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IND vs ARG: India gets Savita boost ahead of Argentina tour but will miss Salima’s services  Star goalkeeper and former captain Savita Punia will return to the national women’s hockey team after 10 months, but indisposed skipper Salima Tete will be missing from action when India takes on Argentina in the first game of the four-match series, here on Monday.Savita has not competed since June 2025 as she took a break from the game due to personal reasons. Salima, a quality mid-fielder, is still recovering from a bout of chicken pox.The tour will serve as the ideal preparation for India ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, and the Asian Games later this year.Ahead of the tour, the Indian women’s team trained in Bengaluru before departing for Argentina on Thursday evening.Having finished runner-up at World Cup Qualifiers 2026 held in Hyderabad, the team will be looking to carry that momentum forward into the tour and the rest of the year.Experienced forward Navneet Kaur will serve as the captain of the team during the tour in the absence of Salima. Navneet had recently won Hockey India’s Player of the Year award for her consistent performances. The return of veteran goalkeeper Savita will be a huge boost, with Bichu Devi Kharibam expected to share goalkeeping duties with her.Having recently earned her 200th international cap, Nikki Pradhan will lead the way at the back alongside the vastly experienced Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam.Sharing his thoughts on the tour, India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We are here with 23 players, who will all get the opportunity to showcase themselves. We will use this tour as an opportunity to play with different team combinations and find ways to win.”“The big goal for me here is to see the individual and team performances against the number two-ranked side in the world.” The likes of Ishika Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti and Udita also add solidity to India’s back line. Lalthantluangi will also get the opportunity to prove her mettle after earning a call-up to the senior side.ALSO READ | Tim White appointed coach of Indian junior women’s hockey teamWith Salima missing from the line-up, Neha will be anchoring a young midfield unit alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Sunelita Toppo.The likes of Sakshi Rana, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika and Deepika Soreng, who have impressed at the senior level so far, will get the opportunity to make their mark and cement their place in the starting line-up.Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, and Beauty Dungdung will provide attacking options as well. Mumtaz Khan also returns to the setup and can provide more goal scoring threat, with Annu also in the mix.Published on Apr 12, 2026  #IND #ARG #India #Savita #boost #ahead #Argentina #tour #Salimas #services

IND vs ARG: India gets Savita boost ahead of Argentina tour but will miss Salima’s services

Star goalkeeper and former captain Savita Punia will return to the national women’s hockey team after 10 months, but indisposed skipper Salima Tete will be missing from action when India takes on Argentina in the first game of the four-match series, here on Monday.

Savita has not competed since June 2025 as she took a break from the game due to personal reasons. Salima, a quality mid-fielder, is still recovering from a bout of chicken pox.

The tour will serve as the ideal preparation for India ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, and the Asian Games later this year.

Ahead of the tour, the Indian women’s team trained in Bengaluru before departing for Argentina on Thursday evening.

Having finished runner-up at World Cup Qualifiers 2026 held in Hyderabad, the team will be looking to carry that momentum forward into the tour and the rest of the year.

Experienced forward Navneet Kaur will serve as the captain of the team during the tour in the absence of Salima. Navneet had recently won Hockey India’s Player of the Year award for her consistent performances. The return of veteran goalkeeper Savita will be a huge boost, with Bichu Devi Kharibam expected to share goalkeeping duties with her.

Having recently earned her 200th international cap, Nikki Pradhan will lead the way at the back alongside the vastly experienced Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam.

Sharing his thoughts on the tour, India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We are here with 23 players, who will all get the opportunity to showcase themselves. We will use this tour as an opportunity to play with different team combinations and find ways to win.”

“The big goal for me here is to see the individual and team performances against the number two-ranked side in the world.” The likes of Ishika Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti and Udita also add solidity to India’s back line. Lalthantluangi will also get the opportunity to prove her mettle after earning a call-up to the senior side.

ALSO READ | Tim White appointed coach of Indian junior women’s hockey team

With Salima missing from the line-up, Neha will be anchoring a young midfield unit alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Sunelita Toppo.

The likes of Sakshi Rana, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika and Deepika Soreng, who have impressed at the senior level so far, will get the opportunity to make their mark and cement their place in the starting line-up.

Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, and Beauty Dungdung will provide attacking options as well. Mumtaz Khan also returns to the setup and can provide more goal scoring threat, with Annu also in the mix.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#IND #ARG #India #Savita #boost #ahead #Argentina #tour #Salimas #services

Star goalkeeper and former captain Savita Punia will return to the national women’s hockey team after 10 months, but indisposed skipper Salima Tete will be missing from action when India takes on Argentina in the first game of the four-match series, here on Monday.

Savita has not competed since June 2025 as she took a break from the game due to personal reasons. Salima, a quality mid-fielder, is still recovering from a bout of chicken pox.

The tour will serve as the ideal preparation for India ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, and the Asian Games later this year.

