India’s recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma squandered a promising 3-1 lead to miss out on the bronze medal, losing 3-5 to Italy at the Archery World Cup Stage 4, here on Sunday.

For Dhiraj, the Antalya World Cup champion, it was a disappointing end to the campaign as he returned empty-handed from Madrid despite having won the recurve mixed team gold with Kumkum Mohod in the third stage last month.

India also ended their campaign individual section with Kirti losing both her semifinal and bronze playoff as the recurve archers returned empty-handed, ending their overall campaign with two medals (one silver and one bronze).

Both the medals had come in the compound section on Saturday with the women’s team winning the silver, while Prithika Pradeep bagged bronze.

Kirti was the lone Indian in fray in the women’s recurve individual section and the 19-year-old, who made her World Cup debut at Antalya last month, needed just a win for her maiden medal in this competition.

But she lost to Elif Gokkir of Turkey 3-7 (28-28, 26-28, 26-28, 29-28, 27-28) in a gruelling five-setter.

Up against Korean Oh Yejin in the bronze playoff, Kirti lost 1-7 (27-29, 28-30, 29-29, 28-30).

In the recurve mixed event in the morning session, Dhiraj and Kirti, who were competing together for the first time, began steadily, sharing the opening set 38-38.

They maintained their consistency in the second set, dropping just two points for a score of 38, while the Italian duo of Roberta Di Francesco and Matteo Borsani managed 37, allowing the Indians to take a 3-1 lead.

However, the momentum shifted in the third set as India shot an 8 and a 9, finishing with 37.

The Italians raised their game, dropping just one point for a near-perfect 39 to level the contest at 3-3.

In the decisive fourth set, Di Francesco and Borsani were flawless, shooting four 10s for a perfect 40.

India could muster only 37, conceding the set and the bronze medal with a 3-5 defeat.

It is showpiece time for hurling, and few finals could carry more intrigue than Galway against Limerick at Croke Park.

Limerick return to the biggest stage seeking a 13th All-Ireland title and another addition to one of the most successful periods in the county’s history. Galway, meanwhile, are attempting to win the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a sixth time and end a wait stretching back to their famous 2017 triumph.

The counties have not met in an All-Ireland final since 2018. On that occasion, Limerick survived a dramatic late Galway comeback to win by a single point, 3-16 to 2-18, and secure their first title since 1973.

That victory helped launch the John Kiely era. Limerick subsequently lifted the trophy in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, establishing themselves as the dominant force in modern hurling.

Galway now arrive as Leinster champions, having produced two enormous knockout performances against Dublin and Cork. Micheál Donoghue’s team have scored heavily throughout the championship and possess the attacking power to seriously test Limerick’s defence.

Limerick will begin as favourites, but this is not a Galway side arriving simply to take part. They have won six of their seven championship matches, scored 17 goals and beaten Kilkenny, Wexford, Dublin and Cork along the way.

How Galway Reached the All-Ireland Final

Galway’s championship began with an impressive 3-25 to 1-16 victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster round-robin series. It was an early statement from Donoghue’s side and demonstrated the attacking depth that would become one of the defining features of their season.

They followed that by defeating Offaly 2-26 to 1-18 before recording a 4-22 to 1-22 victory over Kildare. Three matches, three wins and nine goals represented a powerful start.

Their only defeat came against Dublin. Galway failed to score a goal for the only time in the championship and were beaten 3-16 to 0-21. That result exposed some defensive vulnerability, but their reaction was emphatic.

Galway defeated Wexford 2-31 to 3-20 in another high-scoring contest to secure their place in the Leinster final. They then produced one of their best performances of the year, beating Dublin 4-29 to 4-15 in the provincial decider.

The 14-point winning margin did not tell the complete story of an extraordinary contest in which eight goals were scored. However, it did underline Galway’s ability to punish opponents when their forwards find space.

Galway carried that momentum into the All-Ireland semi-final and defeated Cork 2-26 to 1-18. After Cork had impressed throughout the Munster Championship, Galway’s 11-point victory represented another significant statement.

