Browsing: Hopes

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Getting the chance to play at St. Andrews Links is a bucket-list opportunity for many golfers, a once-in-a lifetime chance for many who play the game.

But on a good week for Ethan Mangum, he’ll play four times. A slow week? Maybe once. And those special opportunities have given Mangum, who is a graduate student at St. Andrews University and a member of the men’s golf team, a unique insight into what it takes to navigate the Jubilee and Old courses, where he’s competing this week in the St. Andrews Links Collegiate tournament.

“It caters to a lower ball flight,†Mangum said about what these venues demand. “Learning how to chase the ball up the fairway and then chase the ball into the green has been the most beneficial on each course.â€

Although it’s the “complete opposite†of how the Mississippi transplant likes to play – he prefers a high ball flight that lands softly – he described the chance to adapt his game as “beautiful.â€

It’s one of several changes and adjustments that Mangum has made since moving from the United States to Scotland to attend business school at St. Andrews University. Deciphering some of the thick Scottish accents he’s encountered has been a challenge at times, as well as getting accustomed to the dry sense of humor that runs among those in the United Kingdom. “Taking the mick,†or learning to take a joke, was one of several phrases he had to figure out.

“Instead of playing a golf tournament or a golf match, it’s a golf game over here,†Mangum said about the different turn of phrase in Scotland. “Immersing yourself where golf was created, I feel like learning the lingo is exactly what I wanted to do.â€

Mangum has taken a winding path from his home in Jackson, Mississippi, to his current residence at the Home of Golf. He began his college career at Drexel University and then transferred to Florida A&M, where he finished the final three years of his undergraduate studies. He began his post-graduate work at William & Mary before making the move to St. Andrews. Mangum was captain of the men’s team during his time at The Tribe, which took him to St. Andrews for a collegiate tournament when he fulfilled his dream of playing the Old Course for the first time. Mangum says his strong showing in that tournament led St. Andrews to recruit him to join their program.

“It’s been amazing. I have a really strong friend group. We all love to play golf and the academics are going really well,†said Mangum, who was student chairman during the last school year. “I was able to immerse myself in the community as well as the golf. It’s been a blast.â€

Mangum isn’t interested in pursuing a career in the professional golf ranks, instead he’d like to put his business acumen into practice within the industry. He wants to develop and expand the game, particularly in Africa.

“There’s a lot of opportunity and there’s a want for new golf programs and new Olympic programs as well within African nations,†Mangum said about his aspirations. “I’ve been in the game since I was 2 years old, and I think it only makes sense to continue to do what I love to do.â€

Oct 11, 2025, 01:21 PM ET

MADRID — Marco Penge is in position to win the Spanish Open after the Englishman reeled off eight birdies Saturday, while home favorite Jon Rahm saw his hopes of landing a record fourth title all but disappear.

Penge went to 16 under for the tournament after shooting a 7-under 64 in the third round. The overnight leader started the day with a third-hole bogey but then went on a red-hot run, going under par on eight out of 10 holes to distance himself from the pack.

“Whatever the outcome is, it’s going to be a great experience, great memories for me,” Penge said. “Tomorrow doesn’t define anything. It’s just another day, an 18-hole round of golf.”

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Playing partner Joel Girrbach of Switzerland is his nearest challenger, four shots back. Daniel Brown and Patrick Reed are five back, followed by Tom McKibbin, who is six behind.

Rahm will need a massive turnaround Sunday after a 71 that included a double bogey. He is 12 shots back and tied for 28th. The Ryder Cup winner is trying to surpass Seve Ballesteros as the tournament’s most successful golfer since the creation of the European tour in 1972.

The 27-year-old Penge broke his wedge when he got stuck behind a tree on the second hole.

“I knew it was going to break,” he said. “I kind of picked a club I didn’t think I was going to need the rest of the way, just made sure not to hit my hand on the tree.”

Penge began the day with a one-shot lead. He will now bid for his third tour win after also prevailing this year at the Danish Golf Championship and the Hainan Classic.

