May 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Caitlin Clark returns to the scene of one of the worst-shooting nights of her WNBA career when the Indiana Fever visit the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night in San Francisco.
The game also serves as a rematch of a 90-82 Fever home win last Friday in which Clark contributed 22 points, shooting 7-for-15.
Indiana (4-2) has not played since, whereas Golden State (4-2) opened a four-game homestand on Monday with a 97-70 romp over the Connecticut Sun.
Clark has made only one previous trip to San Francisco. She missed all seven of her 3-point attempts and shot just 3-for-14 overall in an 88-77 loss to the expansion club last June.
Clark was similarly off the mark in a home rematch with the Valkyries a month later, going just 4-for-12. In three games against Golden State, she has averaged just 14.3 points while shooting 14-for-41 (34.1%).
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The league’s top attraction is averaging 25 points in her last three games, connecting on 13 of 30 from outside the 3-point arc. She recorded two double-doubles in those games, missing a third by one assist.
The Fever have won three in a row (one with Clark sitting out due to a sore back), but now embark on a stretch of four of five on the road.
The five days off allowed Clark to rest her back while also serving as the grand marshal for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. She was back at practice Tuesday, reminding reporters back injuries can be tricky things.
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“I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more,” Clark said. “I think before that it was always like, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’ like, ‘Go play, go play, go play,’ and maybe sometimes I’m a little too hyper-aware about certain things. I don’t think it’s anything of concern, though.”
The Valkyries rolled in the triumph over Connecticut, and might have helped their offense with the debut of Juste Jocyte.
The franchise’s first draft choice — No. 5 overall last year — didn’t join the Valkyries last season and stayed away for nearly a month this season because of commitments to the Lithuanian national team and her Spanish professional team. The 6-foot-2 guard practiced with Golden State for the first time Sunday, before thrilling the fans by making her first two WNBA shots during the final 4:48 of Monday’s victory.
Asked what stood out about the 20-year-old’s debut, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase couldn’t stop talking.
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“Her confidence,” said the WNBA’s reigning Coach of the Year. “Credit to my coaching staff for getting her ready … also the players, too. As soon as I subbed her, they were so hyped, so excited. You see that type of connection and support and that love immediately; that was amazing.”
Optus Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 12 AFL game between West Coast Eagles and
Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with West Coast Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the West Coast Eagles vs.
Essendon Bombers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Fresh off the departure of Brad Scott as head coach after one win from its last 24 matches, Essendon will travel across the Nullarbor to take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday night. The Bombers dropped to 18th on the ladder following last Friday’s disastrous 74-56 loss to a severely depleted Richmond side that had entered Round 11 with just one win for the season. Elsewhere, West Coast backed up its shock victory over GWS in its previous home fixture by taking it right up to Collingwood in Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking 433rd AFL appearance before eventually falling 92-82 at the MCG. Essendon has had the better of West Coast in recent seasons, winning each of the past five meetings between the clubs, including a tight 77-75 result at Optus Stadium in Round 6 last year. However, the currently sidelined Peter Wright kicked six of the Bombers’ 11 goals in that match.
Filip Hrgovic looks set to be the next man to test Moses Itauma, who is looking to capture world honours as soon as possible and prove that he is the future of the heavyweight division.
Itauma continues to blitz his way through the ranks, now finding himself well and truly in contention for a heavyweight belt despite not fighting beyond the sixth round in his 14-fight career.
Before the 21-year-old Brit fights for a title – which promoter Frank Warren expects to come by the end of this year – he headlines the O2 Arena on August 8 and Hrgovic is expected to be awaiting him in the opposing corner. A Rio 2016 bronze medallist with designs on a world title himself, and his only pro defeat coming at the hands of reigning WBO champion, Daniel Dubois, the Croatian has vowed to stop Itauma in his tracks.
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Speaking to Boxing News, top trainer Peter Fury looked ahead to the fight, but warned that Hrgovic, who stopped Dave Allen inside three rounds earlier this month, is well capable of exposing Itauma, ‘if he is not the real deal’.
“I think that it is a great step for Moses, I think they are bringing him on well. You know, Hrgovic said the right thing, he said, ‘We will see. He could be the next second coming in the heavyweight division – and he could not’.
“This is a fight that is winnable, but Hrgovic will test him because if he is not the real deal, Hrgovic will find it [out]. It is a good fight at this stage and I think that they are bringing young Moses Itauma on very well.”
An announcement is anticipated soon for Itauma’s August outing, as he headlines an event for the third consecutive occasion and for the first time in the UK capital. Both fighters have confirmed that they want the fight, and it seems only an injury or cut not healing in time will prevent Hrgovic from taking it.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s respectful gesture toward legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar won hearts during the IPL 2026 Eliminator clash between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Midway through the warm-up session ahead of the match, the 15-year-old sensation rushed over to the broadcasting area where Gavaskar and former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar were present. Sooryavanshi paid respect to both veterans by touching their feet, and he even tried to touch Jatin Sapru’s feet, but the TV presenter hilariously jumped away. It was a heartwarming moment involving the youngster, who has impressed everyone in IPL 2026, and the footage quickly went viral on social media.
