Welcome to Fully Fit 2026, GOLF’s new platform for providing you with real-golfer insights into what 2026 gear might be best suited for your game. To this end, we assembled six GOLF content creators of varying abilities and ran them through the gauntlet of six full-bag fittings (driver to putter!) at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, Calif. Our hope: that you might see shades of your own game in one of our panelists’ and take some learnings and inspiration from their fitting experiences. In this installment (below), check out the drivers that each of our Fully Fit 2026 panelists chose for their golf bags. You may browse each of our panelists’ full 2026 dream bags here:
If there’s one club that’s tough to fit, it’s the fairway wood.
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When fitters see certain fairway woods in a player’s bag, they know they might have a hard time beating them, regardless of how good the player is. That’s a good reason, even after six full bag fittings at each of the major OEMs, half of our Fully Fit panelists left with the same mini driver or 3-wood they already had in the bag.
Speaking of mini drivers, they throw a wrench in the whole process as they serve as specialty clubs at the top of the bag. While two of our panelists have a mini driver in the bag all the time, two others rotate one in depending on the course.
After fittings with six manufacturers, here are the fairway woods and mini drivers our six panelists chose for their bags in 2026.
Jack Hirsh’s Mini Driver
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
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Head: TaylorMade r7 Quad Mini Shaft: Fujikura OG Ventus TR Blue 7-X Loft: 13.5˚ @ 12.75˚ FCT setting: 1 Click Lower (2.0˚ sleeve) Front weights: 7 g toe, 4 g heel Back weights: 15 g toe, 10 g heel Length: 43.75″ EOG Tipping: 0″ Swingweight: D5
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TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER
Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability.
R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM
The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability.
INFINITY CARBON CROWN
A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.
Why it’s in my bag: This was my gamer coming in, and it was going to be tough to leave the bag. I can draw it, I can fade it, I can hit it off the deck or from the tee. I have a couple of 3-woods I could use if I ever played a course where I felt I might need one, but I rarely find myself needing one anymore. I keep the weight back in my R7, which gives me that off-the-deck performance.
1 key data point: 3288 RPM spin rate (Off tee and deck). I actually spin this a good bit more than my previous 3-wood (~2600), which actually makes it fly shorter, but that works out better for my gapping as the 3-wood was going too far and forcing me to either back off or take less club.
Head: TaylorMade Qi4D Shaft: Tensei 1k Black 75 TX Loft: 15º FCT Setting: Lower Front weights: 8 g Length: 42.5″ Tipping: 1″ Swingweight: D2
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TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Fairway Wood
PROVEN RECIPE
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TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility.
The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance.
ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE
Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight.
4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts.
REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES
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Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence.
Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels.
TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES
New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance.
Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits.
Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.
Why it’s in my bag: It’s honestly just because I can hit it. I did find a couple of others during testing that could have worked, but none of them gave me the big off-the-deck performance that the TaylorMade Qi4D did. And it doesn’t hurt that I played the Qi35 5-wood for most of last year. That was an easy switch (that we’ll talk about next), and it’s nice to have the same visual in both fairway woods in the bag.
1 key data point: This is a pretty easy one. I actually hit the center of the face, and the ball goes up in the air.
Why it’s in my bag: Pretty simple, TaylorMade core fairway woods are the fastest, most forgiving in golf. If Ping is the most forgiving and Callaway has the fastest, TaylorMade is both but in one club. No more to it than that.
Why it’s in my bag: This club really surprised me. I don’t normally carry a 3‑wood. In fact, I tried one in my “old” bag and rarely used it because I just wasn’t in love with it. But during my fitting at the Ely Callaway Performance Center, I was blown away by what this one could do. I usually hit a low ball flight with 3‑woods off the deck, but this club launched nicely without feeling too “lofty.” Off-center hits still carried well, and even the occasional thin strike was totally playable. There’s a real balance here between distance and playability.
1 key data point: I was impressed by how easily this club launched the ball. The trajectory was high and penetrating without feeling like it ballooned, which instills confidence — especially if I need to carry a hazard or want to go for a green.
