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Emma Raducanu comes through gruelling battle to reach Transylvania Open final

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Emma Raducanu is one win away from her maiden WTA Tour title after reaching the final of the Transylvania Open.

The British number one beat Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5 3-6 6-3 in an epic semi-final to take her place in Saturday’s showpiece in Cluj.

She now has a shot at winning her first tournament since her incredible US Open success in 2021 and announcing herself as a real force on the WTA Tour.

It completed an impressive day for home tennis as Katie Boulter made it into the final of the Ostrava Open, meaning that two British women will compete in different WTA Tour finals on the same day for the first time.

What sort of physical or mental condition top seed Raducanu will be in for the final against either Sorana Cirstea or Daria Snigur remains to be seen after she made it through one of the toughest matches of her career.

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It was a war of attrition for Raducanu against the eccentric Ukrainian, who, adorned in face tattoos, adopted some frustrating tactics, including heavy use of ‘moon balling’ and slices.

The teary Briton was left physically shattered after a near three-hour battle.

“What an incredible match,” she said during her on-court interview. “I think all props to my opponent today.

“She played incredible makes it so tricky to put any ball past her. You think it’s past her, and then the ball is on your baseline or on your sideline so it’s so difficult.

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“I’m just most proud of how I competed, how I came back in the third set, how I managed the match.

“I honestly don’t know if I could have done it without everyone’s support.”

The world number 91 adopted her infuriating tactics especially well late in the first set after Raducanu had broken to go 5-4 up.

It paid off as she broke back, but Raducanu stayed strong to claim another break in a mammoth game at 5-5 and then served the set out with relative ease.

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She then broke in the opening game of the second set to raise hopes of a more comfortable route to victory as the Briton opened up a 3-1 lead.

But her Ukrainian opponent would just not go away and turned the set on its head with a run of five successive games to level up as Raducanu had no answers to her unusual style.

Raducanu showed her fighting spirit after trailing 2-1 in the decider to took back control of the match, winning 16 straight points to move on the brink of victory.

She missed three match points on Oliynykova’s serve, but finally finished the job to wrap it up.

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Earlier, British number four Boulter beat American Katie Volynets 6-1 6-3 to secure a place in the Ostrava Open final.

Boulter broke in the opening game and then the fifth to establish a 4-1 lead, before taking the set as Volynets’ serve faltered again.

World number 96 Volynets regrouped for the start of the second set, forcing an early break in the first game, but Boulter responded immediately to level at 1-1.

Boulter then went on the offensive with some power hitting across the court.

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Another break in game eight left her serving for the match, which she closed out after recovering from 0-40 down to hold her nerve and progress to a fifth career WTA final.

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Report: Mike Evans signing with 49ers after 12 seasons with Buccaneers

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For the first time in over a decade, Mike Evans will suit up for a team other than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The veteran wide receiver has reportedly agreed to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year deal, per multiple reports on Monday.

The 32-year-old’s 1,000-yard receiving streak came to an end last season after he was limited to just 368 yards in eight games due to injury.

Prior to 2025, Evans tied Hall of Famer Jerry Rice with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, which began during Evans’s rookie season in 2014.

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Over his career, the Texas A&M product totalled 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns, both of which are Buccaneers’ franchise records.

Now he leaves Tampa Bay for the Bay Area and provides Brock Purdy with a new weapon to work with.

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Osimhen Faces Suspension Risk Ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League Clash with Liverpool

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could face suspension when Galatasaray take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Turkish club will host the English side at Rams Park in the first leg of their Round of 16 match, which kicks off at 8:45 pm.

Osimhen has already received two yellow cards in the competition this season during matches against Juventus and Atletico Madrid. If he gets another yellow card against Liverpool, he will miss the second leg of the tie in England next week.

  • Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed his delight after Akor Adams made his debut for Sevilla in their 0-0 draw against Getafe on Saturday.Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed his delight after Akor Adams made his debut for Sevilla in their 0-0 draw against Getafe on Saturday.

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Under UEFA rules, a player is suspended for one match after collecting three yellow cards in the Champions League, unless the cautions lead to a red card.

Galatasaray could suffer a big setback if Osimhen is suspended. The Nigerian striker has been one of the team’s key players in Europe this season and has already scored seven goals in the competition.

