ITA

Tsunoda walks away unhurt from high speed crash

  • Tsunoda was racing at an estimated 240kph when he bounced off the track, sending a stark warning of the unforgiving nature of the Imola venue where three-time champion Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed in big accidents at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. 
  • Yuki Tsunoda survived a spectacular high-speed crash that saw his Red Bull car somersault into the barriers after only six minutes action in Saturday's qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. 
  • Tsunoda was racing at an estimated 240kph when he bounced off the track, sending a stark warning of the unforgiving nature of the Imola venue where three-time champion Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed in big accidents at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. 
Yuki Tsunoda survived a spectacular high-speed crash that saw his Red Bull car somersault into the barriers after only six minutes action in Saturday's qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. 
The 25-year-old Japanese, who has good experience of racing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit, lost control when he hit the kerbs at the Variante Villeneuve.
His car lifted and flew sideways before turning upside down into a single barrel roll before skewing into the barriers.
He was unhurt, but the session was red flagged to a halt as he climbed from his car and walked away. 
Tsunoda was racing at an estimated 240kph when he bounced off the track, sending a stark warning of the unforgiving nature of the Imola venue where three-time champion Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed in big accidents at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. 
The drivers were all clearly alarmed by the scale of the crash and immediately checked on Tsunoda's condition. 
He was promoted to the Red Bull team from the junior Racing Bulls sister outfit earlier in the season to replace Liam Lawson.
str/ea

McIlroy

McIlroy forced to switch drivers after PGA test fail: report

  • Drivers have been found to be conforming to the rules one week and fail a test the next due to general use of the club.
  • Rory McIlroy was forced to switch drivers at the PGA Championship after his regular driver was found to be non-conforming to rules in a test at Quail Hollow, according to a radio report.
  • Drivers have been found to be conforming to the rules one week and fail a test the next due to general use of the club.
Rory McIlroy was forced to switch drivers at the PGA Championship after his regular driver was found to be non-conforming to rules in a test at Quail Hollow, according to a radio report.
Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio reported that second-ranked McIlroy, who won the Masters last month to complete a career Grand Slam, had to make the change after US Golf Association found Tuesday that his driver was non-compliant.
McIlroy leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained through driving but was last in driving accuracy among 74 players who made the cut to play the weekend. He found only 10 fairways in the first two rounds.
Test results on clubs are kept private. They involve the flexibility of the face of a driver.
Drivers have been found to be conforming to the rules one week and fail a test the next due to general use of the club.
McIlroy has declined to speak with reporters after each of the first two rounds at Quail Hollow, a course where he has won four times in PGA Tour events.
js/ea

WTA

Sinner and Paolini ready to crown golden age of Italian tennis in Rome

BY JéRôME RASETTI

  • And Paolini is gunning for her first 100 series trophy against former US Open champion Coco Gauff on Saturday evening, the first in Rome for an Italian woman since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
  • The Foro Italico (Italian Forum) has lived up to its name this past week as Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini have given home fans a local hero to cheer for in both singles finals at the Italian Open.
  • And Paolini is gunning for her first 100 series trophy against former US Open champion Coco Gauff on Saturday evening, the first in Rome for an Italian woman since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
The Foro Italico (Italian Forum) has lived up to its name this past week as Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini have given home fans a local hero to cheer for in both singles finals at the Italian Open.
Sinner can end a near five-decade wait for an Italian winner of the men's tournament in Rome, with Adriano Panatta way back in 1976 the last man to claim the title for a home player.
The world number one takes on rival Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster final for tennis fans who have watched Sinner return from his three-month doping ban for testing positive twice in March last year for traces of clostebol, a contamination doping authorities accept was accidental.
The 23-year-old was the first Italian to win a Grand Slam tournament since Panatta, again since 1976, when he won the Australian Open in January 2024. 
He then became the first of his compatriots to claim top spot in the world rankings in June, and then the first to win the year-ending ATP Finals, claiming glory in Turin.
But Sinner, already a winner of 19 titles including three Grand Slams, is not alone at the top of the game as attested by Italy winning both the Davis Cup and, led by Wimbledon and Roland Garros finalist Paolini, the Billie Jean King Cup in 2024. 
Italian men have won 31 ATP titles since the start of 2016, compared to just eight in the previous decade.
Lorenzo Musetti made his debut in the top 10 of the world rankings this week after reaching the Monte Carlo final last month and going deep in other tournaments, including a run to the semi-finals in Rome.
Nine Italian, including Luciano Darderi and Flavio Cobolli -- winners in Marrakech and Bucharest in the same week in March -- are in the men's top 100. Only the USA and France have more with 10 each.

Fifteen years in the making

At the start of the century the best Italian man was Andrea Gaudenzi at 54th in the world, who is the current president of the ATP, while the Italian men's team played in the third tier of the Davis Cup.
Italian tennis' revival began among its women, with four Fed Cup wins between 2006 and 2013, Francesco Schiavone's French Open title in 2010 and Flavia Pennetta's at the US Open five years later. 
And Paolini is gunning for her first 100 series trophy against former US Open champion Coco Gauff on Saturday evening, the first in Rome for an Italian woman since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
But after some good showing from Fabio Fognini who became the first Italian to win a Masters 1000 tournament, at Monte Carlo in 2019, men's tennis upped its game with the arrival of 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and Sinner. 
"It's the result of 15 years of good work within the federation (FITP), starting from the clubs up to the top level and with a lot of international tournament in all ages groups," said Spanish former world number seven Emilio Sanchez, now a coach.
"They've decentralised the organisation of their youth structure. Before everyone had to go through a national training centre and be taken away from their home environment. Now the federation goes to the players, and funds them."
Filippo Volandri, the head of top-level men's tennis training for the FITP, says that the decentralisation, a wide network of coaches and access from a young age to both physical and mental trainers, allows "all young players to express their potential.
"That's the big difference between what we did before, when we saw that Italian players matured late or never reached their full potential," said Volandri.
The FITP, headed since 2001 by Angelo Binaghi, has also implemented a plan to build hard courts in a clay-court dominated country, a move which has also been accompanied by a change in playing style and training.
"We prioritise tactics over technique, and to serves and returns ahead of repetitive coaching of forehand or backhand strokes," Michelangelo Dell'Edera, the director of the FITP's Higher Training Institute, told AFP.
jr/chc/td/ea

