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Deadspin | Rory McIlroy to begin Masters defense paired with Cameron Young Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy walks off of no. 7 with his caddie, Harry Diamond, during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy will begin the defense of his first Masters title paired with World No. 3 Cameron Young at 10:31 a.m. on Thursday. McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Young, who won The Players Championship last month, will be paired with 18-year-old amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds at Augusta National. They comprise the penultimate group in the Thursday’s morning wave. Howell, a Thomasville, Ga., native who has committed to play for the University of Georgia next year, earned the traditional spot in this grouping as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. The group will tee off at 1:44 p.m. in Friday’s second round. The 90th edition of the Masters will officially begin at 7:25 a.m. on Thursday with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. The first official playing group will then be John Keefer and China’s Haotong Li, one of only two twosomes in the 91-player field. World No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off in the penultimate grouping at 1:44 p.m. along with Gary Woodland and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. Two other featured groupings are Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at 10:07 a.m., and Chris Gotterup, Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at 1:08 p.m. PAIRINGS | THURSDAY/FRIDAY –Gary Player (honorary starter), Jack Nicklaus (honorary starter), Tom Watson (honorary starter) | 7:25 a.m. –John Keefer, Haotong Li (China) | 7:40 a.m., 10:51 a.m. –Naoyuki Kataoka (Japan), Max Homa, Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) | 7:50 a.m., 11:03 a.m. –Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark), Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa) | 8:02 a.m., 11:15 a.m. –Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Sami Valimaki (Finland), *Jackson Herrington | 8:14 a.m. 11:27 a.m. –Charl Schwartzel (S. Africa), Max Greyserman, Ryan Fox (New Zealand) | 8:26 a.m./11:39 a.m. –Vijay Singh (Fiji), Matt McCarty, Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark) | 8:38 a.m./11:51 a.m. –Kurt Kitayama, Kristoffer Reitan (Norway), Casey Jarvis (S. Africa) | 8:50 a.m./12:03 p.m. –Bubba Watson, Nicolas Echavarria (Colombia), *Brandon Holtz | 9:02 a.m./12:15 p.m. –Cameron Smith (Australia), Sam Burns, Jake Knapp | 9:19 a.m./12:32 p.m. –Keegan Bradley, Ryan Gerard, Nick Taylor (Canada) | 9:31 a.m./12:44 p.m. –Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jason Day (Australia) | 9:43 a.m./12:56 p.m. –Patrick Reed, Tommy Fleetwood (England), Akshay Bhatia | 9:55 a.m./1:08 p.m. –Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Xander Schauffele | 10:07 a.m./1:20 p.m. –Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) , Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley | 10:19 a.m./1:32 p.m. –Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland), Cameron Young, *Mason Howell | 10:31 a.m./1:44 p.m. –Viktor Hovland (Norway), Patrick Cantlay, Alex Noren (Sweden) | 10:43 a.m./1:56 p.m. –Samuel Stevens, Sungjae Im (Korea) | 11:03 a.m./7:40 a.m. –Andrew Novak, Tom McKibbin (N. Ireland), Brian Campbell | 11:15 a.m./7:50 a.m. –Mike Weir (Canada), Wyndham Clark, *Mateo Pulcini (Argentina) | 11:27 a.m./8:02 a.m. –Zach Johnson, Michael Kim, Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark) | 11:39 a.m./8:14 a.m. –Danny Willett (England), Davis Riley, *Ethan Fang | 11:51 a.m./8:26 a.m. –Adam Scott (Australia), Daniel Berger, Brian Harman | 12:03 p.m./8:38 a.m. –Fred Couples, Min Woo Lee (Australia), *Fifa Laopakdee (Thailand) | 12:15 p.m./8:50 a.m. –Sergio Garcia (Spain), Aaron Rai (England), Jacob Bridgeman | 12:27 p.m./9:02 a.m. –Harry Hall (England), Corey Conners (Canada), Michael Brennan | 12:44 p.m./9:19 a.m. –J.J. Spaun, Maverick McNealy, Tyrrell Hatton (England) | 12:56 p.m./9:31 a.m. –Jon Rahm (Spain), Chris Gotterup, Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) | 1:08 p.m./9:43 a.m. –Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose (England), Brooks Koepka | 1:20 p.m./9:55 a.m. –Sepp Straka (Austria), Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas | 1:32 p.m./10:07 a.m. –Scottie Scheffler, Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Gary Woodland | 1:44 p.m./10:19 a.m. –Harris English, Marco Penge (England), Si Woo Kim (Korea) | 1:56 p.m./10:31 a.m. *Denotes amateur The broadcast for the Masters will begin for the first time on Amazon Prime Video, which will begin its live coverage with an exclusive two-hour window beginning at 1 p.m. That will lead into the start of ESPN’s coverage at 3 p.m. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #Masters #defense #paired #Cameron #Young

