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Deadspin | Timo Baumgartl scores in 61st minute as St. Louis City tie FC Dallas   Apr 11, 2026; Frisco, Texas, USA;  St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) dribbles the ball as FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide (3) defends during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images   Timo Baumgartl’s 61st-minute goal negated Louicius Deedson’s opener as visiting St. Louis City SC earned a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas.  The equalizer was the first goal in four matches at Toyota Stadium for St. Louis (1-3-3, 6 points), which has gone 1-0-2 in its last three matches after getting shut out in three straight.  Dallas (3-1-3, 12 points) is now unbeaten (2-0-2) in its last four matches and has outscored St. Louis, 8-1, in those four home matches.  The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite chances from both sides. St. Louis’ Marcel Hartel had two chances himself early on.  He took the ball down to the end line in the third minute and sent it across the goal mouth, but there was nobody home to tap it in. Then, in the 21st minute, Hartel took the ball down the left side into the box and tried to beat Michael Collodi to the near post, but Dallas’ goalkeeper turned it aside.  In the 30th minute, Conrad Wallem just missed connecting with Sergio Cordova, which would have left the St. Louis attacker alone in the middle.  Dallas’ Kaick, who came on for his injured Brazilian countryman Ramiro in the 36th minute, was high on a header three minutes later off a cross into the box from Deedson.   Petar Musa, who came into the match tied for the MLS lead with seven goals, was quiet for most of the first half, but he came alive late.  He was called offside on an attempt that hit the post in the third minute of extra time, and then, one minute later, he took a pass from Logan Farrington into the box and forced a save from St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, who had two saves.  Musa played a role in Dallas’ goal three minutes into the second half. He intercepted a St. Louis pass and freed up Deedson on the left side, and the Haitian International finished for his first goal of the season.  The assist was Musa’s first of the season, and the goal stood up for 20 minutes. St. Louis’ Daniel Edelman sent a ball to the far post, where two teammates ran onto it. Baumgartl got in first and finished Edelman’s cross with a right-footed shot from close range.  Burki and Collodi, who had four saves, denied late winners off attempts from both attacking sides to preserve the draw.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Timo #Baumgartl #scores #61st #minute #Louis #City #tie #Dallas

Deadspin | Timo Baumgartl scores in 61st minute as St. Louis City tie FC Dallas
Deadspin | Timo Baumgartl scores in 61st minute as St. Louis City tie FC Dallas   Apr 11, 2026; Frisco, Texas, USA;  St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) dribbles the ball as FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide (3) defends during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images   Timo Baumgartl’s 61st-minute goal negated Louicius Deedson’s opener as visiting St. Louis City SC earned a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas.  The equalizer was the first goal in four matches at Toyota Stadium for St. Louis (1-3-3, 6 points), which has gone 1-0-2 in its last three matches after getting shut out in three straight.  Dallas (3-1-3, 12 points) is now unbeaten (2-0-2) in its last four matches and has outscored St. Louis, 8-1, in those four home matches.  The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite chances from both sides. St. Louis’ Marcel Hartel had two chances himself early on.  He took the ball down to the end line in the third minute and sent it across the goal mouth, but there was nobody home to tap it in. Then, in the 21st minute, Hartel took the ball down the left side into the box and tried to beat Michael Collodi to the near post, but Dallas’ goalkeeper turned it aside.  In the 30th minute, Conrad Wallem just missed connecting with Sergio Cordova, which would have left the St. Louis attacker alone in the middle.  Dallas’ Kaick, who came on for his injured Brazilian countryman Ramiro in the 36th minute, was high on a header three minutes later off a cross into the box from Deedson.   Petar Musa, who came into the match tied for the MLS lead with seven goals, was quiet for most of the first half, but he came alive late.  He was called offside on an attempt that hit the post in the third minute of extra time, and then, one minute later, he took a pass from Logan Farrington into the box and forced a save from St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, who had two saves.  Musa played a role in Dallas’ goal three minutes into the second half. He intercepted a St. Louis pass and freed up Deedson on the left side, and the Haitian International finished for his first goal of the season.  The assist was Musa’s first of the season, and the goal stood up for 20 minutes. St. Louis’ Daniel Edelman sent a ball to the far post, where two teammates ran onto it. Baumgartl got in first and finished Edelman’s cross with a right-footed shot from close range.  Burki and Collodi, who had four saves, denied late winners off attempts from both attacking sides to preserve the draw.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Timo #Baumgartl #scores #61st #minute #Louis #City #tie #DallasApr 11, 2026; Frisco, Texas, USA; St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) dribbles the ball as FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide (3) defends during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Timo Baumgartl’s 61st-minute goal negated Louicius Deedson’s opener as visiting St. Louis City SC earned a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas.