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*I choose between Mini Driver and 3-wood depending on course/conditions
Experience high-launching distance from the tee and off the deck. GT2 Fairways leverage a proprietary crown and new forged face to produce consistently impressive speed and trajectory on every swing. Built for added confidence, these fairways are designed to boost performance — no matter where you hit it.
For players looking for extra confidence in their fairway, GT2 delivers consistently impressive speed and launch—no matter where you hit it.
Deeper, More Forward CG
Launch it from any lie. GT2 Fairways push performance higher and farther by shifting CG even lower and closer to the face – generating maximum distance through higher launch and lower spin.
Forged L-Cup Face
GT Fairways introduce a forged face into the club construction to bolster performance on low-center impacts. The new insert wraps around the bottom of the club to preserve ball speed, maintain launch conditions, and enhance sound and feel — even when you’re trying to pick it clean from a tight lie.
Redesigned Internal Hosel
To extract every ounce of performance in GT2 Fairways, Titleist engineers pursued every gram of weight savings. The redesigned internal hosel achieves subtle mass improvements that unlock real benefits on every swing.
Why it’s in my bag: Ball go far. Seriously! I’ve always been very good at sweeping fairway woods off the deck, off tees, and elevating them from hairier lies, too. So much so that I played with a 3-wood as the longest club in my bag for multiple years. The biggest challenge of my fittings was showing up at Titleist with a GT2 3-wood that I already hit really well and saying, “Try and beat it.” We went through those motions at every fitting — me really liking that club and the striking trajectory it takes — and while plenty of the other 3-woods work fine, none could outright beat the one I was already playing.
1 key data point: 13.5 degrees. I used to play a 16-degree 3-wood and was helplessly in love with it, but have been rocking the 13.5-degree for a couple of years now. That move made room for the 5-wood gapping to follow, simply getting another club into my bag, which is the whole point of getting fully fit.
Head: Cobra King Tec Mini Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Red 6-X Loft: 13.5˚ Future Fit 33 Setting: G4 Front weight: 12g Back weight: 2g Length: 43.75” Tipping: .5” Swingweight: D0
Why it’s in my bag: I have been using a mini driver instead of a 3-wood for two years. Both of those years, I used the TaylorMade Burner Mini exclusively. You could not pay to get it out of my bag. The Cobra is the first to rival it and, honestly, compete in both numbers and performance. Looks-wise, they are very similar, and they use the same weighting system, front and back. The extra pop and ball speed are why I am moving into the Cobra.
1 key data point: Ball speed was up consistently with the Cobra King Tec.
Real Madrid are reportedly considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as their potential head coach option this summer. Los Blancos could consider changing the leadership if Alvaro Arbeloa fails to lead them to any significant titles in this campaign.
Arbeloa took over the helm after former boss Xabi Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid mid-season in January. However, his stint has been a mixed bag so far. Los Blancos bowed out of the Copa del Rey and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga table. As such, Arbeloa’s future at the club may depend on how the Spanish giants end the season. They still have a fair chance of winning the Champions League and could make a comeback in LaLiga, but winning neither could spell trouble for the current coach.
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According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins (h/t One Football), Real Madrid are considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as a potential option to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer. Deschamps is set to leave the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be available.
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The report states that Los Blancos are specifically impressed by Deschamps due to three factors. The Frenchman has an exceptional record of winning with Les Blues, having led them to two consecutive World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, and winning the first time. He also boasts a stellar record with clubs like AS Monaco, Marseille, and Juventus.
Secondly, Didier Deschamps’ closeness to Kylian Mbappe is reportedly another factor behind considering his candidature. Mbappe will remain an integral part of Real Madrid’s plans, and Deschamps’ close relationship with him could help the side. Finally, Deschamps is well-experienced in handling big dressing rooms, which is essential for the Spanish giants.
The final decision could depend on how Arbeloa handles things for the rest of the season, with both the Champions League and LaLiga at stake.
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane set to take over the France national team as head coach after Deschamps’ departure: Reports
Zidane – Source: Getty
Reports from French outlet Le Parisien last month suggest that Real Madrid legend and former coach Zinedine Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps as the France head coach after the World Cup. He has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to take over the helm.
