NEW DELHI: There is finally some good news for Delhi Capitals ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals — and it revolves around the much-anticipated return of Mitchell Starc.Delhi’s bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed that the left-arm quick is available for selection after recovering from injury, though stopped short of guaranteeing his place in the playing XI.“He is available from tomorrow. Our best bowler will definitely play, but the final decision will be taken tomorrow. His coming back definitely helps,” Munaf said on the eve of the match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.Starc’s return a timely boost for struggling attackStarc, who was sidelined with shoulder and elbow issues, only rejoined the squad recently and is set to feature in his first competitive game since January. His inclusion could not come at a better time for DC, whose bowling unit has struggled for consistency this season.Munaf emphasised how crucial a strong bowling attack is in T20 cricket, especially in high-scoring conditions.“I always say this: a match can be won by batters, but a tournament is won by bowlers. If bowlers bowl well, you can win the tournament. Batters can win you a game, but without good bowling, you cannot win consistently,” he asserted.With Starc likely to replace one of the overseas pacers, DC will hope his experience adds control, particularly in the powerplay where they have often leaked runs.‘No panic’: Munaf backs approach despite recent setbacksDC head into the contest after a turbulent run, including being bowled out for just 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Munaf dismissed suggestions that the batting unit was rattled.“No, we were not nervous. We were playing with a different approach. The wicket was doing a bit, and they bowled well. It is not like if you lose one game, you become nervous in the next game,” he said.The DC have had a rollercoaster campaign so far, swinging between a 250-plus total in one match and a batting collapse in the next. With three wins and four losses, they find themselves in a must-win phase.“In do-or-die situations, the approach has to be 100 percent. You know if you lose one or two games, you are out. So as a unit, you have to give everything,” Munaf added.Strategy under wraps as DC aim turnaroundFacing a confident RR side boasting in-form batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, DC will need to be at their best.Munaf, however, kept tactical plans close to his chest. “If I tell you the strategy now, they will be ready tomorrow,” he said with a smile.He also ruled out sweeping changes to the lineup. “There won’t be too many changes. We have experienced players. It’s not like you lose and start changing everything.”
Zelina Vega seemingly left social media after sharing a message about mental health. A former WWE star has sent her a message.
CJ Perry has reached out to Zelina Vega. WWE recently performed its annual routine of releasing a bunch of its talent due to budget cuts. This time, some prominent names also made the list of releases. Among those released were the Wyatt Sicks, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.
Real reason behind Reigns vs. Fatu revealed – Check here!
Former WWE star CJ Perry responded to her message and said that she is there for her.
“It’s going to be ok. Mental health is a journey. I’m on the road with you ❤️you guys are not alone”
Check out her tweet here:
Zelina Vega revealed the exact time she found out that she was released
This round of WWE releases came as a bit of a surprise to many, espcially since the sports entertainment juggernaut has been boasting about record-breaking profits. Therefore, the Stamford-based promotion and Triple H received a lot of backlash for releasing more than 20 stars. Fans were especially not happy about Kairi Sane’s release, and they demanded she be brought back.
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Zelina Vega opened up about her WWE release on her Twitch stream. She said she usually receives a call from Stamford, but this time, she received a call from TKO at 5:09 PM.
“When people call me from there, usually it would say Stamford calling you,” Vega said in a Twitch livestream on Friday. “That’s when you’re heart is like, ‘Oh, f**k.’ But this time it’s a TKO, which sounds like, ‘Ah, very telling.’ 5:09 p.m. is when I found out.” [H/T – TJR Wrestling].
It remains to be seen if WWE will release more talent in the coming weeks. It will also be interesting to see what the future holds for those who were released from the sports entertainment juggernaut.
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Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United until 2031, ending months of uncertainty about his future at the club.
The England midfielder’s previous deal was expected to run until 2027, with an option for an extra year. However, questions over his future increased earlier this season after he struggled for regular playing time under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo, who came through United’s academy system, had reportedly pushed for a loan move to SSC Napoli during the January transfer window after falling down the pecking order.
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But Manchester United rejected the request and made it clear that the club still valued the 21-year-old midfielder and wanted him to remain at Old Trafford.