The equalizer was the first goal in four matches at Toyota Stadium for St. Louis (1-3-3, 6 points), which has gone 1-0-2 in its last three matches after getting shut out in three straight.

Dallas (3-1-3, 12 points) is now unbeaten (2-0-2) in its last four matches and has outscored St. Louis, 8-1, in those four home matches.

The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite chances from both sides. St. Louis’ Marcel Hartel had two chances himself early on.

He took the ball down to the end line in the third minute and sent it across the goal mouth, but there was nobody home to tap it in. Then, in the 21st minute, Hartel took the ball down the left side into the box and tried to beat Michael Collodi to the near post, but Dallas’ goalkeeper turned it aside.

In the 30th minute, Conrad Wallem just missed connecting with Sergio Cordova, which would have left the St. Louis attacker alone in the middle.


Dallas’ Kaick, who came on for his injured Brazilian countryman Ramiro in the 36th minute, was high on a header three minutes later off a cross into the box from Deedson.

Petar Musa, who came into the match tied for the MLS lead with seven goals, was quiet for most of the first half, but he came alive late.

He was called offside on an attempt that hit the post in the third minute of extra time, and then, one minute later, he took a pass from Logan Farrington into the box and forced a save from St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, who had two saves.

Musa played a role in Dallas’ goal three minutes into the second half. He intercepted a St. Louis pass and freed up Deedson on the left side, and the Haitian International finished for his first goal of the season.

The assist was Musa’s first of the season, and the goal stood up for 20 minutes. St. Louis’ Daniel Edelman sent a ball to the far post, where two teammates ran onto it. Baumgartl got in first and finished Edelman’s cross with a right-footed shot from close range.

Burki and Collodi, who had four saves, denied late winners off attempts from both attacking sides to preserve the draw.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timo #Baumgartl #scores #61st #minute #Louis #City #tie #Dallas

Apr 11, 2026; Frisco, Texas, USA; St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) dribbles the ball as FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide (3) defends during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Timo Baumgartl’s 61st-minute goal negated Louicius Deedson’s opener as visiting St. Louis City SC earned a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas.

The equalizer was the first goal in four matches at Toyota Stadium for St. Louis (1-3-3, 6 points), which has gone 1-0-2 in its last three matches after getting shut out in three straight.

Dallas (3-1-3, 12 points) is now unbeaten (2-0-2) in its last four matches and has outscored St. Louis, 8-1, in those four home matches.

The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite chances from both sides. St. Louis’ Marcel Hartel had two chances himself early on.

He took the ball down to the end line in the third minute and sent it across the goal mouth, but there was nobody home to tap it in. Then, in the 21st minute, Hartel took the ball down the left side into the box and tried to beat Michael Collodi to the near post, but Dallas’ goalkeeper turned it aside.

In the 30th minute, Conrad Wallem just missed connecting with Sergio Cordova, which would have left the St. Louis attacker alone in the middle.

Dallas’ Kaick, who came on for his injured Brazilian countryman Ramiro in the 36th minute, was high on a header three minutes later off a cross into the box from Deedson.

Petar Musa, who came into the match tied for the MLS lead with seven goals, was quiet for most of the first half, but he came alive late.

He was called offside on an attempt that hit the post in the third minute of extra time, and then, one minute later, he took a pass from Logan Farrington into the box and forced a save from St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, who had two saves.

Musa played a role in Dallas’ goal three minutes into the second half. He intercepted a St. Louis pass and freed up Deedson on the left side, and the Haitian International finished for his first goal of the season.

The assist was Musa’s first of the season, and the goal stood up for 20 minutes. St. Louis’ Daniel Edelman sent a ball to the far post, where two teammates ran onto it. Baumgartl got in first and finished Edelman’s cross with a right-footed shot from close range.

Burki and Collodi, who had four saves, denied late winners off attempts from both attacking sides to preserve the draw.