Deadspin | Rory McIlroy to begin Masters defense paired with Cameron Young
Deadspin | Rory McIlroy to begin Masters defense paired with Cameron Young Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy walks off of no. 7 with his caddie, Harry Diamond, during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy will begin the defense of his first Masters title paired with World No. 3 Cameron Young at 10:31 a.m. on Thursday. McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Young, who won The Players Championship last month, will be paired with 18-year-old amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds at Augusta National. They comprise the penultimate group in the Thursday’s morning wave. Howell, a Thomasville, Ga., native who has committed to play for the University of Georgia next year, earned the traditional spot in this grouping as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. The group will tee off at 1:44 p.m. in Friday’s second round. The 90th edition of the Masters will officially begin at 7:25 a.m. on Thursday with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. The first official playing group will then be John Keefer and China’s Haotong Li, one of only two twosomes in the 91-player field. World No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off in the penultimate grouping at 1:44 p.m. along with Gary Woodland and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. Two other featured groupings are Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at 10:07 a.m., and Chris Gotterup, Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at 1:08 p.m. PAIRINGS | THURSDAY/FRIDAY –Gary Player (honorary starter), Jack Nicklaus (honorary starter), Tom Watson (honorary starter) | 7:25 a.m. –John Keefer, Haotong Li (China) | 7:40 a.m., 10:51 a.m. –Naoyuki Kataoka (Japan), Max Homa, Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) | 7:50 a.m., 11:03 a.m. –Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark), Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa) | 8:02 a.m., 11:15 a.m. –Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Sami Valimaki (Finland), *Jackson Herrington | 8:14 a.m. 11:27 a.m. –Charl Schwartzel (S. Africa), Max Greyserman, Ryan Fox (New Zealand) | 8:26 a.m./11:39 a.m. –Vijay Singh (Fiji), Matt McCarty, Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark) | 8:38 a.m./11:51 a.m. –Kurt Kitayama, Kristoffer Reitan (Norway), Casey Jarvis (S. Africa) | 8:50 a.m./12:03 p.m. –Bubba Watson, Nicolas Echavarria (Colombia), *Brandon Holtz | 9:02 a.m./12:15 p.m. –Cameron Smith (Australia), Sam Burns, Jake Knapp | 9:19 a.m./12:32 p.m. –Keegan Bradley, Ryan Gerard, Nick Taylor (Canada) | 9:31 a.m./12:44 p.m. –Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jason Day (Australia) | 9:43 a.m./12:56 p.m. –Patrick Reed, Tommy Fleetwood (England), Akshay Bhatia | 9:55 a.m./1:08 p.m. –Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Xander Schauffele | 10:07 a.m./1:20 p.m. –Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) , Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley | 10:19 a.m./1:32 p.m. –Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland), Cameron Young, *Mason Howell | 10:31 a.m./1:44 p.m. –Viktor Hovland (Norway), Patrick Cantlay, Alex Noren (Sweden) | 10:43 a.m./1:56 p.m. –Samuel Stevens, Sungjae Im (Korea) | 11:03 a.m./7:40 a.m. –Andrew Novak, Tom McKibbin (N. Ireland), Brian Campbell | 11:15 a.m./7:50 a.m. –Mike Weir (Canada), Wyndham Clark, *Mateo Pulcini (Argentina) | 11:27 a.m./8:02 a.m. –Zach Johnson, Michael Kim, Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark) | 11:39 a.m./8:14 a.m. –Danny Willett (England), Davis Riley, *Ethan Fang | 11:51 a.m./8:26 a.m. –Adam Scott (Australia), Daniel Berger, Brian Harman | 12:03 p.m./8:38 a.m. –Fred Couples, Min Woo Lee (Australia), *Fifa Laopakdee (Thailand) | 12:15 p.m./8:50 a.m. –Sergio Garcia (Spain), Aaron Rai (England), Jacob Bridgeman | 12:27 p.m./9:02 a.m. –Harry Hall (England), Corey Conners (Canada), Michael Brennan | 12:44 p.m./9:19 a.m. –J.J. Spaun, Maverick McNealy, Tyrrell Hatton (England) | 12:56 p.m./9:31 a.m. –Jon Rahm (Spain), Chris Gotterup, Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) | 1:08 p.m./9:43 a.m. –Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose (England), Brooks Koepka | 1:20 p.m./9:55 a.m. –Sepp Straka (Austria), Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas | 1:32 p.m./10:07 a.m. –Scottie Scheffler, Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Gary Woodland | 1:44 p.m./10:19 a.m. –Harris English, Marco Penge (England), Si Woo Kim (Korea) | 1:56 p.m./10:31 a.m. *Denotes amateur The broadcast for the Masters will begin for the first time on Amazon Prime Video, which will begin its live coverage with an exclusive two-hour window beginning at 1 p.m. That will lead into the start of ESPN’s coverage at 3 p.m. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #Masters #defense #paired #Cameron #YoungApr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy walks off of no. 7 with his caddie, Harry Diamond, during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy will begin the defense of his first Masters title paired with World No. 3 Cameron Young at 10:31 a.m. on Thursday.

McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Young, who won The Players Championship last month, will be paired with 18-year-old amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds at Augusta National. They comprise the penultimate group in the Thursday’s morning wave.

Howell, a Thomasville, Ga., native who has committed to play for the University of Georgia next year, earned the traditional spot in this grouping as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. The group will tee off at 1:44 p.m. in Friday’s second round.

The 90th edition of the Masters will officially begin at 7:25 a.m. on Thursday with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. The first official playing group will then be John Keefer and China’s Haotong Li, one of only two twosomes in the 91-player field.

World No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off in the penultimate grouping at 1:44 p.m. along with Gary Woodland and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.

Two other featured groupings are Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at 10:07 a.m., and Chris Gotterup, Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at 1:08 p.m.

PAIRINGS | THURSDAY/FRIDAY

–Gary Player (honorary starter), Jack Nicklaus (honorary starter), Tom Watson (honorary starter) | 7:25 a.m.

–John Keefer, Haotong Li (China) | 7:40 a.m., 10:51 a.m.

–Naoyuki Kataoka (Japan), Max Homa, Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) | 7:50 a.m., 11:03 a.m.

–Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark), Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa) | 8:02 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

–Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Sami Valimaki (Finland), *Jackson Herrington | 8:14 a.m. 11:27 a.m.

–Charl Schwartzel (S. Africa), Max Greyserman, Ryan Fox (New Zealand) | 8:26 a.m./11:39 a.m.

–Vijay Singh (Fiji), Matt McCarty, Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark) | 8:38 a.m./11:51 a.m.

–Kurt Kitayama, Kristoffer Reitan (Norway), Casey Jarvis (S. Africa) | 8:50 a.m./12:03 p.m.

–Bubba Watson, Nicolas Echavarria (Colombia), *Brandon Holtz | 9:02 a.m./12:15 p.m.

–Cameron Smith (Australia), Sam Burns, Jake Knapp | 9:19 a.m./12:32 p.m.

–Keegan Bradley, Ryan Gerard, Nick Taylor (Canada) | 9:31 a.m./12:44 p.m.

–Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jason Day (Australia) | 9:43 a.m./12:56 p.m.

–Patrick Reed, Tommy Fleetwood (England), Akshay Bhatia | 9:55 a.m./1:08 p.m.


–Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Xander Schauffele | 10:07 a.m./1:20 p.m.

–Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) , Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley | 10:19 a.m./1:32 p.m.

–Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland), Cameron Young, *Mason Howell | 10:31 a.m./1:44 p.m.

–Viktor Hovland (Norway), Patrick Cantlay, Alex Noren (Sweden) | 10:43 a.m./1:56 p.m.

–Samuel Stevens, Sungjae Im (Korea) | 11:03 a.m./7:40 a.m.

–Andrew Novak, Tom McKibbin (N. Ireland), Brian Campbell | 11:15 a.m./7:50 a.m.

–Mike Weir (Canada), Wyndham Clark, *Mateo Pulcini (Argentina) | 11:27 a.m./8:02 a.m.

–Zach Johnson, Michael Kim, Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark) | 11:39 a.m./8:14 a.m.

–Danny Willett (England), Davis Riley, *Ethan Fang | 11:51 a.m./8:26 a.m.

–Adam Scott (Australia), Daniel Berger, Brian Harman | 12:03 p.m./8:38 a.m.

–Fred Couples, Min Woo Lee (Australia), *Fifa Laopakdee (Thailand) | 12:15 p.m./8:50 a.m.

–Sergio Garcia (Spain), Aaron Rai (England), Jacob Bridgeman | 12:27 p.m./9:02 a.m.

