Deadspin | 90th Masters primed to be major challenge at firm, fast Augusta National Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin talk while walking the no. 17 fairway during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Patrick Reed said this week that there are “10 to 12 guys who have a really legitimate opportunity to win the green jacket.” It doesn’t take math major to determine that would eliminate more than 85% of this week’s 91-player field from winning the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament. Told of Reed’s assessment, Bryson DeChambeau quipped, “I hope I’m one of those 12. That would be nice.” Unlike Reed, DeChambeau has yet to claim a Masters title, but it’s still safe to assume he was among Reed’s short list. The bigger point is that heavy underdogs rarely win at Augusta National. The first major of the year is the only one that is played at the same course every year. It’s a stiff test that lends itself best to those who are not only immensely talented with their ability to hit a variety of shots, but have experience with the different winds, course conditions and nuances that make Augusta National one of the most unique tests in golf. And Reed explained that 10 to 12 are more players than he typically believes enter a Masters with a legitimate chance of winning. “I just feel like with how deep golf has been, especially this past year to two years, that the fields are obviously getting a lot stronger,” he said. “I feel like the field this week is really strong like always. I feel like it used to be five or six, maybe seven guys. “It just makes this event a little bit more special and even more fun going out there and playing against the best.” Three of the past four Masters have been won by the current top two players in the world: Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and 2024 and Rory McIlroy last year, when the Northern Irishman completed the career grand slam in a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose. Included in that stretch was the 2023 victory by former world No. 1 Jon Rahm. The last player to win the Masters in his first attempt was Fuzzy Zoeller, who overcame a six-shot deficit and beat Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a playoff 47 years ago. On Thursday, McIlroy will begin his quest to become only the fourth player in history to win consecutive Masters. If successful, he would join Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-02). “It’s arguably maybe not the largest field in golf, but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said this week. “There’s so many great players and so many players with so much experience on this golf course, it’s not quite like some of the other major championships. It seems like you get a lot of the same guys contending year in and year out.” The conditions could serve to increase that likelihood this year. Augusta National has not seen a drop of rain this week. After some chilly and breezy conditions on Thursday morning, the forecast calls for mostly sunny — and completely dry — skies throughout the tournament. That includes temperatures in the mid-80s over the weekend. That’s an equation for a firm and fast Augusta National, which will demand precision with all elements of players’ games. “The forecast looks great,” Scheffler said. “It’s going to get firm and fast. I would imagine they would like the greens to get fast. I think that increases the challenge of the golf course. “I’m excited to see how it plays this week. We might get a little bit of wind, too. The golf course is shaping up nicely.” –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #90th #Masters #primed #major #challenge #firm #fast #Augusta #National

Deadspin | 90th Masters primed to be major challenge at firm, fast Augusta National
Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin talk while walking the no. 17 fairway during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Patrick Reed said this week that there are “10 to 12 guys who have a really legitimate opportunity to win the green jacket.”

It doesn’t take math major to determine that would eliminate more than 85% of this week’s 91-player field from winning the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament.

Told of Reed’s assessment, Bryson DeChambeau quipped, “I hope I’m one of those 12. That would be nice.”

Unlike Reed, DeChambeau has yet to claim a Masters title, but it’s still safe to assume he was among Reed’s short list.

The bigger point is that heavy underdogs rarely win at Augusta National. The first major of the year is the only one that is played at the same course every year. It’s a stiff test that lends itself best to those who are not only immensely talented with their ability to hit a variety of shots, but have experience with the different winds, course conditions and nuances that make Augusta National one of the most unique tests in golf.

And Reed explained that 10 to 12 are more players than he typically believes enter a Masters with a legitimate chance of winning.

“I just feel like with how deep golf has been, especially this past year to two years, that the fields are obviously getting a lot stronger,” he said. “I feel like the field this week is really strong like always. I feel like it used to be five or six, maybe seven guys.

“It just makes this event a little bit more special and even more fun going out there and playing against the best.”

Three of the past four Masters have been won by the current top two players in the world: Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and 2024 and Rory McIlroy last year, when the Northern Irishman completed the career grand slam in a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose.

