Meralco Bolts import Patrick Gardner during a game vs TNT Tropang 5G in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Patrick Gardner barely had time to rest before suiting up for the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Fresh off a heartbreaking loss in the Japan B.League B2 Finals, Gardner quickly packed his bags after getting the call to replace Marvin Jones as Meralco’s import.

The result was a 101-90 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, tying the best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2.

Patrick Gardner after producing 20 points and 13 rebounds despite fouling out in Meralco’s Game 4 win over TNT. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/qVGnsZh12x

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 27, 2026

“We recently just made it to the (B.League B2 Finals) championship but lost then I went here,” bared Gardner at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

“This kind of happened very quickly and I thought it’d be a great opportunity for me to play in a country like this with such huge basketball fans.”

Just days after feeling the sting of a title loss, Gardner found himself with another opportunity to compete for a championship — this time in the PBA.

In his debut, the 25-year-old import delivered a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Gardner, however, fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Still, the Bolts’ locals held their ground to knot the series anew.

Asked about his debut, Gardner said he was less concerned about the numbers and more focused on helping Meralco get the win.

“I’m just happy we won the game ultimately,” he said. “It’s my first game here so I thought that was the most important thing.”

As the calendar flips to the next day, things continue to change; however, one consistency will always come to the forefront, and it’s that the SEC will be the biggest crybabies on the planet.

Similar to its geographic counterparts, Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart went to the media to discuss the SEC’s potential to secede from the NCAA. There are currently two issues causing strife for the SEC.

The major power conferences and Notre Dame want to expand the playoffs to 24 teams, while the SEC only wants to expand to 16 teams. I personally don’t think any expansion should occur, as the regular season should still matter in college football. That said, I’m shocked the SEC doesn’t want the larger expansion.

A larger playoffs means more money, more potential home games, and smaller schools feeling that they can genuinely compete for national titles. The SEC complains every year when their 9-3 teams miss the playoffs, so I’m shocked they wouldn’t want half their conference playing in the postseason.

Kirby has his complaints about playoff expansion, but uncontrolled NIL expansion is his bigger concern. I think most people with common sense believe there needs to be more guardrails around NIL. I’m just not sure that head coaches are the right messengers for these complaints.

NIL isn’t going anywhere, either.

College football head coaches tend to be the highest-paid public worker in most states. They can also leave their job whenever they want and hold their universities over the fire for more money. When you hear Kirby Smart complaining about these kids, many of whom coming from limited money, it feels super disingenuous. These high level coaches keep complaining about the current state of NIL, but aren’t coming up with better solutions. Our current “wild west” of NIL is significantly better than these college athletes playing for free in years past.

NIL isn’t the death of college sports, but the SEC leaving the NCAA would be. Smart argues that the SEC can stand on its own, and doesn’t need to play by rules they don’t like.

Things like this is why everyone hates the SEC. If they don’t get everything they like, they take their ball and go home. If the SEC ever left the SEC, maybe the NCAA could survive, but it would always be a shell of its former power.

Also, I feel this is mostly just a bad bluff by Kirby Smart. Yes, SEC fans love their teams, but having an entire season of only SEC football feels like a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, the SEC is locked into contracts through the next 5 years, so they’ll have to wait a little before getting too off the rails.

This year marks a crucial step in the journey towards LA 2028, with Olympic qualification kicking in at the October World Championships in Shanghai.

Sir Jason Kenny is urging Team England’s sprint cyclists to step up and make an impression at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

Britain’s most decorated Olympian took up the role as men’s podium sprint coach with British Cycling following his retirement in 2022, passing his experience down to the next legends of track cycling.

This year marks a crucial step in the team’s journey towards LA 2028, with Olympic qualification kicking in at the October World Championships in Shanghai.

It means that the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provide a vital opportunity for home nations athletes to showcase their skill on the world stage and cement their spot on the team, with Kenny hoping put Team England in good stead with a golden showcase in Scotland.

“Most of the main team are English but it’s certainly an opportunity for people to break in,” he said. “It’s 10 weeks out from the World Championships, which will be the main focus for us as an organisation.

“If we want to be absolutely our best for the worlds, we’re going to have to be really good at the Commonwealth Games, basically. It Is a really good opportunity for those guys to lay a marker down for future selection. Olympic qualification starts at that World Championships as well for us so it starts getting quite serious.”

