Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar has vehemently denied pushing a ball girl during his third-round victory at the French Open, an incident that sparked debate after footage circulated online.
The moment, captured between sets of his match against American Alex Michelsen on Friday, showed Jodar throwing a water bottle into his box just as a ball girl walked into his path. While social media footage appeared inconclusive, the girl momentarily lost her footing before regaining balance.
Jodar was quick to dismiss any suggestion of contact.
“I didn’t touch her,” he stated. “No, no, no. I could never do that.”
He explained that he was gesturing to his father, who was in his player’s box, to hand him items after a toilet break.
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Jodar overcame Alex Michelsen in a five-set battle (Getty)
“I didn’t push her or anything. I was telling my dad to give me the things that he was going to give me after a toilet break when I was coming back,” Jodar clarified after the match.
“She was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way. She was going backwards, but I think she, like, fell, but not because I push(ed) her.”
The 27th seed attributed the ball girl’s stumble to the court cover.
“It was right behind her. So when she was walking backwards, she fell with that,” he said, emphasising his respect for the young helpers.
“I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing. I know it’s difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate. I could never, you know, push a ball kid.”
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Despite the controversy, Jodar went on to secure a hard-fought 7-6 (2), 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory, advancing to the fourth round of a major tournament for the first time in his career.
Following his win on Friday, Jodar will now face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the next round for a place in the quarter-finals.
This year’s men’s tournament will see a new grand slam champion crowned after Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat by Joao Fonseca on Friday evening at Roland Garros.
USA President Donald Trump has made a massive move on the stock market as WWE Clash in Italy draws close, according to reports.
Trump has been closely involved with WWE in the past, even having made some on-screen appearances. He has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the celebrity wing in 2013. His contributions to the Stamford-based promotion were numerous, including his participation in the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23.
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According to a report from HuffPost, Trump has apparently purchased between $15,001 and $50,000 of stock of TKO Group Holdings. It should be noted that TKO is the parent company of both the Stamford-based company and UFC. The purchase reportedly happened earlier this month on the 25th.
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Donald Trump’s association with WWE has been criticized by some notable veterans
Mick Foley made headlines a while back after he openly criticized Donald Trump, and chose to end his ties with the Stamford-based promotion.
Foley announced that he would be leaving the promotion and not renewing his legends contract with the company. Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
“PARTING WAYS WITH WWE. While I have been concerned about WWE’s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months — especially in light of his administration’s ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who ‘looks like an immigrant’) — reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me,” he wrote.
Furthermore, Jesse Ventura has also been very vocal about his disdain for Trump. In an interview on the SpinSisters podcast, Ventura noted that the USA President seemed intent on fracturing the country.
“Make this part of Canada, because it’s obvious Donald Trump doesn’t want us. It’s obvious that he’s ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly, whatever he’s doing. I think we should petition to get out of the United States. If they don’t want us, I’m sure Canada would be happy to take us,” he added.
The authorities of the pro wrestling company have yet to make any moves regarding these criticisms and their association with Donald Trump.
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Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk her third round match against Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic at the French Open on May 29, 2026.
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, who has not lost on the clay courts this season, advanced to the fourth round of the French Open on Friday in Paris — with four-time champion Iga Swiatek her next opponent.
The 15th-seeded Kostyuk won titles on the clay courts in Madrid and Rouen leading up to the French Open. She advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland.
Swiatek, the third seed, most recently won the title at Roland Garros in 2024. She defeated Magda Linette 6-4, 6-4 in an all-Polish match on Friday to advance. With the win, she avenged her three-set loss to Linette earlier this year in Miami.
Swiatek has yet to win a tournament on clay this season and has a record of 9-3. Her most recent title on any surface came last September in Seoul.
Kostyuk had an optimistic tone in her post-match news conference, even though she has lost all three career matchups against Swiatek and hasn’t won a set from her.