Included in that stretch was the 2023 victory by former world No. 1 Jon Rahm.

The last player to win the Masters in his first attempt was Fuzzy Zoeller, who overcame a six-shot deficit and beat Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a playoff 47 years ago.

On Thursday, McIlroy will begin his quest to become only the fourth player in history to win consecutive Masters. If successful, he would join Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

“It’s arguably maybe not the largest field in golf, but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said this week. “There’s so many great players and so many players with so much experience on this golf course, it’s not quite like some of the other major championships. It seems like you get a lot of the same guys contending year in and year out.”

The conditions could serve to increase that likelihood this year.

Augusta National has not seen a drop of rain this week. After some chilly and breezy conditions on Thursday morning, the forecast calls for mostly sunny — and completely dry — skies throughout the tournament.

That includes temperatures in the mid-80s over the weekend. That’s an equation for a firm and fast Augusta National, which will demand precision with all elements of players’ games.

“The forecast looks great,” Scheffler said. “It’s going to get firm and fast. I would imagine they would like the greens to get fast. I think that increases the challenge of the golf course.

“I’m excited to see how it plays this week. We might get a little bit of wind, too. The golf course is shaping up nicely.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #90th #Masters #primed #major #challenge #firm #fast #Augusta #National

Sports news April 9, 2026

Apr 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin talk while walking the no. 17 fairway during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Patrick Reed said this week that there are “10 to 12 guys who have a really legitimate opportunity to win the green jacket.”

It doesn’t take math major to determine that would eliminate more than 85% of this week’s 91-player field from winning the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament.

Told of Reed’s assessment, Bryson DeChambeau quipped, “I hope I’m one of those 12. That would be nice.”

Unlike Reed, DeChambeau has yet to claim a Masters title, but it’s still safe to assume he was among Reed’s short list.

The bigger point is that heavy underdogs rarely win at Augusta National. The first major of the year is the only one that is played at the same course every year. It’s a stiff test that lends itself best to those who are not only immensely talented with their ability to hit a variety of shots, but have experience with the different winds, course conditions and nuances that make Augusta National one of the most unique tests in golf.

And Reed explained that 10 to 12 are more players than he typically believes enter a Masters with a legitimate chance of winning.

“I just feel like with how deep golf has been, especially this past year to two years, that the fields are obviously getting a lot stronger,” he said. “I feel like the field this week is really strong like always. I feel like it used to be five or six, maybe seven guys.

“It just makes this event a little bit more special and even more fun going out there and playing against the best.”

Three of the past four Masters have been won by the current top two players in the world: Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and 2024 and Rory McIlroy last year, when the Northern Irishman completed the career grand slam in a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose.

Included in that stretch was the 2023 victory by former world No. 1 Jon Rahm.

The last player to win the Masters in his first attempt was Fuzzy Zoeller, who overcame a six-shot deficit and beat Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a playoff 47 years ago.

On Thursday, McIlroy will begin his quest to become only the fourth player in history to win consecutive Masters. If successful, he would join Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

“It’s arguably maybe not the largest field in golf, but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said this week. “There’s so many great players and so many players with so much experience on this golf course, it’s not quite like some of the other major championships. It seems like you get a lot of the same guys contending year in and year out.”

The conditions could serve to increase that likelihood this year.

Augusta National has not seen a drop of rain this week. After some chilly and breezy conditions on Thursday morning, the forecast calls for mostly sunny — and completely dry — skies throughout the tournament.

That includes temperatures in the mid-80s over the weekend. That’s an equation for a firm and fast Augusta National, which will demand precision with all elements of players’ games.

“The forecast looks great,” Scheffler said. “It’s going to get firm and fast. I would imagine they would like the greens to get fast. I think that increases the challenge of the golf course.

