Sports

Inside Jacob Bridgeman’s terrifying Genesis finish

Published

3 weeks ago

23 February 2026

NewsAdmin

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — The scariest putt in golf is somewhere between three and four feet.

Short enough that you expect to make it.

Long enough that you might not.

It gets tougher, I’d imagine, to hit a three-and-a-half footer with 5,000 people watching from the hillside in front of you.

Tougher when they’ve just gasped in horror at what you’ve just done.

Tougher still when one of those people is Rory McIlroy, who just so happens to be one stroke behind you.

And tougher when another is Tiger Woods, your childhood hero, looking on from a perch beside the clubhouse, 50 yards and 500 miles away, waiting to shake your hand as long as you can somehow get your ball to the bottom of that hole.

It gets tougher when you’re on the brink of winning your first PGA Tour event, something you’ve dreamt of your entire life, something you know you can do but also know isn’t guaranteed.

And tougher knowing that missing wouldn’t just mean letting an opportunity slip by — it would mean blowing a six-stroke lead, crashing on the final turn, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

It gets tougher when the pressure hasn’t slowly mounted, but instead, after three rounds and 15 holes of low stress and many birdies, it hits like a freight train, with a shrinking lead, a growing crowd, decibels, nerves and heart rate rising by the minute.

And it gets tougher when you can’t feel your hands.

SUNDAY BROUGHT THE MOST GLORIOUS WEATHER in the history of Los Angeles, tied for first with 80 percent of all days in L.A. history, 70 degrees and sunny, deep blue cloudless sky matching the deep blue ocean just visible from the balcony of Riviera Country Club’s iconic clubhouse.

That was the setting for the final round of the Genesis Invitational, which felt like it could go one of two directions. Jacob Bridgeman began the day with a six-shot lead over Rory McIlroy and seven-plus over the rest of the gang, having played nearly flawless golf through three rounds. Bridgeman has been very good and very steady since last season, but entering Sunday he’d never won. Would he succumb to the pressure, blow up and yield to the chase pack? Or would he keep his foot on the gas and continue speeding away from the rest of the field? Those felt like the two options.

Instead, much of the day settled in the awkward in-between.

There are few better golf settings than the iconic old-school cool of Riviera, though early tee times plus an L.A. crowd living up to its get-there-in-the-fourth-inning reputation led to a slightly muted early stretch.

Fans were pulling for McIlroy, wanting to will him into a comeback, but they were quietly supportive of Bridgeman, too, an impressive unknown without an ounce of villain in him. Bridgeman matched McIlroy’s birdie at No. 1 to keep his lead at six. He birdied the third to stretch it to seven. Even that was greeted with light applause. McIlroy’s early birdie tries slid by, doing little to ignite the crowd. Hollywood seemed unimpressed with this particular bit of anticlimax.

(One star among them: Ben Affleck, who walked the entire front nine inside the ropes with his son and tried multiple times to frame up the perfect iPhone photo of a McIlroy tee shot. The stars, they’re just like us!)

Bridgeman has been forged in the fires of competitive golf, first growing up in South Carolina, then at Clemson and more recently on the game’s top circuit. He’s been on a steady upward trajectory. He’s made it clear that success isn’t all his own.

When he first started working with his swing coach Scott Hamilton, he had some work to do. “I didn’t hit the ball straight, didn’t hit it high, didn’t have a lot of control with my irons,” he said.

When he settled on his first-choice caddie, G.W. Cable, there was just one problem: he’d have to take a pay cut to join Bridgeman on the Korn Ferry Tour.

“He took a gamble on me and luckily we only spent one year down there and I think he’s pretty pleased with his gamble,” Bridgeman said.

He earned $4.4 million on the course last season. He was playing for a $4 million winner’s check on Sunday. Good pressure to have.

But just because he’s been good doesn’t mean it’d be easy. As the day lingered, Bridgeman let the rest of the field do the same. He bogeyed 4. He bogeyed 7. He hit the middles of greens, he scared the hole, just missing putts that he’d watched fall the first three days.

McIlroy finally made some semblance of a push early on the back nine. Birdie at 11 cut the lead to five before a highlight-reel hole-out birdie from the bunker at 12 electrified the crowd for the first time all day.