–Field Level Media

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Billie Jean King Cup: Defending champion Italy, Britain reach finals; USA knocked out <div id="content-body-70853402" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Two-time defending champion Italy won Saturday’s decisive doubles rubber to sweep into the Billie Jean King Cup finals as the United States was dumped out by Belgium, with Ukraine, Spain, Britain, the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan all also advancing.</p><p>Olympic champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini sealed the winning point for Italy with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi on clay at Velletri, south of Rome.</p><p>Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto had given the host a 2-0 overnight advantage.</p><p>Last year’s runner-up the USA—the record 18-time winner—was beaten 3-1 by Belgium.</p><p>The Americans dragged themselves back into the tie with Caty McNally and Nicole Melichar’s doubles win after losing both singles matches on Friday.</p><p>But Greetje Minnen surprised world number 16 Iva Jovic 7-5, 6-3 as Belgium booked a return to the finals, to be held in Shenzhen in September, for the first time since 2022.</p><p>In Melbourne, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage won the doubles rubber to power Britain past Australia.</p><p>Britain started the day with a commanding 2-0 lead after teenager Mika Stojsavljevic upset Talia Gibson and Dart beat Kimberly Birrell on day one.</p><p>It left Australia’s Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez facing a must-win clash in Melbourne, but they failed to rise to the occasion and were beaten 6-3, 6-4.</p><p>“That feels amazing,” said an emotional Burrage, who has battled injuries in recent times.</p><p>“I’m proud of us for the way that we played, way that we came out and managed to close that out.”</p><p>It was an impressive victory, with none of Britain’s top four making the long trip, with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Fran Jones opting to focus on the European clay-court season and Sonay Kartal injured.</p><p>Belinda Bencic missed three match points in the fourth rubber of Switzerland’s tie with the Czech Republic before Marie Bouzkova gave the Czechs a thrilling 3-2 win by defeating Viktorija Golubic.</p><p>Bencic saw three chances to send Switzerland to the finals come and go in a deciding set tie-break before losing 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (11/9) to Linda Noskova.</p><p>Bouzkova then sealed the seven-time winners’ overall victory by seeing off Golubic 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.</p><p>Twins Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok gave Ukraine an unassailable 3-0 lead after the doubles in the southern Polish city of Gliwice.</p><p>Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina won Friday’s singles.</p><p>Overnight, Slovenia and Spain had been tied 1-1 on clay in Portoroz.</p><p>But Aliona Bolsova and Sara Sorribes Tormo teamed up to win the doubles. Kaitlin Quevedo then rallied past Veronika Erjavec 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to seal the winning point for Spain.</p><p>Kazakhstan won 3-1 against Canada after former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu lost her reverse singles tie 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-6 (7/4) to Yulia Putintseva.</p><p>Andreescu had pulled Canada level 1-1 on Friday.</p><p>But Anna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva beat Andreescu and Cross 7-5, 6-1 in Saturday’s doubles.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 12, 2026</p></div> #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #Defending #champion #Italy #Britain #reach #finals #USA #knocked

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Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty loses to Shi Yuqi in final, settles for silver <div id="content-body-70853793" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Ayush Shetty was denied a fairytale ending by China’s Shi Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 as the Indian lost 8-21, 10-21 in 42 minutes to the home favourite in the final in Ningbo on Sunday, thus finishing with a silver medal.</p><p>World No. 2 Yuqi dominated the majority of the match, stretching his head-to-head advantage over the 20-year-old Indian to 3-0. The Chinese shuttler also bagged his maiden gold at the continental event, having previously won three bronze medals.</p><p>Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).</p><p>Ayush, the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships bronze medallist, had reached the final by stunning defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals.</p><p>Earlier, Ayush, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, had taken down World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarterfinals, World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16, and World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in the first round.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 12, 2026</p></div> #Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #loses #Shi #Yuqi #final #settles #silver

Chet Holmgren is the textbook definition of a basketball unicorn. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 7’1 center cashed 36.2 percent of his three-pointers this season on 243 attempts while also being one of the very best shot-blockers in the NBA. NBA teams will tank for years to get a player like Holmgren who can provide stout rim protection defensively while also spacing the floor on offense. The Thunder did tank to get him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and it resulted in a championship in the big man’s third pro season last year.

If Holmgren is a unicorn, Victor Wembanyama is an alien. There’s never been a player in league history quite like the 7’5 French sensation. He’s probably already the most dominant defender in the history of basketball, and he hits logo threes from Steph Curry range, uses his 8-foot wingspan for an unprecedented offensive catch radius on interior finishes, and plays with a non-stop motor. I compared Wemby to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a full year before he entered the NBA, and he hasn’t made me regret it yet. Kareem is, by the way, the third best player in NBA history.