“I’m excited to see how it plays this week. We might get a little bit of wind, too. The golf course is shaping up nicely.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #90th #Masters #primed #major #challenge #firm #fast #Augusta #National

LOEWE Enters a Carnal New Era with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Deadspin | Rockies, Red Sox fall short of standards set in World Series meeting Jun 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Nineteen years ago, the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies battled in the World Series. Things have changed since 2007, when Boston swept Colorado to win its second championship in four seasons. Now the teams will open a three-game series Monday night in Denver, not as title contenders but as basement dwellers. Boston sits in last place in the American League East while Colorado is in a familiar position — last in the National League West. The Rockies have finished last in four consecutive seasons, losing 100-plus games in the past three. The current series will begin with rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (1-3, 4.79 ERA) of the Red Sox opposing Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner (2-2, 5.05). Bennett won his major league debut on May 1 and has pitched well in two stints with the Red Sox. He made two starts after his first call-up from Triple-A Worcester but was optioned back to Worcester after suffering an 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 7. He returned June 10 and has made two more starts, losing both. In his most recent outing, he gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday to Toronto, but Boston’s offense didn’t give him any support in a 3-0 loss. The frustration has mounted for the Red Sox, who are accustomed to fighting for a playoff spot. They are coming off a series win in Seattle against the Mariners over the weekend but have struggled to find consistency. “I think it’s the same thing we’ve been through literally the whole season, because we always put the runners in scoring position, but we couldn’t get the hit to drive in runs,” Wilyer Abreu said recently. “So we keep working hard. We’ll try to be better in those situations and try to drive the runs in.” Colorado, despite occupying last place, has shown improvement. The Rockies took two of three games from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend to win their 30th game, a mark they didn’t reach last season until Aug. 2 — also against the Pirates. The Rockies nearly had their 31st after trailing 8-1 Sunday, but a five-run rally in the eighth and ninth innings fell short for an 8-6 loss. Feltner will try to get a victory in his fifth start since returning from the injured list on May 30. He is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in those four starts and had just one bad outing, when he gave up six runs over 4 1/3 innings to the Chicago Cubs on June 11, a 9-3 loss. He bounced back Tuesday in his next outing — also against Chicago — but a high pitch count (104) cost him a chance at a win when he was pulled after giving up two runs and six hits over 4 1/3 innings. The Rockies posted a 5-2 victory. Feltner will face Boston for the first time in his six-year career, which spans 77 appearances (76 starts). Outside of Tomoyuki Sugano, Feltner has been Colorado’s most reliable starter, but he doesn’t think in those terms. “I’m not a huge goal-setting guy, and I feel like that falls under that,” Feltner said after a recent start. “I just like to stick to my process and execute that to the best of my abilities. The best way I can say it is I’d like to just look up one day and realize where I am, instead of striving for something — it puts extra pressure on things.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockies #Red #Sox #fall #short #standards #set #World #Series #meeting

#Deadspin #Rockies #Red #Sox #fall #short #standards #set #World #Series #meeting">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jun 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nineteen years ago, the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies battled in the World Series.

Things have changed since 2007, when Boston swept Colorado to win its second championship in four seasons.

Now the teams will open a three-game series Monday night in Denver, not as title contenders but as basement dwellers. Boston sits in last place in the American League East while Colorado is in a familiar position — last in the National League West.

The Rockies have finished last in four consecutive seasons, losing 100-plus games in the past three.

The current series will begin with rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (1-3, 4.79 ERA) of the Red Sox opposing Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner (2-2, 5.05).

Bennett won his major league debut on May 1 and has pitched well in two stints with the Red Sox. He made two starts after his first call-up from Triple-A Worcester but was optioned back to Worcester after suffering an 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 7.

He returned June 10 and has made two more starts, losing both. In his most recent outing, he gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday to Toronto, but Boston’s offense didn’t give him any support in a 3-0 loss.

The frustration has mounted for the Red Sox, who are accustomed to fighting for a playoff spot. They are coming off a series win in Seattle against the Mariners over the weekend but have struggled to find consistency.

“I think it’s the same thing we’ve been through literally the whole season, because we always put the runners in scoring position, but we couldn’t get the hit to drive in runs,” Wilyer Abreu said recently. “So we keep working hard. We’ll try to be better in those situations and try to drive the runs in.”

