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Sports

Phil Foden ‘victim of football’s crazy calendar’ – Maheta Molango

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Phil Foden is a “victim” of football’s “crazy” schedule after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, according to PFA chief executive Maheta Molango.

Molango also fears this summer’s tournament in North America could be determined by “survival of the fittest” due to the impact of the sport’s relentless calendar.

Manchester City midfielder Foden was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2024 but was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup following an underwhelming season.

PFA chief executive Maheta Molango (Steven Paston/PA)
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango (Steven Paston/PA) (PA Archive)

The 25-year-old was among a handful of high-profile players cited during a FIFPRO meeting examining concerns about cumulative fatigue caused by excessive workloads.

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, who was also not selected by England manager Tuchel, was another player mentioned.

“Phil was voted less than two years ago by his peers as the best player of the (Premier) League,” said Molango, who is a board member of FIFPRO, the world players’ union.

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“The number of games that he’s been available has dropped and when he has been available it has not been the version of Phil Foden that we saw two years ago.

“Is it just a coincidence? We think it is not.

“Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those who pursue commercial gain to the detriment of the quality of the show, and to the detriment of the protection of those who should be football heritage.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden, centre, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, right, were notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad (Martin Rickett/PA)
Manchester City’s Phil Foden, centre, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, right, were notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

“It’s a very sad state of affairs if someone like Phil is not on the pitch, because we love people who make us dream and we love people of pure talent.”

Foden and Palmer have both had limited summer breaks in recent years after featuring at Euro 2024 and last year’s expanded Club World Cup. Palmer also represented England at the European Under-21 Championship in 2023.

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According to FIFPRO, players cannot sustain “high-threshold competitive seasons” year after year and will eventually suffer injuries or declines in performance.

Data collected by the organisation suggests Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk are among the players at risk of dips in form or injuries next season because of their recent workloads.

Both England midfielder Rice and Netherlands captain Van Dijk are set to feature at the forthcoming World Cup, which has been expanded to 48 teams and will take place in high temperatures across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to FIFPRO, Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice is one of the players at risk of injury or a dip in form next season (John Walton/PA)
According to FIFPRO, Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice is one of the players at risk of injury or a dip in form next season (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Molango believes a guaranteed summer break is the best solution to player burnout.

“We fear that in the end the World Cup will just turn into the survival of the fittest,” he said.

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“Will it be the best or the most talented team that prevails, or will it be the fittest?

“I really hope it won’t be just the fittest but there is a big chance this may be the case because some of the most talented (players) who play for the most prestigious teams will get to a stage where it is just too much.

“You cannot get to a competition having already played 60 or close to 60 games.”

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Sports

TV schedule, watch, tee times

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The 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge begins this week at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the PGA Tour tournament, including a full Charles Schwab Challenge TV schedule, streaming information and complete tee times for the first and second rounds once they are released.

How to watch Charles Schwab Challenge

The PGA Tour is sticking in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week for a return to long-running host course Colonial CC for the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Among the stars in the field are U.S. Ryder Cup team members Ben Griffin, who is also the defending champion, Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun and 2025 U.S. captain Keegan Bradley. Popular American pro Rickie Fowler is also teeing it up as he continues his ascent back into the top echelon of the Tour.

But the betting favorite is a member of the European Ryder Cup team, Ludvig Aberg. Aberg already has six top-10 finishes this season, including a T4 at the 2026 PGA Championship.

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CBS and Golf Channel will provide TV coverage of the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge, while PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will offer streaming coverage and featured group coverage all week long. Paramount+ will air simulcasts of CBS’s coverage.

You can find complete information about streaming or watching the tournament on TV below.

Want to place a wager on the Charles Schwab Challenge? Sign up for Fanatics Sportsbook with code “SUBPAR” to receive a special welcome offer.

Tournament basics

What: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Where: Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
When: Thursday-Sunday, May 28-31
Purse: $9.9 million ($1.710 million winner’s share)

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How to watch on TV

CBS and Golf Channel will air TV coverage of the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge this week. Check out the full TV schedule below.

Thursday, May 28: 4-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Friday, May 29: 4-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Saturday, May 30: 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Sunday, May 31: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 3-6 p.m. ET (CBS)

How to watch online, streaming

You can watch the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge online via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, including exclusive early coverage starting at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and 8:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. ESPN+ will also provide featured hole and featured group coverage for every round. You can stream CBS’s coverage on Paramount+.

