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A case for the invisible assist — Why Cricket Needs an ‘Assist’ Column In sport, memory lives in numbers and often dominates discussions across eras. Scorecards eventually become history, though for many fans, they are much more.Ardent baseball fans treat scorecards as precious collectibles, while cricket enthusiasts can swear by a legendary “ton” or a definitive “five-fer” in a specific Test match. Yet, truth often slips through the gaps, much like a cover drive imperiously threaded between point and mid-off.Baseball offers a clinical verdict: a batter is retired, and the scorecard records the outcome with total indifference. It matters little whether a fielder hauls in the ball at full stretch in right field or if it settles comfortably into a waiting glove in centre. The act is completed, the moment fades, and the numbers move on—offering no room for the artistry of the effort.A Lesson from the HardwoodBasketball has always had an answer to this conundrum. For the Los Angeles Lakers, whenever Earvin “Magic” Johnson threaded a pass to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the finish was only half the act. The assist carried weight, etched into the record books as a vital statistic.In basketball, the creator and the completer share the spotlight, ensuring that fans and history books alike acknowledge the setup as much as the score.Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library The Evolution of the GameStatisticians in cricket seemingly had a different idea. Perhaps pioneers like Bill Frindall, B.B. Mama, Anandji Dossa, and Sudhir Vaidya never anticipated the acrobatic artistry of a Suryakumar Yadav at the Kensington Oval in 2024 or a Shreyas Iyer in 2026.Cricket commentary celebrates the late swing and the diving stop; it applauds fielding brilliance with roars and endless replays. Yet, when the dust settles, the record often ignores this evolving dimension of the game. During a telecast, we are now accustomed to wagon wheels, Manhattan charts, and “the worm”—visual aids that add spice to an already well-made biryani—but the scorecard remains stubbornly static.The Wankhede MiracleA recent night at the Wankhede Stadium during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season provided a jarring reminder of this oversight. In the 24th match between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the ball sailed toward the boundary in the 18th over. Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of pure theatre.Stationed at long-on, he sprinted to his left, launched himself into the air, and plucked the ball from the sky. Mid-flight, as gravity pulled him toward the rope, instinct took over. He flicked the ball back into play just as he crossed the boundary, where Xavier Bartlett completed the relay. Hardik Pandya was sent on his way, and the stadium erupted.Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI Ask anyone who “took” that catch, and the name they say will be Iyer. Yet, look at the scorecard, and Iyer’s name is nowhere to be found. In the history books, he doesn’t even receive an asterisk for this breathtaking fusion of athleticism, awareness, and timing.Similarly, when a catch bursts from the grasp of a diving first-slip fielder and is safely completed by a teammate at second slip, the scorecard credits only the finisher, leaving the initial effort, often the defining act, without even a mention.A Call for ChangeThe typical line on a scorecard reads: “c Fielder b Bowler.” Even if a substitute or an “Impact Player” takes the catch, their name is recognised. But in a relay situation, the player who does the heavy lifting—the “creator”—is erased from the official narrative.Cricket has evolved in almost every other dimension. Technology provides mountains of data for batters, bowlers, and coaches, yet we lack the statistical language to preserve teamwork in motion. The boundary relay catch is the purest example of a collaborative effort; without the first player, the second does not exist. Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP Imagine a child twenty years from now speaking about their father’s legendary catch. They pull up the scorecard to prove it, only to find a name that isn’t his. What do they point to? The video might survive in fragments, but the numbers—sport’s most trusted storytellers—will remain silent.Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column wouldn’t just change a statistic; it would honour the invisible hand that shapes the game’s most defining moments. In a sport that prides itself on detail, this is one detail that has waited long enough to be seen.Published on May 12, 2026 #case #invisible #assist #Cricket #Assist #Column

A case for the invisible assist — Why Cricket Needs an ‘Assist’ Column

In sport, memory lives in numbers and often dominates discussions across eras. Scorecards eventually become history, though for many fans, they are much more.

Ardent baseball fans treat scorecards as precious collectibles, while cricket enthusiasts can swear by a legendary “ton” or a definitive “five-fer” in a specific Test match. Yet, truth often slips through the gaps, much like a cover drive imperiously threaded between point and mid-off.

Baseball offers a clinical verdict: a batter is retired, and the scorecard records the outcome with total indifference. It matters little whether a fielder hauls in the ball at full stretch in right field or if it settles comfortably into a waiting glove in centre. The act is completed, the moment fades, and the numbers move on—offering no room for the artistry of the effort.

A Lesson from the Hardwood

Basketball has always had an answer to this conundrum. For the Los Angeles Lakers, whenever Earvin “Magic” Johnson threaded a pass to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the finish was only half the act. The assist carried weight, etched into the record books as a vital statistic.

