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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

Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.

While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.

“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.

Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.

“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”

ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed">F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed   Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.Published on May 01, 2026  #drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed

Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed">F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed 

Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.

While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.

“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.

Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.

“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”

ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed
Deadspin | Report: Lions decline LB Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option  Lions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park.   The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s.  Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN.  Gibbs will earn a guaranteed .29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated .925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN.  ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately.   Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.  Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts).  The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #optionLions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park.

The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s.

Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN.

Gibbs will earn a guaranteed $14.29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated $21.925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN.


ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately.

Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.

Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts).

The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #option">Deadspin | Report: Lions decline LB Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option  Lions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park.   The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s.  Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN.  Gibbs will earn a guaranteed .29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated .925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN.  ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately.   Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.  Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts).  The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #option

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