Remy Martin still clinging to Gilas Pilipinas dream

CINCINNATI: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a tense challenge from Australia’s Talia Gibson on Sunday, needing six match points to secure a straight-sets victory and book her place in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters. Sabalenka eventually prevailed 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) in just under two hours on a windswept Grandstand Court, but the second set turned into a nerve-testing battle. The Belarusian appeared close to victory when she created five match points in the 12th game. Gibson, however, refused to surrender, saving all five before forcing the set into a tiebreak. Sabalenka kept her composure when it mattered most, dominating the tiebreak before sealing the match with a final winner. “I’m super tired; this is crazy weather,” Sabalenka said after the contest, praising Gibson for becoming more aggressive and putting greater pressure on her serve. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s bid for another deep Cincinnati run alive. She won the tournament in 2024 and is hoping to build momentum ahead of the US Open, where she will be chasing her first Grand Slam title of the 2026 season. Sabalenka has already captured three titles this year, although her most recent triumph came in Miami in March. Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina advanced comfortably with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Taylor Townsend. The world No. 2 arrived in Cincinnati after finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek in Toronto. French Open champion Mirra Andreeva produced an even more emphatic performance, crushing Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-0 while saving all seven break points she faced. Defending champion Swiatek also moved forward, defeating Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-0. American fourth seed Coco Gauff battled back from a slow start to defeat Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, winning the final five games. The day ended on a disappointing note for American Ben Shelton, however, as the world No. 6 was eliminated by Portugal’s Jaime Faria.

The NBA’s investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers remains ongoing, with the league’s review now stretching into its 11th month and potentially continuing into 2027 if no agreement is reached on the findings or any disciplinary action. The investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers may have violated the NBA’s salary cap regulations. League officials launched the probe in September 2025, and it has since become one of the longest-running investigations involving a high-profile player and franchise in recent years. The unresolved case has also affected player movement across the league. A proposed trade that would send Leonard from the Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been placed on hold until the NBA completes its investigation. While both organizations are still believed to support the deal, league rules prevent the transaction from being finalized while the inquiry remains active. The extended timeline has created uncertainty for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Leonard’s future remains undecided, with the outcome of the investigation expected to play a significant role in determining when, or if, the trade can move forward. Another potential complication involves the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which could challenge any disciplinary action through arbitration if it believes the NBA lacks sufficient evidence to justify sanctions. Such a move could further prolong the process, adding another layer of legal review before the matter reaches a conclusion. Kawhi Leonard has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he has not violated league rules. The Los Angeles Clippers have also strongly rejected claims that they breached the NBA’s salary cap regulations. In a statement, the franchise said it has fully cooperated with the league throughout the investigation. According to the team, it has participated in numerous interviews, provided extensive documentation, and granted investigators access to staff members in an effort to assist with the review. The Clippers also addressed allegations involving businessman Joe Sanberg and the financial company Aspiration, both of which have been linked to the investigation. The organization denied claims that it directed money to Leonard through Aspiration or any related arrangement. Instead, the franchise argued that it was itself harmed by an alleged fraudulent scheme connected to Sanberg. The team stated that, like several investors, financial institutions, and business partners, it was a victim of fraud rather than a participant in any improper financial activity. According to the Clippers, Sanberg has already been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the organization insists that those events are separate from any suggestion that it attempted to circumvent NBA financial rules. The NBA has not announced when the investigation will conclude or whether any disciplinary measures will ultimately be imposed. Until a final decision is reached, Leonard’s proposed move to Toronto will remain on hold, leaving both franchises awaiting clarity on one of the league’s most closely watched investigations.

Pakistan women’s football team player Maryam Mahmood has become the first Pakistani female footballer to be included on the International Honours Board of Wrexham FC Women. The British football club has also recognised Pakistan men’s team player Umar Nawaz on its International Honours Board. Wrexham FC honoured Mahmood after she represented Pakistan at the international level. Speaking about the achievement, Mahmood said she was extremely happy and proud to see her name on the honours board. She described her journey of representing Pakistan internationally as “incredible” and said seeing her name alongside the club’s legends felt surreal. She added that she could not find enough words to express her emotions about representing Pakistan. Mahmood said making her international debut for Pakistan and receiving strong support from fans was an unforgettable experience. She added that inspiring the younger generation is one of her personal goals. The footballer also recalled her experience of playing three matches for Pakistan in Ivory Coast. She said scoring a goal for Pakistan against Turks and Caicos was particularly special for her. Mahmood further said that she did not have a female role model while growing up. She expressed happiness at having the opportunity to become a role model for young girls and inspire them to pursue football. Her recognition by Wrexham FC marks another significant achievement in her career and highlights the growing presence of Pakistani women in international football.