From Down Underdog to Wizard of Oz

The 2024 Australian Open that wrapped up this weekend was a thrilling tournament that saw some unexpected results. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title, defeating Qinwen Zheng in the final. Sabalenka is now a two-time Grand Slam champion and has established herself as one of the best players in the world. In the men's singles final, 22-year-old Jannik Sinner staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Daniil Medvedev in five sets, claiming his first Grand Slam title. Sinner became the youngest Australian Open champion since Pete Sampras in 1994. 

SailGP, a glimpse into the future of sport

SailGP is revolutionizing the world of sailing, taking it to exhilarating new heights. Just imagine Formula One cars moving on water. The speeds are terrifying to an observer. The closer you are the crazier it is. To those on the boat its insane. They are not riding aboard a sailboat, they are riding flying machines that skim across waves at breakneck speeds, hulls mere inches above the water. 

Squash's Olympic trials and tribulations are not over

The sport of squash is 200 years old and has had - at its peak - around 25 million regular participants hailing from almost every country on earth. Squash boasts a thriving international presence, with the PSA professional circuit drawing top talent from across the globe. From the powerhouse nations of Egypt, England, and France to rising stars in Peru, Colombia, and the US, the sport's competitive landscape is incredibly diverse and exciting. This global reach makes squash a perfect fit for the Olympics, where athletes from all corners of the world come together to celebrate excellence and sportsmanship.

Jon Rahm just jumped to the juggernaut that is LIV golf

A few days ago Jon Rahm seriously shocked the entire golf world by announcing he had quit the PGA Tour and had joined LIV Golf. Rahm is not just a PGA Tour pro. He is the reigning Masters champion, a long-time world number 1, and current number 3 behind Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. He is an in-form golfer and is one the highest paid players on the PGA tour right now. And for years now, Rahm has been publicly expressing his loyalty to the PGA Tour. And, at the same time, he has been criticizing the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.  Hence everyone's surprise at this news.

Cape Town Sevens rugby result

Yesterday, December 10th 2023, beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, hosted the final day of the second leg of the HSBC Sevens Series Rugby in perfect weather.  All the Men's and Women's teams played quarterfinals, semis and finals rugby matches on Sunday in front of a boisterous rugby-mad crowd. 

The Rise of the NIL Valuation for College Athletes, like gymnast Livvy Dunne

The landmark 2022 NIL ("Name, Image, Likeness") rule change has fundamentally transformed the landscape of college athletics. For the first time, student-athletes are now able to profit from their NIL, opening up a world of new opportunities and challenges. One of the most significant developments in the NIL era has been the creation of NIL valuations.

College Linebacker uses NIL funds to invest in the Formula 1 of sailing

The landscape of professional sports is constantly evolving, and with it comes new opportunities for athletes to invest in their future. One such opportunity is the Avenue Sports Fund, a recently launched investment vehicle that aims to provide athletes with access to a diverse portfolio of sports-related assets. Founded by Marc Lasry, the chairman and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, the Avenue Sports Fund is targeting athletes who are looking to diversify their portfolios and take a more active role in the future of sports. The fund's investment strategy focuses on three key areas:

Landmark NIL decision has changed the game for college athletes

In 2022, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) made a landmark decision that has fundamentally changed the landscape of college sports. The NIL rule change, which allows student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), has ushered in a new era of opportunities and challenges for athletes, universities, and companies alike.  

Max Verstappen Takes Victory in Action-Packed Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix

Yesterday was the much-hyped relaunch of Formula 1 racing in Las Vegas, after a wait of 40 years.  It was a star-studded affair as you can imagine, with the likes of Shaq, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, Gordon Ramsay, Usain Bolt, Lindsey Vonn, and Lupita all there for the event. The race did not disappoint. Current world champion, Max Verstappen, emerged victorious in a thrilling race that featured plenty of overtaking and drama. The Dutchman overcame a five-second time penalty to beat rivals Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez to the checkered flag. 

Oakland Loses in Vegas, Again: The A's Join Raiders in Leaving Bay Area

The Oakland A's have followed in the footsteps of the Raiders and joined the Las Vegas exodus. The Major League Baseball team announced its relocation to Las Vegas in November 2023, marking another major blow to the Bay Area's sports landscape. 

