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Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid  Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images   Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.  Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.  Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.  When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.  “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”  Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.  Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.   As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.  “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”  Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.  “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”  -Field Level Media  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid
Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid  Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images   Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.  Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.  Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.  When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.  “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”  Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.  Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.   As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.  “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”  Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.  “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”  -Field Level Media  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #MadridMar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.

Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.

Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.

When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.


Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.

“Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”

Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.

“Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”

-Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.

Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.

Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.

When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.

Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.

“Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”

Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.

“Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”

-Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

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Deadspin | Pete Crow-Armstrong’s big day boosts Cubs over Padres <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28840731.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28840731.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Michael Conforto (20) scores ahead of the tag of San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano (12) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Pete Crow-Armstrong homered and drove in three runs for the second time in as many games, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Matt Shaw belted a solo homer among his three hits for the Cubs, who won the final two contests of the three-game series to improve to 12-3 in their last 15 games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The homer was the third of the season for Crow-Armstrong, who belted a three-run blast in Chicago’s 8-3 victory over San Diego on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Crow-Armstrong drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth on a groundout to first base. Michael Conforto ran on contact and used a swim move at home plate to dodge the tag of catcher Luis Campusano.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Jameson Taillon (2-1) retired the first 14 batters he faced before Miguel Andujar homered in the fifth. Nick Castellanos belted a two-run blast in the inning, however Taillon settled down and finished the seventh. He allowed three runs on three hits and struck out six with one walk.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Corbin Martin walked the bases loaded in the eighth before being relieved by Ben Brown, who surrendered a sacrifice fly to Fernando Tatis Jr. that trimmed Chicago’s lead to 5-4. Brown induced Manny Machado to ground into an inning-ending double play.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Brown retired the first two batters in the ninth before Hoby Milner struck out Ramon Laureano on three pitches to secure his first save of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Adrian Morejon (2-1) yielded one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Miguel Amaya’s RBI single to center field opened the scoring in the second before Chicago extended its lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Shaw reached on a two-out bunt single before Crow-Armstrong deposited a 0-1 sweeper from Waldron over the wall in right field. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Andujar sent a 1-2 sweeper from Taillon over the wall in left field. Jake Cronenworth followed with a walk before Castellanos deposited a 1-0 cutter over the wall in left-center field to forge a 3-3 tie. The homers were the first of the season for both Andujar and Castellanos.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Padre bench coach Randy Knorr filled in for manager Craig Stammen, who attended an out-of-town funeral.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrongs #big #day #boosts #Cubs #Padres

#Indiana #Fever #bad #injury #news #ahead #Aces #game">Indiana Fever get bad injury news ahead of Aces game  Indiana Fever center Damiris Dantas is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus on Monday. Dantas, who signed a two-year contract with the Fever in the offseason, has seen inconsistent minutes over the past few months but was nonetheless one of Indiana’s backup frontcourt options.Now, Indiana will have a more short-handed frontcourt rotation.The Fever lose one of their most veteran players in Damiris Dantas Damiris Dantas has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another backup big option at her disposal. Now, an already-limited campaign has been cut short.Because she was already playing a more limited role than expected, the absence won’t impact Indiana’s day-to-day rotation as much.Nonetheless, Dantas is one of the most veteran players on the roster; the 33-year-old holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 272 career games in 12 seasons. She’s played for the Fever since 2024, but previously suited up for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream, and was someone who Stephanie White could turn to in a pinch.Now, with Dantas out for the season, the burden will continue to fall on Makayla Timpson, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.Aliyah Boston continues to hold down the fort in the frontcourtThe good news for Indiana is that they have one of the best bigs in the league anchoring the frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Boston has averaged 26.8 minutes per game, and Timpson has played the majority of her backup minutes.The Fever may look to sign an additional big to bolster the rotation in the wake of Dantas’s absence. While Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant roles, Indiana may want to sign another center to a rest-of-season contract.The Fever are 19-11 and coming off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Next up, they’ll face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, August 6th.  #Indiana #Fever #bad #injury #news #ahead #Aces #game

There is a thin line between aggression and recklessness in T20 cricket. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans paid the price for falling into the second category as Dindigul Dragons duly punished the reigning champion in the Tamil Nadu Premier League Season 10 opener on Tuesday.

Dragons displayed no signs of starting trouble at the NPR College Ground here, bundling out Tamizhans for 107 before chasing down the target with seven wickets and nine deliveries left.

After B. Indrajith invited the opposition to bat, each of the top-four Tiruppur willow-wielders — Amith Sathvik, Tushar Raheja, captain R. Sai Kishore and Pradosh Ranjan Paul — were dismissed within the PowerPlay while choosing the aerial route.

ALSO READ:Himmat Singh effects jaw-dropping run out in Delhi Premier League match

In their attempt to operate at breakneck speed, the batters rushed to repeatedly clear the boundary when there was no need to push the envelope.

Pacer P. Bhuvaneswaran (three for 32) provided the perfect response after being blasted for 21 runs off the first five balls of the match, 20 of which came from Amith’s blade.

The opener went for one shot too many against Bhuvaneswaran to find the deep fine-leg fielder, Pradosh miscued to first slip and Sai Kishore gave catching practice to Nirankar Sharma stationed at cover.

