Swiatek ready to handle pressure of top ranking

Iga Swiatek puts her rise to world number one on the same level as her French Open win in 2020 but the 20-year-old Pole says she feels much better prepared to handle the pressure of her latest career milestone.

Wennberg's quick goal helps Kraken to 6-1 victory over Kings

Alex Wennberg scored 14 seconds into the game, Jared McCann had his team-leading 24th goal of the season and the Seattle Kraken dominated on both ends of the ice in a 6-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Chris Driedger stopped 36 shots for the Kraken, who have four wins in their last six games. Seattle had 14 of its 18 skaters record a point. Adam Larsson, Victor Rask, Jordan Eberle and Daniel Sprong also scored and Vince Dunn collected two assists. Arthur Kaliyev scored and Cal Petersen made 32 saves for Los Angeles, which had earned points in four of its last five coming into the game. It was the 1,000th NHL regular-season game for coach Todd McLellan.

Roby scores 30 as Thunder down Blazers 134-131 in OT

Isaiah Roby scored a career-high 30 points on 11-of-13 shooting and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied in overtime to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 134-131. Aaron Wiggins added a career-best 28 points for the Thunder, who remain in second-to-last place in the Western Conference with losses in 11 of their last 13 games. Ben McLemore had 28 points, including eight 3-pointers, for the Trail Blazers. Portland has lost four straight and sits outside the playoff picture at 12th in the West. 

Grizzlies beat Warriors 123-95, tighten hold on 2nd in West

Desmond Bane scored 22 points, De'Anthony Melton and Dillon Brooks added 21 points each and the Memphis Grizzlies solidified their hold on second place in the Western Conference with a 123-95 victory over the short-handed Golden State Warriors. Kyle Anderson added 13 points for Memphis, which holds a five-game lead over the third-place Warriors in the conference. The Grizzlies won their fifth straight and ninth in their last 10 games. Jordan Poole led Golden State with 25 points, while Moses Moody finished with 18. Jonathan Kuminga scored 14 points as Golden State dropped its third straight and sixth in the last seven.

Boxing: Usyk promoter says Saudi Arabia could host Joshua rematch

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk's rematch with Briton Anthony Joshua is likely to take place in late June with Saudi Arabia among the venues being considered, his promoter told Sky Sports.

Thompson winner with 10.6 left, Sabres rally past Blackhawks

Tage Thompson scored the tiebreaking goal on a fortunate bounce with 10.6 seconds left and the Buffalo Sabres rallied from four down to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-5. Victor Olofsson had two goals and an assist to help the Sabres win for the first time in three games. Kyle Okposo, Vinnie Hinostroza and Alex Tuch also scored for Buffalo. Thompson, the team leader with 28 goals, broke his stick on a shot from left wing. The puck caromed off the boards behind the net and hit Chicago goaltender Kevin Lankinen's left skate before going in. Tuch tied it for Buffalo with 2:14 to play. Alex DeBrincat, Calvin de Haan, Sam Lafferty, Jonathan Toews and Seth Jones scored for the Blackhawks, who led 4-0 in the second period.

Oregon forward Nyara Sabally declares for WNBA Draft

Oregon forward Nyara Sabally has decided to enter the WNBA draft. Sabally, a fourth-year sophomore, was the team's top scorer and rebounder, averaging 15.4 points and 7.8 boards. She also averaged 1.4 blocks per\a game. A native of Germany, Sabally is the younger sister of Satou Sabally, who also played at Oregon and is now with the WNBA's Dallas Wings. 

Denmark's Eriksen looking forward to 'special' Parken Stadium return

Denmark's Christian Eriksen said he is looking forward to a "special" return to Copenhagen's Parken Stadium on Tuesday and wants to give fans a new memory from the venue where he had a near-fatal heart attack at last year's Euros.

Giants third baseman Evan Longoria to have finger surgery

San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria is scheduled for surgery to repair a ligament in his right index finger. The Giants announced Monday night that the veteran infielder would undergo the procedure Tuesday in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Steven Shin. A timeline for his return isn't immediately clear because Longoria must keep the finger immobilized for at least 10 days after surgery before he is re-evaluated. 

