[ad_1]

NEW DELHI: Legendary seamer James Anderson bid farewell to an illustrious Test career that spanned 188 matches and more than two decades as England secured a resounding innings and 114-run victory against West Indies on Friday.Following Anderson’s retirement, the cricket community took to social media to pay tribute to the swing master’s remarkable achievements.Pakistan’s T20 captain, Babar Azam, also took the opportunity to congratulate Anderson on his outstanding career. However, Babar faced criticism for his post on the social media platform ‘X’, which led him to delete the original message.In the deleted post, Babar wrote, “It was a privilege to face your cutters, Jimmy! The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT!”After fans pointed out that Anderson rarely bowled cutters to Babar, the 29-year-old made a slight alteration to his post, substituting the word “cutters” with “swing”.”It was a privilege to face your swing, Jimmy! The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT,” he posted later.Since Babar made the change, the internet has been humorously mocking the batter. The reactions from the online community have been diverse and entertaining.In the match, England’s seamers capitalized on a 250-run lead, reducing West Indies to six wickets down by stumps on day two. While Atkinson once again excelled, Anderson set the pace with a magnificent delivery that seamed back to castle Kraigg Brathwaite.Anderson concluded his career with an impressive 704 Test wickets, just four behind the late Shane Warne, and the most by any fast bowler in the history of the game.

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is no stranger to stealing headlines thanks to his incredible athletic feats, and he did so again this weekend when he sunk a long-range chip shot at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. The clip quickly went viral on social media, earning reactions from thousands across the internet, Allen’s teammates included.Check out Josh Allen’s short game! 👀He chips in for birdie on the 11th.📺 @peacock pic.twitter.com/4lj21B2rnI— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 12, 2024Buffalo rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman posted about Allen’s shot on his Twitter/X account, re-posting the video with the caption “See!! I tried to tell yall man this dude here is unreal.”See!! I tried to tell yall man this dude here is unreal 😂😂🫡 https://t.co/9ZWA8yXshC— 𝓚𝓔𝓞𝓝 𝓒𝓞𝓛𝓔𝓜𝓐𝓝 (@keoncoleman6) July 13, 2024Coleman recently went semi-viral himself after stating that he cannot bond with his signal-caller over golf because Allen is simply too good. The wideout had initially stated that he planned to use the sport as a means through which to bond with Allen, but he’s never been shy about his golfing ability (or lack thereof); he won Buffalo’s brass over during his predraft meeting by quipping that his nickname is “Tiger Wish He Could.”Just as he plans to do on the gridiron, Allen seems open to the idea of honing Coleman’s raw ability and potential on the links; during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, the quarterback praised his teammate’s uncontrolled, but promising swing, also addressing Coleman’s comments about them not being able to golf with each other by simply stating “that’s Keon.”Though golf may not be their preferred relationship-building exercise, Allen does seem to be constructing a strong rapport with his rookie pass-catcher. He’ll need to do so quickly, as Coleman projects as a significant contributor in a Bills receiving corps that parted ways with Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis in the offseason; Allen has already praised Coleman’s talent, stating that he has “the tools necessary” to be a great receiver at the professional level.— Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI —

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Welcome to the third edition of Pensburgh’s series figuring out the ideal Penguins lineup through reader vote. We’re putting up the depth chart, one spot at a time, toso that you can let us know which player you believe will be the best fit.
After voting to keep Drew O’Connor on Sidney Crosby’s left wing, you voted to slot in Bryan Rust on his right. That leaves us with the following projected lineup so far:
Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan RustLW2 – Evgeni Malkin – RW2LW3 – C3 – RW3LW4 – C4 – RW4Depth forward
LD1 / Erik KarlssonLD2 / Kris LetangLD3 / RD3
Depth defenderGoalie1Goalie2
Now it’s time to take a closer look at who will be skating on Malkin’s left when the puck drops in October.
Of all available left wingers excepting O’Connor, Michael Bunting spent the most minutes on Malkin’s line last season. He and Malkin looked like a good match down the stretch last season, as Bunting added some physicality at the netfront on Malkin’s line that helped the Penguins’ second-line anchor put up eight goals and 14 points in the final 11 games of the season.
Newly-signed free agent Anthony Beauvillier could also be a candidate to play on the second line. He skated for three teams last seasons as a pair of trades bounced him from Vancouver to Chicago to Nashville, so the Penguins have reason to hope he’ll be able to rebound from his career-low five-goal, 17-point campaign while playing for a single team. In past seasons with the New York Islanders, Beauvillier shone on Mat Barzal’s wing, so Pittsburgh could hope to help rejuvenate his production with a stint on the first or second line.
If O’Connor gets bumped up to the first line, Rickard Rakell will be a prime option to flank Malkin on the second, especially given his past experience at left wing. Rakell’s production has peaked in the past when slotted in alongside Crosby, but the Penguins could decide to continue working on this pair’s chemistry this season.
Blake Lizotte is a long shot at left wing on the second line, given that he has primarily spent his career at the center and that he was likely brought to Pittsburgh to serve as a bottom-six forward. But the Penguins could decide to try him out at the position after the left-handed center played on the wing for the first time in his NHL career with the Kings last season. Lizotte stood out in Los Angeles because of his effort on the forecheck, which has historically been key to boosting Malkin’s line.
Who would you slot in on Malkin’s left wing for the start of the 2024-25 season?

Poll
Pick your 2024-25 lineup spot: Second Line, Left Wing

93%

Michael Bunting

(134 votes)

1%

Anthony Beauvillier

(2 votes)

143 votes total

Vote Now

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Francesco Bagnaia spent most of the MotoGP German GP race in second place, behind Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac/Ducati). The Ducati rider ended up winning after seeing his rival crash on the penultimate lap.
In an interview with DAZN, the Italian highlighted the overwhelming pace set by Martín, which made the final laps of the race challenging, considering that the last lap would have had an interesting duel for victory:
– The last ten laps were really very difficult, because Jorge was riding at an incredible pace. I knew I was the fastest in sector 3. […]. So the pace was incredible and on the lap before he crashed, I went a bit off track at turn 1 because the front was moving a lot, and on the next lap he fell. But, in truth, he was doing an incredible job. I tried everything to close the gap and was close. I think it would have been a good fight on the last lap.
Despite recognizing Martín’s strong performance, Bagnaia believes he could have closed the gap separating him from his rival: ‘I think he was giving everything, but I had a bit more on the entry to the corners. I don’t know, you can’t say for sure, I don’t know exactly, but I was trying and I think I would have closed the gap’.

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesOverall Rank: 9th DL Rank: 1st2023 Stats: 36 total tackles, 3 sacks, 7.5 TFLStrengths: There’s a lot to like about Graham’s game as he could rival Jalen Carter as the best defensive tackle prospect in the last few years. The Wolverine is quick off the ball and has impressive movement skills to get penetration when slanting and be an effective pass-rusher, especially on line games.Also, he’s strong and physical at the point of attack to hold his ground versus one-on-one blocks as a run defender and is solid at absorbing contact to avoid getting washed out of the gap versus double teams or combo blocks.Areas of improvement: Graham does have a habit of standing up out of his stance, which could cause him issues against the run and when bullrushing at the next level. Additionally, he’s still learning how to use his hands and often will get caught with them down by his waist.Overall Rank: 10th DL Rank: 2nd2023 Stats: 55 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12.5 TFLStrengths: Walker has a basketball background which shows up in his movement skills as he’s fairly nimble for a near 350-pounder. That’s a big reason why he was a productive pass rusher as the Kentucky product has a nice swim move that he can win with. He also uses that to defeat blocks versus the run and is hard to move when solo-blocked.Areas of improvement: While he is an effective run defender against most college offensive linemen, Walker does tend to play high which got exposed against combo blocks when playing against better competition. Also, he could afford to slim down to improve his conditioning as the Wildcat appeared to run out of gas quickly last year.Tyleik Williams, Ohio StateOverall Rank: 22nd DL Rank: 4th*2023 Stats: 53 total tackles, 3 sacks, 10 TFLStrengths: Williams has impressive upper body strength to win and stand up offensive linemen at the point of attack. That helps him shed blocks against the run and collapse the pocket when bull-rushing. He also has a handful of finesse moves he can win with as a pass-rusher like a hand swipe, stick, swim and rip moves for a good arsenal.Areas of improvement: Consistency was an issue for the Buckeye last season as he would disappear in the middle of games which could be tied to a conditioning issue. His block recognition is also a work in progress as he’d often get caught off guard against down blocks and double teams.*NMDD lists Georgia’s Mykel Williams as a defensive lineman but at 265 pounds, he’s more of an edge, making Tyleik Williams the next true defensive lineman on the site’s rankings.

