Yoenis Tellez vs. Brian Mendoza, a super welterweight clash, will serve as the co-main event for Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman later tonight (March 28) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Tellez (11-1) is 4-1 in his last five, with his sole professional loss coming to Abass Baraou in September. Tellez sports a fan-friendly style and has eight knockouts to his name.
‘El Bandolero’ was most recently seen scoring a fifth-round TKO (via retirement) against Kendo Castaneda in December.
Mendoza (23-4) possesses a heavy hand and holds a 62% knockout rate. However, he has produced mixed results in recent years. He is 3-2 in his last five, and was most recently seen scoring a fourth-round TKO win over Jesus Antonio Rojas in July.
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According to BetMGM, Tellez is a -286 favorite for the bout, with Mendoza listed as a +275 underdog.
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The main card of the event will commence at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Check out the full fight card below:
Yoenis Tellez vs. Brian Mendoza
Round 1
This section will be updated once the bout is underway.
SUZUKA, Japan — Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took the pole for Sunday’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, just two weeks after he led qualifying and won the first race of his career at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old Antonelli’s qualifying time Saturday was one minute, 28.778 seconds on the 5.8-kilometre Suzuka circuit in central Japan.
Teammate George Russell will start alongside him. Russell won in Australia in the first race of the season and also took the pole, the start of Mercedes’ early dominance in 2026.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who has yet to start a race this season, will start alongside Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the second row, and Lando Norris of McLaren starts on row three next to Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.
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“It was a good one. It was a clean one,” Antonelli said. “I felt very good in the car. I’m really happy with the session and now we focus on tomorrow.”
For the second straight race it was the young Italian upstaging the older British driver.
“He did a great job again,” the 28-year-old Russell said.
Antonelli’s quickest lap was three-tenths of a second faster than Russell, which is a big gap in Formula 1.
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“I think overall it was a very strong session,” Antonelli said. “But with the (new) regulations it’s very easy to gain or lose three-tenths. It’s really easy to gain or lose time.”
Formula 1 cars this season are powered 50-50 by battery power and combustion-engine power, and the chassis are slightly smaller and more nimble. This had made overtaking much easier in the first two races.
But Suzuka is an old-school circuit and is narrower with fewer straights, so passing will still be difficult.
“It can be good racing but I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as China and Melbourne,” Antonelli said. “The track is quite a bit tighter and you don’t have as many straights where you can overtake. It’s not going to be easy, that’s why it’s crucial to have a good start.”
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Russell struggled throughout the session, lucky to pull into the second spot. Early in the session he was much deeper in the pack.
“The car just did not feel the same as it did the whole weekend,” Russell said.
Two weeks ago in China, neither McLaren car took part in the race because of electrical problems. And in Australia, Piastri sat out after crashing his car before the race even started. So being on the second row is a win for the Australian.
“This weekend we’ve looked good,” Piastri said. “We’ve executed well. We clearly don’t have the pace or the grip to match Mercedes still, but we are getting closer.”
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Four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start 11th after struggling and complaining on his radio about his car.
“I think there is something wrong with the car, mate. It was completely undrivable,” he said.
Saturday’s qualifying was run on a sunny spring day with the same predicted for Sunday.
Group 1 winning trainer Gavin Bedggood has meticulously prepared Mornington Glory for his forthcoming re-entry into competition.
Mornington Glory’s debut in almost seven months arrives in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) on Flemington’s Saturday program, where stablemate Johnny Rocker, a recent addition, will also appear.
Bedggood opted for extended recovery with Mornington Glory after ‘bone bruising’ was found following his subpar three-start spring preparation last year, culminating in last place in Randwick’s Concorde Stakes.
“Post Sydney, we sent him off for an MRI and scintigraphy, and he came back with pod lesions, or severe bone bruising,” Bedggood said.
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“He had a three-month paddock break, a long rehab and returned with a month on the water walker, a month on the sandhills (at Cranbourne) and then a month of pacework.
“He’s got a really good base of fitness on him. He won his last trial, but I would say I have seen him trial better than what he did.
“He’s a horse that has not performed at his best first-up, but I would be disappointed if he didn’t run well.”
Mornington Glory’s form soared in 2024’s early spring, capped by victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) held at Moonee Valley.
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Two more races followed before a break; autumn trials preceded another spell due to a joint wrench.