–Harry Hall (England), Corey Conners (Canada), Michael Brennan | 12:44 p.m./9:19 a.m.

–J.J. Spaun, Maverick McNealy, Tyrrell Hatton (England) | 12:56 p.m./9:31 a.m.

–Jon Rahm (Spain), Chris Gotterup, Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) | 1:08 p.m./9:43 a.m.

–Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose (England), Brooks Koepka | 1:20 p.m./9:55 a.m.

–Sepp Straka (Austria), Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas | 1:32 p.m./10:07 a.m.

–Scottie Scheffler, Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Gary Woodland | 1:44 p.m./10:19 a.m.

–Harris English, Marco Penge (England), Si Woo Kim (Korea) | 1:56 p.m./10:31 a.m.

*Denotes amateur

The broadcast for the Masters will begin for the first time on Amazon Prime Video, which will begin its live coverage with an exclusive two-hour window beginning at 1 p.m. That will lead into the start of ESPN’s coverage at 3 p.m.


–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #Masters #defense #paired #Cameron #Young

Sports news

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy walks off of no. 7 with his caddie, Harry Diamond, during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy will begin the defense of his first Masters title paired with World No. 3 Cameron Young at 10:31 a.m. on Thursday.

McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Young, who won The Players Championship last month, will be paired with 18-year-old amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds at Augusta National. They comprise the penultimate group in the Thursday’s morning wave.

Howell, a Thomasville, Ga., native who has committed to play for the University of Georgia next year, earned the traditional spot in this grouping as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. The group will tee off at 1:44 p.m. in Friday’s second round.

The 90th edition of the Masters will officially begin at 7:25 a.m. on Thursday with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. The first official playing group will then be John Keefer and China’s Haotong Li, one of only two twosomes in the 91-player field.

World No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off in the penultimate grouping at 1:44 p.m. along with Gary Woodland and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.

Two other featured groupings are Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at 10:07 a.m., and Chris Gotterup, Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at 1:08 p.m.

PAIRINGS | THURSDAY/FRIDAY

–Gary Player (honorary starter), Jack Nicklaus (honorary starter), Tom Watson (honorary starter) | 7:25 a.m.

–John Keefer, Haotong Li (China) | 7:40 a.m., 10:51 a.m.

–Naoyuki Kataoka (Japan), Max Homa, Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) | 7:50 a.m., 11:03 a.m.

–Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark), Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa) | 8:02 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

–Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Sami Valimaki (Finland), *Jackson Herrington | 8:14 a.m. 11:27 a.m.

–Charl Schwartzel (S. Africa), Max Greyserman, Ryan Fox (New Zealand) | 8:26 a.m./11:39 a.m.

–Vijay Singh (Fiji), Matt McCarty, Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark) | 8:38 a.m./11:51 a.m.

–Kurt Kitayama, Kristoffer Reitan (Norway), Casey Jarvis (S. Africa) | 8:50 a.m./12:03 p.m.

–Bubba Watson, Nicolas Echavarria (Colombia), *Brandon Holtz | 9:02 a.m./12:15 p.m.

–Cameron Smith (Australia), Sam Burns, Jake Knapp | 9:19 a.m./12:32 p.m.

–Keegan Bradley, Ryan Gerard, Nick Taylor (Canada) | 9:31 a.m./12:44 p.m.

–Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jason Day (Australia) | 9:43 a.m./12:56 p.m.

–Patrick Reed, Tommy Fleetwood (England), Akshay Bhatia | 9:55 a.m./1:08 p.m.

–Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Xander Schauffele | 10:07 a.m./1:20 p.m.

–Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) , Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley | 10:19 a.m./1:32 p.m.

–Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland), Cameron Young, *Mason Howell | 10:31 a.m./1:44 p.m.

–Viktor Hovland (Norway), Patrick Cantlay, Alex Noren (Sweden) | 10:43 a.m./1:56 p.m.

–Samuel Stevens, Sungjae Im (Korea) | 11:03 a.m./7:40 a.m.

–Andrew Novak, Tom McKibbin (N. Ireland), Brian Campbell | 11:15 a.m./7:50 a.m.

–Mike Weir (Canada), Wyndham Clark, *Mateo Pulcini (Argentina) | 11:27 a.m./8:02 a.m.

–Zach Johnson, Michael Kim, Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark) | 11:39 a.m./8:14 a.m.

–Danny Willett (England), Davis Riley, *Ethan Fang | 11:51 a.m./8:26 a.m.

–Adam Scott (Australia), Daniel Berger, Brian Harman | 12:03 p.m./8:38 a.m.

