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Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

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Jan 11, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; Anthony Kim reacts to his third place in the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

Anthony Kim added a stunning-yet-true chapter to his storybook return to professional golf by winning LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday.

The 40-year-old American came from five strokes back after three rounds with an emphatic three-shot victory after his bogey-free round of 9-under 63 at The Grange Golf Club.

“I really don’t know what to say right now,” said Kim, who has been open and honest about his past struggles and how he got sober. “It’s been overwhelming. I’m never not going to fight for my family. God gave me a talent and I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. For anybody who’s struggling, you can get through anything.”

The build-up to Sunday focused on Jon Rahm of Spain and American Bryson DeChambeau, co-leaders at 19 under after three rounds and arguably LIV Golf’s biggest stars. Kim, at 14 under, was somewhere out of the frame even though he was in third place.

The current stars were basically left in his dust, as Kim carded birdies at Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 9, then a run from Nos. 12-15 and on the par-4 No. 17 as an exclamation point to his first professional win in nearly 16 years since the 2010 Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour.

Rahm shot 1-under 71 for finish three strokes back at 20 under for his second consecutive second-place finish. His unremarkable round featured birdies at Nos. 4 and 16 — both par-4 holes — and a bogey at the par-4 No. 8.

DeChambeau posted a 2-over 74 to fall to a tie for third with England’s Tyrrell Hatton (67 on Sunday) and Peter Uihlein (68) of the United States.

DeChambeau encountered trouble on the front nine with bogeys at Nos. 2, 3, 6 and 7. He birdied the first two holes of the back nine and made par on the rest.

Kim’s bogey-free effort — which tied the course record — followed rounds of 67, 67 and 68 with a total of three bogeys and one eagle in the third round at the par-5 No. 9. He also collected the $4 million prize for first place.

His tournament performance is all the more impressive because of his journey to be in this position, which was his first start as a member of 4Aces GC.

Kim joined Dustin Johnson’s LIV Golf team before the second event of the 2026 season, replacing Patrick Reed on a full-time basis.

The one-time rising star, who turned pro in 2006, returned from a 12-year hiatus in 2024 and played the past two seasons on this tour as a wild card. However, he was relegated after the 2025 season and had to go through the Promotions event, where he made the cut on the number before finishing third to regain his place in the league.

But it wasn’t until Reed announced his intention to return to the PGA Tour that a spot on a team finally opened up for Kim. It wasn’t an automatic yes for Kim, who said he was drawn to the 4Aces because he likes Johnson and fellow new teammates Thomas Pieters and LIV newcomer Thomas Detry.

A three-time winner across six seasons on the PGA Tour in his 20s, Kim had Achilles tendon surgery in 2012 and has been open about his rehab from drug and alcohol addiction during his hiatus from professional golf.

Kim failed to finish better than 36th and placed 50th or worse in five of 11 LIV Golf events in 2024. He played in 13 events last year, with a T25 in Dallas and a T29 in Miami his only finishes better than T44.

Kim wound up in the relegation zone, and it appeared his LIV Golf days could be numbered. But he rebounded to earn a wild-card spot in the Promotions event and then was signed to 4Aces after opening the season with a T22 in Riyadh last week.

In addition to his T22 last week, Kim closed out 2025 with a T5 at the PIF Saudi International. He has risen from 4,221st in the Official World Golf Ranking two years ago to No. 847, and that climb can continue with LIV players now receiving world rankings points for top-10 finishes. The win Sunday will boost Kim that much more up the rankings.

Ripper GC claimed the team title at 55 under after a 15 under on Sunday. Lucas Herbert (69) tied for third individually at 16 under and team captain Cameron Smith (70) tied for eighth.

Rahm’s Legion XIII placed second at 53 under after 8 under on the day, and 4Aces GC, boosted by Kim’s winning effort, finished third at 52 under.

–Field Level Media

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It’s that final element which is most fascinating, because it creates a significant advantage for elite shooters from beyond the arc who are also fantastic free-throw shooters. For example, the rule effectively does nothing to someone like Steph Curry, who shot 39.3% from three and 92.3% from the free-throw line last season, but it could have a big effect on someone like Anthony Edwards, who shot 39.9% from three and 79.6% on free throws.

While it’s certainly unlikely that we’re going to see some mammoth shift in fouling because of this, having an all-or-nothing approach to free throws is fascinating, because it will add significant pressure on players who already aren’t the best shooters from the charity stripe.

This isn’t the only change being proposed to NBA rules, because the other comes from innovations to the basketball itself.

Adding more technology here isn’t a bad thing and should eliminate some bad calls in the process. It seems like a win-win, so long as the technology works.

