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Six experts from Yahoo Sports predicted the postseason, and their strongest hunch was no different than the CBS crew: Phillies over the Mariners in the final round. They did take things a step further and predicted World Series MVPs, pointing to three different winners for Philadelphia: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sánchez.

One more expert picked the Phillies to make the final round, only to fall to the New York Yankees in six games. In a bit of a surprise, this prediction pegged Giancarlo Stanton as the World Series MVP. It’d be interesting to know, though, whether that pick had more to do with Stanton’s play style or Aaron Judge’s career struggles in the postseason (.205/.318/.450 slash line over 58 outings).

For the non-math majors in the audience, that leaves two predictions on the board, and they both featured the same champion: The Milwaukee Brewers. That feels more notable than it should for the Major League-leader in both wins (97) and run differential (plus-172), but this is a franchise that has only reached the World Series once and never won it.

The Brewers aren’t built around household names, and the MVP predictions here reflect as much. One went with Brice Turang, a third-year player with a career .257/.325/.368 slash line. The other crowned Andrew Vaughn, a former top prospect who fizzled out with the Chicago White Sox and was traded to Milwaukee at midseason for journeyman starter Aaron Civale and cash.

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A quality table tennis table is a serious investment – we’re talking hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You may even have invested in one of the best table tennis tables (our opinion!).

At Racket Insight, we’ve seen high-end tables still playing perfectly after 20+ years of use, while cheaper ones sometimes don’t even last a single season.

The difference? Proper care and maintenance.

Here’s the thing about table tennis tables: they’re surprisingly delicate. One careless moment or a few months of neglect can cause irreversible damage to even the most expensive table.

But with the right care routine, your table could last decades.

If you’ve invested in a quality table (like the ones we recommended in our buying guide), this guide will show you exactly how to protect that investment and keep your table playing like new for years to come.

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1) Keep Your Table In A Clean, Dry Space

Let me share the single most important lesson I’ve learned about table storage: you absolutely must keep your table in a clean, dry space.

A few weeks back, we had renovations made at our club, and the tables were just sitting there with no cover on.

After the renovations were made, the tables ended up with tons of dirt, grime, and dust on them. This can affect not only the tabletop but also the frame and wheels.

If you can keep your table in a clean place, youâ€ll have to clean it much less often. Itâ€s not only better for your table, but also much more convenient.

In addition, if you can fold both halves of the table and keep them upright. This way, people wonâ€t leave anything on the table, and it wonâ€t get in the way of anyone.

Another advantage is that, given that it takes up less space when stored upright, youâ€ll have more options in terms of where to leave the table.

2) Cover Your Table With A Protective Sheet

Regardless of whether your place is clean or not, your table will be exposed to dust and particles of some sort.

If you want to be extra careful, make sure to cover your table with a protective sheet. Weâ€ve written a guide featuring the best table covers if you want help on which one to choose.

Table covers are great, not only because they protect the table from dust, but also from bangs and scratches.

If the cat gets on the table, if someone throws their keys over the table, etc., the tabletop wonâ€t get damaged if you have a cover on.

We only think of the table when weâ€re playing, but itâ€s out there 24/7. Table covers are the best way to “insure†your table when youâ€re not playing.

3) Avoid Direct Sunlight

One of the biggest mistakes in terms of table care is keeping your table in direct sunlight.

Time and time again, Iâ€ve seen tables with their paint faded. This is because, at some point in their life, they were exposed to direct sunlight, one of the most harmful things that can happen to a table.

Once the paint has faded, yes, you can restore it, but it wonâ€t be the same as new, and you will probably end up with a table that has an uneven, irregular bounce.

So, avoid having your table exposed to direct sunlight. If you have to have your table near a window, purchase a set of blinds or curtains to protect it from the sun.

4) Only Leave Your Racket On The Table

At a previous club I used to go to, we were allowed to do everything we wanted with the tables. We could leave anything on them and itâ€d be okay.

At my current club, we canâ€t leave anything on them other than our rackets.

I initially thought this was an excessive measure. I mean, what harm does it do to leave your bag or your bottle of water on the table? Well, it turns out that quite a bit.

If you leave your bottle of water, bag, keys, shoes, food, or any object, it will scrape against the tabletop.

Imagine throwing a 5kg bag over the table. Itâ€s something that happens very often at many table tennis clubs.

Little will happen if you do it once or twice, but believe me, this type of small, recurrent damage will accumulate over time.

So, the rule at our club is that only rackets are allowed on the table. You leave anything else on it, you get scolded, and for good reason.

