Former Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq has quietly become one of the most intriguing and versatile prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his recent visits are only adding to the buzz.”

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“Sadiq confirmed to Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus that he has visited the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles with additional visits scheduled to the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. For a player who prides himself on versatility and football intelligence, the interest from multiple playoff-caliber organizations with first round selections speaks volumes.”

Sadiq ran a 4.39 forty at the Combine in February.

The Scouting Report

Standing 6’3″ and weighing 245 pounds, Sadiq is a physically imposing player whose age, while not yet 22, is noteworthy. In 42 games at Oregon, he amassed 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. His athleticism is evident; Oregon utilized him on kick returns in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating their confidence in his abilities.

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Saints scout Josh Hill speaks with tight end Kenyon Sadiq at the NFL Combine. Vikings Kenyon Sadiq
New Orleans Saints scout Josh Hill meets with Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq during pre-draft evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine, discussing fit and traits on Feb. 27, 2026, inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The exchange reflects league-wide interest in Sadiq’s athletic profile and versatility as a rising tight end prospect. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Sadiq’s versatility is the source of his 1st-Round buzz. He has shown the capacity to manage a substantial role in the passing attack and is also a willing and able blocker for both running backs and quarterbacks. Tight ends with this comprehensive skillset usually need considerable refinement, but Sadiq is further along in his development.

The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Sadiq’s scouting report: “He’s an effective lead blocker who can climb to the second level, square defenders, and show good power when aligned at fullback or working in space. As an in-line blocker, he latches on, works up to linebackers, and fights to stay in front of edge defenders, consistently blocking to the echo of the whistle.”

“Sadiq has a lean build and shorter arms, and edge defenders can overpower him at times in the run game. He primarily aligned in line and in the slot in college, with additional snaps in the backfield and out wide. Sadiq is by far the best tight end prospect in this year’s class, and he grades out as a first-round pick.”

Sadiq would also open up the Vikings’ offense, as Kevin O’Connell’s offense doesn’t necessarily target WR3s as often as other teams’. In fact, Sadiq, in time, would command a WR2-WR3 target load. That’s the goal.

McShay added, “The upside is obvious, and he’s coming off a productive 2025, but his tape is closer to good than elite. He would have ranked behind Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland had he been in the 2025 class. Sadiq isn’t nearly as polished or as productive as Raiders 2024 13th pick Brock Bowers was coming out of Georgia.”

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“But he runs better, and he has a similar skill set. If a team uses him the right way, he can make an immediate impact as a receiver and develop into a difference maker at tight end.”

T.J. Hockenson’s Revised Contract

Some Vikings fans believed Hockenson could be cut this offseason, mainly because of his expensive price tag and the fact that Minnesota used him as a blocking tight end in 2025. That theory was not correct, but Minnesota reworked Hockenson’s deal, instituting a small paycut and making him a free agent in 2027.

Therefore, 2026 may be Hockenson’s final season in Minnesota. Adding Sadiq plans for the future, which is what the draft is for in the first place.

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Just because Hockenson is on tap for TE1 duty in 2026 doesn’t mean that Sadiq can’t be the pick. Don’t fall victim to that thinking.

Putting ‘Best Player Available’ to the Test

Earlier this month, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski expressed his commitment to the “best player available” mentality in the draft, and if he means business, Sadiq may be his guy.

Rob Brzezinski chats  with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich at the NFL Combine. Vikings Kenyon Sadiq
Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski appears alongside KFAN’s Paul Allen and analyst Pete Bercich during a live segment at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. The front-office leader shares insight into roster construction and offseason priorities while engaging in discussion with the local media personalities. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Sadiq may not make it past the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the draftboard, but if he does, Minnesota must seriously contemplate rolling with him. There’s a chance that the Duck becomes a total game-changer in the NFL. He’d be attached to the Vikings’ roster for the next half-decade at minimum.

If the goal is to pick the best football player on the board, Sadiq cannot be ignored at No. 18.

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He won’t turn 22 until next offseason.


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Sugar Ray Leonard names his favourite fighter of all time

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Sugar Ray Leonard has revealed who he views as his favourite ever fighter.

Leonard comes to mind for many fans when they discuss their most-loved boxers, but the legendary figure had another popular choice in mind for his selection.