Vaibhav Sooryavashi touched the feet of Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Bangar before the match.
Coming to the match, Sooryavanshi slammed a sensational 29-ball 97 to guide RR to victory over SRH, keeping their IPL 2026 Final hopes alive. “When we win, we just take the positive intent forward and move on to the next match. And we will try to win the next match in the same way and reach the finals,” he said after the match.
He also opened up about his mindset going into the Qualifier 2 match against Gujarat Titans.
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“I do think a little bit, but not too much. I just try to play the game I’m in and not overthink. But if I feel there’s something I need to work on, then I look at that.”
“I just think about who the bowlers are in the opposition team, how I can face them on this wicket, how big the boundaries are, just these kinds of things. I just try to stay positive with my intent. When I do that, the bowlers stay under pressure. So I try to continue that and dominate the game.”
Sooryavanshi fell just short of breaking Chris Gayle‘s record of scoring the fastest IPL century but the youngster revealed that he was not even aware of the big milestone ahead of him.
“I found out only after I got out. At that time, my only focus was to contribute as much as I could because centuries will keep happening, but right now the focus is on how to win the trophy. If I feel I’m having trouble somewhere, I work on that. I don’t think about what the opposition is planning, that’s their plan. I focus on what my plan is, and I just try to play normal cricket.”
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Joe Mazzulla has officially been named the NBA’s 2025-26 Coach of the Year after leading the Boston Celtics to an impressive season.
The 37-year-old receives the Red Auerbach Trophy and becomes the first Celtics coach to win the award since Bill Fitch back in 1980.
Mazzulla is also the youngest NBA Coach of the Year winner since Phil Johnson won the award in 1975.
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A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner. Mazzulla finished ahead of J. B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson in the final voting results.
Boston finished the season as one of the league’s strongest teams again under Mazzulla, continuing the success he has built since taking over the Celtics.
The award also places him alongside legendary Boston coaches like Red Auerbach and Tom Heinsohn in franchise history.
The upper echelon of the heavyweight division will continue to take shape this summer after it was officially announced that Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka are set to do battle.
Former cruiserweight world champion Gassiev won the WBA Regular heavyweight title back in December with a sixth round stoppage win over Kubrat Pulev, and had been linked to make a defence of that belt against rising star Moses Itauma.
Gassiev and Yoka will meet at the VTB Arena in Moscow on July 11, and the Russian is expecting a difficult challenge but remains confident of success.
“Tony Yoka is an Olympic Champion. He is a big, strong, experienced boxer with a solid amateur background. He is an Olympic champion, and this definitely won’t be an easy fight. That said, I believe I have a greater desire to retain my title and to beat him.”
Yoka is trained by Don Charles, who recently guided Daniel Dubois back to the world heavyweight title, and the 34-year-old believes that will be pivotal in the match-up with Gassiev.
“I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo that have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion.
“I’ve been working hard for over two years now with Don Charles and I’m ready to showcase to the boxing world the changes in my professional boxing.”
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shakes hand with SRH’s Kavya Maran (Screengrab)
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again found himself at the centre of attention after his breathtaking knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. But apart from the fireworks on the field, one post-match moment involving SRH co-owner Kavya Maran also grabbed fans’ attention online.After Rajasthan Royals sealed a commanding 47-run victory at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Maran was seen greeting the 15-year-old batter and shaking hands with him near the boundary ropes. The Indian Premier League later shared the clip on social media, and it quickly went viral among cricket fans.Watch:The gesture came after Sooryavanshi delivered one of the most destructive innings in IPL playoff history. The left-handed opener smashed 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, hammering 12 sixes and five fours at a stunning strike rate above 334. His explosive innings powered Rajasthan Royals to a massive total of 243/8 in 20 overs.Sooryavanshi narrowly missed out on a century but still managed to rewrite several records during the knock. The teenager crossed Chris Gayle’s tally for the most sixes in a single IPL season and continued his remarkable rise as the breakout star of IPL 2026.While Rajasthan’s batting dominated the contest, Jofra Archer ensured Hyderabad never truly threatened during the chase. The England pacer picked up three important wickets and removed key batters early to put SRH under pressure. Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored for Hyderabad with 38, while Ishan Kishan added 33 at the top.Sunrisers Hyderabad were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, ending their campaign just short of the final stages. Rajasthan Royals now move on to Qualifier 2, where they will face Gujarat Titans for a place in the IPL 2026 final.
Last month, Richardson Hitchins made the decision to vacate the IBF super-lightweight world title, leaving the door open for another contender to become champion.
Today, at the IBF’s 41st Annual Convention, in Vietnam, it was unveiled that the number one contender and Hitchins’ former mandatory challenger, Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs), will take on Canadian-Russian Arthur Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) in an intriguing vacant title bout between two undefeated bogeymen.
Mexico’s Delgado defeated Gabriel Gollaz Venezuela via split-decision last time in November, but was ordered for a challenge for Hitchins’ title in February.
