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Rory Mcllroy wins Masters title again — Who all have done it before? Rory McIlroy joined more elite company Sunday at the Masters when he pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion.In a final round where three players had a two-shot lead, McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350-yard drive on the par-5 13th that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.There were a few dicey moments, including a wild drive on the 18th that wound up closer to the 10th fairway. But he tapped in for bogey and a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory.A year ago, his playoff victory over Justin Rose gave him the career Grand Slam.Who all have been back-to-back champions in The Masters before Rory Mcllroy? Tiger Woods: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019 Nick Faldo: 1989, 1990, 1996 Jack Nicklaus: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986 Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Rory #Mcllroy #wins #Masters #title

Rory Mcllroy wins Masters title again — Who all have done it before?

Rory McIlroy joined more elite company Sunday at the Masters when he pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion.

In a final round where three players had a two-shot lead, McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350-yard drive on the par-5 13th that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.

There were a few dicey moments, including a wild drive on the 18th that wound up closer to the 10th fairway. But he tapped in for bogey and a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory.

A year ago, his playoff victory over Justin Rose gave him the career Grand Slam.

Who all have been back-to-back champions in The Masters before Rory Mcllroy?

  • Tiger Woods: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019
  • Nick Faldo: 1989, 1990, 1996
  • Jack Nicklaus: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Rory #Mcllroy #wins #Masters #title

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Rory McIlroy joined more elite company Sunday at the Masters when he pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion.

In a final round where three players had a two-shot lead, McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350-yard drive on the par-5 13th that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.

There were a few dicey moments, including a wild drive on the 18th that wound up closer to the 10th fairway. But he tapped in for bogey and a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory.

A year ago, his playoff victory over Justin Rose gave him the career Grand Slam.

Who all have been back-to-back champions in The Masters before Rory Mcllroy?

  • Tiger Woods: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019
  • Nick Faldo: 1989, 1990, 1996
  • Jack Nicklaus: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986

Published on Apr 13, 2026

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#Rory #Mcllroy #wins #Masters #title

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Deadspin | Kings fighting for playoff positioning vs. Kraken <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-900/28697930.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28697930.jpg" alt="NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger (53) chases down Los Angeles Kings left wing Artemi Panarin (10) during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>With three games remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Kings are in a position in which they could still finish first in the Pacific Division or miss the playoffs completely.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Kings (34-26-19, 87 points) will close with a three-game trip, all against foes who have already been eliminated from the race. Following Monday’s stop in Seattle to meet the Kraken, they’ll play Tuesday in Vancouver and Thursday in Calgary.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Kings — whose 1-0 victory Saturday over Edmonton was their fourth in a row, tying a season high — currently sit in the Western Conference’s second and final wild-card spot, one point ahead of Nashville. They’re also just four points back of division-leading Vegas with a game in hand.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Going on this road trip, I don’t really remember when was the last time we had a (four)-game winning streak, so it definitely feels good,” said Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who plans to retire at the end of the season. “But more importantly, I think the belief in this locker room has gone up and spiked, which is obviously a very good thing.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Los Angeles is one of only four teams in the league — Colorado, Dallas and Montreal are the others — with fewer than 10 regulation losses on the road this season (19-9-10).</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Artemi Panarin, acquired from the New York Rangers in early February, scored Los Angeles’ lone goal Saturday, and Anton Forsberg made 27 saves for his third shutout of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Panarin’s goal came at 7:34 of the first period, when he stole the puck from Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard and scored on a breakaway.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Panarin has nine goals and 17 assists in 23 games with the Kings and a plus/minus rating of plus-10. He was a minus-16 in 52 games for the Rangers.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>“I mean, he can make plays, and he makes two or three a night that no one else makes,” Kings interim coach D.J. Smith said. “A lot of the game was just that kind of back and forth, but they made one mistake, give the Bread Man a breakaway and he gets the winner, so we expect a lot from him to get where we want to go, but he found a way to do it here (Saturday).”</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Forsberg, who is 4-0-0 with a 0.97 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage in his past four starts, made that hold up.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“Now, obviously, it’s only a few games left,” Forsberg said. “It’s our game, and we just got to play that, and then hopefully it’ll turn out the right way.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Forsberg got some help from defenseman Cody Ceci, who dove to knock a shot off the goal line after it trickled past the goaltender midway through the first period.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“Every single guy in this locker room is putting team first and the winning mentality first, and we’re trying to win games,” Kopitar said. “Whether that’s 1-0 or 7-6, it doesn’t really matter. It’s about the two points for the next week, and then we’ll go from there.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Kraken (34-34-11, 79 points), whose playoff hopes were dashed with Los Angeles’ victory Saturday, went out later that day and defeated Calgary 4-1, as goalie Nikke Kokko made 26 saves to win his first NHL start.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“I feel great,” Kokko said. “I was little bit nervous before (the) game, but when I come to the rink and started doing my routine and warmups, then I enjoyed.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Kokko got the start with Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer both nursing lower-body injuries and Matt Murray away from the team to deal with family matters.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“With Nikke coming in and it being his first NHL start, I thought our guys did a really good job and made a concerted effort to give him as much help as possible,” Kraken coach Lane Lambert said. “And when we needed him, he made some good saves for us.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Kings #fighting #playoff #positioning #Kraken