Wembanyama is 22 years old. Holmgren just turned 24 years old. These two players have been battling since they were teenagers on the international stage, and there’s clearly some bad blood between them. As Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs meet Holmgren’s defending champion Thunder in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, their rivalry is coming back into focus. Here’s why there’s so much hostility between these great young bigs — and why Wembanyama is the one driving it.

The 2021 U19 FIBA World Cup started it all

Want to get a first-look at the next generation of basketball stars? Lock in to the FIBA youth tournaments in the summer time. Back in 2015, I wrote that a 17-year-old Jayson Tatum had the basketball world in the palm of his hand after watching him on the FIBA stage. He’s just one of many examples of future stars who had their first big breakout in these events. I’ve been following this stuff closely for a long time, and I can never remember a more anticipated matchup than the United States vs. France showdown in the 2021 gold medal game at the U19 FIBA World Cup. It’s an important first chapter in the Wembanyama vs. Holmgren rivalry.

The United States won the game, and Holmgren was named tournament MVP. What I remember about that game is that it wasn’t Chet who out-dueled Wemby — it was Kenneth Lofton. Lofton was a 6’6, 275-pound big man who played his college ball at Louisiana Tech, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, and played 45 NBA games before now continuing his career in China.

Lofton won the U.S. the gold medal game, but Holmgren was still that team’s best player.

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren head-to-head in the NBA

Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft but missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Wembanyama entered the league the next year as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Thunder demolished the Spurs in the first two games between Holmgren and Wembanyama in the NBA. The Spurs won the third matchup in their shared rookie season with Wemby going off for 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Holmgren had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the loss.

Wemby and Chet only matched up once in the next season during the 2024-25 campaign. The Thunder won an Oct. game and would go on to win the NBA championship while the Spurs missed the playoffs after Wembanyama had to be shutdown after the All-Star break with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

“I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him on the championship,” ESPN reporter Marc Spears said.

Wemby takes the upper hand in the rivalry this season

The Thunder looked like a potential dynasty coming off their 2025 championship. Victor Wembanyama had other ideas.

The Thunder started the year at 24-1. Then the Spurs beat them three times in just about two weeks, including knocking them out of the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas in a game where Wemby came off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes. Watch the way Wembanyama reacted when Holmgren missed a key free throw late.

The Christmas matchup between the two teams was another fantastic showcase. The Spurs beat the Thunder, 117-102, for their third straight win against mighty OKC. Holmgren only had 10 points in the loss, and Wembanyama was clearly trying to get in his head.

Watch this hard foul by Wemby, and his reaction when Chet missed another free throw.

The Thunder did win the final regular season matchup. Everyone knew we’d see these two again in the Western Conference Finals.

Wembanyama vs. Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals is pure theater

The Spurs’ Game 1 double-OT victory in the 2026 Western Conference Finals was one of the greatest basketball games you will ever see. Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds in a career-high 49 minutes. His logo three will be the shot remembered forever, but he also served Chet a facial with a dunk in double overtime to essentially clinch the win.

Wembanyama knows he’s one of the few people alive with a physical advantage on Holmgren. He also seems to play the mental game against his rival relentlessly.

This tweet summed it up perfectly:

This Wemby vs. Chet TikTok edit also went viral after Game 1. It’s such a good watch:

After Game 1 of the WCF, Wembanyama holds a 5-4 edge in head-to-head matchups against Holmgren.

Spurs vs. Thunder is cinema. We’re watching the next great rivalry in not just the NBA, but all of sports. Wembanyama taking it personally against Holmgren makes it even better.

