In just three years’ span, Clinton McDonald has twice been crowned ‘King of the Kids’, with Streisand conquering Victoria’s flagship juvenile race at Caulfield.
Two years earlier, McDonald lifted the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) via the late Hayasugi, and Saturday saw filly Streisand repeat the feat.
Jamie Melham steered Hayasugi home, but Ben Melham, her partner, took the reins on Streisand, granting her a smooth journey.
Riding third three-wide beyond pacesetters Lady Moscato and Closer To Free, Melham sensed Streisand, in blinkers for the first go, was at ease a length off the pair.
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Composing herself for the finale, she and Closer To Free isolated ahead, Streisand prevailing in the dying stages.
Priced at $11, Streisand forged a three-quarters-length success over $4.60 market leader Closer To Free, as Guest House ($4.80) nabbed third for Melham’s bookended result.
Streisand, a filly by Magnus out of Zoustar-sired Zouper Star, boasted superior exposure in the 16-runner affair, having started four times already by Saturday.
McDonald mirrored Hayasugi’s blueprint, leaving the Cranbourne handler astonished anew at his filly’s starting price.
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“She’s very similar to Hayasugi, very understated,” McDonald said.
“Hayasugi won by a head in the Prelude and everyone wrote her off in the Diamond and she went around, I think, at $18, and it was the same with this filly.
“She ran second twice, beaten a short-half-head twice, ran fifth and was unlucky and won at her fourth start.
“I thought ‘have I got this wrong, I think she’s going alright this filly’, and I’ve said all along she’s had a solid preparation, a faultless preparation, and she’s tough,
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“And that’s what you need to win these races.
“I just thought she was the most seasoned horse in the race. The way she walked around the mounting yard it was like she’s done it her whole life, and she raced that way.
“It’s just terrific, look out tonight.”
Melham revealed the Diamond win stemmed from extended plotting.
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Prior to her spell, winless Streisand flashed elite ability around Christmas, blooming further upon resumption.
“That’s what you want to see from these two-year-olds,” Melham said.
“She’s a ready-made racehorse. Clinton and the team have done a great job.
“She’s a cranky little thing on the ground, but lovely to ride race day.
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“Blinkers first time today, we always thought she’d improve with them on.
“She was a little bit sleepy going to the start, and I gave her a bit of a squeeze and then she picked up and I lit her up in the barriers a bit just to make sure she jumped because she went to sleep on me again.
“A lot of the speed didn’t jump, and we didn’t end up going that quick. I was just in a position where I could control the race and she did the rest.”
Visit trusted betting sites to find racing odds for the Blue Diamond Stakes.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after signing with the franchise during 2026 NFL free agency, addressing the media in Eagan on March 12, 2026 as the team introduced its new starting signal-caller. Murray discussed the transition, expectations, and his first impressions of Minnesota’s roster. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
The first mighty domino has fallen in the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason, as the main part of free agency is over. Of course, Minnesota didn’t do much in the first couple of days, until it netted its big-fish quarterback from the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota has made a few sharp moves already, with April still on deck.
The offseason still has a long way to go, but here are the best decisions to date, and they’re not too controversial.
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Three Early Calls Already Strengthened Minnesota’s Outlook
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches the action from the sideline during first-half play against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on October 24, 2024, as Minnesota’s defense works through adjustments during the interconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
1. Retaining Brian Flores
Had Flores walked — the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers interviewed for then-vacant head coaching jobs — the Vikings would’ve started from scratch on defense during the Kyler Murray seasons. Keeping him paved the way for Minnesota to contend for the Super Bowl in 2026.
Flores’s defense became the driving force behind Minnesota’s 2025 campaign, propelling them to nine wins after a rocky 4–8 start. This resurgence was largely due to Flores’s scheme, which consistently manufactured pressure, created confusion, and generated favorable field position.
The overall statistics underscore Flores’s impact. Over the past two seasons, Minnesota led the NFL in EPA per play allowed. In 2025 alone, Flores’ unit ranked third in EPA/Play, trailing only the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.
