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‘Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari’: After a record-breaking IPL season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his India moment | Cricket News

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'Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari': After a record-breaking IPL season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his India moment
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (BCCI/IPL Photo)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s childhood coach Manish Ojha describes his ward as a “God’s child” and credits fate and divine guidance for bringing the youngster to his academy.“A couple of years ago, I thanked Vaibhav‘s father (Sanjeev Sooryavanshi) for bringing the kid to me. Ispe bhagwaan ka haath hai (He is God’s child). It is because of him that I got recognition, otherwise who gives two cents about a cricket coach in Bihar?,” an emotional Manish tells TimesofIndia.com after the 15-year-old received his maiden India call-up for the Ireland and England series. “Sab Bhagwaan ki kripa hai (God has been kind). The kid is immensely talented and has worked hard. Credit to his father as well,” he says.Riding on a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, the 15-year-old from Bihar will now don the blue jersey.“When we talk about Bihar, we always talk about our past, from the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Buddhism, Jainism, Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Yatra or the JP Movement. In modern times, it has often been in the news for all the notorious things. This teenager is not only hitting sixes but also smashing those stigmas associated with Bihar out of the park. Imagine Sachin Tendulkar calling him ‘truly special’ or Virat Kohli telling Vaibhav, ‘Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari, phir khatam game.‘ What Vaibhav has managed to achieve in the last few months is phenomenal,” says Ojha.Sooryavanshi smashed 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30. He also hit a record-breaking 72 sixes during a season that saw him narrowly miss out on the fastest century in IPL history.

Vaibhav-Sooryavanshi-0406-I

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bagged the Orange Cap in IPL 2026. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

“He is a big-match player. We have seen that in the IPL playoffs. In the U-19 World Cup final, he again played a scintillating knock. It is a great call by the selectors to pick him. And this is just the beginning. He will achieve a lot more,” says Ojha.Ojha says his ward is a “quick learner”. According to him, the preparation before every game helps Sooryavanshi play his aggressive brand of cricket and take on the best bowlers without fear.“He prepares in his own way. It’s not that he sits with video analysts, but he does his homework,” says Ojha.This conscientious approach and unshakeable temperament led the selectors to name the explosive Sooryavanshi in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

File photo of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. (AP)

Sooryavanshi has not only caught the attention of greats like Tendulkar and Kohli, but India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has also been effusive in his praise for the teenager. In a near-solo effort, Sooryavanshi almost dragged Rajasthan Royals into the IPL 2026 final. In the Eliminator, he smashed a 29-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and then followed it up with a 47-ball 96 against Gill’s Gujarat Titans.“I think he’s had a remarkable season. I’ve not seen anyone bat the way he bats and, in this format, he is probably one of the best batters in the world right now,” Gill had said after Qualifier 2 in Mullanpur.“It is remarkable to watch his batting, not just the hitting but also his biomechanics and hand speed. He didn’t get off to a flyer in Qualifier 2, but the way he managed to come back into the game and kept putting us under pressure tells you about the mindset he has. I think, in the years to come, the opposition he plays against is going to have a tough time against him,” Gill had said.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

But with all the praise comes responsibility and scrutiny. Questions have already been raised about whether he can succeed in Test cricket. Even his father has set lofty goals for his son.“Jab tak Test na khele, kya bada cricketer (Till the time he does not play Tests, I won’t consider him a big cricketer),” Sanjeev had told this website after Sooryavanshi’s heroics in the U-19 World Cup.For now, though, the focus is on the next step of a journey moving at a breathtaking pace. From a small town in Bihar to IPL superstardom and now an India call-up at just 15, Sooryavanshi has already shattered expectations. The challenge ahead will be to convert extraordinary promise into lasting greatness, but if his coach is to be believed, this is only the beginning of a much larger story.

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2026 U.S. Women’s Open Saturday TV coverage: Watch Round 3

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The third round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open gets underway Saturday morning at Riviera CC in Los Angeles. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Saturday, including full U.S. Women’s Open TV coverage, streaming info and Round 3 tee times.

How to watch U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday

After a rough first round, it looked like World No. 1 Nelly Korda would be fighting to make the cut at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open. But Korda changed that narrative quickly in Round 2.

The three-time major winner shot a four-under 67, the lowest round of the day, to launch up the leaderboard to two under. That leaves her only two shots off the lead heading into the weekend where she’ll try to capture her first U.S. Women’s Open title.