#Victor #Wembanyama #hates #Chet #Holmgren">Why Victor Wembanyama hates Chet Holmgren so much  Chet Holmgren is the textbook definition of a basketball unicorn. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 7’1 center cashed 36.2 percent of his three-pointers this season on 243 attempts while also being one of the very best shot-blockers in the NBA. NBA teams will tank for years to get a player like Holmgren who can provide stout rim protection defensively while also spacing the floor on offense. The Thunder did tank to get him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and it resulted in a championship in the big man’s third pro season last year.If Holmgren is a unicorn, Victor Wembanyama is an alien. There’s never been a player in league history quite like the 7’5 French sensation. He’s probably already the most dominant defender in the history of basketball, and he hits logo threes from Steph Curry range, uses his 8-foot wingspan for an unprecedented offensive catch radius on interior finishes, and plays with a non-stop motor. I compared Wemby to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a full year before he entered the NBA, and he hasn’t made me regret it yet. Kareem is, by the way, the third best player in NBA history.Wembanyama is 22 years old. Holmgren just turned 24 years old. These two players have been battling since they were teenagers on the international stage, and there’s clearly some bad blood between them. As Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs meet Holmgren’s defending champion Thunder in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, their rivalry is coming back into focus. Here’s why there’s so much hostility between these great young bigs — and why Wembanyama is the one driving it.The 2021 U19 FIBA World Cup started it allWant to get a first-look at the next generation of basketball stars? Lock in to the FIBA youth tournaments in the summer time. Back in 2015, I wrote that a 17-year-old Jayson Tatum had the basketball world in the palm of his hand after watching him on the FIBA stage. He’s just one of many examples of future stars who had their first big breakout in these events. I’ve been following this stuff closely for a long time, and I can never remember a more anticipated matchup than the United States vs. France showdown in the 2021 gold medal game at the U19 FIBA World Cup. It’s an important first chapter in the Wembanyama vs. Holmgren rivalry.The United States won the game, and Holmgren was named tournament MVP. What I remember about that game is that it wasn’t Chet who out-dueled Wemby — it was Kenneth Lofton. Lofton was a 6’6, 275-pound big man who played his college ball at Louisiana Tech, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, and played 45 NBA games before now continuing his career in China.Lofton won the U.S. the gold medal game, but Holmgren was still that team’s best player.Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren head-to-head in the NBAHolmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft but missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Wembanyama entered the league the next year as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.The Thunder demolished the Spurs in the first two games between Holmgren and Wembanyama in the NBA. The Spurs won the third matchup in their shared rookie season with Wemby going off for 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Holmgren had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the loss.Wemby and Chet only matched up once in the next season during the 2024-25 campaign. The Thunder won an Oct. game and would go on to win the NBA championship while the Spurs missed the playoffs after Wembanyama had to be shutdown after the All-Star break with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.“I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him on the championship,” ESPN reporter Marc Spears said.Wemby takes the upper hand in the rivalry this seasonThe Thunder looked like a potential dynasty coming off their 2025 championship. Victor Wembanyama had other ideas.The Thunder started the year at 24-1. Then the Spurs beat them three times in just about two weeks, including knocking them out of the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas in a game where Wemby came off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes. Watch the way Wembanyama reacted when Holmgren missed a key free throw late.The Christmas matchup between the two teams was another fantastic showcase. The Spurs beat the Thunder, 117-102, for their third straight win against mighty OKC. Holmgren only had 10 points in the loss, and Wembanyama was clearly trying to get in his head.Watch this hard foul by Wemby, and his reaction when Chet missed another free throw.The Thunder did win the final regular season matchup. Everyone knew we’d see these two again in the Western Conference Finals.Wembanyama vs. Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals is pure theaterThe Spurs’ Game 1 double-OT victory in the 2026 Western Conference Finals was one of the greatest basketball games you will ever see. Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds in a career-high 49 minutes. His logo three will be the shot remembered forever, but he also served Chet a facial with a dunk in double overtime to essentially clinch the win.Wembanyama knows he’s one of the few people alive with a physical advantage on Holmgren. He also seems to play the mental game against his rival relentlessly.This tweet summed it up perfectly:This Wemby vs. Chet TikTok edit also went viral after Game 1. It’s such a good watch:After Game 1 of the WCF, Wembanyama holds a 5-4 edge in head-to-head matchups against Holmgren.Spurs vs. Thunder is cinema. We’re watching the next great rivalry in not just the NBA, but all of sports. Wembanyama taking it personally against Holmgren makes it even better.  #Victor #Wembanyama #hates #Chet #Holmgren

hits logo threes from Steph Curry range, uses his 8-foot wingspan for an unprecedented offensive catch radius on interior finishes, and plays with a non-stop motor. I compared Wemby to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a full year before he entered the NBA, and he hasn’t made me regret it yet. Kareem is, by the way, the third best player in NBA history.

Wembanyama is 22 years old. Holmgren just turned 24 years old. These two players have been battling since they were teenagers on the international stage, and there’s clearly some bad blood between them. As Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs meet Holmgren’s defending champion Thunder in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, their rivalry is coming back into focus. Here’s why there’s so much hostility between these great young bigs — and why Wembanyama is the one driving it.

