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Deadspin | Brooks Koepka partners with Shane Lowry to take on Zurich Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka knows a little something about team golf. Granted, he did not play much four-ball or foursomes while with LIV Golf, where team scores are simply cumulative stroke-play totals. But in his first season back on the PGA Tour, Koepka decided to play the tour’s only team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and joined Shane Lowry to create the most fascinating pairing of the week. Seventy-four teams will tee off Thursday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. Lowry played the past two Zurich Classics alongside Rory McIlroy, the longtime LIV critic. They won the tournament in 2024, but McIlroy is skipping the event this year amid a stretch of majors and other signature events. Enter Koepka, who’s grinding to qualify for those signature events. He and his brother Chase tied for fifth at the Zurich in 2017. He’s also played on four U.S. Ryder Cup teams opposite Lowry’s Team Europe. “I’ve known Brooks a long time, back from his European days playing the European Tour,” the Irishman said, revealing he texted Koepka’s caddie with the idea at first. “… I said, ‘Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?’ He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ “We’re here. To the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but you know, to us it does. … We do have a good relationship. We’re going to have a good bit of fun out there.” Koepka was enthusiastic about the team-up. “I think the way Shane drives the ball, the way my iron play has been lately, and then Shane’s short game, I mean, I think it’s a pretty good combination,” Koepka said. “I like the way we’re going with him hitting off certain holes and me hitting off the other holes.” The field will play four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and switch to foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. A 36-hole cut will whittle the field down to the top 33 teams and ties. Lowry and McIlroy winning in 2024 was an exception at a tournament where rank-and-file players have a better chance to break through, like Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. Last year, Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak pulled off a one-stroke win; it was both players’ first win on tour, but Griffin catapulted into the top 10 in the world with two more victories and made the Ryder Cup team. “Everyone has their breakthrough moments,” Griffin said. “Fortunately for me, it was here last year. Now look at me now. I was a (nominee) for the Player of the Year last year. Going into this tournament last year I wasn’t talking to any media. … Every single week can change your career.” Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick rose to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking by winning last week’s RBC Heritage, his second trophy of 2026. For the fourth straight year, he will play with his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick. They have yet to finish better than T11 and missed the cut last year. But there’s one major difference now: After years of grinding away, Alex Fitzpatrick won his first European Tour title last month at the Hero Indian Open. “I think it’s changed over time,” Matt Fitzpatrick said of their expectations for this event. “I think the first year we played, I’d also won the Heritage the week before. You come in feeling good about your game and in a more relaxed way. Then the last two years it’s been probably a bit more of, well, we’re playing OK, nothing great, but also trying to enjoy it, but maybe a little bit more pressure. “I feel like this year, yeah, our expectations are higher given the form that we had shown this year, but if anything, I think because of that form, we’re probably allowed to enjoy it a little bit more.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #partners #Shane #Lowry #Zurich

Deadspin | Brooks Koepka partners with Shane Lowry to take on Zurich
Deadspin | Brooks Koepka partners with Shane Lowry to take on Zurich Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka knows a little something about team golf. Granted, he did not play much four-ball or foursomes while with LIV Golf, where team scores are simply cumulative stroke-play totals. But in his first season back on the PGA Tour, Koepka decided to play the tour’s only team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and joined Shane Lowry to create the most fascinating pairing of the week. Seventy-four teams will tee off Thursday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. Lowry played the past two Zurich Classics alongside Rory McIlroy, the longtime LIV critic. They won the tournament in 2024, but McIlroy is skipping the event this year amid a stretch of majors and other signature events. Enter Koepka, who’s grinding to qualify for those signature events. He and his brother Chase tied for fifth at the Zurich in 2017. He’s also played on four U.S. Ryder Cup teams opposite Lowry’s Team Europe. “I’ve known Brooks a long time, back from his European days playing the European Tour,” the Irishman said, revealing he texted Koepka’s caddie with the idea at first. “… I said, ‘Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?’ He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ “We’re here. To the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but you know, to us it does. … We do have a good relationship. We’re going to have a good bit of fun out there.” Koepka was enthusiastic about the team-up. “I think the way Shane drives the ball, the way my iron play has been lately, and then Shane’s short game, I mean, I think it’s a pretty good combination,” Koepka said. “I like the way we’re going with him hitting off certain holes and me hitting off the other holes.” The field will play four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and switch to foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. A 36-hole cut will whittle the field down to the top 33 teams and ties. Lowry and McIlroy winning in 2024 was an exception at a tournament where rank-and-file players have a better chance to break through, like Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. Last year, Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak pulled off a one-stroke win; it was both players’ first win on tour, but Griffin catapulted into the top 10 in the world with two more victories and made the Ryder Cup team. “Everyone has their breakthrough moments,” Griffin said. “Fortunately for me, it was here last year. Now look at me now. I was a (nominee) for the Player of the Year last year. Going into this tournament last year I wasn’t talking to any media. … Every single week can change your career.” Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick rose to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking by winning last week’s RBC Heritage, his second trophy of 2026. For the fourth straight year, he will play with his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick. They have yet to finish better than T11 and missed the cut last year. But there’s one major difference now: After years of grinding away, Alex Fitzpatrick won his first European Tour title last month at the Hero Indian Open. “I think it’s changed over time,” Matt Fitzpatrick said of their expectations for this event. “I think the first year we played, I’d also won the Heritage the week before. You come in feeling good about your game and in a more relaxed way. Then the last two years it’s been probably a bit more of, well, we’re playing OK, nothing great, but also trying to enjoy it, but maybe a little bit more pressure. “I feel like this year, yeah, our expectations are higher given the form that we had shown this year, but if anything, I think because of that form, we’re probably allowed to enjoy it a little bit more.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #partners #Shane #Lowry #ZurichApr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka knows a little something about team golf.

