Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have a history of success with fillies at Canterbury’s mid-June race meetings, and on Wednesday, they introduced another promising youngster who appears destined for greater achievements.

Demerzel secured her maiden victory at her second career start in the $60,000 event contested over 1250 metres. This marked the first of three wins for the day for the Waterhouse and Bott stable.

The Tulloch Lodge trainers achieved a similar win three years prior with Tropical Squall, who subsequently triumphed in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) and Surround Stakes (1400m) as a three-year-old.

While Bott refrained from directly comparing Demerzel to Tropical Squall, he expressed confidence that the daughter of Ole Kirk is also on track for more significant races over longer distances than her Wednesday assignment.

A classy win to Demerzel at Canterbury! ⭐️@clarkyhk @GaiWaterhouse1 @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/IIXRQCbatq

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 17, 2026

“She’s very professional and put them away nicely,” Bott said.

“I think the improvement’s really going to come when we can see her get over a bit further.

“I think over 1400 (or) 1600 metres as a three-year-old, we’re really going to see her be very effective.”

Demerzel, a $550,000 Inglis Easter yearling purchase and the comfortable $3.40 favourite, led from start to finish, winning by 1-3/4 lengths. Consulate ($3.90) secured second place, finishing a nose ahead of Woodenbridge ($3.90).

Tim Clark was the jockey for Wednesday’s victory, which followed a fourth-place debut over 1100m under Rachel King. Clark shares Bott’s assessment of the filly’s potential.

“For her to do what she did at 1100 the other day, it was a really good run, and then she obviously improved once she got out in trip a little bit,” Clark said.

“But I think her future lies when she gets out over a little bit further, she’s going to be a really nice filly.”

Demerzel was not the sole winner for Clark riding for Waterhouse and Bott; the imported galloper Mo Chroi also made a successful Australian debut, showing potential to progress through the grades.

The four-year-old son of Galiway, who arrived in Australia after two starts in Ireland yielding a win and a third, settled just off the pace but finished strongly along the inside rail in the home straight to win by 1-1/4 lengths in the 1550m BM72 event.

Waterhouse and Bott’s third winner was Think I Will, who triumphed in the 1900m BM72 race with Siena Grima in the saddle.

Check out the latest online bookmakers for competitive racing odds.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings celebrate after beating TNT Tropang 5G and winning the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Scottie Thompson, as he has done for most of his PBA career, answered the challenge for Barangay Ginebra in the final showdown for the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

And with Justin Brownlee coming through with another master class that solidified his spot in the pantheon of imports.

Thompson came through in the second half and the Gin Kings outlasted the TNT Tropang 5G, 88-76, in a deciding seventh game before a crowd of 24,617 at Mall of Asia Arena to end its three-year chase for a championship.

“This is the most difficult championship we ever had,” Thompson said.

Bouncing back from his struggles in the past three games, Thompson posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals to help Ginebra win its first title since the 2022-2023 edition of the same tournament.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson is named Finals MVP after helping Ginebra win the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

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The next eight conferences produced no titles for Ginebra, but Brownlee and Thompson weren’t about to let that spell continue.

Brownlee put up 30 points, 14 rebounds and five assists to become the winningest PBA import with seven, breaking his tie with Ginebra coach Tim Cone’s former ward at Alaska in Sean Chambers.

“Everybody was saying that we couldn’t win because Justin was too short and too old,” Cone said. “But Justin proved once again that he is the greatest of all time among imports.”

Thompson’s eighth title of his career came with a bonus as he was named PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player, taking home the Ramon Fernandez Trophy.

He is the second player to secure the recently christened trophy given by PBA beat reporters after June Mar Fajardo, who won the Fernandez trophy last February when San Miguel Beer captured the Philippine Cup.

During the series in which Ginebra had to fight its way to the franchise’s 16th title, Thompson averaged 10.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals.

Thompson and Brownlee were both emotional at the end of the game.

“This is the most emotional Finals MVP win of mine,” Thompson said, his voice cracking after receiving the trophy.

Brownlee, too, cracked up after the game.

“It means everything,” he said before pausing and wiping tears. “Ten years ago, I’d never thought I’d be playing at 38 years old and win championships. But these fans give me the energy to play for them, play for my family.”

Ginebra returned to the PBA mountain top after its last crown was secured in January 2023, defeating foreign guest team Bay Area before a record attendance of over 54,000 at Philippine Arena.