2026 Charles Schwab Challenge tee times: Round 1 (ET)

(TBA)

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2026 Charles Schwab Challenge tee times: Round 2 (ET)

(TBA)

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Sports

Can partners stand directly behind each other when one is hitting?

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The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

I am hoping you can clarify Rule 23.8 – the restriction on a player standing behind their partner when stroke is played. At my club, we inform all foursomes match competitors that any breach of this rule will result in the general penalty being applied. Yet when you watch the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup or that televised Parent-Child tournament, you sometimes see a player clearly stand directly their partner to get a read on how the putt moves. Can this rule be excluded from the playing conditions? – Ken Shaw, New Zealand

Ken, we haven’t seen what you have been, at least in the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, but your query is a chance to elucidate some related issues.

The restriction on being in the standing-behind position has a start time and a stop time. A player is allowed to be in this position for any reason before their partner starts taking their stance, and for any reason other than helping their partner’s aiming up until the stroke is made.

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Again, in neither the Ryder Cup nor the Solheim Cup have we seen a partner in breach of Rule 23.8 or Rule 10.2b(4) given the requisite timelines. (We’ve seen plenty of horrible fan behavior, yes, but not that.)

Now, you may well have seen these Rules excluded in the parent-child event, the PNC Championship, which is a two-person scramble. Officially, no, you can’t just throw out a Rule of Golf; that said, scrambles are just a different beast and already toss aside any number of Rules, so there’s been general acceptance that 23.8 and 10.2b(4) just get excluded/ignored in scrambles.

Should the USGA or R&A ever put on a Scramble Championship, which might happen should hell freeze over, perhaps that would change.

For more partner-related guidance from our guru, read on …

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Upon reaching our drives, my playing partner and I found that our golf balls were touching and perfectly lined up toward the hole. My ball was in front, so I marked it. His approach produced a massive divot; to replace my ball in its original spot would have meant being in this newly created divot. I claimed I was entitled to a free drop, he said I wasn’t. Who was right? – Brick Rigden, Parkville, Mo.

In a word, neither.

Under Rule 14.2d, you were entitled to relief but not a drop.

When you lifted for interference, you were required to replace the ball … but when the lie of a ball to be replaced is altered, you must replace it in a specific way. Namely, by replacing it on the nearest spot with a lie most similar to the original lie that’s within one club-length of said spot, no nearer the hole and in the same area of the course.

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(Your scenario, we will note, more commonly occurs in bunkers, but the process is the same.) We hope this info doesn’t hit you like a ton of bricks, Brick!

Need a handicap? Get started here.

Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.

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RCB vs GT LIVE Score, IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: RCB Script Historic Victory, Enter IPL 2026 Final; Rajat Patidar Stars With 93 Off 33

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  • 26 May 2026, 23:56 PM

    Rajat Patidar the star

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  • 26 May 2026, 23:54 PM

    GT enter Qualifier 2

  • 26 May 2026, 23:48 PM

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    Largest victory in IPL playoffs

  • 26 May 2026, 23:47 PM

    GT 162 all out! RCB ENTER FINAL!

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  • 26 May 2026, 23:40 PM

    OUT! Tewatia departs at last

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  • 26 May 2026, 23:27 PM

    4! 33-ball 50 for Tewatia!

  • 26 May 2026, 23:15 PM

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    4, 6, 4! Tewatia!

  • 26 May 2026, 23:08 PM

    4, 4, 6! 100 up for GT in 12.2 overs

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  • 26 May 2026, 22:55 PM

    6, W!

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  • 26 May 2026, 22:53 PM

    GT 70/6 after 10 overs

  • 26 May 2026, 22:44 PM

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    OUT! 6th wicket down!

  • 26 May 2026, 22:38 PM

    Will GT suffer historic low?

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  • 26 May 2026, 22:31 PM

    OUT! 5th wicket gone! GT 51/5 after powerplay

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  • 26 May 2026, 22:27 PM

    OUT! GT 4 down in powerplay!

  • 26 May 2026, 22:23 PM

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    4, 6, 4, W! Buttler departs

  • 26 May 2026, 22:15 PM

    BOWLED! Gill gone!

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  • 26 May 2026, 22:11 PM

    HIT-WICKET! Sai Sudharsan gone!

