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Deadspin | Max Homa hoping to finally carry over Masters success to RBC Heritage  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Max Homa plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Max Homa has found quite a bit of success the last three years at the Masters.  Carrying that over to the RBC Heritage the following week has surprisingly proven a tough challenge.  Homa, coming off his third straight result among the top 12 at Augusta National, will look to follow that up with his first top-50 finish since 2020 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.  “(Harbour Town) should fit my game really well,” Homa said. “Unfortunately I haven’t played too well here, so hopefully this is the year.”  After tying for third at the 2024 Masters, Homa followed with a tie for 55th in the RBC Heritage, a signature event. He followed a tie for 12th last year in Augusta by finishing in 70th out of 72 competitors at the RBC.  Homa tied for ninth in this season’s first major, and he seems aware of why his success at Augusta National hasn’t carried over to Hilton Head.  It’s a common refrain heard about the tournament immediately after the Masters, and why a number of competitors often skip the event.  “That mental toll (the Masters) takes on you is pretty draining,” Homa said. “It is crazy how majors just feel like two weeks on you. Augusta is one of the few physical tests we have in golf. It’s quite a bear to walk and prep for.”   Complicating matters for Homa is the fact that his wife and two children under 4 — including one born last August — are with him for the road trip.  “It’s definitely interesting how tired I am. Now, granted, I do have two children, and one of them chose not to sleep last night, so it’s taking me longer to get back into, I guess, a fiery mode,” Homa quipped. ” … I would say by (Thursday) I’m sure my energy will be back and I’ll be ready to compete.”  Sleep deprived or not, Homa seems to have found something of late after a rocky 2025 season. He wound up last year 111th in the FedEx Cup standings, a far cry from the consecutive top-10 finishes he had in 2022 and 2023.  With a top-15 finish at the Cognizant Classic and three other top-40 finishes in addition to another strong Masters showing, Homa has rebounded early this season, sitting in 50th in the FedEx Cup rankings entering this week’s event.  He credits a return to working with coach Mark Blackburn as what has helped him trend once more in a positive direction.  “I went back to him in, I think, October, and we obviously put a lot of work in in the offseason, and he’s just been amazing,” Homa said of Blackburn. “We communicate so well. He seems very in tune with what makes me tick.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Max #Homa #hoping #finally #carry #Masters #success #RBC #Heritage

Deadspin | Max Homa hoping to finally carry over Masters success to RBC Heritage
Deadspin | Max Homa hoping to finally carry over Masters success to RBC Heritage  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Max Homa plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Max Homa has found quite a bit of success the last three years at the Masters.  Carrying that over to the RBC Heritage the following week has surprisingly proven a tough challenge.  Homa, coming off his third straight result among the top 12 at Augusta National, will look to follow that up with his first top-50 finish since 2020 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.  “(Harbour Town) should fit my game really well,” Homa said. “Unfortunately I haven’t played too well here, so hopefully this is the year.”  After tying for third at the 2024 Masters, Homa followed with a tie for 55th in the RBC Heritage, a signature event. He followed a tie for 12th last year in Augusta by finishing in 70th out of 72 competitors at the RBC.  Homa tied for ninth in this season’s first major, and he seems aware of why his success at Augusta National hasn’t carried over to Hilton Head.  It’s a common refrain heard about the tournament immediately after the Masters, and why a number of competitors often skip the event.  “That mental toll (the Masters) takes on you is pretty draining,” Homa said. “It is crazy how majors just feel like two weeks on you. Augusta is one of the few physical tests we have in golf. It’s quite a bear to walk and prep for.”   Complicating matters for Homa is the fact that his wife and two children under 4 — including one born last August — are with him for the road trip.  “It’s definitely interesting how tired I am. Now, granted, I do have two children, and one of them chose not to sleep last night, so it’s taking me longer to get back into, I guess, a fiery mode,” Homa quipped. ” … I would say by (Thursday) I’m sure my energy will be back and I’ll be ready to compete.”  Sleep deprived or not, Homa seems to have found something of late after a rocky 2025 season. He wound up last year 111th in the FedEx Cup standings, a far cry from the consecutive top-10 finishes he had in 2022 and 2023.  With a top-15 finish at the Cognizant Classic and three other top-40 finishes in addition to another strong Masters showing, Homa has rebounded early this season, sitting in 50th in the FedEx Cup rankings entering this week’s event.  He credits a return to working with coach Mark Blackburn as what has helped him trend once more in a positive direction.  “I went back to him in, I think, October, and we obviously put a lot of work in in the offseason, and he’s just been amazing,” Homa said of Blackburn. “We communicate so well. He seems very in tune with what makes me tick.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Max #Homa #hoping #finally #carry #Masters #success #RBC #HeritageApr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Max Homa plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Max Homa has found quite a bit of success the last three years at the Masters.