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Empire and garden state athletes are bringing their hometown pride to the Paris 2024 Olympics, which kick off July 26 and run through Aug. 11.

“We spend so much of our lives training for this moment,” Anita Alvarez, 27, captain of the eight-women Team USA artistic swim team, told The Post.

“We spend so much of our lives training for this moment,” Anita Alvarez, 27, captain of the eight-women Team USA artistic swim team, told The Post. Getty Images

Two years ago, the Buffalo native almost died when she passed out unexpectedly during a competition and sank to the bottom of the pool. A quick thinking coach rescued her, and, now, Alvarez is headed to France.

She’s one of several hometeam players to watch this games. Meet five others.

Mitchell Saron, 23, Fencing 

“It was a dream of mine ever since I was a kid,” Saron told The Post of going to the Olympics for fencing. EMMY PARK

Years prior to being a star in the men’s individual sabre event, the Ridgewood, NJ, native showed a talent with lightsabers.

“Before I was even born, my mom put me in front of the ‘Star Wars’ original trilogies,” Saron, who started fencing at age 9 at Bergen Fencing Club, told The Post. “[Growing up], I would ask my family members to fight with me in the yard with swords.” 

In April 2023, he quit alcohol and ramped up his protein intake to get into Olympic form. For the past 15 months, he’s been subsisting on grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish and loads of vegetables.

Last November, Saron (right) hit a major setback when he injured the thumb of his fencing hand. A doctor advised him to take a break from the sport, but Saron was resilient, and found a new way to fence, switching his grip to hold the sabre like a tennis racket. EMMY PARK

“I [hadn’t been] very disciplined outside of the gym,” said Saron, who still trains in Bergen as well as at the New York Athletic Club. “I realized there were a lot more sacrifices that needed to be made.”

Then, last November, he hit a major setback when he injured the thumb of his fencing hand. A doctor advised him to take a break from the sport, but Saron wouldn’t have it.

Instead, with the help of his coach, he switched his grip to hold the sabre like a tennis racket and allow him to wear a makeshift, protective cast.

Saron ramped up his training in April 2023 when he quit alcohol and increased his protein intake to get into Olympic form. For the past 15 months, he’s been subsisting on grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish and loads of vegetables. EMMY PARK

He successfully competed in three Olympic qualifiers with the setup and is now thrilled to be representing the US in competition.

“It was a dream of mine ever since I was a kid,” said Saron.

Anita Alvarez, 27, Artistic Swimming 

Alvarez qualified for the Olympics in February at the World Aquatic Championships in Qatar. Courtesy of Karen Alvarez

In 2022, Alvarez passed out and sank to the bottom of the pool after finishing her free solo routine in the World Aquatics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Team USA head coach Andrea Fuentes dove in to save her in a moment that went viral, thanks to harrowing photos of the incident. In the wake of it all, she considered quitting.

“When that happened I said, ‘maybe this is a sign that it’s time to hang up the goggles and the career,’ ” Alvarez, a Buffalo native currently based in Los Angeles, told The Post.