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  • 26 May 2026, 21:57 PM

    Chase begins

  • 26 May 2026, 21:40 PM

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    Music ceremony in Dharamsala

  • 26 May 2026, 21:25 PM

    All-time IPL record for RCB

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  • 26 May 2026, 21:23 PM

    RCB post 254/5 in 20 overs

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  • 26 May 2026, 21:15 PM

    6, 4, 4, 6! Patidar nears hundred!

  • 26 May 2026, 21:10 PM

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    BOWLED! Prasidh strikes

  • 26 May 2026, 21:05 PM

    6, 6,! 21-ball 50 for Patidar, 200 up for RCB in 16.4 overs

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  • 26 May 2026, 21:02 PM

    OUT! Krunal gone!

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  • 26 May 2026, 21:00 PM

    6, 6, 6! Rashid Khan sent to the cleaners

  • 26 May 2026, 20:52 PM

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    2 no-balls! 4, 4, 6, 4!

  • 26 May 2026, 20:41 PM

    Patidar survives big scare! DROPPED!

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  • 26 May 2026, 20:32 PM

    4, 6! Krunal accelerates

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  • 26 May 2026, 20:26 PM

    6! 100 up for RCB in 10.1 overs

  • 26 May 2026, 20:24 PM

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    RCB 99/3 after 10 overs

  • 26 May 2026, 20:18 PM

    OUT! 2 wickets in 3 balls for GT!

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  • 26 May 2026, 20:15 PM

    BOWLED! Holder gets Kohli!

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  • 26 May 2026, 20:13 PM

    Virat Kohli achieves the record!

  • 26 May 2026, 20:03 PM

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    4, 4, 6! Kohli on the charge! RCB 76/1 after powerplay

  • 26 May 2026, 19:54 PM

    4, 4, 4! Padikkal! 50 up for RCB in 4 overs

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  • 26 May 2026, 19:44 PM

    6, W! Rabada strikes!

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  • 26 May 2026, 19:38 PM

    4, 4, 4! What a start by Venkatesh!

  • 26 May 2026, 19:35 PM

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    Play begins

  • 26 May 2026, 19:09 PM

    GT playing XI

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  • 26 May 2026, 19:07 PM

    RCB playing XI

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  • 26 May 2026, 19:02 PM

    GT win toss, opt to bowl!

  • 26 May 2026, 17:29 PM

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    RCB vs GT H2H

  • 26 May 2026, 16:51 PM

    Virat Kohli chases huge record

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  • 26 May 2026, 16:48 PM

    Big rain threat ahead of match

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  • 26 May 2026, 16:46 PM

    GT ride high on key players

  • 26 May 2026, 16:44 PM

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    RCB eye back-to-back finals

  • 26 May 2026, 16:41 PM

    RCB vs GT, Qualifier 1!

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    Evgeni Malkin returning to Penguins on 1-year deal

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    The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that veteran center Evgeni Malkin is returning on a one-year deal.

    He will turn 40 years old before the start of next season. Malkin just finished the final year of a four-year deal with Pittsburgh that he signed ahead of the 2022-2023 season and was a free agent.

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    The veteran was also mulling retirement, but he will be back with the Pens for at least the 2026-2027 season.

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    Malkin was the second overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft by the Penguins. He made his debut with the franchise in 2006, and this new contract will take him through his 21st season in Pittsburgh.

    The veteran has played in 1,269 career games and has 533 goals with 874 assists. Malkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2007, the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2012 and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009.

    He has helped the Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles. Malkin was on all three championship teams with Sidney Crosby, and fans have wanted both to be lifelong members of the Pens.

    This story will be updated.

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    A’s promote top prospect, LHP Gage Jump, with Aaron Civale hurt

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    Feb 23, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Athletics pitcher Gage Jump (79) throws against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesFeb 23, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Athletics pitcher Gage Jump (79) throws against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

    Top prospect Gage Jump is set to join the Athletics’ roster when starter Aaron Civale is placed on the injured list, according to multiple reports Tuesday.

    A left-handed strikeout pitcher, Jump has fanned 56 batters in 38 innings over nine starts at Triple-A Las Vegas this season. The 23-year-old has walked 20 and posted a 4.50 ERA with an 0-2 record.

    A second-round draft pick out of LSU in 2024, Jump is the No. 41 overall prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline, which rated him third among A’s prospects behind shortstop Leo De Vries and left-hander Jamie Arnold. Arnold was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft out of Florida State and is currently pitching at Double-A Midland.

