D Gukesh. Magnus Carlsen and Javokhir Sindarov

NEW DELHI: Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has made his stance clear ahead of the upcoming World Chess Championship, backing Javokhir Sindarov to defeat reigning champion D Gukesh in what promises to be a historic showdown later this year.Speaking at a chess event in Stockholm, Carlsen did not shy away from naming his favourite, even while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of a title match. “At the moment it’s impossible not to say Sindarov… we know anything can happen in a World Championship match,” he said.The Norwegian great went further in his assessment, pointing out a contrast in the two young stars’ games. “Gukesh has very obvious weaknesses… Sindarov does not. He is a lot more well-rounded,” Carlsen added, firmly tilting the narrative in favour of the Uzbek prodigy.ALSO READ: The making of India’s 95th GM: Aronyak Ghosh, from chasing next tournament’s fee to parents’ relief Sindarov’s historic rise turns headsSindarov’s rapid ascent has forced even the biggest names in chess to take notice. The 20-year-old arrives at the World Championship on the back of a stunning victory at the Candidates Tournament, where he dominated the field and finished unbeaten.His tally of 10/14 was the highest in the modern Candidates format, surpassing benchmarks set by elite names, including Carlsen himself. The composed draw against Wei Yi sealed a campaign that many are already calling one of the greatest in the tournament’s history.Carlsen is not alone in his view. Former world champion Garry Kasparov has also leaned towards Sindarov, calling him the “clear favourite” based on current form, though he cautioned about the unique pressure of a 14-game title match. Gukesh’s resilience still a factorDespite the growing chorus backing Sindarov, writing off Gukesh would be premature. The Indian teenager, who claimed the crown in 2024, has built a reputation for resilience and mental toughness.Kasparov highlighted this strength, noting that Gukesh is “very mentally stable… able to defend any position and find resources even in the worst situations.”The clash between Sindarov and Gukesh will be a generational duel — both players just 20 — and the youngest World Championship match in history.

Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered drama, late goals and a major upset as the race for the title and survival intensified across the country.

The biggest surprise came in Maiduguri, where Shooting Stars SC stunned El Kanemi Warriors with a 2-1 away victory. The hosts had taken the lead in the 25th minute through John Zakka, but the visitors responded immediately after the break. Qamar Adegoke levelled in the 46th minute and struck again in the 86th minute to complete a fine comeback and seal all three points.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors FC secured a narrow 2-1 win over Ikorodu City FC. Paul Samson opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while Valentine Ugwu doubled the lead just before half-time. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier reduced the deficit for the visitors in the 35th minute.

Defending champions Remo Stars FC continued their strong form with a convincing 3-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes FC. Victor Mbaoma gave them an early lead in the 10th minute, Olamilekan Adedayo added a second in first-half stoppage time, and Samuel Anakwe sealed the win in the 78th minute.

At Ilorin, Kwara United FC defeated Barau FC 2-1. Toheeb Gidado scored in the 15th minute, while Saheed Olaniyi converted a penalty before the break. Joseph Atule pulled one back for the visitors in the 66th minute.

The Oriental derby in Enugu lived up to expectations as Rangers International FC came from behind to beat Enyimba FC 2-1. Wonah Williams had put Enyimba ahead early in the second half, but goals from Chidozie Iwundu in the 61st minute and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi seven minutes later completed a spirited turnaround for the Flying Antelopes.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United FC recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Warri Wolves FC. Victor Chimezie opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, before Ngei Oluka-Efor and Habibu Alakija added further goals after the break.

In Kano, Kano Pillars FC left it late to edge Rivers United FC 2-1 in a thrilling finish. Abdullahi Musa broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, but Rivers United responded through Handsome Surveyor in the 89th minute. Veteran forward Ahmed Musa then struck deep into stoppage time to hand the hosts a dramatic victory.

With just a few matches left, Matchday 35 results have tightened the title race and increased pressure on teams battling relegation, setting up a tense finish to the NPFL season.

Adrien Broner, who rose to prominence as a Floyd Mayweather disciple and later lost to Manny Pacquiao, has predicted the outcome of the money-spinning rematch.

The pair are set to lock horns in a second encounter on September 19, headlining a Netflix show at The Sphere, Las Vegas.

Initially, this was thought to be a fully-sanctioned contest, only for Mayweather to more recently claim that it would instead be an exhibition match.

This has inspired Pacquiao to respond with a fresh series of comments, outlining that Mayweather has, in fact, agreed to a professional bout.

As such, fans are expecting Mayweather to put his 50-0 record on the line, while also presenting ‘Pac Man’ with the opportunity to exact his revenge.