By Ella Jay

Oct. 9, 2025 10:46 pm EST

Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock

Through the partnership between TNA and “WWE NXT,” a number of former WWE stars have recently returned to the company for matches and appearances. This includes former Intercontinental Champion Matt Cardona, who departed from WWE in 2020 following a 14-year run. Looking ahead, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T hopes to see Cardona (formerly known as Zack Ryder) back in WWE in a more permanent capacity.

“I’ve been so invested in the TNA-NXT crossover that they’ve been doing,” Booker said on “The Hall of Fame” podcast. “It’s been so good for both sides to see so many different guys get to come up. Seeing Matt Cardona back in the building. I don’t know, he, Matt Cardona, might have got a raw deal his first time around. I’d love to see Matt Cardona get another shot in WWE and doing his thing. Then seeing guys like Moose, a guy who I had talked about for quite some time. I was just like, man, I wish this guy could get a shot. I’m hoping we can figure out how we can get him in there somehow.”

Since leaving WWE, Cardona has worked on and off for TNA, with his current run beginning earlier this year and including shots at the TNA X-Division and International Championships. Despite this, reports indicate that Cardona is not officially signed to TNA, meaning he is technically a free agent.

Next Tuesday, Cardona will return to the “NXT” ring when he takes on Josh Briggs in singles competition. This comes after the veteran cost Briggs a match against Myles Borne on the September 30 episode of “NXT.”Â

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “The Hall of Fame” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t planning on retiring anytime soon, as the 32-year-old envisions playing into his 40s.

“Forties would be a good number,” Prescott said, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. “Obviously, I’ve been through some injuries; played very physical in college so if I can get to 40 playing at the standard that I want, yeah, that would be awesome.”

The veteran signal-caller will turn 40 years old just before the start of the 2033 season. Prescott is currently under contract through his age-35 season in 2028.

Quarterbacks playing into their 40s has become more common over the past few years, with legendary passers such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees retiring at 44 and 42 years old respectively.

As for current quarterbacks, Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers will turn 42 years old on Dec. 2. New Cincinnati Bengals passer Joe Flacco is also 40 years old.

“I can see it more realistically now,” Prescott said, per Archer. “And I think as much as anything, the fun and the peace that this game still gives me 10 years in is going to be hard [to move on from]. You can’t supplement it, so as long as I can do this at a level that I’m proud and happy with, I’ll keep trying.”

Staying healthy will obviously be important for Prescott if he ultimately plays into his 40s. While he suited up in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, he only made eight appearances last season due to a hamstring injury.

Prescott has looked sharp under center this year, completing 71.3 percent of his throws for 1,356 yards and 10 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions across five starts.

The Cowboys currently sit at 2-2-1.

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October 9, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

The worldâ€s best under-12 players will arrive in Sheffield over the weekend ready for the prestigious ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge.

England was chosen as host nation of one of the foremost youth development events in global table tennis, and will welcome players from five continents to the Elite Training Centre in Sheffield from 13-29 October.

The World Hopes Week & Challenge is the pinnacle of a journey, following National and Continental Hopes events. Players who reach Sheffield have already demonstrated exceptional promise and earned their place through rigorous international qualification.

Among the 20 boys and 20 girls, born in 2013 or later, who are attending are Englandâ€s Dimitar Dimitrov, as well as Jayden Xuan Chen and Amber Lemmon, the latter two having won boys; and girls†competitions in England Hopes Week to book their places.