    Civale was pulled after four innings on Monday, raising red flags with a velocity drop that manager Mark Kotsay traced postgame to an issue with his right shoulder or lat. The A’s said Civale would undergo testing Tuesday.

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    He allowed seven runs on nine hits and one walk, tossing only 73 pitches in Monday’s 9-2 loss to the visiting Seattle Mariners. He allowed five runs in five innings to the Los Angeles Angels last week, when he said he had been “working through” the arm issue “for a little bit.”

    His fastball velocity averaged 88.3 mph on the stadium radar gun on Monday, more than 3 mph off of his 2026 season average.

    Civale, 30, is 5-2 this season and his ERA stands at 4.20 through 11 starts. Prior to facing the Angels and Mariners in the past two turns through the rotation, he had a 2.70 ERA. He surrendered 14 hits (six home runs) and 12 earned runs in those two games.

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    –Field Level Media

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    Women’s Champions League Team of the Season

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    Barcelona FC women dominate the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League Team of the Season after winning another European title.

    Barcelona have five players included in the official XI, more than any other club: goalkeeper Cata Coll, defender Mapi León, midfield stars Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro, plus top scorer Ewa Pajor.

    Player of the Season Alexia Putellas is in the midfield after another brilliant European season.

    • Leicester Women relegated from WSL after Playoff heartbreakLeicester Women relegated from WSL after Playoff heartbreak

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    Olympique Lyonnais Féminin also placed three players in the team, while Arsenal W.F.C. had two representatives and FC Bayern Munich Women had one.

    2025/26 Women’s Champions League Team of the Season

    Goalkeeper

    Defenders

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    • Emily Fox: Arsenal
    • Wendie Renard: Lyon
    • Mapi León: Barcelona
    • Selma Bacha: Lyon

    Midfielders

    • Melchie Dumornay: Lyon
    • Patri Guijarro: Barcelona
    • Alexia Putellas: Barcelona

    Forwards

    • Ewa Pajor: Barcelona
    • Pernille Harder: Bayern Munich
    • Alessia Russo: Arsenal

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    Five key Man City assistants exit with Pep Guardiola in major shake up

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    Manchester City have confirmed that five members of the first team set-up will leave in addition to Pep Guardiola.

    Manchester City have confirmed that five key members of staff will leave this summer as well as Pep Guardiola. City’s manager is saying goodbye after ten years in charge, and most of his backroom staff are going with him.

    That includes his right-hand man Manel Estiarte and fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, who have been with him for all of his time in Manchester. Goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor is also leaving, having spent even longer than that at the club after joining while Manuel Pellegrini was in charge.

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    Guardiola’s No.2 Pep Lijnders and assistant Kolo Toure are also off, despite only spending a year on the backroom staff. Toure had been promoted from the academy staff while Lijnders arrived after a brief stint managing RB Salzburg in 2024 and both were key parts of Guardiola’s staff this season but are moving on.

    Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter

    James French, who arrived from Liverpool last summer to be the set-piece coach, is expected to stay on but otherwise there will be several key vacancies for City to fill. Enzo Maresca is expected to bring a number of his trusted backroom staff to the Etihad if and when the Italian is confirmed as the new manager.

    Guardiola has called for patience from fans for the new manager as the club tries to move on from one of the most memorable decades in their history. The 55-year-old ended his final press conference as City boss by backing the succession plan.

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    “They are stubborn, they know exactly what they want to do and they know perfectly that the opponents are so tough here and in Europe. We don’t take trophies for granted, we won finals against Arsenal and Chelsea – I wouldn’t say they are not good teams,” he said.

    “We fought against a team like Aston Villa, who won the Europa League. Top teams. I would only like to say to the fans that every single step, don’t wait to win the Premier League or Champions League to be happy. Enjoy the process. I know all the players here will do it.”

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    Swimming sensation Summer McIntosh signs with Octagon athlete agency

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    Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh has joined the Octagon agency.

    The triple gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be represented by a firm that includes gymnast Simone Biles, basketball player Steph Curry, hockey player Leon Draisaitl and McIntosh’s hero Michael Phelps among its athletes.

    McIntosh was previously represented by Michael Copeland.

    The 19-year-old from Toronto trains in Austin, Texas, under Bob Bowman, who coached Phelps to his record 28 Olympic swimming medals, including 23 gold.

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    McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games in Paris, where she won the 200-metre butterfly, 200 individual medley and 400 individual medley at age 18. She was also a silver medallist in the 400-metre freestyle.

