Strong Group-Pilipinas after a game in the 2026 Williams Jones Cup in Taiwan. –SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Strong Group-Pilipinas may have missed out on the 2026 William Jones Cup title, but the overwhelming support from Filipino and Taiwanese fans made the team feel like champions anyway.

The Philippine side finished with a 5-1 record in the group stage but was unable to advance to the semifinals because of the tournament’s new format.

After all the backlash and an apology from the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), Strong Group-Pilipinas ended up fifth after escaping Jordan, 96-91, on Friday.

Despite the circumstances, SGA chairman Frank Lao said he was more than proud of the squad for representing the country in the annual tournament.

“We may not have won the three-peat due to ‘circumstances’ we did not foresee, but the outpouring of support we received from both the Filipino and Taiwanese fans was more than enough for us. In the eyes of many, this team are the real champions, and that means a lot to us,” Lao said.

“Maraming salamat to everyone who stood by Strong Group throughout the past three years. Now, it’s time for us to reassess our program, learn from this experience, and make it stronger moving forward.”

Strong Group-Pilipinas campaign marked the end of its Jones Cup three-peat bid after winning the tournament in the past two years.

Jaja Santiago and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — The best of both worlds finally met as international volleyball star Jaja Santiago made her debut for 11-time champion Creamline in a 25-21, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Galeries Tower, saving the best for last in the PVL On Tour on Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.

Santiago made a rousing league homecoming, showing flashes of her old form against the young HighRisers as Creamline won its second preseason game, a month after its four-set victory over Nxled last July 8 in Ilagan, Isabela.

The Japan SV.League mainstay returned to the Philippines for the first time since the 2021 bubble tournament in Ilocos Norte, where she dominated her way to Conference MVP, Finals MVP and Best Middle Blocker honors while delivering Chery Tiggo its maiden pro crown after outlasting Creamline in three Finals games.

Santiago was also reunited with former national teammate Alyssa Valdez, with the two executing a combination play that saw the Filipino-Japanese player draw the blockers before Valdez finished with a cross-court kill to seal the second set.

Jaja Santiago-Alyssa Valdez combination play! We missed this duo!

END OF SET 1: Creamline 25, Galeries Tower 21 #PVLOnTour #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/nIGKQx9wSU

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

Before making her debut in the United States’ League One Volleyball, the former SV.League Best Blocker and champion signed with Creamline for the Invitationals starting Aug. 31.

Santiago will face defending champion PLDT, Nxled and Farm Fresh, as well as Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Galeries Tower finished the On Tour with one win in three games, beating Farm Fresh in its opening assignment in Batangas last July 11 before dropping back-to-back games against Nxled in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and Creamlin

Britain’s Josh Tarling finished third in the opening stage of the Vuelta a Espana – just eight days after his brother Finlay lost his life in a crash.

The 22-year-old Netcompany Ineos rider decided himself to take part in the three-week Grand Tour and was rewarded with a strong performance on a tight and technical course around the principality of Monaco.

Fin, 19, died in a high-speed collision with a van which had strayed on to the road during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal last Friday.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Tadej Pogacar, the overwhelming favourite for overall victory, won the stage by just nine hundredths of a second from another Briton, Ethan Hayter of Soudal-Quick Step.

Tarling was just four seconds down on Pogacar.

More to follow.

The NFL never shies away from loading up the opening week with must-see matchups, and the Week 1 NFL schedule is no different. From divisional battles like Chiefs vs. Broncos (+2.5) and Cowboys vs. Giants (+2.5) to Aaron Rodgers’ last ride in Steelers vs. Falcons (+3), you have a bevy of intriguing options to place Week 1 NFL bets on. Meanwhile, Dolphins vs. Raiders is a matchup that may not garner as much interest as the aforementioned, but it still carries intrigue for Week 1 NFL picks as the only opening game guaranteed to have two new starters under center. Bet NFL games at DraftKings. Claim their new user offer here:

Miami’s Malik Willis is expected to duel with Kirk Cousins, while No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is expected to begin the 2026 NFL season as the backup. Vegas is a 3.5-point favorite, per the latest Week 1 NFL odds, as it’s one of a dozen games with an NFL spread under 4 points. All of the updated Week 1 NFL lines are listed below, and SportsLine’s advanced computer model has all the NFL betting advice and NFL predictions you need to make the best Week 1 NFL picks now.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters the 2026 NFL season on a 53-37 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Anybody following its NFL betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Now, it has turned its attention to the latest Week 1 NFL odds and NFL betting lines and locked in betting picks for every NFL matchup. Head here to see every pick. 

Top Week 1 NFL predictions

We can tell you one of the model’s strongest Week 1 NFL picks is that the Jaguars (-7.5, 40.5) cover at home versus Cleveland in a Sunday 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The model has the Jags prevailing versus the spread well over 50% of the time, continuing the success they had last year with a league-best 12-5 ATS mark in the regular season. Jacksonville was even more proficient versus the line at home, covering in 78% of games, also the best record in the NFL, while Cleveland was 2-6 ATS on the road, which was the second-worst mark in the NFL. The Jags will have a big QB edge in this matchup, no matter who’s under center for Cleveland, as Trevor Lawrence is forecasted for over 200 yards and a pair of scores versus a defense which no longer has Myles Garrett. In addition to Jacksonville covering, SportsLine’s model also has the Over hitting in 64% of simulations. See which other teams to pick here.

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Another one of its Week 1 NFL predictions: the Eagles (-4.5, 47.5) cover versus the Commanders on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Philadelphia has won eight of its last nine versus Washington in games that Jalen Hurts has started and finished. His presence is a big reason for that success as he has 22 total touchdowns versus just two interceptions over those nine starts. He should have continued production versus Washington’s defense which ranked dead last in yards allowed last year and is in transition, with up to eight new starters and moving from a 4-3 base to a 3-4. Add in that Jayden Daniels may use his legs less to avoid the injuries he suffered in 2025, and Philly is forecasted to cover the spread in nearly 60% of simulations in an A-rated pick. See which other teams to pick here.

How to make Week 1 NFL picks

The model has also made the call on who wins and covers in every other game on the Week 1 NFL schedule and just revealed multiple underdogs that outright win, potentially giving you a huge payday. You can only get every pick for every game at SportsLine.

So what Week 1 NFL picks can you make with confidence, and which underdogs should you lock in now? Check out the latest NFL odds below, then visit SportsLine to see which teams win and cover the spread, all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $7,000, and find out.

Week 1 NFL betting odds, lines, live spreads, scores

Get Week 1 NFL picks at SportsLine

In the sports world, rolling out an over/under is synonymous with gambling. As Austin Powers once said, this sort of thing ain’t my bag, baby. No gambling guesses being made here.

Nevertheless, consider over/under a helpful way of framing some Vikings statistical guesses. Doing some predictions here is based on what was seen at the Vikings v. Ravens joint practices. Consider the five guesses below. Scroll through to see if you agree.

Vikings Statistics — 5 Over/Under Guesses

Vikings Statistic No. 1 — Blake Cashman’s Sacks at 5.5

After the debut Ravens joint practice, I wrote on VT that Mr. Cashman was a heat-seeking missile. On social media, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) offered a quick word on Cashman, writing, “For some reason, Blake Cashman tends to fly under the radar. But just thinking about camp and reviewing the notes from Vikings joint practices with the Ravens, the LB was and has been just exceptional.” Cashman sets a new career high with 6 sacks.

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Vikings Statistic No. 2 — Dallas Turner at 11.5 Sacks

Surpassing 12 sacks is tough. Last year, Dallas Turner led the Vikings with 8 sacks, so bumping him up by a mere 4 appears quite plausible to lots of people. Many foresee a third-year breakout and greater opportunity due to the departure of Jonathan Greenard. I think he does well and generates pressure aplenty, but put me at 10 sacks instead of 12+.