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“I definitely have a different feeling going into this match,” she said. “Because I feel like last time that I played her in Cincinnati, I lost this match way before it even started, and I don’t feel the same this time.”
Swiatek also won the tournament in 2020 before three straight victories from 2022-24 and is 43-3 overall at Roland Garros. Only Chris Evert (seven) and Steffi Graf (six) have more singles titles in Paris during the Open Era.
Kostyuk knows that history, too.
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“She’s won this tournament four times. I would love to be the one who is a favorite in this match, but I still don’t think it’s the case, even though I have this really long streak,” the Ukrainian said. “But it’s not going to ruin my day or ruin my game. I still want to go out and try my best and enjoy. Like, I have never taken a set off her. Even if I win one set in the next match, I’m going to be very happy. That’s how I look at it, and I’m excited for this match.”
Other winners Friday were eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva of Russia, who defeated Czech 27th seed Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-2. In the fourth round, she will face Jil Teichmann of Switzerland, who upset 10th-seeded Karolina Muchova of Czechia 6-1, 7-5.
Sorana Cirstea of Romania, the 18th seed, shut out Solana Sierra of Argentina 6-0, 6-0 to set up a fourth-round meeting with Xiyu Wang of China, who produced a 6-3, 7-5 win over Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Seventh-seeded Elina Svitolina of Ukraine ousted Tamara Korpatsch of Germany 6-2, 6-3. She will play 11th-seeded Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, who sailed 6-3, 6-3 past Peyton Stearns.
The leaderboard is tight at Colonial entering the weekend, and that means golf fans are likely in for a treat.
Jordan Smith carries the 36-hole lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge but it sure is anybody’s tournament with 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2023 Open winner Brian Harman just one shot back.
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And then there’s reigning U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun, who sits two off Smith’s lead at 10 under. He’s T-6 with names like Russell Henley (the world’s 12th-ranked player), Akshay Bhatia (this year’s Arnold Palmer champ and Alex Smalley (2026 PGA runner-up).
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Here’s how the TV schedule breaks down for Saturday.
Katie Boulter has implored French Open organisers to remove advertising hoardings at the back of the court after a lucky escape on Thursday.
A row at Roland Garros has broken out after several players have tripped over the concrete blocks – adorned with ‘Lacoste’ branding – beyond the baseline at the clay court Grand Slam.
Turkish doubles player Zeynep Sonmez had to retire from her match in the second round after she tripped over the hoarding and fell into the back wall. The 24-year-old was attended to by medics for 10 minutes, required stitches and eventually was forced to retire.
During her loss to Anastasia Potapova in round two, Boulter also tripped over a similar block on Court 13 and afterwards posted on X: “THESE THINGS HAVE TO GO. Got lucky last night but next time I might not be…”
Sonmez concurred: “I stand with Katie. Five incidents in five days. I left the court with two stitches and a bruised knee. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse.
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“Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed? Player safety must come first.”
Belgian player Alexander Blockx has also threatened legal action against the tournament after he injured his ankle, sarcastically posting on Instagram that he had tripped over the “really necessary” blocks before editing the post. He had to withdraw from the tournament.
Former Grand Slam doubles champion Pat Shriver was particularly critical, detailing that the concrete signs add to the growing list of concerns pros have at the moment.
She posted: “Tarps in play, Lacoste signs in play, large white sponsor signage on back wall hurting vision, sub par umbrellas for shade, suboptimal % of prize money, no heat rule…
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“How else are players well fair [sic] not being looked after?”
Tournament organisers will make changes as a result of the complaints, saying in a statement: “We have taken this feedback into account and are maintaining ongoing communication with the players and their teams.
“All Roland Garros courts currently exceed the international circuit minimum requirements regarding the distance between the baseline and the back of the court.
“However, the tournament’s priority remains the well-being of the players taking part. With this in mind, and based on our own observations, adjustments are currently being made to the area around the playing surface.”
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic career.
