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China dominates Table Tennis World Cup 2026: Sun Yingsha clinches third consecutive title, Wang Chuqin wins maiden WC Chinese paddlers dominated the top prizes at the ITTF World Cup 2026 in Macau with Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin bagging the women’s and men’s titles respectively.World No. 1 Sun defeated Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-8, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in the women’s singles final to claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, joining Fan Zhendong as the only players in ITTF World Cup history to achieve three consecutive singles titles.It was an intense, absorbing final between two of the finest players in the women’s game, with Manyu pushing Sun hard in every game and refusing to make anything straightforward. In the end, it was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference.The road to a third title was far from easy, highlighted by a seven-game quarterfinal against Hana Goda, the longest match of the entire tournament, in which Sun was forced to save two match points in the deciding game before prevailing. It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media Manyu took the silver medal, while Shin Yubin and Sabine Winter shared the bronze. Shin made history as the first woman from Korea Republic ever to win a medal at the tournament, while Winter became the first European woman to medal at the competition since Petrissa Solja in 2015. Goda, meanwhile, became the first African woman ever to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.Wang Chuqin claimed the trophy he had long been chasing. The World No. 1 defeated Sora Matsushima 4-3 (9-11, 18-16, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8) in a final of the highest order, played over one hour and thirteen minutes, to claim his first-ever World Cup title at his fourth appearance at this event.The match refused to follow a straight line. Matsushima took the opening game, Chuqin levelled in the second by battling all the way to 18-16, and the Japanese star continued to push, levelling again at 2-2 before Chuqin found another gear when it mattered most to close out the deciding game.The road to the title saw Chuqin come from 1-3 down against Darko Jorgic in the quarterfinals and defeat reigning champion Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10) in the semifinals. With the ITTF Men’s World Cup title now secured, Chuqin stands just one major title away from completing a career grand slam, with the Olympic men’s singles gold medal the remaining prize ahead of Los Angeles 2028.Matsushima took the silver medal, having become only the second Japanese player ever to reach the final of the World Cup, following Tomokazu Harimoto’s appearance in 2019. Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju shared the bronze medals.Published on Apr 05, 2026 #China #dominates #Table #Tennis #World #Cup #Sun #Yingsha #clinches #consecutive #title #Wang #Chuqin #wins #maiden

China dominates Table Tennis World Cup 2026: Sun Yingsha clinches third consecutive title, Wang Chuqin wins maiden WC

Chinese paddlers dominated the top prizes at the ITTF World Cup 2026 in Macau with Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin bagging the women’s and men’s titles respectively.

World No. 1 Sun defeated Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-8, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in the women’s singles final to claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, joining Fan Zhendong as the only players in ITTF World Cup history to achieve three consecutive singles titles.

It was an intense, absorbing final between two of the finest players in the women’s game, with Manyu pushing Sun hard in every game and refusing to make anything straightforward. In the end, it was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference.

The road to a third title was far from easy, highlighted by a seven-game quarterfinal against Hana Goda, the longest match of the entire tournament, in which Sun was forced to save two match points in the deciding game before prevailing.

China dominates Table Tennis World Cup 2026: Sun Yingsha clinches third consecutive title, Wang Chuqin wins maiden WC Chinese paddlers dominated the top prizes at the ITTF World Cup 2026 in Macau with Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin bagging the women’s and men’s titles respectively.World No. 1 Sun defeated Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-8, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in the women’s singles final to claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, joining Fan Zhendong as the only players in ITTF World Cup history to achieve three consecutive singles titles.It was an intense, absorbing final between two of the finest players in the women’s game, with Manyu pushing Sun hard in every game and refusing to make anything straightforward. In the end, it was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference.The road to a third title was far from easy, highlighted by a seven-game quarterfinal against Hana Goda, the longest match of the entire tournament, in which Sun was forced to save two match points in the deciding game before prevailing. It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media Manyu took the silver medal, while Shin Yubin and Sabine Winter shared the bronze. Shin made history as the first woman from Korea Republic ever to win a medal at the tournament, while Winter became the first European woman to medal at the competition since Petrissa Solja in 2015. Goda, meanwhile, became the first African woman ever to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.Wang Chuqin claimed the trophy he had long been chasing. The World No. 1 defeated Sora Matsushima 4-3 (9-11, 18-16, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8) in a final of the highest order, played over one hour and thirteen minutes, to claim his first-ever World Cup title at his fourth appearance at this event.The match refused to follow a straight line. Matsushima took the opening game, Chuqin levelled in the second by battling all the way to 18-16, and the Japanese star continued to push, levelling again at 2-2 before Chuqin found another gear when it mattered most to close out the deciding game.The road to the title saw Chuqin come from 1-3 down against Darko Jorgic in the quarterfinals and defeat reigning champion Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10) in the semifinals. With the ITTF Men’s World Cup title now secured, Chuqin stands just one major title away from completing a career grand slam, with the Olympic men’s singles gold medal the remaining prize ahead of Los Angeles 2028.Matsushima took the silver medal, having become only the second Japanese player ever to reach the final of the World Cup, following Tomokazu Harimoto’s appearance in 2019. Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju shared the bronze medals.Published on Apr 05, 2026 #China #dominates #Table #Tennis #World #Cup #Sun #Yingsha #clinches #consecutive #title #Wang #Chuqin #wins #maiden

