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RCB’s Padikkal credits hard work behind the scenes for his frenetic start to IPL 2026  Devdutt Padikkal is one of the reasons for the great start to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title defence. The tall left-hander struck fifties in both the RCB matches at this Indian Premier League (IPL).And he made those runs at frenetic pace – 61 off 26 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 50 off 29 against Chennai Super Kings. The hard work behind the scenes is paying off for him.“Over the last couple of years, I have been actively working on trying to improve my strike rate,” he said. “I am glad that those processes and that hard work that has gone behind the scenes are really coming to fruition now.”READ  |          RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: Unbeaten sides meet in battle Royal(e)He stressed batting was not just about the strike rate. “It is important that at the end of the day, you play the situation as well,” he said. “It is important that you continue to help the team win games, and as long as I am able to contribute, I am very happy.”He said he took a lot of confidence from the domestic season. “I have scored a lot of runs coming into the season and I was really consistent,” he said. “Whenever you have that performance behind you, it gives you confidence.”Looking ahead to Friday’s match against Rajasthan Royals, he said it could be a difficult one for his team. “They have a really good side and some really exciting and talented young players,” Padikkal said. “But at the same time, we are coming into this game with some confidence.”Published on Apr 09, 2026  #RCBs #Padikkal #credits #hard #work #scenes #frenetic #start #IPL

RCB’s Padikkal credits hard work behind the scenes for his frenetic start to IPL 2026

Devdutt Padikkal is one of the reasons for the great start to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title defence. The tall left-hander struck fifties in both the RCB matches at this Indian Premier League (IPL).

And he made those runs at frenetic pace – 61 off 26 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 50 off 29 against Chennai Super Kings. The hard work behind the scenes is paying off for him.

“Over the last couple of years, I have been actively working on trying to improve my strike rate,” he said. “I am glad that those processes and that hard work that has gone behind the scenes are really coming to fruition now.”

READ | RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: Unbeaten sides meet in battle Royal(e)

He stressed batting was not just about the strike rate. “It is important that at the end of the day, you play the situation as well,” he said. “It is important that you continue to help the team win games, and as long as I am able to contribute, I am very happy.”

He said he took a lot of confidence from the domestic season. “I have scored a lot of runs coming into the season and I was really consistent,” he said. “Whenever you have that performance behind you, it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead to Friday’s match against Rajasthan Royals, he said it could be a difficult one for his team. “They have a really good side and some really exciting and talented young players,” Padikkal said. “But at the same time, we are coming into this game with some confidence.”

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#RCBs #Padikkal #credits #hard #work #scenes #frenetic #start #IPL

Devdutt Padikkal is one of the reasons for the great start to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title defence. The tall left-hander struck fifties in both the RCB matches at this Indian Premier League (IPL).

And he made those runs at frenetic pace – 61 off 26 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 50 off 29 against Chennai Super Kings. The hard work behind the scenes is paying off for him.

“Over the last couple of years, I have been actively working on trying to improve my strike rate,” he said. “I am glad that those processes and that hard work that has gone behind the scenes are really coming to fruition now.”

READ | RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: Unbeaten sides meet in battle Royal(e)

He stressed batting was not just about the strike rate. “It is important that at the end of the day, you play the situation as well,” he said. “It is important that you continue to help the team win games, and as long as I am able to contribute, I am very happy.”

He said he took a lot of confidence from the domestic season. “I have scored a lot of runs coming into the season and I was really consistent,” he said. “Whenever you have that performance behind you, it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead to Friday’s match against Rajasthan Royals, he said it could be a difficult one for his team. “They have a really good side and some really exciting and talented young players,” Padikkal said. “But at the same time, we are coming into this game with some confidence.”

Published on Apr 09, 2026

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#RCBs #Padikkal #credits #hard #work #scenes #frenetic #start #IPL