Last spring, Bedggood acknowledged potential ‘trainer error’ in racing Mornington Glory off a lone trial, after which his three runs wrapped up.
Post-Saturday and one further start, Mornington Glory might head to Adelaide.
“He’s got to put his hand up and show me something in his first two runs, otherwise we might pull the pin,” Bedggood said.
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“I don’t want to be that trainer that had a good horse that kept on banging it around for the sake of running it.
“He owes us nothing and we owe him everything.”
Johnny Rocker’s first with Bedggood succeeds one Sydney effort for Bjorn Baker, after time with Nick Ryan at Flemington.
Under Ryan, he nearly overhauled Imperatriz in March 2024’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
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“We’ve probably had him for six weeks and he and Mornington Glory have pretty much been workmates,” Bedggood said.
“I thought he galloped fantastic at Caulfield the other week but trialled below par at Cranbourne.
“His fitness is very good. He had the one run in Sydney before coming to me and like Mornington Glory, you want to see him be competitive and show he’s still got that zest for racing.
“He lives out in a yard. He’s gone from being boxed at Flemington and Warwick Farm, so we’re trying to get him right mentally.”
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Discover competitive racing betting markets ahead of the Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington.
Nihal Sarin and Anish Giri (Photos by Michal Walusza, Lennart Ootes and FIDE)
NEW DELHI: As the chess world descends upon Cyprus for the 2026 Candidates, the name Anish Giri continues to be synonymous with a singular, frustrating memory from the past. 14 draws in 14 games. That legendary run in the 2016 Candidates birthed the “King of Draws” moniker for the current Dutch No. 1.But as the 31-year-old eyes the Candidates crown 10 years later, and with it the right to challenge Dommaraju Gukesh, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin points out that “Drwaish Giri” is a tired stereotype that ignores the realities of elite chess.“I very, very strongly believe that people saying Anish is a drawish player is complete nonsense, honestly,” Nihal told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview on the eve of the tournament. “I believe he’s a huge fighter, actually. The draw thing is definitely a bit of a myth.”
The “myth” of the Draw KingGiri himself is well aware of the narrative. Speaking about his preparation to TimesofIndia.com, the Dutch No. 1 revealed the unique hurdles of a Candidates cycle, noting that he had to wait to hire seconds (coaching assistants) because his top choices were so good they ended up qualifying for the tournament themselves.“I understand really well what makes a good second because that second was so good he became my opponent,” Giri joked.
Nihal points to Giri’s triumph at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss, where he finished unbeaten (with five wins and six draws) to qualify for this very event, as proof of his winning intent.“To win the tournament by half a point, he clearly did win a fair few games as well,” Nihal noted. “A lot of draws happen when top players are clashing because that is what chess is. If both play to their absolute potential, it will be a draw. Chess is like that only”Nihal’s Candidates 2026 predictionWhile many experts are hyper-focused on Fabiano Caruana or Hikaru Nakamura, Nihal Sarin’s evaluation of the 2026 field suggests a much more volatile “open” race.While he respects the established American giants, he threw a spotlight on Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov.“If I had to make a guess, maybe Fabi or Sindu [Sindarov],” Nihal told this website. “Sindarov is having a great year so far and playing some amazing chess. And of course, if Pragg has a good event, then absolutely. You can also never count Hikaru out.”Nihal also cautioned against sidelining the two-time European Champion, Matthias Bluebaum. While some call Bluebaum’s style pragmatic, Nihal sees a dangerous trap.“He’s insanely good at being kind of safe. Not drawish, but safe. He is extremely good at punishing if opponents try to go berserk against him. That is a very smart way of winning games,” Nihal remarked.A closely packed women’s fieldTurning his attention to the Women’s Candidates, Nihal believes the tournament is even more unpredictable than the Open section.“I really wouldn’t be surprised at all whoever wins. I think everyone can beat everyone there,” he said.However, he leaned toward experience as the deciding factor.“I would guess probably Aleksandra Goryachkina or Tan Zhongyi is likely to win because they have done it before. I believe it’s a bit easier having that belief, that because you have done it before, you can do it again.”As the marathon begins on Saturday, reputations like “Drawish Giri” or “underdog Bluebaum” mean very little. In Nihal’s words, “Absolutely everybody can win.”