–Fred Couples, Min Woo Lee (Australia), *Fifa Laopakdee (Thailand) | 12:15 p.m./8:50 a.m.

–Sergio Garcia (Spain), Aaron Rai (England), Jacob Bridgeman | 12:27 p.m./9:02 a.m.

–Harry Hall (England), Corey Conners (Canada), Michael Brennan | 12:44 p.m./9:19 a.m.

–J.J. Spaun, Maverick McNealy, Tyrrell Hatton (England) | 12:56 p.m./9:31 a.m.

–Jon Rahm (Spain), Chris Gotterup, Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) | 1:08 p.m./9:43 a.m.

–Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose (England), Brooks Koepka | 1:20 p.m./9:55 a.m.

–Sepp Straka (Austria), Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas | 1:32 p.m./10:07 a.m.

–Scottie Scheffler, Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Gary Woodland | 1:44 p.m./10:19 a.m.

–Harris English, Marco Penge (England), Si Woo Kim (Korea) | 1:56 p.m./10:31 a.m.

*Denotes amateur

The broadcast for the Masters will begin for the first time on Amazon Prime Video, which will begin its live coverage with an exclusive two-hour window beginning at 1 p.m. That will lead into the start of ESPN’s coverage at 3 p.m.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 8: Sindarov drops points, held to draw by Esipenko <div id="content-body-70835314" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Divya Deshmukh produced one of the standout results of the round, toppling leader Anna Muzychuk to share the lead at the ongoing FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus on Tuesday.</p><p>Playing her first Candidates, Divya weathered sustained pressure before turning the game around in the closing stages. The result lifted her to joint-top alongside Muzychuk, R Vaishali, Zhu Jiner and Kateryna Lagno.</p><p>For much of the middlegame and early endgame, Muzychuk appeared in control, maintaining pressure and keeping Divya tied down. The position drifted towards equality, with a draw looking the likely outcome as the players entered a queen endgame.</p><p>The turning point came in the sequence beginning 76.Qc8+ Kf5 77.Qh8+ Kg6 78.Qg8+ Kh6, when Divya began forcing checks. Instead of repeating moves, she kept the king on the move, gradually exposing it.</p><p>On move 80, Muzychuk chose Kh5, stepping further into the open. Divya seized the moment, forcing the king into a narrow corridor before switching from checks to a decisive attack, leaving Muzychuk without a safe continuation.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/fide-candidates-2026-live-updates-round-8-boards-praggnandhaa-divya-vaishali-live/article70833880.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Check out all the live updates from Round 8 as it happened, over here</a></b></p><p>In the other games in the women’s section, Vaishali drew against Bibisara Assaubayeva, Lagno defeated Aleksandra Goryachkina, and Zhu Jiner beat Tan Zhongyi.</p><p>In the open section, leader Javokhir Sindarov could not complete a double over Andrey Esipenko, as their second-half encounter ended in a draw.</p><p>The game began at a brisk pace and remained balanced between moves 11 and 18, with both players simplifying the centre and activating their pieces. The critical moment came on move 17, when Sindarov played Na5 to target the c6 bishop, but the sequence that followed led to further simplification. By move 19, both kings were relatively safe, with no clear pawn breaks or attacking chances, and the game drifted towards a draw.</p><p>Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa’s bid to close the gap on Sindarov suffered a setback, as Anish Giri avenged his first-round loss with a win.</p><p>The game remained relatively balanced into the middlegame, but Praggnanandhaa never looked entirely comfortable, with Giri gradually building pressure. The decisive moment came with 36.e6, which created a dangerous passed pawn and disrupted Black’s coordination.</p><p>Praggnanandhaa attempted counterplay with 38…h5, but it backfired, forcing him into a passive position. Giri then seized the initiative with 41.Rf8+ Kh7, and with the black king exposed in the final phase, Praggnanandhaa was compelled to resign.</p><p>Hikaru Nakamura registered his first win of the tournament, defeating Fabiano Caruana, while Wei Yi drew against Matthias Bluebaum.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #drops #points #held #draw #Esipenko

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Alexander Isak has been included in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg at Paris Saint-Germain as the Sweden striker returns from a lengthy injury absence.

Isak has only made 16 appearances for Liverpool since his British record move from Newcastle United last year after struggling with a series of fitness issues.

In December, Isak was injured in a tackle by Micky van de Ven while in the process scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, leading to surgery on an ankle injury which included a fibula fracture.

READ | Favourite tag means nothing, says PSG’s Luis Enrique ahead of Liverpool clash

After 15 weeks on the sidelines, the 26-year-old is finally ready to feature in a Liverpool squad again.