Sports

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

  • - 'New York is dying for it' - Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said his team had delivered a complete performance to oust the reigning champions.
  • The New York Knicks thrashed the Boston Celtics 119-81 to send the defending champions crashing out of the NBA playoffs on Friday.
  • - 'New York is dying for it' - Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said his team had delivered a complete performance to oust the reigning champions.
The New York Knicks thrashed the Boston Celtics 119-81 to send the defending champions crashing out of the NBA playoffs on Friday.
The Knicks booked their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years with a rampant display to complete a 4-2 series victory.
Six Knicks players finished in double figures, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby leading the way with 23 points apiece. 
Mikal Bridges drained four three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21. Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
The blowout win sets up a showdown against the Knicks' arch-rivals the Indiana Pacers next week for a place in the NBA Finals.
New York will head into that best-of-seven series brimming with confidence after an electrifying performance that swept aside a Boston team who had dominated the Knicks in a game five win on Wednesday. 
"In game five they got the best of us and we responded tonight," Brunson told ESPN after Friday's win. "We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offense was just rolling."
Brunson will spearhead the Knicks challenge 25 years after his father Rick was a member of the New York team that last played in the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.
"This is great. I mean, the fact that we haven't been here since my dad was on the team -- he's not gonna like that -- but it means a lot to this organization and this city."

'New York is dying for it'

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said his team had delivered a complete performance to oust the reigning champions.
"I thought from start to finish we were terrific," Thibodeau said. "(The Celtics) are a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they're not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it. And I felt we did that.
"But we can't get carried away. Obviously it's a great win and we advance. But you also understand that you have to get ready for the next series. We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we're going to have to be ready."
A slew of celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee were courtside at Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks romp to victory.
Thousands of Knicks fans, who could either not get tickets or were unable to shell out $600 for the last ones available, watched on giant screens.
A sea of orange and blue seized possession of Seventh Avenue from Madison Square Garden to Macy's, whilst fans celebrated as if they had won the title.
Some climbed lamp posts, others stood on car roofs whilst the historic landmark the Empire State Building was illuminated with the Knicks colours.
"I had to be here ... It's incredible ... the city is buzzing!" said teacher Jason Zegarski, who had come in from Trenton in neighbouring New Jersey.
Apricot Brown, an author and content creator for children, is old enough to recall the last time the Knicks made the Conference final.
"It's like a lifetime, when I was about a teen, with (team legend) Patrick Ewing," she told AFP.
"It was, like, this huge thing in my family."
Not many Knicks fans, though, recall the last time they were crowned overall champions, back in 1973, making the desire to go all the way even more fervent.
"The Knicks have the most loyal fans and the most desperate fans," brand manager Glenn Beyer told AFP.
"New York is dying for it."
Boston -- who were dealt a crushing blow in game four with a season-ending injury to star Jayson Tatum -- had given their fans hope of a miraculous comeback after their game five win.
However, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Knicks had just been too good.
"At the end of the day, we set a goal out, and we didn't achieve that goal," he said afterwards. 
"You have to take your hats off to the Knicks. They played a great series and they've been great all year, and Thibs is a great coach -- so you have to take your hat off to them." 
rcw/jgc/arb/alh/pi/ea

Liga

Flick wants Barca title party repeat 'every year'

BY RIK SHARMA

  • "When you see in the faces of the people, the passion for this club, for this amazing club and how they celebrate this, it's really good to see," Flick told a news conference Saturday.
  • After enjoying Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations Hansi Flick said Saturday he would love to repeat them every season.
  • "When you see in the faces of the people, the passion for this club, for this amazing club and how they celebrate this, it's really good to see," Flick told a news conference Saturday.
After enjoying Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations Hansi Flick said Saturday he would love to repeat them every season.
The German coach led the Catalan giants to a domestic treble in his first year at the club, beating Espanyol on Thursday to add La Liga to Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup triumphs.
An estimated 670,000 fans hit the streets to celebrate as the team cruised towards the city's Arc de Triomf monument on an open-top bus on Friday, revelling in the club's 28th Spanish title.
"When you see in the faces of the people, the passion for this club, for this amazing club and how they celebrate this, it's really good to see," Flick told a news conference Saturday.
"Of course, (if) we have this every year it's not bad -- so we go for this, we work hard on this in the next years.
"It's not easy but when we work hard, we stay focussed, maybe we can do it next year -- and it's unbelievable how many people are on the street."
Flick has a contract until 2026, but will extend his deal in the coming days according to Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste.
Barcelona face Villarreal on Sunday in La Liga and Flick said that while he would rotate, players who had been out partying on Friday night may still be selected.
"We have to make some changes but we won't (decide) until tomorrow... I think yesterday evening they went out to have a little bit of a party.
"I always say 'Who can party, also can work', they can play, so for me it's not an excuse."
Villarreal are still looking to seal Champions League qualification next season, but Flick wants his team to stay unbeaten in the top flight in 2025.
"We want to celebrate with our fans in the stadium and we want to end this season (feeling like) champions," added Flick.
"There are two matches to go and of course, we didn't lose any matches in La Liga this year, 2025, and it should be so until the end -- this is our goal."
Sunday's match may also be Barcelona's last game at their temporary Olympic stadium home, with Camp Nou set to reopen next season, albeit without a date set.
"I have had a great experience with the stadium this season in Montjuic, and I am also looking forward to playing in this new fantastic stadium," said Flick. 
"When we start next season, hopefully it helps a lot... (if) we've finished all this and what we need to go back, we will see."
rbs/ea