The result? Some of our tables have more than a decade of daily use, and they look brand new.

5) Cleaning Your Table Regularly

As for cleaning your table, we suggest that you do it relatively frequently, not only so that your table remains in optimal condition, but also so that your rubbers degrade much more slowly.

You see, if you play on a dusty surface, your rubbers will lose their grip much faster because the ball will pick up the dust, and the particles will stick onto the rubber and damage it.

If youâ€ve played in parks before, itâ€s a similar effect. Youâ€ll notice that your rubbers degrade much faster because of how dirty the ball gets. So, make sure that the playing surface is nice and clean before playing.

If thereâ€s only a small layer of dust on the surface, a dry microfiber cloth is more than enough. However, you might have to dampen it with just a bit of water if the surface is dirtier.

Some recommend cleaning the table with a mixture of water and vinegar. While Iâ€ve never tried this method, itâ€s supposed to clean the table much better than with a dry or damp microfiber cloth.

In addition to clothes, you can use sponges, which work just as fine.

Just donâ€t use a dry cloth if thereâ€s a thicker layer of dust, because by trying to pick up the dust with the cloth, you will end up scratching the surface.

Simple Maintenance Checklist

At our club, we keep things simple with these basic maintenance routines:

After Playing

• Put the protective cover on (this takes 30 seconds and makes a huge difference)
• Make sure nothing is left on the table
• If the table is visibly dirty, give it a quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth

Monthly

• Give the table a thorough clean (about 15-20 minutes):
  • Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth if needed
  • Pay special attention to any visible marks
  • Clean both halves of the table evenly
  • Let it dry completely before covering
• Check the net:
  • Proper tension (should be firm but not overly tight)
  • Attachments are secure
  • No visible damage
• Look for any marks or damage that weren’t there before

Every 6-12 Months

• Full table inspection (about 30-45 minutes):
  • Check all screws and bolts for tightness
  • Test the folding mechanism moves smoothly
  • Make sure wheels lock and unlock properly
  • Look for any rust spots, especially near the legs
  • Check table leveling (a ping pong ball should roll consistently)
• Clean the underside of the table and frame
• If you have a vinyl cover, check for any tears or damage

At my club, we do this check every 6 months for tables that get heavy use (4+ hours daily) and yearly for tables used less frequently.

Even with daily use, a good table will last many years if you follow these basic maintenance steps.

Remember that most table damage happens gradually through neglect rather than suddenly through accidents.

These checks might seem like a lot, but they only take a couple of hours per year total, and they’ll add years to your table’s life.

The Reward of Regular Care

At our club, we’ve seen tables that look brand new after a decade of use, and others that were ruined within months. The difference? Simply following these basic care guidelines.

Keep your table in a clean, dry space, protect it with a good cover, shield it from direct sunlight, be strict about what goes on the table surface, and clean it regularly. It’s not complicated, but it makes all the difference.

I’ve seen firsthand how a well-maintained table makes playing more enjoyable – the ball bounces more consistently, your rubbers last longer, and you don’t have to deal with those annoying dead spots or uneven surfaces that plague neglected tables.

Remember, if you’ve invested in a quality table tennis table, taking care of it properly isn’t just about protecting your investment. It’s about ensuring you’ll have years of great matches ahead of you.

Trust me, your future self will thank you for it!

Alvaroâ€s a qualified ITTF Level 1 Coach who’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 15 and is now ranked within the top 50 in his native Argentina. He loves to compete in provincial tournaments and is always looking for ways to improve. Alvaro made his favorite memories with a racket in hand, and he joined the RacketInsight team to share his passion with other players!

Blade: Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Forehand: Butterfly Dignics 09c | Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 19
Playstyle: The Controller

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The 45th Ryder Cup tees off in a matter of hours. Few events in sports can match the levels of talent and intensity offered by a Ryder Cup. While we await the announcement of the opening foursomes, lets take a quick glance at the event and both Team USA and Team Europe along with a few of the available betting markets.

Tournament Details and How to watch the 45th Ryder Cup

• Date: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Opening Tee Time: 7A ET Friday
• Site: Bethpage Black Course
• City: Farmingdale, NY
• TV/Streaming: NBC/Peacock

Ryder Cup Odds

The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Team USA (-150), Team Europe (+170)
• Tie: +1000

Be sure to check out DraftKingsfor all the latest tournament odds and player props for every matchup this weekend!