List of players

Boys:Joseph Sebatindira (UGA), Joshua Samson (NGR), Chirag Pradhan (USA), Jacob Kordus (USA), Daniel Liang (Can), Yasin Shoaritehrani (IRI), Anders Zhen Hong Goh (MAS), Krish Vinodh (IND), Filip Arosell (SWD), Reah Krol Shahar (ISR), Nicolai Bucur (MDA), Lucas Alexandre (NZL), Jayden Xuan Chen (ENG); wildcards: Pietro Campagna (ITA), Oscar Pan (AUS), Umar Ayoola (NGR), Leo Sayegh (PYF), Dimitar Dimitrov (ENG), Valentino Marcial (ARG), Pitiyage Silva (SRI)

Girls:Patience Anyango (UGA), Malak Zaki (EGY), Olivia Wang (CAN), Osmari de la Caridad Rosquete (CUB), Karina Xiao (USA), Kaede Neya (JPN), Zhi Yu Eng (MAS), Xintian Gu (SGP), Bianca Toma (ROU), Teodora Sardeni (ROU), Lara Monteiro (POR), Ariel Li (AUS), Amber Lemmon (ENG); wildcards: Adriana Ivan (ROU), Alissa Yeung (AUS), Andreea Prohorovici (MDA), Emma Yang (USA), Serena Rossati (ITA), Karen Looi (NZL), Chanuki Karawayasam (SRI)

They will take part in a week of intensive training and international collaboration, culminating in the Challenge competition on the final two days.

With around 40 coaches also in attendance, plus sparring partners, it promises to be a busy and fulfilling week for all involved.

England performance coaches Charlotte Carey, Antony Constantinou and Ben Barlow will be playing their part in the week and the coach development team will also be on-site to learn from some of the best coaches of young talent.

Coaches from the wider talent network have also been invited to experience the week and use it for their own development – they are Paul Johnson, Olly Tyndall and Eva Toth.

 Sparrers helping out for the week at various points include: Zac Greenhough, Peadar Sheridan, Olly Cornish, Rebecca Savage, Jake Davidson, Rebecca Savage and Rachel Iles.

Activity is not just confined to the training hall – on Tuesday, our S&C partners Sheffield Hallam University are delivering a workshop to the incoming coaches from around the world on the physical determinants of success of the youth table tennis athlete– a co-produced workshop for coaches to share experiences, insights and philosophies around the physical preparation of table tennis players.

And on Friday 17th, the ITTF are delivering a workshop on food sustainability to the players, centred around how to avoid food waste.

Emma Vickers, Head of Pathway Development at Table Tennis England, said: “With World Hopes Week due to start in only a few days, we feel we have made all the necessary preparations and are looking forward to the week starting.

“We have personally invited several coaches and sparrers to support us across the week, and we hope they are able to gain a valuable learning experience from their time in Sheffield.â€

Look out for updates throughout the week on our channels.

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The Philadelphia Phillies avoided elimination with an 8-2 road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.

Kyle Schwarber starred, hitting two home runs and going 2-of-4 at the plate with three RBI.

Trea Turner went 3-of-5 with two RBI, while Brandon Marsh and J.T. Realmuto each added a RBI, with Realmuto also hitting a home run. Bryce Harper went 2-of-4 at the plate with one run scored.

Meanwhile, Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw, pitching in relief, struggled, allowing four earned runs over 2 innings, giving up two home runs on six hits and five runs, posting an 18.00 ERA. Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched four innings, allowing three earned runs and one home run, with a 2.53 ERA.

Schwarber and the Phillies uplifted fans by avoiding a sweep and forcing a Game 4.

The Dodgers struck first with a Edman home run in the bottom of the third, but the Phillies quickly halted their momentum, scoring eight unanswered runs.

Schwarber launched a 455-foot homer in the fourth to spark the rally, followed by an RBI from Bohm and another from Marsh that brought Bohm home.

Philadelphia piled on in the eighth with two more home runs — a 407-footer from Realmuto and a 368-foot two-run shot from Schwarber. Turner added a two-run RBI as the Phillies built a commanding 8-1 lead after eight innings.

Dodgers second baseman Edman drove in his second RBI in the bottom of the ninth to score their second run, but a Shohei Ohtani flyout to right field sealed the game, marking all three wins in the series on the road.

The National League Championship Series is set to feature the victor of the Dodgers and Phillies matchup against the winner of the Chicago Cub and Milwaukee Brewers showdown. Milwaukee currently holds a 2-1 edge in its series.