In an interview with Le Figaro, FFF President Phillipe Diallo mentioned that they’ve already finalized Deschamps’ replacement, although he did not mention Zidane.
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“Yes, I know his name. We need a profile that ticks many boxes and that can also garner the support of the French people, since this French national football team is the team of the French,” he said.
Zinedine Zidane has been away from management since working with Real Madrid in the 2020-21 season, which marked his second managerial stint with the club. The midfield legend boasts a stellar record with Los Blancos both as a player and as a coach, having led them to three consecutive Champions League titles in his first stint.
Jiri Prochazka can become a two-time UFC titleholder this weekend if he can snap Carlos Ulberg’s nine-fight winning streak.
The light-heavyweight contenders are set to meet in the main event of UFC 327 with the winner going home as the organization’s new 205-pound champion.
Alex “Poatan” Pereira vacated the title earlier this year after deciding to move up to the heavyweight division, so the UFC paired No. 2 contender Prochazka and No. 3 contender Ulberg.
Before they step into the cage at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Saturday night, Prochazka and Ulberg needed to weigh no more than 205 pounds on the scale Friday morning during the official weigh-in.
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All non-title competitors are afforded a one-pound allowance, so any other light-heavyweight fighter on the card could weigh up to 206 pounds. Prochazka stepped on the scale with two pounds to spare and Ulberg came in one pound under the limit to make the championship bout official.
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UFC 327’s co-main event is another pivotal matchup at 205 pounds with undefeated Azamat Murzakanov welcoming former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa to a new division. Fan favourites and frequent finishers Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker are set to clash in another light-heavyweight contest.
Trash-talking heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit is looking to shake up the rankings when he faces the biggest test of his young career in No. 5 contender Curtis Blaydes.
The main card kicks off with Cub Swanson’s farewell fight. The 42-year-old featherweight stalwart has announced his scrap with Nate Landwehr will be the final fight of his two-decade career.
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A meeting of former Bellator MMA stars Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico headlines a preliminary card that also features strawweight contenders Tatiana Suarez and Loopy Godinez, plus standout lightweights Mateusz Gamrot and Esteban Ribovics.
Watch UFC 327 on Sportsnet+
A new era at 205 pounds begins when Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg compete for the vacant light-heavyweight title. Watch UFC 327 on Saturday, April 11 with prelim coverage beginning 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and pay-per-view main card starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Only one of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete on the card missed weight Friday morning.
Chris Padilla initially weighed two pounds above the non-title lightweight limit. Padilla was 158, while his opponent MarQuel Mederos was an even 155. Padilla, who accepted the matchup on short notice, was given an extra hour to shed the additional pounds but he did not cut any additional weight and as a result forfeits 20 per cent of his purse to Mederos. The fight will proceed as scheduled.
Below are the official UFC 327 weigh-in results and projected bout order (subject to change):
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— Jiri Prochazka (203) vs. Carlos Ulberg (204)
— Azamat Murzakanov (205) vs. Paulo Costa (205)
— Curtis Blaydes (261) vs. Josh Hokit (233)
— Dominick Reyes (205) vs. Johnny Walker (205)
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— Cub Swanson (146) vs. Nate Landwehr (145)
— Patricio Pitbull (145) vs. Aaron Pico (145)
— Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Esteban Ribovics (155)
— Kevin Holland (171) vs. Randy Brown (171)
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— Tatiana Suarez (116) vs. Loopy Godinez (116)
— MarQuel Mederos (155) vs. Chris Padilla (158)*
— Kelvin Gastelum (185) vs. Vicente Luque (185)
— Charles Radtke (170) vs. Francisco Prado (170)
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*Fighter missed weight, fined 20 per cent of purse, fight proceeds as scheduled
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows spent the night in a hospital following a frightening collision with teammate Riley Greene on Thursday.
Meadows was left bloodied in the outfield and had to be helped off the field in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins after appearing to hit his head during the collision with Greene.