Things have changed since Amorim left the club in January. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Mainoo has become a regular starter again, featuring in almost every league match apart from the defeat to Leeds United, which he missed through injury.
Speaking after signing the new contract, Mainoo expressed his happiness at staying with the club where he started his football journey as a child.
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“Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family,” Mainoo said.
“I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.”
“We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”
Mainoo’s improved form at club level has also helped him return to the England national team. He recently featured in friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, earning his first international appearance since September 2024.
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Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox praised the midfielder after the contract announcement.
“Kobbie is one of the most naturally gifted young footballers in the world,” Wilcox said.
“His technical ability, dedicated professionalism and humble personality make him the perfect role model for our young players and a true credit to our outstanding Academy system.”
“We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world.”
WWE officially booked Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship at the upcoming Backlash PLE in Tampa, Florida. The Samoan Werewolf was shockingly the first challenger to the new champ after WrestleMania 42.
After a few weeks of back-and-forth and warnings both ways from the Usos, the two traded hands before Reigns accepted the challenge less than two weeks before the event.
Thanks for the submission!
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The Tribal Chief just recently captured the title by defeating CM Punk on April 19. His fans are happy he’s back on top again, even after his four-year run a few years ago.
While officials probably want a long and convoluted title reign for The Head of the Table, having Jacob Fatu win at Backlash could be the jolt WWE needs in 2026. Fatu should beat Reigns at Backlash for the next five reasons.
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Real reason behind Reigns vs. Fatu revealed – Check here!
#5. Bucking the status quo with Tribal Chief as champion
The status quo is a hard rock to crack in WWE. This means that while a few different names move in and out of the picture every now and then, the same four or five names rotate in and out as champions.
Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Randy Orton have either held titles over the last two years or challenged for them more than a few times.
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Even though he wasn’t in the picture the last two years, the win comes after a four-year stranglehold atop WWE. Everyone other than Rhodes fell to the Tribal Chief during that time. Jey Uso and Damian Priest had runs but fell back into the crowd.
Jacob Fatu is yet to get his one-on-one shot, and beating The Tribal Chief would buck the status quo. Part of WWE’s issue is refusing to crown fan favorites when they’re hot. They missed the boat or just don’t want to give LA Knight or Sami Zayn major title runs for some reason.
#4. A huge surprise for the fans
Debuts, returns, and heel/face turns can provide the WWE Universe with welcome surprises. If those are executed well, then it should create a memorable moment that will last forever for the fans and the stars involved.
The title just changed hands at WrestleMania after two former champions did battle. Both already had championship runs in the past, so while it was a good moment for fans of Reigns, it wasn’t something that hadn’t been seen before.
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When it comes to The Samoan Werewolf, he’s only captured the United States Championship. He also held tag team gold until Solo Sikoa forced him to relinquish it for the group.
Having someone who’s never won a major title defeat someone who’s always been favored by WWE officials would be a shocking moment. AEW did this with MJF and Darby Allin.
While it was polarizing, some fans have loved every moment. WWE could do something similar, albeit with someone who was handpicked since the moment he debuted over a decade ago.
#3. WWE already sacrificed Solo Sikoa and the MFTs for the feud
To prove how dangerous Jacob Fatu is, writers had him defeat Solo Sikoa on last week’s SmackDown. The MFTs interfered, but The Samoan Werewolf predictably won since he’s getting a title shot.
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After the match, the MFTs tried to beat him down, but he single-handedly dispatched the remaining minions. He essentially buried Sikoa’s group, just like Reigns and the Bloodline have done in the past.
The MFTs have been a focal point of SmackDown for the last three years. To completely destroy a prominent faction simply for the sake of a feud on the other brand is a strange choice. It’s an even worse look if Fatu loses after wrecking four stars en route to Backlash.
#2. Forcing the Usos and Roman Reigns to reevaluate things
Reigns claims he “gave everyone” the last two years to step up and rule over WWE. That period was after he finally lost the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
Jey Uso, Gunther, and Damian Priest all won titles, but faded back into the roster. Roman is one of the industry’s top stars, but even saying that in the storyline passively buries every other performer who doesn’t get a multitude of opportunities.
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The Usos may be back in the tag team division, but they won the titles in their first attempt. The Bloodline then reformed on RAW, but claims things will be different. That hasn’t been the case as Roman talks, and the Usos do his bidding, whether he asked for it or not.