Up ahead, several other contenders made their presence felt. Aldrich Potgieter got to 15 under with an eagle at 11. Adam Scott played stunning golf, stacking eight birdies and zero bogeys to post the clubhouse lead at 16 under. And then, just as Bridgeman found himself in a spot of bother, Kurt Kitayama made his seventh and eighth birdies of the day in the group ahead to post 17 under par.

Bridgeman wobbled with a wayward tee shot at No. 16, dumping his iron into the front right bunker, an inescapable jail.

“It was honestly easy until I got to about 16 and then it got really hard,” Bridgeman said post-round. His caddie, looking at his lie, didn’t hesitate. He had to aim right and play for bogey. His lengthy par putt wandered past the hole; he negotiated in a nervy try for bogey. The lead was suddenly one.

Things only got tougher at the par-5 17th, where Bridgeman’s second shot sailed right and found a bunker, leaving him with no good options. He did well to play a sensible shot.

“Definitely around the green, that was the first time that I had to play defense,” he said.

It was around this time that Bridgeman lost feeling in his hands.

“I didn’t really feel really crazy nervous until I had a five-footer for bogey on 16; that one was sketchy,” he said. “I hit a really good putt and luckily it went in, and then I was really nervous from there on out. I couldn’t even feel my hands on the last couple greens, I just hit the putt hoping it would get somewhere near the hole.”

But on full shots, Bridgeman said, he still felt okay.

“I felt like I was just kind of in robot mode and autopilot, I could just swing the club and it would do exactly what it’s supposed to do,” he said. An envious feeling.

That’s what he did on No. 18, sending driver up the left-center fairway off the tee and playing a towering approach right at the hole, 20 feet short, straight uphill.

And then he left it three and a half feet short.

The crowd groaned. They murmured. Suddenly, a tantalizing possibility was back in play: a miss would mean a three-way playoff between Bridgeman, Kitayama and McIlroy, whose dramatic birdie putt had dripped over the front edge just moments before.

Bridgeman is good friends with Chris Gotterup, a rising star on Tour and a recent multiple-time winner. He recounted watching the WM Phoenix Open, where Gotterup poured in a winning birdie putt with aggressive speed.

“We were like, what were you doing? You hit your putt so hard, it was going to go four feet by the hole. He said, ‘I have no idea, I couldn’t feel my hands.’

“I thought he was kind of crazy until I got to this moment and then I was like, yep, I understand what you’re talking about now, Chris. I had no idea what to do.”

It’s tough to make a three-and-a-half footer, and it’s tougher if you can sense that some portion of the crowd around is suddenly hoping that you will.

Tough for you or me.

But, as he and we suddenly realized, easier for Jacob Bridgeman.

“The hole’s really white and it looked pretty big for whatever reason on 18,” he said. He had his read — hit it at the middle of the middle — and he knew what he could control.

“I was just hoping that the ball would roll where it was supposed to roll.”

Most of the time, nothing good can happen with a three-and-a-half-footer. It’s a multiple-choice test with two options: Relief or disaster. This time, though, salvation lay within. The ball rolled as it was supposed to. Bridgeman’s triumph was official. He plunged into the winner’s whirlpool; his wife greeted him on the green, he floated through his CBS interview, he climbed the stairs, shook Woods’ hand, didn’t process whatever he said.

“This is way, way better than I’ve ever dreamt it,” he said.

He also offered an admission.

“I’m glad it’s done now.”

Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.

“>

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IPL 2026: Check out new jerseys of all 10 teams | Cricket News

Published

10 minutes ago

19 March 2026

NewsAdmin

IPL 2026: Check out new jerseys of all 10 teams

NEW DELHI: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to kick off, the visual identity of the franchises has reached a new peak of innovation. This year’s jerseys blend high-tech athletic fabrics with deep cultural storytelling, reflecting each team’s evolution, from RCB’s defending champion look to the bold new eras in Rajasthan and Punjab.

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Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag watches West Ham vs Man City in London

Here, we bring to you the new jerseys of all 10 teams for the new IPL season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Royal Challengers Bengaluru unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season with a video featuring Virat Kohli, who said, “Every time I wear this jersey, I’m all in. Ready for another special chase.”