Murray scores career-high 33, Spurs outlast Rockets 123-120

Dejounte Murray scored a career-high 33 points and the San Antonio Spurs held on for a 123-120 win over the Houston Rockets to inch closer to the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. It was the fourth straight victory for the Spurs, who moved within one-half game of the Los Angeles Lakers for the 10th spot in the West. Keldon Johnson had 21 points and Jakob Poeltl added 17 points with 13 rebounds as the Spurs dominated inside, outscoring Houston 72-30 in the paint. Rookie Jalen Green had 30 points and Kevin Porter Jr. added 26 for the Rockets, whose two-game winning streak was snapped.

Gorry in Matildas squad for first time since becoming a mother

Experienced Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry was recalled to the Matildas squad for next month's two friendlies against New Zealand on Tuesday as she continues her comeback after having a daughter.

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk dies from illness at 62

The Ottawa Senators say owner Eugene Melnyk has died from an illness at age 62. The team announced the news with a statement from his family. The statement did not provide additional details of what the illness was. Melnyk had a liver transplant in 2015 after a public search for a donor. Melnyk had owned the Senators since 2003. The Toronto native was also involved in other businesses around Canada and in 2010 had an estimated net worth of $1.21 billion.

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died from an illness at age 62, team says

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died from an illness at age 62, team says.

Siakam scores 40 points, Raptors beat Celtics 115-112 in OT

Pascal Siakam had a season-high 40 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out, and the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Boston Celtics 115-112 in overtime. Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby scored 14 points apiece, Thad Young and Gary Trent Jr. each had 12, and Scottie Barnes added 10 before fouling out as Toronto snapped a four-game home losing streak against the Celtics. Playing without forwards Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum and centers Al Horford and Robert Williams III, Boston lost for the fifth time in 29 games. Marcus Smart had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Grant Williams scored 17, and Derrick White had 15 for Boston.

Heat snap 4-game losing streak by topping Kings, 123-100

Jimmy Butler scored 27 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Miami Heat beat the Sacramento Kings 123-100 to stop a four-game slide. Tyler Herro had 20 for the Heat, who improved to 36-5 when scoring at least 110 points. Davion Mitchell scored 21 for Sacramento, which got 17 from Harrison Barnes. Miami snapped its longest losing streak of the season, and the 23-point margin was the largest for the Heat since a 24-point win at Atlanta on Jan. 12.

UConn reaches 14th straight Final Four, tops NC State in 20T

UConn is heading back to the women's Final Four for the 14th straight time. The Huskies beat North Carolina State 91-87 in a double-overtime thriller. Paige Bueckers scored 15 of her 27 points in the two extra periods. The Huskies had been 0-for-5 in overtime in the NCAA Tournament. They will face top seed Stanford on Friday night in the national semifinals in Minneapolis. Bueckers was AP Player of the Year last season as a freshman but missed two months this season with a knee injury. When the Huskies needed her, she looked like her old self. Jakia Brown-Turner hit a 3-pointer to force the second overtime and led N.C. State with 20 points.

Hurricanes rout Capitals, lose Kotkaniemi to injury

The Carolina Hurricanes gave the Washington Capitals something to think about if the division rivals meet in the playoffs. Martin Necas scored twice to help the Hurricanes rout the Capitals 6-1 in a potential first-round preview. It was Carolina's first victory in four meetings this season. Carolina center Jesperi Kotkaniemi was injured on a questionable hit with 1.8 seconds left. Beating Washington allowed Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina to keep pace with Florida atop the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes moved one point ahead of the Panthers in the back-and-forth race for the top seed. The Capitals lost their final game before a five-day break.

Ailing Lakers to face Mavericks as season slips away

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to hobble toward the finish line.

Pistons' Grant to miss rest of season with left calf injury

Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant will miss the remainder of the season because of a strained left calf. The team said Monday that Grant was hurt in the first quarter of a 100-97 loss to Washington on Friday. Grant averaged 19.2 points in 47 games this season, his second with the Pistons. He won a gold medal playing for the U.S. Olympic team last summer. 

