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WADA chief meets CBI special director to discuss cooperation in doping crackdown World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

WADA chief meets CBI special director to discuss cooperation in doping crackdown

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.

Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.

“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.

On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.

“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.

Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.

The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.

India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

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World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.

Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.

“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.

On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.

“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.

Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.

The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.

India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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Deadspin | Avalanche down Flames, tie franchise’s season mark for points <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-900/28730266.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730266.jpg" alt="NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Calgary Flames" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Calgary Flames defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz (48) battle for the puck during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Gabriel Landeskog scored a tiebreaking goal late in the third period, Martin Necas had an assist to reach 100 points for the first time in his career, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon scored goals and Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 30 shots for Colorado (54-16-11). The Avalanche have 119 points, tying the franchise record set during the 2021-22 season, when they won the Stanley Cup.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>MacKinnon notched his NHL-leading 53rd goal of the season in his battle for the Rocket Richard Trophy. He has a two-goal lead over the Montreal Canadiens’ Cole Caufield. Both have one game remaining.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Cale Makar logged three assists for the Avalanche in his return to the lineup after missing seven games due to an upper-body injury. Devon Toews and Brock Nelson were healthy scratches, and Nazem Kadri (finger) and Josh Manson (upper-body injury) remain sidelined.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Colorado coach Jared Bednar missed his second consecutive game. Bednar didn’t travel on the two-game trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion sustained when he was hit by a puck during the Avalanche’s Saturday game against the Vegas Golden Knights.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Blake Coleman had a goal and Dustin Wolf made 36 saves for Calgary (33-39-9, 75 points).</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>The Avalanche got the winner when Landeskog won an offensive-zone faceoff back to Makar, who sent it to Brett Kulak. Landeskog, stationed in front of the crease, deflected Kulak’s shot past Wolf at 15:07.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Wolf came off for an extra skater and MacKinnon scored into the empty net at 19:43. Necas got the second assist on the goal to reach his personal milestone.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>After a scoreless first period, the Flames broke through early in the second. Mikael Backlund had the puck at the point and sent a shot to the front of the net. Coleman, batting in the slot, got his stick on the puck as it glided on the ice, and it deflected over Blackwood’s shoulder at 7:22.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>It was Coleman’s 20th goal of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Avalanche tied it when Makar fed Lehkonen for a one-timer at 11:25 of the second.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Avalanche #Flames #tie #franchises #season #mark #points