The series will remain in Los Angeles for Game 4 on Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 6:08 p.m. ET.

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Even close proximity to a global superstar cannot divert Scotlandâ€s attention from their World Cup dream. Or is it a teenage one? Katy Perry shared a city centre hotel with Steve Clarke and his squad this week as the singerâ€s Lifetimes Tour stopped off in Glasgow. Clarke did not quite go as far as saying, “Katy who?†but he was nonplussed by his squad rubbing shoulders with a bestselling artist.

“Was she?†said Clarke when asked about Perryâ€s whereabouts. “I didnâ€t know she was there. Iâ€ve heard the name and Iâ€m sure if you played me a couple of her songs Iâ€d say: ‘I recognise that one.†But I couldnâ€t name you one of her songs. Thatâ€s no disrespect to Katy but Iâ€m from a different generation.†Pressed on whether he would even recognise Perry, Clarke – by now laughing – added: “Eh, no. And she wouldnâ€t recognise me.†This very much feels like two worlds that should never collide.

Clarke was understandably more serious on the challenge likely to arrive from Greece on Thursday as Scotland kick off a crucial double-header. Belarus also visit Hampden Park on Sunday, as Scotland look to build on the positive World Cup-qualifying opening provided by four points out of an available six.

The backdrop is a curious one. Rangers†sacking of Russell Martin, with Steven Gerrard to hold talks over a return to Ibrox, and off-field rumblings at Celtic mean the national teamâ€s matches have rather crept up on even seasoned observers. Even Hearts†high-flying domestic start and woes at Aberdeen have felt more prevalent in Scottish football discourse. “I do glance through the headlines sometimes and itâ€s been strange in the buildup to such a big game that the national team has not been the main headline,†said Clarke. “But listen, thatâ€s the nature of football in Scotland.

“The players understand that every game in a qualification process is important, to get as many points as you can. We managed to pick up four points in the two away games last month and we hope to pick up as many as we can this month and that will put us in a good place going into November. The players understand what they have to do.â€

John McGinn (right) in training with Scotland. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

The Greece clash will mean Clarke matches the late Craig Brownâ€s record of 71 games in charge of his country. Somewhat typically, the 62-year-old has no desire to focus on personal landmarks. “I havenâ€t really thought about it, I have to be honest,†said Clarke. “Having had a half-decent career as a player and a half-decent career up to now as a manager and a head coach … I donâ€t think Iâ€m finished yet. Let me finish and then look back and I will tell you exactly how I feel about it.

“I have enjoyed it. When you take the job you donâ€t think youâ€re going to be in for six and a bit years with so many games under your belt. I have been lucky enough to work with a really good, consistent squad of players who have done ever so well for me. All my coaches have helped me and to get to this stage is been really nice. But at the moment my focus is only on qualifying for the World Cup next year.â€

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Greece landed in Scotland with confidence, having swaggered to a 3-0 Nations League win at Hampden Park in March. “The players did not quite hit the heights that they had before,†said Clarke of that wounding encounter. “So if this is a chance to make amends, hopefully that is what we do.â€

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What made Keegan Bradley’s opening ceremony blooper, when he muddled surnames, so outstanding was not the basic fact Justin Rose is an Englishman who could not possibly have sunk the winning putt for the USA in the 1999 Ryder Cup. Instead, this was simply such a much-needed antidote to the micromanagement that now dulls the buildup to a biennial joust between a continent and a country. Golfers who ordinarily have plenty to say and who revel in the rarity of team combat find themselves delivering anodyne soundbites. Bradley’s blunder was such an endearing reminder of days gone by, when the Ryder Cup was more open to rogue elements. The whiff of cordite was never far away.

The Ryder Cup needs a little more fizz. That may well be provided by a volatile New York crowd, the arrival of a US president who polarises opinion and stars such as Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau who should not be backwards in coming forwards when the proper stuff starts. The shadow boxing is now over. What is so striking and impressive is that golfers who bump into each other on Floridian school runs somehow manage to summon the spirit of a great rivalry for one week out of every 104.