He is now just one goal away from matching the record for the most goals scored by a player from a Turkish club in a single Champions League season. The record was set by Burak Yilmaz, who scored eight goals for Galatasaray in the 2012–13 season.

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Osimhen has also played at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium before. In 2022, he featured for Napoli in a Champions League match where the Italian side lost 2–0 to Liverpool. Earlier in that same season, Napoli had defeated Liverpool 4–1, with Osimhen winning a penalty during the match.

Despite the suspension concern, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has a fully fit squad available for the first leg in Istanbul.

However, Osimhen is not the only player close to suspension. Six other Galatasaray players are also one yellow card away from missing the return leg if they receive another booking.

Liverpool also have two players who could face suspension if they are booked during the match.

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The two teams already met earlier in this season’s Champions League league stage, where Galatasaray secured a 1–0 win at home with Osimhen scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.

Galatasaray finished 20th in the league phase with three wins, one draw and four defeats. They later reached the Round of 16 after beating Juventus in the play-off round with a 7–5 aggregate score.

Liverpool had a stronger run in the league phase, winning six matches and losing two to finish third in the standings and qualify directly for the Round of 16.

The second leg will take place at Anfield on March 18, where both teams will fight for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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2 ex-PGA Tour pros make world ranking leaps after LIV event

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Vikings Sign Undercover Hot Shot from Steelers

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Steelers CB James Pierre in 2025 against the Bengals
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer “required” to select a cornerback in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The club used its very first free-agent signing this week on a man named James Pierre from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know the Player Well

Pierre brings an undercover stellar 2025 resume to Minnesota, so much so that fans can pencil him in as the CB3 as early as today.

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Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know Pierre Well

Alas, the Vikings’ CB depth fears have vanished.

James Pierre reacts after intercepting a pass during Steelers vs. Browns game at Acrisure Stadium. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) celebrates after securing an interception against the Cleveland Browns during fourth-quarter action at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, with the play unfolding on Dec. 8, 2024 as the Steelers defense sealed momentum late in the AFC North matchup. Pierre reacts while teammates gather around the turnover. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

Pierre to MIN

Pierre to the purple team is basically official, barring a bizarre last-second change of heart.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Monday, “The Vikings have landed a new cornerback in the early stages of the free agent negotiating window. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media reports that they have agreed to terms with James Pierre on a two-year deal. The contract is worth $8.5 million with $3.7 million in guaranteed money.”

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“Pierre signed with the Steelers after going undrafted in 2020 and returned to the team after failing to make the Commanders in 2024. Pierre appeared in 95 games over his six seasons in Pittsburgh.”

Minnesota was in the market for a budget cornerback — one with upside — and absolutely nailed that mission with Pierre for $3.7 million guaranteed. It’s a steal of a deal.

The Stats for Pierre

Looking for the statistical skinny on Pierre? We’ve got it. Here’s his work since 2020:

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2025: 86.2 (408 snaps)
2024: 56.2 (207 snaps)
2023: 40.4 (28 snaps)
2022: 69.9 (260 snaps)
2021: 58.1 (415 snaps)
2020: 80.5 (38 snaps)

And the passer-rating-against in the same timeframe:

2025: 41.4 (408 snaps)
2024: 81.5 (207 snaps)
2023: 143.7 (28 snaps)
2022: 58.7 (260 snaps)
2021: 105.7 (415 snaps)
2020: 79.2 (38 snaps)

Pierre is 6’2″ and 190 pounds, instantly making him the Vikings’ tallest cornerback who projects to receive playing time in 2026. He’s also Lamar Jackson’s cousin.

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SI.com‘s Jack Markowski on Pierre: “Pierre made a career-high five starts for Pittsburgh after re-signing with the organization on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum last offseason. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Reference, while holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of just 42.9 on 35 targets across 376 coverage snaps.”

“Spotrac has Pierre’s market value currently set at a one-year contract for $1.873 million, which would mark a marginal raise from the $1.170 million salary he earned in 2025. Cornerback sticks out as one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs, and the potential departure of Pierre is a main reason why.”

It’s also worth noting that Brian Flores stopped by the 2022 Steelers as a linebackers coach; he knows Pierre, too, as Pierre has worked for Pittsburgh his entire career.

James Pierre warms up on the field before Steelers vs. Broncos game at Heinz Field. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) warms up on the field before kickoff against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, with the pregame scene captured on Sep. 20, 2020 as players prepared for the early-season matchup. The Steelers later earned a narrow 26–21 victory over Denver in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.