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College basketball transfer portal rankings for 11 best men’s players still available <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The transfer portal has completely changed men’s college basketball, essentially making every player a free agent at the end of each season. Regulation is probably coming down the pipeline, but it’s not here yet, and prices are <a href="https://x.com/EvanMiya/status/2044083260670857245">reportedly skyrocketing 65 percent from this time last year</a>.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Michigan won the national championship this past season off the backs of four key transfers after landing Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, Morez Johnson from Illinois, Aday Mara from UCLA, and Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2025/4/14/24406281/transfer-portal-team-rankings-mens-college-basketball-2025">I wrote that Michigan had the country’s best transfer portal haul this time last year</a>, so I nailed that one. Unfortunately, I praised the portal hauls from programs like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in the same column, and none of those teams even made the 2026 NCAA tournament.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Teams need to hunt for talent that fits their system in the portal to really see big results — or maybe it’s more important that they tailor the system to the talent they can get. There’s still a long way to go before the portal closes on April 21, and that’s only the deadline to <em>enter</em>, not commit. The race for transfers is already on, and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1110562/louisville-transfer-portal-flory-bidunga-shelstad-mens-college-basketball">some of the best ones have already committed</a>. Here are the best players still available in the portal.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Penn State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mingo’s younger brother Dylan has a case as the best available player in college basketball right now <a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com/unc-basketball/55013/unc-basketball-parted-ways-with-dylan-mingo">after the 5-star incoming freshman decommitted from North Carolina</a> last week. Could the Mingo brothers be a packaged deal at their next home? Their games are pretty similar as big point guards who can’t shoot, so it might not be the best idea. Kayden Mingo had a nice freshman season at Penn State where he established himself as a quality playmaker (27 percent assist rate and +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio), a defensive terror (3.8 percent steal rate), and a promising on-ball creator. Mingo made nearly 62 percent of his rim looks with only 20 percent of those being assisted, and he also showed off a nice self-created mid-range game. Dylan Mingo has a chance to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, but Kayden is a good player and a real catch in the portal in his own right.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Scharnowski’s per-game numbers (10.7 points, six rebounds) don’t do him justice. The 6’9 big man was one of the most efficient players in the country at Belmont this past season, and he has real two-way utility. Scharnowski was a super efficient scorer (68.3 effective field goal percentage), a great rebounder on both ends, and a fearsome rim protector with an eight percent block rate. He finishes everything inside with 75 percent shooting at the rim buoyed by 44 dunks in 30 games, and he’s also a good passer. There’s a ton of green flags in his profile, but his 43.6 percent free throw stroke is a big red flag. Improving his free throw shooting over the offseason would take Scharnowski’s game to the next level.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">McNeil is one of the best shooters in the country combining deadly accuracy with super high volume. He hit 42.7 percent of his threes on 14.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions this past season at NC State. McNeil isn’t just a spot-up shooter, he can dart off screens and hit shots from tough angles with deep range. He doesn’t have much creation ability and he’s not much of a playmaker, but his turnover avoidance and elite shooting should draw plenty of interest in the portal.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Wright left Baylor for BYU for a huge bag last year, and now he’s about to get paid again with Kentucky and BYU reportedly vying for him. The 6’1 guard is a speedy ball handler who can generate paint touches while also hitting 41 percent of his threes. He has a good mid-range game (41.4 percent on non-rim twos) even if he struggles to finish when he gets all the way to the rim. He’s a dependable floor general, too, posting a 24 percent assist rate and a +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Every team wants a trusty veteran point guard, and Wright might be the best one on the market right now.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1105461/march-madness-top-50-players-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament">I named Hill one of the 50 best players in the 2026 NCAA tournament</a> despite coming off the bench all year for VCU. He rewarded my faith by hitting the game-winner in their first-round upset against North Carolina, and now he’s ready for an even bigger role. Hill is a walking bucket at his best with self-creation ability, high-volume three-point shooting (37 percent from deep), and a very good mid-range game. Hill is also a solid passer who avoids turnovers, making him a perfect secondary creator. He’s not a plus defender, but a scorer this talented will be in demand on the market.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Freeman was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school who has battled foot injuries in both of his college seasons. If he can stay healthy, Freeman has a desirable skill set as a 6’9 forward who can launch threes with volume while also crushing the defensive glass. Part of this ranking is believing that Freeman is a better shooter than he’s shown so far after making 30.2 percent of his threes on 86 attempts in 23 games last season. He’s a career 77.5 percent free throw shooter and has shown good touch from mid-range (44.4 percent), so I think a leap is coming. Freeman also finishes well at the rim and holds his own on defense. I predict a breakout junior season if he lands in the right spot.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Blackwell scores points in bunches without sacrificing efficiency. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1106304/wisconsin-college-basketball-best-backcourt-nick-boyd-john-blackwell-big-ten-tournament">The 6’4 guard was part of dynamic duos at Wisconsin the last two seasons</a>, and his shooting touch combined with on/off ball versatility will make him arguably the most coveted guard in the portal this year. Blackwell averaged 19 points per game on 59.3 percent true shooting by ripping the nets from deep (39 percent from three on 247 attempts) and showing off a skilled mid-range game. He’s more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to create good looks for himself allows him to play on or off the ball. Duke and Illinois are believed to be the frontrunners.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school:</strong> Wake Forest</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Harris also declared for the NBA Draft when he announced he was leaving Marquette, but he will likely get a lot more money in the transfer portal for next season as a projected early second round pick. The 6’7 wing is bristling with upside with three-level scoring touch, some self-creation ability, and a knack for getting points at the foul line. He’s an excellent mid-range scorer who made nearly 48 percent on non-rim twos with more than 90 percent of them being unassisted. He should be a better outside shooter than his 33 percent three-point stroke indicates. It feels like Harris will be a solid first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses the right school. Will he go for the biggest bag in the portal this year, or prioritize the place that could make him the most money long-term?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Arizona State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1109445/college-basketball-isnt-a-point-guards-game-anymore-size-is-king-at-final-four-once-again">College basketball is a big man’s game once again</a>, and there’s few players bigger than Diop. Listed at 7’1, 230 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, the native of Senegal proved he could score efficiently inside, protect the rim, and make enough of his free throws (71.5 percent) to not be a total liability at the end of games. Diop crushed 53 dunks last season, which helped him shoot above 71 percent at the rim. He’s a legitimate defensive anchor with a nearly eight percent block rate, but would benefit from being paired with better rebounders. Given the race for size throughout the sport, Diop should be highly sought after coming off a good freshman year at Arizona State.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Iowa State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There might not be a better shooter in college basketball than Momcilovic. The Iowa State forward made 48.7 percent of his threes on 14.4 attempts per 100 possessions from deep last season at Iowa State. He’s also declared for the draft, but his athletic limitations likely make him a second rounder, which means the money will be better in college. While his outside shooting gets all the attention, Momcilovic is also incredible from midrange, making 47 percent of his looks with nearly three-quarters of them being unassisted. All the heavy hitters in the sport could use a shooter like this.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Santa Clara</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">No one knew who Graves was coming into the season, and now he’s either going to be a first-round NBA draft pick or the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a breakout redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. Graves should have been a March Madness hero, but his go-ahead three-pointer against Kentucky was quickly wiped away with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1107336/kentucky-payroll-nil-basketball-otega-oweh-santa-clara-video">Otega Oweh’s deep buzzer-beater</a>. The 6’9 forward is a hyper-aggressive defender who simply rips the ball away from opponents. His defensive playmaking is second-to-none with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also uses his great hands and keen instincts to corral rebounds at an elite rate on both ends. Graves also hit 40.7 percent of his threes on 91 attempts, mostly on pick-and-pops and catch-and-shoot attempts. The size, motor, feel, and efficiency are there. He’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1109861/nba-mock-draft-2026-updated-projection-after-march-madness-ends">projected to be a first-round pick in our latest NBA mock draft</a>, but the money in college might be too good to pass up if the bluebloods get involved.</p></div></div> #College #basketball #transfer #portal #rankings #mens #players

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It’s back-to-back Champions League semifinals for Arsenal.