With a medal record like Kenny’s, it comes as a surprise that his Commonwealth Games tally is not quite up to his usual sky-high standards. The seven-time Olympic champion pulled on the Team England vest just once at Glasgow 2014, winning two silver medals, as New Zealand’s Sam Webster pipped him to the post in both the individual and team sprint.

His wife, Dame Laura Kenny, has two Commonwealth golds of her own, as well as now holding the title of Commonwealth Games England President. And it is something that she will never let him forget.

“Laura likes to remind me of the fact that she won gold at the Commonwealth Games and I didn’t,” he said.

“It is funny because the further away I get from it, the more I wish I had won, because I only went to one Commonwealth Games and those silvers are now my whole medal count. We had the multi-sport experience and everything that goes with that, but at the same time, everything is really relaxed, and just a really nice atmosphere.”

Leading on from his British Cycling role, Kenny was part of the Team England track cycling coaching set up at Birmingham 2022. He will reprise the role this summer at Glasgow 2026, meaning that both Kenny’s will be on the Team England staff once more.

He added: “I wasn’t due to be working on this one, but I’ve been substituted in so I’m really happy because it is such a nice event to do.”

Team England’s official automotive partner Geely are playing a central role in England’s leg of the King’s Baton Relay, which takes place from May 26-31.

Kenny was part of Team England’s content across the week and noted just how thrilled he is to be back in a Commonwealth Games environment, especially with it being so close to home.

“The Commonwealth Games is all about sort of accessibility for me,” he said. “It’s a little bit more accessible to young people, and it’s a little bit more relaxed which make it a really good stepping stone for people at the start of their careers.

“Then the fact that the Olympics has only been in our country once during my lifetime, but the Commonwealth Games have are now on our third time around in the home nations, it is just that little bit closer to home.”

Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on https://teamengland.org/

London Spirit have unveiled a striking new blue kit for the upcoming edition of The Hundred, with the franchise incorporating the iconic “egg and bacon” colours associated with the historic Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) into the design as a tribute to Lord’s heritage.The famous yellow-and-red striped pattern has long been linked to MCC members, whose traditional ties, blazers and caps remain a familiar sight at Lord’s during Middlesex fixtures and England Test matches. The MCC also owns Lord’s and holds the majority stake in London Spirit, making the tribute a symbolic nod to the venue’s rich cricketing history.The new kit launch comes as preparations gather pace for another season of The Hundred, England and Wales Cricket Board’s 100-ball competition that was introduced in an effort to recreate the commercial and entertainment success of the IPL in India.London Spirit head into the new season with several high-profile names in their squad, including Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Adam Zampa, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton and David Willey.The franchise has also strengthened its coaching group with the appointment of former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as mentor and batting coach. The role marks Karthik’s first support-staff position with a franchise team outside the IPL.Unlike England’s traditional county structure, The Hundred features eight newly-created city-based franchises designed to appeal to a wider and younger audience. London Spirit represent the capital and play their home matches at Lord’s, widely regarded as the “Home of Cricket”.The Hundred: Format explainedThe format itself differs significantly from both ODI and T20 cricket. Each innings lasts a maximum of 100 balls, with bowlers allowed to deliver either five or 10 consecutive deliveries. No bowler can bowl more than 20 balls in an innings, while ends are changed every 10 balls rather than after each over.The competition also includes a 25-ball powerplay, during which only two fielders are permitted outside the circle. No-balls result in two runs plus a free hit, and slow over-rates can lead to fielding restrictions for the bowling side.One of the tournament’s unique features is its simplified presentation, with the competition avoiding traditional terms such as “overs” in favour of “sets of five balls”. Matches are designed to finish within approximately two-and-a-half hours to create a faster and more viewer-friendly experience.