ITA

Norris on top in McLaren 1-2 in final practice

  • - Unpredictable tyres - Gasly briefly took control on top of the times, before Hamilton trimmed his lap to 1:15.866 with the usual suspects led by Norris arriving – and moving clear with Verstappen going top after 23 minutes in 1:15.579 ahead of Piastri. 
  • Lando Norris outpaced team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri to top the times for McLaren in another convincing 1-2 in Saturday's third and final free practice ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
  • - Unpredictable tyres - Gasly briefly took control on top of the times, before Hamilton trimmed his lap to 1:15.866 with the usual suspects led by Norris arriving – and moving clear with Verstappen going top after 23 minutes in 1:15.579 ahead of Piastri. 
Lando Norris outpaced team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri to top the times for McLaren in another convincing 1-2 in Saturday's third and final free practice ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The Briton made the most of Pirelli's new 'super-soft' C6 tyres, designed originally for street circuits, to clock a best lap in one minute and 14.897 seconds and beat Piastri by 0.100 seconds. 
For Norris, it was a much-needed riposte to reverse the order of the champion team's drivers after his Australian partner had reeled off four consecutive victories to establish a 16-points lead in the drivers' title race and top both sessions on Friday. 
On a day of warm spring sunshine at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, in the Italian team's heartland, McLaren again overcame the best efforts to beat Red Bull's four-time champion Max Verstappen, who was 0.181 seconds adrift in third.
Local hero Kimi Antonelli, born 40km away at Bologna, was fourth in his Mercedes ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz of Williams and rookie Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls. 
George Russell was eighth in the second Mercedes ahead of Alex Albon in the second Williams and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari. Two-time champion Fernando Alsono was an improved 11th for Aston Martin.
Hamilton had warned of brake problems on Friday, suggesting each time he tries a new setting it is a lottery. 
"We roll the dice," he said. "We put on one and it works. Another and it doesn’t. We’re working on it!" 
His good humour hid his anxiety after six races without a podium finish and he was one of the first men out on Saturday to clock an early time of 1:16.983 ahead of Nico Hulkenberg.

Unpredictable tyres

Gasly briefly took control on top of the times, before Hamilton trimmed his lap to 1:15.866 with the usual suspects led by Norris arriving – and moving clear with Verstappen going top after 23 minutes in 1:15.579 ahead of Piastri. 
Hamilton was soon pushed down to fourth as Norris rose to second, just 0.077 seconds off Verstappen's pace before the times began to tumble again with Leclerc and then Isack Hadjar going top, the Frenchman in 1:15.529.
At this stage, everyone was running the mediums, Verstappen demonstrating their potential to take command in 1:15.130 ahead of Norris and Hadjar with Leclerc fourth, Piastri fifth and Hamilton sixth. 
The track speed progressed in the sunshine and Norris moved closer as others improved before Liam Lawson lost his Racing Bulls car in a high-speed spin at Tamburello, flat-spotting his tyres severely.
With 18 minutes remaining, the teams fitted their C6 'super-softs' in preparation for qualifying and found them difficult to predict with both Piastri and Verstappen aborting flying laps after making mistakes. 
Norris, however, showed how it should be done with a lap in 1:14.897 on the suspect softs, which are not expected to prove durable in Sunday's race, taking him top ahead of Verstappen's earlier lap on mediums. 
On this evidence, the Grand Prix will provide a strategic and tactical spectacle with unpredictable tyre performance and the onus on driver skill to extract the best from their cars.  
After his struggles on Friday, Antonelli made the most of his softs to jump to fourth as others grumbled the softer rubber lacked pace --- with only Norris and Antonelli delivering clean laps before Piastri climbed to second.
str/ea

ENG

Real Madrid sign Bournemouth's Huijsen for £50 million

  • Bournemouth confirmed Madrid had "activated a £50 million release clause", with reports suggesting Huijsen's former sides Juventus and Malaga will also benefit from the deal.
  • Real Madrid signed Spain defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday after agreeing to pay his £50 million ($59 million) release fee.
  • Bournemouth confirmed Madrid had "activated a £50 million release clause", with reports suggesting Huijsen's former sides Juventus and Malaga will also benefit from the deal.
Real Madrid signed Spain defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday after agreeing to pay his £50 million ($59 million) release fee.
The 20-year-old centre-back has impressed in his one season in the Premier League after joining the Cherries from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million.
"Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1 2025 until June 30, 2030," said Los Blancos in a statement.
Bournemouth confirmed Madrid had "activated a £50 million release clause", with reports suggesting Huijsen's former sides Juventus and Malaga will also benefit from the deal.
Madrid moved quickly to sign the defender amid interest from several Premier League clubs for the Spain international.
Huijsen will be available for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, with their first game against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
The defender, born in the Netherlands, moved with his family to Spain aged five and played in Malaga's youth academy. 
Huijsen made his Spain debut against the country of his birth, helping La Roja defeat the Dutch in March to reach the Nations League final four.
Real Madrid have struggled defensively this season, losing 14 games across all competitions and finishing without a major trophy. 
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is departing to take over the Brazil national team and Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso is expected to replace him in a summer of change in the Spanish capital.
Huijsen is set to be joined at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer by England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his Liverpool deal.
Ancelotti said Huijsen was a good signing for Madrid.
"He's a great player, young, he has a lot of potential, it's a very good signing by Real Madrid," Ancelotti told a news conference, ahead of the visit to face Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga.
"Every player that Real Madrid signs excites me, because Real Madrid always want to be at the top, and they will always be at the top."
Madrid have suffered various injury problems this season, particularly in defence.
"It was not thinkable (this would happen) last summer, because we had David Alaba back, (Eder) Militao was fit, (Dani) Carvajal was fit, but injuries have hurt us," added Ancelotti.
rbs/pi