Allianz Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 16 NRL game between Sydney Roosters and
Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 6:15 pm with Sydney Roosters heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Roosters vs.
Cronulla Sharks
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday June 21, 2026 at 6:15 pm

Where: Allianz Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

The final game of the round sees the Roosters host Cronulla in a contest that could prove pivotal in the battle for a top-eight position. Sydney has shown it can match the competition’s best through the middle of the field, but discipline and execution have too often undermined its performances. The arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans was designed to provide leadership during the demanding Origin period, and the veteran playmaker will be eager to guide the Roosters back to winning ways. Cronulla enters the clash with confidence after enjoying strong contributions from a healthy backline and remains one of the more consistent attacking teams in the competition. With both sides chasing valuable competition points, a close and entertaining contest is expected at Allianz Stadium.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) had a few more shakeups to its talent and personnel roster on Wednesday.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of TNA, announced that it had parted ways with pro wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer and former TNA world champion Tessa Blanchard in a press release. Fox News Digital confirmed Blanchard’s departure on Tuesday.

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Tommy Dreamer speaks during the SiriusXM Busted Open Wrestlemania party at Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas on April 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

“TNA Wrestling today announced a workforce reduction, designed to streamline operations and sharpen strategic focus and profitability,” the organization said.

“TNA’s creative leadership team will see an immediate shift. Tommy Dreamer, who has worked in TNA’s Creative and Talent Relations Departments, is leaving the company as TNA and Dreamer mutually agreed to part ways.

“TNA Wrestling also has come to terms on the release of Tessa Blanchard.

“We wish Tessa, Tommy and others the best in their future endeavors.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tessa Blanchard participates in the U.S. vs. Canada Border Brawl in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on May 25, 2025. (Robert Okine/Getty Images for Zone-ify)

Dreamer announced his departure in an emotional interview on Busted Open Radio earlier Wednesday.

Additionally, pro wrestler Sami Callihan announced he had parted ways with the company.

“Thought I was getting called today to be offered a position in creative… nope. I’ve parted ways with TNA.  Oh well… onward to the next adventure,” he wrote on X while encouraging fans to watch Pro Wrestling Revolver.

Dreamer, Blanchard and Callihan’s departures are the latest to hit the company.

KC Navarro and Tommy Dreamer pose for a photo before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., on May 13, 2026. (Don Collier/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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TNA announced Steve Maclin and Myla Grace departed the promotion earlier this month.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos wants to appeal midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match ban for a red card at the World Cup, citing Lionel Messi in his reasoning.

Zwane was given one of the three red cards in the opening game of the World Cup on Thursday, when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.

Speaking Wednesday, Broos noted Messi avoided punishment for what appeared to be a foul in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday as evidence of what he believes was an unfair sanction by the FIFA disciplinary committee.

Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute in Mexico City for hitting Roberto Alvarado in the face. Standard punishment is a one-match suspension, but FIFA said Wednesday it had increased the sanction because it was deemed serious foul play. 

The suspension means Zwane would not be able to play again until the round of 16 if South Africa advances that far.

“I think the, the red card, is too severe. I saw back the situation where Themba got the red card. I don’t think it was a red card,” Broos said. “When I see what happened yesterday with Messi, then I don’t agree.” 
Slow motion replays showed Messi’s studs catch Algeria captain Aissa Mandi’s on the calf in Argentina’s win, but it went unpunished. Messi ended up scoring a hat trick in the match.

Zwane was sent off after his challenge went to a video review.

“I think there was not even a VAR with Messi,” Broos said. “I don’t want Messi to get a red card because that player has to be on the pitch and you, you saw yesterday what a wonderful player he is. But, yeah, what is the difference here?” 
South Africa plays the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. A loss for either team would move them closer to elimination.

FILE–Philippines’ Alexandra Eala in action. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala crosses paths with World No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16 of the Berlin Open on Thursday.

Match time is set for no earlier than 11:30 p.m. (Manila time).

It will be Eala’s second meeting with Rybakina this year after their clash in the Italian Open last month.

Eala, currently ranked No. 35 in the WTA rankings, lost to Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, 6-4, 6-3, on the clay courts of Rome.

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina hits a return to Philippine’s Alexandra Eala during their women’s singles match at the WTA Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)

This time, Eala and Rybakina will square off on grass, where the Filipin tennis star has enjoyed a strong run in recent weeks.

Eala opened her Berlin Open campaign with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Donna Vekic on Wednesday.

She also captured the WTA 125 Birmingham Open title earlier this month to kick off her grass-court season.

The Berlin Open marks another key stop in Eala’s preparations for Wimbledon, which runs from June 29 to July 12.