In basketball, the creator and the completer share the spotlight, ensuring that fans and history books alike acknowledge the setup as much as the score.

A case for the invisible assist — Why Cricket Needs an ‘Assist’ Column In sport, memory lives in numbers and often dominates discussions across eras. Scorecards eventually become history, though for many fans, they are much more.Ardent baseball fans treat scorecards as precious collectibles, while cricket enthusiasts can swear by a legendary “ton” or a definitive “five-fer” in a specific Test match. Yet, truth often slips through the gaps, much like a cover drive imperiously threaded between point and mid-off.Baseball offers a clinical verdict: a batter is retired, and the scorecard records the outcome with total indifference. It matters little whether a fielder hauls in the ball at full stretch in right field or if it settles comfortably into a waiting glove in centre. The act is completed, the moment fades, and the numbers move on—offering no room for the artistry of the effort.A Lesson from the HardwoodBasketball has always had an answer to this conundrum. For the Los Angeles Lakers, whenever Earvin “Magic” Johnson threaded a pass to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the finish was only half the act. The assist carried weight, etched into the record books as a vital statistic.In basketball, the creator and the completer share the spotlight, ensuring that fans and history books alike acknowledge the setup as much as the score.Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library The Evolution of the GameStatisticians in cricket seemingly had a different idea. Perhaps pioneers like Bill Frindall, B.B. Mama, Anandji Dossa, and Sudhir Vaidya never anticipated the acrobatic artistry of a Suryakumar Yadav at the Kensington Oval in 2024 or a Shreyas Iyer in 2026.Cricket commentary celebrates the late swing and the diving stop; it applauds fielding brilliance with roars and endless replays. Yet, when the dust settles, the record often ignores this evolving dimension of the game. During a telecast, we are now accustomed to wagon wheels, Manhattan charts, and “the worm”—visual aids that add spice to an already well-made biryani—but the scorecard remains stubbornly static.The Wankhede MiracleA recent night at the Wankhede Stadium during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season provided a jarring reminder of this oversight. In the 24th match between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the ball sailed toward the boundary in the 18th over. Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of pure theatre.Stationed at long-on, he sprinted to his left, launched himself into the air, and plucked the ball from the sky. Mid-flight, as gravity pulled him toward the rope, instinct took over. He flicked the ball back into play just as he crossed the boundary, where Xavier Bartlett completed the relay. Hardik Pandya was sent on his way, and the stadium erupted.Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI Ask anyone who “took” that catch, and the name they say will be Iyer. Yet, look at the scorecard, and Iyer’s name is nowhere to be found. In the history books, he doesn’t even receive an asterisk for this breathtaking fusion of athleticism, awareness, and timing.Similarly, when a catch bursts from the grasp of a diving first-slip fielder and is safely completed by a teammate at second slip, the scorecard credits only the finisher, leaving the initial effort, often the defining act, without even a mention.A Call for ChangeThe typical line on a scorecard reads: “c Fielder b Bowler.” Even if a substitute or an “Impact Player” takes the catch, their name is recognised. But in a relay situation, the player who does the heavy lifting—the “creator”—is erased from the official narrative.Cricket has evolved in almost every other dimension. Technology provides mountains of data for batters, bowlers, and coaches, yet we lack the statistical language to preserve teamwork in motion. The boundary relay catch is the purest example of a collaborative effort; without the first player, the second does not exist. Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP Imagine a child twenty years from now speaking about their father’s legendary catch. They pull up the scorecard to prove it, only to find a name that isn’t his. What do they point to? The video might survive in fragments, but the numbers—sport’s most trusted storytellers—will remain silent.Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column wouldn’t just change a statistic; it would honour the invisible hand that shapes the game’s most defining moments. In a sport that prides itself on detail, this is one detail that has waited long enough to be seen.Published on May 12, 2026 #case #invisible #assist #Cricket #Assist #Column

Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library

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Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library

The Evolution of the Game

Statisticians in cricket seemingly had a different idea. Perhaps pioneers like Bill Frindall, B.B. Mama, Anandji Dossa, and Sudhir Vaidya never anticipated the acrobatic artistry of a Suryakumar Yadav at the Kensington Oval in 2024 or a Shreyas Iyer in 2026.

Cricket commentary celebrates the late swing and the diving stop; it applauds fielding brilliance with roars and endless replays. Yet, when the dust settles, the record often ignores this evolving dimension of the game. During a telecast, we are now accustomed to wagon wheels, Manhattan charts, and “the worm”—visual aids that add spice to an already well-made biryani—but the scorecard remains stubbornly static.