In 2022, Alvarez suffered a traumatic incident when she passed out and sank to the bottom of the pool after finishing her free solo routine in the World Aquatics Championship in Budapest, Hungary. Getty Images

After the freak accident, medical tests ruled out cardiovascular and neurological issues. But her iron and hemoglobin levels were found to be low. “We’re pushing our bodies to the max,” Alvarez told The Post. “It was a combination of a lot of different things and it all built up.” Getty Images

Ultimately, she dove back in, qualifying for the Olympics in February at the World Aquatic Championships in Qatar.

Now, she’s about to make history as the first American artistic swimmer to compete in three Olympics.

“I knew I had more in me. I still loved the sport,” she said. But “it was a difficult journey back [mentally and physically] — trusting my body again and being able to still enjoy what I do and not have that fear.”

Buffalo native Anita Alvarez, 27, began artistic swimming at age 5. Courtesy of Karen Alvarez

Now, Alvarez is about to make history as the first American artistic swimmer to compete in three Olympics. Courtesy of Karen Alvarez

After the freak accident, medical tests ruled out cardiovascular and neurological issues. But her iron and hemoglobin levels were found to be low

“We’re pushing our bodies to the max,” Alvarez said. “It was a combination of a lot of different things and it all built up.”

Kyle Dake, 33, Wrestling

On Aug. 10, Kyle Dake will compete in the men’s freestyle event. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Nine days after losing his father, Dake competed in the Olympic Trials, earning a spot on the Olympic team for the second time. Getty Images

Dake began wrestling at age 4, making his mark on the mat just like his father and grandfather did before him.

This past April, his dad —— Doug Dake, an All-American wrestler at Kent State in Ohio — died at age 62, leaving him heartbroken.

“It happened pretty quickly. It was really tough on us,” said Dake, who wrestled at Cornell University. “We had a lot of deep conversations around wrestling and around life before he passed away.”

Dake defeated Jason Nolf to win the men’s freestyle 74-Kilogram division final at the US Olympic Wrestling Trials held in April in State College, Pa. Getty Images

Dake is most looking forward to bringing his family — wife Megan, daughters EllaJo (pictured here), 5, Emilia, 3, and son, Leo, 2 — to the Olympics. Getty Images

Nine days after losing his father, Dake competed in the Olympic Trials, earning a spot on the Olympic team for the second time. At the Tokyo Olympics, he earned the bronze medal in the 74-kilogram men’s freestyle. 

On Aug. 10, he’ll again compete in men’s freestyle event. The oldest wrestler on Team USA, he’s most looking forward to bringing his family — wife Megan, daughters EllaJo, 5, and Emilia, 3, and son, Leo, 2.

“The kids come to practice once a week and help daddy do his workouts. They’re really excited. It puts in perspective what’s really important.”

Charlotte Buck, 29, Rowing

Charlotte Buck, 29, didn’t try rowing until her freshman year at Columbia University, at the urging of her older sister. Charlotte Buck/ Instagram

A theater kid growing up, Buck didn’t try rowing until her freshman year at Columbia University, at the urging of her older sister.

“I basically joined to make friends and I just fell in love,” she told The Post. “Who else gets to see New York City from the Harlem River? It’s just a special way to be part of New York.” 

She competed in the Tokyo Olympics in the women’s eight event, where her boat narrowly missed the medal stand, placing fourth.

Buck with Jessica Thoennes competing in the Women’s Pair during the second rowing World Cup regatta on Lake Varese last year in Varese, Italy. Getty Images

This time around, the Nyack native is hoping for some hardware — and looking forward to enjoying the games without COVID restrictions.

“I’m excited to do the whole Olympic thing and get to see other sports,” she said.

Jack Yonezuka, 21, Judo

At 21, Jack Yonezuka is the youngest member on the US Olympic Judo team. International Judo Federation

The youngest member of the US Olympic Judo team hails from a Judo dynasty.