Virat Kohli in new RCB jersey

The defending champions begin their campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.Mumbai Indians (MI) Mumbai Indians revealed their jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, featuring a repeating ‘M’ pattern symbolising mindset, momentum and unity.
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MI jersey

The classic blue and gold colours remain, representing Mumbai’s energy and the franchise’s legacy of success. After a five-season title drought, MI will aim for a comeback following their playoff finish last year.Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Chennai Super Kings unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season via a social media reveal, keeping their iconic yellow theme.

CSK jersey

The five-time champions, who finished last in IPL 2025, head into the new season with key squad changes, including the high-profile addition of Sanju Samson in a trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Kolkata Knight Riders unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, built around the “Lines of Legacy” theme.
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KKR jersey

The design draws from iconic moments like Brendon McCullum’s 158* in 2008 and Rinku Singh’s five sixes, with abstract lines forming the KKR initials. CEO Venky Mysore said the jersey celebrates the franchise’s history while looking ahead to new milestones.Punjab Kings (PBKS)Punjab Kings unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, retaining their traditional red and blue colours with subtle design updates.

PBKS jersey

Led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, PBKS highlighted a lion motif blending into diamond patterns, symbolising aggression and refined talent. The team enters the season after finishing runners-up in IPL 2025.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Sunrisers Hyderabad unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, featuring a bold orange and black theme that reflects the energy of the “Orange Army.”
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SRH jersey

The updated design combines vibrant patterns with a high-performance build, symbolising passion, intensity and the team’s commitment to delivering strong performances in the upcoming season.Delhi Capitals (DC)Delhi Capitals unveiled their new jersey ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, retaining their iconic red and blue colours with a fresh striped design inspired by a tiger’s spirit.

DC jersey

The kit was launched by captains Jemimah Rodrigues and Axar Patel, highlighting a unified team culture. CEO Sunil Gupta said it reflects the city’s identity and fearless approach ahead of the new season.Gujarat Titans (GT)
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GT jersey

Gujarat Titans have retained their “Titans Navy” but added a luxurious trim to honour their status as the league’s most clinical unit. The jersey features a thunder pattern, symbolising the strength of Shubman Gill’s core group. It’s a clean, sharp, and corporate-cool design that reflects their business-like approach to winning.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Lucknow Super Giants unveiled their new jersey and refreshed colours for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, reflecting the team’s growth into a competitive force over four years.

LSG jersey

Inspired by the culture of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh, the kit blends red, blue and gold to symbolise intensity, roots and ambition. Owner Shashwat Goenka said the jersey represents fans’ emotional connect, while signalling resilience, identity and the franchise’s long-term vision.Rajasthan Royals (RR)Rajasthan Royals unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season in Jaipur, sticking to their signature style with a refreshed look. New captain Riyan Parag, along with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravi Bishnoi, showcased the kit at the launch.
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RR jersey

The franchise shared the reveal on social media with the caption, “New look, same Halla Bol. Jersey: RRevealed,” signalling continuity in identity despite recent squad changes.

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Yankees broadcaster takes issue with fervent patriotism in World Baseball Classic

Published
21 minutes ago
on
19 March 2026

By
NewsAdmin

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay appeared to take issue with “wrapping sports in the flag” as Team USA stars preached patriotism during the World Baseball Classic this month.
Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge were among the players who discussed what it meant to wear the USA on their chest. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa even brought in Robert J. O’Neill, the man credited with killing terrorist Usama bin Laden, into the locker room to speak to the players before their game against Canada in the quarterfinal.
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Michael Kay during the New York Yankees Old Timers Day on Aug. 24, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Kay said those types of things made him a “little uneasy.”
“The thing that makes me a little uneasy … I don’t like wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism and bringing in SEAL Team 6 people. The only uniform that counts to me is the one that’s worn by the men and women of our military,” he said Wednesday on ESPN New York radio. “They decide wins and losses. You don’t represent me because you have USA on the chest. I don’t believe it.”
Sports columnist Mike Lupica, who was on with Kay, said bringing in a member of SEAL Team 6 was a “little dodgy” to him and added that anytime politics is brought in sports it opens up a “rabbit hole we don’t want to head down.”
DeRosa explained earlier in the week why he brought in O’Neill.
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United States Bryce Harper celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic against Venezuela, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