“Alexander Isak is among the players that departed John Lennon Airport for Paris this afternoon, ahead of Wednesday night’s quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes,” Liverpool said on their website.

Isak returned to group training last Thursday and worked with his team-mates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France.

Isak’s absence has been keenly felt and his place in the 21-man squad for the trip to Paris could be a major boost for Arne Slot’s spluttering side.

Pressure is mounting on Slot and his team after Saturday’s dismal 4-0 loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Liverpool is languishing in fifth place in the Premier League and the Champions League is its last hope of silverware this season.

The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by PSG in the last-16 in 2025.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Isak #named #Liverpool #squad #PSG #clash #long #injury #absence">Isak named in Liverpool squad for PSG clash after long injury absence Alexander Isak has been included in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg at Paris Saint-Germain as the Sweden striker returns from a lengthy injury absence.Isak has only made 16 appearances for Liverpool since his British record move from Newcastle United last year after struggling with a series of fitness issues.In December, Isak was injured in a tackle by Micky van de Ven while in the process scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, leading to surgery on an ankle injury which included a fibula fracture.READ | Favourite tag means nothing, says PSG’s Luis Enrique ahead of Liverpool clashAfter 15 weeks on the sidelines, the 26-year-old is finally ready to feature in a Liverpool squad again.“Alexander Isak is among the players that departed John Lennon Airport for Paris this afternoon, ahead of Wednesday night’s quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes,” Liverpool said on their website.Isak returned to group training last Thursday and worked with his team-mates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France.Isak’s absence has been keenly felt and his place in the 21-man squad for the trip to Paris could be a major boost for Arne Slot’s spluttering side.Pressure is mounting on Slot and his team after Saturday’s dismal 4-0 loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.Liverpool is languishing in fifth place in the Premier League and the Champions League is its last hope of silverware this season.The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by PSG in the last-16 in 2025.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Isak #named #Liverpool #squad #PSG #clash #long #injury #absence

Favourite tag means nothing, says PSG’s Luis Enrique ahead of Liverpool clash

After 15 weeks on the sidelines, the 26-year-old is finally ready to feature in a Liverpool squad again.

“Alexander Isak is among the players that departed John Lennon Airport for Paris this afternoon, ahead of Wednesday night’s quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes,” Liverpool said on their website.

Isak returned to group training last Thursday and worked with his team-mates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France.

Isak’s absence has been keenly felt and his place in the 21-man squad for the trip to Paris could be a major boost for Arne Slot’s spluttering side.

Pressure is mounting on Slot and his team after Saturday’s dismal 4-0 loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Liverpool is languishing in fifth place in the Premier League and the Champions League is its last hope of silverware this season.

The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by PSG in the last-16 in 2025.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Isak #named #Liverpool #squad #PSG #clash #long #injury #absence">Isak named in Liverpool squad for PSG clash after long injury absence

Alexander Isak has been included in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg at Paris Saint-Germain as the Sweden striker returns from a lengthy injury absence.

Isak has only made 16 appearances for Liverpool since his British record move from Newcastle United last year after struggling with a series of fitness issues.

In December, Isak was injured in a tackle by Micky van de Ven while in the process scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, leading to surgery on an ankle injury which included a fibula fracture.

READ | Favourite tag means nothing, says PSG’s Luis Enrique ahead of Liverpool clash

After 15 weeks on the sidelines, the 26-year-old is finally ready to feature in a Liverpool squad again.

“Alexander Isak is among the players that departed John Lennon Airport for Paris this afternoon, ahead of Wednesday night’s quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes,” Liverpool said on their website.

Isak returned to group training last Thursday and worked with his team-mates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France.

Isak’s absence has been keenly felt and his place in the 21-man squad for the trip to Paris could be a major boost for Arne Slot’s spluttering side.

Pressure is mounting on Slot and his team after Saturday’s dismal 4-0 loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Liverpool is languishing in fifth place in the Premier League and the Champions League is its last hope of silverware this season.