Carrying that over to the RBC Heritage the following week has surprisingly proven a tough challenge.

Homa, coming off his third straight result among the top 12 at Augusta National, will look to follow that up with his first top-50 finish since 2020 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“(Harbour Town) should fit my game really well,” Homa said. “Unfortunately I haven’t played too well here, so hopefully this is the year.”

After tying for third at the 2024 Masters, Homa followed with a tie for 55th in the RBC Heritage, a signature event. He followed a tie for 12th last year in Augusta by finishing in 70th out of 72 competitors at the RBC.

Homa tied for ninth in this season’s first major, and he seems aware of why his success at Augusta National hasn’t carried over to Hilton Head.

It’s a common refrain heard about the tournament immediately after the Masters, and why a number of competitors often skip the event.


“That mental toll (the Masters) takes on you is pretty draining,” Homa said. “It is crazy how majors just feel like two weeks on you. Augusta is one of the few physical tests we have in golf. It’s quite a bear to walk and prep for.”

Complicating matters for Homa is the fact that his wife and two children under 4 — including one born last August — are with him for the road trip.

“It’s definitely interesting how tired I am. Now, granted, I do have two children, and one of them chose not to sleep last night, so it’s taking me longer to get back into, I guess, a fiery mode,” Homa quipped. ” … I would say by (Thursday) I’m sure my energy will be back and I’ll be ready to compete.”

Sleep deprived or not, Homa seems to have found something of late after a rocky 2025 season. He wound up last year 111th in the FedEx Cup standings, a far cry from the consecutive top-10 finishes he had in 2022 and 2023.

With a top-15 finish at the Cognizant Classic and three other top-40 finishes in addition to another strong Masters showing, Homa has rebounded early this season, sitting in 50th in the FedEx Cup rankings entering this week’s event.

He credits a return to working with coach Mark Blackburn as what has helped him trend once more in a positive direction.

“I went back to him in, I think, October, and we obviously put a lot of work in in the offseason, and he’s just been amazing,” Homa said of Blackburn. “We communicate so well. He seems very in tune with what makes me tick.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Max #Homa #hoping #finally #carry #Masters #success #RBC #Heritage

Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Max Homa plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Max Homa has found quite a bit of success the last three years at the Masters.

Carrying that over to the RBC Heritage the following week has surprisingly proven a tough challenge.

Homa, coming off his third straight result among the top 12 at Augusta National, will look to follow that up with his first top-50 finish since 2020 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“(Harbour Town) should fit my game really well,” Homa said. “Unfortunately I haven’t played too well here, so hopefully this is the year.”

After tying for third at the 2024 Masters, Homa followed with a tie for 55th in the RBC Heritage, a signature event. He followed a tie for 12th last year in Augusta by finishing in 70th out of 72 competitors at the RBC.

Homa tied for ninth in this season’s first major, and he seems aware of why his success at Augusta National hasn’t carried over to Hilton Head.

It’s a common refrain heard about the tournament immediately after the Masters, and why a number of competitors often skip the event.