Over/Under Prediction: UNDER

Vikings Statistic No. 3 — James Pierre at 2.5 INTs

He’s super long and boasts some snarl. He even stole a pass out of the sky from Lamar Jackson, who is his cousin. James Pierre has 4 INTs in his career but is in a good position for a nice workload and within a defense that’s going to generate pressure. Put me at 2 INTs despite being optimistic about what he’s going to offer.

Over/Under Prediction: UNDER

Vikings Statistic No. 4 — Jordan Mason at 999.5 Rushing Yards

Picture a play where the Vikings put Justin Jefferson on the right side, prompting the defense to put its best corner over there while tasking the free safety with stepping in the WR1’s direction. The ball is snapped and Jordan Mason takes a run to the left side. Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson absolutely maul their man/men. Josh Oliver sends a defender into orbit. Jauan Jennings bullies a corner into the sideline and Max Bredeson wallops a veteran safety. Can Jordan Mason then gallop for yards?

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Vikings Statistic No. 5 — Justin Jefferson at 99.5 Catches

Kyler Murray is still figuring out the chemistry component of things. There are then concerns about health, or lack thereof. Will the QB1 spot be sturdy enough to get Justin Jefferson to where Justin Jefferson should be? I think he’s sitting at 100 catches, 1,500 yards, and 8 touchdowns by the end of the season.

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — It’s been a while since Jaja Santiago-Minowa experienced this kind of love from the Philippine volleyball community.

The last time Minowa saw action in the Premier Volleyball League, she played in a bubble in front of an empty crowd in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, where she dominated as Open Conference and Finals MVP to deliver Chery Tiggo its maiden pro crown by outlasting Creamline.

READ: PVL: Jaja Santiago cleared as local for Creamline stint

Five years later, Minowa made her homecoming as a member of her former rival, towing Creamline past Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, to save the best for last in the PVL On Tour on Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.

“It’s honestly so amazing and something we’re really proud of to see so many people watching and supporting us today,” Minowa told the reporters in Filipino.

“Even though it was already late here, they still stayed up to support us and really made the effort.”

The last time Jaja Santiago-Minowa played in the PVL, she was in a bubble set-up.

She missed interacting with the Philippine volleyball community. #PVLonTour #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/rN0JWq250I

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

“We’re so grateful because volleyball in the Philippines is really growing, and we’re so happy to feel that kind of support from everyone,” she added.

Minowa showed flashes of her old form against the young HighRisers, scoring six points on six kills from 13 attempts.

She was also honored to be part of a crowd-favorite team like Creamline, getting a memorable experience before she heads to the US next year to play in League One Volleyball.

“When you’re inside the court and you hear cheers like that, you really get carried away. The fans give you so much energy and strength while you’re playing. I always say that this crowd, these fans, are also one of the reasons why we’re here,” she said.

“We’re really inspired by the effort they make to come watch and support us, and hopefully, through our game, we can inspire them too.”

The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, now a Japanese citizen after years of playing as an SV.League import, shifts her focus to the Invitationals, where Creamline will face defending champion PLDT, Nxled and Farm Fresh, as well as Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

“It’s honestly overwhelming to be able to play here again in the Philippines,” Minowa said.

Ryan McMahon was placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left thumb sprain Friday, but the New York Yankees third baseman said he’ll just miss the minimum amount of time.

“Not great news. Could have been worse,” McMahon said before the Yankees opened a three-game series with Toronto. “Obviously I’m not happy with it, but thankful that most likely no surgery and just the minimal time.”

McMahon was injured on a play at second base in Wednesday’s 5-3 win at Baltimore. He singled in the second inning and jammed his thumb when he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.

“Just felt like it probably would have been a couple more days where he’s maybe a little bit compromised,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So I kind of don’t want to create anything habit-wise that’s bad, so just felt like probably the right thing to do here.”

(Photo by Colton Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

McMahon said he felt fine in the field, but was having a difficult time swinging — though he was able to take swings in the batting cage.