Power will help at Bethpage Black’s 9th hole

Johnson Wagner analyzes the details on the ninth hole of Bethpage Black and the Live From desk discusses what holes Bryson DeChambeau should start.

Team USA

Justin Thomas is the veteran of this team making his 4th appearance in the Ryder Cup. His record overall in the competition is 7-4-2 including a perfect 3-0-0 in Singles. Scottie Scheffler (2-2-3 overall), Xander Schauffele (4-4-0), Patrick Cantlay (5-2-1), Colin Morikawa (4-3-1) and Bryson DeChambeau (2-3-1) are each playing in their 3rd Ryder Cup. The experience of those six veterans will be counted on heavily to help the younger players navigate the mental and physical toll the tournament takes on each golfer. Harris English (1-2-0) and Sam Burns (1-2-0) are making their second appearance in the Ryder Cup. Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun, Ben Griffin and Cameron Young are making their first Ryder Cup appearances.

Previous records in the Ryder Cup aside, the United States is led by World #1 Scheffler. He has been so dominant the past two years that anything short of securing four or five points for the Stars and Stripes (+190 to be Team USA’s top point producer) will make it difficult for the Ryder Cup to be wrestled away from Europe. Fan Favorite Bryson DeChambeau (+450) has played plenty this week with Justin Thomas (+1400). That emotional pair may well lead things off for Captain Keegan Bradley on Friday morning.

Team Europe

This is Rory McIlroy’s 8th Ryder Cup. His record is 16-13-4 through his first seven. Justin Rose (14-9-3) has experienced six Ryder Cups. He is especially strong in Foursomes sporting a record of 7-2-1. Jon Rahm (6-3-3), Tyrrell Hatton (5-4-2), Tommy Fleetwood (7-3-2), and Matthew Fitzpatrick (1-7-0) have all competed in three Ryder Cups. Victor Hovland (3-4-3) and Shane Lowry (2-3-1) have battled against the United States on a couple of occasions. Making their second appearance in a Ryder Cup but their first on American soil are Ludvig Aberg (2-2-0) Sepp Straka (1-2-0) and Robert MacIntyre (2-0-1). Rasmus Højgaard is making his first Ryder Cup appearance.

Europe’s unquestioned leader is McIlroy (+280 to be Team Europe’s top point producer). John Rahm (+360) is a close second. The fiery Spaniard is 4-0 in Foursomes and could well be sent out in that first group Friday to try and quiet the crowd and steal momentum for Europe. The winner of The TOUR Championship just one month ago, Tommy Fleetwood is also 4-0-0 in Foursomes.

Rotoworld Best Bets

Ben Griffin Total Points OVER 2 points (-110)

A rookie at this event but no one outside of McIlroy and Scheffler is playing currently as well as Griffin. Would be no shock at all if he is the breakout star from this year’s Ryder Cup.

Matthew Fitzpatrick Total Points UNDER 1.5 (-135)

The former U.S. Open Champion has struggled in this event securing just one point in eight matches in his three Ryder Cups. He will be battling as much for Europe as he will to remove his name from the list of all-time worst Ryder Cup records. Here’s betting his issues continue.

Bryson DeChambeau (-115) vs. Jon Rahm (-110)

This is a fun bet featuring two of the most emotional players in this year’s Ryder Cup. If he can keep his ball on the course, his length and the emotional charge he will give the crowd should pay dividends for Team USA and for bettors.

Team USA to WIN the Ryder Cup (-150)

You’ll have to pay a little juice, but it is extremely difficult to win a Ryder Cup on foreign soil. The opening foursomes will tell much of the story. If you are inclined to bet Team USA, it is best to do so now as opposed to in play because if the United States holds their own Friday morning, you will pay more to back them at that point due to their traditional dominance in the Sunday Singles.

The Ryder Cup is tremendous theater. Tune in to NBC and Peacock and watch the best in the world compete for one of the most coveted prizes in golf.

Welcome to our weekly PGA Tour gambling-tips column, featuring picks from GOLF.com’s expert prognosticator, Brady Kannon. A seasoned golf bettor and commentator, Kannon is a host and regular guest on SportsGrid, a syndicated audio network devoted to sports and sports betting, and is a golf betting analyst for CBS Sportsline. You can follow Brady on Twitter at@LasVegasGolfer, and you can read his picks below for the 2025 Ryder Cup, which gets underway Friday at Bethpage Black in New York.