His father, Nick Yonezuka, competed in the 1980 games, and his late grandfather Yoshisada Yonezuka coached two Olympic teams.

“I was born into the sport,” Yonezuka told The Post. He started the Japanese martial art and combat sport at the tender age of 5, but the West Long Branch, NJ, native didn’t always love it.

Jack Yonezuka (right) hails from a Judo dynasty. His father, Nick Yonezuka (middle), competed in the 1980 games. His brother, Nick Sr. (left), also practices the sport. Peter Ackerman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jack Yonezuka’s late grandfather Yoshisada Yonezuka (left) coached two Olympic teams. Peter Ackerman / USA TODAY NETWORK

“I remember not wanting to go to Judo most days and my parents would push me to go anyway. They knew Judo would teach me very valuable life lessons,” he said.

Coming up in the ranks, he had a standout career. In 2023, he became the first US judo competitor to win two medals at the Junior World Championships.

Post-Paris the master hopes to become the teacher, just like his late grandfather, who founded the club Cranford Judo JKC.

“I would definitely want to go into coaching after my competitive career,” Yonezuka told The Post.

In 2023, Yonezuka became the first US judo competitor to win two medals at the Junior World Championships. Getty Images

“And I hope to either become a physical education teacher or a physiotherapist. I haven’t fully decided that yet.”

For now, he’s enjoying the present.

“I told myself that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and to take full advantage of the moment and go win that medal,” he said.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, 24, 400-meter hurdles & 400-meter sprint

This will be the third Olympics for track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, 24, who hails from New Brunswick. Stephen Yang

This will be the third Olympics for the track star who hails from New Brunswick, NJ, and competed in the Brazil games at the tender age of 16.

Last month, she broke her own world record in the women’s 400 hurdles at the Olympic trials in Oregon, powering through to the finish line in a staggering 50.65 seconds — a feat that even shocked her.

“Honestly, praise God, I was not expecting that,” a stunned McLaughlin-Levrone told reporters following the race. “I’m just amazed, baffled and in shock.”

Last month, McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record in the women’s 400 hurdles at the Olympic trials in Oregon, powering through to the finish line in a staggering 50.65 seconds — a feat that even shocked her. It was the fifth time she’s broken the record. REUTERS

On August 8, in the Olympics finals, she’ll aim for a sixth record. “I would love to dip under 50 [seconds] at some point,” McLaughlin-Levrone told CNN. “I don’t know if that’s this year or if that’s next year.” AP

It was the fifth time she’s broken a record in the 10-hurdle event. On Aug. 8, in the Olympics finals, she’ll aim for a sixth record.

“I would love to dip under 50 [seconds] at some point,” McLaughlin-Levrone told CNN. “I don’t know if that’s this year or if that’s next year. Just always chipping away, seeing what’s possible and continuing to improve the race.”