TEAM USA STARS RIP SILVER MEDALS OFF NECKS AFTER WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FINAL LOSS TO VENEZUELA
“That was my decision to bring him in,” DeRosa said, via Defector. “He was brought in, actually, a couple of days in Houston. It wasn’t before the Canada game. I think for me there has to be … you never want it to get lost why you’re doing this. Whatever that ‘why’ is and a lot of people, like Paul Skenes said to me when he signed up for this, ‘I want to do this for every service man and woman that protects our freedom. That’s why we wear USA across our chest.’
“I just thought it would be like a time to kind of redirect and get those guys to understand that, although this is an unbelievable event, and you get a chance to share a locker room with the game’s greats, there’s a reason why you’re doing it and a reason why people protect our freedom at night. I just wanted to honor that.”
Kay made similar comments about the hype of players representing their country with fervent patriotism and making it more than it is. He said that he didn’t believe that “international competition is a referendum on my country.”
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United States pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Dominican Republic during the semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park on March 15, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

“There are people that represent the United States that really represent the United States, and you know who those people are? The men and women of the military,” he said, via Awful Announcing. “That’s what it all comes down to. They decide the greatness of this country. Their sheer bravery, how they fight for freedom and throw their lives on the line – that is significant to me. The United States winning the gold medal against Canada? Wonderful. Thrilled for them. Not a referendum on my country, it’s just not.
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“But somehow, we’ve turned this into, my country is better than your country – stop it. Come on. Aren’t we getting a little bit nonsensical with this jingoistic stuff? … I’m glad that everybody’s brought in. Mark DeRosa brought in one of the Navy SEAL guys that was part of the group that killed Usama bin Laden. OK, whatever gets the people motivated … but to equate a baseball game to that, I don’t know.”

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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Luis Enrique laughs off Man United question with major contract hint dropped

Published
35 minutes ago
on
19 March 2026

By
NewsAdmin

Luis Enrique has been linked with the Manchester United job this summer and was directly asked a question regarding his future

Luis Enrique laughed at the suggestion of snubbing Manchester United while admitting he’s keen to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. That’s if comments made to a fan are anything to go by.
After Ruben Amorim was shown the exit in January, Michael Carrick has stepped into the Old Trafford hotseat to great effect. In his first nine games this season he has mustered an impressive seven wins and his side are now genuine top-four contenders.
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However, despite how well Carrick has performed, he is not guaranteed to stay in the role beyond the season and is only contracted until the summer, when the supposed plan is to appoint a permanent head coach.
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PSG boss Enrique is one of many reported names on United’s shortlist. But a recent fan interaction perhaps indicates that the 55-year-old, whose deal in Paris expires in 2027, wants to stay put.
In a video circulating online, Enrique stopped his car to sign autographs for fans when one stated: “I hope you stay with PSG for a long time.”
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The Spanish manager’s reply was telling as he said: “Me too.” The same fan then brought United into the mix and added: “Not at United though?” Enrique just laughed off this suggestion.
If this conversation is to be taken literally then Enrique wants to remain PSG boss. Latest reports suggest that while he is yet to come to a new agreement, his renewal is one of the French club’s top priorities.
Regardless, a pair of former Premier League stars would rather keep Carrick at the wheel. Ex-Chelsea ace Jody Morris and former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott discussed the United job last month and came to a clear agreement.
Speaking on In The Mixer brought to you by Sky Bet, Morris said: “I have a lot of time for Michael Carrick. He was on my Pro Licence course and I’ve been on a few League Managers’ Association things with him.
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“He’s an astute student of the game. Straight away, he comes in and Kobbie Mainoo’s in there and he’s been brilliant. It would be criminal not to give him the job if he carries on.”
Morris was then asked if he’d take Enrique over Carrick if he were available in the summer. He replied: “I’d still go with Carrick, because I honestly don’t think Enrique would come to United.”
Lescott agreed. He said: “I don’t know if Enrique goes there because I don’t think he sees them as genuine contenders. I think Carrick should get the job because I don’t know if Enrique will help them become contenders.
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“I think Carrick definitely does that. I think he has a stronger connection to the club, the fans, everything to help them get to that stage.”

