Meralco import Patrick Gardner during Game 6 of the PBA semifinals against TNT.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO—For most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Meralco leaned on import Marvin Jones.

But a mid-series switch to Patrick Gardner during the semifinals forced the Bolts into an adjustment period they never fully got to complete.

That lack of time together surfaced again on Sunday night as Meralco bowed out of the conference, absorbing a 97-94 defeat to TNT in the deciding game of their semifinal series at Ynares Center.

READ: TNT beats Meralco, sets up PBA Finals rematch vs Ginebra

For CJ Cansino, a longer stint with Gardner could have helped the Bolts develop better chemistry.

“Patrick has such a high character so we didn’t have a hard time gelling with him because he has a good attitude and he’s easy to work with,” Cansino told the Inquirer.

“I guess, if we were with him longer, our team chemistry would’ve been better.”

Gardner did everything he could in his final game for Meralco, finishing with 32 points and 13 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to keep the Bolts’ title hopes alive.

The former Japan B.League standout suited up in only three games for Meralco after replacing Jones midway through the semifinals.

READ: PBA: Patrick Gardner wastes no time fitting in with Meralco

Chris Newsome, however, refused to use the situation as an excuse.

The veteran guard noted that TNT had to navigate similar challenges after replacing Bol Bol with Chris McCullough when Bol suffered a partially torn Achilles injury.

“They’re in the same situation too where if they had more time with C-Mac, they could’ve had more chemistry as well,” Newsome said.

TNT ultimately overcame those adjustments and advanced to the PBA Finals, where it will face Barangay Ginebra.

Newsome finished with 15 points and two rebounds in Meralco’s season-ending loss.

When it comes to finding the right shaft in your golf club, we know how important timing is.

Based on how you swing the golf club, the shaft is going to be the timing mechanism that allows you to swing at your rhythm and tempo to hit the ball in the center of the club face.

On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, co-host Johnny Wunder explained how the way baseball pitchers in Japan are taught to throw the ball can help you figure out what is best for your game.

Wunder was explaining that he wanted to find out how players could gain data and learn the optimal way to move around. The old theory is that players who walk fast generally should have faster, more abrupt tempos, while slower walkers are smoother and more deliberate. He used the examples of Nick Price, a fast mover, and Fred Couples, a smooth one.

Then he called on what pitchers do in baseball.

“If you watch Japanese pitchers throw a baseball,” Wunder said. “It’s a full release one way and a full release the other way. There are no constraining forces. There’s no torque.

“The reason why they teach that, one is that it’s easier on the body. But it’s easier for the human body to repeat that if there’s not an opposing force.”

So what does that have to do with golf?

Well, just like they teach the optimal way to find repetitive movements in baseball for pitchers, golfers can find the optimal timing and rhythm with the right golf clubs to help them make repeatable swings more often.

“There’s a way to optimize your fittings by making sure you’re looking at the right swings,” co-host Jake Morrow said. “The process of figuring out what the right swings are is what Johnny is currently after. Defining what is my good golf swing and then going into future fittings, knowing what those numbers look like and matching up your fitting data to that swing data is going to be an important part moving forward.”

The idea is that you might hit a club well in a fitting, but the swing your making might not actually be the best for your game. That’s why when you take it out on the course, you end up putting a different swing on it and struggle.

But if you can be sure you’re making an optimal swing for your body, then you can expect to make that same swing on the golf course.

For more from Wunder and Morrow, listen to the full episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped here, or watch it below.

Want to overhaul your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer (Pic credit: IPL)

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru launched a stunning assault in the IPL 2026 final, rewriting the record books as Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer raced to the fastest team fifty ever recorded in an IPL final on Sunday.Chasing 156 for victory against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB reached the 50-run mark in just 3.3 overs, eclipsing the previous record of 4 overs set by Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 final at the same venue.The blistering start put defending champions RCB firmly in control after their bowlers had earlier restricted Gujarat to 155 for 8.Kohli-Iyer unleash carnageThe opening pair came out with clear intent and immediately took the attack to Gujarat’s bowlers.Kohli, whose iconic No. 18 jersey dominated the stands, was at his aggressive best. The batting superstar hammered 23 runs off just eight deliveries, finding boundaries with remarkable ease and sending the packed crowd into a frenzy.At the other end, Venkatesh Iyer matched him stroke for stroke. The left-hander smashed 26 off only 13 balls as the duo tore into the Gujarat attack during the powerplay.By the time RCB crossed the fifty-run mark in the fourth over, the previous record had already been consigned to history.The explosive opening stand underlined Bengaluru’s determination to finish the job after producing a near-perfect performance with the ball.Bowlers set the platformEarlier, Rajat Patidar‘s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends.RCB’s pace attack dismantled Gujarat’s top order, with Josh Hazlewood removing captain Shubman Gill for 10 before Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 12 in the very next over.Unheralded pacer Rasikh Salam emerged as the standout performer, claiming 3 for 27 from his four overs. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Krunal Pandya delivered a crucial breakthrough by stumping Jos Buttler for 19.Only Washington Sundar offered significant resistance, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries to help Gujarat post a fighting total.