Sports

Mahuchikh hopes to show Ukraine's resilience in Tokyo

  • "I do my best to show people that Ukraine continues fighting for independence," she said.
  • Olympic high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh said Saturday she wants to "show people that Ukraine continues fighting" as she seeks to lay down a marker in Tokyo ahead of September's world championships.
  • "I do my best to show people that Ukraine continues fighting for independence," she said.
Olympic high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh said Saturday she wants to "show people that Ukraine continues fighting" as she seeks to lay down a marker in Tokyo ahead of September's world championships.
The 23-year-old is competing in Sunday's Golden Grand Prix in the Japanese capital at the same stadium where she will attempt to defend her world title later this year.
Mahuchikh has emerged as one of Ukraine's top athletes since Russia invaded the country in 2022.
She set a world record of 2.10m last year before winning gold at the Paris Games.
She said: "every competition is important for me because I represent my country".
"I do my best to show people that Ukraine continues fighting for independence," she said.
"I'm really proud to represent my country so I'm looking forward to coming back in September to protect my title of world champion."
Mahuchikh has been outspoken in her support of Ukraine, dedicating her Olympic gold to the hundreds of athletes and coaches who have been killed since the invasion began.
Her country was again in her thoughts as she set her sights on defending her world title.
"Of course, I have a target to win the gold medal," she said.
"I want to just give my people a happy time because, unfortunately, now is a difficult time -- only sport and art can give these memories."
Mahuchikh is competing in Tokyo for the first time since the pandemic-postponed Olympics in 2021, where she won bronze.
She has since gone from strength to strength, capturing the world title in Budapest in 2023 and Olympic gold a year later.
She said she wanted to savour the atmosphere in Tokyo after fans were locked out four years ago because of pandemic restrictions.
"I want to give the energy to the people, to my fans because I didn't have time in Covid time to enjoy this atmosphere," she said.
"Tomorrow it will be an incredible atmosphere for sure. It will be a great preparation before the world championships in September."
American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who won Olympic silver in Paris, will race for the first time this season in the women's 100m in Tokyo.
American Christian Coleman headlines the men's 100m race.
amk/lb

NZL

Crusaders hail O'Connor as Wallabies trump card in Lions series

  • O'Connor started all three Tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the Lions, in 2013 when the tourists prevailed 2-1.
  • The Canterbury Crusaders say veteran fly-half James O'Connor still boasts international quality and would be a potential Australian match-winner if named to face the British and Irish Lions.
  • O'Connor started all three Tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the Lions, in 2013 when the tourists prevailed 2-1.
The Canterbury Crusaders say veteran fly-half James O'Connor still boasts international quality and would be a potential Australian match-winner if named to face the British and Irish Lions.
O'Connor, 34, has been a revelation for the Crusaders in their climb to second place on the Super Rugby standings, impressing again off the reserves bench in a 48-33 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said last week he is considering the merits of the versatile back, who played the last of 64 Tests nearly three years ago.
Crusaders captain David Havili believed O'Connor could be a trump card in the three-Test series against the Lions starting in July.
"He's been there, done it before, and certainly if I was picking a team, he'd be there," Havili said Friday of O'Connor, who has been used primarily off the bench by the 14-time Super Rugby champions.
"I think him being able to come on and finish games is exactly what you need in big Test matches.
"He's been around the world, played in massive games, big stadiums, and he knows what it's about."
O'Connor started all three Tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the Lions, in 2013 when the tourists prevailed 2-1.
Havili said the Australian's experience and engaging approach had been invaluable to the development of the Crusaders' youthful fly-halves - Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana.
"He's just a great person to have on your team, regardless of the rugby and the fact that he's got a great mind on him."
O'Connor's precision on attack in Sydney helped an under-strength Crusaders notch a ninth win from 12 games to guarantee they will qualify for the top-six finals in June.
Without All Blacks forwards Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell, the visitors still had too much for the Waratahs pack, while former Wales international Johnny McNicholl performed ably at fullback for the injured Will Jordan.
All Black Sevu Reece was among the seven Crusaders' try-scorers.
It lifted the winger to 65 Super Rugby tries, level with former Wellington Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara for the most by any player in the competition's history.
dgi/lb

Sports

Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge

BY JIM SLATER

  • - Sleepless Vegas night - World number 70 Vegas, without a top-20 major finish in 16 tries, became the lowest-ranked player to lead a major outright after each of the first two rounds since American Gil Morgan at the 1992 US Open.
  • Jhonattan Vegas, chasing his first major title, clung to a two-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the PGA Championship while top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and South Korean Kim Si-woo made late charges at Quail Hollow.
  • - Sleepless Vegas night - World number 70 Vegas, without a top-20 major finish in 16 tries, became the lowest-ranked player to lead a major outright after each of the first two rounds since American Gil Morgan at the 1992 US Open.
Jhonattan Vegas, chasing his first major title, clung to a two-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the PGA Championship while top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and South Korean Kim Si-woo made late charges at Quail Hollow.
Vegas closed with a double bogey to fire a one-under-par 70 and stand on eight-under 134 after 36 holes with France's Matthieu Pavon shooting 65 to share second with England's Matt Fitzpatrick and Kim on 136.
"It was a great day," Vegas said. "I can't really get too down on myself for making double on 18. I feel like I managed my game really well. I was feeling it out there. It was nice to keep the momentum. The game was there and the feeling was good.
"I wasn't happy to finish with that double on 18 but we have two more days to go."
Kim aced the par-three sixth hole from 252 yards with a five-wood, hitting the longest hole-in-one in major history, and added six birdies against a lone bogey to equal Max Homa for the day's low round of 64.
"It was exciting," Kim said of the ace. "I hit it like exactly how I wanted. So it was cool and it was pretty memorable hole-in-one in major."
Sharing fifth on 137 were Americans Homa and Scheffler, who had four birdies and a bogey to shoot 68 and pull within three of Vegas.
"Most of me is just glad to be close to the lead," Scheffler said. "There are going to be some bumps in the road. It's all about how you respond to those. I did a good job of responding to those mistakes and keeping myself in the tournament."
Scheffler's playing partners in the feature group -- second-ranked Masters winner Rory McIlroy and third-ranked defending champion Xander Schauffele -- grinded through the final hole just to make the cut on the number at one-over 143.
McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam with his Masters win, closed bogey-bogey to flirt with missing the weekend, lipping out from three feet for par at 17 and hitting off a hospitality tent roof into rough at 18 and two-putting for bogey from 36 feet to shoot 69.
Closing par putts at 17 and 18 from inside four feet gave Schauffele a 71.
Vegas, who fired a 64 on Thursday, never lost the lead despite pressure while Pavon and Homa each delivered their career-low major rounds.
"That was really very solid," Pavon said. "Got a nice momentum with the putter early on. A few birdies on the front nine helped me to be more confident on the back nine. Overall it was a super satisfying day."
Homa shot 30 on the same back nine where he fired 39 on Thursday.
"I knew the game was good," Homa said. "Didn't know I was going to shoot seven-under but I'll take it."
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, fired a 68 and will draw upon his major win to try and pad his trophy haul.
"The fact I've done it before, that's always a big confidence boost," he said. "You can lean on that. I'm just happy to be in this position."