The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by PSG in the last-16 in 2025.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Isak #named #Liverpool #squad #PSG #clash #long #injury #absence
Deadspin | Slumping Ducks determined to ‘figure it out’ vs. Predators Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) talks with ref during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images A five-game losing skid knocked the Anaheim Ducks from top spot in the Pacific Division and left them looking for answers as they prepare to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Ducks (41-31-5, 87 points) were in the driver’s seat before a swoon that was extended with a 5-3 loss on Saturday to the Calgary Flames. Instead of holding the upper hand in the final sprint to a division title, the Ducks sit second in the division, tied with the Edmonton Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points) but trailing due to the tiebreaker. Anaheim also is one point ahead of the third-place Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16, 87 points). All three clubs have five games remaining in the regular season. “We’ve got to figure it out now,” Ducks forward Leo Carlsson said of his team’s situation. “I know that we’re a good team, too. Just got to figure it out.” The Ducks are in a strong position to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in eight years, and their solid season has them looking for more. But instead of punching their ticket and pulling away in the battle for a division title, they have been hindered by porous defensive play at the wrong time of the season. Anaheim has surrendered 24 goals in its five-game skid. Against the Flames, the Ducks were victimized by a handful of breakaway chances allowed. “We’re missing a lot of different guys, that not necessarily are the scorers, but they were guys that were playing a real solid team game,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s one thing we’ve got to tighten up, no matter who’s in the lineup.” The Ducks may receive one player back. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body), who has missed four of the past five games due to injury, practiced on Monday. The Predators arrive in Anaheim also after being knocked out of a desired position in the Western Conference. . Nashville (36-31-10, 82 points) suffered a 3-2 shootout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings (32-26-19, 83 points) on Monday, flipping the teams’ positions in the wild-card race with five games left. The Kings now hold the second wild card, with the Predators on the outside. Lurking one point back are the San Jose Sharks (37-32-7, 81 points), who have a game in hand with six games remaining. The only thing that is certain is that Anaheim and Nashville both need to bank as many points as possible. “It’s going to be another fun game,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette told the team’s website. “They’re probably pretty angry (with where) they’re at the last few games. It will be another playoff-type game, and I expect our group to be ready to go.” Predators captain Roman Josi said the Ducks are a challenge. “Anaheim is obviously one of those young, really fast teams and having a great season,” he said. “Every game is a playoff game. They’re fighting for their spot in their standings. We’re fighting for a playoff spot.” Nashville forward Steven Stamkos scored for a third consecutive game and eight times in nine outings, which gives him 39 on the season. The Ducks have won four straight meetings and six of the past seven clashes against the Predators. The teams meet again in Anaheim on April 16, the regular-season finale for both. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Slumping #Ducks #determined #figure #PredatorsApr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) talks with ref during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

A five-game losing skid knocked the Anaheim Ducks from top spot in the Pacific Division and left them looking for answers as they prepare to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

The Ducks (41-31-5, 87 points) were in the driver’s seat before a swoon that was extended with a 5-3 loss on Saturday to the Calgary Flames.

Instead of holding the upper hand in the final sprint to a division title, the Ducks sit second in the division, tied with the Edmonton Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points) but trailing due to the tiebreaker.

Anaheim also is one point ahead of the third-place Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16, 87 points). All three clubs have five games remaining in the regular season.

“We’ve got to figure it out now,” Ducks forward Leo Carlsson said of his team’s situation. “I know that we’re a good team, too. Just got to figure it out.”

The Ducks are in a strong position to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in eight years, and their solid season has them looking for more.

But instead of punching their ticket and pulling away in the battle for a division title, they have been hindered by porous defensive play at the wrong time of the season.

Anaheim has surrendered 24 goals in its five-game skid. Against the Flames, the Ducks were victimized by a handful of breakaway chances allowed.

“We’re missing a lot of different guys, that not necessarily are the scorers, but they were guys that were playing a real solid team game,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s one thing we’ve got to tighten up, no matter who’s in the lineup.”

The Ducks may receive one player back. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body), who has missed four of the past five games due to injury, practiced on Monday.


The Predators arrive in Anaheim also after being knocked out of a desired position in the Western Conference. .

Nashville (36-31-10, 82 points) suffered a 3-2 shootout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings (32-26-19, 83 points) on Monday, flipping the teams’ positions in the wild-card race with five games left. The Kings now hold the second wild card, with the Predators on the outside.

Lurking one point back are the San Jose Sharks (37-32-7, 81 points), who have a game in hand with six games remaining.

The only thing that is certain is that Anaheim and Nashville both need to bank as many points as possible.

“It’s going to be another fun game,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette told the team’s website. “They’re probably pretty angry (with where) they’re at the last few games. It will be another playoff-type game, and I expect our group to be ready to go.”

Predators captain Roman Josi said the Ducks are a challenge.

“Anaheim is obviously one of those young, really fast teams and having a great season,” he said.

“Every game is a playoff game. They’re fighting for their spot in their standings. We’re fighting for a playoff spot.”