It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media

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It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final. | Photo Credit: ITTF Media

Manyu took the silver medal, while Shin Yubin and Sabine Winter shared the bronze. Shin made history as the first woman from Korea Republic ever to win a medal at the tournament, while Winter became the first European woman to medal at the competition since Petrissa Solja in 2015. Goda, meanwhile, became the first African woman ever to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Wang Chuqin claimed the trophy he had long been chasing. The World No. 1 defeated Sora Matsushima 4-3 (9-11, 18-16, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8) in a final of the highest order, played over one hour and thirteen minutes, to claim his first-ever World Cup title at his fourth appearance at this event.

The match refused to follow a straight line. Matsushima took the opening game, Chuqin levelled in the second by battling all the way to 18-16, and the Japanese star continued to push, levelling again at 2-2 before Chuqin found another gear when it mattered most to close out the deciding game.

The road to the title saw Chuqin come from 1-3 down against Darko Jorgic in the quarterfinals and defeat reigning champion Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10) in the semifinals. With the ITTF Men’s World Cup title now secured, Chuqin stands just one major title away from completing a career grand slam, with the Olympic men’s singles gold medal the remaining prize ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

Matsushima took the silver medal, having become only the second Japanese player ever to reach the final of the World Cup, following Tomokazu Harimoto’s appearance in 2019. Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju shared the bronze medals.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#China #dominates #Table #Tennis #World #Cup #Sun #Yingsha #clinches #consecutive #title #Wang #Chuqin #wins #maiden

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Chinese paddlers dominated the top prizes at the ITTF World Cup 2026 in Macau with Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin bagging the women’s and men’s titles respectively.

World No. 1 Sun defeated Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-8, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in the women’s singles final to claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, joining Fan Zhendong as the only players in ITTF World Cup history to achieve three consecutive singles titles.

It was an intense, absorbing final between two of the finest players in the women’s game, with Manyu pushing Sun hard in every game and refusing to make anything straightforward. In the end, it was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference.

The road to a third title was far from easy, highlighted by a seven-game quarterfinal against Hana Goda, the longest match of the entire tournament, in which Sun was forced to save two match points in the deciding game before prevailing.

It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final.
| Photo Credit:
ITTF Media

lightbox-info

It was Sun’s experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference in the women’s singles final.
| Photo Credit:
ITTF Media

Manyu took the silver medal, while Shin Yubin and Sabine Winter shared the bronze. Shin made history as the first woman from Korea Republic ever to win a medal at the tournament, while Winter became the first European woman to medal at the competition since Petrissa Solja in 2015. Goda, meanwhile, became the first African woman ever to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Wang Chuqin claimed the trophy he had long been chasing. The World No. 1 defeated Sora Matsushima 4-3 (9-11, 18-16, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8) in a final of the highest order, played over one hour and thirteen minutes, to claim his first-ever World Cup title at his fourth appearance at this event.

The match refused to follow a straight line. Matsushima took the opening game, Chuqin levelled in the second by battling all the way to 18-16, and the Japanese star continued to push, levelling again at 2-2 before Chuqin found another gear when it mattered most to close out the deciding game.

The road to the title saw Chuqin come from 1-3 down against Darko Jorgic in the quarterfinals and defeat reigning champion Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10) in the semifinals. With the ITTF Men’s World Cup title now secured, Chuqin stands just one major title away from completing a career grand slam, with the Olympic men’s singles gold medal the remaining prize ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

Matsushima took the silver medal, having become only the second Japanese player ever to reach the final of the World Cup, following Tomokazu Harimoto’s appearance in 2019. Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju shared the bronze medals.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.


When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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