That’s because he has named Muhammad Ali as his all-time favourite fighter – and it has nothing to do with his brilliance inside the ring.

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Ali’s legacy is not only because of his fighting exploits, but also due to the American’s engaging personality, which contributed to him becoming one of the most recognisable athletes of all time.

In terms of his career itself, though, it is hardly surprising that Ali is considered by many as the greatest heavyweight of all time, even if others would argue the No.1 spot belongs to Joe Louis.

Perhaps most notably, Ali overcame a torrid eight-round battle with George Foreman, a considerable pre-fight favourite, to reclaim his WBC world title in 1974.

Prior to that, he had exacted his revenge over Joe Frazier with a 12-round unanimous decision victory, before completing their iconic trilogy with a ‘Thrilla in Manila’ triumph in 1975.

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With wins over the likes of Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton, too, Ali is widely credited and revered for facing the most formidable contenders of his generation.

For Leonard, though, it is mainly Ali’s larger-than-life character that he gravitated towards, highlighting this as the reason for naming the heavyweight legend as his favourite fighter of all time.

“Muhammad Ali. He was bigger than life. He caught my eye, no pun intended.”

Elsewhere in his Q&A with Mark Baldwin, which appeared in Boxing News’ latest issue, Leonard also named his favourite fight of all time.

“When Muhammad Ali fought the beast, George Foreman – and beat him.”

To read the full Q&A with Leonard and more exclusive interviews, get the latest edition of Boxing News Magazine.

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IPL 2026: Noor Ahmad’s trickery stands out as CSK hand KKR fourth defeat in 5 games | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Noor Ahmad's trickery stands out as CSK hand KKR fourth defeat in 5 games

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL campaign took another hit as Chennai Super Kings handed them a 32-run defeat on a tricky, two-paced pitch. Chasing 193, KKR never really looked in control and eventually finished at 160/7. The loss exposed issues in their batting approach and overall planning, with the team now losing four of their first five matches.

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Riyan Parag on RR’s loss vs SRH, pitch & ‘baseless comparisons’

KKR’s batting falters under pressure

KKR’s chase started poorly and kept slipping as wickets fell in clusters. Noor Ahmad turned the game with a brilliant spell, removing key batters including Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Cameron Green, as KKR collapsed from 79/2 to 90/6. Akeal Hossain also kept things tight, adding to the pressure.Rahane (28 off 22) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19) added a 50-run stand, but their slow approach hurt the chase, especially on a pitch where scoring wasn’t easy. Early blows from Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed removed Finn Allen and Sunil Narine, further denting KKR’s hopes.Rovman Powell (31 off 22) and Ramandeep Singh (35* off 23) tried to fight back with a late partnership, but by then the required rate had climbed too high.

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CSK build, then control the game

Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start, scoring 72/2 in the powerplay thanks to Sanju Samson (48 off 32) and Ayush Mhatre (38 off 17). Mhatre’s aggressive strokeplay, including two sixes and a “Kapil Dev-style Nataraja Shot” provided early momentum.After the powerplay, KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy and Varun Chakravarthy,slowed things down effectively, conceding just 68 runs in 10 overs. Kartik Tyagi also impressed with his pace and variations at the death.Dewald Brevis (41 off 29) and Sarfaraz Khan (23 off 18) ensured CSK reached a competitive total of 192/5.CSK’s balanced performance with both bat and ball proved too strong, while KKR’s outdated batting approach and poor execution cost them dearly.

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Panthers yet to pick up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option

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NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina PanthersJan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan expects the Panthers to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young before the deadline next month.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft is on hold while No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud, No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr., No. 5 pick Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (8th overall) had the options for 2027 picked up. No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson (Colts) will not have his option exercised by the May 1 deadline.

“Obviously, the player’s not in the building yet. So, once Bryce gets in the building, and we’re busy with the draft, it’s offseason,” Morgan said of why Young’s option decision wasn’t made official yet. “So we’ll get that done as soon as he gets back in the building.”

Young’s fifth-year option could be a precursor to a long-term contract, Morgan said, pointing to Carolina taking the “long view” on his development. The fifth-year option would guarantee Young’s 2027 salary at $26.5 million.