Granted, he did not play much four-ball or foursomes while with LIV Golf, where team scores are simply cumulative stroke-play totals.

But in his first season back on the PGA Tour, Koepka decided to play the tour’s only team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and joined Shane Lowry to create the most fascinating pairing of the week. Seventy-four teams will tee off Thursday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La.

Lowry played the past two Zurich Classics alongside Rory McIlroy, the longtime LIV critic. They won the tournament in 2024, but McIlroy is skipping the event this year amid a stretch of majors and other signature events.

Enter Koepka, who’s grinding to qualify for those signature events. He and his brother Chase tied for fifth at the Zurich in 2017. He’s also played on four U.S. Ryder Cup teams opposite Lowry’s Team Europe.

“I’ve known Brooks a long time, back from his European days playing the European Tour,” the Irishman said, revealing he texted Koepka’s caddie with the idea at first. “… I said, ‘Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?’ He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’

“We’re here. To the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but you know, to us it does. … We do have a good relationship. We’re going to have a good bit of fun out there.”

Koepka was enthusiastic about the team-up.


“I think the way Shane drives the ball, the way my iron play has been lately, and then Shane’s short game, I mean, I think it’s a pretty good combination,” Koepka said. “I like the way we’re going with him hitting off certain holes and me hitting off the other holes.”

The field will play four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and switch to foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. A 36-hole cut will whittle the field down to the top 33 teams and ties.

Lowry and McIlroy winning in 2024 was an exception at a tournament where rank-and-file players have a better chance to break through, like Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. Last year, Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak pulled off a one-stroke win; it was both players’ first win on tour, but Griffin catapulted into the top 10 in the world with two more victories and made the Ryder Cup team.

“Everyone has their breakthrough moments,” Griffin said. “Fortunately for me, it was here last year. Now look at me now. I was a (nominee) for the Player of the Year last year. Going into this tournament last year I wasn’t talking to any media. … Every single week can change your career.”

Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick rose to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking by winning last week’s RBC Heritage, his second trophy of 2026. For the fourth straight year, he will play with his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick.

They have yet to finish better than T11 and missed the cut last year. But there’s one major difference now: After years of grinding away, Alex Fitzpatrick won his first European Tour title last month at the Hero Indian Open.

“I think it’s changed over time,” Matt Fitzpatrick said of their expectations for this event. “I think the first year we played, I’d also won the Heritage the week before. You come in feeling good about your game and in a more relaxed way. Then the last two years it’s been probably a bit more of, well, we’re playing OK, nothing great, but also trying to enjoy it, but maybe a little bit more pressure.

“I feel like this year, yeah, our expectations are higher given the form that we had shown this year, but if anything, I think because of that form, we’re probably allowed to enjoy it a little bit more.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #partners #Shane #Lowry #Zurich

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Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka knows a little something about team golf.

Granted, he did not play much four-ball or foursomes while with LIV Golf, where team scores are simply cumulative stroke-play totals.

But in his first season back on the PGA Tour, Koepka decided to play the tour’s only team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and joined Shane Lowry to create the most fascinating pairing of the week. Seventy-four teams will tee off Thursday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La.