The Filipino did, of course, lose their first encounter by unanimous decision in 2015, only to later reveal that he had injured his right shoulder during training.

Hoping for a less problematic camp this time around, Pacquiao is equally aiming to secure his first victory since edging a split decision against Keith Thurman in 2019.

According to a HeadBussinBoxing interview with former world champion Broner, though, the 47-year-old is unlikely to enjoy more than a few moments of success against Mayweather.

“I think it’s going to serve a purpose; it’s going to be a great fight to watch. Pacquiao‘s definitely coming to fight, and it’s going to be an exciting fight.

“I still don’t think he can beat Floyd no matter what, but I can’t wait to see it.”

Before facing Pacquiao, Mayweather has lined up a couple exhibitions with Mike Tyson and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, but whether they actually materialise remains to be seen.

Either way, Pacquiao may have a slight advantage after having gone 12 rounds with Mario Barrios, the then-WBC world welterweight champion, last July.

In Germany, Bayern Munich have won the league title for the 35th time. In England, Manchester City are closing the gap on Arsenal. In tennis, Arthur Fils has won his first title since 2024. The OKC Thunder have made a perfect start to their NBA play-off campaign.

Sometimes, NFL teams waddle into the draft, and their plans get shredded when other teams draft their preferred targets. This forces trades to become an option, and if that happens to the Minnesota Vikings later this week, here are a handful of targets for the occasion.

Four names. One event. Trade buzz never sleeps.

Consider the following a realistic trade board for the Vikings during the draft — players who are gettable and fit Minnesota’s roster needs. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = the most logical fit).

Scenarios That Could Push Minnesota toward a Trade

What if Trader Rob does the thing?

4. Keon Coleman | WR, BUF

The Buffalo Bills owner openly trashed Coleman in front of the media a few months ago, a bizarre situation that didn’t need to unfold. Buffalo later tried to walk back the anti-Coleman fodder, but his legitimacy as an NFL wide receiver was exposed.

NFL.com Eric Edholm wrote about Coleman’s status this week, “The Bills have already made moves at receiver, trading for DJ Moore and signing Trent Sherfield, among others. They have several returners set to come back, including leading receiver Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer and the promising Tyrell Shavers.”

“Buffalo also has readily scouted draft prospects at receiver. There are multiple unsigned free agents from last year’s roster, as well, such as Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis and Curtis Samuel. Beane and the Bills aren’t guaranteeing anything for Coleman this season — and certainly not a starting spot — but they’re leaving the door ajar for his trajectory to change.”

The man needs a fresh start, especially after the Bills traded for Moore. If the Bills draft another rookie wideout, Coleman could be traded to the highest bidder. Why not the Vikings?

Approximate Trade Price: 4th or 5th Rounder

3. Trey Benson | RB, ARI

The Cardinals re-upped with James Conner this offseason, in addition to signing free-agent tailback Tyler Allgeier. Benson has battled injuries since turning pro in 2024; his career trajectory is not all that glowing.

He also won’t get an RB1’s workload in Arizona. Truth be told, he could be the RB3 by September. Benson looked decent last year before his season-ending injury. The 3rd-Round pick from two years ago will turn 24 this summer.

A change of scenery could do the body good.

Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder

2. Brandon Aiyuk | WR, 49ers

As the draft approaches, the Vikings have three wide receivers — Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton — poised to contribute meaningfully on offense. However, this number seems thin, especially considering Felton remains unproven after a quiet rookie season.

An over-reliance on Jefferson and Addison could become problematic if injuries or underperformance occur.

Jalen Nailor’s departure to Las Vegas on a three-year, $35 million deal (which the Vikings declined to match) creates an opportunity. The Vikings could pursue a veteran receiver — perhaps a high-profile name like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, or Deebo Samuel (DeAndre Hopkins is a less likely option). Alternatively, they could draft a player expected to make an immediate impact. Of course, Felton could also emerge as a reliable option if he develops as hoped.

The 49ers should probably just release Aiyuk and call it good; the relationship has been strained for over a year. If they insist on a trade, the Vikings, needing a WR3, make sense as a landing spot. It would give the offense an ungodly amount of firepower from head to toe.

Approximate Trade Price: 6th-Rounder

1. Jerry Jeudy | WR, Browns

In Cleveland’s current format, it does not maximize Jeudy’s skillset. He banked just over 600 receiving yards last year, meaning he’s just K.J. Osborn with 1st-Round draft stock. Of course, Jeudy thrived with Jameis Winston, but Winston isn’t the Browns quarterback anymore.

Cleveland may leave the draft with a rookie receiver or two. It’s probably time to start fresh.