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Flores’ coaching performance in Minnesota is impressive, as evidenced by the following rankings:
1st in Pass Rush Win Rate
2nd in Yards Allowed
3rd in Defense DVOA
3rd in EPA/Play
4th in Defensive 3rd-Down Conversion Percentage
7th in Points Allowed
The results speak volumes, and Minnesota rewarded Flores for the turnaround with a $6 million-per-year extension, signaling the team’s belief that his defense is crucial to their future success.
The newfound Murray-infused momentum would be tainted without Flores back in the saddle.
2. Firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
In four drafts, the Vikings only truly hit on about 5-6 rookies: Jordan Addison, Will Reichard, Dallas Turner, Jalen Nailor, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and perhaps Donovan Jackson.
The verdict is still out on these men (or the verdict is just plain bad):
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Brian Asamoah
Gavin Bartholomew
Mekhi Blackmon
Andrew Booth
Ty Chandler
Lewis Cine
Akayleb Evans
Tai Felton
Jaren Hall
Ed Ingram
Kobe King
Vederian Lowe
DeWayne McBride
J.J. McCarthy
Nick Muse
Esezi Otomewo
Jaquelin Roy
That’s about roughly a 20% success rate if the person counting is in a generous mood, calling Jackson and Drake Rodriguez hits.
The success rate was not conducive to Super Bowl team-building. And when Adofo-Mensah swung and missed on expensive free agents like Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen last offseason, well, the roster aged rather quickly and became less formidable.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on from the sideline during pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 14, 2025, as Minnesota prepares for kickoff during an early-season matchup on its home field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
What’s more, that’s all on top of letting Sam Darnold leave in free agency for a Lombardi trophy in Seattle. Adofo-Mensah had too many curiously bad decisions, on top of a dreadful draft record, to keep his job.
Minnesota needed a change, if only to give someone more competent a chance to draft players. The draft is the only place in sports for teams to get players for free.
3. Signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 Million
Across a 17-game sample, Murray averages about 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns, along with the fifth-most accurate completion percentage in NFL history.
Yeah, the Vikings got that guy for cheaper than a long snapper’s contract.
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Murray grew up as a Vikings fan, so it wasn’t difficult to woo him. Ultimately, though, Minnesota landed the perfect guy to partner with J.J. McCarthy this season, and a two-time Pro Bowler at that. The NFL considered Murray the single-hottest quarterback prospect in the world seven years ago; now that guy plays for the Vikings.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray escapes pressure and accelerates into open space during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on December 28, 2024, extending the play with his trademark mobility as Arizona’s offense searches for a spark late in the divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss on Murray to Minnesota: “Murray has a ton to prove. His time in Arizona was unfulfilled from both production and win standpoints. He has heard all the criticism over the years that he’s too small or runs too much or doesn’t run enough or can’t win the big games ÿ and he’s ready to show the rest of the NFL that he can, indeed, be a productive quarterback.”
“Losing as much as he has — 38-48-1 in seven NFL seasons — hasn’t been easy on Murray. Although he has become accustomed to the fact that losing is part of the NFL, he never got used to the act of losing. Murray wants to play for a team where he can win quickly and believe he has the infrastructure — on the field and organizationally — to do that, according to a source.”
Minnesota pulled off an offseason masterclass by getting Murray for the league’s version of free. It’s actually unbelievable that cosmos allowed Murray to shimmy to Kevin O’Connell’s team.
WWE Superstar Angel recently interacted with several fans on social media. In one of those interactions, the Los Garza member responded to a fan asking why he re-signed with the Stamford-based wrestling promotion.
Following his recent in-ring appearance on the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Angel took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a picture of himself and Garza inside the squared circle. The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion noted that Los Garza keep on fighting for their legacy.
Thanks for the submission!
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Several users responded to the tweet, leading to back-and-forth between Angel and the fans. As the SmackDown star noted that Los Garza needed more TV time to establish a connection with the fans, a fan asked why they re-signed with the company instead of returning to a Mexican promotion.
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Angel noted that had they done so, he would have been earning one-tenth of the money he was making in World Wrestling Entertainment. The former WWE 24/7 Champion noted that life was not just about pro wrestling and he had to take care of his family.
Power Struggle Between Roman & Triple H? Check Here!