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Hot-Shooting Utah State Looks to Roll Villanova in Dance

Published
50 minutes ago
on
19 March 2026

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By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports

Utah State enters its First-Round matchup in San Diego as a slight favorite over Villanova, despite being the lower seed.
A big reason for that is the high level of play the Aggies have shown down the stretch. USU is also a much healthier squad than the Wildcats at the moment.
But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Utah State also enters the national tournament as a team that can score with almost anyone.
The Aggies also play enough defense to beat opponents on the other end of the floor.
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Here is my preview of Friday’s NCAA Tournament matchup.

No. 9 Utah State vs No. 8 Villanova

Friday, March 20
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The Aggies are averaging 82.8 points per game on 49.8% from the field, the 15th-best shooting team in the nation.
On the defensive side of the ball, Utah State is limiting opponents to 70.4 points per game, slightly better than Villanova’s 70.8.
But the Aggies score the ball a lot better than the Wildcats.
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What makes Utah State so difficult to contain is the combination of Mason Falslev and MJ Collins. The two have combined to knockdown 38.1% of their 328 three-point attempts this season.
Falslev, the MW player of the year, is also connecting on 41.1% of his triples.

When the Aggies get a good look at the basket, they are deadly on offense. USU is 14th in the nation, shooting 65.9% on non-blocked two-point shots this season.
Villanova has allowed opponents to shoot 45% from the floor this season, ranking 203rd in the country, while opponents are connecting on 54.8% of their clean two-point FGs.
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The Wildcats rely heavily on the three-pointer to score; 37.4% of Villanova’s points this season have come from distance, the 39th highest rate in the nation.
Villanova’s Devin Askew vs Xavier | Kyle Ross/Imagn Images

Utah State has done a decent job of limiting opponents on deep shots, allowing opponents to connect on 33.8% of their three-point attempts.
The Aggies cannot afford to allow Villanova to get hot from beyond the arc.
The ‘Cats have a plethora of shooters led by Tyler Perkins and Bryce Lindsay, while Devin Askew is a threat off the bench.
Askew earned Big East Sixth Man of the Year accolades with his 10.0 points per game off the bench. The transfer from Grand Canyon is eighth in the nation with 4.03 offensive rebounds per game.
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The biggest key for Utah State on defense might just be limiting the offensive put-backs by Nova’s center, Duke Brennan. The big man’s 10.3 boards per outing ranks 11th-best in the country.

The Aggies are not allowing a ton of extra possessions per game this season, as they are 31st nationally with 3.5 more scoring chances per game than their opponents.
Villanova is getting 2.8 more scoring chances per game than their opponents.
If the Wildcats can get hot from distance, they will be able to keep this one tight. If the shots are not falling, it could go south in a hurry for the third-place team from the Big East.
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Look for the Mountain West champs to move on to the Second Round behind a balanced attack.

writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).

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Generosity draws widest in 2026 The Galaxy feature

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1 hour ago
on
19 March 2026

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Chris Waller’s favorable Golden Slipper barrier outcomes have not repeated for Group 1 The Galaxy, positioning his single runner Generosity to exit from the farthest gate.
Only first reserve Catch The Glory sits wider, so Generosity occupies barrier 14 externally if no emergencies enter.
In the 20 most recent The Galaxy (1100m) runnings, six winners hailed from wide double-digit draws, with Russian Revolution alone claiming victory from post 14 in 2017.
Generosity enjoys champion jockey James McDonald aboard as she approaches Saturday’s headline sprint riding a resurgence win, pip by pip overreturning Golden Slipper winner Marhoona in the Challenge Stakes (1000m).
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A $10 prospect that day, she evaded most gamblers’ attention, though Waller remained unfazed.
“No. We picked the race and then chose not to run in other races, so it was good to see the result,” Waller said.
“She has promised a good win. She has been unlucky in some good races, so when she got out in clear air, it was good to see her do it.”
Her early outings in Perth yielded a placing in 2025’s The Quokka (1200m), then a promising fifth closing strongly in Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville back in May.
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Joining Waller’s operation next, she ran respectably versus Lady Shenandoah in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) of September, placed behind Joliestar and Briasa in The Shorts (1100m), and trailed Rothfire by a pair of lengths in the Sydney Stakes (1200m).
Achieving Listed success up to 1400m, Generosity’s proficiency over brief distances keeps Waller open regarding her prime trip.
“When we got her, we thought, we’ll pick out a 1300 or 1400 metre ‘good race’,” Waller said.
“But she has actually been quite sharp.”
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Last season’s T J Smith Stakes conqueror Briasa makes a buzzed-about reappearance in the Galaxy, backed by two striking barrier trial triumphs.
His potent first-up stats accompany 58.5kg; a victory would set a 20-year weight record, topping Eduardo (2021) and Temple Of Boom (2012) who managed 57kg, ahead of any over 55.5kg.
Discover racing betting markets across leading sites for The Galaxy.
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Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad compares IPL with PSL, calls it retired cricketers’ league | Cricket News