They’ll always play second fiddle to him as that’s the dynamic of the Bloodline. If Jacob Fatu beats the golden boy who was handpicked for glory over 10 years ago, it will force both Roman and the Usos to examine that dynamic.
The Usos can claim to be on the same field as their cousin despite bowing to him at times. Even LA Knight pointed this out recently. The shock of losing the title would be a “look in the mirror” moment for the Bloodline.
#1. Creating a desperately needed new main event star
The main event stars are those who usually draw eyes to the product and huge PLEs. Some stars deserve to be in the spot, but don’t get the consistent chance as others.
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Over the last year, WWE has lost Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles. Goldberg wasn’t a big loss as he was an older part-timer who showed up sporadically. Losing Cena, however, was a massive blow.
He was still a huge draw across multiple industries. Styles wasn’t a crossover star like Cena, but he was one of the greatest performers of the last 25 years. He’s loved as a face or heel. Some considered him the successor to Shawn Michaels.
The current crop of top stars is either close to or over 40. Fatu is only 34, but could join the ranks of Rollins, Reigns, Punk, Rhodes, Orton, and Gunther if he beats his cousin at Backlash. It will give WWE another star who could main event big PLEs.
He’s already a super-popular fan favorite with an exciting move set and character. WWE needs to start working different stars in as major champions as the usual suspects continue to age.
Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange celebrates after recording a sack during first-half action at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 7, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. The play comes against Arizona State, with Orange disrupting the pocket and bringing down the quarterback, showcasing his interior presence in a high-profile matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
When the NFL draft wound down last Saturday, most Minnesota Vikings fans left the event enthused about the haul of rookies and the future. But according to most NFL pundits, the draft inspired a widespread sentiment: meh.
Minnesota’s new class has size, traits, and plenty to prove after a quiet weekend.
The sentiment regarding Minnesota’s draft class generally fetched ‘C’ grades.
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National Analysts Take a Wait-And-See View on Minnesota’s Rookies
The group will just have to prove everyone wrong.
Caleb Banks speaks with reporters during a busy media session, answering questions about his development and upcoming season, Jul. 16, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel during SEC Media Days. The Florida State defensive lineman addressed expectations, team goals, and his role along the defensive front heading into a pivotal campaign. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images.
ESPN: It’s a ‘C’ for the Vikings Draft Class
Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Minnesota near the bottom section of his draft grades — not a good place to be — and handed the purple team a ‘C’ mark for its troubles.
He explained, “Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He’s at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table.”
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“But his left foot has been a major problem. He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich.”
If Kiper Jr. felt in his heart of hearts that Banks was the 62nd-best player in the draft, he must’ve thought the Vikings were utterly nuts to pick him at No. 18.
Kiper Jr. added, “I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald. Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday.”
“But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle). Overall, Minnesota just didn’t do enough to move the needle.”
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Kiper Jr. claimed the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys had the top rookie classes, assigning them ‘A’ grades.
Fox Sports Too
Middling grades weren’t reserved for ESPN. Fox Sports dropped a ‘C+’ on Kevin O’Connell’s team.
Rob Dang opined, “After moving on from veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the Vikings added two prospects who might prove immediate upgrades in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, sandwiched around a do-it-all linebacker in Jake Golday, whose size and speed could make him a star in Brian Flores’ system.”
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“Safety Jakobe Thomas gives Florida a foursome of possible rookie standouts with each offering undeniable upside. Each also, however, carries significant risk, with Banks struggling with durability, Golday and Thomas flashier than finished products, and Orange a bit of a one-trick pony as a run-specialist.”
Jakobe Thomas (8) remains on the field after making a defensive stop, with trainers attending to him following the play, Nov. 1, 2025, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The Miami defensive back was shaken up during second-quarter action, prompting a brief pause as medical staff evaluated his condition. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
Thomas specifically arrived from the fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade, in addition to another 3rd-Rounder next year.
Dang concluded, “Similarly, while I like OL Caleb Tiernan’s toughness and think he has the core strength to handle the anticipated move inside, it will be hard for Kyler Murray (or JJ McCarthy) to throw over the top of him, given his nearly 6-foot-8 frame. This is a class that could pay off big — or completely flop.”