“But making 1/10 of the money… because life isn’t just about wrestling. I’m a man, a father, and I’ll fight for my family’s future no matter what. 👊,” Angel wrote.
You can check out his tweet below:
Angel and Berto have yet to win a WWE match in 2026
Los Garza wrestled their first match of the year on Friday Night SmackDown on the March 6 episode of the show. The two contested in a Tag Team Turmoil Match to determine the number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship. They eliminated Fraxiom and The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis but were ousted by the eventual winners, Damian Priest and R-Truth.
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In their second match of the year, Angel and Berto locked horns against Damian Priest and R-Truth in a traditional tag team match the following week. The two put forth an impressive performance but once again fell short against the newly formed tag team.
Los Garza returned to WWE programming after an absence of 5 months. It will be interesting to see what plans the company has for the duo heading into WrestleMania 42.
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Taskin Ahmed stars with 4/49 as Bangladesh beat Pakistan
Bangladesh edged past Pakistan by 11 runs in a nail-biting third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, clinching the three-match series 2-1.Electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a challenging 290/5 in their 50 overs, largely thanks to a masterful century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim. His elegant strokeplay anchored the innings and set the platform for a competitive total.
Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s World Cup win and backing Sanju Samson in the tournament
Support came from Litton Das, who contributed a steady 41, while Towhid Hridoy added a crucial 48, helping maintain momentum during the middle overs. Timely acceleration in the final stages ensured Bangladesh set a target that would test Pakistan’s chase.Pakistan fought hard in response, with Salman Agha delivering a valiant century to keep his side in contention. Key contributions also came from Saad Masood (38) and Shaheen Afridi (37), but the chase ultimately fell short as Bangladesh bowlers struck at pivotal moments.Taskin Ahmed led the attack with precision, claiming four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman supported with three scalps, restricting Pakistan to 279 and securing a thrilling 11-run victory. The win handed Bangladesh the series and capped off an intense contest after two one-sided games earlier.Reflecting on the win, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said, “It was definitely an excellent match. I was also a bit nervous, especially in the last over when 14 runs were required. Everyone feels that pressure. The wicket played well, and although 300 would have been ideal, 290 was still competitive. Amim, Shankal, and Tawhid played really well, and the boys executed brilliantly under pressure.”
Roy Keane has delivered his verdict on whether Michael Carrick should be given the permanent Manchester United head coach role after Sunday’s win against Aston Villa
20:41, 15 Mar 2026Updated 20:49, 15 Mar 2026
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Roy Keane has doubled down on his opinion that Michael Carrick should not be the next permanent Manchester United head coach. Carrick, 44, has done an excellent job since returning to Old Trafford on an interim basis in mid-January, winning seven and drawing one of his nine matches in charge.
It’s a run of form that has seen United move up to third in the Premier League table and put them in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification for next season. But while the Reds have enjoyed a drastic uptick in form since Carrick’s appointment, Keane does not think he is the right man to lead the club full-time.
When asked if he would appoint Carrick as United’s permanent manager in the summer, Keane said on Sky Sports: “No, I think there are better options out there.
“I think the games that he has come in, he has won football matches and done a very good job. He has simplified things, but there has been no jeopardy in those games. They’ve had free weeks to prepare for those matches, it has been good timing for him, and he has done a very good job. I take my hat off to him.
“And if he does get the job in the summer, good luck to him. But I think there are far better options out there for the next manager of Man United. If Carrick had been mentioned three months ago as the next United manager you’d have been locked up. He wasn’t even in the reckoning! But with time he has got the opportunity and he has done a very good job. I just think there are better options out there.”
Meanwhile, ex-United forward Rooney shared a different opinion to Keane. Indeed, the 40-year-old told BBC 5 Live that he would give Carrick the full-time gig at the end of the season. “100 per cent he should,” Rooney responded, when asked if Carrick should be given the permanent role.
“I knew this was going happen with Michael Carrick, I know him very well, I know his character and personality,” Rooney continued. “It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love and he’s give them that. We’re seeing the players play with more quality, we’re seeing them more together as a team and they look like a very strong team.
“So, for me, why would you change? You’ve got someone come in who’s got I think the best win percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games, so, for me, he has to get the job.”