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1 hour ago
on
19 March 2026

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NEW DELHI: Veteran Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the team’s recent poor performances. He also drew a stark comparison between player quality in the IPL and PSL.“If you look at the IPL, they’ve got many superstars in their league who make the league competitive. Teams there invest for years, building strength,” Shehzad said on his YouTube channel.“On the other hand, PSL has hired retired players and commentators and made them superstars over the last 3–4 years; even retired players become your brand faces. They get money, but what have they actually built? I think this sums up what PSL has become.”

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In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals and then suffered a disappointing ODI series defeat against Bangladesh, prompting a strong reaction from the cricketer. He described the current phase as one of the weakest he has seen and blamed both players and management for the decline.
Strong criticism of players and PCB

Shehzad questioned the quality and impact of the current group of players, especially those who have been consistently backed by the board. He said, “The calibre of your players is not at that level, which was built up as a brand by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 and 7 years ago. These 6-8 boys… they are also the face of the PSL. They are also the face of our Pakistan team. Will they change Pakistan’s destiny?”He further accused the PCB of heavily investing in a small group of players without getting results. “You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You gave them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had… they haven’t given Pakistan any wins by doing so,” he added.
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‘PCB looks weak, players not accountable’

Shehzad also slammed the players for not taking responsibility and said the board appears powerless in front of them. “Such is the audacity (of the players) that even today, they are not ready to admit that we are responsible. Not a single one of those players. Even today, they play the blame game. Even today, their ego is such that it isn’t breaking. So weak is the Pakistan Cricket Board now,” he said.He concluded with a harsh take on PCB’s functioning, adding, “Whenever you talk about any player, they start spinning stories. I have never seen the Pakistan Cricket Board this weak in my life, as weak as this PCB is. They have power, right? But in their decision-making, they appear to be kneeling before their players. This PCB can’t do anything. The work they were supposed to do — bringing in new faces — they didn’t. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern.”

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Derek Chisora changes his Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois prediction: “Will he quit?”

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2 hours ago
on
19 March 2026

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Manchester is set to host it’s sixth heavyweight world title fight when Fabio Wardley attempts a first defence of his WBO crown, tasked with former IBF ruler Daniel Dubois. Ahead of the showdown, fellow British heavyweight Derek Chisora has altered his prediction.
Wardley has shown the guts and guile of a worthy champion in wins over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, as well as in his draw with Frazer Clarke back in 2024.
Although, after being elevated to become a world champion, the unbeaten Ipswich fan-favourite remains unproven as a true titleholder in the eyes of some.
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Meanwhile, Dubois was also upgraded when he became the IBF heavyweight champion, but he backed up that decision when he ran through Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in a famous win.
A second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last July brought his reign to an early end.
The May meeting between the domestic duo is poised to be a cracker, but when originally quizzed on the outcome, fellow heavyweight Chisora gave the edge to the champion, believing Wardley’s mental toughness to be the difference maker.

“I believe that Fabio and Daniel [is a] great fight. I see Fabio winning it. Fabio’s tough. Fabio hasn’t got boxing skills; what he has is f***ing heart, bro. When you fight somebody with heart, it’s going to be a long night. He got hit [against Parker], but he carries on coming.”

Yet, just weeks later, Chisora has told Seconds Out of his new view on the fight, where he believes the contest to be a 50/50 affair with added intrigue due to the fact that Dubois’ trainer will collides with Anthony Joshua’s former trainer once again.
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“It is a 50/50 fight. It is going to be a good fight because remember Ben Davison got beat by Don [Charles] once and now this is going to be a rematch for the trainers. Ben Davison, he has got to get one over Don now.
“Has he got the right horse to get him that victory? Yes. Is Don Charles’ horse going to quit? We don’t know. So it is a 50/50 fight.”