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Deadspin | Dallas Fuel run table at OWCS NA Stage 1, beat Spacestation in grand final <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/Se982f535-50a0-4a09-a3a6-793eedf86eee.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/Se982f535-50a0-4a09-a3a6-793eedf86eee.jpg" alt="Overwatch Champions Series" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Overwatch Champions Series<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Dallas Fuel completed their perfect run through the Overwatch Champions Series’ North America Stage 1, taking down Spacestation Gaming 4-1 in the grand final on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Fuel beat Spacestation for the second straight day after prevailing 3-1 in the upper-bracket final on Saturday. Spacestation recovered, sweeping Team Liquid 3-0 earlier in the day Sunday in the lower-bracket final.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Dallas took home $30,000 while Spacestation settled for the runner-up prize of $15,000. But both teams will receive berths in the OCS Champions Clash, scheduled for May 22-24 in Tokyo.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Overwatch 2 online competition, with a prize pool of $75,000, began with six teams playing a regular season with a round-robin format.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The top four teams advanced to the regional playoffs, and all sealed berths in North America Stage 2. All playoff matches were first-to-three except for the grand final, which was first-to-four.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>On Sunday, Spacestation barely let Team Liquid on the scoreboard — taking Busan Control 2-0, Blizzard World Hybrid 3-1 and Aatlis Flashpoint 3-0.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Then they ran into a Dallas Fuel team that went 5-0 in the regular season, dealing Spacestation their only loss in the early phase.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>The Fuel opened the grand final by winning 2-0 on Busan Control and 2-1 on Midtown Hybrid. Spacestation answered with a 3-1 victory on Rialto Escort, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. The Fuel took Suravasa Flashpoint 3-2 and clinched the championship with a 142.41m-7.48m blowout on Esperanca Push.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Overwatch Champions Series’ North America Stage 1 prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>1. Dallas Fuel — $30,000, qualifies for Champions Clash, NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>2. Spacestation Gaming — $15,000, qualifies for Champions Clash, NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>3. Team Liquid — $12,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>4. LuneX Gaming — $8,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>5-6. Extinction, Disguised — $5,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2 promotion/relegation</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Dallas #Fuel #run #table #OWCS #Stage #beat #Spacestation #grand #final

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Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #ThomasOct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.

“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”

ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.

For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).

Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.

A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).

Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.

She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.


“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”

Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).

For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).

Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.

The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.

Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.

“Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”

Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.

For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas">Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.

After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.

The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.

Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.

“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”

Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.

“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.

“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”

The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.

“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.