The 2021 U19 FIBA World Cup started it all

Want to get a first-look at the next generation of basketball stars? Lock in to the FIBA youth tournaments in the summer time. Back in 2015, I wrote that a 17-year-old Jayson Tatum had the basketball world in the palm of his hand after watching him on the FIBA stage. He’s just one of many examples of future stars who had their first big breakout in these events. I’ve been following this stuff closely for a long time, and I can never remember a more anticipated matchup than the United States vs. France showdown in the 2021 gold medal game at the U19 FIBA World Cup. It’s an important first chapter in the Wembanyama vs. Holmgren rivalry.

The United States won the game, and Holmgren was named tournament MVP. What I remember about that game is that it wasn’t Chet who out-dueled Wemby — it was Kenneth Lofton. Lofton was a 6’6, 275-pound big man who played his college ball at Louisiana Tech, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, and played 45 NBA games before now continuing his career in China.

Lofton won the U.S. the gold medal game, but Holmgren was still that team’s best player.

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren head-to-head in the NBA

Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft but missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Wembanyama entered the league the next year as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Thunder demolished the Spurs in the first two games between Holmgren and Wembanyama in the NBA. The Spurs won the third matchup in their shared rookie season with Wemby going off for 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Holmgren had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the loss.

Wemby and Chet only matched up once in the next season during the 2024-25 campaign. The Thunder won an Oct. game and would go on to win the NBA championship while the Spurs missed the playoffs after Wembanyama had to be shutdown after the All-Star break with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

“I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him on the championship,” ESPN reporter Marc Spears said.

Wemby takes the upper hand in the rivalry this season

The Thunder looked like a potential dynasty coming off their 2025 championship. Victor Wembanyama had other ideas.

The Thunder started the year at 24-1. Then the Spurs beat them three times in just about two weeks, including knocking them out of the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas in a game where Wemby came off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes. Watch the way Wembanyama reacted when Holmgren missed a key free throw late.

The Christmas matchup between the two teams was another fantastic showcase. The Spurs beat the Thunder, 117-102, for their third straight win against mighty OKC. Holmgren only had 10 points in the loss, and Wembanyama was clearly trying to get in his head.

Watch this hard foul by Wemby, and his reaction when Chet missed another free throw.

The Thunder did win the final regular season matchup. Everyone knew we’d see these two again in the Western Conference Finals.

Wembanyama vs. Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals is pure theater

The Spurs’ Game 1 double-OT victory in the 2026 Western Conference Finals was one of the greatest basketball games you will ever see. Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds in a career-high 49 minutes. His logo three will be the shot remembered forever, but he also served Chet a facial with a dunk in double overtime to essentially clinch the win.

Wembanyama knows he’s one of the few people alive with a physical advantage on Holmgren. He also seems to play the mental game against his rival relentlessly.

This tweet summed it up perfectly:

This Wemby vs. Chet TikTok edit also went viral after Game 1. It’s such a good watch:

After Game 1 of the WCF, Wembanyama holds a 5-4 edge in head-to-head matchups against Holmgren.

Spurs vs. Thunder is cinema. We’re watching the next great rivalry in not just the NBA, but all of sports. Wembanyama taking it personally against Holmgren makes it even better.

#Victor #Wembanyama #hates #Chet #Holmgren">Why Victor Wembanyama hates Chet Holmgren so much

Chet Holmgren is the textbook definition of a basketball unicorn. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 7’1 center cashed 36.2 percent of his three-pointers this season on 243 attempts while also being one of the very best shot-blockers in the NBA. NBA teams will tank for years to get a player like Holmgren who can provide stout rim protection defensively while also spacing the floor on offense. The Thunder did tank to get him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and it resulted in a championship in the big man’s third pro season last year.

If Holmgren is a unicorn, Victor Wembanyama is an alien. There’s never been a player in league history quite like the 7’5 French sensation. He’s probably already the most dominant defender in the history of basketball, and he hits logo threes from Steph Curry range, uses his 8-foot wingspan for an unprecedented offensive catch radius on interior finishes, and plays with a non-stop motor. I compared Wemby to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a full year before he entered the NBA, and he hasn’t made me regret it yet. Kareem is, by the way, the third best player in NBA history.