A 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday saw Arsenal advance 1-0 on aggregate to set up a clash with Atletico Madrid in the last four of European club soccer’s top competition.

“To go back-to-back is an amazing achievement for this group,” Declan Rice told TNT Sports. “We want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final.”

A Premier League and Champions League double remains possible for Mikel Arteta’s team, despite a slump in form in recent weeks.

Arsenal has never won the European Cup and only once reached the final. But it is now just two games away from this year’s showpiece in Budapest, Hungary.

Kai Havertz’s late winner in the first leg of the quarterfinals in Portugal last week proved to be decisive as Sporting failed to find a breakthrough in London.

It is the fourth time Arsenal has advanced to the semifinals and the first time it has gone back-to-back having lost to eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain at that stage last season.

“To be part of those (final) four teams, it’s something very special,” Arteta said. “It comes down to making the last step. We are making the steps that haven’t been done in this club for 140 years, so players deserve credit for what they’re doing.”

The result was the perfect way for Arsenal to start a crucial week in which it also plays Premier League title rival Manchester City on Sunday.

There have been signs of the tension getting to Arteta’s players as the season enters the closing stages, having lost the English League Cup final against City and then crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of second-division Southampton.

Defeat at home in the league against Bournemouth last weekend only added to the sense that it was faltering at a critical time.

“Who cares what people think? All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks and we’re in another semifinal,” Rice said. “Bring on the last few weeks. It’s a roller coaster, no one’s going to hand you anything in this game, so just keep going and, what will be will be.”

It was another tight encounter between Arsenal and Sporting with chances rare.

Substitute Leandro Trossard came closest to winning it for Arsenal on the night by heading against the post late on. Geny Catamo had hit the woodwork for Sporting in the first half.

Arsenal and Atletico have already faced each other in the Champions League this season, with the English club winning 4-0 in the league phase.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Champions #League #Arsenal #sails #Sporting #set #semifinal #Atletico #Madrid">Champions League — Arsenal sails past Sporting to set up semifinal against Atletico Madrid It’s back-to-back Champions League semifinals for Arsenal.A 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday saw Arsenal advance 1-0 on aggregate to set up a clash with Atletico Madrid in the last four of European club soccer’s top competition.“To go back-to-back is an amazing achievement for this group,” Declan Rice told TNT Sports. “We want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final.”A Premier League and Champions League double remains possible for Mikel Arteta’s team, despite a slump in form in recent weeks.Arsenal has never won the European Cup and only once reached the final. But it is now just two games away from this year’s showpiece in Budapest, Hungary.Kai Havertz’s late winner in the first leg of the quarterfinals in Portugal last week proved to be decisive as Sporting failed to find a breakthrough in London.It is the fourth time Arsenal has advanced to the semifinals and the first time it has gone back-to-back having lost to eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain at that stage last season.“To be part of those (final) four teams, it’s something very special,” Arteta said. “It comes down to making the last step. We are making the steps that haven’t been done in this club for 140 years, so players deserve credit for what they’re doing.”The result was the perfect way for Arsenal to start a crucial week in which it also plays Premier League title rival Manchester City on Sunday.There have been signs of the tension getting to Arteta’s players as the season enters the closing stages, having lost the English League Cup final against City and then crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of second-division Southampton.Defeat at home in the league against Bournemouth last weekend only added to the sense that it was faltering at a critical time.“Who cares what people think? All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks and we’re in another semifinal,” Rice said. “Bring on the last few weeks. It’s a roller coaster, no one’s going to hand you anything in this game, so just keep going and, what will be will be.”It was another tight encounter between Arsenal and Sporting with chances rare.Substitute Leandro Trossard came closest to winning it for Arsenal on the night by heading against the post late on. Geny Catamo had hit the woodwork for Sporting in the first half.Arsenal and Atletico have already faced each other in the Champions League this season, with the English club winning 4-0 in the league phase.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Champions #League #Arsenal #sails #Sporting #set #semifinal #Atletico #Madrid

Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener. Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save. The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season. Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games. Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games. The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame. CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #NationalsApr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener.

Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save.

The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season.

Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five.


Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games.

Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.

The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame.

CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals">Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener. Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save. The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season. Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games. Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games. The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame. CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.

Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.

Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.

What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.

RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure">Vaishali overcomes slow start to win Women’s Candidates 2026; Viswanathan Anand hails her composure The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure

Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure">Vaishali overcomes slow start to win Women’s Candidates 2026; Viswanathan Anand hails her composure

The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.

Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.

Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.

What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.

RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure

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