Galway’s championship record: Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1.

How Limerick Reached the All-Ireland Final

Limerick’s championship campaign began with defeat as Cork edged them 2-22 to 1-23 in the Munster round robin. Losing their opening game immediately placed pressure on the Treaty County, but the response was ruthless.

They defeated Clare 2-30 to 1-18 before overcoming Waterford 2-29 to 2-20. Limerick then produced a devastating display against Tipperary, winning 5-27 to 0-25.

That three-match sequence restored Limerick’s momentum and secured their place in the Munster final, where they met Cork for a second time.

The provincial decider was far tighter. Limerick won 1-21 to 2-17, overturning their earlier defeat and claiming another Munster title by the smallest possible margin.

They faced Clare again in the All-Ireland semi-final and were forced to dig deep. Limerick eventually prevailed 1-21 to 1-19, surviving an intense contest to book their return to Croke Park.

While Galway’s knockout victories have been convincing, Limerick have shown a different strength: the ability to win tight championship matches when the pressure is at its highest.

Limerick’s championship record: Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1.

Championship Head-to-Head

This will be the 17th championship meeting between Galway and Limerick.

Limerick have won 11 of the previous 16 meetings, Galway have won four and there has been one draw. Galway’s most recent championship victory in the fixture came in the 2005 All-Ireland qualifiers.

Limerick have won each of the four championship meetings since then, including the 2018 All-Ireland final and semi-final victories in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

Last Five Championship Meetings

Limerick also defeated Galway in this year’s Allianz Hurling League, winning 2-27 to 0-31 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Previous All-Ireland Final Meetings

This will be the fourth time Galway and Limerick have faced each other in an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

Galway’s Goal Threat

Galway’s most striking championship statistic is their goal return.

They have scored 17 goals in seven games, an average of more than two goals per match. The only game in which Galway failed to raise a green flag was the defeat to Dublin, which was also the only match they lost.

They have scored four goals in three separate championship matches: against Kildare, Dublin in the Leinster final and during their high-scoring provincial campaign. Their 17-goal total means Limerick cannot afford to give Galway’s forwards repeated opportunities close to goal.

However, Galway have also conceded 14 goals. Dublin scored three against them during the round robin and four in the Leinster final, while Wexford also found the net three times.

That creates the central question surrounding Galway: can they maintain their attacking output while preventing Limerick from exploiting the defensive openings that other teams have found?

Limerick’s Defensive Edge

Limerick have scored 12 goals in six championship games and conceded eight. Their goal-scoring total is lower than Galway’s, but they have allowed six fewer goals.

Their attack remains capable of devastating an opponent, as demonstrated by the five goals scored against Tipperary. Yet Limerick’s greatest advantage may be the balance between their attack and defence.

They are comfortable winning in different ways. They can overwhelm teams with scores, but they can also survive matches decided by one or two points. Their Munster final win over Cork and semi-final victory against Clare provide recent evidence of that composure.

Championship Experience

Both teams contain a core of players with extensive championship experience.

For Limerick, goalkeeper Nickie Quaid is the county’s most experienced current championship player, with 79 appearances since making his debut in 2010. Tom Morrissey has played 59 times, Gearóid Hegarty 58, Diarmaid Byrnes 57 and Cian Lynch 56.

Galway can counter with a hugely experienced group of their own. Conor Cooney has made 72 championship appearances since his debut in 2012. Pádraig Mannion and Daithí Burke have both played 70 times, Cathal Mannion has 69 appearances and Conor Whelan has 66.

The Managers

John Kiely – Limerick

John Kiely is in his tenth season as Limerick manager. His record already places him among the most successful managers in the history of the game.

He guided Limerick to All-Ireland titles in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Under Kiely, Limerick developed a powerful running game, extraordinary work-rate and the ability to control matches through physical strength and relentless scoring.

His team have also repeatedly demonstrated that they can recover from setbacks. Their opening championship defeat to Cork did not derail their season, and Limerick later gained revenge in the Munster final.