The versatile full-back emphasized that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward’s quest.
Defending legacy without pressure
Dalot has backed his compatriot Ronaldo to secure a fairytale ending on the grandest international stage. The United full-back was named in Roberto Martinez’s initial 27-man training squad, which temporarily includes a fourth goalkeeper in Genclerbirligi stopper Ricardo Velho. However, this preliminary group will be shaved down to the final 26-man limit ahead of the official FIFA submission deadline on June 2.
Global football union expected
In an insightful interview with CazéTV, the defender explained the romantic narrative surrounding the legendary striker. “I think it’s not just a Portuguese union, I think it’s also a global union, a union of football,” Dalot said.
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“For everything that Cristiano has done, not only for Portugal, but also for football itself, it would be beautiful for him to end his football career with a World Cup on his CV. If you ask me: does he need a World Cup to be considered one of the best of all time? No, but I think it would bring more beauty to his career and it could obviously be a beautiful trophy for him to have, without a doubt.
“I hope that happens, because besides wanting him to win, as a fan of his and as a football fan, I would also know that for my country it would be an important trophy. To be a part of that would be spectacular.”
Last dance for icons
The tournament marks a definitive changing of the guard, with both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approaching their final global campaigns. Unlike his eternal rival, who already guided Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon retains an intense burning ambition to secure the elusive trophy. Ronaldo enters the competition with unparalleled international pedigree, holding the staggering all-time records for both international appearances and goals, having netted 143 times in 226 matches for his country.
Miami preparations take shape
Portugal will initiate their training camp on June 1, tackling warm-up fixtures against Chile and Nigeria before traveling to their Miami base. Martinez’s squad face a tricky tactical opening test when they debut against DR Congo on June 17. Group stage clashes against Uzbekistan and Colombia follow swiftly, challenging the star-studded Selecao to navigate their initial path safely as they target a deep run into the knockout stages.
PureGym is encouraging people to step away from their screens and go for a walk, in a new initiative timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month.
The low-cost gym operator commissioned Media Insight to find out how much people are scrolling and the findings were shocking. The nation’s thumbs are moving an average of 2.8km a week as they trawl through social media.
PureGym is encouraging people to switch out the 2.8km thumb scroll for a 2.8km Joy Stroll. This is intended to offer a simple, achievable way for people to replace phone use with movement, fresh air and connection.
Scrolling is a damaging habit with mental health repercussions – 91 per cent admit they continue to scroll even though they know they should stop.
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Seventy nine per cent have experienced at least one physical symptom linked to extended periods of scrolling, including poor sleep (32 per cent); low energy (21 per cent) and brain fog (15 per cent).
Many said the habit leaves them feeling guilty, unmotivated, drained or anxious.
It delays sleep for 53 per cent, as well as getting out of bed for many. Eighteen per cent say they have skipped exercise as a result.
Only 53 per cent feel in control of their habit, with younger adults and women among those struggling the most.
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Barney Harrison, group chief customer officer at PureGym says: “Joy Stroll is all about reclaiming time and turning a mindless habit into a brilliant, feel-good moment. Swapping 20 minutes of phone time for a bit of fresh air and movement is a total game-changer for your headspace. It’s simple, it’s fun, and we can’t wait to see the nation step away from the screen and into their stroll.”
The Joy Stroll movement launched in Manchester on 28th May, hosted by TV personality Chris Hughes. Participants completed a 2.8km guided walk, featuring a series of interactive “glowments”, including a smoothie shot station, compliment exchanges and music and creative activities designed to boost mood and encourage connection.
Now PureGym is encouraging people across the UK to take part in their own Joy Stroll. Further community activity and social participation is planned to grow the movement.
Children have died as a result of social media use.
Parents of young victims met with Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, this week to lobby for a ban on social media use for under-16s, as has been enforced in Australia. Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, has said new measures will be introduced by the end of 2026.
