Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn stand together at U.S. Bank Stadium, sharing a moment during the divisional matchup against Chicago. On Oct. 9, 2022, the teammates regroup between plays as Minnesota’s offense works through the Bears’ defense and pushes toward another home victory in Minneapolis that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
If you care about the Madden video game franchise — some do, some don’t — that outfit showed Justin Jefferson some rare disrespect recently, announcing NFL wide receiver rankings and plopping the Minnesota Vikings’ best player lower than usual.
Accustomed to a score in the high-90s, Jefferson is evidently only good enough for a ’94.’
QB Turmoil Helped Drag Down the Final Number
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson lines up against Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field, preparing for another target as the offense works through a primetime road matchup. On Sep. 14, 2023, Jefferson faces the Eagles’ secondary while Minnesota searches for rhythm and tries to keep pace during the Thursday night contest. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
Madden WR Ratings Are In — and Jefferson Is a 94
As the Vikings’ best player and a frequenter of the prestigious “99 Club,” most didn’t expect a dip for Jefferson, who remains squarely in a physical prime.
If there’s any solace, Lamb from the Dallas Cowboys took a hit, too.
So … What Happened
Jefferson’s slight fall from grace can be attributed to one thing: the Vikings’ quarterback play.
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The 27-year-old never had problems with production — at all — before 2025, and during that campaign, Minnesota cycled between J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Together, that trio created the league’s fifth-least-efficient passing attack, and Jefferson’s numbers dipped.
In fact, one of the main storylines down the stretch of 2025 was whether Jefferson would hit 1,000 receiving yards, keeping his career streak alive. He ultimately did, but Jefferson should never be in that situation. It may sound like an “excuse,” but Jefferson’s quarterbacks did him no favors.
Jefferson, like most wide receivers, needs quarterback stability. It’s why the Vikings signed Kyler Murray in March.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes recently noted on Jefferson’s predicament, “You know, for me, it’s not just about the quarterback. It’s about the entire team. Justin Jefferson should never have a season like the one we saw last year.
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“He is one of the, if not the best receiver in football, and he was really limited by quarterback play. To put it in perspective, throwing to Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy had an off-target rate of 28%. That is about twice what Sam Darnold’s off-target rate was throwing to Jefferson.”
Finding a sturdy quarterback could also persuade Jefferson to stick around the Vikings for the long haul. For example, if they don’t win a playoff game soon, the man could request a trade before his prime expires.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson carries the ball against Philadelphia at U.S. Bank Stadium, cutting upfield during second-half action as defenders close from behind. On Oct. 19, 2025, Jefferson turns the catch into extra yardage while Minnesota battles the Eagles and looks for a spark from its top offensive weapon. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
“And the same with Kirk Cousins. It was mostly not his fault. And frankly, you could see him get frustrated as the season went on. So if Kyler Murray brings even average quarterback play, which I think he is capable of, whether or not that ceiling looks more like it did in 2020 has to do with a variety of factors, including his deep ball coming back.”
“To me, that’s a massive upgrade. And it’s so important for this group of talented wide receivers to play with a competent quarterback.”
It’s Just Fuel
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Let’s face it: this is just a video game. Jefferson’s rating will not determine his future performance; instead, it reflects the current opinion of his talent. If he cares, Jefferson can browse articles like this or turn on his PlayStation and instantly learn that Chase, Nacua, St. Brown, and Smith-Njigba are evidently better football players than him.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson watches pregame activity at U.S. Bank Stadium, taking in the scene before Minnesota hosts New England on Thanksgiving night. On Nov. 24, 2022, Jefferson prepares for the holiday matchup as the Vikings complete warm-ups and get ready to face the Patriots before a national audience. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
For guys like that, it’s often fuel. Athletes are different creatures, finding fuel to motivate themselves. If you need evidence, turn on the 2020 docuseries about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Other Notable Vikings Rankings
Interested in Madden’s perspective on other Vikings? We’ve got them. Here’s the Madden leaderboard from a Minnesota perspective:
Gervonta Davis is likely to have no shortage of options if he keeps himself out of trouble and in the gym, ready for a ring return in 2027.
The 31-year-old has not fought since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach, who was wrongfully denied a 10-8 round that would have clinched victory in March 2025.
Davis was then accused of domestic violence later that year, which extended his inactivity following the cancellation of an exhibition match with Jake Paul.
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According to long-time advisor Al Haymon, though, the American is now eyeing a return to action in the first half of next year.