Micheál Donoghue – Galway

Micheál Donoghue is in the second season of his second spell as Galway manager. His first term ran from 2016 to 2019 and included the county’s 2017 All-Ireland triumph.

Donoghue later managed Dublin in 2023 and 2024 before returning to Galway. His side have played with greater attacking freedom this year and have scored 10 goals across their Leinster final and All-Ireland semi-final victories.

A Galway win would make Donoghue an All-Ireland-winning manager with the county in two separate spells.

Why Galway Can Win

1. Their goal threat: Galway have scored 17 championship goals and have multiple forwards capable of turning half-chances into decisive scores.

2. Their knockout form: Galway defeated Dublin by 14 points in the Leinster final and Cork by 11 points in the All-Ireland semi-final. Those were not narrow escapes; they were commanding victories.

3. Their experience: Donoghue can call upon a group of players who have been operating at the highest level for more than a decade.

4. Their motivation: Several Galway players were involved in the painful one-point defeat to Limerick in the 2018 final. This represents a rare opportunity to reverse that result.

5. Their ability to build big totals: Galway have scored 29 points or more in three championship games and have the firepower to remain in contention even if Limerick begin strongly.

Why Limerick Can Win

1. Their All-Ireland final experience: Many of Limerick’s leading players have already won five senior All-Ireland medals.

2. Their record against Galway: Limerick have won the last four championship meetings between the counties.

3. Their defence: They have conceded only eight goals in six championship matches, compared with Galway’s 14 in seven games.

4. Their ability to win close games: Limerick defeated Cork by one point in the Munster final and Clare by two in the All-Ireland semi-final.

5. Their midfield and half-forward power: When Limerick impose themselves physically and begin winning puck-outs and breaking ball, they can control long periods of a match.

Three Key Battles

1. Galway’s full-forward line against the Limerick full-back line

Galway’s best route to victory may be through goals. They must create one-on-one opportunities and prevent Limerick from setting their defensive shape. Galway have shown that once they begin finding the net, they can overwhelm teams quickly.

2. The battle for puck-outs

Limerick have built much of their success around their ability to retain possession, compete for breaking ball and turn opposition puck-outs into scoring opportunities. Galway must avoid periods where Limerick dominate the middle third and pin them inside their own half.

3. The final quarter

Limerick’s experience becomes especially valuable in the final 15 minutes of major championship matches. Galway may need to establish a lead before that stage rather than relying on a late chase against a team so comfortable in tight finishes.

Betting Odds

Limerick are strong favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The available match odds apply to the result after 70 minutes.

The prices reflect Limerick’s championship record against Galway, their success under Kiely and their experience of winning All-Ireland finals.

However, Galway at 5/2 will appeal to those who believe their recent attacking form can expose the champions. The draw at 8/1 may also interest punters given the counties’ one-point final in 2018 and Limerick’s narrow wins over Cork and Clare.

Betting odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

RTÉ Man of the Match Betting

Gearóid Hegarty heads the market at 6/1. His size, aerial ability and scoring threat make him an obvious candidate if Limerick control the middle third.

Aaron Gillane is available at 8/1 and is likely to feature prominently if Limerick create enough possession close to the Galway goal. Cian Lynch, one of the outstanding players of his generation, is priced at 9/1.

For Galway, Cathal Mannion is available at 12/1. Given his ability to influence matches through scoring, movement and distribution, he could represent one of the more interesting Galway options.

What Victory Would Mean for Galway

A Galway victory would deliver the county’s sixth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and their first since 2017.

It would also be the first time since Galway’s 2017 success that the Leinster champions went on to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

The final is only the third occasion in ten years that the Munster and Leinster champions have met in the decider. The previous two came in 2022 and 2023, when Limerick defeated Kilkenny on both occasions.

Galway therefore have the opportunity to end two significant sequences: Limerick’s run of championship victories against them and the recent failure of Leinster champions to win the All-Ireland title.