NFL transactions roundup: Saints keep WR Tre'Quan Smith

The New Orleans Saints are bringing back wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith on a two-year contract, multiple outlets reported Monday.

Barcelona mayor announces city will host 2024 America's Cup

The mayor of Barcelona says the Spanish city will host the next contest for sailing's America's Cup in 2024. Mayor Ada Colau announced in a video post that Barcelona had been chosen as the host city for the 37th Cup regatta. Colau's video statement came ahead of any official announcement by Cup-holder Team New Zealand. After defending the Cup off Auckland in 2021, Team New Zealand indicated it was unlikely that the next regatta also would take place in New Zealand because of funding difficulties.

Sheldon Kennedy talks safety, inclusion at NHL GMs meeting

Sheldon Kennedy addressed NHL general managers on the opening day of their first in-person meeting in two years. He and league executive Kim Davis led a discussion about safety and inclusion. Kennedy has been a voice for victims following his own experience being sexually abused by a coach during his time as a junior hockey player. The league is attempting to push forward on those issues in the aftermath of the Chicago Blackhawks investigation into allegations a player was sexually assaulted by a video coach in 2010.

Cubs' Wisdom, Schwindel looking to build on 2021 season

Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel were two pleasant surprises for the Chicago Cubs during a tough 2021 season. Looking to establish themselves as consistent major leaguers, the slugging infielders are trying to stick to the formula that worked so well for each one last year. Wisdom set a single-season franchise record for rookies with 28 homers, topping Kris Bryant's 26 in 2015, and Schwindel batted .342 in 56 games. Chicago is hoping what they accomplished in 2021 is a harbinger of future success instead of a fleeting aberration.

Kershaw pitches 4 scoreless innings for Dodgers vs. D-backs

The Los Angeles Dodgers have so many stars this season that Clayton Kershaw is just one of the guys. But there's little doubt the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner is still an extremely important piece to one of MLB's best teams. Kershaw threw four scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks on Monday in the Cactus League, facing the minimum 12 batters. He gave up a leadoff single to Carson Kelly before coaxing a double play groundout and retiring 11 straight hitters.

USA Gymnastics restructures leadership in women's program

USA Gymnastics is overhauling its leadership structure in its women's elite program. Instead of having one person serve as the program's high-performance director, USA Gymnastics is dividing the job into three positions. Each person will report to the program's vice president of women's gymnastics. The organization had been looking for someone to replace Tom Forster, who stepped down as high-performance director in December. The organization says it has discovered having the perception that one person is in charge "put untenable pressure on a single person."

Vikings add ex-Dolphin Jesse Davis in search for interior OL

The Minnesota Vikings have signed three free agents including former Miami offensive lineman Jesse Davis in their attempt to upgrade the interior blocking. The Vikings also signed ex-Denver cornerback Nate Hairston and re-signed cornerback Tye Smith. Davis was a regular for the Dolphins over the past five years with 72 starts in 80 games played. He started 14 games at right tackle and two games at left guard in 2021. The Vikings have an opening at right guard this season.

Flyers sign US Olympian Noah Cates among moves around NHL

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed prospect Noah Cates and are expected to insert him into their lineup right away. His college season ended over the weekend when Minnesota-Duluth was eliminated from the playoffs by Denver. Cates had three points in four games for the U.S. at the Beijing Olympics without NHL players. He was named an alternate captain despite being just 23 years old. Cates signed a two-year entry-level contract that covers the rest of this season and 2022-23. The rival Pittsburgh Penguins signed college free agent defenseman Colin Swoyer to a one-year deal for next season.

Steelers CB Witherspoon cashes in on breakout season

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon's patience paid off with a new contract. Witherspoon signed a two-year deal to remain with the Steelers rather than leave in free agency. The signing marked an abrupt turnaround for Witherspoon. He hardly played during the first half of the 2021 season after being acquired in a trade with Seattle. An injury to veteran Joe Haden provided Witherspoon with an opportunity and he responded by pulling down a career-best three interceptions. Witherspoon says he didn't get rattled while he rode the bench and focused on taking advantage whenever the chance to get back on the field arose.