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Young had his best season as a pro in 2025, guiding the Panthers to their first NFC South division title in 10 seasons. He had a career-high 23 touchdown passes and threw for 3,011 yards.

The Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears prior to the 2023 draft and before Morgan and head coach Dave Canales were in their current positions.

–Field Level Media

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Richard Keys lambasts Man City vs Arsenal referee decision as message sent to Howard Webb

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Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, with Richard Keys taking exception to the decision

Richard Keys has slammed PGMOL’s choice to appoint Anthony Taylor as referee for Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal this weekend. The two Premier League heavyweights go head-to-head in a potentially season-defining encounter on Sunday, April 19.

Currently, the Gunners enjoy a six-point advantage over the Sky Blues, though City possess a crucial game in hand. Billed as the ‘game of the season’ given what’s at stake, PGMOL have entrusted Taylor with overseeing the fixture, owing to his status as one of their most experienced officials.

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He will be supported by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, while Paul Tierney assumes the role of fourth official. John Brooks and Stuart Burt, meanwhile, will be on VAR duty.

Despite his track record, Keys has specifically objected to Taylor’s involvement in the match due to him originating from Wythenshawe and residing in Altrincham, merely six miles from Old Trafford.

In his latest blog, he wrote: “I do wish the PL had appointed a different ref for the game v City this weekend.

“They’ve named ‘Altrincham’s’ Anthony Taylor. Why do they stubbornly do this sort of thing? I’ll repeat what I always say – not for a minute do I think Taylor will make bad decisions on purpose, but what if…?

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“What if he makes a big call and it’s wrong? Why put him under that kind of pressure? It’s Taylor I feel for. If you’re telling me we don’t have another ref good enough to handle the game of the season, then that’s a further indictment on Howard Webb and the PGMOL.”

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Keys’ assessment comes despite Taylor declaring his loyalty to Altrincham, and therefore having no bias towards either Manchester City or Manchester United, nor Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s clash.

On the other hand, Graham Scott has defended the PGMOL’s decision to select Taylor for the match.

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He told The Athletic: “Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds.

“But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United.”

Meanwhile, Grahame Rowley has also previously told the same publication: “Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan. Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can’t go to all the matches.

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“People around here always ask if you’re a Red or a Blue. He’s actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised.”

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Football gossip: Kroupi, Senesi, Gordon, Trafford, Konate, McKenna

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Manchester United watch Premier League pair, Bayern Munich want Harry Kane’s England team-mate, plus who is next for the Bournemouth job.

Manchester United are monitoring Bournemouth‘s French forward Junior Kroupi, 19, and Argentine defender Marcos Senesi, 28. (Mail – subscription needed), external

Bayern Munich are interested in signing Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon, 25. (Talksport), external

Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to show an interest in England goalkeeper James Trafford. The 23-year-old was signed by Manchester City last summer but was immediately replaced by Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma, 27, and should be available. (Mail), external

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Liverpool want Bazoumana Toure in the summer. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger has excelled for Hoffenheim this season and could spark the Anfield club’s attack back into life. (Teamtalk), external

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is close to agreeing a new contract to stay at Anfield. The 26-year-old France international was expected to leave this summer but could now sign a four-year extension. (RMC), external

Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, 26, has a release clause of about £43m-£52m which only applies to three clubs – including Liverpool and Real Madrid, but not Bayern Munich. (Bild – in German), external

Napoli want to extend the contract of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay before this summer’s World Cup. The 29-year-old has become a huge favourite in Naples since joining from Manchester United in 2024. (Il Mattino – In Italian), external

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England winger Jadon Sancho, 26, will have to accept a significant drop in wages if he wants to rejoin Borussia Dortmund when his Manchester United contract expires this summer. (Mirror), external

Bournemouth are considering Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna as they plan for life after Andoni Iraola, who has decided to leave at the end of the season. (i Sport), external

Unattached German manager Marco Rose, whose last job was at RB Leipzig, is thought to be the leading contender to replace Iraola at Bournemouth. (Guardian), external

Argentine defender Cristian Romero, 27, may have played his last game for Tottenham Hotspur, with the club planning a squad overhaul even if they stay up. (Talksport), external

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Coventry City are keen to bring Chelsea‘s 18-year-old forward Jesse Derry to the club next season. (Talksport), external

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