“I feel like with what these games meaning as much as they are down the stretch, me going out there at 50% probably wasn’t the best,” McMahon said.

McMahon is hitting .218 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs in 108 games. McMahon also missed 10 games earlier this season with a throat infection.

To fill McMahon’s roster spot, Max Schuemann was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Schuemann batted .194 in 40 games earlier this season, but his stay on the Yankees could be short if Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a left hamstring strain.

Bellinger started his minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday, was scheduled to play again Friday before taking Saturday off and could return Sunday.

Max Fried to throw side session Saturday

(Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Fried will throw a side session Saturday and if it goes well, the left-hander could be on track to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible next week.

Fried was placed on the IL on Monday and the move was retroactive to last Friday, a day after he pitched five innings in a 1-0 loss to Seattle.

“I’ve been feeling good,” Fried said. “Not ideal coming out of my last start with a little soreness, but all in all we’re really encouraged.”

Fried missed 57 games with the same injury from May 14-July 22 after exiting a start in Baltimore with pain following three innings on May 13.

“Before, it was definitely more intense, more pain,” Fried said of the differences between injuries. “I would say that it felt similar, but on a smaller scale. I just wanted to be as transparent as I could be with the medical staff and coaching staff.”

Fried is 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts this season. He’s 0-1 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts since returning from his first IL stint July 22.

“We’re encouraged,” Boone said. “I think the last couple of days have been good for him. Kind of talking to him, he probably could have made his last start maybe, but hopefully this gives (it) a chance to calm down a little bit, too. If everything goes well with that side tomorrow, then we could do a live (throwing session) at some point early in the week to hopefully set him up when he’s eligible.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Eddie Hearn has addressed Tyson Fury’s accusations that Anthony Joshua is attempting to pull out of their long-awaited domestic dustup.

While having signed separate deals to square off in November, it would appear that both ‘The Gypsy King’ and ‘AJ’ have agreed to different terms.

The location, for instance, has become a point of fierce discussion, with Hearn having insisted that, as per Joshua’s contract, their fight must take place in the UK.

Fury, on the other hand, seems to have expressed no preference and is happy to accommodate Netflix’s request for an event at Madison Square Garden, New York.

It would also appear that Hearn, after digging his heels in for the last few weeks, is now coming to terms with the likelihood of a stateside showdown.

The Matchroom promoter has, after all, presented an addendum to Sela – the Saudi Arabia event organisers and financers – effectively listing a series of demands on behalf of Joshua.

If these conditions are met, then the 36-year-old is likely to travel to New York, yet Fury has nonetheless expressed doubt that their fight will even take place.

In response, Hearn has taken to social media and reminded the 38-year-old that there are existing contracts.

“[Fury’s comments are] all good fun but [lack] any substance, as usual. When he says ‘it looks like AJ has pulled out of the fight’ – we can’t pull out of the fight because we have signed a contract.

“We follow contracts, so we are just waiting on the date.”

While Hearn attempts to resist a location change, the amending of contracts could see Joshua return to the scene of his seventh-round stoppage defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

There are 15 games on today’s MLB schedule. Four will air on FOX or FS1: Nationals at Marlins nationally on FS1, followed by a regionalized FOX window featuring Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox and Cubs at Mariners. The Dodgers and Cubs enter the weekend with two of baseball’s strongest records, while Boston is above .500. Viewers will receive one of the three FOX matchups based on their market and should check local listings. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

MLB Schedule for August 22 on FOX Networks

Nationals at Marlins

Washington and Miami enter the weekend clustered near the middle of the National League standings. Nationals probable starter Jake Irvin (2-7, 5.80 ERA) faces Marlins probable starter Eury Pérez (6-9, 3.23 ERA).

Pirates at Dodgers

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles enters the weekend with one of baseball’s top records, while Pittsburgh is trying to climb into the National League postseason race. Pirates probable starter Jared Jones (2-5, 4.78 ERA) matches up with Dodgers probable starter Tarik Skubal (7-7, 2.85 ERA).