South Carolina's SEC all-freshman G Carter to transfer

South Carolina freshman guard Devin Carter is the latest men's basketball player to enter the transfer portal since coach Frank Martin was fired. Carter is a 6-foot-3 guard from Miami, Florida who was a member of the Southeastern Conference all-freshman team this season. Carter said on social media Monday he felt because of the coaching change it is best for him to seek other options. Martin let go this month after 10 seasons. Chattanooga's Lamont Paris was named as Martin's replacement.

After NCAA run, Saint Peter's will always have the memories

Saint Peter's unexpected run in the NCAA Tournament ended with a bus ride back to New Jersey and the prospect Shaheen Holloway might have coached his last game with the Peacocks. The school was the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight. The program had never before won an NCAA Tournament game. This time, it beat the likes of Kentucky and Purdue before losing Sunday to North Carolina. All the players on the team are eligible to come back next season. The question is whether Holloway will come back. The coaching job is open at Seton Hall, where he once played.

Legette-Jack gets her dream basketball job at Syracuse

Felisha Legette-Jack has been introduced the women's basketball coach at Syracuse. Legette-Jack previously spent a decade as the coach at Buffalo. She was a star player for the Orange in the 1980s. Now she takes over a program that's recovering from allegations that longtime coach Quentin Hillsman mistreated his players. Eleven players left the program last offseason, and Vonn Read guided the Orange through a difficult season after Hillsman resigned in August. Legette-Jack calls Syracuse her "dream job." The 55-year-old is the fourth woman to lead the program.

Buzzer beaters, NBA stars highlight best of Duke-UNC rivalry

The Duke-North Carolina rivalry has been filled with future NBA stars and intense finishes through nearly 100 meetings in Mike Krzyzewski's Hall of Fame tenure with the Blue Devils. The teams are preparing to meet Saturday in the Final Four. That will mark the first meeting between the neighboring programs in the rivalry's history. The list of memorable games in the rivalry during Krzyzewski's tenure include wins by North Carolina in 2005 on a late shot by Marvin Williams as well as Austin Rivers' buzzer-beater in Duke's win in 2012. 

Osaka makes Miami quarterfinals, says she's more grateful

Making the quarterfinals at a tournament used to be no big deal for Naomi Osaka. It was only a shock if it didn't happen. Things are a bit different now. The former world No. 1 has made it through to the quarterfinals at the Miami Open. It's just the second time she's managed to advance that deep in any tournament over the last year. Osaka beat Alison Riske of the U.S. 6-3, 6-4 and moved into a round-of-eight matchup with Danielle Collins.

McDaniels: Raiders looking for 'sweet spot' in Carr deal

Coach Josh McDaniels says the Las Vegas Raiders are trying to build around quarterback Derek Carr and are looking for the "sweet spot" in finding an acceptable contract extension that won't hamper the franchise in the future. Carr is entering the final season of a $125 million, five-year extension that was the richest in the NFL at the time he signed it in 2017. The deal now is well below the going rate for veteran starting quarterbacks. McDaniels says Carr is a fit for what he is trying to build in Las Vegas.

No timeline yet for U.S. team to get medals, USOPC says

There is no timeline yet for when nine United States team figure skaters will receive their Beijing Olympics medals, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said on Monday.

Badgers' Mellusi hopeful he can be ready for start of season

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi says he has reached out to former Clemson teammate and current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Amari Rodgers for advice on recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Rodgers tore the ACL in his right knee in March 2019 but was playing for Clemson less than six months after undergoing surgery. Mellusi is hoping to be ready for the start of the 2022 season after tearing his left ACL last November. Mellusi played for Clemson from 2019-20. He rushed for 815 yards in nine games with the Badgers last year before getting hurt Nov. 6.