Gabba will play host to Saturday’s
Round 12 AFL game between Brisbane Lions and
Fremantle Dockers. The game kicks off at 4:15 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Lions vs.
Fremantle Dockers
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday May 30, 2026 at 4:15 pm

Where: Gabba

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Brisbane Lions vs Fremantle Dockers Odds

Brisbane Lions vs Fremantle Dockers Preview

Coming off its heaviest defeat since 2018, Brisbane will attempt to bounce back against a rampaging Fremantle side at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon. The reigning premiers’ 166-88 loss to GWS at ENGIE Stadium saw them concede 14 third-quarter goals, equalling the fourth-highest quarter score allowed in V/AFL history. Meanwhile, Fremantle made history of its own by defeating St Kilda 104-74 at Optus Stadium, setting a new club record with a 10th straight victory. Murphy Reid dominated that fixture, totalling 30 disposals, 14 score involvements and a goal, while Jye Amiss slotted four majors up forward. The Dockers will now be looking to snap a four-match losing streak against the Lions at the Gabba, where they’ve lost by an average margin of 35.3 points. Brisbane was also a 101-44 winner when these clubs met at Optus Stadium last season, led by Zac Bailey’s 28 disposals, 10 score involvements and two goals.

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts as he plays against Juan Manuel Cerundolo of Argentina during their second round men’s singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

PARIS– Formidable title favorite Jannik Sinner is out of the French Open in the second round.

Sinner struggled with the heat and wasted a chance to serve for the match in a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 loss to 56th-ranked opponent Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Thursday.

Sinner was on a 30-match winning streak stretching back to February and the odds were overwhelming he’d complete a career Grand Slam by winning the only big title missing in his tennis career — especially with two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz out due to an injured right wrist.

Sinner bent over on the clay court in apparent exhaustion multiple times and was hardly even running for shots as the match wore on, resorting to drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics to try and shorten the points.

Jannik Sinner of Italy cools himself with the ice during the second round men’s singles tennis match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo of Argentina at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

He attempted to cool himself with a hand-held fan on changeovers and put bags of ice around his neck.

The temperature at the start of the match was 29 degrees C (84 F) and then rose to 32 C (90 F).

Sinner was serving for Thursday’s match at 5-4, 0-40 in the third set when he bent over on the court and then walked to his chair. He asked for assistance and left the court. His entire light blue outfit was soaked through with sweat.

Between the third and fourth sets, Sinner received medical attention and left the court. Minerals were added to his drink when he returned but Sinner wasn’t able to recuperate.

Sinner last lost on Feb. 19 in the Qatar Open quarterfinals. He had won five straight titles and hardly dropped a set.

On the same Court Philippe Chatrier, Sinner wasted three match points against Alcaraz in last year’s final before losing the title match in a fifth-set tiebreaker.

Sinner also struggled in the heat at the Australian Open against Eliot Spizzirri in January. The roof was closed and the third-round match swung his way.

Jannik Sinner’s 30-match winning run came to an abrupt halt at the French Open on Thursday as the world number one succumbed to sweltering conditions in a five-set, second-round loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Sinner, the red-hot favourite at Roland Garros, appeared to be cruising to victory, holding a two-set lead and a commanding 5-1 advantage in the third, before suddenly taking a turn for the worse.The Italian complained of dehydration and dizziness, saying he felt as though he might vomit, and was visibly struggling as temperatures once again climbed above 30C during a record-breaking heatwave in France.

Sinner suddenly looked a shadow of himself and an inspired Cerundolo seized his chance to pull off an improbable comeback, prevailing 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.

Sinner arrived in Paris on the back of winning all three of the clay-court Masters titles, with his odds of completing a career Grand Slam enhanced further by the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.

Instead, the 24-year-old suffered his earliest exit at a major since losing at the same stage of the French Open in 2023. 

“It’s tough for him (Sinner). I think I was a little bit lucky,” said Cerundolo, who goes on to play Martin Landaluce or Vit Kopriva in the last 32.

“I feel sorry for him. He was deserving to win and then I don’t know what happened to him. Maybe cramping, maybe the pressure, but I hope he recovers.”

It was another bitterly disappointing ending at Roland Garros for last year’s runner-up who held three championship points 12 months ago before losing to Alcaraz.

There were few signs of what was to come as Sinner sailed through the first two sets, picking up where he left off after a typically efficient opening-round win.

But the wheels began to come off with the finish line in sight.

Sinner left Court Philippe Chatrier to receive medical treatment while serving for the match at 5-4, albeit 0-40 down. He returned minutes later but Cerundolo sensed his opportunity against an ailing opponent.

The Argentine won 18 consecutive points as he clawed his way back from the brink, breaking Sinner three times in a row to send the match to a fourth set.

Sinner, hunched over periodically in the shade at the back of the court between rallies, earned three break points early in the fourth but couldn’t capitalise.

Cerundolo, the world number 56 with just two Grand Slam match wins before this tournament, took advantage and broke twice more to run away with the set and force a decider.