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows collided with left fielder Riley Greene on a fly ball hit by Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell in the eighth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 9, 2026. Meadows left the game after the collision.(Bruce Kluckhohn/Imagn Images)
“It’s a terrible feeling. I still feel terrible,” Greene said after the game. “He hit my head. I don’t know where I hit him, to be honest, but I just really hope he’s OK.”
The two collided when Twins first baseman Josh Bell, who already had one home run and two singles, hit a shallow fly to left-center field. Greene and Meadows collided hard enough that their caps flew off.
Greene made the catch as Meadows lay on the ground. The broadcast caught blood coming from Meadows’ mouth.
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows is helped off the field after colliding with left fielder Riley Greene during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis on April 9, 2026.(Matt Krohn/AP)
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joined medical personnel on the field as Meadows eventually got up and was taken off the field on a cart. MLB.com reported that he would be held for observation overnight.
“We’re going to get him checked out for everything, but this one worries me,” Hinch said, confirming that Meadows did suffer a concussion.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 1, 2026.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Meadows has started 11 of 13 games in center field for the Tigers this season. He went 0 for 3 in the 3-1 loss on Thursday and is batting .250 with two extra-base hits.
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics will have another chance to secure the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Boston (54-26) could have clinched second place by beating New York on Thursday night, but the Knicks scored nine of the final 11 points to earn a 112-106 victory.
The Celtics and Knicks each have two games to play, and any Boston victory or New York loss will give Boston the No. 2 seed. The Knicks will host Toronto on Friday night.
“Obviously we have to take care of the first round first, and I don’t think we can play them (the Knicks) in the first round, so that’s where our focus is,” Boston guard Payton Pritchard said. “If we see them again, we’ll be ready.”
Baylor Scheierman’s performance was a bright spot for Boston in the loss to New York. On a night when the Celtics didn’t have leading scorer Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Scheierman made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and tied his career high by scoring 20 points.
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“Obviously, shot-making is the easiest thing to see and helps us on the scoreboard, but he just does a lot for us,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s his crashing or his defense, but his instincts on both ends. … He just continues to get better and better, and that’s what we need, hitting that stretch there.”
Thursday’s game was the first time Jayson Tatum played at New York since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a road game against New York during the playoffs last season. Tatum collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s loss.
“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.”
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New Orleans (26-54), meanwhile, is coming off Tuesday’s 156-137 feel-good win against Utah. The Pelicans set a franchise record for points scored in a game with the win, which ended an eight-game losing streak.
Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points against Utah to set a Pelicans record for most points in a game by a rookie. Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made 17 of 29 shots from the field.
“Really just proud of his growth,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said. “From training camp to where he’s at today — he’s taken a massive step. This franchise is in a really good place because of players like him. … I see a clear pathway for this team to be successful moving into the future.”
New Orleans won even though it played without starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey.
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Murphy (right ankle sprain) and Murray (left hand contusion) were injured. Williamson, Jones and Bey were active but didn’t leave the bench in the team’s final home game.
The Pelicans have ruled out Williamson, Jones and Bey for Friday’s game.
New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Minnesota.
“We have two more games to play,” Borrego said. “I want to honor those two games. Go play the best basketball possible for those two games.”
Rain has returned to Guwahati right after the toss! The covers are being rushed back on, and the match will not start at 8:15 PM as scheduled. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the Playing XIs and Impact subs!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting-first XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Abhinandan Singh
Manchester United face a managerial decision at the end of the Premier League season, with Michael Carrick considered a strong contender to take the job permanently
David De Gea has praised his former Manchester United teammate and interim head coach Michael Carrick for the ‘unbelievable’ job he is doing at Old Trafford. United have lost only one game since Carrick took over in January and are on course to qualify for European football, sitting third in the table.
The Spanish goalkeeper returned to England on Thursday night as Fiorentina faced Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter‑final at Selhurst Park. The Italian side have a mountain to climb in the return leg in Florence after a 3-0 defeat.
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Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, De Gea, who played alongside Carrick between 2011 and 2017, was asked about the 44‑year‑old’s return to United.