Giants at Red Sox

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston enters the weekend above .500 and in the American League postseason chase, while San Francisco is looking to gain ground in the National League. Giants probable starter Blade Tidwell (0-0, 4.33 ERA) faces Red Sox probable starter Sonny Gray (15-3, 2.65 ERA).

Cubs at Mariners

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, Washington

Chicago brings one of the National League’s strongest records into Seattle, while the Mariners are trying to move back into the American League postseason picture. Cubs probable starter David Peterson (7-7, 5.29 ERA) faces Mariners probable starter Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10 ERA).

Other August 22 MLB Games

• 1:35 p.m. ET: Blue Jays at Yankees (Rogers SportsNet, YES TV – New York)
• 2:10 p.m. ET: Braves at Brewers (Braves Vision, Milwaukee Brewers TV Network)
• 6:05 p.m. ET: Cardinals at Phillies (NBC Sports – Philadelphia, St. Louis Cardinals TV Network)
• 7:05 p.m. ET: Angels at Rangers (Angels Broadcast Television, RSN)
• 7:05 p.m. ET: Rays at Orioles (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, Tampa Bay Rays TV Network)
• 7:10 p.m. ET: Mets at White Sox (SportsNet New York, Chicago Sports Network)
• 7:10 p.m. ET: Athletics at Astros (NBC Sports – California, Space City Home Network)
• 7:15 p.m. ET: Tigers at Royals (Detroit SportsNet, Kansas City Royals TV Network)
• 8:10 p.m. ET: Reds at Diamondbacks (Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds TV Network)
• 8:10 p.m. ET: Guardians at Rockies (CleGuardians.TV, Colorado Rockies)
• 8:40 p.m. ET: Twins at Padres (San Diego Padres, Twins.TV)

How to Watch MLB Games

FS1 carries Nationals at Marlins nationally. FOX’s 7:15 p.m. ET window is regionalized, so viewers will receive Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox or Cubs at Mariners based on their market. Check local listings for the FOX game in your area. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One

The Tigers had a good mix of their EFL stalwarts and new faces in their opening game.

Only three of their 11 new signings started – including their two most expensive transfers, with Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Senegal defender Mendy costing more than £20m.

Swedish winger Elliot Stroud was also given a start – with Australia defender Lucas Herrington and ex-Newcastle full-back Matt Targett also coming on for bows.

By contrast, the player who crossed the free-kick for Mendy to nod in was Regan Slater, who played for the club on loan in League One, and then cost just £50,000 to sign from Sheffield United.

The collective effort impressed BBC pundits and former England captains Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.

“Hull’s shape was really good,” said ex-United striker Rooney. “They stuck to the job and worked hard which is what they’re going to have to do to try and stay in this league.

“And obviously, it looked like they identified a weakness in United in putting balls into the box and utilised that really well.

“All they can do is try to take as many points at home as they can. It’s a great start.”

Shearer added: “Hull have been absolutely outstanding. They’ve been miles the better team.”

Already the predictable talk of whether Hull could even break Derby’s record low of 11 Premier League points in 2007-08 has died down.

And Jakirovic said this result might also make them more appealing to potential signings before the end of the transfer window.

“Even now, players we wanted, it might make their decision easier. We have to continue like this,” he added.

“We had a lot of problems because we made four substitutions in our defensive line which is unusual. You have to play, you have to fight and maybe now we need more players.”

The 32-year-old Ajayi, who netted the opener after Oli McBurnie’s shot had been tipped on to the post, said: “Three points, a goal and a clean sheet – I can’t ask for more.

“We’ve tried to block out the outside noise and focused on what’s inside the building and what the gaffer is telling us.

“We came out the blocks firing, had a really good start. All in all a really good performance and something to build on for the rest of the season.

“We know what we have in the squad, it was about proving that to ourselves and everyone else.

“We have a lot of experience in the team and it’s a good blend of young and old. We’re going to need that for the rest of the season.”