India’s two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh on Friday retired from international hockey after an illustrious career, saying it’s the appropriate time to quit after losing his place in the national team due to a back injury last year.
Gurjant represented India in 130 matches at the senior level and also helped the team win a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
The 31-year-old forward from Khailara village in Amritsar was a member of the Indian team that won back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
He announced his retirement during the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards ceremony here on Friday.
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“Since June Pro League last year I was forced to sit out of the senior team due to a back injury. I was out of hockey for nearly 7-8 months,” Gurjant told PTI.
“After that, I played Hockey India League and domestic hockey but never could return back into the side. So I felt it is the appropriate time to quit and give the juniors a chance.”
He, however, will continue to play in the HIL, club and domestic hockey.
“I will continue to play in the HIL, domestic hockey and also looking for club hockey opportunities abroad,” said Gurjant, who is employed with the Sports Department in the Punjab government.
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During his nearly 10-year-long career, Gurjant scored 33 goals since making his senior team debut in 2017.
Gurjant rose from junior ranks quickly, drawing attention of the selectors with his pace and sharp instincts. He played a vital role during India’s title triumph in the 2016 Junior FIH World Cup in Lucknow and scored in the final to help India lift the trophy.
Gurjant was also part of India’s gold medal-winning side at the 2023 Asian Games and 2017 Asia Cup, besides multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles.
He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021.
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Gurjant also holds the record of scoring the fastest goal by an Indian in international hockey, with his sensational strike just 13 seconds into the game against the Netherlands in his FIH Pro League debut in January 2020 in Bhubaneswar, helping the country to register a superb 5-2 victory over the Oranje.
Gurjant said he has no regrets in his career.
“I started my hockey journey by looking up to the seniors sitting in this room, and to have fulfilled my dream of playing for India alongside them is something I will always treasure,” he said.
Gurjant was felicitated by Hockey India during the awards ceremony with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh.
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“I feel incredibly satisfied to have been part of the historical revival of Indian hockey and to have achieved two Olympic medals. I leave the international stage a very happy and proud man,” he said.
With back-to-back general managers, Rick Spielman and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, trades were frequent for the Minnesota Vikings. Neither of those men works for the Vikings anymore, but there’s a chance that the “new” guy, interim boss Rob Brzezinski, pulls off a blockbuster trade on Night No. 1 of the NFL Draft. This is a peek at the possibilities.
Minnesota has the tools to make noise if it wants a splashy draft-weekend move.
The Vikings have nine draft picks this year and a couple of tradeable players, at least in theory.
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Five Aggressive Trade Ideas That Would Shake Up the Vikings’ Draft
Blockbuster trade ideas for the Vikings, ranked in order of realism (No. 1 = most realistic blockbuster trade).
The Package — Vikings Get: Brian Thomas & Pick No. 124 (R4) Jaguars Get: Pick No. 18
No one really knows if Jordan Addison will succeed in Minnesota — or if he’ll flame out because of the next arrest. Trading for Thomas hedges that bet, and the Vikings would take the mystery and crapshoot nature of the draft out of the 18th pick.
Minnesota can then decide to keep a three-deep setup indefinitely or trade Addison when the time is right.
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In any event, Thomas is reportedly on the trade block after a quiet sophomore campaign.
4. Trade up for Ohio S Caleb Downs
The Package — Vikings Get: No. 11 from CIN (Caleb Downs) Bengals Get: Pick Nos. 18 & 49 (R2)
Harrison Smith might retire, and even if he doesn’t, the Vikings still need a safety for the long haul. There’s a small chance that Downs — the best safety in next month’s draft — tumbles a smidge due to injury fears, and every team that passes up, well, he gets more attainable for the Vikings.
Some consider Downs a future Hall of Famer. And while it’s not wise to trade up for a non-premium position like safety, it is wise to draft Hall of Famers.
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In this scenario, Brian Flores and Co. realize that Downs is a game-changer, donating the 2nd-Rounder to Cincinnati for the pick that fetches Downs.
3. Trade for NYG DT Dexter Lawrence
The Package — Vikings Get: Dexter Lawrence & Pick No. 37 (R2) Giants Get: Pick No. 18 & 2027 3rd-Rounder
Lawrence is still only 28 years old; if a team trades for him, they’ll get a full contract’s worth of Pro Bowl production.