The Wankhede Miracle

A recent night at the Wankhede Stadium during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season provided a jarring reminder of this oversight. In the 24th match between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the ball sailed toward the boundary in the 18th over. Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of pure theatre.

Stationed at long-on, he sprinted to his left, launched himself into the air, and plucked the ball from the sky. Mid-flight, as gravity pulled him toward the rope, instinct took over. He flicked the ball back into play just as he crossed the boundary, where Xavier Bartlett completed the relay. Hardik Pandya was sent on his way, and the stadium erupted.

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal.

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal. | Photo Credit: PTI

Ask anyone who “took” that catch, and the name they say will be Iyer. Yet, look at the scorecard, and Iyer’s name is nowhere to be found. In the history books, he doesn’t even receive an asterisk for this breathtaking fusion of athleticism, awareness, and timing.

Similarly, when a catch bursts from the grasp of a diving first-slip fielder and is safely completed by a teammate at second slip, the scorecard credits only the finisher, leaving the initial effort, often the defining act, without even a mention.

A Call for Change

The typical line on a scorecard reads: “c Fielder b Bowler.” Even if a substitute or an “Impact Player” takes the catch, their name is recognised. But in a relay situation, the player who does the heavy lifting—the “creator”—is erased from the official narrative.

Cricket has evolved in almost every other dimension. Technology provides mountains of data for batters, bowlers, and coaches, yet we lack the statistical language to preserve teamwork in motion. The boundary relay catch is the purest example of a collaborative effort; without the first player, the second does not exist.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP

lightbox-info

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that. | Photo Credit: AP

Imagine a child twenty years from now speaking about their father’s legendary catch. They pull up the scorecard to prove it, only to find a name that isn’t his. What do they point to? The video might survive in fragments, but the numbers—sport’s most trusted storytellers—will remain silent.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column wouldn’t just change a statistic; it would honour the invisible hand that shapes the game’s most defining moments. In a sport that prides itself on detail, this is one detail that has waited long enough to be seen.

Published on May 12, 2026

#case #invisible #assist #Cricket #Assist #Column

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In sport, memory lives in numbers and often dominates discussions across eras. Scorecards eventually become history, though for many fans, they are much more.

Ardent baseball fans treat scorecards as precious collectibles, while cricket enthusiasts can swear by a legendary “ton” or a definitive “five-fer” in a specific Test match. Yet, truth often slips through the gaps, much like a cover drive imperiously threaded between point and mid-off.

Baseball offers a clinical verdict: a batter is retired, and the scorecard records the outcome with total indifference. It matters little whether a fielder hauls in the ball at full stretch in right field or if it settles comfortably into a waiting glove in centre. The act is completed, the moment fades, and the numbers move on—offering no room for the artistry of the effort.

A Lesson from the Hardwood

Basketball has always had an answer to this conundrum. For the Los Angeles Lakers, whenever Earvin “Magic” Johnson threaded a pass to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the finish was only half the act. The assist carried weight, etched into the record books as a vital statistic.

In basketball, the creator and the completer share the spotlight, ensuring that fans and history books alike acknowledge the setup as much as the score.

Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Photo Library

lightbox-info

Brothers of destruction: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the deadliest combinations in NBA, leading the attack for Los Angeles Lakers.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Photo Library

The Evolution of the Game

Statisticians in cricket seemingly had a different idea. Perhaps pioneers like Bill Frindall, B.B. Mama, Anandji Dossa, and Sudhir Vaidya never anticipated the acrobatic artistry of a Suryakumar Yadav at the Kensington Oval in 2024 or a Shreyas Iyer in 2026.

Cricket commentary celebrates the late swing and the diving stop; it applauds fielding brilliance with roars and endless replays. Yet, when the dust settles, the record often ignores this evolving dimension of the game. During a telecast, we are now accustomed to wagon wheels, Manhattan charts, and “the worm”—visual aids that add spice to an already well-made biryani—but the scorecard remains stubbornly static.

The Wankhede Miracle

A recent night at the Wankhede Stadium during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season provided a jarring reminder of this oversight. In the 24th match between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the ball sailed toward the boundary in the 18th over. Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of pure theatre.

Stationed at long-on, he sprinted to his left, launched himself into the air, and plucked the ball from the sky. Mid-flight, as gravity pulled him toward the rope, instinct took over. He flicked the ball back into play just as he crossed the boundary, where Xavier Bartlett completed the relay. Hardik Pandya was sent on his way, and the stadium erupted.

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal.