Markowski continued, “The team is in good shape with Joey Porter Jr. as its No. 1 option at the position following a stellar campaign that could very well earn him a top-of-the-market extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but the depth is lacking.”

“Pierre blossomed into a true impact player for the Steelers in his fifth season with the organization last year, and while there are other enticing veterans in free agency, bringing him back is the easiest path forward. The issue, though, is that his market appears to be booming, complicating matters in the process.”

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The Revised CB Room

With the Pierre addition, here’s a look at Minnesota’s updated CB room:

  • Byron Murphy Jr.
  • Isaiah Rodgers
  • James Pierre
  • Dwight McGlothern
  • Zemaiah Vaughn

One would think the group needs at least one more credible defender — perhaps Fabian Moreau, the club’s veteran CB3 for most of 2025 — but during the most recent offseason, the Vikings were content with minimal depth. We shall see if that changes in 2026.

The Gerald Alexander Connection

Minnesota employed a man named Daronte Jones as the defensive passing game coordinator from 2022 to 2025, and he left this offseason to take the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator job, a sweet promotion. To backfill Jones’s job, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores hired Gerald Alexander from the Steelers’ staff.

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Gerald Alexander smiles on the sideline during Dolphins preseason game against the Chicago Bears. James Pierre Vikings
Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander smiles along the sideline during second-half action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, with the moment captured on Aug. 14, 2021 as Miami’s staff monitored preseason play. Alexander watches from the sideline while the Dolphins evaluate defensive personnel during the exhibition matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports.

His first order of business? Bringing Pierre with him in free agency.

If the pattern holds, the Vikings could, in theory, also sign Asante Samuel Jr., who also patrolled Alexander’s secondary in 2025.

Pierre will turn 30 in September, so he does not have youth on his side. He ran a 4.59 forty at the 2020 NFL Combine — not a speedster.


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Maxx Crosby’s wife Rachel has 4-word reaction on moving to Baltimore after blockbuster Ravens trade

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NFL star defensive end Maxx Crosby has posted for the first time about his trade to Baltimore Ravens ever since the news broke on Friday.

On Sunday, Crosby posted an AI-generate picture of himself wearing the Baltimore Ravens home jersey and a black Ravens helmet with number 98 stitched infront, his signature number.

“RAVENS FLOCK…. ITS TIME. 🐦‍⬛💎,” he wrote in the caption.

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Crosby’s wife, Rachel commented under the post.

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“Crosby crew is coming 🖤💜🔥,” she wrote.

Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)
Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)

Before this post, Maxx Crosby reflected on a seven-year journey with the Raiders in his podcast, “The Rush” and shared the clip on Instagram on Sunday.

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“Raider Nation has given me everything,” he said. “I had the chance to get married, have the most beautiful daughter in the world, and grow as a man, a player, a leader and a human being.”

Rachel Crosby was overwhelmed.

“Love you so much baby! So proud of you 🖤,” she commented under the post.

Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)
Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)

The trade agreement is set to become official on March 11, at the start of the new league year.

Crosby’s trade is historic, marking the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history that they have traded a first-round pick for a veteran player.

By trading Crosby, the Raiders now hold the No. 1 and No. 14 overall picks in the 2026 Draft. They are widely expected to use the top pick on Heisman winner former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to lead their new era.

Also Read: Maxx Crosby’s sister Milla changes NFL loyalty as 5× Pro Bowler gets traded to Ravens

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Maxx Crosby celebrated six years of sobriety following his trade

After Maxx Crosby was traded from the Raiders to the Ravens, he celebrated sixth year of his sobriety anniversary on Sunday.

He and his wife, Rachel, hosted a “Drake-themed” bash in Las Vegas.

The party also had a live performance by country-rapper Shaboozey, who is a close friend of Crosby.

NFL insider Brian Wacker reposted Crosby’s Instagram stories on X.

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For Maxx Crosby, March 11 is an important date.

On March 11, 2020, he checked himself into a 30-day rehab facility for alcohol addiction.

Two years later, on the same date, he signed a $98.98 million contract extension with the Raiders.

Cut to 2026, on March 11, he officially will become a Baltimore Raven.

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Also Read: “Demolish his statue”: Dave Portnoy doesn’t mince words on Tom Brady reportedly not wanting to trade Maxx to Patriots