The phenom nose tackle is probably gettable for the equivalent of a late 1st-Rounder or early 2nd-Round pick, so in this proposal, Minnesota opts for the sure thing in Lawrence, while grabbing the Giants’ 2nd-Rounder, which it could spend on a cornerback like Colton Hood (Tennessee) or running back like Jadarian Price (Notre Dame).
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Lawrence would cook in Minnesota, sandwiched between Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jalen Redmond.
Perhaps the most fun option on the list, the Vikings put their running back drought to bed, trading up the board for Love.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) bursts upfield after securing a catch, weaving through defenders and accelerating into open space during second-quarter action on Nov. 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the Fighting Irish offense looks to generate momentum against the Panthers’ defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Minnesota hasn’t drafted a game-changing tailback since Dalvin Cook, and that happened nine years ago. Like the safety proposal with Downs, it’s usually taboo to trade up for a running back. But who really cares if the end game is pairing Love, this class’s best halfback, with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison for the next five years? Would you be mad?
Trading for Love would force the Vikings to be run-centric, at least more than they are now, and that could, alas, unlock Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
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1. OLB Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles
The Package — Vikings Get: Pick No. 23 Eagles Get: Jonathan Greenard, Pick No. 163 (R5) & 2027 3rd-Rounder
For now, the momentum has shifted for Greenard to remain in Minnesota — the Vikings probably would’ve traded him by now if he wanted out over a contractual dispute.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates emphatically after recording a sack, feeding off the home crowd’s energy and signaling a defensive momentum shift during second-half action on Sep. 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings apply consistent pressure against the Falcons’ offense. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
But let’s pretend that the thesis is wrong, and the Vikings offload Greenard during the draft. Philadelphia’s outside linebackers right now are Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. The Eagles will have Super Bowl hopes again in 2026 after their version of a down year; they’ll need more EDGE help than Smith and Hunt to do it.
Here, Minnesota pries the Eagles’ 1st-Rounder away while Philadelphia gets a guaranteed-to-be-good pass rusher, a 3rd-Rounder, and a 5th-Round scratch off. The irony here is that Minnesota might turn around and draft an EDGE defender with the pick.
Greenard could land a big payday in Philadelphia, and Minnesota would lean into the youth movement at OLB with a new guy and Dallas Turner, who is the fourth-youngest player on the Vikings’ roster.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the field during warmups on Nov. 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as players prepared to face the Green Bay Packers. The pregame scene captured the calm before a heated NFC North matchup, with crisp conditions setting the stage for a divisional showdown. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.
The Minnesota Vikings’ state-of-the-art TCO Performance Center is shown in Eagan, Minnesota, on Jul 28, 2018. This world-class facility serves as the team’s headquarters, featuring cutting-edge training, rehabilitation, and meeting spaces. Since its opening, it has become the central hub for all things Vikings, from offseason prep to daily operations. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
2) Vikings Called Landing Spot for Big Rival Defender: Minnesota’s defensive line has plenty of young talent. What’s not as plentiful is established, high-floor veteran talent. Maybe the add ends up being Christian Wilkins. Or, perhaps, the rival defender with hulking size.
3) Ex-Vikings is Headed to Arizona: Lately, the focus has been on talent moving in the opposite direction. That’s what will happen when a QB as promising as Kyler Murray gets cut and then signed. Turns out the NFL’s talent exchange is a two-way street.
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Sep 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against the Washington Football Team at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4) Vikings Evidently Have a Trade Asset: Several, in fact. Rumors have been out there for a little while, but nothing has happened so far. Rob Brzezinski has been very patient. The upcoming draft is very likely to involve at least some shuffling.
5) Vikings Signal Interest in Young DT, TE, and LB: ‘Tis the season for meeting with draft prospects. In less than a month, the 2026 NFL Draft will have come and gone. Pretty wild, right? Minnesota needs to crush the event, pulling off a talent heist that mirrors the 2015 effort.
Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor during NFC practice for the Pro Bowl at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
British rider Tom Pidcock is out of the Volta a Catalunya after crashing during Friday’s fifth stage.
The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider had what he described as a “horror” fall in a ravine after he went off the road, misjudging a corner during the penultimate descent of the day.
The 26-year-old eventually finished more than 29 minutes behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard.
But following medical checks, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the race.
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“Due to his crash he suffered injuries, most likely bone and ligament damage in particular to his right knee and also right wrist,” said team doctor Lorenz Emmert.