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

lightbox-info

Key architect: Shreyas Iyer did not really take the catch of Hardik Pandya, but he played the most significant role in the dismissal.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Ask anyone who “took” that catch, and the name they say will be Iyer. Yet, look at the scorecard, and Iyer’s name is nowhere to be found. In the history books, he doesn’t even receive an asterisk for this breathtaking fusion of athleticism, awareness, and timing.

Similarly, when a catch bursts from the grasp of a diving first-slip fielder and is safely completed by a teammate at second slip, the scorecard credits only the finisher, leaving the initial effort, often the defining act, without even a mention.

A Call for Change

The typical line on a scorecard reads: “c Fielder b Bowler.” Even if a substitute or an “Impact Player” takes the catch, their name is recognised. But in a relay situation, the player who does the heavy lifting—the “creator”—is erased from the official narrative.

Cricket has evolved in almost every other dimension. Technology provides mountains of data for batters, bowlers, and coaches, yet we lack the statistical language to preserve teamwork in motion. The boundary relay catch is the purest example of a collaborative effort; without the first player, the second does not exist.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that.
| Photo Credit:
AP

lightbox-info

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column would change that.
| Photo Credit:
AP

Imagine a child twenty years from now speaking about their father’s legendary catch. They pull up the scorecard to prove it, only to find a name that isn’t his. What do they point to? The video might survive in fragments, but the numbers—sport’s most trusted storytellers—will remain silent.

Cricket doesn’t lack appreciation for fielding; it lacks the language to preserve it. An assist column wouldn’t just change a statistic; it would honour the invisible hand that shapes the game’s most defining moments. In a sport that prides itself on detail, this is one detail that has waited long enough to be seen.

Published on May 12, 2026

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Deadspin | Golf Glance: Final push for FedExCup Playoffs; LIV back at Trump’s course Cameron Young is trying to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham Championship since Sam Snead. The final push is on to qualify for the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs with this week’s regular-season finale on the PGA Tour, while LIV Golf returns to Trump National Bedminster for the first time since 2023. PGA TOUR THIS WEEK: Wyndham Championship, Greensboro, N.C., Aug. 6-9 Course: Sedgefield Country Club (Par 70, 7,131 Yards) Purse: .5M (Winner: .53M) Defending Champion: Cameron Young FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS). Streaming: Thursday-Friday: 6:45 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. (ESPN App) X: @WyndhamChamp NOTES: This is the final event of the 2026 regular season, with the top 70 players in the standings after this week advancing to the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Following that event, the top 50 players will qualify for the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 will advance to the Tour Championship. … This is the 87th playing of the Wyndham Championship, which dates to 1938 and is the seventh-longest running tour event outside of the majors. It has been played at Sedgefield since 2008. … Michael Thorbjornsen withdrew on Sunday following his first PGA Tour victory. He was replaced in the field by Justin Lower. Dan Brown also withdrew and was replaced by Lanto Griffin. … Chris Kirk finished T5 last year to become the only player to move into the top 70 following the Wyndham. … Brooks Koepka enters the week No. 86 in the standings. … No. 60 Shane Lowry is the only player between Nos. 60-80 who is not in this week’s field. FEDEXCUP BUBBLE Players Nos. 60-70: Shane Lowry, Nick Taylor, Harry Hall, Brian Harman, Patrick Rodgers, Aldrich Potgieter, Ricky Castillo, Matti Schmid, Jordan Smith, Steven Fisk, Jackson Koivun Players Nos. 71-80: Mac Meissner, Keegan Bradley, Andrew Putnam, Johnny Keefer, Jason Day, Austin Smotherman, Stephan Jaeger, David Lipsky, Tom Hoge, Matt Wallace BEST BETS: Cameron Young (+810 at DraftKings) is seeking to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham since Sam Snead in 1956. … Jackson Koivun (+2000) claimed his first PGA Tour victory two weeks ago and finished T5 here as a sponsor exemption last year. … Hideki Matsuyama (+2500) enters with consecutive top-5 finishes the past two weeks. … Aaron Rai (+3100) became the first player from England to win the Wyndham two years ago. It was his lone tour victory until winning The Open last month. Last Tournament: Rocket Classic (Thorbjornsen) Next Tournament: FedEx St. Jude Championship, Memphis, Aug. 13-16 LIV GOLF THIS WEEK: LIV Golf New York, Aug. 6-9 Course: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (Par 71, 7,651 Yards) Purse: Individual: M (Winner: M); Team: M (Winner: M) Defending Champions: Individual: Cameron Smith; Team: Ripper GC 2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: 4Aces GC HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday: 1-6 p.m. ET (FOX One); Friday-Saturday: 12-2 p.m. (Fox One); 2-5 p.m. (FOX); Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (FOX) X: @livgolf_league NOTES: The field includes 57 players comprised of 13 four-player teams and five wild cards with a daily shotgun start. … This is the third LIV event contested at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, which also played host to events in 2022 and ’23. … Smith’s win in 2023 was his most recent tournament victory, and his seven-shot win over Anirban Lahiri remains the largest margin of victory in LIV history. Last Event: LIV Golf United Kingdom (Individual: Lucas Herbert; Team: Ripper GC) Next Event: Indianapolis, Aug. 20-23 LPGA TOUR THIS WEEK: OFF. Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda Last Tournament: AIG Women’s Open (Shiho Kuwaki) Next Tournament: The Standard Portland Classic, Portland, Ore., Aug. 13-16 PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS THIS WEEK: OFF. Charles Schwab Cup Leader: Stewart Cink Last Tournament: Portugal Invitational (Zach Johnson) Next Tournament: Boeing Classic, Snoqualmie, Wash., Aug. 14-16 DP WORLD TOUR THIS WEEK: OFF. Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed Last Tournament: BMW International Open (David Puig) Next Tournament: Danish Golf Championship, Funen, Denmark, Aug. 13-16 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golf #Glance #Final #push #FedExCup #Playoffs #LIV #TrumpsCameron Young is trying to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham Championship since Sam Snead.