Sleepless Vegas night

World number 70 Vegas, without a top-20 major finish in 16 tries, became the lowest-ranked player to lead a major outright after each of the first two rounds since American Gil Morgan at the 1992 US Open.
Vegas bounced his tee shot at the par-three 17th off a bunker rake and onto the green to set up a par, then found a greenside bunker at 18 and missed a three-foot bogey putt.
"A little bit of a lucky break there on 17 and finishing quite crappy on 18," Vegas said. "But overall solid."
Vegas battled a sleepless night sitting on the lead.
"Not getting a great sleep and having to come back early put me not in the best mood all day," Vegas said. "It felt like three hours... I got some sleep but it wasn't the best."
American Jordan Spieth, needing a win to complete a career Grand Slam, missed the cut on 144.
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, whose 19 made major cuts were the longest active streak, and two-time major winner Justin Thomas were out on 145.
js/rcw

Pr

Cucurella steers Chelsea towards the Champions League in Man Utd win

  • Chelsea and Aston Villa, who beat Spurs 2-0 in Friday's other Premier League match, both leapfrog Manchester City into the top five.
  • Chelsea ensured that qualification for the Champions League remains in their own hands as Marc Cucurella's winner beat Manchester United 1-0 to climb to fourth in the Premier League.
  • Chelsea and Aston Villa, who beat Spurs 2-0 in Friday's other Premier League match, both leapfrog Manchester City into the top five.
Chelsea ensured that qualification for the Champions League remains in their own hands as Marc Cucurella's winner beat Manchester United 1-0 to climb to fourth in the Premier League.
United are gearing up for next week's Europa League final against Tottenham but ran the Blues close as Ruben Amorim named a stronger line-up than expected.
However, the Red Devils ultimately slipped to an 18th league defeat of the season and remain 16th in the table.
Chelsea and Aston Villa, who beat Spurs 2-0 in Friday's other Premier League match, both leapfrog Manchester City into the top five.
City have a game in hand at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday as they face Crystal Palace in Saturday's FA Cup final.
But Chelsea will be assured of a return to Europe's top competition after a two-year absence should they beat Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season.
And they could also end the campaign with a trophy as they face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on May 28.
"Now only two games left to achieve something special," said Cucurella.
"Today is a moment to enjoy because we work all season for these moments so now we have ambitions to achieve these things."
United's miserable season can only be saved by victory in Bilbao in five days' time but Amorim resisted the temptation to rest his key men at Stamford Bridge.
"Today was a really good game to prepare the final," said Amorim. "Almost 10 days without playing for me would be a mistake.
"It was a good thing for them to play, to feel that they can do it. We can control the game, we can have possession, we can push the opponent.
"But in the end, in this club and any club you need to win and we are not winning."
Chelsea were without a recognised striker due to Nicolas Jackson's suspension and the continued absence due to injury of Christopher Nkunku.
Teenager Tyrique George, a natural winger, was forced to lead the line up front and the Blues' lack of a focal point saw them easily snuffed out.
United's bright start was nearly rewarded when Harry Maguire fired in Bruno Fernandes' inviting cross only for a VAR review to show the centre-back had strayed centimetres offside.

Full backs combine

Chelsea's best effort before half-time saw Reece James' long-range effort come back off the post.
United started strongly again in the second period but failed to make it count as Mason Mount fired wide on his return to Stamford Bridge, before Fernandes blasted over.
On the hour mark a VAR review came to the visitors' aid when referee Chris Kavanagh initially pointed to the penalty spot after a challenge between George and Andre Onana.
However, replays showed the goalkeeper clearly played the ball and the spot-kick was overturned.
With Chelsea's forward players lacking inspiration, the match-winning moment was created and converted by their full-backs 20 minutes from time.
James turned nearly on the edge of the box and clipped in a cross that Cucurella met perfectly to head in his seventh goal of the season.
Noni Madueke should have doubled the lead within seconds when he skewed wide after a slick pass from Cole Palmer.
That miss could have been costly had Robert Sanchez not denied Amad Diallo at his near post with United's only shot on target.
But Chelsea held their nerve to edge towards the brink of a return to the riches and glamour of the Champions League.
kca/gj

women

Lyon win fourth French women's crown in a row

  • Another domestic title was a boost after Lyon were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Arsenal.
  • Lyon sealed their fourth consecutive women's French league title on Friday with a comfortable 3-0 win in the playoff final against Paris Saint-Germain.
  • Another domestic title was a boost after Lyon were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Arsenal.
Lyon sealed their fourth consecutive women's French league title on Friday with a comfortable 3-0 win in the playoff final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Goals from Melchie Dumornay, Kadidiatou Diani and Wendie Renard wrapped up the 18th title in the history of the club's women's team.
Lyon were head and shoulders above the rest of the division, achieving an unbeaten regular season with 20 wins and two draws.
Because of that superb record their players had expressed anger at having the title decided through the playoff system, but they made short work of PSG.
Coached by Joe Montemurro, who is set to leave to take over the reins of the Australian national women's team, Lyon took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Haiti international Dumornay opened the scoring. 
Her low shot past PSG's England goalkeeper Mary Earps followed an assist from American Lindsay Heaps.
Diani then made it 2-0 after 80 minutes and veteran defender Renard completed the job with an injury-time penalty that was awarded after a VAR check for a handball by Oceane Hurtre.
Another domestic title was a boost after Lyon were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Arsenal.
Lyon now face a rebuilding phase as several experienced players, including 35-year-old Eugenie Le Sommer, are leaving in the summer.
fjt/gj/rcw