Battle of the 24-year-olds ticks a box for F1's new era

After last year's battle of the generations, and young pretender Max Verstappen taking the title from seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, Formula One's new era has fired up a clash of 24-year-olds.

Medvedev reaches last 16 in Miami, Osaka into quarters

Top seed Daniil Medvedev moved a step closer to reclaiming the world number one ranking as he beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 on Monday to reach the last 16 at the Miami Open, while Naomi Osaka cruised into the quarter-finals of the women's draw.

F1 set for talks after eventful Saudi GP weekend

Formula One has plenty to discuss after a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend that raised questions about the race's continued presence on the calendar.

Biden invites Tokyo, Beijing athletes to White House in unique event

U.S. President Joe Biden has invited more than 800 Olympians and Paralympians from the Tokyo Summer and Beijing Winter Games to the White House in early May, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said Monday.

Inside the Qatar control room watching over the World Cup

The command center in Qatar for the upcoming World Cup is all quiet and calm. By November, however, it will be at the heart of operations for the most high-profile sporting event to be staged in the Middle East. The Associated Press has a first look inside one of the key locations overseeing security and logistics. As a screen with the map of Qatar shows starkly, the World Cup is being staged in the most compact setting ever. All eight stadiums being monitored from this room on the outskirts of Doha are within a 30-mile radius of the capital of this energy-rich Gulf nation. The control room is part of the required major upgrade in infrastructure Qatar had to undertake after winning the FIFA hosting vote in 2010 to prepare for an unprecedented influx of supporters.

Spain's place in 2023 Rugby World Cup in doubt

Spain's place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France is in doubt while it is being investigated for fielding an ineligible player. Spain qualified on March 13 for its second Rugby World Cup, and first since 1999. But World Rugby says it is convening an independent judicial committee to examine a possible breach by Spain in World Cup qualifying of Regulation 8, concerning a player's eligibility for internationals. 

Cardinals sign OL Will Hernandez to 1-year deal

Offensive lineman Will Hernandez has agreed to a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The 6-foot-3, 332-pound Hernandez played the past four seasons with the New York Giants, which is the team that drafted him in 2018 in the second round out of UTEP. Hernandez played in 62 games during his time with the Giants and started all 17 games last season at right guard. He'll be a strong candidate to have the same role with the Cardinals.

Celtics C Robert Williams III out with torn meniscus

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III has torn cartilage in his left knee. The team made the announcement a day after he limped off the court in Boston's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams was averaging 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and just over two blocks this season for the Celtics. The team has won 24 of 28 games to take over the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Williams left the 134-112 victory over Minnesota at the end of the third quarter after scoring 10 points with 13 rebounds.

Boris Becker speaks of money troubles at London trial

Tennis great Boris Becker has told a jury about his struggles with money including payments for an "expensive divorce" and debts when he lost large chunks of his income after retirement. Becker is on trial in London accused of failing to hand over his assets after he was declared bankrupt. The 54-year-old Becker said Monday he wasn't able to earn enough to pay his debts because of bad publicity when his reputation declined. He said he had "expensive lifestyle commitments" including a house in Wimbledon that cost 22,000 pounds ($28,800) in rent each month. Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017 and is on trial accused of 24 charges including failing to hand over his trophies and concealing property. The six-time Grand Slam champion denies the charges.

Under-the-radar 1 seed? Jayhawks flying high to Final Four

Duke and North Carolina are likely to get the most attention going into the men's Final Four this weekend. Yet the most dominant team so far in the NCAA Tournament just might be Kansas. The Jayhawks have dominated two of their four games, including a regional final win over Miami. They are also the only No. 1 seed left in the tournament. Kansas will play Villanova on Saturday. The winner advances to next Monday night's title game.

Taxpayer tab is $850M for Bills' new stadium, NY gov says

State and county taxpayers will be asked to commit a record $850 million in public funds toward construction of the Buffalo Bills' new stadium as part of a 30-year lease agreement. The project has a total estimated price tag of $1.4 billion. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a press release that the state will commit $600 million in funds which will be in included in the budget due Friday. Erie County will commit $250 million, with the NFL and the Buffalo Bills committing $550 million. The dollar amount is considered to be the largest public commitment for an NFL facility.