Keane and Rooney were speaking after United further strengthened their Champions League hopes with a deserved 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds took the lead just after half-time through Casemiro but were pegged back as Villa equalised when Ross Barkley thundered a shot past Senne Lammens.
But Carrick’s side showed character and responded by going back in front as Matheus Cunha fired home before Benjamin Sesko wrapped up the win with a late strike.
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“We can enjoy winning,” Carrick said post-match. “It’s a good feeling and something we want to keep getting used to. “We are keeping a lid on it and understanding where we are and what it takes to win games like today. We are in a good position at the moment but still a lot to play for.”
Ex-United midfielder Keane first claimed that he doesn’t think Carrick should be the club’s next permanent head coach after his second game back in January. Speaking following a 3-2 win at Arsenal, Keane praised the impact Carrick made after back-to-back wins but felt he isn’t the “right man for the job”.
“Two great performances but anyone can win two games,” Keane said at the time. If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job. I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not. They need a bigger and better manager. The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years, you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles.
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“Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles? It’s not enough for me. I don’t believe he is the man to get them winning league titles.”
Next up for United is a trip to Bournemouth on Friday night. They would move six points clear of fourth-place Aston Villa, eight above Liverpool in fifth and six ahead of Chelsea in sixth with a win at the Vitality Stadium.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant have begun their 2025-26 Indian Super League campaign in emphatic fashion, winning all four of their opening matches and then drawing with Bengaluru FC which has quickly established themselves as one of the strongest contenders for the title.
The Mariners have adapted seamlessly to the tactical approach introduced by head coach Sergio Lobera, whose attacking philosophy has helped the team produce fluid, entertaining football. Their early results have not only highlighted their attacking firepower but also their tactical cohesion, which has allowed them to dominate opponents in the opening phase of the season.
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Lobera’s attacking system bringing immediate results
Since taking charge, Lobera has implemented a more dynamic attacking structure that focuses on quick ball movement, high pressing and creating consistent chances in the final third. The system encourages creative players to operate behind the striker, allowing the team to build attacks more effectively.
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This tactical tweak has given Mohun Bagan a more balanced attacking setup, enabling them to control games while constantly threatening opposition defenses. The presence of creative players like Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings has ensured that the Mariners maintain a steady supply of opportunities in dangerous areas.
Jamie Maclaren leading the goal-scoring charts
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A major beneficiary of Lobera’s system has been Australian striker Jamie Maclaren. The forward has enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, scoring seven goals in the first fivematches and moving to the top of the league’s goal-scoring charts.
Maclaren’s early-season form represents a significant improvement from the previous campaign, when he managed 12 goals in 25 appearances. The difference this season lies largely in how he is being utilised within Lobera’s setup, which allows him to focus on his strengths as a clinical finisher inside the penalty area.
Greater freedom in the penalty area
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Unlike last season, when Maclaren was often required to drop deep to support build-up play, Lobera’s system allows the striker to remain higher up the pitch. With Petratos and Cummings taking on creative responsibilities, Maclaren can concentrate on positioning himself in dangerous areas.
This tactical freedom has allowed the striker to make sharper runs, anticipate deliveries into the box and consistently get into goal-scoring positions. His improved movement has made it increasingly difficult for defenders to track him.
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Improved service in the final third
Another key factor behind Mohun Bagan’s attacking success has been the quality of service reaching their striker. Under Lobera, the team is more focused on delivering the ball into central attacking areas rather than relying on speculative attempts from distance.
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As a result, Maclaren is receiving better passes inside the penalty area and more through balls that exploit defensive gaps. The improved understanding between the striker and his teammates has significantly increased his number of goal-scoring opportunities.
Early signs of a title contender
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Mohun Bagan’s strong start suggests that Lobera’s tactical blueprint is already yielding results. The combination of a well-structured attacking system and Maclaren’s clinical finishing has made the Mariners one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
If they continue to maintain this momentum, Mohun Bagan could once again find themselves firmly in the race for the ISL title by the end of the season.
The Duke Blue Devils, led by Cameron Boozer, were the No. 1 overall seed and the top team in the East Region.
. Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and could be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft should he declare. Duke is in the top left quadrant of the bracket.
