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WTT Contender Taiyuan: Manika Batra beats WR 25 Miyuu Kihara, reached round of 16 Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.What a thriller! 🔥Manika Batra battles fiercely to topple the No.6 seed in the #WTTTaiyuan Round of 16 🙌🏻#TableTennispic.twitter.com/dVoKyzPEb7— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) April 9, 2026Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.Published on Apr 09, 2026 #WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached

WTT Contender Taiyuan: Manika Batra beats WR 25 Miyuu Kihara, reached round of 16

Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.

World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.

Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.

The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.

Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.

From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached

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Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.

World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.

Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.

The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.

Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.

From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.

Published on Apr 09, 2026



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Deadspin | Reds’ Rhett Lowder puts stellar ERA on line vs. Marlins <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28660818.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28660818.jpg" alt="MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Texas Rangers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 4, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder, who missed all of last season due to injuries to his right elbow and left oblique, has come back in fine form.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>In two starts this year, Lowder is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA. In eight major league starts since making his debut in 2024, Lowder is 3-2 with a 1.30 ERA.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>That’s the lowest ERA of any Reds starter ever over his first eight big-league starts (minimum 30 innings) since earned runs were tracked beginning in 1913.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>On Thursday afternoon, Lowder will try to keep it going against the host Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series. Cincinnati won the first two games of the set before Miami prevailed 7-4 on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“(Lowder) is a great pitcher,” said Reds catcher Jose Trevino, who was placed on the injured list on Wednesday due to a thoracic spine strain. “He knows where his stuff is going. He has an idea of how to use his tools.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Those “tools” are not overpowering as Lowder’s fastball normally tops out at 94 mph. Even though he is only 24 years old, Lowder pitches like a veteran, according to Reds manager Terry Francona.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“In an era when guys just grip it and rip it, (Lowder) can spin it down low, below barrels,” Francona said. “Even when he falls behind, he doesn’t have to come in with a fastball.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Lowder, who has never faced the Marlins, has been a star since 2023, when he went 15-0 with a 1.87 ERA at Wake Forest, leading the nation in wins and helping to take the Demon Deacons to the College World Series for the first time in 68 years.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>He was the seventh pick in that year’s draft, and the Marlins will next look to battle Lowder’s pitch mix that includes four-seam fastball, sinker, slider and changeup.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Miami will counter with 27-year-old right-hander Max Meyer (0-0, 4.66 ERA).</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>Meyer, Miami’s first-round pick (third overall) in 2020, is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two career appearances, both starts, against the Reds.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Marlins are expecting good news on Thursday as closer Pete Fairbanks is expected back from paternity leave. He has not pitched since Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Fairbanks, who signed a one-year, $13 million free-agent contract with Miami in December, is 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA and two saves so far this season. For his eight-year career, he has a 3.24 ERA and 92 saves.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>With Fairbanks unavailable, Michael Petersen earned his first career saves on Wednesday. He pitched around two infield hits to throw a scoreless ninth inning, lowering his ERA to 5.40.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Petersen is a late bloomer at age 31. He made his major league debut in 2024 with the Dodgers, and he has pitched professionally for six organizations, for three in the majors.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“He has a big fastball and a hard breaking ball,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Petersen, who is 6-foot-7. “He can neutralize both sides of the plate.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Miami’s offense is a varied attack, and one of its main contributors is outfielder Griffin Conine, who had a two-run homer among his two hits on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>“Griffin has impact in his bat,” McCullough said. “When he squares it up, he can do damage.”</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Reds #Rhett #Lowder #puts #stellar #ERA #line #Marlins

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Deadspin | NBA roundup: Thunder again clinch top seed with win over Clippers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28688788.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28688788.jpg" alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Chet Holmgren scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points with 11 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Isaiah Joe scored 21 points off the bench and Jalen Williams added 18 as the Thunder grabbed the Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed for the third consecutive season with their seven straight victory. Oklahoma City, which won the franchise’s first NBA title last season, will have home-court advantage through the NBA Finals.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points and Kobe Sanders added 17 off the bench for the Clippers, who have already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament following a 6-21 start to the season. Los Angeles played without Darius Garland (toe).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Brook Lopez and Jordan Miller each scored 16 points as the Clippers remained in eighth place in the Western Conference. The eighth and ninth seeds in the West will be decided Friday when the Clippers visit the Portland Trail Blazers.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Suns 112, Mavericks 107</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Devin Booker had 37 points and nine assists, Dillon Brooks scored 28 points and made a late layup to seal the outcome, and host Phoenix held off Dallas to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Royce O’Neale scored 14 points and fellow reserve Collin Gillespie had 13 for the Suns (44-36), who lost an 18-point lead and fell behind in the fourth quarter in their final regular-season home game. The Suns will open the play-in round Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers or Portland Trail Blazers, who still must decide the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds. </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>John Poulakidas had a career-high 23 points and made five 3-pointers, and Marvin Bagley III had 20 points for the Mavericks (25-55), who have lost 10 of 12. Cooper Flagg had 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case. Flagg and his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets are in a two-man race.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Evan Mobley had 22 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds, powering Cleveland to a win over visiting Atlanta in a potential Eastern Conference playoff preview.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>James Harden put up 21 points and Jarrett Allen netted 16 for Cleveland, which is assured of finishing no lower than fourth in the East. The Cavaliers, who have won four straight and six of their past seven, moved within one-half game of the third-place New York Knicks.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 off the bench for the fifth-place Hawks, who failed to clinch a playoff berth. All-Star forward Jalen Johnson had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists before fouling out. Atlanta is one-half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, but both teams could fall out of the top six and into the play-in tournament.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Pistons 137, Bucks 111</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Jalen Duren scored 21 points with nine rebounds to lead Detroit to a win over visiting Milwaukee.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-15"> <p>Detroit, already the owner of the top seed in the Eastern Conference, won its fourth game in its last five contests. Duncan Robinson added 20 points while superstar Cade Cunningham made his return from an 11-game absence for a collapsed lung. He contributed 13 points with 10 assists.</p> </section> <section id="section-16"> <p>The Bucks fell for the second game in a row and eighth time in their last 10 games. Michigan native Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 23 points while Jericho Sims put up a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Magic 132, Timberwolves 120</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Paolo Banchero had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Orlando beat visiting Minnesota for its fourth consecutive victory.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Desmond Bane scored 18 points and Franz Wagner added 17 for Orlando, which moved into seventh place in the tight Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers with two games remaining. Goga Bitadze had 14 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Tristan da Silva added 12 points, and Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter finished with 11 apiece.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Terrence Shannon Jr. set career highs with five 3-pointers and 33 points for short-handed Minnesota, which clinched the sixth position in the Western Conference on Tuesday. Jaden McDaniels returned after missing six games with a knee injury and scored 18 points in 19 minutes. Naz Reid had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season, and host Denver beat Memphis for its 10th win in a row.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>Cameron Johnson posted 18 points as the Nuggets moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost six in a row and 19 of their past 21.</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 101</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>De’Aaron Fox poured in 25 points and San Antonio’s reserves contributed 48 points as the host Spurs defeated Portland.</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama (rib) and Stephon Castle (knee) but still had enough to log their 13th win in 14 games. The Spurs became locked into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their game.</p> </section><section id="section-28"> <p>Deni Avdija paced Portland with 29 points, with Scoot Henderson scoring 20. The Trail Blazers remain ninth in the West, a game back of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the teams’ Friday meeting in Portland.</p> </section><section id="section-29"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Thunder #clinch #top #seed #win #Clippers