The final push is on to qualify for the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs with this week’s regular-season finale on the PGA Tour, while LIV Golf returns to Trump National Bedminster for the first time since 2023.

PGA TOUR

THIS WEEK: Wyndham Championship, Greensboro, N.C., Aug. 6-9

Course: Sedgefield Country Club (Par 70, 7,131 Yards)

Purse: $8.5M (Winner: $1.53M)

Defending Champion: Cameron Young

FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).

Streaming: Thursday-Friday: 6:45 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. (ESPN App)

X: @WyndhamChamp

NOTES: This is the final event of the 2026 regular season, with the top 70 players in the standings after this week advancing to the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Following that event, the top 50 players will qualify for the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 will advance to the Tour Championship. … This is the 87th playing of the Wyndham Championship, which dates to 1938 and is the seventh-longest running tour event outside of the majors. It has been played at Sedgefield since 2008. … Michael Thorbjornsen withdrew on Sunday following his first PGA Tour victory. He was replaced in the field by Justin Lower. Dan Brown also withdrew and was replaced by Lanto Griffin. … Chris Kirk finished T5 last year to become the only player to move into the top 70 following the Wyndham. … Brooks Koepka enters the week No. 86 in the standings. … No. 60 Shane Lowry is the only player between Nos. 60-80 who is not in this week’s field.

FEDEXCUP BUBBLE

Players Nos. 60-70: Shane Lowry, Nick Taylor, Harry Hall, Brian Harman, Patrick Rodgers, Aldrich Potgieter, Ricky Castillo, Matti Schmid, Jordan Smith, Steven Fisk, Jackson Koivun

Players Nos. 71-80: Mac Meissner, Keegan Bradley, Andrew Putnam, Johnny Keefer, Jason Day, Austin Smotherman, Stephan Jaeger, David Lipsky, Tom Hoge, Matt Wallace

BEST BETS: Cameron Young (+810 at DraftKings) is seeking to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham since Sam Snead in 1956. … Jackson Koivun (+2000) claimed his first PGA Tour victory two weeks ago and finished T5 here as a sponsor exemption last year. … Hideki Matsuyama (+2500) enters with consecutive top-5 finishes the past two weeks. … Aaron Rai (+3100) became the first player from England to win the Wyndham two years ago. It was his lone tour victory until winning The Open last month.

Last Tournament: Rocket Classic (Thorbjornsen)

Next Tournament: FedEx St. Jude Championship, Memphis, Aug. 13-16

LIV GOLF

THIS WEEK: LIV Golf New York, Aug. 6-9

Course: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (Par 71, 7,651 Yards)

Purse: Individual: $20M (Winner: $4M); Team: $10M (Winner: $3M)


Defending Champions: Individual: Cameron Smith; Team: Ripper GC

2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: 4Aces GC

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Thursday: 1-6 p.m. ET (FOX One); Friday-Saturday: 12-2 p.m. (Fox One); 2-5 p.m. (FOX); Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (FOX)

X: @livgolf_league

NOTES: The field includes 57 players comprised of 13 four-player teams and five wild cards with a daily shotgun start. … This is the third LIV event contested at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, which also played host to events in 2022 and ’23. … Smith’s win in 2023 was his most recent tournament victory, and his seven-shot win over Anirban Lahiri remains the largest margin of victory in LIV history.