What Victory Would Mean for Limerick

Limerick are attempting to win their 13th All-Ireland title and a sixth under John Kiely.

Another victory would strengthen the standing of this group among hurling’s greatest teams. It would also underline their ability to recover after failing to win the championship in the previous two seasons.

For players such as Quaid, Hegarty, Lynch, Morrissey and Byrnes, another medal would add to an already extraordinary collection.

SportsNewsIreland Prediction

This final presents a fascinating contrast.

Galway arrive with the more explosive attacking numbers. They have scored five more goals than Limerick and produced dominant knockout victories over Dublin and Cork. When Galway create momentum, they can score heavily in a very short period.

Limerick, however, possess the stronger recent head-to-head record, the better defensive figures and vastly more experience of winning All-Ireland finals together.

Galway may need at least two goals to win. If they are forced into a point-scoring contest without troubling the Limerick goal, the Treaty County’s physical power and ability to control possession could become decisive.

Limerick’s price of 4/9 is short, and Galway have shown enough this summer to suggest this will be far more competitive than those odds indicate.

Galway’s goal threat gives them a genuine chance of causing an upset, but Limerick’s experience, defensive record and proven composure in close championship matches may just carry them over the line.

Everything points towards a compelling final. Galway are seeking to reclaim their place at the top of the hurling world. Limerick are attempting to add another chapter to a remarkable era.

One cup. Two counties. Seventy minutes to decide where Liam MacCarthy is headed.

Young riders Siena Grima and Braith Nock are locked in an intense battle for the Sydney apprentices premiership, with the competition heating up at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Nock has held the lead for a significant portion of the season, but Grima has recently surged forward. Her impressive treble at Royal Randwick last Saturday, guiding Tazima, Perfect Justice, and Benevac to victory, has elevated her to 33 wins, establishing a three-win lead with only five meetings remaining.

Grima enjoys the support of the leading Chris Waller stable, which has provided her with four rides at the mid-week fixture. These include Aurora Boom ($7) in the opening event, the Racing And Sports Plate (1100m).

Her other mounts for the Waller stable are Leonessa ($19) in the Robrick Lodge Plate (1100m), Snitzel Miss ($10) in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1400m), and Full Hao ($10) in the Ole Kirk At Vinery Stud Handicap (1600m).

Grima is also scheduled to ride Dusty Bay ($5) for trainer Tracey Bartley in the TAB Handicap (1400m). She will also partner Stormland ($9.50) from Ciaron Maher’s stable in the Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1100m) and Brannum ($71), trained by Theresa Bateup, in the Agency Real Estate Handicap (1600m).

Grima is in contention to become only the fourth female apprentice to claim the Sydney premiership, following the achievements of Rachel King (2017/18), Winona Costin (2014-15), and Kathy O’Hara (2004-05).

Nock, however, is keen to reignite his title defence with six rides at Warwick Farm, each representing a different trainer. His most promising contenders are likely to be Deep Pleasure ($6), prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior, in the Ole Kirk At Vinery Stud Handicap, and Let’s Go Again ($7.50) for the Kerry Parker stable in the Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap.

Nock’s other engagements include Divine Offering ($21) for Peter Snowden in the Racing And Sports Plate, Gone To Gowings ($23) from the Clarry Conners stable in the Robrick Lodge Plate, the Joel Wilkes-trained Danish Fortune ($13) in the Agency Real Estate Handicap, and Voracious, trained by Mack Griffith, in the TAB Handicap.

Nock is aiming to join an exclusive club of jockeys who have won multiple Sydney apprentice premierships in this century.

The history books show Zac Lloyd secured successive Sydney titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Robbie Dolan achieved the same in 2018-19 and 2019-20, while Sam Clipperton won back-to-back premierships in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Mitch Newman claimed his second title in 2000-01, following an earlier win in 1998-99.

Meanwhile, Chris Waller, who has already amassed 176 wins this season, is also chasing a record at the Warwick Farm meeting.