Tennessee showing no weaknesses while building 23-1 start

Tennessee has mostly gone unchallenged while winning 23 of its first 24 games. The Vols have won 15 straight and are the new No. 1 team in three polls this week. Yale's Jake Gehri slugged an Ivy League-record four home runs, including two grand slams, and had 11 RBIs against Princeton on Sunday. Michigan set a Big Ten record with four straight home runs against Nebraska on Friday. Texas Tech's Kurt Wilson stole home for the winning run against Texas on Friday and hit a grand slam for a walk-off win over the Longhorns on Sunday.

NFL makes adjustments to Rooney Rule to aid minority hiring

To ensure more opportunities for diverse candidates, the NFL has added requirements on the hiring of offensive assistant coaches, and women in general. The moves announced at the owners meeting include adjustments to the Rooney Rule adopted in 2003 and amended frequently in attempts to enhance opportunities for people of color and women for nearly all league and team jobs. Beginning this season, all 32 clubs must employ a female or a member of an ethnic or racial minority to serve as an offensive assistant coach. The person will receive a one-year contract and work closely with the head coach and offensive staff to gain experience. 

A club champion, Pulisic yearns for World Cup stage

Christian Pulisic struggled in January, was played out of position by Chelsea and even was benched for a World Cup qualifier against Honduras. Now the first American to play in and win a Champions League final has boosted the United States to the cusp of a World Cup return with the first international hat trick of his career. He celebrated by doing the worm dance for a fan, earned a yellow card for dissent and crowned the night by sharing victory with his mom and dad. Now all the U.S. has to do to qualify for this November's tournament in Qatar is to not lose by six goals or more at Costa Rica on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo says Portugal ready to avoid an upset like Italy's

Cristiano Ronaldo needs to avoid an upset like the one that ended Italy's hopes of making it to the World Cup. Portugal faces a winner-take-all game on Tuesday against North Macedonia. That was the team that shocked Italy last week to keep the four-time champions out of the World Cup for the second straight time. Ronaldo says "I don't think they will surprise us tomorrow. Portugal will play better and we will make it to the World Cup." Ronaldo is hoping to play in his 10th consecutive major tournament after appearing in four World Cups and five European Championships since 2004.

Chiefs suddenly among busiest NFL teams during offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs were supposed to be quiet during free agency, with so many of their big names tied to contracts and very little salary cap space. Well, some creative accounting coupled with a blockbuster trade of Tyreek Hill has turned a quiet offseason for the AFC West champs into a major retooling of their roster. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez-Valdes Scantling are in the fold at wide receiver, Ronald Jones has been signed to play running back and Justin Reid has taken over for Tyrann Mathieu at safety. And the Chiefs might not be done, either.

Eriksen to captain Denmark on return to Parken Stadium

Christian Eriksen will captain Denmark in a friendly match against Serbia on Tuesday when he plays at Parken Stadium for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest there during the European Championship. Kasper Schmeichel has been the stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Simon Kjær and suggested to Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand to hand the armband to Eriksen. It is set to be an emotional occasion for Eriksen. He collapsed on the field during the June 12 match against Finland and was later told he was "gone from this world for five minutes." Eriksen scored on his comeback for Denmark on Saturday after coming on a halftime substitute.

Canadian gymnasts seek investigation into 'toxic culture'

A group of more than 70 current and former Canadian gymnasts have called for an independent investigation into what they described as a "toxic culture and abusive practices" within their sport in the country.

Mercedes' situation is no fun at all, says Wolff

Formula One champions Mercedes are going through an "exercise in humility" after years of success but they will be stronger for it, team boss Toto Wolff said after more pain in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Lewandowski, Ibrahimovic fighting to reach World Cup

They are superstar strikers fighting to secure what could be their last chance to play on soccer's biggest stage. There isn't room for both Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the World Cup in Qatar though. The World Cup playoff final between Poland and Sweden on Tuesday doubles as a head-to-head between two of the leading center forwards of this century. It could even mark the final game of the 40-year-old Ibrahimovic's international career should Sweden lose in Chorzow. Lewandowski is 33 and scoring as freely as ever for Bayern Munich so playing at the 2026 World Cup isn't beyond the realms of possibility. The bigger issue is whether Poland will make it there.