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“He’s doing unbelievable,” the shot-stopper began. He’s a great guy, he knows how the players feel, so it’s easy to talk with him.
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“He’s doing an amazing job, United is winning a lot of games now, playing well.
“Hopefully we can get the Champions League spot and keep growing, growing, and let’s see United again in the high positions and fighting for trophies.”
Carrick is a strong contender for the permanent manager’s job at M16, with winger Amad backing the former midfielder as the ‘right man’ for the role and hinting at similar feelings within the squad.
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“Obviously it’s not for us as a player to decide his future, but he’s been very good, he’s been doing so much for the team,” Amad said.
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“He has a lot of experience, he knows the club and has the DNA. We think he’s the right man.
“He knows the club, he played for the club, so he has great experience to manage this club. Sometimes this kind of manager can bring a club where they belong.”
United return to Premier League action on Monday after the March international break. Carrick’s side host Leeds United at Old Trafford, with kick-off at 8pm.
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Tyson Fury has come out of retirement to face Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov in a heavyweight clash in London on April 11. The fight will stream live on Netflix, which fans can get for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle or £24 Ultimate TV bundle, the latter of which also includes HBO Max and Disney+.
The racehorse Gold Dancer has been put down after suffering a fatal injury while winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Ladies Day at Aintree.
Gold Dancer had managed to stay on its feet following an awkward landing on the final fence, with the 100-30 joint-favourite under Paul Townend crossing the line ahead of Regent’s Stroll by four and three-quarter lengths.
It was immediately clear, however, that Gold Dancer had suffered a serious injury when the horse made a mistake going over the final fence.
Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins walk from the course (Getty Images)
The seven-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, received on-course treatment by the Aintree veterinary team after crossing the line. But it was then confirmed that Gold Dancer had been put down.
“Unfortunately he broke his back and they put him down,” said Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstowns, the horse’s stud.
“Paul said he made one mistake and he felt nothing and he kept going to the line no problem. It was just when he pulled up, unfortunately.
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“It was an unbelievable performance, he jumped brilliantly bar one little mistake. It’s a hollow victory now, the poor horse didn’t deserve that.”
A statement from Aintree Racecourse said: “The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted.
Gold Dancer after crossing the final hurdle (Action Images via Reuters)
“He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
Last year, Celebre d’Allen died a few days after racing in the Grand National at Aintree, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) ruling that the 13-year-old was ridden “when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground” after the penultimate fence.
Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Saturday and he is planning to honour boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Former world heavyweight champion Fury retired from the sport after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, but now stages a comeback after 16 months away when he goes up against Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
It will be the first time that ‘The Gypsy King’ has been back in action since the tragic passing of sporting icon Hatton in September, with the close friends having worked together in the past, including Fury’s clash against Deontay Wilder in December 2018.
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Hatton is arguably the most popular British boxer of all time, taking legions of supporters across the world as he became a two-weight world champion and competed against the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Fury was in attendance at Hatton’s funeral in October, as thousands of those fans packed the streets to pay tribute to ‘The Hitman’ for everything he has done, and Fury has a tribute of his own planned for tomorrow night.
The heavyweight star is set to wear boots that feature Hatton’s logo, along with the sky blue colouring of Manchester City, the beloved football team of Hatton.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tyson Fury will wear custom boots honoring the late Ricky Hatton in his fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov in Tottenham.
Fury shared a close friendship with Hatton before his death and the boots feature Hatton’s logo, with blue accents promoting mental health… pic.twitter.com/rLAfwjD4lV
Fury’s clash against Makhmudov headlines a card that also features Conor Benn taking on Regis Prograis in the co-main event, along with Jeamie TKV facing Richard Riakporhe, and Frazer Clarke going up against Justis Huni, with the event broadcast live on Netflix.
Germany beat Switzerland and Ghana in their March friendlies and it’s now less than two months until their World Cup squad will be announced. Who will be in the final 26-man selection? The core group of players is clear, but who made the most of the last international break before World Cup preparation begins and who did not?
