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Rory McIlroy has great chance to repeat as Masters Champion  The first round of the Masters is in the books and its defending champion currently trails no one.Rory McIlroy is off to a great start at Augusta National, although Sam Burns has equaled his efforts as the two share the lead following Thursday’s round. Sam has seemingly been in Masters mode for a while, by the way.With all due respect to Mr. Burns the fact that Rory is tied for the lead, even if it is after only the first round, is a fairly big deal and the story of the Tournament to date. McIlroy has spoken a lot about his overall thoughts on the Masters and the strategy involved in winning it since he did so a year ago, and he has shared that he always felt like getting off to a hot start was critical to success.McIlroy won the Masters last year, but he didn’t exactly cruise to victory or get off to the hot start that he believes is vital.Do you know where Rory finished after the first round when he went on to win the green jacket?Rory McIlroy at the 2025 MastersMcIlroy was even par after 18 holes last year so the fact that he is currently 5-under and in front of all but one player suggests that he has a very strong chance of repeating as winner. Much easier said than done, clearly.While Rory’s bookend rounds in 2025 were hardly impressive his Thursday round this year closely mirrored what he did on Friday and Saturday last year. There may wind up being some regression to the mean here, but ultimately Rory is quite literally sitting in pole position.  #Rory #McIlroy #great #chance #repeat #Masters #Champion

Rory McIlroy has great chance to repeat as Masters Champion

The first round of the Masters is in the books and its defending champion currently trails no one.

Rory McIlroy is off to a great start at Augusta National, although Sam Burns has equaled his efforts as the two share the lead following Thursday’s round. Sam has seemingly been in Masters mode for a while, by the way.

With all due respect to Mr. Burns the fact that Rory is tied for the lead, even if it is after only the first round, is a fairly big deal and the story of the Tournament to date. McIlroy has spoken a lot about his overall thoughts on the Masters and the strategy involved in winning it since he did so a year ago, and he has shared that he always felt like getting off to a hot start was critical to success.

McIlroy won the Masters last year, but he didn’t exactly cruise to victory or get off to the hot start that he believes is vital.

Do you know where Rory finished after the first round when he went on to win the green jacket?

Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Masters

McIlroy was even par after 18 holes last year so the fact that he is currently 5-under and in front of all but one player suggests that he has a very strong chance of repeating as winner. Much easier said than done, clearly.

While Rory’s bookend rounds in 2025 were hardly impressive his Thursday round this year closely mirrored what he did on Friday and Saturday last year. There may wind up being some regression to the mean here, but ultimately Rory is quite literally sitting in pole position.

#Rory #McIlroy #great #chance #repeat #Masters #Champion

The first round of the Masters is in the books and its defending champion currently trails no one.

Rory McIlroy is off to a great start at Augusta National, although Sam Burns has equaled his efforts as the two share the lead following Thursday’s round. Sam has seemingly been in Masters mode for a while, by the way.

With all due respect to Mr. Burns the fact that Rory is tied for the lead, even if it is after only the first round, is a fairly big deal and the story of the Tournament to date. McIlroy has spoken a lot about his overall thoughts on the Masters and the strategy involved in winning it since he did so a year ago, and he has shared that he always felt like getting off to a hot start was critical to success.

McIlroy won the Masters last year, but he didn’t exactly cruise to victory or get off to the hot start that he believes is vital.

Do you know where Rory finished after the first round when he went on to win the green jacket?

Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Masters

McIlroy was even par after 18 holes last year so the fact that he is currently 5-under and in front of all but one player suggests that he has a very strong chance of repeating as winner. Much easier said than done, clearly.

While Rory’s bookend rounds in 2025 were hardly impressive his Thursday round this year closely mirrored what he did on Friday and Saturday last year. There may wind up being some regression to the mean here, but ultimately Rory is quite literally sitting in pole position.

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#Rory #McIlroy #great #chance #repeat #Masters #Champion

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Harry Maguire desperate to be part of England FIFA World Cup 2026 squad <div id="content-body-70842955" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Manchester United’s Harry Maguire hopes to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man ​England squad for this year’s World Cup in ‌North America, with the 33-year-old saying ​he remains one of the best ⁠defenders in the world despite his age.</p><p>Maguire was recalled last month for England’s friendly matches against Uruguay ‌and Japan, marking his first appearances for the national team since 2024.</p><p>Maguire ‌faces strong competition for a place ‌in ⁠the squad from Ezri Konsa, Marc ⁠Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah, but the centre-back said he is desperate to be involved in the ​tournament, which runs ‌from June 11 to July 19.</p><p>“I think it would be my last World Cup,” Maguire told British media at United’s training camp ‌in Maynooth, Ireland.</p><p>“I’ve been to two ​but I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, ⁠which hurt a lot.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/psg-vs-liverpool-uefa-champions-league-post-match-comments-ucl-quarterfinal-first-leg-updates/article70841274.ece" target="_blank">PSG rues missed chances despite beating Liverpool 2-0 in quarterfinals</a></b></p><p>“So, I’m desperate to go, in whatever role the manager would want ‌me for; whether that’s starting or deciding games late on.</p><p>“I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes.”</p><p>Maguire recently signed a new contract with ‌United, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2027 ​with an option for a further year. He added that the club ⁠would need to recruit well in the close ⁠season to be well positioned next term.</p><p>England is in Group L with Croatia, ‌Ghana and Panama. It will open its campaign against Croatia on June 17 in ​Dallas.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Harry #Maguire #desperate #part #England #FIFA #World #Cup #squad