Someone who would gladly welcome him back to the sport is Ryan Garcia, who suffered a seventh-round stoppage defeat when they collided in 2023.
Speaking with Ring Magazine, ‘King Ry’ insisted that a rematch with Davis is more commercially viable than a second encounter with one of his other former rivals.
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“I feel like the Tank rematch is bigger [than a Devin Haney rematch]. He has to come up to 147[lbs].
“If he’s a man, he’d [come up to welterweight]. And then, when I beat him, we can have a trilogy.”
Garcia edged a majority decision against Haney in April 2024, only for the result to be ruled a no-contest on account of him testing positive for ostarine.
Since then, the 27-year-old has lost and won unanimous decisions against Rolando Romero and Mario Barrios, respectively, and will defend his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on September 12.
The Cubs have landed reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes from the Mets and outfielder Tyrone Taylor in a trade deadline deal to fill two major needs, according to the New York Post. Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect, is headed back to New York.
The 33-year-old Holmes has been sidelined since the middle of May after a comebacker fractured his fibula, but he’s already three starts into his minor-league rehab assignment and will soon be ready for activation from the injured list.
This season, Holmes had once again been quite effective prior to suffering the leg injury, and his work in 2026 advanced what’s been a highly successful transition from bullpen work earlier in his career. Holmes made the jump to starter after signing with the Mets as a free agent prior to the 2025 season. Across 40 starts and a pair of relief appearances for the Mets, Holmes has pitched to a 3.26 ERA/127 ERA+ with an FIP of 3.89. In his first season as a starter in 2025, Holmes was able to log a qualifying number of innings.
Holmes is owed the balance of a $13 million salary for the remainder of the season. His contract includes a $12 million player option for 2027, but he seems highly likely to decline that option and re-enter the free agent market this coming winter.
The Cubs rotation has been banged up all season, but it’s potentially crowded down the road. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are staples. David Peterson has mostly thrown well since the Cubs acquired him from the Mets. Kevin Gausman (acquired Sunday night) and Holmes have now joined the rotation. Colin Rea and Javier Assad are depth pieces who could be used in long relief. Edward Cabrera is expected to return from injury in mid-August. Ben Brown, who was great earlier in the season before his neck injury, has started throwing. Justin Steele is also continuing to rehab from Tommy John surgery.
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The Cubs have been seeking bullpen help, too, and have traded for power arm Ryan Zeferjahn. Further, given their newfound abundance of starting pitchers, it’s reasonable to believe they’ll move some of them to the bullpen. Hunter Harvey and Hoby Milner will likely return soon enough and the Cubs will still hope for a healthy return from closer Daniel Palencia.
With eyes on the playoffs, the Cubs could have a rotation of Gausman, Holmes, Boyd and Imanaga while Cabrera, Rea, Assad and Brown take bullpen roles. There’s always innings for pitchers, especially in the postseason.
Tyrone Taylor, meanwhile, is a rental and a good defender, and has been on a major heater over the last several weeks. The Cubs will hope he can keep that up as a fourth outfielder. And with Ian Happ’s struggles, maybe Taylor gets time in left field as a starter.
For the Mets, the seller’s move by lead executive David Stearns comes amidst a deeply disappointing season that’s seen them tumble from contending status in each of the last two seasons to last place in the National League East. They have already shipped out Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter and Huascar Brazoban over the deadline.
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Rojas, a 21-year-old third baseman, is hitting .270/.339/.461 with 19 doubles, 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs and 17 steals in Double-A this season. MLB Pipeline ranked him No. 2 in the Cubs organization, praising his pitch-recognition and bat-to-ball skills.
Here are our grades for each team.
Chicago Cubs: A-
The Cubs added a rental starter in Gausman, so they were likely trying to grab a pitcher under team control for another few seasons on Monday. Holmes isn’t that, as there’s a player option for 2027 that he’s unlikely to exercise. That’s the only reason for the minus being tacked on to that A. Holmes was outstanding in his nine starts before injury and could resemble a frontline guy the rest of the season and into the playoffs. That’s a big get for the Cubs. Taylor is helpful as well, especially with Happ’s significant struggles.
Holmes and Taylor were both gone after this season, so there was no reason for the Mets to hold onto them. As such, they were without a ton of leverage and did well to get the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect. That says more about the Cubs’ farm system, though, as Rojas isn’t a top 100 prospect overall. He’s a good get, not a great one. That means we can land on a B here and feel good enough.