Pr

Arteta ready to smash Arsenal transfer budget to sign striker

  • After failing to lure England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, Arteta is willing to do whatever it takes to get a new striker in the summer.
  • Mikel Arteta is willing to break Arsenal's transfer budget in a bid to land a star striker to spearhead their Premier League title challenge next season.
  • After failing to lure England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, Arteta is willing to do whatever it takes to get a new striker in the summer.
Mikel Arteta is willing to break Arsenal's transfer budget in a bid to land a star striker to spearhead their Premier League title challenge next season.
Arteta's side have now gone five years without a trophy as they approach the end of a frustrating campaign marred by injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
That trio, as well as influential midfielder Martin Odegaard, all missed substantial chunks of the season as Arsenal failed to keep pace with Premier League champions Liverpool before losing the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
A new striker is top of Arteta's wish-list with Havertz, who has not played for almost four months, still the club's top scorer in the league with just nine goals.
Arsenal are believed to have at least £100 million ($132 million) at their disposal for new players and have been linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle's Alexander Isak.
After failing to lure England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, Arteta is willing to do whatever it takes to get a new striker in the summer.
"The thing is that the budget is like when you have your wedding, you plan your wedding with your wife and you give her a budget and never less, and it's always more," Arteta told reporters on Friday.
"When you build a house it's always more. Normally this happens. And you prepare for different scenarios. Then unfortunate things happen. Sometimes we want a player and suddenly we have an injury or that player gets injured.
"There are so many variables that can happen but there is a budget. There is always an idea of what we can do, what we can improve, what the priorities are going to be and then let's see if we can do it."
Amid speculation this week that Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who replaced Edu in March, have disagreed over which striker to pursue, the manager insisted their relationship is fine.
"Well, if that happens, that means that we cannot explain ourselves well enough, and we are not clear enough on what we want, and I guarantee you that hasn't happened," he said.
"It didn't happen in five and a half years with Edu, and I guarantee you it hasn't happened with Andrea.
"We have learned a lot and some of them (transfers) have worked really well and others have not. So we have to make sure that we make the right calls. 
"But we are all human beings and unfortunately, nobody has got a crystal ball here.
"But Andrea is someone who is very driven, very clear in his ideas, in his vision and how we want to achieve it."
Second-placed Arsenal, who host third-placed Newcastle on Sunday, head into the final two matches of the season needing just two points to be assured of Champions League qualification.
However, with their superior goal difference, one point should be enough for Arsenal to secure a top-five finish.
smg/gj

Vegas

Vegas hits the jackpot with surge to the top at PGA

  • He has traded broomsticks and rocks for golf clubs and balls, but carries the same passion into his game as he had in youthful days.
  • From his days as a South American child swatting rocks with broomsticks where baseball and football are king, Jhonattan Vegas dreamed of being a golf star and winning major crowns.
  • He has traded broomsticks and rocks for golf clubs and balls, but carries the same passion into his game as he had in youthful days.
From his days as a South American child swatting rocks with broomsticks where baseball and football are king, Jhonattan Vegas dreamed of being a golf star and winning major crowns.
So it's no wonder he has been able to overcome injury and struggles for years to find success to grab the lead at the PGA Championship.
"I have the game to compete in these big events," Vegas said. "I've just got to do what I do, and good things could happen."
The 40-year-old Venezuelan led Friday on eight-under-par 134 for 36 holes at Quail Hollow after his career best major round of 64 on Thursday.
"The game has always been there," Vegas said. "I've gone through a lot of injuries and that type of stuff and hasn't been easy the past few years, but the game has always been there. It's about putting it together and playing your best when it's time to play.
"Haven't been able to do it at the majors, so it's a goal I have in mind to put myself in these type of positions. We started the right way."
His actual start came from his father, a caddie at a golf course near their home.
"My dad grew up near a golf course, and he grew up caddying at that place as a little kid. He picked up the game that way," Vegas said.
"We grew up near a nine-hole golf course owned by the oil companies and we had access to a course and plus the love of my dad for the game, put it together and we started playing.
"Venezuelans, we're not known for being golfers, but I've been blessed and here I am."
He has traded broomsticks and rocks for golf clubs and balls, but carries the same passion into his game as he had in youthful days.
"As a kid, I would hit anything that I could find. Rocks, broomstick, everything," he said. "I would grab anything that I could swing and I would do it. Feel like I was a good athlete as a young kid, so that's kind of how things started."
Vegas missed most of the 2022-23 season with elbow and shoulder injuries but won the 3M Open last year while on a medical exemption to snap a seven-year PGA Tour win drought.
It was a boost that helped  bring his success at the PGA after going without a top-20 finish in 16 prior major starts.
"It means a lot," Vegas said. "This is what we put all those hours for, to give yourself chances like this. Unfortunately I haven't been able to do it throughout my career, but you never know."

'Just keep dreaming'

The journey has been longer than Vegas would have wished but he has learned patience.
"It has definitely been annoying," he said. "I feel like my game is very complete, but I just haven't been able to put it all together in a major.
"I've been patient enough to not really get too down on myself for not playing well at majors. I've played good at some good, big tournaments, but never a major.
"You've just got to keep learning about yourself and what it takes to play good here. Unfortunately, it's taking me a little bit longer than usual, but I'm glad that I'm in this position right now."
Asked what he would tell his younger self from years of wisdom, Vegas offered advice that would help today.
"Just keep dreaming," he said. "I've had some ups and some downs. Believing and dreaming is what keeps you going."
js/rcw