This is an opportunity for gym operators to get ahead of the curve by starting the conversation on intentional phone use and encouraging members to swap out scrolling for exercise.
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This isn’t a benign habit, the consequences are serious and can’t be ignored, so it’s great to see PureGym tackling this issue in a fun and community-driven way.
Fitness First is an early adopter of digital wellness technology, Kip – a tap-on tag which disables chosen apps while allowing some relevant smartphone functions to remain active. This offers a simple way of encouraging under-16s not to use social media in gyms and although it can’t be enforced, it starts the conversation.
Kip founder, Shaun Traynor, says he’s early to this issue and some people still need convincing, but he stresses it’s an important issue: “Once people smoked on planes and in offices. Then we put horror images on the packets to stop them. Social media is on the same journey, just 20 years behind. The question isn’t whether this is a health issue. We’re past that. The question is who’s going to coach the world through it. Nobody taught us how to use these devices. That has to change.”
Jun Arceo hopes the stars align for him on Sunday. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The National Tournament of Club Champions powered by Lexus will see first time men’s and seniors titlists on Sunday when Jules Gaerlan also tries to unseat the single most dominant force in her division at Eagle Ridge.
Jonar Austria and Davao’s Chris Tan will dispute the centerpiece title after carving out contrasting semifinal victories at the Aoki layout, even as Kyung Young-jung and Jun Arceo sealed a match up for the Senior’s diadem after close victories over dogged rivals on another humid day.
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And then there is Gaerlan, who bundled out Jonah Ilagan in the Final Four, 3&2, to set up a titular clash with Matet Salivio, the most decorated women’s player here with three titles who is seeking to win for the second straight year.
The favorites, save for Salivio, bombed out on a busy day as Gary Sales, who was seeking a fourth men’s title, got the boot from Chucho Martinez, 1-up, before Rodel Mangulabnan, the prohibitive Senior’s pick, left the tournament after taking a 19th hole loss to Kyung.
“This has become very interesting,” Arceo, who got to the finals after a 2&1 win over Manuel Santos, told the Inquirer after going this deep in his rookie stint. “I haven’t played [a] match with (Kyung), but all I know [is] that he is very good because I have seen him play in the Interclub.”
Arceo has also played for several clubs in the PAL Interclub before, but admits that the individual nature of this tournament is something that excites him.
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“It’s hard to win golf tournaments,” the 57 year old Arceo, who regularly plays with his two sons at The Orchard every Sunday, went on. “It’s difficult to have the stars align for you too often.
“And in terms of winning a tournament of this magnitude, this is big.”
The tournament takes a much needed breather on Saturday before the three title matches are played at the Faldo layout on Sunday.
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A prominent campaigner in national tournaments, Austria then took Martinez out with relative ease, 5&4, before Tan, who is bidding to become the first bet from Mindanao to win the event, scored a 1-up win over top seed Roy Nudalo.
Salivio scored a 3&2 win over Marianne Bustos in the morning to advance opposite Marianna Reyes in the semifinals. The seasoned Salivio then bundled out the young Reyes, 3&2, underscoring her readiness to win yet again against the ex-jungolfer. INQ
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The source said Lamina is the missing piece for Capital1, which has surrounded Rookie of the Year and Season Best Outside Spiker Bella Belen with former Cignal stars and Most Valuable Players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season.
Capital1 coach Jorge de Brito declined to comment directly on the team’s interest in the two-time UAAP Best Setter, but he acknowledged that Lamina could make an immediate impact and help strengthen the offense built around Belen, Santos and Gandler.
“She has a lot of skills as a setter. But in fact, this draft class has good setters. (Tin) Ubaldo and Lams, they’re good, good setters. They can fit in our team, but also in any other team. It depends,” De Brito told the Inquirer.
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Standing in Capital1’s way is Galeries Tower, which secured the No. 1 overall pick in last Monday’s lottery, riding its second best odds of 30 percent of winning the top selection. Capital1, which entered the draw with the highest odds, settled for the second pick ahead of Draft Night on June 3 at Novotel.