Terence Crawford believes there are fighters out there who can test Shakur Stevenson, but does he consider Ryan Garcia one of them?
Stevenson remains undefeated in 25 fights, having captured world titles in four divisions. He currently holds the WBO super lightweight world title having comprehensively beaten Teofimo Lopez earlier this year, and is in search of the biggest fight to kick off his new promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Speaking on The Real Report podcast, Crawford, a friend, mentor and training partner of Stevenson’s, highlighted the best in and around the 140lbs class.
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“[Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney] those two fighters are gonna make each other great and it’s gonna be a tough for both of them. Throw Keyshawn [Davis] in there, Tank in there, it’s gonna be hell as well. Those guys right there are holding the keys to 135 and 140.”
Asked if WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia should be in that mix, Crawford said no.
“Ryan Garcia ain’t gonna beat them guys.”
Crawford brushed off Garcia’s victory over Haney, subsequently overturned to a no contest when he failed a doping test, saying Haney ‘wasn’t as focused’ as he could’ve been.
Garcia remains adamant that he wants the Stevenson fight, however, the weight continues to be an issue, with Shakur only willing to go as high as a 144lbs catchweight for now rather than jumping straight up to welterweight. That same demand is preventing a clash with Haney.
Ankur Bhattacharjee and Yashaswini Ghorpade clinched the men’s and women’s singles title with contrasting wins at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships here on Sunday.
Bhattacharjee emerged a deserving 4-3 winner over Payas Jain after a hard-fought match.
Payas looked set for victory after opening a 7-4 lead in the deciding game.
However, Ankur called a timeout that disrupted his opponent’s rhythm, and fought back to level at 8-8.
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He then edged ahead 10-9, and eventually sealed the title 11-9 when Payas’ return drifted long.
In the women’s final, Ghorpade delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sreeja Akula 4-1.
India dominated the championships, winning all but one of the gold medals on offer.
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The lone title eluded the hosts was the men’s doubles, where Malaysia’s pair defeated Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah in the final.
Ghorpade dominated the opening two games, racing to an 11-6, 11-1 lead and putting Sreeja under immense pressure.
Sreeja responded admirably, taking the third game 11-8 to keep her hopes alive, but Ghorpade quickly regained control, claiming the fourth game 11-7 and moving within touching distance of the title.
The fifth game produced the most entertaining contest of the match, with both players matching each other point-for-point in a tense finish.
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Although Sreeja fought hard and saved two championship points, she failed to benefit from crucial opportunities at the business end.
Yashaswini held her nerve to convert her third match point, sealing a 13-11 victory and the championship in style.
In the men’s doubles final, contrary to expectations, Malaysia’s Shen Qi Wong and Javen Choong delivered a clinical display, defeating India’s Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, the world No. 2 pair, in straight games.
In the all-Indian women’s doubles final, Sreeja Akula and Syndrela Das delivered a commanding performance, defeating Yashaswini Ghorpade and Divyanshi Bhowmick 3-1.
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The mixed doubles final featured a spirited comeback by India’s Manav Thakkar and Taneesha Kotecha, who defeated Malaysia’s Ai Xin and Richard Rui 3-2.
Nigeria’s final Group C match against Egypt could play a major role in deciding which teams reach the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
If Nigeria beat Egypt 1-0 and Zambia also defeat Malawi, the final positions will depend on the score in the Zambia-Malawi game.
A 1-0 win for Zambia would leave Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia level on goal difference. Malawi would then top the group on goals scored, with Nigeria finishing second, while Zambia would be eliminated.
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If Zambia win by two or three clear goals, Malawi would be eliminated, with Zambia topping the group and Nigeria finishing second.
However, a 3-2 victory for Zambia would again leave the three teams level on goal difference. Malawi would top the group based on goals scored, while Nigeria would finish second and Zambia would be eliminated.
The biggest twist could come if Zambia beat Malawi 4-3. In that case, Nigeria would be eliminated, while Malawi would top the group and Zambia would finish second.
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The permutations are based on the competition’s head-to-head rules. If three teams finish level on points, results against the fourth-placed team, Egypt in this case, are not considered when deciding the positions among the three tied teams.
This means Nigeria’s victory over Egypt would be important for qualification, but the final score between Zambia and Malawi could ultimately determine whether the Super Falcons top the group, finish second or face elimination.