Devin Haney and Keyshawn Davis continue to be linked to a welterweight showdown, and three-division world champion Shane Mosley has now offered his prediction for the proposed bout.

Haney became the WBO welterweight world champion when he dethroned Brian Norman Jr back in November, whilst Davis called for a shot at Haney’s belt following a super-lightweight victory over Jamaine Ortiz in January.

Earlier this month, following another Davis win down at 140lbs, ‘The Businessman’ formally announced a move up to welterweight, and has since been installed as the WBO’s mandatory challenger.

Mosley told MillCity Boxing that he can envisage the champion losing his belt to Davis.

“I think that is going to be a really good fight too because if Keyshawn does what Ryan [Garcia] did and can jump on him, Keyshawn has got that power and stuff. Yeah, he might get things in, but he has got to be watch out though, Keyshawn can’t just think that he can run in there and do whatever because there is going to be a receipt to that.

“Devin does have a little pop; he has got a little speed and a little pop, but he doesn’t like to get hit so if you can make it uncomfortable for him, then you can go in there and rough him up and beat him. 

“I like Keyshawn Davis, I like him to probably edge it out and to do what he do, but he has got to keep that chin tucked and he has got to be careful.

“He can’t go in there and think that Devin doesn’t hit hard and that he is going to run. You can’t go in there with an attitude, he is a real threat.”

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Mosley then went on to share his frustration at the time taken for Haney to defend his belt, telling him, as well as Davis and Shakur Stevenson, that they need to fight one another as soon as possible.

“Keyshawn, Devin and Shakur, they all need to fight and fight now!”

The WBO have contaced the teams of both Haney and Davis to notify them that Haney’s mandatory title defence is due in August, with Haney set to be stripped of his world title if he refuses to take on the Norfolk contender.

If Bukayo Saka features against Croatia on Wednesday, he will win his 50th Three Lions cap at the age of 24 years and 285 days. He would become just the fourth England men’s player to reach the landmark before turning 25, as per England Football stats.

Saka would join Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling as the only England players to earn 50 caps before their 25th birthday. Only Rooney, Owen and Sterling reached the milestone at a younger age.

Portugal failed to break down a courageous and well-organised DR Congo on Wednesday despite overwhelming dominance.

The Seleçao made a blistering start in Houston, with João Neves rising highest from a lofted pass by Pedro Neto in the sixth minute to head past goalkeeper Mpasi Nzau. Portugal, led by a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, controlled possession from the outset and imposed a suffocating midfield fuelled by PSG talent that dictated play.

Their approach was tactical: they constantly ran the Congolese defenders ragged, using their technical superiority to create space and tire opponents in preparation for late opportunities. The Portuguese dominated with about 75% possession, displaying some of the tournament’s most flowing football.

Watch moreWorld Cup 2026: France and Kylian Mbappé off to flying start

DR Congo showed early promise when Wissa sent a header inches wide of the left post in the 11th minute after receiving a pinpoint cross, and Bakambu’s mid-range strike was blocked by the Portuguese defence moments later. But Portugal’s grip on the game was suffocating as the team played with an aesthetic quality that set them apart from the competition.

Les Léopards’ vulnerabilities lay in their transition play. Their passes rarely reached the attacking duo with rhythm or incisiveness. Bakambu and Wissa found themselves under constant pressure from Portugal’s defensive lines, which compressed space and neutralised their threat. Yet the African underdogs remained dangerous, and Wissa broke Portuguese resistance with a magnificent header in the 45th minute of added time.

Chances squandered in closing stages

Portugal’s second-half adjustments saw Francisco Conceição replace Bernardo Silva at half-time, followed by the introductions of Rafael Leão for Pedro Neto and Nelson Semedo for Nuno Mendes in the 72nd minute. Mendes had picked up a knock in the 59th minute.

Ronaldo squandered a golden opportunity in the 69th minute when his shot crept just past the right post after controlling a pass inside the box in a moment that could have changed the match. A VAR review denied Cancelo a goal for offside in the 55th minute. In the 74th minute, Ronaldo received a sweet pass, but his effort was blocked by the Congolese defence. 

Watch moreMessi becomes joint World Cup all-time scorer with hat trick against Algeria

In the closing stages, Portugal desperately pressed for a winner. Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close in the 90+1st minute, finding himself unmarked at the edge of the box after receiving a cross, but his attempt sailed just wide of the right post. 

The draw leaves both teams with work to do. Both sides now face challenges in a competitive Group K that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.