Wardley-Dubois takes place on Saturday, May 9, at the Co-op Live in Manchester, as both men seek to prove themselves as Britain’s top heavyweight and as a potential successor to Usyk.

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Mel Kiper Knows Just the Rookie for the Vikings

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2 hours ago
on
19 March 2026

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An ESPN personality appears on stage during the 2006 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on Apr 29, 2006 in New York, New York. The broadcast setting captures media coverage and analysis as teams make selections throughout the annual draft event in front of a live audience. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE © Copyright Howard Smith.

If you’re a Minnesota Vikings mock draft savant — you probably are if you’re reading stuff from this website — you probably know the name Dillon Thieneman by now, a safety from the University of Oregon. He’s popping up all over the place for the Vikings in mock drafts, even drawing ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s attention this week.
Minnesota’s safety need keeps pointing back to Thieneman.
While the team has a large draft mystery this time around, mainly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired at the end of January, Thieneman is rapidly becoming Minnesota’s draft favorite, at least according to pundits and fans.
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Thieneman Feels Like a Natural Match for Brian Flores

The Oregon Duck as Harrison Smith’s replacement is all the rage.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, speaks with defensive back Dillon Thieneman during an open practice at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon on Dec. 27, 2025, as the Ducks prepared for the Orange Bowl with a focus on defensive communication and adjustments ahead of a major postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images

Kiper: Thieneman to MIN at No. 18
The Vikings have a need at safety, especially if Smith retires, and Thieneman would emphatically fill that with his rookie profile.
That’s why Kiper mock-drafted him to Minnesota on Tuesday and wrote, “We still don’t know whether 37-year-old Harrison Smith will keep playing (and if so, whether he’ll return to Minnesota as a free agent). Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward and Theo Jackson are the top safeties on the Vikings’ depth chart. In a division with Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff, this has to be a priority at the draft regardless of whether Smith is back for Year 15.”
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“I had Thieneman to the Vikings in my last mock draft. He reminds me a lot of Smith in the way he reads the QB and reacts in a flash. I could see defensive coordinator Brian Flores getting creative with Thieneman, lining him up all over the formation and letting him use his great ball skills to pile up takeaways.”
Since the NFL Combine three weeks ago, Thieneman to the Vikings has taken on a life of its own.
The Combine Breakout
In Indianapolis, Thieneman took the Combine by storm, banking 4.35 forty and jumping a 41-inch vertical. He also showed incredible — somewhat unexpected? — backpedal motion and fluidity. The event alone shoved him into Round 1 of mock drafts after previously living near the top-middle of Round 2.
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Thieneman also has the size at 6’0″ and 200 pounds. His versatility is noteworthy, as he can play single-high coverage and play at the line of scrimmage when needed.
If Thieneman flies off the board in Round 1 to the Vikings or another team, he can thank his Combine showing.
Thieneman’s Scouting Report
Thieneman played two seasons at Purdue — Minnesotans know him because of the Big Ten connection — before transferring to Oregon in 2025. He’s played 39 games collegiately and banked 306 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss. His coverage skills are phenomenal for a rookie safety, and the elite speed will make defensive coordinators salivate. Thieneman shows hesitation at times, but that’s not unusual for a rookie defender.
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The Draft Buzz on Thieneman: “Thieneman is the kind of safety who walks into a defensive meeting room on Day One and immediately earns his keep. The coverage grades speak loudly, but what separates him is the totality of the package.”
“This is a player who can align in a two-high shell pre-snap, rotate down to a robber look post-snap, and then fill an alley against the run with real physicality, all within the same drive. The modern NFL is demanding exactly this type of defensive back, and Thieneman’s college production in multiple schemes and alignments suggests his transition should be smoother than most.”