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Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #SkyJul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs.

New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night.

The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol.

In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury.

In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career.

Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season.

Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look.

“It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.”


While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference.

The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played.

Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state.

However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury.

One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team.

Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds.

Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score.

“I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky">Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky

#Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked">Olivia Miles and the 5 top WNBA rookies at the All-Star break, ranked It’s just about time for the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and that also means it’s time to rank the best-performing WNBA rookies so far.The draft class’s top picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, but there have been a few surprise players in the mix for top performers, too.Here’s where things stand entering the midpoint of the season.1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxOlivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate MVP candidate, and she’s the biggest reason why the Lynx have been as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 points on 50.1% shooting, including 36.2% from three. She’s also tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, while powering the Lynx to the league’s best record. She’s the only player in WNBA history to hit all three marks (19.6 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas WingsBecause Azzi Fudd was drafted before Olivia Miles, her own success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s point guard. But make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she’s fit perfectly alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 points on 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from outside the arc, while establishing herself as one of Dallas’s top defenders.3. Awa Fam, Seattle StormAwa Fam has been exceptional in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the two have formed a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game (most among rookies). She’s also shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc on 4 attempts.4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago SkySydney Taylor has been a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise difficult Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and somehow, she’s established herself as one of the best rookies in the class.Taylor is the third-leading scorer among rookies — averaging 13.5 points per game on 45.2% shooting, while hitting 33.1% from beyond the arc. The most impressive part? She’s doing it in just 19.8 minutes per game.5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle StormFlau’jae Johnson was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, only to be traded on draft night for Marta Suarez, who was later cut. The Valkyries have had a great second season, but the Johnson trade could end up living in infamy. The former LSU star took a few weeks to find her rhythm, but she’s now the second-leading scorer among rookies and an integral part of the Storm’s young core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She erupted for 26 points on 7-for-11 field goals in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday. #Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked

“The greatest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back home to our country. If anyone deserved to live that feeling again, it was you.” Rodrigo De Paul wrote on social media after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, admitting that the loss will hurt for a long time.

Spain controlled the match from the beginning till the end, dominating ball possession for most of the match. Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to build through midfield, and did not manage to score, with Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal proving to be the clincher for Spain.

De Paul said the bond between the team and the fans goes beyond the trophy, and that this shared identity is what he is holding on to as he processes the defeat.

“There were so many people waiting for us to fall, but that only made us stronger. Their attacks, their conspiracies, and their hate only proved how much our smiles and our way of being bother them.”

De Paul’s message closed with his love for the shirt and his country: “Today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”

Published on Jul 22, 2026

#Rodrigo #Paul #pens #emotional #reaction #Argentinas #World #Cup #Final #loss">Rodrigo De Paul pens emotional reaction after Argentina’s World Cup Final loss “The greatest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back home to our country. If anyone deserved to live that feeling again, it was you.” Rodrigo De Paul wrote on social media after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, admitting that the loss will hurt for a long time.Spain controlled the match from the beginning till the end, dominating ball possession for most of the match. Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to build through midfield, and did not manage to score, with Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal proving to be the clincher for Spain.De Paul said the bond between the team and the fans goes beyond the trophy, and that this shared identity is what he is holding on to as he processes the defeat.“There were so many people waiting for us to fall, but that only made us stronger. Their attacks, their conspiracies, and their hate only proved how much our smiles and our way of being bother them.”De Paul’s message closed with his love for the shirt and his country: “Today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”Published on Jul 22, 2026 #Rodrigo #Paul #pens #emotional #reaction #Argentinas #World #Cup #Final #loss

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