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

Wimbledon. Hit films like “Challengers.” Tennis core. While household names such as Serena Williams and Roger Federer have retired from the game, a new generation of players is on the rise. They are fueling a resurgence in the sport’s popularity and pushing for long-awaited pay equity. Today on “Post Reports,” Martine Powers speaks with sports reporter Ava Wallace from Wimbledon about this tennis moment and the new players to watch, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, and the challenge the sport is facing from pickleball. Wallace also offers her viewing tips as Wimbledon heads to its final matches.  Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Monica Campbell. Thanks to Greg Schimmel. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev is gunning for a shot at Alex Pereira’s title.Exclusive: Dustin Poirier On Fighting Future, Conor McGregor’s Return, Samsung & MoreAnkalaev – or a representative of Ankalaev – has been active on X, actively threatening Pereira with a slew of posts. The comments range from threatening a first-round knockout to promising Pereira will be on his back looking at the lights by the end of the year:”End of year he’ll be laying on his back looking at the light and ask his corner, are we back in Brazil[?] This is a promise. I will knock him out,” Ankalaev wrote.Despite riding a ten-fight winning streak, Ankalaev’s bartering power is at an all-time low after a series of unfortunate results. Ankalaev was a victim of his inactivity in his UFC 282 draw with Jan Blachowicz. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY SportsAnkalaev lost fan favor in his lacklustre UFC 282 title fight, which saw UFC CEO Dana White “zone out after three f******* rounds.” After this, Ankalaev spoiled a profile-building fight against Johnny Walker with an illegal knee, ruling the fight a no-contest. He’d make a quick turnaround, knocking Walker out in January.(Note: This section contains supposition from the author.)The UFC’s decision to have Pereira replace Conor McGregor at UFC 303 suggests that they consider him highly marketable. Meanwhile, Ankalaev’s repeated exclusion from title opportunities raises the question of whether he is receiving the same treatment as other less popular fighters like Merab Dvalishvili or Belal Muhammad.Dvalishvili and Muhammad spent years striving for their title shots, each amassing extensive winning streaks yet still not being considered for title fights. Muhammad finally earned his opportunity at UFC 304, but only after considerable effort. Dvalishvili might soon receive similar treatment.What these fighters have in common is their apparent lack of fan appeal. Muhammad, Dvalishvili, and Ankalaev are legitimate threats to their champions and have a good chance of dethroning them, which reduces their star power and, therefore, revenue.Regardless of opinions, Ankalaev is the undisputed top contender in the light heavyweight division, and it is inevitable that he will soon have to back up his comments.Stick with MMAKnockout for more FREE coverage of the UFC, MMA, Boxing, WWE, and AEW. Follow MMAKnockout on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

[ad_2]

Source link

[ad_1]

The United States women’s indoor volleyball team is getting its final pre-Olympics tuneup in Long Beach this week, hosting the Netherlands at Long Beach State’s Walter Pyramid for a trio of matches. In Wednesday’s USA Volleyball Cup opener, the Americans came back from down 2-1 to win a five-set thriller, 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-10, 15-12.

The two teams will face each other again Friday at Sunday at 7pm, with tickets available through LongBeachState’s website. 

“There were definitely some nerves and little kinks that we have to work through,” said USA opposite hitter Jordan Thompson, who helped key the Americans’ comeback. “I thought we stayed really steady and battled back and continued to not give up. In the end that’s what helpful, and winning in five is awesome.”

When the starting lineups were being led, no player got a louder cheer than USA libero Justine Wong-Orantes, who is an adopted local girl. Wong-Orantes grew up nearby in Cypress and played at Los Al High, and won a national championship as a club player leading Long Beach Mizuno. Wong-Orantes also served as a volunteer coach at Long Beach State for a season after her playing career at Nebraska was over.

“I live 10 minutes away and I feel like I grew up honestly coming to the Pyramid and watching Misty, Alexis Crimes, all the big name Long Beach girls,” said Wong-Orantes. “Honestly, I feel like this is a second home to me. So when we have the chance to play in the Pyramid, I’m so stoked about it. It’s really just a special time.”

The Americans fell behind 2-1 before blowing the doors off the fourth set in a 25-10 win that got the crowd going and put the momentum in a red, white, and blue jersey. Team USA hit .500 in the frame to force a fifth set.

They fell behind 3-1 in the fifth before going on a 4-1 run that included a pair of kills by Thompson. They fell behind again 11-10 on a ball into the antenna but a thunderous kill by Lauren Carlini on an overpass gave them the lead at 12-11, then a big kill from Thompson and two high-flying, big bouncers from Avery Skinner put the match away.

Skinner led the way with 27 total points (including 25 kills on 41 swings) with Thompson adding 13 points including 12 kills on 28 swings, while playing in just three sets due to planned substitutions.

The two teams will meet again in the Walter Pyramid Friday and Sunday, with both matches at 7pm. The women will be joined on the floor by the USA men’s team after Sunday’s match for an Olympic sendoff, in both teams’ final stateside appearance before they depart for the Paris Olympics.

[ad_2]

Source link