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman meets with reporters during Media Day at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on July 28, 2025, discussing his role in the secondary and expectations for the upcoming season as Oregon prepared for another high-profile campaign in front of local and national media. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images

If Minnesota brings Kiper’s mock to life, Thieneman would almost certainly grab Theo Jackson or Jay Ward’s job immediately, assuming Smith returns for one more year.
TBD added, “His best fit is in a defense that values pre-snap disguise and post-snap versatility in the secondary. Defensive coordinators who run multiple coverage structures and ask their safeties to communicate and adjust on the fly will love what Thieneman brings to the table.”
“His coverage instincts and diagnostic ability make him a natural fit in split-safety looks, but his tackling and run support are good enough that he won’t be a liability when asked to come down into the box.”
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The Other Round 1 Draft Possibilities
Of course, the Vikings aren’t guaranteed to pick Thieneman if he’s there at No. 18. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski and Minnesota’s coaching staff may have a different take early in the draft. In all likelihood, if Minnesota does not trade down, the Vikings’ pick in Round 1 will be one of these men:

C.J. Allen (LB) — Georgia

Caleb Banks (DT) — Florida

Mansoor Delane (CB) — LSU

Keldric Faulk (EDGE) — Auburn

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — Toledo

Makai Lemon (WR) — USC

Akheem Mesidor (EDGE) — Miami (FL)

Jermod McCoy (CB) — Tennessee

Kayden McDonald (DT) — Ohio State

Kenyon Sadiq (TE) — Oregon

Dillon Thieneman (S) — Oregon

Avieon Terrell (CB) — Clemson

Jordyn Tyson (WR) — Arizona State

Peter Woods (DT) — Clemson

Outside linebacker isn’t a pressing roster need, but it could move up the list if Minnesota trades Jonathan Greenard, who lives hot and heavy in the rumor mill.

Purdue defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) celebrates with teammates Smiley Bradford (6) and Jamarrion Harkless (97) after a tackle against Penn State at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana on Nov. 16, 2024, reacting to a key defensive stop during a physical Big Ten matchup. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

On Thieneman, the best stylistic comparison currently in the pros may be Atlanta Falcons safety Jesse Bates III, a three-time All-Pro.
Thieneman will turn 22 in August.

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Sheffield United fixtures typify Wrexham's journey

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19 March 2026

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Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham’s recent meetings with Sheffield United have typified the club’s remarkable journey since he took charge in the summer of 2021.

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5 best performers from UEFA Champions League round of 16

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2 hours ago
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19 March 2026

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The UEFA Champions League round of 16 concluded this Wednesday (March 18), with a whopping 68 goals across 16 matches. The last-16 stage of the tournament saw a number of high-profile stars impressing in the final third, helping their teams reach the quarter-finals.
So, who were the best 5 performers from the recently concluded UEFA Champions League round of 16?

UEFA Champions League R16: 5 best players

#5 Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
Colombia winger Luis Diaz started both of Bayern Munich’s last-16 games against Atalanta, playing a vital role in the Bavarians’ 10-2 win on aggregate. The 29-year-old provided an assist in the 6-1 win at Atalanta before registering one goal and an assist in the 4-1 victory at Allianz Arena. He completed an impressive nine dribbles and also created five chances across two legs.

#4 Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
Argentina striker Julian Alvarez led from the front for Atletico Madrid in his side’s 7-5 aggregate win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League round of 16. He scored twice on either side of the break and laid out an assist in the 5-2 first leg win, while he contributed a goal and an assist in the 3-2 second leg loss to help his club seal a quarter-final tie against Barcelona.

#3 Raphinha (Barcelona)
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Brazil forward Raphinha shouldered most of the responsibility of guiding Barcelona to the quarter-finals after his club were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. He failed to register a goal involvement in the first leg, but recorded two goals and two assists in the 7-2 second leg triumph at Camp Nou. He also created nine chances, including four big chances, in two last-16 games.

#2 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde produced a captain’s display in his side’s 3-0 Champions League round of 16 first leg win against Manchester City. He scored three goals in the first half at Estadio Bernabeu before his tireless performance in the 2-1 second leg triumph at Etihad Stadium. He created three chances and won 15 of his 28 overall duels across two contests.

#1 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia turned heads with his excellent goalscoring performances in Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea. He scored a brace and provided an assist in his second half cameo in the 5-2 first leg. He then netted the opener in PSG’s 3-0 second leg victory at Stamford Bridge after starting the match on the left-side of the pitch.