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Deadspin | Game vs. Flames chance for Avs to clinch President’s Trophy <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-900/28680635.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28680635.jpg" alt="NHL: Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 7, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns (84) controls the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Colorado Avalanche secured the top seed in the Western Conference, so the only goal left for them in the regular season is capturing the President’s Trophy and home ice throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>They can accomplish that with two more points in their final five games. The first chance comes Thursday night when Colorado hosts the Calgary Flames.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Colorado (51-16-10, 112 points) beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Tuesday night to clinch the Central Division and the Western Conference. The Avalanche have been alone atop the NHL standings since Dec. 1, and their only competition for the overall top seed is Carolina, which has 106 points with four games left.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Colorado went 1-0-1 against Carolina this season.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“We set our goals at the start of the year, and we wanted to be on top,” captain Gabe Landeskog said after the win in St. Louis. “That’s a big step. We know it doesn’t mean anything come playoff time, other than we get an extra game at home every series.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The win over the Blues was costly. Nazem Kadri suffered a finger injury when he blocked a shot on his final shift of the second period. Head coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday morning on Altitude Radio that Kadri will miss some time but didn’t specify how long.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Kadri, who still leads Calgary in scoring after being traded from the Flames on March 6, has 50 points this season (16 goals, 34 assists). He has four goals and five assists in 16 games with the Avalanche.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Colorado has already been without defenseman Cale Makar, who suffered an upper-body injury against Calgary on March 30, but he is expected back before the end of the regular season.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Kadri had surgery on his thumb during the second round of the 2022 playoffs but returned to play the last three games of the Stanley Cup Finals.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Calgary (32-36-9, 73 points) was eliminated from the playoffs when Nashville won Monday night. The Flames didn’t show any letdown when they traveled to Dallas on Tuesday night and nearly beat the Stars before falling 4-3 in overtime.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Calgary led 3-1 early in the third period before the Stars rallied to win it in overtime.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“I liked our game,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “There was a lot of our game where I thought we played hard. We did a good job away from the pucks, thought we had some lengthy shifts in the offensive zone. … At the end of the night, again, you’re taking penalties against a very good power play. That’s tough.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Like the Avalanche, Calgary had a player suffer an injury Tuesday night. Defenseman Kevin Bahl played just two shifts before leaving with a lower-body injury. There was no update on his condition.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Thursday night is the second of three matchups in a span of nine games. The teams didn’t play this season until March 30, and they finish up their regular-season series Tuesday in Calgary.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Game #Flames #chance #Avs #clinch #Presidents #Trophy

Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win  Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images   The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.  Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus.  Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end.  DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound.  Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1.  After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone.   Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later.  Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period.  Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage.  Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play.  The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #winApr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.

Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus.

Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end.

DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound.

Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1.


After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone.

Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later.

Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period.

Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage.

Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play.

The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win">Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win  Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images   The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.  Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus.  Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end.  DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound.  Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1.  After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone.   Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later.  Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period.  Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage.  Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play.  The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win

Deadspin | Twins make clutch plays, add to Tigers’ losing skid  Apr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images   Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.  Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers.  Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games.  Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings.  Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.  Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.   Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right.  The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins.  The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game.  Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face.  Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skidApr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers.

Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games.

Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings.

Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.


Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.

Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right.

The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins.

The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game.

Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face.

Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skid">Deadspin | Twins make clutch plays, add to Tigers’ losing skid  Apr 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach (9) slides into third base on a single by Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell (not pictured) against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images   Brooks Lee pulled a two-run single through the right side of the infield, and the Minnesota Twins held on for a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.  Josh Bell went 3-for-4 and hit a solo home run for Minnesota, which completed a four-game sweep over the Tigers.  Gleyber Torres drove in the lone run for Detroit, which has dropped five straight games.  Twins right-hander Garrett Acton (1-0) earned his first career win after allowing one run in two innings of relief. He followed starter Mick Abel, who pitched six scoreless innings.  Tigers right-hander Will Vest (0-2) gave up two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.  Twins right-hander Eric Orze pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.   Lee delivered the go-ahead hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He fell behind Vest 0-2 before working the count full and knocking a single to right.  The Twins grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bell led off the inning against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty and ripped the first pitch he saw 401 feet over the wall in right-center field. The blast marked his third home run since signing with the Twins.  The Tigers evened the score at 1-all in the top of the seventh. Jake Rogers started the action when he was hit by a pitch with one out. Moments later, Rodgers advanced from first to third on a single by Colt Keith. Torres lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Rogers and tie the game.  Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had to be carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth. Meadows and Riley Greene converged on Bell’s fly ball that was slicing toward the gap in left-center field, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face.  Meadows stayed down and rolled on his back as trainers attended to him. He eventually sat up and walked a few steps slowly to a cart that took him out of the game.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Twins #clutch #plays #add #Tigers #losing #skid

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