Debutants Nirankar (leg-spinner, three for 21) and Sakthi Karuppasamy (pacer, two for 18) also showed their wares during the dominant display by Dragons.

Facing no scoreboard pressure, Dragons got home with a measured approach that was embodied by opener Anuraag Nair (34) and No. 4 R. Vimal Khumar (33 not out).

Published on Aug 04, 2026

#TNPL #Dindigul #Dragons #trumps #Tiruppur #Tamizhans #lowscoring #season #opener">TNPL 2026: Dindigul Dragons trumps Tiruppur Tamizhans in low-scoring season opener  There is a thin line between aggression and recklessness in T20 cricket. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans paid the price for falling into the second category as Dindigul Dragons duly punished the reigning champion in the Tamil Nadu Premier League Season 10 opener on Tuesday.Dragons displayed no signs of starting trouble at the NPR College Ground here, bundling out Tamizhans for 107 before chasing down the target with seven wickets and nine deliveries left.After B. Indrajith invited the opposition to bat, each of the top-four Tiruppur willow-wielders — Amith Sathvik, Tushar Raheja, captain R. Sai Kishore and Pradosh Ranjan Paul — were dismissed within the PowerPlay while choosing the aerial route.ALSO READ:Himmat Singh effects jaw-dropping run out in Delhi Premier League matchIn their attempt to operate at breakneck speed, the batters rushed to repeatedly clear the boundary when there was no need to push the envelope.Pacer P. Bhuvaneswaran (three for 32) provided the perfect response after being blasted for 21 runs off the first five balls of the match, 20 of which came from Amith’s blade.The opener went for one shot too many against Bhuvaneswaran to find the deep fine-leg fielder, Pradosh miscued to first slip and Sai Kishore gave catching practice to Nirankar Sharma stationed at cover.Debutants Nirankar (leg-spinner, three for 21) and Sakthi Karuppasamy (pacer, two for 18) also showed their wares during the dominant display by Dragons.Facing no scoreboard pressure, Dragons got home with a measured approach that was embodied by opener Anuraag Nair (34) and No. 4 R. Vimal Khumar (33 not out).Published on Aug 04, 2026  #TNPL #Dindigul #Dragons #trumps #Tiruppur #Tamizhans #lowscoring #season #opener

Himmat Singh effects jaw-dropping run out in Delhi Premier League match

In their attempt to operate at breakneck speed, the batters rushed to repeatedly clear the boundary when there was no need to push the envelope.

Pacer P. Bhuvaneswaran (three for 32) provided the perfect response after being blasted for 21 runs off the first five balls of the match, 20 of which came from Amith’s blade.

The opener went for one shot too many against Bhuvaneswaran to find the deep fine-leg fielder, Pradosh miscued to first slip and Sai Kishore gave catching practice to Nirankar Sharma stationed at cover.

Debutants Nirankar (leg-spinner, three for 21) and Sakthi Karuppasamy (pacer, two for 18) also showed their wares during the dominant display by Dragons.

Facing no scoreboard pressure, Dragons got home with a measured approach that was embodied by opener Anuraag Nair (34) and No. 4 R. Vimal Khumar (33 not out).

Published on Aug 04, 2026

#TNPL #Dindigul #Dragons #trumps #Tiruppur #Tamizhans #lowscoring #season #opener">TNPL 2026: Dindigul Dragons trumps Tiruppur Tamizhans in low-scoring season opener

There is a thin line between aggression and recklessness in T20 cricket. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans paid the price for falling into the second category as Dindigul Dragons duly punished the reigning champion in the Tamil Nadu Premier League Season 10 opener on Tuesday.

Dragons displayed no signs of starting trouble at the NPR College Ground here, bundling out Tamizhans for 107 before chasing down the target with seven wickets and nine deliveries left.

After B. Indrajith invited the opposition to bat, each of the top-four Tiruppur willow-wielders — Amith Sathvik, Tushar Raheja, captain R. Sai Kishore and Pradosh Ranjan Paul — were dismissed within the PowerPlay while choosing the aerial route.

ALSO READ:Himmat Singh effects jaw-dropping run out in Delhi Premier League match

In their attempt to operate at breakneck speed, the batters rushed to repeatedly clear the boundary when there was no need to push the envelope.

Pacer P. Bhuvaneswaran (three for 32) provided the perfect response after being blasted for 21 runs off the first five balls of the match, 20 of which came from Amith’s blade.

The opener went for one shot too many against Bhuvaneswaran to find the deep fine-leg fielder, Pradosh miscued to first slip and Sai Kishore gave catching practice to Nirankar Sharma stationed at cover.

Debutants Nirankar (leg-spinner, three for 21) and Sakthi Karuppasamy (pacer, two for 18) also showed their wares during the dominant display by Dragons.

Facing no scoreboard pressure, Dragons got home with a measured approach that was embodied by opener Anuraag Nair (34) and No. 4 R. Vimal Khumar (33 not out).

Published on Aug 04, 2026

#TNPL #Dindigul #Dragons #trumps #Tiruppur #Tamizhans #lowscoring #season #opener

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