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The Masters Odds and Predictions: Top Picks for Augusta National | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775744519384" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775744519384" alt="Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>There will be no Tiger on the course. Phil won’t be waving to the gallery.</p><p>But golf will go on at Augusta National.</p><p>The Masters is typically filled with intense drama, great storylines and some of the best shot-making you will see all year. The action starts Thursday — <a href="https://deadspin.com/top-five-players-to-watch-at-the-masters-without-tiger-woods-and-phil-mickelson/" target="_blank">without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994</a>.</p><p>This year’s tourney has a tough act to follow after <a href="https://deadspin.com/an-all-time-masters-finish-from-all-time-great-rory-mcilroy/" target="_blank">Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose</a> in a playoff in 2025. The victory gave McIlroy his first Green Jacket and allowed him to complete the career slam. He’s battling back woes as he looks to be a repeat winner.</p><p>Scottie Scheffler is the favorite in any tournament he enters, but isn’t in peak form yet this season. That could all change in a span of a few holes with Scheffler, who enters the tournament No. 1 in the world for the fifth year in a row. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among those hoping to be sized up for a jacket on Sunday.</p><h2 id="not-the-familiar-faces-its-breakthrough-time" class=" uppercase break-words">Not the familiar faces, it’s breakthrough time</h2><p>Scheffler (+495 to win) is looking for his third Green Jacket but he’s tied for 12th, tied for 24th and tied for 22th (at The Players) in his last three tourneys. He’s had a golf break due to the birth of his second child and this week feels more like a top-10 finish (-192) for the world’s best player.</p><p>The pressure is off McIlroy (+1175) but it’s hard to trust his back when there are so many other options. Rahm (+910) won the Masters in 2023 and DeChambeau (+1050) was in the hunt last year before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fifth.</p><p>Schauffele (+1800) is playing well lately and figures to win at Augusta at some point but Young (+2300) could be ready for his big breakthrough despite missing the cut last year with a 72-79. Young, 28, has six top-10 finishes in majors (including two at Augusta) and is a hot golfer with three straight top-10 showings, including winning The Players.</p><p><strong>Cameron Young to win the tournament, +2300 (DraftKings)</strong></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div><br/><section id="section-3"> <h2 id="sizzling-ludvig-aberg-is-prime-top-five-candidate" class=" uppercase break-words">Sizzling Ludvig Aberg is prime top-five candidate</h2><p>Rahm (+175 top five), DeChambeau (+210), Schauffele (+300) and Rose (+800) are all guys who will enter Sunday in the mix and you can figure one of these guys will finish among the top five. Schauffele <a href="https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2026/03/16/xander-schauffele-third-at-players-championship-on-late-charge/89179044007/" target="_blank">finished third at The Players</a> and tied for fourth one week later at the Valspar Championship while Rose has seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, including two solo seconds and one tie for second.</p><p>Ludvig Aberg (+1650) finished second at the Masters in 2024 and tied for seventh last year and is playing superbly right now with three straight top-five finishes. He’s another guy that could be in the mix on Sunday.</p><p>You can’t overlook the defending champion or the guy who has won two of the past three. McIlroy is going to fight to defend his title and even a Scheffler not in elite form could bag a fifth-place finish.</p><p><strong>Ludvig Aberg to finish in the top five, +1650 (DraftKings)</strong></p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div><section id="section-5"> <h2 id="tommy-fleetwood-has-this-top-10-thing-down" class=" uppercase break-words">Tommy Fleetwood has this top-10 thing down</h2><p>Tommy Fleetwood (+166) tied for third at Augusta in 2024 and has eight top-10 finishes in majors despite never winning one. He has four top-finishes in five events this season so he’s a strong candidate.</p><p>Chris Gotterup (+305) is in his first Masters thanks to his breakthrough season that includes two victories. Then again, he had troubles at Pebble Beach (tied for 37th) and The Players (tied for 56th) and missed the Genesis Invitational cut.</p><p>Guys like Patrick Reed (+295), Justin Thomas (+375) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (+420) are possibilities. But Fleetwood seems like the best bet out of this group.</p><p><strong>Tommy Fleetwood to finish in the top 10, +166 (DraftKings)</strong></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> </div> #Masters #Odds #Predictions #Top #Picks #Augusta #National #Deadspin.com

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Arvell Reese selected by Jets by Gang Green Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-7c7d5be2-4027-4518-8722-d4b991e29cad"><p>Ohio State EDGE Arvell Reese</p><p>There’s nothing the Jets would like more than to finally get their long-term answer at quarterback with the second pick in the NFL Draft. However, with Fernando Mendoza on his way to Las Vegas and Dante Moore staying at Oregon, there isn’t a signal caller who makes sense here. So the Jets move to the most important spot on the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher. It happens to be a spot where they have a glaring need. Reese is a boom or bust type player. His physical ability is immense, but he doesn’t have a ton of experience playing a true edge role. Aaron Glenn has expressed a lot confidence in his ability to coach guys with natural talent up so the Jets take the big swing on a player they believe has superstar potential.</p></div> #Arvell #Reese #selected #Jets #Gang #Green #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid  Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images   Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.  Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.  Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.  When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.  “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”  Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.  Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.   As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.  “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”  Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.  “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”  -Field Level Media  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #MadridMar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.

Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.

Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.

When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.


Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.

“Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”

Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.

“Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”

-Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid">Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid  Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images   Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.  Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.  Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.  When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.  “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”  Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.  Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.   As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.  “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”  Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.  “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”  -Field Level Media  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set  Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk.   Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games.  Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first.  Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home.  Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball.  Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.  Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play.   Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs.  Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1.  Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.  Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth.  Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer.   Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #setApr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk.

Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games.

Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first.

Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home.

Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball.

Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.


Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play.

Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs.

Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1.

Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.

Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth.

Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer.

Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set">Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set  Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk.   Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games.  Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first.  Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home.  Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball.  Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.  Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play.   Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs.  Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1.  Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.  Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth.  Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer.   Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set

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