“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”

As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling">Krunal Pandya: I don’t pre-plan or practise my bouncers but rely on gut feeling Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Ducks still in playoff hunt despite OT loss to Canucks Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought. Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest. The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild. Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points. Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim. Flames 4, Mammoth 1 Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah. Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots. Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves. Capitals 3, Penguins 0 Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh. Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans. Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight. Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2 Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus. Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Canadiens 4, Islanders 1 Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team. Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon. Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT) Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J. Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games. Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #CanucksApr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought.

Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest.

The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild.

Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points.

Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim.

Flames 4, Mammoth 1

Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah.

Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.

Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.

Capitals 3, Penguins 0

Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh.

Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans.


Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight.

Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2

Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus.

Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2).

Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots.

Canadiens 4, Islanders 1

Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y.

Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team.

Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon.

Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT)

Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J.

Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games.

Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #Canucks">Deadspin | NHL roundup: Ducks still in playoff hunt despite OT loss to Canucks Apr 12, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Marco Rossi scored with 10 seconds left in overtime as the last-place Vancouver Canucks played the role of spoiler Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the host Anaheim Ducks, who needed a win to snap a seven-year playoff drought. Rossi rifled a slapshot past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal after taking a pass from Jake DeBrusk for the Canucks’ second power-play goal of the contest. The Ducks’ (42-32-6, 90 points) next chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win will be Tuesday when they visit the Minnesota Wild. Brock Boeser, Curtis Douglas and DeBrusk also scored and Rossi added an assist for the Canucks, who won their second straight game. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves for Vancouver, which improved to 24-48-8, with 56 points. Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, Leo Carlsson scored one and Chris Kreider added two assists for the Ducks, who were trying to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Goaltender Dostal made 22 saves for Anaheim. Flames 4, Mammoth 1 Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and host Calgary beat Utah. Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames, who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots. Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth, who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves. Capitals 3, Penguins 0 Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots in his fourth shutout of the season and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist in Washington’s victory over visiting Pittsburgh. Trevor van Riemsdyk added his third goal of the season for the Capitals, while Martin Fehervary assisted on a pair and Ryan Leonard, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Ovechkin each added an assist. It may have marked the final home game for the 40-year-old Ovechkin, who has been mum about his plans. Stuart Skinner made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Penguins, who lost their second straight. Bruins 3, Blue Jackets 2 Sean Kuraly scored and set up two others, leading Boston to a win over host Columbus. Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday. The first wild-card seed is still within reach with the Bruins battling the Senators for seeding. Henri Jokiharju and Mark Kastelic added a goal and a helper each for Boston, which swept the three-game season series against Columbus and snapped a five-game skid overall (0-3-2). Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli responded for the Blue Jackets. With the loss, Columbus’ chances at the third seed in the Metropolitan Division took a substantial blow. Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots. Canadiens 4, Islanders 1 Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook scored in a 55-second span late in the second period for Montreal, which eliminated collapsed New York from playoff contention in Elmont, N.Y. Jacob Fowler made 30 saves while Zachary Bolduc scored with 14.7 seconds left in the third for the playoff-bound Canadiens, who maintained their hopes of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home ice in the first round. The Canadiens are tied for first with the Buffalo Sabres, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal does not have the regulation wins tiebreaker over either team. Casey Cizikas scored in the third for the Islanders, who occupied a playoff spot for most of the season before losing nine of their past 13 (4-9-0). New York entered the weekend one point behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division but had its hopes damaged in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators Saturday afternoon. Devils 4, Senators 3 (OT) Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal with 1:42 remaining in overtime and New Jersey earned a victory over Ottawa in Newark, N.J. Hischier collected two goals and an assist and finished off his fifth three-point game of the season by getting to the net after winning an offensive zone faceoff from Shane Pinto. Jack Hughes notched two assists to reach 50 assists for the second time in his career as the Devils improved to 14-7-1 in their past 22 games. Ottawa countered New Jersey’s early lead with three goals in a span of 6:32 during the second period. Reimer made 26 saves for the Senators, who saw a four-game winning streak stopped and are one point behind Boston for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the teams finish tied, Ottawa would win the tiebreaker due to their 37 regulation wins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Ducks #playoff #hunt #loss #Canucks

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