Last Event: LIV Golf United Kingdom (Individual: Lucas Herbert; Team: Ripper GC)

Next Event: Indianapolis, Aug. 20-23

LPGA TOUR

THIS WEEK: OFF.

Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda

Last Tournament: AIG Women’s Open (Shiho Kuwaki)

Next Tournament: The Standard Portland Classic, Portland, Ore., Aug. 13-16

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

THIS WEEK: OFF.

Charles Schwab Cup Leader: Stewart Cink

Last Tournament: Portugal Invitational (Zach Johnson)

Next Tournament: Boeing Classic, Snoqualmie, Wash., Aug. 14-16

DP WORLD TOUR

THIS WEEK: OFF.

Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed

Last Tournament: BMW International Open (David Puig)

Next Tournament: Danish Golf Championship, Funen, Denmark, Aug. 13-16


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Golf #Glance #Final #push #FedExCup #Playoffs #LIV #Trumps">Deadspin | Golf Glance: Final push for FedExCup Playoffs; LIV back at Trump’s course Cameron Young is trying to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham Championship since Sam Snead. The final push is on to qualify for the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs with this week’s regular-season finale on the PGA Tour, while LIV Golf returns to Trump National Bedminster for the first time since 2023. PGA TOUR THIS WEEK: Wyndham Championship, Greensboro, N.C., Aug. 6-9 Course: Sedgefield Country Club (Par 70, 7,131 Yards) Purse: .5M (Winner: .53M) Defending Champion: Cameron Young FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS). Streaming: Thursday-Friday: 6:45 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. (ESPN App) X: @WyndhamChamp NOTES: This is the final event of the 2026 regular season, with the top 70 players in the standings after this week advancing to the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Following that event, the top 50 players will qualify for the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 will advance to the Tour Championship. … This is the 87th playing of the Wyndham Championship, which dates to 1938 and is the seventh-longest running tour event outside of the majors. It has been played at Sedgefield since 2008. … Michael Thorbjornsen withdrew on Sunday following his first PGA Tour victory. He was replaced in the field by Justin Lower. Dan Brown also withdrew and was replaced by Lanto Griffin. … Chris Kirk finished T5 last year to become the only player to move into the top 70 following the Wyndham. … Brooks Koepka enters the week No. 86 in the standings. … No. 60 Shane Lowry is the only player between Nos. 60-80 who is not in this week’s field. FEDEXCUP BUBBLE Players Nos. 60-70: Shane Lowry, Nick Taylor, Harry Hall, Brian Harman, Patrick Rodgers, Aldrich Potgieter, Ricky Castillo, Matti Schmid, Jordan Smith, Steven Fisk, Jackson Koivun Players Nos. 71-80: Mac Meissner, Keegan Bradley, Andrew Putnam, Johnny Keefer, Jason Day, Austin Smotherman, Stephan Jaeger, David Lipsky, Tom Hoge, Matt Wallace BEST BETS: Cameron Young (+810 at DraftKings) is seeking to become the first player to successfully defend at the Wyndham since Sam Snead in 1956. … Jackson Koivun (+2000) claimed his first PGA Tour victory two weeks ago and finished T5 here as a sponsor exemption last year. … Hideki Matsuyama (+2500) enters with consecutive top-5 finishes the past two weeks. … Aaron Rai (+3100) became the first player from England to win the Wyndham two years ago. It was his lone tour victory until winning The Open last month. Last Tournament: Rocket Classic (Thorbjornsen) Next Tournament: FedEx St. Jude Championship, Memphis, Aug. 13-16 LIV GOLF THIS WEEK: LIV Golf New York, Aug. 6-9 Course: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (Par 71, 7,651 Yards) Purse: Individual: M (Winner: M); Team: M (Winner: M) Defending Champions: Individual: Cameron Smith; Team: Ripper GC 2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: 4Aces GC HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday: 1-6 p.m. ET (FOX One); Friday-Saturday: 12-2 p.m. (Fox One); 2-5 p.m. (FOX); Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (FOX) X: @livgolf_league NOTES: The field includes 57 players comprised of 13 four-player teams and five wild cards with a daily shotgun start. … This is the third LIV event contested at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, which also played host to events in 2022 and ’23. … Smith’s win in 2023 was his most recent tournament victory, and his seven-shot win over Anirban Lahiri remains the largest margin of victory in LIV history. Last Event: LIV Golf United Kingdom (Individual: Lucas Herbert; Team: Ripper GC) Next Event: Indianapolis, Aug. 20-23 LPGA TOUR THIS WEEK: OFF. Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda Last Tournament: AIG Women’s Open (Shiho Kuwaki) Next Tournament: The Standard Portland Classic, Portland, Ore., Aug. 13-16 PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS THIS WEEK: OFF. Charles Schwab Cup Leader: Stewart Cink Last Tournament: Portugal Invitational (Zach Johnson) Next Tournament: Boeing Classic, Snoqualmie, Wash., Aug. 14-16 DP WORLD TOUR THIS WEEK: OFF. Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed Last Tournament: BMW International Open (David Puig) Next Tournament: Danish Golf Championship, Funen, Denmark, Aug. 13-16 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golf #Glance #Final #push #FedExCup #Playoffs #LIV #Trumps

When you think of the WNBA’s best players, who comes to mind?