    McIntosh claimed four gold medals and a bronze medal in the 2025 world championships in Singapore, where she became the first swimmer since Phelps in 2008 to set three world records in a single meet.

    “Summer has cemented herself as a generational talent with appeal that extends across Canada and well beyond,” said Peter Carlisle, Octagon’s Managing Director of Olympics, in a statement Tuesday. 

    “She’s a bona fide star across a range of events that has not been seen before in women’s swimming and possesses an engaging and charismatic personality that resonates with consumers, media, and brands across the globe. 

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    “Summer has a healthy portfolio of corporate partners, and we see a long runway for sustained competitive success and global commercial growth as she pursues her goals and dreams in and out of the pool.” 

    McIntosh’s sponsorship deals include Arena, Lululemon, Red Bull, TAG Heuer, RBC, and Air Canada.

    “I am excited to partner with Octagon as they have a proven track record working with many of the world’s leading Olympic athletes,” McIntosh said in the statement.

    “They understand how to support my training and competition requirements while working with me to develop a long-term strategy that will help me maximize athletic success. I am fortunate to have a great team of people around me and supportive corporate partners, and adding Octagon to my team is going to help me continue to pursue my dreams while balancing all the demands leading into (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics) and beyond.” 

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    McIntosh made her Olympic debut at 14 in Tokyo, where she placed fourth in the 400-metre freestyle. She’s earned a career 13 world championship medals, including eight gold.

    She was voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year in both 2024 and 2025.

    The next long-course world swimming championships will be in 2027 in Budapest, Hungary.

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    Vikings Could Still Target 3 Positions This Summer for Upgrades

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    Vikings mascot Viktor during NFC Pro Bowl practice at Las Vegas Ballpark.
    Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor participates during NFC practice for the Pro Bowl on Feb. 3, 2022 at Las Vegas Ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada. Viktor joined players and coaches during league festivities ahead of the annual all-star showcase as the NFL gathered for Pro Bowl week activities in Las Vegas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    Either via free agency — the most probable route — or from trades, the Minnesota Vikings may not be finished with meaningful roster upgrades.

    Minnesota has a strong roster, though a few depth-chart pressure points remain.

    This tweet circulated on Twitter (X) Monday.

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    Three Spots Still Worth Monitoring Before Training Camp

    So, here’s a look at what Minnesota has and who it could pursue for those three roster spots.

    Xavier Woods celebrates after a defensive stop during a Vikings game against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Vikings roster upgrades
    Minnesota Vikings safety Xavier Woods celebrates a defensive stop against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter on Nov. 28, 2021, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Woods helped anchor Minnesota’s secondary as the Vikings battled San Francisco in an important NFC matchup during the middle stretch of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

    Safety

    These are the Vikings’ safeties as of May 25th:

    • Josh Metellus
    • Jay Ward
    • Theo Jackson
    • Jakobe Thomas
    • Tavierre Thomas
    • Kahlef Hailassie
    • Jacob Thomas

    It’s worth noting that Harrison Smith could return, too, though there is absolutely no timetable on that decision or lack thereof. Fans must brace for the fact that Smith might’ve retired without saying a word.

    Whether this group can hang tough by itself is in the eye of the beholder, hinges on injuries, and depends on Metellus. He played most of the 2025 season with a torn labrum and just wasn’t himself. The pain would also be lessened for this group if rookie Jakobe Thomas is ready to strut his stuff as a rookie. Maybe; maybe not.

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    If the Vikings want a free-agent safety, these are the veteran options at the moment:

    • Jamal Adams
    • Ashtyn Davis
    • Quandre Diggs
    • Rayshawn Jenkins
    • Jordan Poyer
    • Jabrill Peppers
    • Taylor Rapp
    • Xavier Woods
    • Donovan Wilson

    Our Adam New wrote about the idea of a Xavier Woods reunion before the draft, “The Vikings need help at safety, and one option they could turn to is an old friend. Xavier Woods spent one year in Minnesota back in 2021 and had a solid season.”

    “He never stayed for the start of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure, but remained a solid DB over three seasons in Carolina and last year in Tennessee. Now 30 years old, Woods could come in as a solid veteran presence while the Vikings turn to the draft to find their long-term solution.”