Last Word on Sports‘ Anthony Palacio noted last month, “The veteran is still under a three-year extension for $58 million, which keeps him locked in with the Browns through the 2027 regular season. However, that could obviously change during night 1 of the NFL Draft, and the Browns could get some extra draft capital to rebuild a new offense for Sanders or Watson.”

“Jeudy should be under a microscope along with other possible receivers that could become available in this year’s draft. The receiver hasn’t been able to find a stable long-term home in his previous tenure in Denver, but could finally find that with these teams.”

It should be noted that trading Jeudy will be easier financially for the Browns after June 1st, but on the whole, trades are more frequent in the draft than in the summer.

Minnesota’s offense would get quite fancy with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jerry Jeudy, and a rookie running back from the draft.

Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder

The 2026 NBA playoffs continued Sunday with four more Game 1s in the first round. The Celtics and Thunder — the last two NBA champs — opened things up with blowout wins over the 76ers and Suns, respectively. The third game of the day brought the biggest upset of the playoffs so far: the eighth-seeded Magic took Game 1 from the top-seeded Pistons in Detroit. The Spurs closed out the slate by pulling away from the Trail Blazers for a 13-point victory, and Victor Wembanyama had a memorable playoff debut.

Let’s start with Wemby as we break down the winners and losers of Sunday’s playoff action.

Winner: Victor Wembanyama’s playoff debut

In his first career playoff game, Wembanyama was magical. He went for 35 points (a Spurs record in a playoff debut, passing Tim Duncan’s 32 in 1998) on 13-of-21 shooting. He blocked a couple shots, and as always changed or deterred a bunch of others. 

Here he puts up a road block on Toumani Camara while hardly having to move, then spikes Jerami Grant’s shot without jumping. 

The dude looks like he’s playing with kids. Honest to god, making plays like this at 7-foot-4 is the peak of basketball evolution. I don’t know how it can ever get any crazier than this. 

Wemby also made five of his six 3-pointers. That is the second-most 3s made in a playoff debut in league history (trailing, as you probably could’ve guessed, the great Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Voshon Lenard, each of whom cashed six triples in their playoff opener). Wembanyama hit a bunch of impressive 3s, but flow dribbling into a fading corner job is sick.

He also finished three alley-oop dunks, highlighting the outrageous gravity of his rim rolls. It’s the reason the Spurs led the league in corner 3-point attempts, because wing defenders are forced to sink down off of their shooters to at least marginally disrupt things like this. 

It’s a total pick-you-poison situation. Even when multiple defenders collapse into the paint, all you have to do is toss the ball to the moon, and he’s the only one who can reach it. 

Indeed, Wembanyama was the best player on the floor in San Antonio’s 111-98 Game 1 win. But it wasn’t the only playoff debut that went well for the Spurs, as second-year wing Stephon Castle finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Castle didn’t shoot it so efficiently, but he was everywhere in this game. The future is now for this Spurs team, and it is impossibly bright. 

Loser: Detroit’s key role players

Cade Cunningham scored 39 points despite playing in just his fourth game since suffering a collapsed lung. He held up his end of the bargain for the Pistons. How’d everyone else do?

• Jalen Duren had eight points on four shots. He’s about to make an All-NBA team. He has to force his way into the offense more.
• Ausar Thompson played nine minutes and 33 seconds in the second half. His playing time was a point of concern in last year’s playoffs too. The Pistons don’t seem to believe they can score enough to keep him on the floor at a typical starter’s workload, and when he was playing in the first half, JB Bickerstaff didn’t trust him to guard Paolo Banchero. He’s going to be a First-Team All-Defense pick. Whether or not he gets that matchup more as the series progresses remains to be seen, but if he can’t stay on the floor, there’s nothing he can do to impact the game anyway.
• Daniss Jenkins filled in for Cunningham admirably while he was out with the collapsed lung. He shot 1-of-7 from the field in Game 1 and the Pistons lost his minutes by 11 points. If he can’t be Detroit’s secondary creator, their offense is in real trouble.

Cunningham can’t win this series singlehandedly, and even if he could, a far more difficult Cavaliers team is waiting in the next round. This was not the well-rounded group we watched all season. The Pistons need more out of the supporting cast in Game 2.

Winner: Orlando’s defense

The Magic made their all-In push for Desmond Bane on the logic that their back-to-back top-five defenses were championship ready, but their offense needed a boost. Well, one of the (many) reasons this regular season didn’t go as planned was defensive decline. A lot of that was due to injuries. Jonathan Isaac isn’t the low-minutes game-breaker he’s been the past two years, Jalen Suggs missed a lot of time early in the season, and Franz Wagner missed most of the middle of the year. 