The Hall of Fame trainer requires an additional 13 victories to match his personal best for the most Sydney wins in a season, a mark of 189 winners he achieved in 2017-18.

Waller has runners in five races on Wednesday, including Saloon Passage, who is the $3 favourite for the Asahi Super Dry Handicap.

The Ole Kirk At Vinery Stud Handicap presents an interesting betting opportunity, with many looking to secure the best racing odds.

(L-R) England’s forward #19 Ollie Watkins, midfielder #17 Morgan Rogers, midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham,forward #09 Harry Kane, defender #15 Dan Burn, goalkeeper #13 Dean Henderson, goalkeeper #01 Jordan Pickford, forward #18 Anthony Gordon and forward #11 Marcus Rashford celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 11, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

England is bidding to end Lionel Messi’s dream of winning back-to-back World Cups and reach its first final in six decades as it renews their old rivalry with holders Argentina on Wednesday in a seismic semifinal showdown.

An England team which has been dragged to this stage by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham takes on Messi’s Argentina under the roof of the spectacular arena in Atlanta, already the scene of a memorable victory by the defending champions at this tournament.

It is the first competitive meeting of the sides since the 2002 World Cup and the fixture conjures so many memories, from Diego Maradona and the ‘Hand of God’ in 1986, to David Beckham’s red card after tangling with Diego Simeone in 1998, while also thrusting the lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands back into the spotlight.

READ: ‘VAR-gentina?’: Conspiracy theories swirl ahead of World Cup semis

“The message is this is a football game. That’s what I can say,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after his team’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland.

There is more than enough to focus on in purely footballing terms, with England one win from a first appearance in the World Cup final since they lifted the trophy in 1966.

Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to reach a third final in four World Cups, and in doing so remain on course to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

“This squad does not get tired of making history. They keep wanting more,” said Messi after the Switzerland game.

“It is not easy to have been world champions, to have won all that we have won, and to once again keep competing at this level and be back in the semifinals.”

READ: World Cup gets set for blockbuster semifinals

Remarkably, the semifinal is also the first time Messi has ever played against England.

Epic feel

Neither team has enjoyed a smooth passage to this stage.

Argentina cruised through the group phase, but the knockout rounds have been frenetic for the team coached by Scaloni, the one-time West Ham United full-back.

Twice they were pegged back before beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. Then they needed a late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta, before requiring extra time to sink 10-man Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday.

That game ended Messi’s streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup outings, but extended the Albiceleste’s unbeaten run at the finals to 12 matches since losing to Saudi Arabia in 2022.

England began with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia but have struggled to hit the same heights since, even if their run in the knockout rounds has had an epic feel to it.

READ: World Cup: Jude Bellingham lifts England past Haaland, Norway

They needed a late comeback, and two Harry Kane goals, to beat DR Congo 2-1, then held on with 10 men to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup classic in which Bellingham notched a brace.

The Real Madrid star also scored twice, including an extra-time winner, as England fought back to beat Norway 2-1 in Miami at the weekend.

And so here they are, in a fourth semi-final in the last five major tournaments.

“We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are. We can’t solely rely on (stopping) Messi,” England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said Monday.

“We’ve got to focus on their other strengths and the weaknesses we can take advantage of.”

Ageing lineup

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on July 11, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

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Argentina is an ageing side, and perhaps their exertions to reach this point will catch up with them–the average age of its starting line-up against Switzerland was over 30, while England’s against Norway was 26.6.

England has a doubt over Declan Rice, who has been struggling with illness, as it prepares to face Messi at last, right at the end of his glorious career.

“I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse, and it is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final,” said 39-year-old Messi.

The last meeting of the teams was a 3-2 friendly win for England in November 2005, when Michael Owen scored twice.

Messi was 18 at the time and had made his international debut three months earlier, but he did not play in that game.

J.J. McCarthy may turn into something memorable in quarterback-speak down the line, but his time with the Minnesota Vikings is over, according to Fox Sports‘ Colin Cowherd. The vociferously opinionated analyst has been low on McCarthy since the 2024 NFL Draft, and his comments last week were merely a continuation of that trend.