Galeries is strongly considering Japan SV.League standout Alyssa Solomon, who remains undecided whether to pursue her PVL dream or continue weighing international offers. However, coach Aying Esteban said the team has yet to finalize its choice.
“Until now, we’re still discussing with the coaches and management who the team really needs,” Esteban said in Filipino. “Honestly, there are still a lot of things our team needs this season. Of course, having the first pick is a big advantage, but at the same time, we also need scorers, defenders and players for different positions.”
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Solomon skipped Day 2 of the Draft Combine and is expected to make a decision soon, with two days remaining before the withdrawal deadline.
Lams Lamina —UAAP MEDIA
If Lamina is selected by Galeries, De Brito said Capital1 will still have several promising prospects to choose from among the 42 player rookie pool.
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“[We’ll pick] any good player who will fit our team. At the end of the day, you need all positions. There are good open spikers here, but we also have good open spikers on our team. The opposite spikers are also good. If there’s someone who can develop and help our team, for sure, it’s going to be good,” said the former Alas Pilipinas coach.
“I’m not surprised by the talent we have here. We’ve been watching them in the UAAP and NCAA. The level is getting better and it’s becoming harder to choose. Hopefully, the league can add more teams so all of them can be drafted and play because they need opportunities to keep developing. If not, we’re going to waste a lot of talent,” he added.
Another source told the Inquirer that Capital1 is also considering star libero and Belen’s close friend, Detdet Pepito, should Lamina no longer be available.
Lamina was asked on Thursday about the possibility of reuniting with Belen in the professional ranks, but the former National University standout said she remains focused on the present and is prepared to play for whichever team selects her.
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“For me, I’m not really thinking about that yet because we honestly don’t know which team will pick us. Whoever drafts me, I’ll just give my best and do everything I can to help the team,” Lamina said. INQ
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar played a superb innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, May 26. Batting at No. 4, he slammed an unbeaten 93 in just 33 balls. The stunning innings featured five fours and nine sixes as RCB entered the IPL final for the second year in a row.
Batting first in Qualifier 1, RCB put up 254-5 on the board. Apart from the skipper, Virat Kohli (43 off 25) and Krunal Pandya (43 off 28) contributed crucial knocks. Patidar and Krunal featured in a 95-run stand for the fourth wicket in 45 balls. Chasing 255, GT only managed 162.
Patidar has batted at No. 4 in the IPL 32 times. In this feature, we compare his stats with those of Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer after the latter had also batted at No. 4 in 32 innings in the T20 league.
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Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better average and strike rate after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?
In 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Patidar has totaled 1,029 runs, averaging 35.48 at a strike rate of 175. In five innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he has 164 runs, averaging 32.80 at a strike rate of 178.20. Also, in five innings against GT, he has hammered 134 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 197.05.
After 32 innings at No. 4, Shreyas had scored 889 runs at an average of 35.56 and a strike rate of 125.21. In 22 innings for Delhi Capitals (DC), he had 643 runs at an average of 33.84 and a strike rate of 123.89. Also, in 10 innings for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he had 246 runs, averaging 41 at a strike rate of 128.79.
Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has more 50-plus scores after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?
In 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Patidar has smashed 11 fifties. He hit 93* off 33 balls against GT in Dharmasala in Qualifier 1. Patidar also slammed 64 off 32 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium last year. The innings comprised five fours and four sixes. Further, he struck 63 off 40 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati in IPL 2026.
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Player
Innings
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Rajat Patidar
32
1,029
35.48
175
93*
0
11
Shreyas Iyer
32
889
35.56
125.21
96
0
5
(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)
After 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Shreyas had scored five half-centuries. His best at that stage was 96, which came off 57 balls for DC against Gujarat Lions (GL) in IPL 2017. The knock featured 15 fours and two sixes. He had also scored 65* off 50 balls for DC against MI in Dubai in the 2020 IPL final. The valiant knock featured six fours and two sixes.
Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better record in wins after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?
In 20 innings in wins, Patidar has scored 622 runs, averaging 36.58 at a strike rate of 187.34, with six fifties. In 12 innings in losses, he has scored 407 runs, averaging 33.91 and a strike rate of 158.98, with the aid of five fifties.
Player
Innings
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Rajat Patidar
20
622
36.58
187.34
93*
0
6
Shreyas Iyer
16
470
42.72
128.06
96
0
2
(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison in wins after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)
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In 16 innings in wins, Shreyas had 470 runs at an average of 42.72 and a strike rate of 128.06, with two half-centuries. In 15 innings in losses, he had 380 runs at an average of 29.23 and a strike rate of 122.18, with three half-centuries. In one tied match, he had scored 39 runs.
Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better record in chases after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?
In 16 innings in chases, Patidar has notched up 368 runs, averaging 24.53 at a strike rate of 164.28, with three fifties. In 16 innings while batting first, he has scored 661 runs, averaging 47.21 at a strike rate of 181.59, with eight fifties.
Player
Innings
Runs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
Rajat Patidar
16
368
24.53
164.28
61
0
3
Shreyas Iyer
15
438
43.80
133.53
96
0
3
(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison in chases after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)
In 15 innings in chases, Shreyas had 438 runs at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 133.53, with three half-centuries. In 17 innings while batting first, he had 451 runs at an average of 30.06 and a strike rate of 118.06, with two fifties.
TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Chris McCullough made good on his promise once he found his rhythm, delivering on Friday to put TNT on the brink of another PBA Finals appearance.
“I just needed to get my legs underneath me,” McCullough said after erupting for 42 points in the Tropang 5G’s 103-95 victory over the Meralco Bolts and a 3-2 lead in their Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.
McCullough shot 16-of-28 from the field and knocked down several key baskets in the fourth quarter despite the defensive efforts of the Bolts, particularly Javee Mocon. It was a stark contrast to Game 4, when the former San Miguel Beer import was still trying to shake off the rust.
He went just 7-of-22 from the field and scored 24 points in TNT’s 101-90 loss to Meralco two nights earlier.
After that game, McCullough acknowledged his struggles but warned that “once I get going, it’ll be scary.”
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“I had two weeks off from playing basketball,” he said. “So I’m just happy to be back, happy to be playing.”
TNT moved within one win of securing a fifth straight Finals appearance, a feat McCullough and company can achieve on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. But TNT’s replacement for Bol Bol knows the Bolts still have a say in the series.
Chris McCullough (right) —MARLO CUETO
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“The job isn’t finished. We need one more,” McCullough said after a performance that also included 11 rebounds.
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It was more than just the McCullough show, as TNT once again received major contributions from its local stars, particularly Jordan Heading and RR Pogoy.
Heading scored 22 points and hit five straight markers that helped TNT create separation from Meralco, extending the lead to 103-93 with less than two minutes remaining. He also dished out six assists.
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Pogoy continued his strong series, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
“Our key coming into this game was our defensive game plan and making sure we got good shots,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said. “Because in the last game, we had so many turnovers and gave up 26 points off them. You can’t defend a turnover. That’s very hard.
“So for us, to help our defense, we had to make sure that we got good shots. That means taking shots and not throwing the ball away or turning it over.”
TNT committed 15 turnovers in Game 4 but reduced that number to 11 in Game 5, limiting Meralco to just 11 points off those mistakes.
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Import Patrick Gardner finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Bolts, but picked up his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter with Meralco trailing, 88-83, and less than seven minutes remaining.
That was when McCullough began to take over.
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His back to back three pointers with 5:22 left gave TNT a 94-85 advantage and helped spark the decisive run that moved the Tropang 5G within a victory of the Finals. INQ
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