World Rugby Classic Bermuda: A Week of Legends and Camaraderie

World Rugby Classic Bermuda is a unique event that brings together former international rugby players, most of whom are over 33 years old, for a week of intense competition and camaraderie. Taking place annually over the week of Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day, the tournament provides a stage for these legends to relive their glory days while showcasing their enduring passion for the sport. This year, the competition was fiercer than ever, with teams from France, USA, Canada, Ireland, Argentina, Italy, the British Lions, and South Africa battling it out for the coveted trophy. 

Texas Rangers, your first time World Series winners

In a historic five-game series that ended yesterday, November 1st 2023, the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks to claim their first-ever World Series title. The Rangers, who entered the playoffs as a wild card team, defied all odds to make their way to the Fall Classic. They then proceeded to dominate the Diamondbacks, winning four of the five games by an average margin of three runs. 

The Springboks do it again, 4 time world champs!

                               

In a thrilling display of grit and determination, on October 28th 2023 South Africa etched their names in Rugby World Cup history once again, defeating New Zealand 12-11 in a nail-biting final at Stade de France in Saint-Denis (Paris), France. This triumph marked South Africa's fourth Rugby World Cup title, cementing their position as one of the sport's most dominant teams. From the outset, the match was a tense affair, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. South Africa's resolute defense, led by captain Siya Kolisi, proved to be a formidable obstacle for the All Blacks, who struggled to break through their unwavering wall of green and gold. South Africa's flyhalf Handre Pollard proved to be the difference-maker on the night, maintaining his 100% kicking record in Paris and guiding the ball through the posts with four crucial penalties. His accuracy and composure under immense pressure were instrumental in maintaining South Africa's lead throughout the match.  

How a US billionaire's investment will grow the sport of squash worldwide

This summer (2023) it was announced that billionaire investor Mark Walter has made a major investment in the sport of squash (likely over $10 million). Walter, who is the co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea Football Club, has acquired a stake in Squash Media & Marketing (SMM), a commercial entity created and managed by the Professional Squash Association (PSA). The investment is part of a larger strategy to grow the sport of squash globally. 

The Last of the Mohicans

(Author's note: this article was originally written in September 2016. I thought I would repost it given that the sport of squash is being voted on soon by the LA 2028 Organizing Committee)

Six years ago I got terrible news.  The squash club just down the street from my home on 8th Avenue, where I played or coached almost every day, was finally scheduled to close permanently.  It was the last squash club that existed in downtown New York City and it closed its doors a short while later.  Hundreds of members of the squash club were shocked.  Playing squash was a ritual for many people, something which was abruptly taken away from them.

King Khan

(Author's note: Originally published in 2010; I am reposting this now because squash is about to get voted on by the LA 2028 Organizing Committee)

In my youth the best squash players I heard about were the two consecutive World Champions from Pakistan, Jahangir Khan and then Jansher Khan.  Given how long they remained at the top of the game, I naturally assumed they were the two best squash players up to that point in history.  But recently I discovered that there was another Khan, named Hashim, who preceded the other two by about two decades. And Hashim Khan may just have been better, given what he achieved and how he did it.  Either way, these Khans are three of the best players to have ever played the game.  I am sure anyone in Pakistan would tell you they are the three best ever.

Another global sport that Ryan Reynolds invests in

In November 2020, Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made headlines when they announced that they had purchased Wrexham AFC, a semi-professional football club in North Wales. The duo, who are known for their work on films and television shows such as Deadpool, Free Guy, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, had no prior experience in football management, but they were determined to turn Wrexham into a success. 

Ryan Reynolds invests in Formula One

 

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Michael B. Jordan are the latest celebrities to invest in Formula One, joining Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing. The deal struck this summer (2023) is reportedly worth €200 million, which values Alpine Racing at approximately £706 million. 

France Stuns All Blacks in Rugby World Cup Opener

And...we are back from a summer break with a bang! Last night, September 8th 2023, the Rugby World Cup kicked off as hosts France stunned the sport's most dominant team historically, the All Blacks, by 27 points to 13. The match, played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, was a pulsating affair that saw both teams trade blows in front of a passionate crowd. The French started brightly and took an early lead through a try from Damian Penaud. The All Blacks responded with a try of their own from Mark Telea, but France continued to press forward and were rewarded with a second try from Penaud, this time in the corner. The All Blacks fought back in the second half and reduced the deficit to just three points, but France were not to be denied. Two late tries from Melvyn Jaminet and Antoine Dupont sealed a memorable victory for the hosts. 