Colorado, despite occupying last place, has shown improvement. The Rockies took two of three games from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend to win their 30th game, a mark they didn’t reach last season until Aug. 2 — also against the Pirates.

The Rockies nearly had their 31st after trailing 8-1 Sunday, but a five-run rally in the eighth and ninth innings fell short for an 8-6 loss.

Feltner will try to get a victory in his fifth start since returning from the injured list on May 30. He is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in those four starts and had just one bad outing, when he gave up six runs over 4 1/3 innings to the Chicago Cubs on June 11, a 9-3 loss.

He bounced back Tuesday in his next outing — also against Chicago — but a high pitch count (104) cost him a chance at a win when he was pulled after giving up two runs and six hits over 4 1/3 innings. The Rockies posted a 5-2 victory.

Feltner will face Boston for the first time in his six-year career, which spans 77 appearances (76 starts).

Outside of Tomoyuki Sugano, Feltner has been Colorado’s most reliable starter, but he doesn’t think in those terms.

“I’m not a huge goal-setting guy, and I feel like that falls under that,” Feltner said after a recent start. “I just like to stick to my process and execute that to the best of my abilities. The best way I can say it is I’d like to just look up one day and realize where I am, instead of striving for something — it puts extra pressure on things.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #Red #Sox #fall #short #standards #set #World #Series #meeting">Deadspin | Rockies, Red Sox fall short of standards set in World Series meeting

Jun 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nineteen years ago, the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies battled in the World Series.

Things have changed since 2007, when Boston swept Colorado to win its second championship in four seasons.

Now the teams will open a three-game series Monday night in Denver, not as title contenders but as basement dwellers. Boston sits in last place in the American League East while Colorado is in a familiar position — last in the National League West.

The Rockies have finished last in four consecutive seasons, losing 100-plus games in the past three.

The current series will begin with rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (1-3, 4.79 ERA) of the Red Sox opposing Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner (2-2, 5.05).

Bennett won his major league debut on May 1 and has pitched well in two stints with the Red Sox. He made two starts after his first call-up from Triple-A Worcester but was optioned back to Worcester after suffering an 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 7.

He returned June 10 and has made two more starts, losing both. In his most recent outing, he gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday to Toronto, but Boston’s offense didn’t give him any support in a 3-0 loss.

The frustration has mounted for the Red Sox, who are accustomed to fighting for a playoff spot. They are coming off a series win in Seattle against the Mariners over the weekend but have struggled to find consistency.

“I think it’s the same thing we’ve been through literally the whole season, because we always put the runners in scoring position, but we couldn’t get the hit to drive in runs,” Wilyer Abreu said recently. “So we keep working hard. We’ll try to be better in those situations and try to drive the runs in.”

Colorado, despite occupying last place, has shown improvement. The Rockies took two of three games from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend to win their 30th game, a mark they didn’t reach last season until Aug. 2 — also against the Pirates.

The Rockies nearly had their 31st after trailing 8-1 Sunday, but a five-run rally in the eighth and ninth innings fell short for an 8-6 loss.

Feltner will try to get a victory in his fifth start since returning from the injured list on May 30. He is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in those four starts and had just one bad outing, when he gave up six runs over 4 1/3 innings to the Chicago Cubs on June 11, a 9-3 loss.

He bounced back Tuesday in his next outing — also against Chicago — but a high pitch count (104) cost him a chance at a win when he was pulled after giving up two runs and six hits over 4 1/3 innings. The Rockies posted a 5-2 victory.

Feltner will face Boston for the first time in his six-year career, which spans 77 appearances (76 starts).

Outside of Tomoyuki Sugano, Feltner has been Colorado’s most reliable starter, but he doesn’t think in those terms.

“I’m not a huge goal-setting guy, and I feel like that falls under that,” Feltner said after a recent start. “I just like to stick to my process and execute that to the best of my abilities. The best way I can say it is I’d like to just look up one day and realize where I am, instead of striving for something — it puts extra pressure on things.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #Red #Sox #fall #short #standards #set #World #Series #meeting

Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open on Sunday. He did so at Shinnecock Hills. His win was just the ninth ever, the first in over a decade, where someone went wire-to-wire without any ties. Again… at the U.S. Open.