Everybody’s working for the weekend. How about this? Come Sunday, we’ll have the final and decisive day of the 45th Ryder Cup taking place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. We will have Week 4 of the NFL season unfolding, including a game taking place on Team Europe’s side of the globe, in Dublin, Ireland. And we have the final day of the 2025 MLB regular season happening, determining division winners and wildcards for the postseason. That is one heck of a Sunday Funday.

I can share with you that I have tickets to win the pennant on the Mariners, Yankees, Phillies, and Mets. I can say that I believe the 49ers will beat the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. But we are back here, as always, to focus on golf, and I do indeed have a few predictions on just what might happen at the highly anticipated biennial competition known as the Ryder Cup.

U.S. Team — Captain: Keegan Bradley

Sam Burns
Patrick Cantlay
Bryson DeChambeau
Harris English
Ben Griffin
Russell Henley
Collin Morikawa
Xander Schauffele
Scottie Scheffler
J.J. Spaun
Justin Thomas
Cameron Young

Team Europe — Captain: Luke Donald

Ludvig Aberg
Matt Fitzpatrick
Tommy Fleetwood
Tyrrell Hatton
Rasmus Hojgaard
Viktor Hovland
Shane Lowry
Robert MacIntyre
Rory McIlroy
Jon Rahm
Justin Rose
Sepp Straka

The Ryder Cup begins on Friday. Two-person teams from the U.S. will be matched against two-person teams from Europe. Both foursomes (alternate shot) and four-balls (best ball) formats will be played for the first two days with both morning and afternoon sessions. Sunday is reserved for one-on-one singles matches only. A full point is earned for a match won. Half a point is earned for each side in a match that ends in a tie. As the defending champion, Europe retains the trophy is the entire event ends in a tie. You can bet on this being the end result at roughly 12-1.

1 Ryder Cup dilemma is hiding in plain sight

By:

Sean Zak

The Ryder Cup has been dominated by the home team in recent years. The United States won 19-9 at Whistling Straits in 2021 and Europe won two years ago in Rome 16.5-11.5. The last time the visiting side triumphed was at Medinah Country Club, not far outside of Chicago, in 2012. Team Europe staged a massive comeback that Sunday to win 14.5 to 13.5.

I’m not sure it will be that close this time around, but I don’t believe it will be a blowout either. Every member of the European side has prior Ryder Cup experience. Seven of the 12 players representing Team Europe played in the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black — that is more than the five that were there for the U.S. side. There are four Ryder Cup rookies on the U.S. team: Griffin, Henley, Spaun, and Young. Being from the area however, Cameron Young has played this course several times, probably more than anyone on either team.

The general plan in recent Ryder Cups played on American soil has been to set up the courses to cater to the bombers. Bethpage Black is absolutely a beast of a golf course that favors the bigger hitters but here in 2025, I believe you can argue that the European side is longer off the tee overall. Given the experience and current form, I believe the European roster is better overall. Going back to the FedExCup Playoffs, both Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood are recent winners on Tour and Rory McIlroy just won the Irish Open. Two weeks ago at the BMW Championship at Wentworth, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Viktor Hovland all finished top 5. Of course, Scottie Scheffler, Ben Griffin, and J.J. Spaun just finished first, second, and sixth, respectively, at the Procore Championship in Napa. The New York crowd will be a factor for sure and I do believe the United States is justified in being the favorite to win, but I do feel the price is a bit high.

I mentioned that I feel this competition will be close. Taking a possible tie out of the equation, I would make the U.S. around -140 or -145 to win the Ryder Cup with Europe being around a +120 or +125 underdog. Seeing a current offering of Europe around +170 to win, looks like good value to me.

In Ryder Cup pay controversy, debate misses 1 simple thing

By:

James Colgan

Las Vegas native and Hall of Fame bookmaker, Nick Bogdanovich, who is now the Director of Trading at Boomer’s Sportsbooks in Nevada, is seeing this play out similarly to the way I do.

“This one figures to be a thriller. The European squad is definitely better but USA wants this one bad. They’re triple-focused,” said Bogdanovich.

He went on to add this interesting note. “Keegan Bradley stepping aside and not playing is really good karma. I think they (United States) win somehow, someway.”

The consensus seems to be that this will be close. Yes, +170 is probably good value on Europe to win — but will they?

I am going to treat it this way and make a bet on each side.

Team Europe to Win by 1-3 Points (+400)

Team USA to Win by 1-3 Points (+350)

If we are correct in figuring this to be a closely fought battle, then we turn a profit. If we do get a thriller and one of our tickets cashes, that would be my ideal scenario. Then I can rejoice and start worrying about the 49ers, Mets, Phillies, Mariners, and Yankees.

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