“Unfortunately we had to make the decision to take him out of the race. Further clinical evaluation and imaging will follow in the next days.”
Pidcock won the Milano-Torino race earlier this month and was just edged out in the Milan-San Remo by world champion Tadej Pogacar.
“We did everything to try to make it to the start [of Saturday’s stage six] but it’s not possible,” said the two-time Olympic cross-country mountain bike champion.
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“I fought to finish the stage yesterday to make sure I had the option to continue. Now the focus is on recovery, and I’ll be back.”
The perfect Masters week outfit doesn’t exis— …. oh, wait a minute, yes it does! It’s the caddie jumpsuit by Caddie Uniform, now conveniently paired with a hat in a uniform bundle and available for purchase at Fairway Jockey.
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Golf.com Editor
As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.
Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr could potentially be dealt a massive blow as Sadio Mane could leave the club in the summer transfer window. Turkish giants Besiktas have reportedly submitted an official offer to sign the Senegal international and are aiming to finalize the deal in the coming weeks.
Mane chose to leave Bayern Munich and sign for the Knights of Najd in the summer of 2023 on a three-year deal. The 33-year-old has established a lethal connection with Cristiano Ronaldo and his other teammates up front, consistently featuring on the scoresheet.
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However, Al-Nassr are now facing a future without the former Liverpool superstar, as Besiktas are allegedly keen on signing Mane to bolster their status in Europe. Following two unsuccessful attempts to sign him over the past year, Turkish news outlet Sporx stated (via World Soccer Talk):
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“Besiktas has made an official offer to sign Senegalese forward Sadio Mane from Al-Nassr during the summer transfer window, and the club is looking to negotiate with the player to finalise the deal in the coming period.”
Mane has excelled for the Saudi Pro League giants over the past three seasons, scoring 47 goals and providing 32 assists in 119 appearances across all competitions.
“I’ve never seen another player like him” – When Sadio Mane hailed Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr winger Sadio Mane once waxed lyrical about Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at the club, crediting the Portugal ace for his fitness, work ethic, impact, and mentality. Mane also stated that he has yet to see any other footballer match Ronaldo’s professionalism, with the latter still going strong despite being at the age of 41.
After playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for over two years, Mane spoke with Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand in November 2025 and said (via beIN Sports):
“He’s an example for any footballer. I’ve never seen another player like him. He works hard every single day, he wants to win always, even at 40. He’s a complete athlete. His impact is exceptional. His mentality and passion for football have no comparison.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down at Al-Nassr and has bagged 22 goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season. He is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, but will be aiming to return for their upcoming fixture against Al-Najma on April 3.
PCB accuses pacer Naseem Shah of “central contract violation” following post aimed at Punjab CM Maryam
Naseem Shah has come under the scanner of the Pakistan Cricket Board after a now-deleted social media post from his official X account appeared to take a dig at Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening game of the Pakistan Super League.What was the incident?The post, which quote-tweeted a PCB update from the opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, read: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” It was widely seen as a remark aimed at Maryam Nawaz’s high-profile arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, where she was escorted by a large security convoy and later interacted with players.The tweet was quickly deleted, with a follow-up message claiming the account had been hacked. However, as per The Daily Star, the explanation did not convince PCB officials. Within a day, the board served Naseem with a show-cause notice, citing a breach of his central contract and violation of media guidelines.The alleged offence is understood to fall under a clause barring players from publicly criticising board officials, sponsors, or associated entities. Despite the disciplinary action, Naseem remains available for selection and is likely to feature in his team’s next match.The controversy comes during a subdued PSL season, which began on March 26 under tight restrictions. After consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB limited the tournament to Lahore and Karachi, with matches being held behind closed doors. Venues in Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad were removed from the schedule to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict.Earlier, the Pakistan-based militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar had issued a warning to overseas players, urging them to withdraw from the league.“The current internal security and political landscape of the country is volatile and precarious. In a climate where military operations and civil unrest dominate significant portions of the territory, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed.”The group added, “Given these dire circumstances, we strongly advise you to prioritise your personal security and withdraw from the tournament immediately. The environment is currently unfit for any peaceful sporting activity.”Despite the warnings and the security concerns, the PSL has gone ahead as planned, with several overseas players, including David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, continuing to take part.
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