#NBA #test #free #throw #rule #WILD">NBA to test new free throw rule, and it’s WILD The NBA is looking to speed up the flow of the game, and is tentatively planning to take a page out of the NBA G-League’s book to make it happen. The NBA made an announcement on Thursday that it would test out the “one free throw rule” during the 2026 Summer League, gauging whether or not it should become a staple of the NBA.This might sound extremely confusing at first glance, so let’s break down how this would work. During the passage of a normal game (i.e. not in the final two minutes or overtime) all free-throw opportunities would be condensed into one shot, awarding points equal to the number of shots previously attempted in the past. So, a basic foul on a missed shot attempt would reward one free throw worth two points. If a player was driving, getting the bucket and the foul (the And-1), then it would result in one shot worth one point. If a player was fouled in the act of attempting a three, then they would receive one shot worth three points.It’s that final element which is most fascinating, because it creates a significant advantage for elite shooters from beyond the arc who are also fantastic free-throw shooters. For example, the rule effectively does nothing to someone like Steph Curry, who shot 39.3% from three and 92.3% from the free-throw line last season, but it could have a big effect on someone like Anthony Edwards, who shot 39.9% from three and 79.6% on free throws.While it’s certainly unlikely that we’re going to see some mammoth shift in fouling because of this, having an all-or-nothing approach to free throws is fascinating, because it will add significant pressure on players who already aren’t the best shooters from the charity stripe.This isn’t the only change being proposed to NBA rules, because the other comes from innovations to the basketball itself.Adding more technology here isn’t a bad thing and should eliminate some bad calls in the process. It seems like a win-win, so long as the technology works. #NBA #test #free #throw #rule #WILD

The NBA made an announcement on Thursday that it would test out the “one free throw rule” during the 2026 Summer League, gauging whether or not it should become a staple of the NBA.

This might sound extremely confusing at first glance, so let’s break down how this would work. During the passage of a normal game (i.e. not in the final two minutes or overtime) all free-throw opportunities would be condensed into one shot, awarding points equal to the number of shots previously attempted in the past. So, a basic foul on a missed shot attempt would reward one free throw worth two points. If a player was driving, getting the bucket and the foul (the And-1), then it would result in one shot worth one point. If a player was fouled in the act of attempting a three, then they would receive one shot worth three points.

It’s that final element which is most fascinating, because it creates a significant advantage for elite shooters from beyond the arc who are also fantastic free-throw shooters. For example, the rule effectively does nothing to someone like Steph Curry, who shot 39.3% from three and 92.3% from the free-throw line last season, but it could have a big effect on someone like Anthony Edwards, who shot 39.9% from three and 79.6% on free throws.

While it’s certainly unlikely that we’re going to see some mammoth shift in fouling because of this, having an all-or-nothing approach to free throws is fascinating, because it will add significant pressure on players who already aren’t the best shooters from the charity stripe.

This isn’t the only change being proposed to NBA rules, because the other comes from innovations to the basketball itself.

Adding more technology here isn’t a bad thing and should eliminate some bad calls in the process. It seems like a win-win, so long as the technology works.

#NBA #test #free #throw #rule #WILD">NBA to test new free throw rule, and it’s WILD

The NBA is looking to speed up the flow of the game, and is tentatively planning to take a page out of the NBA G-League’s book to make it happen. The NBA made an announcement on Thursday that it would test out the “one free throw rule” during the 2026 Summer League, gauging whether or not it should become a staple of the NBA.

This might sound extremely confusing at first glance, so let’s break down how this would work. During the passage of a normal game (i.e. not in the final two minutes or overtime) all free-throw opportunities would be condensed into one shot, awarding points equal to the number of shots previously attempted in the past. So, a basic foul on a missed shot attempt would reward one free throw worth two points. If a player was driving, getting the bucket and the foul (the And-1), then it would result in one shot worth one point. If a player was fouled in the act of attempting a three, then they would receive one shot worth three points.

It’s that final element which is most fascinating, because it creates a significant advantage for elite shooters from beyond the arc who are also fantastic free-throw shooters. For example, the rule effectively does nothing to someone like Steph Curry, who shot 39.3% from three and 92.3% from the free-throw line last season, but it could have a big effect on someone like Anthony Edwards, who shot 39.9% from three and 79.6% on free throws.

While it’s certainly unlikely that we’re going to see some mammoth shift in fouling because of this, having an all-or-nothing approach to free throws is fascinating, because it will add significant pressure on players who already aren’t the best shooters from the charity stripe.

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#NBA #test #free #throw #rule #WILD

Portugal’s Rafael Leao in action with Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto. 

Date: July 2, 2026; 7 p.m. local time (4.30 am IST on July 3)

#LIVE #Score #Portugal #Croatia #World #Cup #Live #Update #Portugal #control #possession #Bruno #close #opener">LIVE Score: Portugal vs Croatia (0-0) | World Cup 2026 Live Update: Portugal control possession; Bruno comes close to opener Portugal’s Rafael Leao in action with Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Portugal’s Rafael Leao in action with Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic. | Photo Credit: REUTERS elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto. Date: July 2, 2026; 7 p.m. local time (4.30 am IST on July 3) #LIVE #Score #Portugal #Croatia #World #Cup #Live #Update #Portugal #control #possession #Bruno #close #opener

Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #playerSep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season.

“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player">Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player">Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player
Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #playerSep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season.

“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player

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