McCarthy will face Kyler Murray in a quarterback competition at the end of the month, with Cowherd claiming that duel is basically already over.

Vikings Still Control McCarthy’s Longer Timeline

Cowherd on McCarthy

Cowherd said on his show Friday, “They don’t want J.J. McCarthy to be a bust, but he’s a miss. That doesn’t mean he can’t go somewhere else and succeed. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold went elsewhere and found success, but the difference is the Vikings are a well-run organization with a great coach and a great defensive coordinator, and it’s not working.”

“Kyler Murray is going to work here. He’s not going to work as well as Sam Darnold because he’s not as good as Sam Darnold, but Kyler Murray is going to win the job because he’s going to own the locker room. The players think he’s more talented. J.J. McCarthy may flourish elsewhere, but when you go to a solid organization, and it doesn’t work after two or three years, it’s not going to work.”

At least Cowherd is high on Murray; it’s not all doomsday for the Vikings.

Cowherd continued, “This is not the Jets. Eventually, even if you have a rocky start, you find your way in this league pretty quickly. And I think with J.J. McCarthy, I’m not rooting against him.”

“I think he could find another organization, maybe like Arizona someday, but it’s not working because Minnesota is well run. Competition at quarterback in the NFL is nonsense. Nobody buys into that.”

The Discussion on McCarthy Is So Binary

For some Vikings fans, the ongoing quarterback competition has prematurely become a referendum on McCarthy’s career.

While losing the starting role to Murray would be a setback — particularly given McCarthy began last season as Minnesota’s starter — he would remain under contract with the Vikings for three more years, allowing time for development.

Murray’s current contract is for only one season, meaning Minnesota could be seeking another long-term solution as early as next spring. McCarthy could still fulfill that role. The Vikings drafted McCarthy based on his perceived long-term potential. A single disappointing summer would not negate that evaluation or preclude him from future opportunities.

McCarthy could spend the 2026 season as a backup and still emerge as Minnesota’s starter thereafter. Quarterback careers seldom follow a linear trajectory. Training camp will determine the immediate depth chart, not his entire NFL future. His summer is not a binary transaction.

Don’t Forget Murray’s Injury History

A sad fact: Murray has missed 26% of all career starts due to injury. He’s not a humongous guy, and with a small stature compared to his quarterback peers, he’s gotten hurt at an eyebrow-raising pace. Wouldn’t the Vikings want McCarthy and his upside around if Murray misses games due to injury? They absolutely know about his resume, and absences are a part of it.

If history repeats, Murray will miss a handful of games in 2026 — hopefully not many — and Minnesota will need an alternative. McCarthy may be perfect for the assignment, itching to prove he’s the right guy on the team that drafted him for the exact job in 2024.

Cowherd leaned into the “someday” aspect of McCarthy’s future. That part is likely true because the Vikings would be silly to discard him this soon.

Age on McCarthy’s Side

McCarthy is also young. He turned 23 in January. Some rookie quarterbacks are older than that.

Trey Lance, for example, received about three auditions in the regular season and training camp to prove his mettle. McCarthy is on chance No. 2. The book doesn’t have to be written on McCarthy just yet; it’s just that his first chapter has some pretty wild ups and downs.

If Cowherd were opining a 26-year-old who had been given a litany of chances and habitually squandered them, the narrative would be different. But the fact remains that McCarthy is only 23.

Mayfield, mentioned by Cowherd, didn’t revitalize his career in Tampa Bay until age 28. Darnold was 27 when he signed with the Vikings and got back on track in 2024. McCarthy’s parallel to these comparisons would be 2030 or 2031 — if you can believe it.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Christy Ann Perez and Christopher Te claimed the overall Sunrise Sprint titles with contrasting victories on Sunday in the Sun Life 5150 Bohol Triathlon, highlighting the country’s emerging triathlon talent.