Pr

Villa sink Spurs to bolster bid to reach Champions League

  • Tottenham were far more concerned with their own route into the Champions League -- winning the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.
  • Aston Villa bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League as they beat Tottenham 2-0 to climb into fifth place in the Premier League on Friday.
  • Tottenham were far more concerned with their own route into the Champions League -- winning the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.
Aston Villa bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League as they beat Tottenham 2-0 to climb into fifth place in the Premier League on Friday.
Unai Emery's side had no margin for error at Villa Park as the race for top five places approaches a dramatic conclusion.
Second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara ensured Villa's battle to play in Europe's elite club competition will go down to the last day of the season.
Fourth-placed Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Friday means Villa still need sixth-placed Manchester City -- one point behind Emery's men -- to lose against Bournemouth in their game in hand on Tuesday to be in control of their own destiny.
Villa have won five of their last six games and one more victory at Manchester United on May 25 -- plus a City loss in one of their remaining two matches -- would seal their target of finishing in the top five.
"We won and we are on a run but still have work to do. We have to ready. We have a chance to play in the Champions League," Emery said.
"We were consistent, demanding and when we scored the first goal, they gave up. We needed to manage the 90 minutes and we worked it well. 
"We are in a good moment. We are being demanding. We can get Champions League -- fantastic."
Tottenham were far more concerned with their own route into the Champions League -- winning the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.
Languishing in 17th place after their 21st league defeat this term, Ange Postecoglou's troubled team are set for their worst finish since being relegated from the top-flight in 1976-77.
Tottenham are without a win in their last six league matches, losing five times in that dismal streak.
Already without injured trio Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall for the final, Postecoglou rested a host of key players including Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Postecoglou had admitted Tottenham couldn't afford any more fitness problems, but his understudies succumbed to the latest lacklustre loss in a woeful season that could end in the Australian's sacking regardless of the result against United.
Before kick-off, Villa fans posed with a replica of the European Cup trophy the club won in 1982.

Mounting tension

That final triumph against Bayern Munich remains Villa's finest achievement, but this season's memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals excited the club's supporters.
For Villa to remain in contention for another campaign among Europe's elite, victory against Tottenham was essential.
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min was back in the starting line-up after a month out injured and the South Korea forward went close early on, cutting in from the left flank for a curler that flashed over.
Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez had to make an alert save to keep out Wilson Odobert's audacious back-heeled effort from Mathys Tel's cross.
Emery's men hit back after those escapes and Morgan Rogers forced a superb save from Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky, who clawed away the midfielder's flick before it could bounce in.
Villa's failure to make the breakthrough in the first half against a team with their minds elsewhere raised the tension levels after the interval, but Konsa eased the mounting anxiety in the 59th minute.
John McGinn's corner was flicked on by Ollie Watkins and Konsa took advantage of Tottenham's slow response as he swept a composed finish past Kinsky.
Villa went for the kill and Watkins' close-range shot was repelled by Kinsky's fine stop.
Kamara put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute, taking Rogers' pass and lashing home from the edge of the area.
smg/gj

WTA

Sinner lines up Alcaraz showdown in Italian Open final

BY TERRY DALEY

  • Alcaraz booked his place in the showdown by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
  • Jannik Sinner set up a blockbuster Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz by beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 on Friday.
  • Alcaraz booked his place in the showdown by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
Jannik Sinner set up a blockbuster Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz by beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 on Friday.
World number one Sinner fought back from a set down in front of a packed crowd to continue his march towards a first title at the Foro Italico.
After a strangely slow start, Sinner again showed good form on centre court where, since returning to action last week from a three-month doping ban, he has taken his unbeaten run to 26 matches.
And the 23-year-old will face down Alcaraz, the last man to beat Sinner in the final at the China Open in early October, with all eyes on another potential final between the pair at the French Open next month.
A win for Sinner against his rival would see the men's Rome title go to an Italian for the first time since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
"If I want to win Sunday I have to play one of my best tennis for sure," said Sinner.
"Carlos has played incredible tennis today, so let's see what's coming but from my side you know incredible to be here in the final."
Alcaraz booked his place in the showdown by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
The four-time Grand Slam champion overcame Musetti and the windy conditions in just over two hours to reach his fourth final of the season.
"I'm going to have dinner, but my phone is going to be there watching (Sinner's) match," said Alcaraz after his win.
"I have to know against who I'm going to play. I have to watch the match and see how they are going to play."
Musetti was beaten by Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final last month and fell to his fifth straight defeat to the Spaniard after a frustrating display.
And he believes that Alcaraz will have the better of it against Sinner if he brings his top form on Sunday evening.
"I really rate Carlos. I think on clay that the best version of Carlos is favourite against anyone... that includes Jannik," he told reporters.

Sinner bounces back

Paul rattled off the first five games in 21 minutes in a near replica of what Sinner did to Casper Ruud on Thursday, closing out the first set in less than half an hour.
The last time Sinner lost a set 6-1 was in the quarter-finals of the US Open against Daniil Medvedev, a match he won on his way to his second Grand Slam triumph.
Sinner looked a shadow of the player who dominated tennis throughout 2024 right up to the start of his suspension, which was agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency in early February.
But frm nowhere he came roaring back in the second set, finally forcing Paul back with some deep baseline shots of his own and his first aces of the match to win the second set to love and level the match.
It was a complete role reversal with Paul now the one being thrown around the court, the world number 12 winning just 12 points in the second set and looking bewildered at how quickly the momentum shifted.
Paul then handed Sinner the initiative with his second double fault of the night in game two of the third set. The Italian eventually won nine games in a row and marched on to victory
Earlier, Jasmine Paolini continued her bid to win the women's singles and doubles titles in Rome after reaching her second final of the week, this time alongside fellow Italian Sara Errani.
Paolini and Errani, the reigning doubles champions, will meet Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens in the final on Sunday, before which Paolini could already be crowed singles champion.
Late bloomer Paolini takes on Coco Gauff on Saturday aiming for her second 1000 series title at the age of 29 and to become the first Italian women to win in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
td/ea/nf/gj