Wembanyama is 22 years old. Holmgren just turned 24 years old. These two players have been battling since they were teenagers on the international stage, and there’s clearly some bad blood between them. As Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs meet Holmgren’s defending champion Thunder in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, their rivalry is coming back into focus. Here’s why there’s so much hostility between these great young bigs — and why Wembanyama is the one driving it.

The 2021 U19 FIBA World Cup started it all

Want to get a first-look at the next generation of basketball stars? Lock in to the FIBA youth tournaments in the summer time. Back in 2015, I wrote that a 17-year-old Jayson Tatum had the basketball world in the palm of his hand after watching him on the FIBA stage. He’s just one of many examples of future stars who had their first big breakout in these events. I’ve been following this stuff closely for a long time, and I can never remember a more anticipated matchup than the United States vs. France showdown in the 2021 gold medal game at the U19 FIBA World Cup. It’s an important first chapter in the Wembanyama vs. Holmgren rivalry.

The United States won the game, and Holmgren was named tournament MVP. What I remember about that game is that it wasn’t Chet who out-dueled Wemby — it was Kenneth Lofton. Lofton was a 6’6, 275-pound big man who played his college ball at Louisiana Tech, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, and played 45 NBA games before now continuing his career in China.

Lofton won the U.S. the gold medal game, but Holmgren was still that team’s best player.

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren head-to-head in the NBA

Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft but missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Wembanyama entered the league the next year as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Thunder demolished the Spurs in the first two games between Holmgren and Wembanyama in the NBA. The Spurs won the third matchup in their shared rookie season with Wemby going off for 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Holmgren had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the loss.

Wemby and Chet only matched up once in the next season during the 2024-25 campaign. The Thunder won an Oct. game and would go on to win the NBA championship while the Spurs missed the playoffs after Wembanyama had to be shutdown after the All-Star break with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

“I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him on the championship,” ESPN reporter Marc Spears said.

Wemby takes the upper hand in the rivalry this season

The Thunder looked like a potential dynasty coming off their 2025 championship. Victor Wembanyama had other ideas.

The Thunder started the year at 24-1. Then the Spurs beat them three times in just about two weeks, including knocking them out of the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas in a game where Wemby came off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes. Watch the way Wembanyama reacted when Holmgren missed a key free throw late.

The Christmas matchup between the two teams was another fantastic showcase. The Spurs beat the Thunder, 117-102, for their third straight win against mighty OKC. Holmgren only had 10 points in the loss, and Wembanyama was clearly trying to get in his head.

Watch this hard foul by Wemby, and his reaction when Chet missed another free throw.

The Thunder did win the final regular season matchup. Everyone knew we’d see these two again in the Western Conference Finals.

Wembanyama vs. Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals is pure theater

The Spurs’ Game 1 double-OT victory in the 2026 Western Conference Finals was one of the greatest basketball games you will ever see. Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds in a career-high 49 minutes. His logo three will be the shot remembered forever, but he also served Chet a facial with a dunk in double overtime to essentially clinch the win.

Wembanyama knows he’s one of the few people alive with a physical advantage on Holmgren. He also seems to play the mental game against his rival relentlessly.

This tweet summed it up perfectly:

This Wemby vs. Chet TikTok edit also went viral after Game 1. It’s such a good watch:

After Game 1 of the WCF, Wembanyama holds a 5-4 edge in head-to-head matchups against Holmgren.

Spurs vs. Thunder is cinema. We’re watching the next great rivalry in not just the NBA, but all of sports. Wembanyama taking it personally against Holmgren makes it even better.

#Victor #Wembanyama #hates #Chet #Holmgren

The French Open main draw ceremony for singles will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. IST) in Paris.

This year’s French Open is set to begin from May 24 and concludes on June 7 at Roland Garros.

Where can you watch French Open 2026 draw ceremony?

French Open 2026 draw ceremony will be live streamed on the tournament’s official YouTube channel..

Where to watch French Open 2026 in India?

French Open 2026 will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and live streamed on Sony Liv (app and website) and FanCode (app and website) from May 24 to June 7

Round-wise details of the ranking points on offer

Men’s Singles

Winner: 2,000 points

Runner-up: 1,300 points

Semifinals: 800 points

Quarterfinals: 400 points

Fourth Round: 200 points

Third Round: 100 points

Second Round: 50 points

First Round: 10 points

Women’s Singles

Winner: 2,000 points

Runner-up: 1,300 points

Semifinals: 780 points

Quarterfinals: 430 points

Fourth Round: 240 points

Third Round: 130 points

Second Round: 70 points

First Round: 10 points

Men’s Doubles (per team)

Winner: 2,000 points

Runner-up: 1,200 points

Semifinals: 720 points

Quarterfinals: 360 points

Third Round: 180 points

Second Round: 90 points

First Round: 0 points

Women’s Doubles (per team)

Winner: 2,000 points

Runner-up: 1,300 points

Semifinals: 780 points

Quarterfinals: 430 points

Third Round: 240 points

Second Round: 130 points

First Round: 10 points

What is the total prize money for French Open 2026?