Fellow American Alison Lee shot a 68 on Friday to reach four under and tie for the lead. She’s knotted with Ruoning Yin.

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Jennifer Kupcho is among a large group of players tied at three under heading into Round 3.

You can watch the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open on TV via USA and NBC, with USA opening the coverage at 5 p.m. ET, then NBC taking over at 7 p.m. ET. Peacock will provide a live simulcast of NBC’s coverage, while featured group coverage for Saturday is available from several outlets.

Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the third round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.

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How to watch on TV Saturday

NBC and USA will carry third-round TV coverage of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday. USA’s telecast runs from 5-7 p.m. ET, followed by NBC from 7-10 p.m. ET.

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How to stream online Saturday

You can stream the third round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open via Peacock, which will provide a simulcast of NBC’s Saturday coverage from 7-10 p.m. ET. You can watch featured group coverage on Saturday via USWomensOpen.com, the USGA App, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV and Xfinity.

2026 U.S. Women’s Open Round 3 tee times (ET)

Tee No. 1

11:55 a.m. – Yue Zhang, Chia Yen Wu
12:05 p.m. – Ingrid Lindblad, Lottie Woad
12:15 p.m. – Sakura Koiwai, Asterisk Talley (a)
12:25 p.m. – Liqi Zeng, Rio Takeda
12:35 p.m. – Celine Boutier, Jinhee Im
12:45 p.m. – Mao Saigo, Yealimi Noh
12:55 p.m. – Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Minsol Kim
1:10 p.m. – DaYeon Lee, Nataliya Guseva
1:20 p.m. – Minjee Lee, Kaleiya Romero
1:30 p.m. – Farah O’Keefe (a), Gurleen Kaur
1:40 p.m. – Charley Hull, Rose Zhang
1:50 p.m. – A Lim Kim, Anna Nordqvist
2:00 p.m. – Yuri Yoshida, Esther Henseleit
2:10 p.m. – Grace Kim, Ayaka Furue
2:25 p.m. – Amy Yang, Lucy Li
2:35 p.m. – Bianca Pagdanganan, Ariya Jutanugarn
2:45 p.m. – Shiho Kuwaki, Ana Belac
2:55 p.m. – Shuri Sakuma, Maria José Marin (a)
3:05 p.m. – Julia Lopez Ramirez, Hannah Green
3:15 p.m. – Miyu Yamashita, Maja Stark
3:25 p.m. – Melanie Green, Minji Kang
3:40 p.m. – Hye-Jin Choi, Pajaree Anannarukarn
3:50 p.m. – Aphrodite Deng (a), Aki Iwai
4:00 p.m. – Kiara Romero (a), Xiyu Janet Lin
4:10 p.m. – Karis Davidson, Somi Lee
4:20 p.m. – Brooke Henderson, Jeeno Thitikul
4:30 p.m. – Nasa Hataoka, Patty Tavatanakit
4:40 p.m. – Allisen Corpuz, Jiyai Shin
4:55 p.m. – Nelly Korda, Sora Kamiya
5:05 p.m. – Casandra Alexander, Lauren Coughlin
5:15 p.m. – Sei Young Kim, Gaby Lopez
5:25 p.m. – Hyunjo Yoo, Hinako Shibuno
5:35 p.m. – Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun
5:45 p.m. – Ruoning Yin, Alison Lee

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Ferrari team principal Vasseur in medical care, will miss Monaco GP qualifying

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MONACO — Ferrari says team principal Fred Vasseur is “under observation at a local medical facility” and will not be at the track for Monaco Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.

The Italian team did not specify any details of the 58-year-old French racing executive’s condition.

“Fred Vasseur will not be present at the circuit today. Following some medical checks, Fred will remain under observation at a local medical facility,” Ferrari said.

“No further medical information will be provided. We wish Fred a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back at the track soon.”

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Vasseur has led Ferrari’s Formula 1 team since 2023 and was handed a multi-year contract extension last year.

Ferrari is a strong contender for what would be its first win of the year in Monaco after drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton led Friday’s practice sessions.

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Mariners set to turn RHP Bryce Miller loose for start vs. Tigers

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May 31, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryce Miller (50) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn ImagesMay 31, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryce Miller (50) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller finally can focus on going deep in an outing when he starts the middle game of a three-game series against the host Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

In his previous four starts this year since coming back from an oblique strain, Miller (1-0, 1.71 ERA) pitched between five and six innings each time, never allowing more than two runs.