More pertinent, the Ryder Cup requires even the occasional away win. This is the weekend for Europe to seize that opportunity, with Luke Donald’s class of 2025 the best-placed team since 2012 to hand the US a bloody nose in their own backyard. That European win in Medinah was dubbed a miracle. In 2016 and 2021, just as in 2008, Europe were trounced. Home wins in 2014, at Gleneagles, 2018, in Paris and 2023, in Rome, were similarly comprehensive. The Ryder Cup has grown – perhaps too much – as an event and corporate attraction. For it to remain competitively valid, home teams cannot prevail time and again.

Keegan Bradley’s opening ceremony blooper was an endearing reminder of days gone by. Photograph: Vaughn Ridley/Sportsfile/Getty Images

“It has been pretty one-sided either way,†said McIlroy. “So whatever team, whether that’s Europe or America that is the one to break that duck, I think honestly is going to go down as one of the best teams in Ryder Cup history.

“Luke said it in his opening [ceremony] remarks but we are playing for history and we’re playing for the players that came before us and the people that basically laid the foundations for what the European Ryder Cup team is.

“We are also playing for the guys that are going to come behind us, as well, the young boys that are dreaming of becoming European Ryder Cup players. We want to try to leave a legacy for them as well. We have a wonderful opportunity this week but we also understand it’s going to be very difficult.â€

McIlroy’s status has only been enhanced by his triumph at Augusta National in April. Donald is calling upon only the sixth man in history to complete a career grand slam. The European team supposedly exist without hierarchy but McIlroy’s approach here, with arms round teammates throughout the Ryder Cup lead-in, is of a true leader. Europe are so lucky to have him. “He’s gone from obviously being an incredibly good player to a great Ryder Cup player to now being, I would say, the cornerstone that Europe needs,†said Jon Rahm of McIlroy. “It’s special to have him around. He’s a heck of a superstar. My respect for his game only grows the more time I spend with him.â€

The consistency Donald sought from the team that prevailed in Rome has been delivered. There was a scouting trip to Bethpage last week. The level of detail and preparation attached to this European side gives cause to ponder when they might ever win on the road if Sunday does not deliver the legacy McIlroy dreams of.

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Scottie Scheffler is a dominant force but there are questions surrounding some of his US teammates. Photograph: Harry How/Getty Images

Bradley has Scottie Scheffler, so imperious and dominant in individual golf. Questions hover, though, above other members of the US team. Four are rookies, which in theory is less of an issue at home but could be significant if the backdrop is febrile. DeChambeau could be terrific or terrible, Xander Schauffele has been out of sorts all year and Collin Morikawa wobbles more than a 3am drunk. The unlikely star of this US team could well be JJ Spaun. Bradley’s contingent have been irked by questioning about the move to pay them to perform here, which is a live and legitimate issue despite protestations to the contrary.

Bethpage, once regarded as an X-rated venue, has been tamed by heavy rain. Soft greens combined with a lack of truly punishing rough offers scope for excitement. There are half a dozen par fours where players will require only a wedge for approach shots if tackling them boldly. Europe have the talent level, camaraderie and confidence to shatter American hopes. The Ryder Cup generally would benefit from that outcome. Every serious sporting competition needs jeopardy.

Consider Collin Morikawa unimpressed, at least so far.

The American, playing in his third Ryder Cup this week at Bethpage Black, had high expectations for the notoriously boisterous New York crowds, which, in his opinion, haven’t lived up to their billing through two days of fans being allowed on site.

Luckily for Morikawa’s U.S. side, there is still time, with matches not starting until Friday.

“I’ll be honest, I think it’s kind of tame so far, Tuesday and Wednesday,†Morikawa said. “I know tomorrow is going to be pretty bad (Thursday’s weather forecast bumped the opening ceremony to Wednesday), but I hope Friday is just absolute chaos. I’m all for it. I think it feeds into who we are and the American players and the American team. We want it. … I think we really have to tap into that. I hope they come strong.