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The Florida Gators are the defending champions and enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region. Florida didn’t get the SEC title this year, but were 26-7. Thomas Haugh is leading the team with 17.1 points per game.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer, right, looks to drive against Virginia guard Malik Thomas (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, Saturday, March 14, 2026.(AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
The Arizona Wildcats were named the No. 1 seed in the West Region. The Wildcats won the Big 12 Championship and are 32-2. Brayden Burries leads the team with 15.9 points per game this season. Arizona is in the top right quadrant of the bracket.
The Michigan Wolverines didn’t win the Big Ten Championship, but still earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. Michigan is 31-3 this season and led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who has 14.4 points and 1.2 steals per game.
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Texas will take on NC State for the No. 11 seed in the West Region while Miami (Ohio) and SMU will compete for the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region.
UMBC will take on Howard for the No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region. Prairie View A&M wll go up against Lehigh for the No. 16 seed in the South Region
The First Four matchups are set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The field of 64 will start competing against each other on Thursday and continuing on Friday. The Final Four matchups will begin April 4 and the championship will be played on April 6.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) attempts to drive past St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East tournament, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Arizona’s Brayden Burries reacts after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston in the championship of the Big 12 Conference tournament Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Midwest Region
1. Michigan (31-3) vs. 16. UMBC/Howard
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8. Georgia (22-10) vs. 9. Saint Louis (28-5)
5. Texas Tech (22-10) vs. 12. Akron (29-5)
4. Alabama (23-9) vs. 13. Hofstra (24-10)
6. Tennessee (22-11) vs. 11. Miami-Ohio/SMU
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3. Virginia (29-5) vs. 14. Wright State (23-11)
7. Kentucky (21-13) vs. 10. Santa Clara (26-8)
2. Iowa State (27-7) vs. 15. Tennessee State (23-9)
Lewis Hamilton says he is “incredibly grateful” to Ferrari for letting him guide the development of the car that put him back on a Grand Prix podium for the first time since 2024.
Hamilton’s third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix followed a race-long battle with teammate Charles Leclerc and what Hamilton called “just a kiss” of contact between the pair.
It ended a long wait for a finish in the top three for Hamilton in a full Formula 1 race since his blockbuster move from Mercedes, which took the win Sunday with the driver who replaced him at the team, Kimi Antonelli.
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“To see them listen and put some of those things that I’d asked for on the car I’m just incredibly grateful to them for listening on that side of things,” Hamilton said.
“It just makes you feel more united with everyone because you’re moving in the same direction. I’m looking forward to getting back next week to (Ferrari HQ in) Maranello and seeing everybody. Big, big push.”
Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari was full of frustration as he and the team failed to get to grips with a car that was very sensitive to setup changes, except for a sprint race win in China a year ago. Ferrari failed to win a single Grand Prix all year.
At times, Hamilton blamed himself, even suggesting in August the team consider a driver change after he was far off Leclerc’s qualifying pace. He’s said a big part of preparing for 2026 was to come back with a fresh mindset.
Ferrari’s fast-starting car helped Hamilton to charge past Antonelli into the lead at the start Sunday, but holding onto that place proved too difficult against a Mercedes pair with what’s widely considered to be the best all-round car on the grid. Hamilton said Ferrari would double down on working to out-develop Mercedes for the rest of the year.
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“It’s really special to see them back at the front, because this is a phenomenal team. And I know we’ve got our work cut out to beat them, because when they’re on form like this, it’s not easy to beat,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton was Russell’s teammate and helped mentor Antonelli before his debut. Also on the podium as Mercedes representative was Hamilton’s longtime race engineer Peter “Bono” Bonnington, who now works with Antonelli.
“It’s like sitting here with my whole family, so that’s great,” Hamilton said.
RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., added 27 points and six rebounds as Toronto (38-29) won back-to-back games.
The win helped the Raptors hang on to sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes each had a double-double. Poeltl finished with 21 points and a season-high 18 rebounds while Barnes added 14 points and pulled down 10 boards.
Cade Cunningham had 33 points and nine assists as the first-place Pistons (48-19) had their three-game win streak snapped.
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Jalen Duren had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Tobias Harris scored 21 points.