He had been at times in an unusual tag-team with fellow right-hander Luis Castillo. Twice Castillo pitched in long relief behind Miller, and once Miller pitched in long relief behind Castillo.

This weekend at Detroit, however, manager Dan Wilson is giving them their own starts, Miller on Saturday, Castillo on Sunday.

Miller joked to the Seattle Times regarding when the Mariners might look to replace him on Saturday, “They come out before 80 (pitches), I’ll be (upset).”

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Wilson said of Miller and Castillo, according to the Times, “Their approach won’t be any different. They’re routine-oriented, they’re going to continue to prepare and be ready to go in a very similar way, just it’ll be their own game.”

Miller is coming off a strong outing on Sunday. He limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one hit while recording six strikeouts in five shutout innings. Castillo then replaced him and pitched the final five innings of a 3-2, 10-inning victory.

“I feel great,” Miller said. “The stuff has been really good this year, quite a bit better than it’s been at any other part of my career so far. Every outing just adds to the confidence leading into the next one.”

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Miller has been nearly unhittable in three career outings against the Tigers, going 2-0 without allowing a run in three starts covering 19 innings. During those outings, he permitted just 10 hits and one walk while striking out 15.

Detroit will counter Miller with Keider Montero (2-3, 3.69). The right-hander produced a stellar start on Sunday, tossing six scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox. He gave up just two hits and no walks while fanning four.

Manager A.J. Hinch made a controversial move to take out Montero, who had thrown just 65 pitches. The Tigers wound up losing 2-1.

“We’re just trying to win the game,” Hinch said. “I mean, I understand like the common thought is that the other way would have worked out perfectly. … Just giving (them) another look (against Montero) was not the way we were going to go.”

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Montero might soon find himself in a long-relief role. Ace Tarik Skubal, Justin Verlander and Casey Mize appear close to returning from the injured list, and Montero is a logical choice to move to the bullpen.

“We’re just focusing on the Seattle series right now,” Hinch said. “Coming out of the off day Monday and going into the Twins series, we will have to figure out where everybody is. … We’re going to leave our options open for any adjustments we’re going to make to the staff.”

The Tigers will be shooting for their fifth straight win on Saturday. They won the series opener 7-3 on Friday behind two-run homers from Kerry Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson.

The Mariners have lost back-to-back games immediately following an eight-game winning streak.

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–Field Level Media

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Norway Chess title biggest achievement of my career: Praggnanandhaa | Other Sports News

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R Praggnanandhaa described his Norway Chess triumph as the biggest achievement of his career, emphasising that defeating some of the world’s strongest players – including the great Magnus Carlsen – made the title particularly memorable.


He said the event’s extraordinary strength, with one of the highest average ratings ever assembled in a tournament, added even greater weight to his victory.


Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win Norway Chess since the tournament’s inception in 2013, capping off a landmark campaign by defeating world No. 1 and seven-time champion Carlsen twice — a rare feat against one of the game’s greatest players.

 

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His triumph came in an exceptionally strong field, with all six players in the ‘Open’ section rated above 2700 and Carlsen leading the pack at 2840, adding further lustre to the title.


“I think this is like (the biggest win of my career)…also stronger in terms of like average rating. I think, because you have like some 2600s (rating) in Wijk Aan Zee (Tata Steel Chess tournament). But here it’s just the top players,” said Praggnanandhaa after his final-round win over Vincent Keymer, which took him to 18 points and held off challenges from USA’s Wesley So and France’s Alireza Firouzja.


“So, yeah, winning this is more special and also like adding to it, Magnus was there… also winning four (games) in a row. So, certainly this will come like top,” said Praggnanandhaa, whose previous biggest triumph came at the 2025 Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands.


Even as Praggnanandhaa focused on his game against Keymer, his attention would have occasionally drifted to the other board, where So faced Alireza — a classical win for the American would have denied him the title.

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The draw in that encounter proved decisive, sending the match into an Armageddon tie-break, where So could only secure 1.5 points, sealing the championship for the Indian.


“I was happy that like it (So vs Alireza match) was a draw and like, I mean, I just had to win, but still I had to win (against Keymer),” he said.


Praggnanandhaa said that after the initial setbacks in the tournament, nothing fundamentally changed in his approach, which eventually led to four consecutive wins and helped him clinch the title.


He added that a key adjustment was a conscious effort to avoid time trouble and play faster, more controlled chess throughout the run-in.