“That mental toll (the Masters) takes on you is pretty draining,” Homa said. “It is crazy how majors just feel like two weeks on you. Augusta is one of the few physical tests we have in golf. It’s quite a bear to walk and prep for.”

Complicating matters for Homa is the fact that his wife and two children under 4 — including one born last August — are with him for the road trip.

“It’s definitely interesting how tired I am. Now, granted, I do have two children, and one of them chose not to sleep last night, so it’s taking me longer to get back into, I guess, a fiery mode,” Homa quipped. ” … I would say by (Thursday) I’m sure my energy will be back and I’ll be ready to compete.”

Sleep deprived or not, Homa seems to have found something of late after a rocky 2025 season. He wound up last year 111th in the FedEx Cup standings, a far cry from the consecutive top-10 finishes he had in 2022 and 2023.

With a top-15 finish at the Cognizant Classic and three other top-40 finishes in addition to another strong Masters showing, Homa has rebounded early this season, sitting in 50th in the FedEx Cup rankings entering this week’s event.

He credits a return to working with coach Mark Blackburn as what has helped him trend once more in a positive direction.

“I went back to him in, I think, October, and we obviously put a lot of work in in the offseason, and he’s just been amazing,” Homa said of Blackburn. “We communicate so well. He seems very in tune with what makes me tick.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Max #Homa #hoping #finally #carry #Masters #success #RBC #Heritage

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Deadspin | Sal Stewart, Reds keep rolling against woeful Giants <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-900/28736095.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28736095.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Sal Stewart slugged a pair of three-run homers, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz each hit solo shots, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the visiting San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Stewart went deep for the second straight night and has seven homers to lead all rookies. Suarez went 3-for-4 and Spencer Steer had a pair of singles for Cincinnati, which has won three of its last four games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Reds starter Rhett Lowder (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts over a career-high 6 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Daniel Susac doubled in two runs and had two hits for San Francisco, which lost its fourth straight.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Cincinnati claimed a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Tyler Mahle (0-3). With two on and one out, Stewart hit a three-run blast on a liner to right-center field. Suarez followed with his third homer, a 349-foot shot to right field.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Giants responded with two runs in the second inning. Matt Chapman singled with one out, Jung Hoo Lee walked, and both scored on Susac’s double to left field.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Stewart struck again with a three-run homer in the bottom of the second following back-to-back walks to Matt McLain and De La Cruz.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Cincinnati moved ahead 8-2 on De La Cruz’s one-out homer to center in the fourth. The 442-foot blast was his sixth homer of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Mahle gave up eight runs and eight hits with five walks over four innings against his former team.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Left-hander Brock Burke replaced righty Lowder with two on and two outs in the seventh. Heliot Ramos greeted Burke with a pinch-hit single to score Rafael Devers from third.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Jerar Encarnacion followed with a pinch-hit single to load the bases before Burke struck out Willy Adames on three pitches.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Adames went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for San Francisco, which entered the game ranked last in the majors in runs (52), home runs (nine) and walks (34).</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Giants were out-hit 10-9 and fell to 1-11 this season when scoring three or fewer runs.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Sal #Stewart #Reds #rolling #woeful #Giants

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

PREVIEW

Host India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.

For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.

The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.

This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.

The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal.

India vs Bangladesh, SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record  PREVIEWHost India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal. In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AIFF Media
                            

                            In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AIFF Media
                                                    Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 FinalMatches played: 13India won: 10Draws: 1Bangladesh won: 2For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.What are the coaches saying?In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”Published on Jun 05, 2026  #India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record

In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

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In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.

India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final

Matches played: 13

India won: 10

Draws: 1

Bangladesh won: 2

For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.

What are the coaches saying?

In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.

“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.

“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”

Published on Jun 05, 2026

#India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record">India vs Bangladesh, SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record  PREVIEWHost India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal. In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AIFF Media
                            

                            In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AIFF Media
                                                    Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 FinalMatches played: 13India won: 10Draws: 1Bangladesh won: 2For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.What are the coaches saying?In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”Published on Jun 05, 2026  #India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record

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