Ahead of the tour, the Indian women’s team trained in Bengaluru before departing for Argentina on Thursday evening.

Having finished runner-up at World Cup Qualifiers 2026 held in Hyderabad, the team will be looking to carry that momentum forward into the tour and the rest of the year.

Experienced forward Navneet Kaur will serve as the captain of the team during the tour in the absence of Salima. Navneet had recently won Hockey India’s Player of the Year award for her consistent performances. The return of veteran goalkeeper Savita will be a huge boost, with Bichu Devi Kharibam expected to share goalkeeping duties with her.

Having recently earned her 200th international cap, Nikki Pradhan will lead the way at the back alongside the vastly experienced Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam.

Sharing his thoughts on the tour, India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We are here with 23 players, who will all get the opportunity to showcase themselves. We will use this tour as an opportunity to play with different team combinations and find ways to win.”

“The big goal for me here is to see the individual and team performances against the number two-ranked side in the world.” The likes of Ishika Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti and Udita also add solidity to India’s back line. Lalthantluangi will also get the opportunity to prove her mettle after earning a call-up to the senior side.

ALSO READ | Tim White appointed coach of Indian junior women’s hockey team

With Salima missing from the line-up, Neha will be anchoring a young midfield unit alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Sunelita Toppo.

The likes of Sakshi Rana, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika and Deepika Soreng, who have impressed at the senior level so far, will get the opportunity to make their mark and cement their place in the starting line-up.

Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, and Beauty Dungdung will provide attacking options as well. Mumtaz Khan also returns to the setup and can provide more goal scoring threat, with Annu also in the mix.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

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#IND #ARG #India #Savita #boost #ahead #Argentina #tour #Salimas #services

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भारत का चीन को कड़ा मैसेज, अरुणाचल प्रदेश के नाम बदलने की कोशिश खारिज, बोला- काल्पनिक नामों से नहीं बदलेगा सच<p> <p style="float: left;width:100%;text-align:center"> <p style="position:relative;color: #fff"> <img align="center" alt="" class="imgCont" height="961" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-04/12/full/1776014880-3635.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD;margin-right: 0px;float: none;z-index: 0" title="" width="1328" /></p> </p> अरुणाचल प्रदेश के स्थानों के नाम बदलने की चीन की कोशिश पर भारत ने कड़ा विरोध जताया है। विदेश मंत्रालय ने इसे 'शरारती प्रयास' बताते हुए खारिज किया और साफ कहा कि काल्पनिक नामों से हकीकत नहीं बदलेगी। भारत ने दो टूक कहा कि अरुणाचल प्रदेश उसका अभिन्न हिस्सा है और रहेगा, साथ ही ऐसे कदमों से दोनों देशों के संबंधों पर नकारात्मक असर पड़ने की चेतावनी भी दी। भारत ने पिछले साल मई में और अप्रैल 2024 में चीन द्वारा अरुणाचल प्रदेश के कुछ स्थानों के नाम बदलने पर कड़ा रुख अपनाया था।</p> <p> <p> <strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://hindi.webdunia.com/iran-israel-war-news/us-iran-talks-fail-vladimir-putin-offers-mediation-middle-east-tensions-islamabad-126041200049_1.html" target="_blank">US-Iran के बीच 'महानायक' बनेंगे व्लादिमीर पुतिन? शहबाज शरीफ रहे नाकाम, अब रूस कराएगा अमेरिका-ईरान का समझौता</a></strong></p> </p> <h3> चीन ने बदले कुछ जगहों के नाम</h3> <p> पूर्वी लद्दाख सीमा विवाद के बाद 2020 में दोनों देशों के संबंधों में भारी गिरावट आई। पिछले डेढ़ वर्षों में, दोनों पक्षों ने संबंधों को फिर से मजबूत करने के लिए कई कदम उठाए हैं। हाल ही में जारी की गई एक नई सूची में, चीन ने भारतीय क्षेत्र के कुछ स्थानों के नाम बदल दिए हैं। चीनी नागरिक मामलों के मंत्रालय ने 2017 में ज़ांगनान में छह स्थानों के मानकीकृत नामों की पहली सूची जारी की, जबकि 15 स्थानों की दूसरी सूची 2021 में जारी की गई, जिसके बाद 2023 में 11 स्थानों के नामों वाली एक और सूची जारी की गई। जांगनान अरुणाचल प्रदेश का चीनी नाम है। चीन, अरुणाचल प्रदेश को दक्षिणी तिब्बत का हिस्सा होने का दावा करता है। </p> <p> <p> <strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://hindi.webdunia.com/regional-hindi-news/tcs-nashik-sexual-harassment-forced-conversion-case-employees-arrested-126041200046_1.html" target="_blank">Tata Consultancy Services नासिक में बड़ा विवाद, यौन शोषण और जबरन धर्मांतरण के आरोप, 6 गिरफ्तार, कई कर्मचारी निलंबित</a></strong></p> </p> <p> भारत ने रविवार को कहा कि चीन द्वारा भारतीय क्षेत्र को ‘ काल्पनिक नाम’ देना और ‘ निराधार विमर्श’  गढ़ना वास्तविकता को नहीं बदल सकता, लेकिन इससे द्विपक्षीय संबंधों को सामान्य बनाने के प्रयासों पर असर जरूर पड़ सकता है। विदेश मंत्रालय के प्रवक्ता रणधीर जायसवाल ने कहा कि नई दिल्ली भारतीय क्षेत्र के स्थानों को ऐसे नाम देने के चीनी पक्ष के किसी भी 'शरारती प्रयास' को “स्पष्ट रूप से खारिज” करती है। जायसवाल ने कहा कि भारत, चीन द्वारा भारत की भूमि के अंतर्गत आने वाले स्थानों को मनगढ़ंत नाम देने के किसी भी शरारती प्रयास को स्पष्ट रूप से खारिज करता है।”</p> <p> <p> <strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://hindi.webdunia.com/west-bengal-assembly-election-2026-news/yogi-adityanath-bengal-rally-sonamukhi-bjp-attack-tmc-left-election-new-126041200028_1.html" target="_blank">बंगाल चुनाव में गरजे योगी आदित्यनाथ : सोनामुखी रैली में TMC-वाम पर हमला, बोले- 'खेला खत्म, अब विकास शुरू'</a></strong></p> </p> <p> उन्होंने कहा कि चीन द्वारा झूठे दावे पेश करने और निराधार विमर्श गढ़ने के ऐसे प्रयास इस निर्विवाद वास्तविकता को नहीं बदल सकते कि अरुणाचल प्रदेश सहित ये स्थान और क्षेत्र भारत का अभिन्न एवं अविभाज्य हिस्सा थे, हैं और हमेशा रहेंगे।<br /> <p> <strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://hindi.webdunia.com/iran-israel-war-news/donald-trump-hormuz-strait-blockade-us-iran-tensions-naval-action-warning-126041200047_1.html" target="_blank">होर्मुज में न कोई जहाज घुसेगा, न निकलेगा, Donald Trump ने दी ईरान को धमकी</a></strong></p> जायसवाल ने कहा कि चीनी पक्ष के ऐसे प्रयास 'भारत-चीन द्विपक्षीय संबंधों को स्थिर और सामान्य बनाने की कवायद से ध्यान भटकाती हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि चीन को ऐसे कार्यों से बचना चाहिए, जो संबंधों में नकारात्मकता पैदा करते हैं और बेहतर समझ बनाने के प्रयासों को कमजोर करते हैं। Edited by : Sudhir Sharma </p> <br />