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“I don’t, like I said, think there is anything particular I change, but this conscious effort of playing faster was certainly, I think, helped in my games. I had more time than my opponents in most of the games.” 
Looking ahead to the coming months, the young Indian Grandmaster said he plans to play fewer tournaments than last year to better manage his schedule and workload. However, he confirmed he will feature at the World Rapid Team Championship for Chess Gurukul, scheduled from June 16-22 in Hong Kong.


“I mean, most of the players playing here are going to be there (for World Rapid and Blitz Team) and it’s going to start in 10 days. But for now, I don’t think I’ll, I’ll look at any chess for a bit.” 
Asked whether defeating Carlsen twice in the same tournament was a big deal, he said he was ultimately pleased to have won the event itself — especially considering it featured a player of the Norwegian’s calibre.


“Winning the (matches against Carlsen), I mean, he helped in winning the tournament, so it’s still, I think every point counts here. Yeah, I mean, I’m overall happy that I managed to come back like this (from a poor start). For me, it’s more special that I won a tournament, especially when Magnus is here.” 
He said the Superbet Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest (May 14-23), from where he flew straight to Oslo for Norway Chess and arrived on the eve of the tournament, had a positive impact as it served as valuable warm-up ahead of the challenge here.


“I guess maybe like we were warmed up (for Norway Chess after playing in Bucharest)… So, like, I think we were looking forward to playing here. So, yeah, maybe we were more warmed up, but I don’t know.

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Iwobi, Akpan Join Super Eagles Camp in Portugal

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Nigeria’s preparations in Portugal have received a major boost with the arrival of midfielder Alex Iwobi and Genk defender Christian Akpan in Lisbon.

A total of 19 players travelled from Poland to Portugal as the Super Eagles continued their training programme ahead of their upcoming matches.

The squad is gradually nearing full strength, with winger Samuel Chukwueze expected to join his teammates on Friday.

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However, striker Rafiu Durosinmi was given permission to attend to personal matters and did not travel with the rest of the team.

The arrival of Iwobi and Akpan gives the coaching staff more options as preparations continue in Lisbon. With Chukwueze also expected to arrive soon, the Super Eagles are close to having a full squad available for the final stage of training.

The camp in Portugal will allow the players more time to build understanding, work on tactics and improve their fitness ahead of future matches.

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The Super Eagles will take on Portugal in an international friendly on 10 June 2026. The Unity Cup champions travelled to Portugal after playing out a 2-2 draw against Poland on Wednesday night.

Nigeria’s three-time African champions are using the friendly matches to prepare for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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BCCI picks full-strength squad for Asian Games 2026, includes Bumrah, Iyer | Asian Games 2023

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The BCCI selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, on Saturday announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026. However, unlike the 2022 Asian Games, where India sent a second-string squad, they have decided to send a full-strength squad for the tournament.

 


India’s newly appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer will lead the side in the multi-nation event, with Tilak Varma serving as his deputy.

 

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India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England, made his return to the Asian Games squad, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made the cut.

 
 


India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026:

 

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Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah.


Big names missing


India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026 will have some big names missing, with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal and last edition’s winning captain Ruturaj Gaikwad failing to make the cut.

 


Apart from them, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill are also among the notable absentees from India’s 15-member squad.

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At the 2022 Asian Games, India won the gold medal under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was India’s standout performer in the semi-final with a century. 


Multiple names return


While there are some big names missing out, there are plenty of players who are set to feature in their second consecutive Asian Games.

 


Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar, who were part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the Hangzhou Asian Games, will return for their second appearance at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

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How India won gold at the Asian Games 2022


India won the gold medal in men’s cricket at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

 


Entering the tournament directly at the quarter-final stage as one of the highest-ranked teams, India began their campaign with a 23-run victory over Nepal after posting 202/4, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century. In the semi-final, India produced a dominant all-round display to defeat Bangladesh by nine wickets, chasing down 97 in just 9.2 overs.

 

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The final against Afghanistan was heavily affected by rain. Afghanistan managed 112/5 in 18.2 overs before the match was abandoned.

 


As India were the higher-seeded team based on ICC T20I rankings, they were awarded the gold medal, securing their maiden men’s cricket title at the Asian Games.

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Alas’ Pons, Rondina enter AVC Beach Tour final vs Aussies

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Sisi Rondina Bernadeth Pons Alas Pilipinas Asian beach volleySisi Rondina Bernadeth Pons Alas Pilipinas Asian beach volley

Bernadeth Pons, right, and Sisi Rondina during a quarterfinal match against Australia’s Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin in the AVC Beach Tour in Chinese Taipei.–AVC Beach Tour Photo

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball pair Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons earned a shot at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Pingtung Open crown.