A’ja Wilson, who has won four MVP awards in the last six years, is probably on the list, as are the 2024 and 2025 No. 1 overall picks, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Some WNBA players have established themselves as household names, while others continue to fly under the radar.

But who are the league’s most underrated players?

It’s a tricky question because the concept of a player being underrated can be interpreted in several ways; a player might be considered underrated because they’ve been flying under the radar (think low name recognition), or they might be considered underrated because they do get a lot of attention, but the general public still doesn’t realize how good they actually are.

With both of those criteria in mind, here are my picks for the WNBA’s most underrated players at the moment.

Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx had three All-Stars this season — Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles — and now they have Napheesa Collier, too, a perennial MVP candidate.

But McBride has been the player on the Lynx who often is most overlooked. She’s currently averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40.3% from three. She has the 4th-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA, and was Minnesota’s leading scorer for 8 consecutive games last month.

McBride is 34 years old, so she’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s part of why her greatness is sometimes overlooked. But the Lynx would not be where they are right now without her.

Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics

Everyone talks about the Washington Mystics’ duo of elite sophomores, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and rightfully so — both have been spectacular.

But Shakira Austin has been incredible, too. Austin, who for years dealt with a myriad of injuries, is averaging 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She’s the Mystics’ second-leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker. Austin has appeared in all but one game this season and has been a major reason Washington is currently in the playoff mix.

Kiah Stokes, Golden State Valkyries

Kiah Stokes’ stats don’t jump off the page, but when you watch the Valkyries play, it becomes clear that she has been absolutely critical to their success on the defensive end. Stokes has filled in for Iliana Rupert as Golden State’s starting center, and while she’s only averaging 3.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, her real impact has been on the defensive end.

Stokes has the best defensive rating on the team — a 96.3 — and Golden State has looked like a different team on that end in her 22.3 minutes per game. Stokes is one of those players you have to watch a whole lot of in order to truly appreciate.

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

This one might surprise some readers, since Reese is one of the most popular and well-known players in the WNBA. Reese is a three-time All-Star and has received lots of recognition for her rebounding prowess. But there’s still a popular notion that Reese isn’t actually a great basketball player, and that her off-court gigs (modelling, podcast, etc) are why she’s famous.

The truth couldn’t be further from that, and it’s very clear when you watch Reese play. The 24-year-old is an elite defender, and she plays with a motor few — if any — WNBA players rival. She’s averaging 15.8 points per game (19th-most in the WNBA among players with at least 15 games) and 11.6 boards per game (second-most). She’s the best offensive rebounder in the league, grabbing 5.1 o-boards per game.

Her +4.2 net rating is the 18th-best in the league. Reese deserves to end up on an All-WNBA team this season, and she has way outperformed her No. 7 draft spot.

Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle Storm

Like Reese, Natisha Hiedeman is known for more than just basketball. The 29-year-old Storm guard makes up one half of the Studbudz, the popular Twitch streaming duo that’s taken the WNBA world by storm (no pun intended). But Hiedeman is also a hooper, and she’s in the middle of by far the best season of her WNBA career.

The 5’8 guard is averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, while hitting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For reference, previously, her career-high in points per game was 9.1, set last year in a big-time season for the Minnesota Lynx.

Hiedeman signed a two-year, $1.525 million contract with the Storm in the offseason, and some considered that an overpay. But she’s been absolutely balling for Seattle, and if the Storm were winning more games, more would probably realize.

Which WNBA players would you consider to be underrated?