NFL.com’s Take
Chad Reuter was kinder, handing Minnesota a ‘B’ for its troubles. He noted on the late-round selections: “I love Bredeson going to the Vikings as a potential replacement for valued fullback C.J. Ham, who retired this year, though Bredeson was picked a bit earlier than I thought he’d be, given his injury history and the position’s value.”
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“The fifth-rounder received from Philadelphia for quarterback Sam Howell turned into an excellent value in Demmings, who has the size and athleticism to be an NFL starter despite the lower level of competition he faced in college.”
Demmings instantly slides onto Minnesota’s roster as the CB4 behind Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre.
Reuter added, “Claiborne’s the speed back Minnesota needed to boost its running back production; he deserved to be picked at least one round earlier. The Vikings should have added a center and a wideout in this draft, but they waited until Round 7 for Gerhardt and did not select a receiver.”
The “3 Years” Speech
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No one truly knows how a draft class will ultimately perform in April. The real answers emerge a few years later, as players either establish themselves, develop, or fade away.
Consider the 2015 draft: Danielle Hunter, initially labeled a questionable pick, proved critics wrong. He went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler and one of that class’s best value selections. It illustrates the significant gap between immediate draft-night reactions and long-term reality.
Demond Claiborne (1) fights through traffic while attempting to break free from multiple Clemson defenders, weaving between tacklers during second-half action, Oct. 12, 2024, at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem. The Wake Forest running back pushed for extra yards in a tightly contested ACC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
Consequently, the deluge of grades and rankings immediately following the event serves more as content than genuine evaluation. They fill a void, drive conversation, and provide fans with something to discuss. For the current class, a meaningful timeline for assessment likely begins around 2029. That’s when player trajectories will truly come into focus, and the initial noise will have cleared.
Until then, pundits feel great about assigning grades mostly in the ‘C’ range for Minnesota.
Munster have confirmed Roger Randle will no longer join the province as attack coach.
The New Zealander’s arrival, subject to a work permit, was announced on 15 April, but Munster have now said the move is off by “mutual agreement”.
Randle’s planned arrival was met by some opposition as a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced.
The alleged incident occurred in Durban, South Africa, during Randle’s playing days with the Hurricanes – a charge that was dropped by the complainant and one he has always denied.
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Following his appointment by Munster, former players Billy Holland, Killian Keane and Mick O’Driscoll stepped down as independent nominees on the province’s Professional Game Committee. There were also resignations from Munster’s voluntary Commercial Advisory Group.
In a statement, Randle expressed his “sadness and disappointment” he will no longer join the province and head coach Clayton McMillan, reaffirming his denial of past wrongdoing.
“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago – allegations I have always denied – have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby,” Randle said.
“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.
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“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.
“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.
“I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future.”
Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark exited Thursday night’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings after colliding with one of their players.
Clark was seen hobbling on the court after taking a step-back three-point shot and landing on Wings star defender Alanna Smith’s foot in the third quarter of the matchup. Upon landing, Clark told reporters after the 95-80 loss that she hit her knee hard when she went down after the foul by Smith.
Clark rolled over on the court and tried to walk it off as she went toward the Fever bench. Officials ended up reviewing the play and gave Smith, the reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year in the WNBA, a Flagrant 1 foul for not giving Clark a safe amount of room to land after shooting.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball in the second half against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 30, 2026.(Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
Clark exited the game with fewer than eight minutes left in the third quarter.
She finished with a team-high 21 points despite missing most of the second half. Clark hit two of her three attempted three-pointers, while knocking down 11 of 13 from the free throw line. She also had two rebounds, four assists and one steal in the contest.
Being this was a preseason matchup, Fever fans were holding their collective breath watching Clark in the moment, especially considering the tumultuous season she had in 2025.
Clark played just 13 games in her sophomore campaign, far from what she had hoped after winning WNBA Rookie of the Year and setting the single-season assists record in 2024.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up the court against Odyssey Sims of the Dallas Wings during a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 30, 2026.(Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
But it appeared Clark avoided a serious injury that could’ve come in that situation. Being in someone’s landing zone after a shot can lead to severe injuries, especially ankles turning.
Fever head coach Stephanie White didn’t seem to want to push Clark, and sat her the rest of the way.