The Buenos Aires native didn’t blink as Sinner tried to gamely hang on, Cerundolo putting away the struggling top seed for the biggest win of his career.

“I’m super happy,” said Cerundolo. “I’m going to keep trying to play my best. It’s a tournament I really like to play, clay is my best surface.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is 14 days away. It is supposed to be the biggest sporting event ever held on American soil. And right now, the organisation running it is facing a joint legal investigation from two state attorneys general over how it sold tickets to the people who live closest to the venue hosting the final.

On Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced they had issued subpoenas to FIFA as part of a probe into its ticketing practices for matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the World Cup final on July 19.

What the Investigation Is About

The subpoenas are seeking internal documents about how FIFA sold tickets to eight MetLife matches, how prices were communicated to buyers, and how seat categories were assigned.

The central complaint has two parts. The first is pricing. Between October 2025 and April 2026, FIFA raised ticket prices for more than 90 of the 104 World Cup matches, with the three main ticket categories increasing by an average of 34 percent across that period. A seat at the July 19 final is currently listed as high as $32,970. The cheapest non-hospitality tickets for the final had previously been quoted at $6,730 before the investigation was announced.

The second issue is seat allocation. Multiple fans have reported being assigned seats different from the ones they believed they purchased, with complaints focused on unclear or misleading seat maps when tickets were bought.

A Controversy That Has Been Building for Months

This is not a new argument. It has just escalated to a new level. Fan organisations filed formal complaints against FIFA as far back as December 2025, with one group calling the pricing approach a “monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup.” The backlash was loud enough that FIFA introduced $60 entry-level tickets as a concession, but critics pointed out those tickets were limited in number and disappeared quickly.

This is the first World Cup at which FIFA has used dynamic pricing, adjusting costs based on demand in real time. The practice is standard across American sports and concert venues, but it had never been applied to a World Cup before. The result, in the months since tickets went on sale, has been a system where prices shifted dramatically within short windows and fans who held back were punished for waiting.

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts as he plays against Juan Manuel Cerundolo of Argentina. (AP Photo)

World number one Jannik Sinner suffered one of the most dramatic defeats of his career after collapsing physically in the blazing Paris heat and crashing out of the French Open in the second round on Thursday.The Italian star, widely viewed as the overwhelming favourite for the title after the withdrawal of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, squandered a two-set lead before losing 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6 to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo in a stunning turnaround on Court Philippe Chatrier.Sinner’s shocking exit blew the men’s draw wide open and ended his remarkable 30-match winning streak stretching back to February.Heat nightmare derails Sinner’s dominanceThe 24-year-old looked in complete control for over two hours and was just one game away from victory while serving at 5-4 in the third set. But the match suddenly turned when Sinner appeared physically drained under the brutal Paris conditions.With temperatures rising to 32 degrees Celsius, Sinner repeatedly bent over in exhaustion and struggled to move freely around the court. He asked the chair umpire for assistance after feeling dizzy and nauseous before leaving the court for medical treatment.The Italian returned wearing the same sweat-soaked light blue outfit, with ice packs around his neck and minerals added to his drinks, but the damage had already been done.From leading comfortably, Sinner astonishingly lost 18 consecutive points as Cerundolo sensed a historic opportunity.

Jannik Sinner of Italy cools himself with the ice. (AP Photo)

Cerundolo scripts career-defining upsetWhile Sinner faded physically, Cerundolo grew stronger with every passing game. The world number 56 relentlessly extended rallies and forced the exhausted top seed into desperate drop shots and risky serve-and-volley tactics.After winning the third set, the Argentine completely dominated the final two sets as Sinner struggled to even chase routine balls. The Italian repeatedly doubled over between points while Cerundolo played fearless attacking tennis.The victory marked the biggest win of Cerundolo’s career and sent him into the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo of Argentina returns to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their second round men’s singles match. (AP Photo)

Sinner’s defeat is his earliest exit at a major tournament since the 2023 French Open and raises fresh concerns about his struggles in extreme heat conditions. Earlier this year, he also battled physically during a difficult Australian Open match against Eliot Spizzirri.The Italian had arrived in Paris after winning titles in Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells, and many believed this was finally his year to complete a career Grand Slam.Instead, his French Open dream ended in collapse under the scorching Paris sun.