Isaac hasn’t played since March, but Wagner returned to the lineup on April 1. Not coincidentally, since he had a team-low 100.3 defensive rating thereafter, the Magic had the NBA’s top-ranked defense in April. They have since played three postseason games. In their first play-in game against Philadelphia, they allowed 96.6 points per 100 plays in the half-court, right around the top 10 in the regular season. And then they posted their fourth-best figure of the entire season (73.3) against the Hornets on Friday and their seventh-best figure of the season (81.2) on Sunday against the Pistons.

Orlando’s offense was atrocious against Philadelphia, bad against Charlotte and decent against Detroit. But the whole theory of this team was that “decent” could be good enough if the defense played this well. The Magic are peaking at the perfect time, and they’re the rare team that can actually match Detroit’s physicality. Without that advantage, the Magic have a chance to make this a pretty competitive series.

Winner: Jayson Tatum

Sunday’s Game 1 against the Sixers was the first time Jayson Tatum suited up for a playoff game since Game 4 of the second round against the New York Knicks last May, when he had to be carried off the floor after rupturing his Achilles tendon. He needed no time to reacclimate to the higher-intensity action. By the end of the first quarter, he had 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and had scored or assisted on more points (19) than the Sixers had as a team (18).

“Not too long ago, I wasn’t even sure if I was gonna be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs,” Tatum said during his postgame interview on the ESPN broadcast. “Today was probably the most excited and relaxed and grateful I’ve been in my nine years of being in the playoffs. I’m just super happy to be able to be out here and play.”

Tatum finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals on 9 of 17 shooting. Sure, it was only the first round and the Sixers were overmatched, but Tatum’s performance was a great sign for both him and the Celtics. On a personal level, it’s incredible for him to hit these heights in the playoffs less than a year after a devastating injury. And for the Celtics, his showing will give them real confidence that they can make a deep playoff run in what was supposed to be a gap year. — Jack Maloney

Loser: Sixers fans

Nothing has really gone right for the 76ers over the last decade — no other team would lose their star player to an emergency appendectomy just before the playoffs — and Sunday’s 32-point loss was just the latest bit of misery. This was the fifth time that the Sixers have lost to the Celtics by 30-plus points in the playoffs — the most such defeats by any team against a single opponent.

Yes, this was only Game 1, but it sure seems as though the Celtics are going to eliminate the Sixers from the playoffs for the fourth time in the last nine seasons. If the Sixers do end up bowing out in Round 1, that will be three seasons without a playoff series victory and their Eastern Conference finals drought will extend to 25 seasons.

The Sixers have great fans who deserve better.  — Jack Maloney

Winner: Jalen Williams

If there was a question about the Thunder leading into the postseason, it was what version of Jalen Williams they were getting. Their second All-Star from a season ago played just 33 uneven games during the regular season, and Oklahoma City seemingly treated him extremely cautiously over the 82-game grind to ensure he’d be fresh and healthy in the playoffs.

Well, that effort seems to have paid off. Williams looked like his old self in a standout all-around performance (22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds and six assists). He was a defensive menace, creating several turnovers and then turning them into buckets in transition, where he is at his most lethal. He made multiple 3s in a game for just the sixth time this season. He even did a bit of secondary creation during Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s bench minutes, the part of his game that might be the most vital for Oklahoma City when the later rounds arrive. The Thunder haven’t been at full strength all season, but with this version of Williams, they’ll be extraordinarily hard to beat. — Sam Quinn

Loser: Phoenix’s supporting cast

Devin Booker gave the Suns 23 reasonably efficient points, considering the circumstances. Jalen Green, through athleticism and tough shotmaking, managed to at least put 17 hard-fought points on the board. The rest of Phoenix’s roster scored 44 points on 15-of-50 (30%) shooting. Yikes.

Suns skepticism this season was centered largely on playoff upside. They remade their roster in the offseason on grit and hustle, and that won them a lot of regular-season games. But nobody else on this roster has any sort of star-level upside, and most are being asked to do too much to expect the Suns to win in the playoffs. Even Booker and Green combined for just three assists because Oklahoma City’s defense is so stout that they couldn’t create advantages for their weaker teammates off of their own scoring.

There just isn’t enough shot-creation here for the role players to get much of anything going against a defense as good as the Thunder’s. Booker and Green can still get their own points, and I suppose Dillon Brooks can too if he’s going to take 22 shots, but in an 84-point team performance, the Suns had no way to actually stress Oklahoma City enough to make life easier for everyone else. — Sam Quinn