What’s more is that Clark has won the national championship before. He is now a two-time U.S. Open winner and won his two titles within a four-year span. Everything about every word that I have said here so far is undeniably impressive.

Unfortunately, Wyndham Clark is not exactly the most popular player on the PGA Tour. That was, also unfortunately, a big part of his victory on Sunday.

You don’t have to be mad about this

Let’s start right now and say this: You can feel any way you want to.

Be mad that Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open again. Tweet about it. Maybe you were on the grounds at Shinnecock and among those voicing your displeasure for him while trying to manifest Literally Anyone Else winning the tournament.

My objective here isn’t to tell anyone how to behave because I don’t think that makes sense to do. Goodness gracious though… Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open! And people are hellbent on belittling it as much as possible.

If you are new around here then you may not know that Wyndham, upon not performing well, damaged lockers at last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. In the now year that has passed I have never seen anybody justify this in any capacity. It is hard to get universal agreement on anything on the internet, but it seems that we have that here. Wyndham doing that was not cool. It was embarrassing. It was lame. Whatever.

Wyndham has also apologized for this many times over the last year. It was a constant talking point during NBC’s broadcast of the tournament. Once more, no one is justifying his behavior (or the club toss that he had at the PGA Championship in 2025 as well as the Oakmont incident) in any kind of way. No one is even telling you that you have to change your mind about how you feel about it all.

Is it not unfortunate though that Wyndham just conquered (arguably) golf’s most difficult test (for a second time in four years) and that people are holding his feet to the fire about this? That he fought off boos and negative comments throughout his championship-winning round on Sunday?

No part of me is trying to act like the Golf Police here, but if people are so concerned with the transgressions against the game that Wyndham committed… isn’t this public shame/discourse/criticism counter to the game’s principles, too? I’m not comparing anything. I’m just saying that this feels like an intense obession at this point.

Even if you want to have the passionate feelings about this, you are more than welcome to as noted. Clark winning a golf tournament isn’t exactly some magic twist of the universe that will force you to change your mind.

Maybe just… don’t put all of that intense energy out? All of the time? Because it is hardly doing anything positive?

#Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad">

Wyndham Clark is a two-time major champion, and you don’t have to be mad about it Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open on Sunday. He did so at Shinnecock Hills. His win was just the ninth ever, the first in over a decade, where someone went wire-to-wire without any ties. Again… at the U.S. Open.What’s more is that Clark has won the national championship before. He is now a two-time U.S. Open winner and won his two titles within a four-year span. Everything about every word that I have said here so far is undeniably impressive.Unfortunately, Wyndham Clark is not exactly the most popular player on the PGA Tour. That was, also unfortunately, a big part of his victory on Sunday.You don’t have to be mad about thisLet’s start right now and say this: You can feel any way you want to.Be mad that Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open again. Tweet about it. Maybe you were on the grounds at Shinnecock and among those voicing your displeasure for him while trying to manifest Literally Anyone Else winning the tournament.My objective here isn’t to tell anyone how to behave because I don’t think that makes sense to do. Goodness gracious though… Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open! And people are hellbent on belittling it as much as possible.If you are new around here then you may not know that Wyndham, upon not performing well, damaged lockers at last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. In the now year that has passed I have never seen anybody justify this in any capacity. It is hard to get universal agreement on anything on the internet, but it seems that we have that here. Wyndham doing that was not cool. It was embarrassing. It was lame. Whatever.Wyndham has also apologized for this many times over the last year. It was a constant talking point during NBC’s broadcast of the tournament. Once more, no one is justifying his behavior (or the club toss that he had at the PGA Championship in 2025 as well as the Oakmont incident) in any kind of way. No one is even telling you that you have to change your mind about how you feel about it all.Is it not unfortunate though that Wyndham just conquered (arguably) golf’s most difficult test (for a second time in four years) and that people are holding his feet to the fire about this? That he fought off boos and negative comments throughout his championship-winning round on Sunday?No part of me is trying to act like the Golf Police here, but if people are so concerned with the transgressions against the game that Wyndham committed… isn’t this public shame/discourse/criticism counter to the game’s principles, too? I’m not comparing anything. I’m just saying that this feels like an intense obession at this point.Even if you want to have the passionate feelings about this, you are more than welcome to as noted. Clark winning a golf tournament isn’t exactly some magic twist of the universe that will force you to change your mind.Maybe just… don’t put all of that intense energy out? All of the time? Because it is hardly doing anything positive? #Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad

mwasimuddin125 0

Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open on Sunday. He did so at Shinnecock Hills. His win was just the ninth ever, the first in over a decade, where someone went wire-to-wire without any ties. Again… at the U.S. Open.

Unfortunately, Wyndham Clark is not exactly the most popular player on the PGA Tour. That was, also unfortunately, a big part of his victory on Sunday.

You don’t have to be mad about this

Let’s start right now and say this: You can feel any way you want to.

Maybe just… don’t put all of that intense energy out? All of the time? Because it is hardly doing anything positive?

#Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad">Wyndham Clark is a two-time major champion, and you don’t have to be mad about it

Unfortunately, Wyndham Clark is not exactly the most popular player on the PGA Tour. That was, also unfortunately, a big part of his victory on Sunday.

You don’t have to be mad about this

Let’s start right now and say this: You can feel any way you want to.

Maybe just… don’t put all of that intense energy out? All of the time? Because it is hardly doing anything positive?

#Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad

Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has called for improved field-goal conversion despite his team’s successful return to the FIH Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.

India defeated host New Zealand 2-0 in Sunday’s final, courtesy of goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo, to clinch its second Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the Pro League.

“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory.

“It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”

The Dutch coach, however, said India’s finishing from open play still requires improvement.

“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”

Marijne also acknowledged the challenge of entering the competition as the highest-ranked team.

“It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well.

“Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”

India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before overcoming Chile in the semifinal.

Striker Lalremsiami was named Player of the Final, while drag-flicker Deepika finished joint top scorer with six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.

Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

Team effort

Captain Salima Tete said the title was a reward for the team’s preparation.

“It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup in August, Salima added: “This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”

Published on Jun 22, 2026

#Marijne #sharper #finishing #India #womens #team #seals #Pro #League #return">

Marijne wants sharper finishing after India women’s team seals Pro League return Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has called for improved field-goal conversion despite his team’s successful return to the FIH Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.India defeated host New Zealand 2-0 in Sunday’s final, courtesy of goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo, to clinch its second Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the Pro League.“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory.“It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”The Dutch coach, however, said India’s finishing from open play still requires improvement.“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”Marijne also acknowledged the challenge of entering the competition as the highest-ranked team.“It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well.“Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before overcoming Chile in the semifinal.Striker Lalremsiami was named Player of the Final, while drag-flicker Deepika finished joint top scorer with six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.Team effortCaptain Salima Tete said the title was a reward for the team’s preparation.“It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”Looking ahead to the World Cup in August, Salima added: “This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”Published on Jun 22, 2026 #Marijne #sharper #finishing #India #womens #team #seals #Pro #League #return

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Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has called for improved field-goal conversion despite his team’s successful return to the FIH Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.
India defeated host New Zealand 2-0 in Sunday’s final, courtesy of goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo, to clinch its second Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the Pro League.
“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory.
“It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”
The Dutch coach, however, said India’s finishing from open play still requires improvement.
“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”
Marijne also acknowledged the challenge of entering the competition as the highest-ranked team.
“It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well.
“Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before overcoming Chile in the semifinal.
Striker Lalremsiami was named Player of the Final, while drag-flicker Deepika finished joint top scorer with six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.
Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.
Team effort
Captain Salima Tete said the title was a reward for the team’s preparation.
“It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup in August, Salima added: “This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”
Published on Jun 22, 2026

#Marijne #sharper #finishing #India #womens #team #seals #Pro #League #return">Marijne wants sharper finishing after India women’s team seals Pro League return