Indian batter Rohit Sharma hailed former fielding coach T Dilip for his contributions to Indian cricket during his stint, which included two ICC T20 World Cup wins and the ICC Champions Trophy title win, saying that he “created magic within the group” and was a “workhorse” behind the scenes. Dilip served as India men’s fielding coach from 2021 until the conclusion of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint during India’s Test tour of the UK in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it expired. Meanwhile, India men’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also stepped down following the white-ball tour of England in July and has since joined Kolkata Knight Riders as their Head of Cricket Strategy.
Taking to his Instagram, Rohit posted a picture with Dilip on his story, captioned, “You are a legend Dillip guru. You created magic within the group and a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead @dillip.tk.19”
During Dilip’s tenure as India’s fielding coach, India made a lot of progress as a fielding side. The fielding medal ceremony, which crowned the ‘Best Fielder of the Match’ after every match, gained a lot of popularity since it started during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, with KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma being among the winners. The medal was given with the motive to encourage a better fielding culture within the Indian team and make players take risks and be at their athletic best while fielding.
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Taking to Instagram, Dilip posted a parting note, saying that “it is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much.” He also expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute as India’s fielding coach and said that he will carry the memories that came with his stint forever, especially the fielding medal presentation ritual.
“Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team’s journey,” he posted.
“The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I’ll carry with me forever,” he added.
“I will always cherish being part of: Two ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumphs (2024 & 2026), ICC Champions Trophy triumph (2025), Two Asia Cup triumphs (2023 & 2025), Runners-up at the ICC World Test Championship & ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup (2023), Several unforgettable journeys on the world stage. A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI @indiancricketteam for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to serve Indian cricket,” he continued.
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He thanked Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, who served as head coaches during his tenure, for placing their trust in him and also to Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who captained the side across various formats during his tenure.
“And to every player, coach and member of the support staff… thank you. The memories we’ve created together will stay with me for the rest of my life. As this chapter comes to a close, I’ll always be grateful that, for five unforgettable years, I had the honour of wearing the India badge. Forever grateful. The journey continues,” he signed off.
Subhadeep Ghosh has replaced T Dilip as the fielding coach of the India men’s cricket team ahead of the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, Cricinfo reported.
The 57-year-old previously served as the fielding coach of the India women’s team for two years, during which he was part of the support staff for the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
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Ghosh has also worked with India A and had a stint as head coach of Assam’s senior men’s team. As a player, Ghosh was a right-handed batter who represented Assam and Railways. He featured in 17 first-class matches and 17 List A games during his domestic career.
India will begin their two-Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test scheduled for August 23 at the SSC in Colombo. Before the series gets underway, the visitors will play a three-day practice match in Colombo from August 7.
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Spain’s Royal Family Welcomes World Cup Champions To Zarzuela Palace
Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title as she beat top seed Jessica Pegula in a delayed Washington Open final.
The WTA showpiece was postponed from Sunday to Monday because of bad weather in the US capital.
Rain and lightning meant the start was pushed back on Sunday, before world number three Pegula took the first set 6-4.
Eala, 21, was leading 2-1 in the second set when further bad weather meant play was halted and then cancelled for the rest of the day.
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And after play resumed on Monday, Pegula won just three more games as Eala wrapped up a 4-6 6-4 6-0 victory.
Pegula, 32, previously won the event in 2019 and 2021, but Eala secured the second set before racing through the decider behind a dominant left-handed serve and some fearless baseline hitting.
“I feel so much love,” she said. “I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me.
“My first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last and already [I’ve] achieved this milestone for my career.”
On Monday, the American added: “To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against, but I think it’s amazing.”
The victory extended Eala’s winning streak against top-10 opponents to five matches following victories over Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina (twice), and Iga Swiatek.
In the men’s final, world number 10 Taylor Fritz beat 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.
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The American, who was the third seed, claimed his 11th ATP title and his first since Eastbourne last year.
Esther Henseleit tapped in for bogey and turned around to look into the fading sunset at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Forty minutes earlier, the 27-year-old German had made the putt of a lifetime, draining a long bomb for birdie on the 72nd hole to tie Shiho Kuwaki and send the AIG Women’s Open to a playoff.