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Deadspin | LHP Noah Schultz, White Sox’s No. 2 prospect, set for debut Tuesday <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-900/26631996.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26631996.jpg" alt="MLB: All Star-Futures Game" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jul 12, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; American League pitcher Noah Schultz (22) of the Chicago White Sox stand on the mound during the sixth inning against National League at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Chicago White Sox are promoting No. 2 prospect Noah Schultz, who will make his major league debut in Tuesday’s home game vs. Tampa Bay.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The team announced the news Sunday on its social media accounts with the caption, “Coming soon to a mound near you.”</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The 22-year-old left-hander was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A Charlotte, Schultz has posted a 1.29 ERA, striking out 19 and walking two.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>He threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. Schultz is yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, dealing with shoulder and hand injuries.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>According to multiple reports, utilityman Sam Antonacci also will join the White Sox on Tuesday. Antonacci, 23, has posted a .317 batting average and .997 OPS in 13 games for Charlotte this season while learning to play left field. During the World Baseball Classic, Antonacci split his time between second base and shortstop for Team Italy. He batted just 2-of-19 (.105), but slugged a triple and a home run, stole a base and scored five runs for the surprise semifinalists. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #LHP #Noah #Schultz #White #Soxs #prospect #set #debut #Tuesday

France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.

Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.

The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.

“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.

“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”

That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.

Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.

“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.

“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”

France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.

“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”

Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.

“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.

“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”

France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.

Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.

“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”

Published on Jul 14, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field">FIFA World Cup 2026 — France’s secret weapon: Communication and analysis beyond the field  France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.STRONG RELATIONSHIPSThe players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”Published on Jul 14, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field

Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open  Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.  The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.  “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.  “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”  Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.  This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.  Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.  Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.   “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.  “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.  “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”  Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.  “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.  If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.  “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #OpenJul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.

The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.

“It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.

“Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”

Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.

This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.

Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.


Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.

“I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.

“There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.

“I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”

Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.

“Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.

If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open">Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open  Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.  The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.  “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.  “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”  Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.  This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.  Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.  Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.   “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.  “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.  “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”  Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.  “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.  If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.  “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open

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