Perez dominated the women’s 16-17 division from start to finish in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5 km run, clocking 1 hour, 17 minutes and 52 seconds. Isabel Reyes placed second in 1:44:12.

Te, meanwhile, survived a tight battle in the men’s 18-24 race, winning in 1:08:29 after holding off John Michael Lalimos (1:10:06) and Carron Cañas (1:12:59).

Their victories also secured the overall Sunrise Sprint crowns in the event, which serves as an entry-level race alongside the Olympic-distance Sun Life 5150 Bohol. Ines Santiago and Mervin Santiago won the centerpiece 5150 race, while national team standouts Erika Burgos and Dayshaun Ramos captured the Filipino Elite titles.

Host Team Bohol thrilled the hometown crowd in Panglao by winning the men’s relay in 2:00:15, beating Team Kuya J Multisport Team (2:05:58) and Team FerrumTri FLIQ1 (2:08:51).

Team Anselmos ruled the women’s relay in 2:27:52, finishing ahead of Team Kuya J Multisport Team (2:42:53) and Team BYD (2:52:48).

Team FerrumTri FLIQ1 topped the mixed relay in 2:24:15, followed by Team TriBohol (2:50:08) and Team TSG (2:55:59).

Other Sunrise Sprint age-group champions were Giro Don Rafael Gito (men’s 16-17), Cecille Mole (women’s 18-24), Justin Pabualan and Joanna Galeza (25-29), Philip Jurolan and Patricia Ann Cruz-Bautista (30-34), Alex Silverio and Mary Grace Torres (35-39), Haroun Calbe and Eugenie Neri (40-44), Indi Felisco and Mae Corona (45-49), Philip Tan Jr. and Nonie Calimbayan (50-54), and John Alcano and Leoniza Gusilatar (55-59).

In the Sunrise Sprint relay races, Team East PH Tri 1 won the men’s title, Team Aceledar topped the women’s division, and Team TriForReels captured the mixed relay crown.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts landed outside the top 10 ranking of quarterbacks in the NFL in a recent poll conducted by ESPN among the league’s coaches, scouts and executives. Despite his success in the NFL, including winning the Super Bowl, he only earned an honorable mention.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explained why Hurts wasn’t ranked among the top NFL quarterbacks via a phone call on “Midday With Marks” on Monday. While noting his respect for Hurts, the NFL insider highlights a perceived lack of “fear factor” compared to the league’s elite signal-callers.

“This is an exercise in fear,” Fowler said. “Fear in the NFL is currency. You fear your opponent. When you game plan against the Eagles’ offense, does Jalen Hurts keep you up at night? So, to be a top quarterback, you have to be number one on that scouting report.

“You play the Eagles, it’s Saquon Barkley in the running game, and then it’s probably or was A.J Brown. That is not to diminish Hurts. But he doesn’t have the same fear factor as the top guys do. I am a little surprised that he is as low as he is.”

The list, published in the early hours of Monday, had Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen as the top name on the list, followed by Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford. However, the exclusion of Jalen Hurts has sparked significant debate around quarterback evaluation across the NFL world.

Jeremy Fowler highlights what Jalen Hurts needs to do better

Surprised by the exclusion of Jalen Hurts from the top quarterback ranking, Jon Marks questioned Jeremy Fowler on what the Eagles signal-caller needs to do better in his game. The NFL insider pointed out the flaws in the quarterback’s game that got him excluded from the list.

“They want more quality passing, particularly over the middle of the field,” Fowler said. “Quick decision-making from the pocket … That’s really what they want. They feel like he struggles in that area.

“This is a very tough discussion because there’s a great deal of respect in the league for Jalen Hurts for his intangibles. He throws a great deep ball, and he does a lot of things well. … But in the simplest form, the Eagles were in the bottom third in passing offense the last two years.”

Hurts has repeatedly silenced doubters throughout his career, from overcoming criticism to delivering in the biggest moments. The ESPN quarterback poll has added fuel to the conversation around the Eagles quarterback, and the upcoming 2026 season is another opportunity to prove doubters wrong.