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The Fever still have one more preseason game remaining on the schedule, as they face the Nigerian national team on Saturday. Then, it’s regular-season basketball, with the Fever’s first game that counts on the record against these same Wings in Dallas on May 9.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark questions a delay of game call against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 30.(Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire)
The Wings are an intriguing team to watch, with Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, reuniting with fellow UConn teammate Paige Bueckers to begin her pro journey. Bueckers led the Wings with 20 points on Thursday night, while Fudd finished with four points.
PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, a resurgent Paul George had 23 points and a Philadelphia 76ers’ team that lost by 32 points twice in this first-round playoff series played their most complete game of the season and forced Game 7 with a 106-93 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
The decisive game is Saturday in Boston.
Uplifted by Joel Embiid’s early return from an appendectomy, the Sixers rebounded from two blowout losses to win Game 5 in Boston and were buoyed by a throwback effort from George to keep a comfortable lead in Game 6. Embiid did his part in Game 6 with 19 points.
The play of the game — and maybe the series — came in the third when Kelly Oubre Jr. blocked Jaylen Brown, Maxey scooped the loose ball and fed to George on the break who then dazzled with a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe who finished with a thunderous dunk for a 69-54 lead.
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A night after the Flyers won in overtime to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs, Sixers fans cut loose after that slam.
The 76ers will only go as far as Embiid can take them on his injury-prone seven-foot frame and Maxey is a bona fide all-star. Edgecombe’s youthful exuberance made a fan favourite in Philly and an NBA Rookie of the Year finalist.
Lost in the shuffle at times is the 35-year-old George — in large part this season because of a 25-game suspension for flunking a drug test — who has deferred to the other three Sixers when needed yet can still flash that all-star form. George hit a team-high five 3s that all stretched the lead and the offense ran through him when Embiid — still recovering from his early April surgery — was on the bench.
George signed with the Sixers in the summer of 2024 on a four-year, $212-million free-agent contract and was expected to form a 1-2 championship punch with Embiid. George was instead derailed by injuries, personal issues and the suspension that had him forgotten at times by fans and in the offense.
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Not against Boston. He keyed Philadelphia’s game of the season, a stunner given how the Celtics toyed with them in their three wins this series. The Celtics never led in Game 6.
Brown was hampered by three fouls in the first half and finished with 18 points. Jayson Tatum had 17 for the Celtics and left in third quarter with an apparent calf injury.
The Celtics went more than 4 minutes without a point to close the third and the Sixers stormed into the final quarter with an 82-63 lead.
A tense but goalless first half was dominated by fine goalkeeping performances, with Emi Martinez making a superb double save from Igor Jesus from right on the goalline.
And neither side looked likely to score in the second – until Lucas Digne was penalised for handball as he flung an arm up when duelling with Omari Hutchinson at the byline.
The Forest player did well to hook a cross that looked destined to go out back into the box, knocking it off Digne’s arm in the process, and after a lengthy VAR check Forest were awarded the penalty.
Chris Wood smashed a sublime spot-kick into the top corner and although Forest pressed for another, and Villa spurned chances of their own, Vitor Pereira’s men came out on top with a 1-0 victory at a bouncing City Ground.
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Forest’s win stretched their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions as the 1979 and 1980 European champions enjoy some momentum after battling relegation from the Premier League all season, with Pereira their fourth boss since September.
“(Villa) are a very tough team, but we competed with them,” Pereira said. “This is a special group of players.
“I have the privilege to be the manager of these boys, they are a fantastic group. Spirit, four managers in a season, and finishing at this level, competing at this level together and united. This is a honour for me.”
Martinez made a superb goal-line save to deny Jesus (Reuters)
Both goalkeepers were called into action in the first half. Villa’s Morgan Rogers latched onto a ball from Ollie Watkins, but his curling effort was saved by the diving Stefan Ortega.
At the other end, Martinez made a world-class save when he reached back to get an arm around the ball on the goal-line to keep out a point-blank shot from Igor Jesus.
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Watkins nearly put Villa on the scoreboard early in the second half, but Ortega reacted quickly to block Watkins’s first-time shot from close range with an arm.