Longtime Jaguars center Linder, a 5-time captain, retires

Longtime Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder has announced his retirement after eight injury-filled seasons. Linder spent more than a week contemplating his decision before announcing on Instagram he's hanging up his cleats. He says "it is at this time I have decided to close this chapter of my life and retire from the NFL." Linder was due to count $9.53 million against Jacksonville's salary cap. The five-time team captain played 88 games since the Jaguars drafted him in the third round in 2014. He also missed 41 games because of various injuries.

Canadian gymnasts ask for investigation into 'toxic' culture

A group of Canadian gymnasts is asking Sport Canada to launch an independent investigation into what they describe as a "toxic culture" within the sport's national governing body. The group of 71 current and former Canadian gymnastics national team members sent an open letter to the director-general of Sport Canada saying it can "no longer sit in silence" as cries for change have gone unheeded. The gymnasts are the latest group within Canada's Olympic movement to call for change. Candian bobsled and skeleton athletes did the same earlier this month.

Austria coach stepping down after failing to reach World Cup

Austria coach Franco Foda says he will leave his position after the friendly match against Scotland on Tuesday after failing to lead his team to the World Cup. Foda used a news conference to suddenly announce his imminent departure. He said the time was right to leave because "we couldn't fulfill our big dream." Austria lost 2-1 to Wales in the semifinals of the World Cup playoffs on Thursday. Foda says "I've had a lot of thoughts over the past few days and I take full responsibility for the fact that we didn't qualify for the World Cup." Foda was hired as Austria coach late in 2017.

Miami casino works to save beloved jai alai from extinction

A group of committed enthusiasts in Miami is doing all it can to save jai alai, the world's fastest ball sport. What could be jai alai's curtain call is playing out at Magic City Casino, the last place the game is played as a professional sport. Live wagering, which long drove the sport, has dried up in the era of YouTube and online gambling. And many of the game's top players who used to make the journey across the Atlantic are no longer playing, leaving a void that a roster of local talent is hard-pressed to fill.

Los Angeles takes on Utah, aims to break 5-game slide

Utah Jazz (45-30, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (36-39, eighth in the Western Conference)

Full circle: Villanova leaders got Final Four taste in 2018

Jermaine Samuels and Collin Gillespie have gone full circle with Villanova into another NCAA Final Four. They are now the fifth-year seniors leading the Wildcats. Four years ago, they were true freshmen on the floor for the final seconds of the championship game victory with a Villanova title team that had five NBA-bound players. Villanova now is in its third Final Four over six NCAA tourneys. Samuels was the South Region MVP and third-team AP All-America point guard Gillespie made a clutch shot late in the South Region final for the 30-7 Wildcats. They play Kansas in the first national semifinal Saturday.

Final Four has a blue tint with power programs

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's final chapter will have a distinctly blue tint. Two weeks of upsets and underdogs in the books, the Final Four is down to four blue blood programs: Kansas, the Blue Devils, North Carolina and Villanova. Kansas faces Villanova, then it's Duke-Carolina for the first time in the NCAA Tournament next weekend in New Orleans. This could be an epic Final Four.

Welcome back: Pujols returns to Cardinals for a final season

Albert Pujols has returned to the St. Louis Cardinals, finding a home in the place where he became one of baseball's most powerful sluggers. The 42-year-old Pujols says this is his final season. Pujols emerged from beyond the right field wall at the Cardinals' spring training complex between the first and second innings of an exhibition game against Houston on Monday. Pujols drew a standing ovation from the crowd and was greeted with hugs in the St. Louis dugout. Pujols was a three-time MVP and helped the Cardinals win two World Series titles. He split last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers. Pujols reached a one-year deal with the Cardinals over the weekend and gives them an option at designated hitter.