Nashville forward Steven Stamkos scored for a third consecutive game and eight times in nine outings, which gives him 39 on the season.

The Ducks have won four straight meetings and six of the past seven clashes against the Predators. The teams meet again in Anaheim on April 16, the regular-season finale for both.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Slumping #Ducks #determined #figure #Predators">Deadspin | Slumping Ducks determined to ‘figure it out’ vs. Predators Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) talks with ref during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images A five-game losing skid knocked the Anaheim Ducks from top spot in the Pacific Division and left them looking for answers as they prepare to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Ducks (41-31-5, 87 points) were in the driver’s seat before a swoon that was extended with a 5-3 loss on Saturday to the Calgary Flames. Instead of holding the upper hand in the final sprint to a division title, the Ducks sit second in the division, tied with the Edmonton Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points) but trailing due to the tiebreaker. Anaheim also is one point ahead of the third-place Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16, 87 points). All three clubs have five games remaining in the regular season. “We’ve got to figure it out now,” Ducks forward Leo Carlsson said of his team’s situation. “I know that we’re a good team, too. Just got to figure it out.” The Ducks are in a strong position to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in eight years, and their solid season has them looking for more. But instead of punching their ticket and pulling away in the battle for a division title, they have been hindered by porous defensive play at the wrong time of the season. Anaheim has surrendered 24 goals in its five-game skid. Against the Flames, the Ducks were victimized by a handful of breakaway chances allowed. “We’re missing a lot of different guys, that not necessarily are the scorers, but they were guys that were playing a real solid team game,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s one thing we’ve got to tighten up, no matter who’s in the lineup.” The Ducks may receive one player back. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body), who has missed four of the past five games due to injury, practiced on Monday. The Predators arrive in Anaheim also after being knocked out of a desired position in the Western Conference. . Nashville (36-31-10, 82 points) suffered a 3-2 shootout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings (32-26-19, 83 points) on Monday, flipping the teams’ positions in the wild-card race with five games left. The Kings now hold the second wild card, with the Predators on the outside. Lurking one point back are the San Jose Sharks (37-32-7, 81 points), who have a game in hand with six games remaining. The only thing that is certain is that Anaheim and Nashville both need to bank as many points as possible. “It’s going to be another fun game,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette told the team’s website. “They’re probably pretty angry (with where) they’re at the last few games. It will be another playoff-type game, and I expect our group to be ready to go.” Predators captain Roman Josi said the Ducks are a challenge. “Anaheim is obviously one of those young, really fast teams and having a great season,” he said. “Every game is a playoff game. They’re fighting for their spot in their standings. We’re fighting for a playoff spot.” Nashville forward Steven Stamkos scored for a third consecutive game and eight times in nine outings, which gives him 39 on the season. The Ducks have won four straight meetings and six of the past seven clashes against the Predators. The teams meet again in Anaheim on April 16, the regular-season finale for both. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Slumping #Ducks #determined #figure #Predators

The much anticipated first clash between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah delivered.

The match between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in Guwahati was truncated to 11 overs a side following a delayed start due to rain.

The young southpaw smoked the first ball he faced from the two-time World Cup winner over the long-on fence for six. The shot even elicited a smile out of India’s pace spearhead.

After exchanging a couple of singles with opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryavanshi picked a slower ball from Bumrah and deposited it into the stands at midwicket.

The opening pair brought up their fifty-run partnership in just 2.4 overs with all of MI’s bowling options bearing the brunt.

Suryavanshi was eventually dismissed for 39 off 14 balls, after being caught at the deep against the bowling of Shardul Thakur.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#IPL #Vaibhav #Suryavanshi #smashes #Bumrah #sixes #firstever #meeting">IPL 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes Bumrah for two sixes in one over in first-ever meeting The much anticipated first clash between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah delivered.The match between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in Guwahati was truncated to 11 overs a side following a delayed start due to rain.The young southpaw smoked the first ball he faced from the two-time World Cup winner over the long-on fence for six. The shot even elicited a smile out of India’s pace spearhead.After exchanging a couple of singles with opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryavanshi picked a slower ball from Bumrah and deposited it into the stands at midwicket.The opening pair brought up their fifty-run partnership in just 2.4 overs with all of MI’s bowling options bearing the brunt.Suryavanshi was eventually dismissed for 39 off 14 balls, after being caught at the deep against the bowling of Shardul Thakur.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #IPL #Vaibhav #Suryavanshi #smashes #Bumrah #sixes #firstever #meeting

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