Pistons: Detroit shot at a blistering pace in the first half, going 24-for-37 (64.9 per cent) on field goals, backed by 7-for-11 (63.6 per cent) three-point shooting in the first half. Their hot hands cooled in the third, going 7-for-26 (26.9 per cent) on field-goal attempts, and making just one of seven (14.3 per cent) three-pointers in the period.
Raptors: One of Toronto’s best defensive efforts of the season helped it overcome poor three-point shooting. The Raptors outrebounded Detroit 48-39, earning them 30 second-chance points to the Pistons’ 15.
Ingram drilled a 26-foot three-pointer with 2:30 left in the third, bringing the sold-out Scotiabank Arena crowd to its feet. It was only Toronto’s fifth made three of the game, but it gave the Raptors a 12-point lead and capped a 9-2 run.
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Barnes had his 100th block of the season in the game, reaching the milestone for the first time in his five-year career. He’s the fifth player in the NBA to have 100 blocks this season and the first Raptor to do it since Montreal’s Chris Boucher in the 2020-21 season.
Toronto: Visits the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Detroit: Visits the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
He’s been defined by being Lewis Hamilton’s successor and George Russell’s teammate. Now Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 race-winner in his own right, and the second-youngest in history.
The 19-year-old Italian pulled clear of an entertaining battle between Russell and the two Ferraris to take a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and share the podium with his teammate and Hamilton, the seven-time champion he replaced last year.
It’s a vindication of the gamble Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took in picking the youngster, who’d joined Mercedes’ junior program aged just 11, to replace an all-time great when Hamilton moved to Ferrari for 2025. There were plenty of doubters when Antonelli crashed 10 minutes into his practice debut in 2024.
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“Many said it was just too early last year, and obviously we asked ourselves that question, whether it was too much to throw him into this pressure cooker,” Wolff told Sky Sport Germany.
“One year with ups and downs and he’s young. We have to forgive him these mistakes, and now he’s in the second Grand Prix (of 2026) and brings it home ruthlessly. It’s good.”
The 19-year-old Italian was the youngest pole-position starter and briefly lost the lead to Hamilton at the start but retook it soon after and was in control the rest of the way.
“We did it! We did it!” Antonelli shouted to his team over the radio amid laughs and whoops, and he was holding back tears amid celebrations and a TV interview soon after.
It was another 1-2 finish for Mercedes to start the season as Russell came through a battle with both Ferraris to finish second. Hamilton was third for his long-awaited first Grand Prix podium finish for Ferrari.
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The only driver younger than Antonelli to win a Grand Prix was Max Verstappen, who was 18 when he took his first victory in 2016. He’s the first Italian to win since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.
Russell bests Ferraris in thrillerThe new regulations again produced a dramatic fight for position between Mercedes and the fast-starting Ferraris as Russell fought his way past Charles Leclerc and Hamilton in a multi-lap battle with numerous changes of position. That allowed Antonelli to build his lead at the front.
Even after Russell had pulled away to secure second place, teammates Leclerc and Hamilton kept up their own fight for third. “This is quite a fun battle,” Leclerc exclaimed over the radio.
Leclerc was fourth with Oliver Bearman fifth for Haas, Pierre Gasly sixth for Alpine and Liam Lawson seventh for Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar recovered from an early spin to place eighth for Red Bull, ahead of Carlos Sainz, Jr. in ninth for Williams, while Franco Colapinto was 10th for Alpine to score his first point since 2024.
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Max Verstappen was running sixth when his car lost power and he had to limp back to the pits in another blow for the four-time champion, who has been a leading critic of F1’s new cars.
Double disaster for McLaren
Formula 1 champion Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were both unable to start after encountering technical problems minutes before the race began.
Piastri was due to start fifth and Norris sixth for Sunday’s race. Norris was in his car in the pits but didn’t leave for the grid, before Piastri was then withdrawn from the grid.
McLaren said it found “two different electrical problems on the power unit side” after an investigation. It’s the second time Piastri has failed to start in 2026 after he crashed before the start of last week’s race in Australia. Only 18 of 22 cars took the start, with Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams’ Alex Albon also unable to make it, before both Aston Martin cars and Verstappen hit trouble in the race too.
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F1 is racing hours after it announced next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not go ahead because of the war in the Middle East.