Lowry played the past two Zurich Classics alongside Rory McIlroy, the longtime LIV critic. They won the tournament in 2024, but McIlroy is skipping the event this year amid a stretch of majors and other signature events.

Enter Koepka, who’s grinding to qualify for those signature events. He and his brother Chase tied for fifth at the Zurich in 2017. He’s also played on four U.S. Ryder Cup teams opposite Lowry’s Team Europe.

“I’ve known Brooks a long time, back from his European days playing the European Tour,” the Irishman said, revealing he texted Koepka’s caddie with the idea at first. “… I said, ‘Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?’ He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’

“We’re here. To the outside, it might not look like it makes sense, but you know, to us it does. … We do have a good relationship. We’re going to have a good bit of fun out there.”

Koepka was enthusiastic about the team-up.

“I think the way Shane drives the ball, the way my iron play has been lately, and then Shane’s short game, I mean, I think it’s a pretty good combination,” Koepka said. “I like the way we’re going with him hitting off certain holes and me hitting off the other holes.”

The field will play four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and switch to foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. A 36-hole cut will whittle the field down to the top 33 teams and ties.

Lowry and McIlroy winning in 2024 was an exception at a tournament where rank-and-file players have a better chance to break through, like Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. Last year, Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak pulled off a one-stroke win; it was both players’ first win on tour, but Griffin catapulted into the top 10 in the world with two more victories and made the Ryder Cup team.

“Everyone has their breakthrough moments,” Griffin said. “Fortunately for me, it was here last year. Now look at me now. I was a (nominee) for the Player of the Year last year. Going into this tournament last year I wasn’t talking to any media. … Every single week can change your career.”

Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick rose to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking by winning last week’s RBC Heritage, his second trophy of 2026. For the fourth straight year, he will play with his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick.

They have yet to finish better than T11 and missed the cut last year. But there’s one major difference now: After years of grinding away, Alex Fitzpatrick won his first European Tour title last month at the Hero Indian Open.

“I think it’s changed over time,” Matt Fitzpatrick said of their expectations for this event. “I think the first year we played, I’d also won the Heritage the week before. You come in feeling good about your game and in a more relaxed way. Then the last two years it’s been probably a bit more of, well, we’re playing OK, nothing great, but also trying to enjoy it, but maybe a little bit more pressure.

“I feel like this year, yeah, our expectations are higher given the form that we had shown this year, but if anything, I think because of that form, we’re probably allowed to enjoy it a little bit more.”

–Field Level Media

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PREVIEW

If the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.

Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.

Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.

Read the full preview here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info">Andreeva vs Chwalinska, French Open 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record, live streaming info PREVIEWIf the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.Read the full preview here.The French Open will have a new women’s singles champion!Will it be the Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, ranked 8th in the world, or will it be Polish qualifier and World No. 114 Maja Chwalinska?Final on Saturday. Mark your calendars!📸 Reuters#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/3jNaUMI1L7— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) June 4, 2026LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFOWhen and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).HEAD-TO-HEADThis will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.ROUTE TO THE FINALMirra AndreevaSemifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)Maja ChwalinskaSemifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana ShnaiderQuarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna KalinskayaRound of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)Time spent on courtAndreeva: 8 hours 14 minutesChwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutesPublished on Jun 06, 2026 #Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info

here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info">Andreeva vs Chwalinska, French Open 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record, live streaming info

PREVIEW

If the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.

Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.

Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.

Read the full preview here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info
Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #AndaluciaMay 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images

Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain.

Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup.

The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday.

“Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots.

“Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.”

Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole.


“Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.”

Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under.

Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday.

“It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.”

Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament.

Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70).

Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia">Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia

We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.

For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TS

A’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.

Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Team record: 8-2
2026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TS

Olivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.

But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TS

At 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.

The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.

Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TS

The Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TS

Caitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.

Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TS

Howard has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.

Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TS

It’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.

Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TS

The Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.

Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TS

Veronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season.

#WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month">WNBA MVP race: how A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark and the top players rank one month in We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas AcesTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TSA’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxTeam record: 8-22026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TSOlivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.Paige Bueckers, Dallas WingsTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TSAt 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream Team record: 6-32026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TSThe Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Team record: 5-42026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TSCaitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.Rhyne Howard, Atlanta DreamTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TSHoward has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana FeverTeam record: 5-42026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TSIt’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty Team record: 6-42026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TSThe Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesTeam record: 6-42026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TSVeronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season. #WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month

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