Meanwhile, Biyarslanov, known as ‘The Wolf’, claimed the NABF super-lightweight title back in June 2024, and the 31-year-old has kept active by making five defences of the belt since, including triumphs over former world champions Mohamed Mimoune and Sergey Lipinets.
Biyarslanov sits at #5 in the IBF rankings, but it is understood that both Oscar Duarte (#3) and Keyshawn Davis (#4) turned the title opportunity down, with both men having fought and won earlier this month.
Gordon’s future at the North East club has looked in doubt for some time with Eddie Howe repeatedly fielding questions over the winger’s commitment to the club and it now looks like Gordon will be heading to La Liga next season.
Sky Sports News say that an agreement has been made between both clubs over a £70m plus bonuses move amid interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Talks moved to an advanced stage on Wednesday with Barcelona’s offer hitting Newcastle’s valuation and the structure of the deal was discussed with the Spanish giants wanting to spread out the payment.
Gordon, meanwhile, is said to favour the move despite finishing the season as Newcastle’s leading goalscorer. He had previously signed a long-term deal with the club which still has four years left to run.
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However, the winger played no part in any of Newcastle’s final four games of the season as speculation over a summer exit continued to grow. He has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Spanish side as well.
Newcastle’s finances are such that CEO David Hopkinson had previously revealed they would probably need to sell players to re-invest in the summer transfer window.
Gordon was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man World Cup selection earlier this month and will want to head to the tournament with his future confirmed.
He has made 152 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club from Everton in January 2023 for an initial fee of £40m.
May 27, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) brings the ball up court while defended by Phoenix Mercury forward Marta Suarez (77) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Marine Johannes scored a game-high 21 points and her New York Liberty went on a 23-0 run to close the third quarter en route to an 84-74 win over the visiting Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.
Johannes made a career-high seven 3-pointers, missing just twice from long range. The Liberty also got 17 points and 12 rebounds from Jonquel Jones, while Breanna Stewart contributed 11 points and six boards.
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 19 points, but she shot just 6 of 18 from the floor. Natasha Mack added 14 points, and Alyssa Thomas posted nine points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
New York (4-4) broke a three-game losing streak, its worst skid since 2002. Phoenix (2-6) took its fourth loss in a row.
The contest was a rematch of last year’s playoffs, when Phoenix eliminated New York by winning two of three in a first-round series.
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Two players made their season debut: New York’s Leonie Fiebich and Phoenix’s Monique Akoa Makani. Fiebich, who was late to the party because she was finishing her Spanish League season, scored nine points in 33 minutes. Akoa Makani, who was finishing her season in France, put up nine points in 19 minutes.
In addition, New York’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton returned after missing three games due to personal reasons. She scored seven points off the bench.
New York was without All-Stars Sabrina Ionescu (sore back) and Satou Sabally (illness). Sabally played for Phoenix last year.
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The Liberty led 24-22 after an exciting first quarter that included 12 points and three assists from Johannes. She made 4 of 5 from 3-point range and also had a behind-the-back pass for an assist.
Phoenix took its first lead of the game, 31-29, on a Copper 3-pointer with 7:03 left in the second quarter, capping a 7-0 run. By halftime, Phoenix led, 43-42.
The second quarter featured six Liberty turnovers and none by Phoenix.
Johannes led all first-half scorers with 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Copper topped Phoenix with 10 points before the break.
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Jones scored 10 points in the decisive third quarter. At one point, New York forced five consecutive turnovers, and the Liberty entered the fourth with a 72-55 lead.
The Mercury never got the margin down to single digits in the final quarter.
For the game, New York shot 14-for-30 (46.7%) on 3-point attempts. Phoenix shot 10-for-30 (33.3%), and the Liberty also had a 26-9 edge in points off turnovers.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has blasted the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee over the non-selection of Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for the upcoming one-off Test series against Afghanistan. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar labelled Nabi’s exclusion by Agarkar and co. as “ridiculous,” saying that the system does an injustice to proven performers. His criticisms echo those of former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who thundered that the BCCI should scrap domestic cricket if selectors are going to ignore a bowler who took 60 wickets in a single Ranji season.
Nabi won the Ranji Trophy ‘Player of the Tournament’ after single-handedly leading J&K to their maiden title.
“I used to like the golden days when tremendous injustice was done. People would come out on the streets with placards and protests. Now the outcry is mostly on social media, but this is one non-selection that I just can’t understand. It’s actually ridiculous. When Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are not playing, whether because they are being rested or for long-term planning, then you might as well not have the Ranji Trophy if performances like these are going to be ignored,” said Manjrekar.
Manjrekar further suggested that Nabi’s exclusion doesn’t make any sense, especially when frontline pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are unavailable, opening up clear slots in the bowling attack.
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“It was an incredible story for Indian cricket, Jammu and Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy, and this was the guy who almost single-handedly got them to the title. It was a no-brainer, and it’s really sad that he isn’t there. I can understand if the seam-bowling spots were taken by Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj and Shami, and Nabi couldn’t find a place. But this is beyond me. It’s not a good cricketing decision because when you compare his record with some of the others in the squad, tremendous injustice has been done,” he added.
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