Prize money at this year’s French ​Open has jumped by 9.5 per cent, taking ‌the total purse to 61.7 million ​euros (USD 72.69 million).

Men’s and women’s champion each will receive 2.8 million euros.

Who are the defending champions?

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is the defending men’s singles champion. However, he has withdrawn from this year’s tournament due to a wrist injury.

In women’s singles, USA’s Coco Gauff is the reigning champion.

In men’s doubles, Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos won the title while in women’s doubles, the all-Italian duo of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani were the winners last year.

Errani also clinched the mixed doubles title with compatriot Andrea Vavassori.

Alfie Hewett of Great Britain and Yui Kamiji of Japan were the winners in men’s and women’s wheelchair singles.

Israel’s Guy Sasson won the wheelchair quad singles.

Wheelchair men’s doubles title was clinched by the all-British duo of Alfie Hewitt and Gordon Reid while in the women’s category, Japan’s Yui Kamiji and South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane lifted the winner’s trophy.

Sasson and Dutchman Niels Vink emerged victorious in wheelchair quad doubles.

Published on May 21, 2026

#French #Open #draw #ceremony">When is French Open 2026 draw ceremony?  The French Open main draw ceremony for singles will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. IST) in Paris.This year’s French Open is set to begin from May 24 and concludes on June 7 at Roland Garros.Where can you watch French Open 2026 draw ceremony?French Open 2026 draw ceremony will be live streamed on the tournament’s official        YouTube channel..
Where to watch French Open 2026 in India?

French Open 2026 will be telecast on the        Sony Sports Network and live streamed on        Sony Liv (app and website) and        FanCode (app and website) from May 24 to June 7
Round-wise details of the ranking points on offerMen’s SinglesWinner: 2,000 pointsRunner-up: 1,300 pointsSemifinals: 800 pointsQuarterfinals: 400 pointsFourth Round: 200 pointsThird Round: 100 pointsSecond Round: 50 pointsFirst Round: 10 pointsWomen’s SinglesWinner: 2,000 pointsRunner-up: 1,300 pointsSemifinals: 780 pointsQuarterfinals: 430 pointsFourth Round: 240 pointsThird Round: 130 pointsSecond Round: 70 pointsFirst Round: 10 pointsMen’s Doubles (per team)Winner: 2,000 pointsRunner-up: 1,200 pointsSemifinals: 720 pointsQuarterfinals: 360 pointsThird Round: 180 pointsSecond Round: 90 pointsFirst Round: 0 pointsWomen’s Doubles (per team)Winner: 2,000 pointsRunner-up: 1,300 pointsSemifinals: 780 pointsQuarterfinals: 430 pointsThird Round: 240 pointsSecond Round: 130 pointsFirst Round: 10 pointsWhat is the total prize money for French Open 2026?Prize money at this year’s French ​Open has jumped by 9.5 per cent, taking ‌the total purse to 61.7 million ​euros (USD 72.69 million).Men’s and women’s champion each will receive 2.8 million euros.Who are the defending champions?Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is the defending men’s singles champion. However, he has withdrawn from this year’s tournament due to a wrist injury.In women’s singles, USA’s Coco Gauff is the reigning champion.In men’s doubles, Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos won the title while in women’s doubles, the all-Italian duo of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani were the winners last year.Errani also clinched the mixed doubles title with compatriot Andrea Vavassori.Alfie Hewett of Great Britain and Yui Kamiji of Japan were the winners in men’s and women’s wheelchair singles.Israel’s Guy Sasson won the wheelchair quad singles.Wheelchair men’s doubles title was clinched by the all-British duo of Alfie Hewitt and Gordon Reid while in the women’s category, Japan’s Yui Kamiji and South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane lifted the winner’s trophy.Sasson and Dutchman Niels Vink emerged victorious in wheelchair quad doubles.Published on May 21, 2026  #French #Open #draw #ceremony

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