She then missed a much shorter birdie putt to win the first playoff hole and watched as her tee shot on the second playoff hole apparently hit a marshal in the leg and ricocheted into a gorse bush. She hacked out into the fairway, played her third onto the green, but missed her par putt. With Kuwaki in close for par, Henseleit was left to rue a missed opportunity as Kuwaki rolled in the par putt to win the year’s final major in stunning fashion. The 23-year-old from Japan is a multi-time winner on the JLPGA and will be a staple on the LPGA. Make no mistake, Shiho Kuwaki won the AIG Women’s Open. As chaos enveloped Royal Lytham on Sunday, it was Kuwaki who played her final 13 holes in regulation in two under to post five under and put pressure on 54-hole leader Yealimi Noh and Henseleit to match. It was Kuwaki who hit a perfectly flighted iron to the small landing spot on the par-3 ninth for a key birdie. It was Kuwaki who steadied herself after early trouble, played fast and confident, and did what no one else on Sunday could.
This was Shiho Kuwaki’s day. The champagne showers and the LPGA membership that comes with a life-changing win prove that.
But if anything summed up Sunday at the year’s final major, it was Henseleit’s look off into the distance as reality set in, a look that said how fast everything could change at Royal Lytham.
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But Esther Henseleit isn’t the only one leaving Royal Lytham feeling they let a golden major opportunity slip away. That unshakeable feeling was everywhere in the wake of Kuwaki’s stunning major victory.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda fired a final-round three-under 68 to finish in a tie for fourth at two under. Sunday’s round saw Korda make a bogey on the par-3 fifth and double on the par-5 sixth. That was the story of Nelly Korda’s week. She kept throwing punches, but big mistakes like the closing double bogey on Saturday and an early seven on Sunday were the difference between a third major and a solid, but otherwise bland finish to a brilliant major season.
Alongside Korda was World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who opened the tournament with a brilliant round of 64. As Thitikul torched Lytham’s greens on Thursday, it felt like this might be the week she finally won her maiden major title. Instead, Thitikul’s putter went cold over the final three rounds, including Sunday’s final round, where she went out in three over and was unable to make anything coming home to meet the bar set by Kuwaki.
“It’s just kind of shake it off,” Thitikul said leaving Lytham. “I knew I missed some, but I feel like my game wasn’t that bad. I just couldn’t make putts like the first day, and then we just couldn’t hit it that close because of the wind, the pin position, and everything. That’s why I [couldn’t make] the putt.”
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Yealimi Noh held the lead for as long as she could on Sunday. Battling final-round nerves, Noh scraped her way around Lytham’s front nine and watched her lead go from five to one as she made the turn. By the time she bogeyed 14, she had lost the lead and needed to make a birdie coming in to match Kuwaki. When her final birdie attempt on 18 came up short, Noh admitted she was hurt by how Sunday unfolded, especially a missed short putt for par at 14, but exited the carnage at Lytham with a silver lining.
“I will be taking away a lot more than I thought I would be this week,” an emotional Noh told NBC’s Cara Banks after the round, wiping tears from her eyes. “It stings just being one short, but very happy with the week. I told myself this morning, no matter what happens, I’m just really happy to be in this positionagain. A couple of weeks ago, I wasn’t even feeling the want to play golf — obviously play — but I was losing a lot of motivation with my past results.
“But this week has really helped me feel so much better about my game and realize why I’m doing this. Coming up 18 was pretty incredible, just in front of those crowds and playing here at the Open. Very grateful.”
Going for her third major victory in a row, Haeran Ryu held a four-shot lead early on Saturday but got bludgeoned by Lytham and entered Sunday trailing Noh by three. An early double at the par-3 fifth sent Ryu down the leaderboard. She climbed back to within two of the lead on the back nine but finished bogey-bogey to card a three-over 74 and settle for a T6 finish.
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But there might be no bigger what ifs than from the two players who the crowd at Lytham tried their hardest to will to victory. Lottie Woad entered Sunday four shots back of Noh. Charley Hull was one shot back of her but ready to put the pedal down to chase her first major title in 65 tries.
As Noh scuffed along and Lytham pummeled the field, the title was there for the taking for either Woad or Hull.
Woad opened with a bogey but got the stroke back with a birdie at six. With the par-5 seventh coming up, it looked like Woad was in position to pin her ears back and put pressure on Noh. Instead, she made a mess of the seventh and dropped a shot. When she missed a birdie putt at the eighth, Woad became visibly irritated. When her par putt at the ninth missed the cup, she swiped her putter through the air knowing that her major opportunity was slipping away. No late Sunday magic materialized for Lottie Woad. She played the back nine in even par, and her bogey at the 16th served as the final nail in Sunday’s would-be comeback.