Rondina and Pons continued their amazing run with a 21-17, 26-24 win over Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Taravadee Naraphornrapat in the semifinal on Saturday in Chinese Taipei.

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The Alas duo asserted its mastery of the Thailand team, replicating their win in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games final, where they earned a historic breakthrough gold medal.

READ: Rondina, Pons skip PVL on Tour to prepare for Asian Games

Pons and Rondina take on Australia’s Olympian Taliqua Clancy and Stefie Fejes in the final on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier, they took down Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin of Australia, 21-18, 33-31, in the quarterfinal.

Rondina and Pons are currently on a break from PVL, focusing on their road to the Asian Games in Japan in September.

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PSG fans await Paris celebration of back-to-back UEFA Champions League victory

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Paul Pogba gives verdict on Michael Carrick appointment at Manchester United – ‘You could see it’

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Michael Carrick was appointed the permanent head coach of Man United prior to the victory over Brighton on the final day of the season

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has backed the decision to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach. Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January on an initial temporary contract after Ruben Amorim was sacked following his infamous press conference at Leeds.

Under Carrick, the Reds enjoyed an instant new manager boost, winning six of his opening seven matches in charge. United would go on to lose just twice as they secured a return to the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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Ahead of the final match of the season at Brighton, the Reds confirmed Carrick would be staying as the club’s permanent head coach. This will be Carrick’s second permanent job as a head coach.

Pogba played alongside Carrick during his second stint at United and was part of the squad when Carrick took up his first coaching role at Old Trafford.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the Frenchman was asked about Carrick’s appointment. “I think he’s doing a great job and he did it also at the time when he was the assistant of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,” Pogba responded.

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“He’s a great guy, he has experience, he was a great player, and he has a very good connection with the players, you could see it when he took the team. I think it’s going to be good for United. I wish them the best, obviously, for him and all the staff and the players.”

Pogba’s United career did not play out as anyone had hoped. He would leave on a free transfer in 2022 and return to Juventus. But in 2023, the midfielder tested positive for DHEA – a drug that raises the levels of testosterone in the body. Pogba denied intentionally taking the drug but was still handed an initial four-year ban in February 2024.

On appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), this was reduced to 18 months. During the October hearing, the CAS agreed there was a lack of intent and Pogba was eligible to play professionally from March 2025.

Since leaving Juventus at the start of 2025, Pogba has signed for AS Monaco. However, he made just six appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season after suffering yet more injuries.

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Heavyweight champion says he is willing to face Moses Itauma after previous negotiations failed

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Moses Itauma was in talks for a heavyweight title shot, only for Filip Hrgovic to instead emerge as a likely opponent for his next outing.

The 21-year-old is the leading challenger with both the WBO and WBA, despite having not yet tested the waters at world level.

His most notable victory came in March, when he stopped Jermaine Franklin in round five, but Itauma has otherwise faced a lack of credible names.

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This could change in August, though, as the unbeaten talent is expected to take on Hrgovic, a top 10 contender who would represent his toughest test thus far.

Should he emerge victorious, Itauma could then face WBA ‘regular’ champion Murat Gassiev, who says he remains open to their potential showdown.

According to the 32-year-old, their matchup was initially discussed in February, only for Itauma’s team to put their negotiations on hold and explore alternative options.

This has left Gassiev with the opportunity to headline a show at the VTB Arena, Moscow, against Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka on July 11.

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After that, the former world cruiserweight champion has told talkSPORT that he would be willing to revisit a fight with Itauma.

“[In February] I said, ‘OK, let’s talk. Some negotiations, some talks, promoters, managers, teams, no problem just give me a location, time, date and let’s fight.

But it’s boxing – this is a serious business. Maybe it’s not the perfect time for this fight right now. Maybe after July we will fight, or maybe next year. Moses has good team, good promoter, good manager, good coach and maybe his team make take this fight [against Hergovic] because maybe this fight best for him right now because he’s young, maybe he doesn’t have big experience, maybe for his career this fight with Hrgovic is perfect.”

While Gassiev currently holds the ‘regular’ title, there is a chance he could be elevated to full champion if Oleksandr Usyk vacates his WBA belt.

Such an outcome would then make their fight more appealing for Itauma, who appears to be closing in on a world title shot either way.

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