TNT guard Jordan Heading reacts during Game 6 of the PBA semifinals against Meralco.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO—TNT’s Jordan Heading had an up-and-down campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

When it mattered most, though, the sniper showed up and propelled the Tropang 5G back to the PBA Finals with a masterclass in Game 6 to boot out the Meralco Bolts on Sunday night.

READ: TNT beats Meralco, sets up PBA Finals rematch vs Ginebra

When asked what was different coming into Game 6, Heading said “nothing changed.”

“Sometimes the results are different, but as a pro, you go through slumps but you have to have faith in yourself that you’ll bounce back,” he added following TNT’s 97-94 victory.

In the biggest game of the series, Heading came alive and dropped 30 points, highlighted by 7-of-10 shooting from long range and a three-point play winner with 42.1 seconds remaining.

READ: PBA: Jordan Heading delivers timely spark in TNT semis opener win

Heading also came up big in Game 5, scoring 22 to help TNT take a 3-2 series lead.

Having a coach who continues to believe and is never discouraged no matter what is also a big boost.

“You shoot a good shot, it doesn’t go in, that’s fine,” said Reyes. “It’s a forgivable mistake, we tell Jordan it’s okay, just shoot again.”

For the rough patch that Chinese-born fighters had in the UFC Macau card on May 30, it all seemed to pay off for the native crowd in the end when Song Yadong had his moment. And in one of the biggest opportunities in his career, Yadong has shown why he is in the upper echelon of the UFC’s bantamweight contenders.

Yadong took on Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC Macau main event. Prior to that, it was a series of unfortunate events for those fighters competing in their homeland:

• Zhu Kangjie was viciously knocked out by Rodrigo Vera.
• Former ONE strawweight champion Xiong Jingnan was dominated by Angela Hill.
• Aori Qileng was stopped by Cody Haddon.
• Ding Meng fell on the wrong end of a split decision.
• Su Mudaerji’s fight with Alex Perez ended inconclusively after a groin shot.
• Zhang Mingyang was knocked out by a 38-year-old Alonzo Menifield.

With the way things were playing out, momentum didn’t seem so good for Yadong. But Yadong was also a -600 favorite heading into the fight with Figueiredo. Even though Figueiredo is a former flyweight champion, he has struggled of late at 135, and he entered this fight a +400 underdog.

Yadong then proved those odds were the odds for a reason by fighting one of the most perfect fights in his career. Firstly, it helped that Figueiredo didn’t do anything of much in the first round – in fact, he threw just six strikes. But it was also Yadong pounding the former UFC champ’s leg with repeated kicks and stuffing takedown attempts.

The only negative against Yadong during the first round was a late slip, which caused Figueiredo an opportunity to jump on top and end the round there. Fortunately, not much was done.

Yadong’s striking output then increased in the second round, landing 30 strikes, with half of them being deemed significant. He also continued to defend the takedown, which was a noted key to victory for Yadong – a proven striker – against someone with the grappling prowess of Figueiredo.

Having said that, the finishing sequence involved Figueiredo looking to use his grappling edge, only to have it backfire in a major way. As Figueiredo went in for another takedown attempt, Yadong was ready. Not only did he defend it, he locked Figueiredo in a guillotine choke. It didn’t take long for Yadong to sink the choke in, and it didn’t take long for Figueiredo to submit to the hold.

It was one of the best wins, if not the best win, the Team Alpha Male product has ever had in the UFC. And that has to mean a big opportunity is in his way for his next outing.

The question becomes who that next fight is against. Yadong, who entered this fight at No. 5 in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings, has fought most of the names surrounding him. A new opportunity could come against Aiemann Zahabi, but that probably happens only if Zahabi loses to Sean O’Malley on the White House card. Former champion Merab Dvalishvili presents a new matchup, too; however, that’d probably only happen if he loses a rematch with Yan before Yadong fights again.

Nevertheless, things look great for Yadong. And when you consider he’s already a UFC veteran with plenty of fights under him at just 28 years old, he might still have more of a bright future ahead of him.

The French Open 2026 enters a decisive stage on May 31 as fourth-round action takes centre stage at Roland Garros, with quarterfinal spots up for grabs across both the men’s and women’s singles draws.

Several top seeds remain in contention, but the margin for error continues to shrink as every match moves closer to the business end of the tournament.

The day features a blend of proven Grand Slam performers, rising stars and dangerous outsiders looking to extend their campaigns in Paris. Players such as Iga Swiatek, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Elina Svitolina and Mirra Andreeva headline an action-packed schedule across Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen courts.