    OLB

    With the caveat that rookie linebacker Jake Golday could play on the EDGE as a tweener — Brian Flores loves that stuff — here’s the OLB group:

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    • Andrew Van Ginkel
    • Dallas Turner
    • Bo Richter
    • Tyler Batty
    • Chaz Chambliss
    • Cam’Ron Stewart
    • Arden Walker

    Because it’s unclear if Richter and Batty are ready for a snap-count spike, this is the most fragile EDGE group for the Vikings in years. The club traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in April, transforming the OLB section of the depth chart from the team’s almighty strength to a lingering question mark.

    Jadeveon Clowney looks on during the second half of a Cowboys game against the Packers at AT&T Stadium. Vikings roster upgrades
    Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney watches from the field during the second half against the Green Bay Packers on Sep. 28, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Clowney continued his role along Dallas’ defensive front as the Cowboys squared off against Green Bay in a notable NFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

    Of course, if Golday shows up to training camp and looks like the real deal, the problem is solved. However, as of late, most Vikings rookies don’t play right away.

    An easy way to think of it? If the Vikings sign another big-name free agent in the coming weeks, it’ll probably be an outside linebacker.

    These are the free-agent options:

    • Derek Barnett
    • Joey Bosa
    • Jadeveon Clowney
    • Marcus Davenport
    • Leonard Floyd
    • Cameron Jordan
    • Von Miller
    • Yannick Ngakoue
    • Haason Reddick
    • Kyle Van Noy

    Zone Coverage‘s Trevor Ripley noted on Clowney a few weeks ago, “With run defense addressed in the draft, Clowney would be the perfect player to rush the passer on third down, or even fill in for a few games if needed. While Turner came on strong last season, leading the Vikings with eight sacks, his development is still in progress.”

    “Clowney is a savvy vet. Despite being a one-year import, he offers far more skill and experience than Minnesota has at rotational edge. Behind Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, the next two men up would likely be Tyler Batty and Bo Richter, who have combined for 24 tackles and 0 sacks in their short careers.”

    Center

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    The centers in Minnesota as of late May:

    • Blake Brandel
    • Michael Jurgens
    • Gavin Gerhardt
    • Delby Lemieux

    Most fans were totally convinced that Minnesota would leave April’s draft with a center before the end of Round 4 or so. But they swerved, waiting until Round 7, which turned out to be Gerhardt. The coaching staff said after the draft that it loved Gerhardt and that he was “their guy” all along; it’s just rare for a 7th-Rounder to start right away — or at all.

    Ethan Pocic walks off the field after a Browns loss to the 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Vikings roster upgrades
    Cleveland Browns center Ethan Pocic walks off the field following a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 30, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Pocic and the Browns’ offense struggled against San Francisco as Cleveland absorbed another defeat during the late stages of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.

    That leaves Brandel on tap for Week 1 center duty, a man who performed admirably at the position in 2025 during fill-in duty. The previous center, Ryan Kelly, retired this offseason because of multiple concussions.

    The free-agent center market? Skimpy.

    • James Daniels
    • Ethan Pocic

    The Vikings, in theory, could also explore Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer via trade, who has ties to new assistant head coach Frank Smith. A backup center, like Matt Hennessy in Dallas, might make sense as well.

    If Minnesota wanted a better center than Brandel, that ship has largely sailed — unless Gerhardt is a sudden stud.


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    Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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    IPL playoffs all-time records: From Suresh Raina’s 714 to Dwayne Bravo’s 28 wickets

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    With IPL 2026 league stages concluded, the focus has now shifted towards the playoffs. In Qualifier 1, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala, while the Eliminator will pit Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.

    Fireworks are guaranteed, and playoffs will be the ideal stage for that. Over the years, the IPL playoffs have given fans some incredible action and memorable performances.

    With key figures like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in focus, let’s take a look at the all-time playoff records of IPL in both the batting and bowling departments.

    Suresh Raina Rules the Batting Charts

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    In the batting department, CSK legend and Mr.IPL, or by that extension, MR. playoff himself – Suresh Raina – leads the chart for most runs in IPL playoffs. The left-hander accumulated 714 runs in 24 playoff matches at a strike rate of 155.21.

    Playing for CSK and Gujarat Lions (GL), Raina scored seven fifties during his career in those playoff matches. CSK legend and five-time IPL-winning captain MS Dhoni holds the 2nd position for most runs in playoffs. Dhoni batted in 23 innings out of 28 playoff matches he has played and scored 523 runs at a strike rate of 132.07.

    Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill is in 3rd spot for the most runs with 475 runs in just 11 playoff matches. Gill has scored these runs at a strike rate of 144.81 with an average of 47.5. GT will hope that their skipper can replicate his playoff performances against RCB.

    Mumbai Indians’ duo and India’s two World Cup-winning skippers Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma complete the list of top five run-getters with a tally of 406 and 405 runs.

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    In contrast, RCB icon and the highest run-scorer of the league, Virat Kohli has had a dismal playoffs record. In the 17 playoff matches, Kohli has scored 396 runs at a strike rate of 121.10. He has registered just two 50-plus scores in playoff matches in his IPL career. On the other hand, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has scored 245 runs at a strike rate of 172.53 with an astonishing average of 81.66.

    The list of top 5 run scorers in IPL playoffs :

    Player name

    Teams

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    Runs

    Average

    Strike rate

    Highest score

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    Suresh Raina

    CSK, GL

    714

    37.57

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    155.21

    87

    MS Dhoni

    CSK, RPS

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    523

    34.06

    132.07

    63

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    Shubman Gill

    KKR, GT

    475

    47.5

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    144.81

    129

    Suryakumar Yadav

    KKR, MI

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    406

    36.9

    138.56

    71

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    Rohit Sharma

    MI, DC

    405

    18.4

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    116.71

    81

    Shubman Gill – The Big Match Player

    When it comes to the highest individual scores in playoffs, Shubman Gill holds the record for highest individual score. The right-hander opening batter scored a brilliant 129 against Mumbai Indians in 2023 to top the list.

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    Virender Sehwag is in 2nd position with a score of 122. The legendary Indian opener played the innings playing for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings.

    Followed by Shane Watson’s match-winning 117 in 2018, Wridhiman Saha’s unbeaten 115 in 2014 and Murali Vijay’s 113 in 2012 complete the list.

    The list of top 5 highest score in IPL playoffs :

    Player name

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    Team

    Runs

    Year

    Strike rate

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    Shubman Gill

    GT

    129

    2023

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    215

    Virender Sehwag

    KXIP

    122

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    2014

    210.34

    Shane Watson

    CSK

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    117

    2018

    205.06

    Wridhiman Saha

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    KXIP

    115

    2014

    209.09

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    Murali Vijay

    CSK

    113

    2012

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    194.82

    131331195

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    Dwayne Bravo: The playoffs bowling king

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    The record for the most wickets in IPL playoffs belongs to Chennai Super Kings’ Dwayne Bravo with the West Indian taking 28 wickets in the 19 playoff matches.

    Spinner R Ashwin is in 2nd place with 21 wickets in 24 matches, while former GT and CSK speedstar Mohit Sharma holds the 3rd place with 20 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 15.8.

    Current RR spinner Ravindra Jadeja has 19 scalps in 23 matches, which gives him the 5th spot in the list.

    The list of top 5 wicket-takers in IPL playoffs :

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    Player Name

    Team Name

    Wickets

    Economy

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    Average

    DJ Bravo

    CSK, GL

    28

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    8.21

    18.96

    R Ashwin

    CSK, DC, RR

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    21

    7.5

    30.23

    Mohit Sharma

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    CSK, GT

    20

    8.77

    15.8

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    Trent Boult

    MI, RR, DC, SRH, KKR

    19

    8.16

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    21.5

    Ravindra Jadeja

    RR, CSK , GL

    19

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    7.75

    22.52

    Aakash Madhwal’s stunning 5/5

    In terms of best bowling figures in a playoff match, Akash Madhwal leads the list with a stunning figure of 5/5. Playing for Mumbai Indians he recorded this figure against LSG in 2023.

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    Mohit Sharma holds the 2nd position with a 5-wicket haul, playing for GT, conceding just 10 runs against MI in 2023 playoffs.

    Doug Bollinger (4/13), Dhawal Kulkarni (4/14), and Jasprit Bumrah (4/14) complete the list for best bowling figures in the IPL playoffs.

    The list of top 5 best bowling figure in IPL playoffs :

    Player Name

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    Team

    Bowling figure

    Economy

    Year

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    Akash Madhwal

    MI

    5/5

    1.42

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    2023

    Mohit Sharma

    GT

    5/10

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    4.28

    2023

    Doug Bollinger Dhawal Kulkarni

    CSK

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    4/13

    3.25

    2010

    Dhawal Kulkarni

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    GL

    4/14

    3.5

    2016

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    Jasprit Bumrah

    MI

    4/14

    3.5

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    2020

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