It looked like the stalemate might continue but Wood converted his penalty in the 71st minute, giving goalkeeper Martinez no chance with a powerful strike into the top corner.
Lucas Digne was penalised for handball (Getty)
In a meeting of two clubs chasing an end to trophy droughts stretching back decades, the result sends Pereira’s side to Villa Park for the7 May second leg with a narrow advantage.
The 34-year-old Wood returned from a six-month injury lay-off earlier this month and scored in Forest’s 5-0 Premier League thrashing of Sunderland last week that gave the 16th-placed team some breathing space in the relegation battle.
“I wanted to get back fit and firing to help my team as best as I can at the end of the season,” he said. “I knew we had a lot to play for when I was fighting to get fit and it’s showing. It’s some big competitions to be a part of.”
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Braga or Freiburg await the winners in the final in Istanbul on 20 May, with the Portuguese side leading the Germans 2-1 from Thursday’s home first leg.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is due to make his ring return on September 12 in Saudi Arabia, with the only official announcement so far branding it a world title fight but naming no opponent.
Canelo lost all four super-middleweight world titles to Terence Crawford in September of last year. While Crawford retired and scattered the belts, the Mexican icon has opted to fight on and is intent on immediately winning one title back, as he recently told Oso Trava.
“I am unstoppable because I’m not undefeated, nor am I perfect by any means, but that doesn’t stop me from staying excited, believing, and dreaming about what’s to come and that I will be a world champion again.”
With the date approaching and proper promotion soon to begin, Canelo’s longtime trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso has now confirmed to Lance Pugmire that he does indeed expect it to be Mbilli in the opposite corner.
Eddy Reynoso @CANELOTEAM told me today he’s expecting Mbilli as Canelo’s September opponent in Saudi Arabia, and when I asked him if Canelo wants Cinco de Mayo back, he said, “Yes, of course.”
Mbilli won the interim title in June last year against Maciej Sulecki and retained it on the Canelo-Crawford bill after fighting to a draw with Lester Martinez.
The Cameroonian-French Canadian champion has expressed a keen interest in facing Canelo, rightly recognising it as the biggest fight on offer for him. He has also said he expects a rematch with Martinez down the line, who has since won the interim belt.
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The fight, pending official announcement, gives Canelo an opportunity to win back the belt he had held since 2020, when he beat the UK’s Callum Smith in a vacant title bout. Whether or not he pursues undisputed again remains to be seen, but faces fresh challenges in the division if so. The WBA belt is now in the hands of Jose Armando Resendiz, while Cuban puncher Osleys Iglesias has picked up the IBF. The vacant WBO title will be contested next month between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic.
The Indianapolis Colts have declined quarterback Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option.
Richardson, the team’s No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, is headed for free agency after the 2026 season.
The move was one many viewed as inevitable considering the tumultuous start Richardson has had to his NFL career.
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The Florida product has dealt with a number of injuries and inconsistent play, and the Colts looked outside the organization for quarterback help before the start of the 2025 season.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. warms up before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., on Aug. 7, 2025.(Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Indy was high on Richardson when it took him with the fourth overall pick of that year’s draft, though there were some who questioned if he was NFL ready right away.
That proved not to be the case. Richardson split time with veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew in 2023, while Joe Flacco eventually took over for him in 2024.
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Richardson eventually got his starting spot back over Flacco in 2024, with the Colts announcing he would be the team’s starter the rest of the way.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones runs off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2025.(Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
But he was benched prior to Flacco coming in after voluntarily taking himself out of a game for one play, saying he “needed a breather.” The move was ridiculed by pundits and fans, and the Colts ultimately made an example of it.
The Colts signed Daniel Jones during the 2025 offseason after the New York Giants released him midway through the 2024 campaign, parting ways with their own first-round pick who had a roller-coaster tenure with the franchise. Jones and Richardson were pitted in an open quarterback battle at the start of training camp, and, on Aug. 19, Jones was named the team’s starter.
Richardson served as Jones’ backup to begin the year, but he was placed on the injured reserve after a freak accident fractured an orbital bone in his eye during pregame warmups.
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Richardson also dealt with a grade-three AC joint sprain that required an IR stint during his rookie season. It was initially supposed to be a one-to-two-month recovery, but he needed surgery to repair the shoulder.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.(Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
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