Winners
Kai Havertz — With nearly 60 caps, Havertz is a key part of this team. Having been out with injury for a long time, his starting place was no longer secure but a return to fitness and form is timely. His combination play in Switzerland was impressive, and his roar after confidently dispatching a penalty against Ghana was the sign of a player beginning to hit his stride again. If there were any doubts about his role in the starting eleven, Havertz dispelled them swiftly in these two games.
Florian Wirtz — Another player who is guaranteed a ticket to the United States this summer but who still excelled. His two goals and two assists in Basel speak for themselves. It was an exceptional display and in Stuttgart he helped set the tone, often brave with his choices on the ball. It felt significant that the 22-year-old delivered this display in the absence of Jamal Musiala, the player who he combined so well with at Euro 2024. It’s clear that even on his own, Wirtz can be the man for Germany when they need a spark.
Lennart Karl — The 18-year-old looked steady off the bench in Basel, but in Stuttgart he exploded into life. Bayern Munich’s newest jewel gave German coach Julian Nagelsmann a lot of good reasons to have him in the squad this summer. The agile playmaker worked hard to win the ball back and ran at the Ghana defense at every opportunity. His desire to take on players is exciting to watch and an all-too rare a sight for Germany these days. He should have capped his performance off with a goal, but he sent the ball wide. Nevertheless, Karl looks destined to be on the plane now.
Nathaniel Brown — Perhaps it is too generous to say a player who only played 60 minutes against a largely defensive Ghana side was a winner during this international break, but such is the concern around the left-back spot for Germany that it might just be enough. The Frankfurt defender looked more than competent when called upon. A spot in the squad looks almost certain for the 22-year-old now, and given David Raum has not exactly made the spot his own, there is a possibility that even more gametime awaits Brown.
Losers
Angelo Stiller — He might be Stuttgart’s midfield conductor and darts prodigy Luke Littler’s favorite German player, but Stiller did not make the most of an unexpected chance. Called up after injuries to others, Stiller started both games but looked a little uncertain with the ball at times. He was also slow to close down Switzerland for their opener in Basel, a point that did not go unnoticed by Julian Nagelsmann. Pascal Gross’s decent showing in Stuttgart means it looks like this World Cup might come too soon for Stiller.
Julian Nagelsmann knows the core of his squad but has some big decisions to makeImage: Tom Weller/dpa/picture alliance
Nico Schlotterbeck — Despite starting both games and clearly being one half of the favored central defensive pairing with Jonathan Tah, the Dortmund defender struggled. He was sloppy in Switzerland, twice making mistakes in the build-up play that proved costly. In Stuttgart he was a bit more stable, but still looked a little out of sorts at times. He will travel and will likely start, but this might have given Nagelsmann food for thought over the recent decision to make Antonio Rüdiger a back-up.
Nick Woltemade The plan was for the Newcastle striker to gain some confidence this break after enduring a tricky spell in England. Nagelsmann even spoke about how it made more sense to play a striker needing a boost rather than one in form (Deniz Undav). Sadly, the 24-year-old wasn’t able to make the most of it. In Switzerland, he did little with his 20 minutes off the bench other than head his one chance wide. In Stuttgart, he played almost 80 minutes but still couldn’t get on the scoresheet, missing a glorious chance in the first half and then hitting the bar in the second. He will almost certainly be in squad come May, but until then he needs to rediscover his form.
Oct 29, 2000; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter (80) runs a route during game action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, showcasing his precise route-running and reliable hands in a matchup that highlighted his Hall of Fame-caliber consistency. Mandatory Credit: Paul Chapman-USA TODAY Sports
About three months ago, the Houston Texans walloped the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wildcard Round of the postseason, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision about returning to Pittsburgh or retiring. According to former Minnesota Vikings wideout and Hall of Famer Cris Carter, that’s selfish and weird.
Rodgers’ drawn-out timeline keeps pulling fresh reactions from former NFL voices.
Carter teed off on Rodgers this week, speaking to the Fully Loaded podcast.