ITA

Sinner reaches Italian Open final and Alcaraz showdown

  • Alcaraz booked his place in the final earlier on Friday by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
  • Jannik Sinner gave tennis fans what they wanted on Friday by setting up an Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz after beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3.
  • Alcaraz booked his place in the final earlier on Friday by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
Jannik Sinner gave tennis fans what they wanted on Friday by setting up an Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz after beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3.
World number one Sinner fought back from a set down in front of a packed centre court to continue his march towards a first Foro Italico title.
After a strangely slow start, Sinner again showed good form on centre court where, since returning to action last week from a three-month doping ban, he has taken his unbeaten run to 26 matches.
And the 23-year-old will face down Alcaraz, the last man to beat Sinner in the final at the China Open in early October, with all eyes on another potential final between the pair at Roland Garros next month.
A win for Sinner against his rival would give the men's Rome title to an Italian for the first time since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Alcaraz booked his place in the final earlier on Friday by beating Sinner's countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
The four-time Grand Slam champion overcame Musetti and the windy conditions in just over two hours to reach his fourth final of the season.
td/gj

Pavon

France's Pavon delivers career major low 65 to contend at PGA

BY JIM SLATER

  • Pavon, whose only PGA Tour triumph came last year at Torrey Pines, matched the lowest score ever by a Frenchman at a major, the 65 by Michael Lorenzo-Vera in the second round of the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive, and the lowest French major under-par score, Victor Dubuisson's six-under in round two of the 2014 British Open at Royal Liverpool.
  • Matthieu Pavon fired a bogey-free six-under-par 65 to soar into contention at the PGA Championship, matching some French major golf history in the process.
  • Pavon, whose only PGA Tour triumph came last year at Torrey Pines, matched the lowest score ever by a Frenchman at a major, the 65 by Michael Lorenzo-Vera in the second round of the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive, and the lowest French major under-par score, Victor Dubuisson's six-under in round two of the 2014 British Open at Royal Liverpool.
Matthieu Pavon fired a bogey-free six-under-par 65 to soar into contention at the PGA Championship, matching some French major golf history in the process.
The 32-year-old from Toulouse was on six-under 136 for 36 holes at Quail Hollow after the lowest major round of his career, eclipsing last year's 67 in the first round of the US Open at Pinehurst.
"It's all about getting a good mindset and stick to a clear game plan," Pavon said. "I think that's what's the best for this type of tournament."
Pavon, whose only PGA Tour triumph came last year at Torrey Pines, matched the lowest score ever by a Frenchman at a major, the 65 by Michael Lorenzo-Vera in the second round of the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive, and the lowest French major under-par score, Victor Dubuisson's six-under in round two of the 2014 British Open at Royal Liverpool.
"It's all about the process," Pavon said. "I try to get disciplined on the golf course, even more when it's a major because we know on a major the golf courses are tougher. The little mistakes can add up very quick, and you can walk away with very high numbers."
Pavon, fifth in last year's US Open for his best major finish, sank a 34-foot birdie putt at the second hole, an eight-footer to birdie the par-three fourth, a tap-in birdie at the par-five seventh and another from inside three feet at the eighth.
He also rolled in a 17-foot birdie putt at the 12th and a three-footer to birdie the 14th.
It helped that Pavon played last year's PGA Tour stop at Quail Hollow and knew the course somewhat before this week.
"I knew what test of golf that tournament could be. I think it's even bigger now being a major. The atmosphere is great, and the golf course played tough," Pavon said.
"I'm very lucky to play there last year and get a little taste of it because now I understand better the way it is."
Pavon has faced the "mud balls" that bothered top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele but kept his composure when faced with adversity.
"I get a couple times short-sided, a couple times a mud ball. It's how you react to it," Pavon said. "As many players said, we got so many mud balls on the golf course, so you have to deal with it.
"I think the guy who's going to do the best is the guy who's going to deal the best with it, like the right mindset and a good attitude."
js/rcw

Homa

Extra work, new caddie has Homa achieving major feats at PGA

BY JIM SLATER

  • "I've hit a lot of golf balls in the last seven months, like an absurd amount of golf balls," Homa said of the work to sort out swing issues.
  • Max Homa fired the lowest major round of his career, a sizzling seven-under par 64, to leap into contention on Friday at the PGA Championship despite a new caddie and swing issues.
  • "I've hit a lot of golf balls in the last seven months, like an absurd amount of golf balls," Homa said of the work to sort out swing issues.
Max Homa fired the lowest major round of his career, a sizzling seven-under par 64, to leap into contention on Friday at the PGA Championship despite a new caddie and swing issues.
The 34-year-old American was on five-under 137 for 36 holes at Quail Hollow after going five-under on his first six holes in Friday's second round and he nearly aced the 340-yard par-four 14th hole.
"I've hit a lot of golf balls in the last seven months, like an absurd amount of golf balls," Homa said of the work to sort out swing issues.
"I've realized that, as bad as it has been, I'm quite good at golf to play decent from some of the positions I've been in."
Homa began on the back nine, which he opened and closed with birdies, and he sandwiched birdies at 13 and 15 around an eagle he settled for at 14 when his tee shot stunningly landed inches from the hole.
"That was great," Homa said. "It was not the best shot I ever hit. I was aiming one yard inside the right bunker. I looked up, slightly scared of it going left, but it was still a good drive.
"The (spectator) claps from the green were helpful to know I was probably putting. But that was one of the rare occasions in golf where as the further you walk up to the green, the closer it got."
Homa has not won since a 2023 DP World Tour event in South Africa and took his most recent of six PGA Tour titles in 2023 at Torrey Pines.
After missing five consecutive cuts, Homa split last month with caddie Joe Greiner after six years with his childhood pal as bagman. New caddie Bill Harke is with Homa this week.
"Bill has been awesome," Homa said. "It's really hard to change caddies. You're in like a full relationship day one. So it can be tricky.
"Joe and I worked for so long and so well together that it's never going to be exactly like that. We've been trying to kind of find our own groove. Bill is really amazing at the psychology of golf and talking to me and keeping me positive.
"Now that I'm playing a bit better the last two weeks, it's trying to find our rhythm on like clubs and this and that. Yeah, it's a learning curve, but I've really enjoyed being around him."
js/sev