Zverev leads men’s singles action

The men’s singles fourth round features several intriguing matchups as the battle for quarterfinal places continues. Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud headline the schedule, with both players aiming to maintain their title challenge.

Andrey Rublev will face rising Czech player Jakub Mensik in an important test of consistency and shot-making. Jesper de Jong will try to produce an upset against one of the tournament favourites, while Rafael Jodar and Pablo Carreno Busta meet in an all-Spanish contest that adds another layer of interest to the day.

French Open 2026 Day 8: Men’s singles matches full schedule

Swiatek looks to continue momentum in women’s singles

The women’s singles fourth round on May 31 brings together a strong mix of title contenders and players aiming for a breakthrough run at Roland Garros. Iga Swiatek continues her push for another deep campaign but faces a difficult challenge from Marta Kostyuk.

Sorana Cirstea will look to use her experience against Xinyu Wang, while Elina Svitolina and Belinda Bencic meet in one of the most balanced contests of the day. Young talent Mirra Andreeva also returns to action as the fight for quarterfinal places intensifies in Paris.

French Open 2026 Day 8: Women’s singles matches full schedule

Gervonta Davis has been presented with a fresh opportunity to win a world title.

Davis hasn’t fought since his controversial draw against Lamont Roach back in March 2025, with legal issues outside of the ring keeping ‘Tank’ out of action for an extended period.

He has been stripped of his WBA lightweight title and named champion in recess, but reports in recent weeks suggest that the 31-year-old will compete again at some stage this year, though a probation violation reported last week may change that.

If he does return in 2026, he has been ordered to face the WBA’s number one contender Floyd Schofield, but now another world champion has revealed he would be willing to face ‘Tank.’

The fighter in question is O’Shaquie Foster, who retained his WBC super featherweight title with a majority decision win over Ray Ford on Saturday.

Speaking in his post-fight press conference, Foster shared his thoughts on a possible match-up with Davis.

“I would love that fight. I would take that fight in a heartbeat for sure.”

‘Tank’ hasn’t fought at super featherweight since his knockout win over Leo Santa Cruz in October 2020, but has in the past said that he would be confident of dropping back down. Despite his knockout power at 135 and 140, 130 may be his most natural weight and, on the condition he can make it once more, he could fast-track himself to a WBC belt.

Along with the call-out to Davis, Foster also discussed some other possible options.

“Shakur, Lamont, whoever. Hitchins already ran away so I can’t get him. Whoever they send at me, whoever they put in front of me I’m going to keep knocking them down until they say I’m number one.”

The super featherweight champ had a fiery face-off with Shakur Stevenson after the win over Ford, perhaps making that a more realistic next bout than a clash against Davis, who himself has also been linked to a bout against Stevenson on numerous occasions over the years.

Foster does seem intent on moving up, so could well meet Davis in the lightweight ranks down the line.

A second Champions League trophy for Paris Saint-Germain, but an evening marred by riots in the French capital and 15 other cities across the country. Groups of supporters clashed with the police, resulting in 780 arrests and 57 security forces injured. Details by Daniel Quinlan.

Former NFL star Greg Hardy has faced his trials and tribulations in the cage as a fighter in mixed martial arts and he was on the receiving end of a knockout blow once again Saturday.

Hardy contended with Darko Stosic at Fight Nation Championship 31. It was supposed to be a heavyweight bout but Hardy reportedly missed weight by 25 pounds. He had a 52-pound weight advantage over Stosic, though it didn’t appear to matter as much.

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Greg Hardy fights Ben Sosoli in a heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., on Oct. 18, 2019. (Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)

Stosic started the third round with a brutal left hook that knocked Hardy backward. The former Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers defensive end didn’t see Stosic’s windmill punch and it sent him to the mat. Stosic delivered one giant hammer fist to Hardy’s jaw and the referee came in and stopped the bout.

Stosic was given the knockout win.

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Greg Hardy celebrates his technical knockout win over Juan Adams during UFC Fight Night at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, on July 20, 2019. (Adam Hagy/USA TODAY Sports)

It was Hardy’s fourth MMA loss in his last five bouts. Each of those losses came via technical knockout or knockout. He lost his last two fights in UFC in the first round – one on July 10, 2021, against Tai Tuivasa and the other to Serghei Spivac on March 5, 2022.

He appeared on the Peak Fighting 50 card in January and defeated Philip Latu via unanimous decision. However, he had no answers for Stosic.

Greg Hardy walks in the octagon following his loss against Tai Tuivasa during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 10, 2021. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)

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The Serbian star improved to 23-8 all time with 17 knockouts. He’s won six out of his last eight fights and is on a two-bout winning streak. He last defeated Oli Thompson at Fight Nation Championship 27.