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Deadspin | Venezuela overtakes Italy, sets up WBC final vs. USA

Deadspin | Venezuela overtakes Italy, sets up WBC final vs. USA

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Mar 16, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (21) reacts after sliding into third base in the seventh inning against Venezuela during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Maikel Garcia hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning for Team Venezuela, which advanced to the World Baseball Classic championship game by beating Team Italy 4-2 on Monday in Miami.

Venezuela, which pieced together four straight two-out hits in a three-run seventh, will play the United States for the title Tuesday night in Miami. The United States beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday in the first semifinal.

Venezuela is seeking its first championship while the United States is aiming for its second crown. Both teams went 3-1 in pool play before winning their first two games in the knockout rounds.

The loss was the first of the WBC for Italy, which made a Cinderella run to the semifinals by going 4-0 in Pool B play before beating Puerto Rico 8-6 in a quarterfinal at Houston on Saturday.

Italy, which took a 2-0 lead in the second when J.J. D’Orazio drew a bases-loaded walk and Dante Nori hit into a run-scoring groundout, was eight outs away from another upset when Venezuela rallied against losing pitcher Michael Lorenzen.

Gleyber Torres worked a leadoff walk in the seventh before Lorenzen whiffed Wilyer Abreu and William Contreras. Venezuela pulled off a hit-and-run in which Jackson Chourio singled pinch runner Andres Gimenez to third.

Ronald Acuna Jr. followed with a grounder to the third base side of short, where Sam Antonacci picked the ball cleanly but bounced the throw to first as Acuna Jr. arrived safely and Torres scored.

Garcia delivered the go-ahead single to left, scoring Chourio, before Luis Arraez provided insurance by singling home Acuna.

Angel Zerpa earned the win by getting got the final two outs of the sixth. Eduard Bazardo and Andres Machado threw a perfect inning apiece before Daniel Palencia earned his second save by striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth.

Venezuela starting pitcher Keider Montero gave up the two runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Garcia and Torres had two hits apiece for Venezuela.

Italy starter Aaron Nola allowed one run in four innings. Zach Dezenzo had two hits for Italy.

–Field Level Media

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Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win">No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).Magic 123, Pistons 107Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win

Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win">No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win

Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win
Deadspin | Patrick Reed: ‘Traditional way of golf’ key in PGA Tour return Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition. Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024. Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour. “I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing. “When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard. “For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.” Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old. Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa. That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings. That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018. This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game. “There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.” Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters? “That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.” –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #returnApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition.

Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024.

Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour.

“I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.

“When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard.

“For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.”

Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old.


Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa.

That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings.

That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018.

This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game.

“There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.”

Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters?

“That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #return">Deadspin | Patrick Reed: ‘Traditional way of golf’ key in PGA Tour return Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition. Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024. Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour. “I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing. “When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard. “For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.” Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old. Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa. That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings. That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018. This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game. “There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.” Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters? “That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.” –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #return

The Indian senior women’s hockey team is set to tour Argentina for a four-match series at the CeNARD in Buenos Aires between April 13-17. The matches are all scheduled to start at 11 AM local time (6:30 PM IST).

India and Argentina have enjoyed competitive encounters in recent years, including a thrilling 2-2 draw decided by shootout in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 last June.

This upcoming tour will offer valuable match practice against quality international opposition. That may help the national team build momentum ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and the Asian Games later this year.

“We are travelling to Argentina with a squad of 24 players, and that is a very deliberate choice. This tour is about giving more players the chance to perform at the highest level. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, and that environment will tell us a lot about where each player stands. We want to see who steps up when it matters,” chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.

“To earn a place in this team, you need to show everyone that you are a team player first. Individual quality is important, but if you cannot connect with the group and work for each other, it will be very difficult to make this squad”, he added.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Indian #womens #hockey #team #set #tour #Argentina #fourmatch #series">Indian women’s hockey team set to tour Argentina for four-match series The Indian senior women’s hockey team is set to tour Argentina for a four-match series at the CeNARD in Buenos Aires between April 13-17. The matches are all scheduled to start at 11 AM local time (6:30 PM IST).India and Argentina have enjoyed competitive encounters in recent years, including a thrilling 2-2 draw decided by shootout in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 last June.This upcoming tour will offer valuable match practice against quality international opposition. That may help the national team build momentum ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and the Asian Games later this year.“We are travelling to Argentina with a squad of 24 players, and that is a very deliberate choice. This tour is about giving more players the chance to perform at the highest level. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, and that environment will tell us a lot about where each player stands. We want to see who steps up when it matters,” chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.“To earn a place in this team, you need to show everyone that you are a team player first. Individual quality is important, but if you cannot connect with the group and work for each other, it will be very difficult to make this squad”, he added.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Indian #womens #hockey #team #set #tour #Argentina #fourmatch #series

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