With a leaderboard filled with players with few LPGA winning moments, Sunday seemed like it could be Charley Hull’s day. With five major runner-up finishes, Hull has experience in the cauldron. She emptied the tank at Riviera and was just beaten by Nelly Korda. A furious run to catch Miyu Yamashita at last year’s AIG Women’s Open was derailed by two bad swings. But Charley Hull had been here before, and now it appeared her moment had finally arrived. Sunday, in benign conditions, set up for Charley Hull to finally become a major champion.
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Instead, Hull quickly lost control. She made a double bogey at the third and then made another double at the par-5 seventh after hitting her approach into a pot bunker. Birdies at nine and 11 got Hull back onto the periphery, but every birdie attempt coming home veered away from the hole. Perhaps nothing better told the story of Hull’s unsuccessful charge than the tee shot on the short par-4 13th. Needing to make a move, Hull pulled driver and hit it a bullet through the northwestern English wind. It was a pure strike, one of her best of the day, but Hull immediately knew it might not deliver the desired result. It landed on the front of the green, bounded across the putting surface and rolled into a thick patch of dried-out rough. Unsure of how the ball would come out, Hull left her pitch well short and two-putted for par. When her birdie putt just missed right, she pointed for it to go left and shook her head.
As Charley Hull approached Lytham’s clubhouse, she tried to give the English crowd one final firework, even if her title dreams were dashed. But her closing birdie attempt missed the hole, closing the book on another winless major championship season. Charley Hull quickly tapped in for par and exited another major she could’ve won, with nothing but scars.
Hours after Korda, Hull and Woad left Royal Lytham, Esther Henseleit looked out at nothing in particular, her would-be signature major moment quickly evaporating as Shiho Kuwaki rolled in a short putt and raised her arms in triumph.
“I just can’t believe it,” Kuwaki said through an interpreter afterward. “I just can’t believe it.”
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That feeling was everywhere in the aftermath at Royal Lytham. But she’s the only one who won’t be trying to forget her reason for disbelief.
Officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission have received a delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Lagos as part of preparations for the 2026 CAF Awards.
The CAF team visited the proposed venue for an inspection ahead of the awards ceremony, which will bring together some of the biggest names in African football.
Officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission guided the delegation around the venue and received feedback on the preparations.
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The inspection is part of efforts to ensure that the venue and facilities meet the required standards for an event of such importance.
The Lagos State authorities said preparations were ongoing, with attention being given to every detail ahead of the ceremony.
Lagos is expected to host the 2026 CAF Awards as the state continues preparations to stage what is expected to be a major event on the African football calendar.
NBA player Terry Rozier departs after his arraignment hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court on charges tied to illegal sports betting and poker game schemes on December 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
NBA veteran Terry Rozier has asked a federal judge to throw out two of the four charges he faces in an alleged sports gambling scheme that rocked the US basketball world last year.
In a filing on Friday in US District Court in New York, Rozier attorney David Markus argued that a text message sent by alleged co-conspirator Deniro Laster showed Rozier did not agree to manipulate his performance for the benefit of bettors.
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The text message also indicated that Rozier didn’t know anyone was betting on his statistics during a March 23, 2023 game he played for the Charlotte Hornets.
“Dont tell chum bout the bet,” a text from Laster reads, according to the filing, with Markus saying that “Chum” is Rozier’s nickname.
The recipient answered “Hell no,” according to the filing.
Prosecutors have alleged that Rozier advised co-conspirators he would leave that game early and allow them to make bets accordingly, but Markus said the texts “should end the case.”
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“One does not hide a bet from the person who supposedly sold it,” Markus wrote.
Prosecutors responded with a filing in which they said they have “developed evidence from multiple sources that this text chain does not relate to sports gambling.”
Rozier was arrested in October 2025 and accused of manipulating his performance in the March 23, 2023 game. In May, prosecutors added two more charges, accusing Rozier of agreeing to a $100,000 bribe.
Rozier, a free agent who has played for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, has pleaded not guilty.
In December, his lawyers asked a judge to dismiss the initial charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, but a superseding indictment was issued in May, maintaining those charges and adding two more.
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On Friday, they sought dismissal of charges of bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.
Markus also asked that the case, set to go to trial next February, be moved from the Eastern District of New York to the Southern District of Florida, where Rozier lives.
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Two others charged in the sweeping case, former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones and self-described “gambling guru” Marves Fairley, have pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
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