“Watching all these kids, I know they want autographs, but come Friday, I hope they go crazy.â€

When it comes to Morikawa’s teammates, he’s hoping for similar, especially from the usually emotionless Cameron Young.

“I would love to see Cam Young just throw a massive fist pump in someone’s face,†Morikawa said. “He’s a fiery competitor. I’ve known Cam for a long time. He’s been very stoic, right? We’re deep competitors. Whether you see that or not through the TV or through watching us play, he wants to whoop some butt. Yeah, I would love to see a nice little putter raise, undercut, fist-pump. … I don’t know if he’ll do it. He didn’t even smile after he won, so I’m hoping. Fingers crossed.â€

As for Young, who was raised in Scarsdale, New York, he called it the most people he’s seen on a golf course on a Tuesday ever. So, if they weren’t exactly raising the roof yet, he was confident they would be once the competition begins.

“I think they will bring a lot to it come Friday,†Young said.

Surrey were rolled out for 147 to all but snuff out their County Championship title-winning hopes, as Hampshire boosted their chance of remaining in Division One.

The defending champions went into the last round 14 points behind Nottinghamshire – who they lost to last week – but after they collapsed, their hopes of a fourth successive crown dwindled further.

Kyle Abbott led the rout with 3-27 – taking his 50th Championship scalp of the season in the process – with James Fuller and Washington Sundar also picking up three-wicket hauls.

Hampshire had eased themselves into a first-innings lead, picking up three vital bonus points in their fight for safety.

Surrey chose to bat first and gave 17-year-old Ralphie Albert his first-class debut. The all-rounder was not even born when Hampshire’s Liam Dawson made his professional bow.

Surrey were massively depleted with Gus Atkinson, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Tom Curran, Jordan Clark and Cam Steel all unavailable, but even still their display was surprising.

Dom Sibley had already been dropped at second slip before he was lbw to Abbott, before the South African drew a loose drive out of Ryan Patel to celebrate his 50th wicket of the season.

It is the sixth Championship campaign that Abbott has reached the landmark, and would later add number 51 when he bowled Albert.

Fuller also grabbed three wickets to gut the rest of the top order, as Rory Burns wafted to a juggling Sundar at first slip before bowling Ben Foakes with a nip backer and found Dan Lawrence skying an attempted pull – the latter walked before the ball was caught having scrapped hard for his innings-high 36.

The back end of the innings saw wickets fall to spin. India international Sundar was particularly wily in his 20 balls, in which he only conceded five runs while taking three wickets.

Ollie Sykes went back to one that skidded into his stumps, Matt Fisher was undone by a stunner that cannoned across him and into off stump, while compatriot Rahul Chahar guided to first slip. In the middle of it, Tom Lawes was caught and bowled by Dawson.

Surrey were bowled out for 147 inside 44 overs – their lowest total of the season at the least opportune moment as the title slipped away from them.

The pitch had offered a fair amount of movement, but not excessive, and wickets were mostly down to batting errors and high-quality bowling rather than the elements.

Hampshire further suggested a poor pitch wasn’t to blame as Ali Orr glided through the opening overs.

He smashed 18 of the second over of the innings alone and by the fifth over had already secured a partnership higher than anything Surrey had managed in their innings – their best being the 32 between Lawrence and Sykes.

Orr’s fast start was undone by a careless swing down leg side but Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins put on 50 to set the sort of foundation that the visitors could not lay.

Both the bowled Gubbins and leg-before Middleton fell to Lawrence – who ended the day with 2-12 after an exceptional nine-over spell of off spin.

But Hampshire avoided any serious wobble as Toby Albert and Ben Brown stayed cautiously positive to take them to close with a lead – despite 13 wickets falling on the opening day.

Match report supplied by ECB Reporters’ Network, supported by Rothesay

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