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Carter Zeroes In on the Odd Rhythm of Rodgers’ Offseason
Will Rodgers eventually return to the Steelers? If so, when?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs onto the field during pregame introductions at Acrisure Stadium, with Nov 16, 2025 capturing the atmosphere as fans filled the stands ahead of a divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, highlighting the anticipation and energy surrounding the veteran quarterback before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Carter on Rodgers
Carter discussed an array of topics on the show, even opining on CTE, a condition deemed “fake” by New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo.
On Rodgers, Carter opined, “You know he wants to play, but he just didn’t want to make up his mind. You need some time away from the game. It’s been a couple months from the Super Bowl. Now’s that time, before the draft, the minicamps. They’re an average team in the league. Aaron Rodgers is like a lot of these quarterbacks when they get to this stage.”
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“They’re so … so selfish. They never want to be called that, but they’re so selfish, and they’re so self-centered. Aaron Rodgers wants to play. He’s got one place that he can play. That’s in Pittsburgh, the place he played in last year, that happens to have his ex-coach.”
One might argue that sums up the general public’s sentiment regarding Rodgers’s bizarre waiting game.
This Is How It Always Goes for Rodgers
Since the 2021 offseason, Rodgers has done this annually, teasing his employer about his intentions, whether to stick around, retire, or ask for a ticket out of town. This go-round, Rodgers is holding the Steelers hostage, waiting at least three months before making his decision.
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He’s the only quarterback who currently does this. Before Rodgers, Hall of Famer Brett Favre did the same thing, creating a suspense thriller about his offseason outcome, dating back to the early 2000s in Green Bay and proceeding for about a decade — every offseason.
All other quarterbacks throughout NFL history either return or retire, but Rodgers and Favre prefer drama to the max. In fact, last summer, Rodgers declared that 2025 would probably be his last. The season came and went, and after this team stunk up the playoffs, he claimed it was way too early to make an emotional decision.
He must be feeling emotional three months later because nothing has happened on the Rodgers cliffhanger front.
The Current Rumor Mill
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Most believe that because Rodgers has not retired, he’ll return for one more run in Pittsburgh, mainly because he would’ve retired by now.
The Athletic’s Mike Silver said about the situation this week: “I think time has kind of made them feel like ‘hey, that was a pretty good thing. We’ve been through a lot.’ And so Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have been talking about this.”
“I think the Steelers organizationally are reasonably upbeat about the possibility of Aaron coming back and playing another season. They still don’t really have a great option for 2026 if Aaron says no or if he says, ‘You know what, I need a few more months.’ Cautious optimism in the building that Aaron Rodgers will come back.”
Betting markets suggest there’s about an 85% chance that Rodgers will return for Year No. 22.
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Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter speaks during the Winged Foot Scholarship Foundation’s 34th annual banquet, with May 15, 2023 in Naples, Florida marking the event at Naples Grande Beach Resort as attendees gathered to hear from the former Vikings star and keynote speaker. Mandatory Credit: Ed Reed-Naples Daily News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Steeler writer Tyler Maher added this week, “It’s April, and the NFL Draft is only two weeks away, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have a starting quarterback for next season. It sounds like they’re expecting it to be Aaron Rodgers, who is still debating whether he wants to return, retire or play elsewhere after spending 2025 with the Steelers.”
“That said, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a good backup plan in place if Rodgers doesn’t return, as Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the only quarterbacks on the Steelers’ roster at the moment. The Steelers have done a good job improving their roster this offseason, so time will tell.”
Rodgers’ Performance in 2025
In 2025, Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards with the Steelers, despite their conservative, run-heavy offensive scheme. He completed 65.7% of his passes, throwing 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions.
However, while his traditional statistics appeared strong, his efficiency metrics suggested a different story. Rodgers ranked around 19th in the league in EPA+CPOE, putting him in a similar tier to players like Jacoby Brissett and rookie Tyler Shough.
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Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland, IRL; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) gestures after converting a first down during second-half action against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, reacting to the moment as part of an NFL International Series game played overseas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2025 version of Rodgers was reliable, but he lacked the game-changing talent that defined his MVP seasons of 2020 and 2021.
Normally, one would surmise something to the effect of “Rodgers will likely notify the team of his plan before the draft on April 23rd,” but this is Rodgers, so all bets are off.
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