#underrated #players #WNBA #explained">The 5 most underrated players in the WNBA, explained When you think of the WNBA’s best players, who comes to mind?A’ja Wilson, who has won four MVP awards in the last six years, is probably on the list, as are the 2024 and 2025 No. 1 overall picks, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Some WNBA players have established themselves as household names, while others continue to fly under the radar.But who are the league’s most underrated players?It’s a tricky question because the concept of a player being underrated can be interpreted in several ways; a player might be considered underrated because they’ve been flying under the radar (think low name recognition), or they might be considered underrated because they do get a lot of attention, but the general public still doesn’t realize how good they actually are.With both of those criteria in mind, here are my picks for the WNBA’s most underrated players at the moment.Kayla McBride, Minnesota LynxThe Lynx had three All-Stars this season — Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles — and now they have Napheesa Collier, too, a perennial MVP candidate.But McBride has been the player on the Lynx who often is most overlooked. She’s currently averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40.3% from three. She has the 4th-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA, and was Minnesota’s leading scorer for 8 consecutive games last month.McBride is 34 years old, so she’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s part of why her greatness is sometimes overlooked. But the Lynx would not be where they are right now without her.Shakira Austin, Washington MysticsEveryone talks about the Washington Mystics’ duo of elite sophomores, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and rightfully so — both have been spectacular.But Shakira Austin has been incredible, too. Austin, who for years dealt with a myriad of injuries, is averaging 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She’s the Mystics’ second-leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker. Austin has appeared in all but one game this season and has been a major reason Washington is currently in the playoff mix.Kiah Stokes, Golden State ValkyriesKiah Stokes’ stats don’t jump off the page, but when you watch the Valkyries play, it becomes clear that she has been absolutely critical to their success on the defensive end. Stokes has filled in for Iliana Rupert as Golden State’s starting center, and while she’s only averaging 3.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, her real impact has been on the defensive end.Stokes has the best defensive rating on the team — a 96.3 — and Golden State has looked like a different team on that end in her 22.3 minutes per game. Stokes is one of those players you have to watch a whole lot of in order to truly appreciate.Angel Reese, Atlanta DreamThis one might surprise some readers, since Reese is one of the most popular and well-known players in the WNBA. Reese is a three-time All-Star and has received lots of recognition for her rebounding prowess. But there’s still a popular notion that Reese isn’t actually a great basketball player, and that her off-court gigs (modelling, podcast, etc) are why she’s famous.The truth couldn’t be further from that, and it’s very clear when you watch Reese play. The 24-year-old is an elite defender, and she plays with a motor few — if any — WNBA players rival. She’s averaging 15.8 points per game (19th-most in the WNBA among players with at least 15 games) and 11.6 boards per game (second-most). She’s the best offensive rebounder in the league, grabbing 5.1 o-boards per game.Her +4.2 net rating is the 18th-best in the league. Reese deserves to end up on an All-WNBA team this season, and she has way outperformed her No. 7 draft spot.Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle StormLike Reese, Natisha Hiedeman is known for more than just basketball. The 29-year-old Storm guard makes up one half of the Studbudz, the popular Twitch streaming duo that’s taken the WNBA world by storm (no pun intended). But Hiedeman is also a hooper, and she’s in the middle of by far the best season of her WNBA career.The 5’8 guard is averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, while hitting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For reference, previously, her career-high in points per game was 9.1, set last year in a big-time season for the Minnesota Lynx.Hiedeman signed a two-year, .525 million contract with the Storm in the offseason, and some considered that an overpay. But she’s been absolutely balling for Seattle, and if the Storm were winning more games, more would probably realize.Which WNBA players would you consider to be underrated? #underrated #players #WNBA #explained

Thailand, the record champion of the ASEAN Championship, will look to continue its promising run in the 2026 edition of the tournament as it takes on the Philippines in its group-stage match on Tuesday.

Thailand leads its group after two matches, having beaten the then-table-topper Malaysia in its previous match, while the Philippines turned the tide against Laos, winning 4-1, having lost its first game to Myanmar.

When and where will Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 be played?

Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 will be played at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Philippines.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm local time on August 4, 2026.

Where to watch Philippines vs Thailand?

Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 can be watched on the YouTube and Facebook channels of ASEAN United FC.

Published on Aug 04, 2026

#Philippines #Thailand #LIVE #watch #PHI #THA #ASEAN #Championship">Philippines vs Thailand LIVE — When, where to watch PHI v THA in ASEAN Championship 2026? Thailand, the record champion of the ASEAN Championship, will look to continue its promising run in the 2026 edition of the tournament as it takes on the Philippines in its group-stage match on Tuesday.Thailand leads its group after two matches, having beaten the then-table-topper Malaysia in its previous match, while the Philippines turned the tide against Laos, winning 4-1, having lost its first game to Myanmar.When and where will Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 be played?Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 will be played at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Philippines.The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm local time on August 4, 2026.Where to watch Philippines vs Thailand?Philippines vs Thailand in the ASEAN Championship 2026 can be watched on the YouTube and Facebook channels of ASEAN United FC.Published on Aug 04, 2026 #Philippines #Thailand #LIVE #watch #PHI #THA #ASEAN #Championship

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