Is the world's toughest running race in the Sahara? (probably)

The Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 155-mile ultramarathon that is held every year in the Sahara Desert. It is considered to be one of the toughest foot races in the world, and is known for its extreme conditions, including scorching heat, blinding sandstorms, and high winds. The race is open to anyone who is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. In order to enter, participants must complete a qualifying race, such as a marathon or ultramarathon. They must also carry all of their own supplies, including food, water, and equipment, for the duration of the race. The Marathon des Sables is not for the faint of heart. It is a grueling test of endurance, and only the very best athletes are able to complete it. However, for those who are up for the challenge, it is an unforgettable experience that will test their limits and push them to their very best. 

A fresh face amongst golf's major winners

A week ago, on July 23rd 2023, US professional golfer Brian Harman won the 2023 British Open Championship in emphatic fashion. Harman is a PGA professional from Savannah, Georgia. He turned pro in 2009 and has since won three tour events, including the Open result.  He has made 238 out of 346 possible cuts on tour, had 26 Top 5 finishes, and made over $30 million in prize money. Curiously, he is described as a right-handed golfer who plays left-handed. He is known for his solid ball-striking and his ability to grind out rounds. He is also a very good putter, which has helped him to win several tournaments. Harman is a quiet and unassuming player who does not get a lot of attention. However, he is a very talented golfer who has quietly established himself as one of the best players on the PGA Tour.  

Jonas Vingegaard: The Danish Giant Who Conquered the Tour de France

Jonas Vingegaard is a Danish professional cyclist who rides for UCI WorldTeam Team Jumbo–Visma. He is the reigning champion of the Tour de France, having won the race in 2022. He is currently over ten minutes ahead of the second place cyclist and looks set to ride into Paris on Sunday (July 21st 2023) to reclaim his Tour title this year. Vingegaard was born in Hillerslev, Denmark, on December 10, 1996. He started cycling at a young age, and quickly showed promise in the sport. He turned professional in 2019, and joined Team Jumbo–Visma in 2020.  

A new king of the tennis court

Carlos Alcaraz is the new king of Wimbledon. Today, Sunday July 16th 2023, the 20-year-old Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets in the final, becoming the first player to win the title at such a young age since Boris Becker in 1985. 

Auckland Rugby Showdown

The All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby side, are the most successful rugby team in the world. They have won the Rugby World Cup three times and they have a winning percentage of over 77% in international matches. This means that any team that plays the All Blacks is facing a very tough challenge, and even more so when playing them on their home soil. New Zealand is a passionate rugby country. The All Blacks are considered national heroes, and the atmosphere at a rugby match in New Zealand is electric. This can be a major factor in home advantage, as the crowd can really get behind the team and create a hostile environment for the opposition. And the All Blacks have a unique playing style. They are known for their aggressive running game and their ability to score tries from anywhere on the field. This can be a very difficult style to defend against, especially in New Zealand, where the conditions are often favorable for running rugby. 

Danny Ricciardo will dazzle again

Daniel Ricciardo is an Australian racing driver who currently races in Formula One for the Red Bull second team, Scuderia AlphaTauri. He previously raced for Red Bull and this year was picked up as a test driver for the season, but this week (July 12th 2023) was promoted to the grid by Red Bull after they unceremoniously sacked rookie Nyck De Vries. 

Eubanks euphoria!

Chris Eubanks had a remarkable run at Wimbledon this year, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in his career. He started his break throughs in London with a 4-set win over British 12th seed, Cameron Norrie.  This week (July 11th 2023) Eubanks pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far, defeating world No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set match. Eubanks is playing in the quarterfinals against Medvedev tomorrow, Wednesday July 12th. Eubanks' performance at Wimbledon has been a major breakthrough for the American. He had never previously made it past the second round of a Grand Slam, and his run this year has seen him rise to a career-high ranking of No. 35 in the world. 

And your Major League Rugby winner is the New England Free Jacks

The 2023 Major League Rugby Championship Final was played today, Saturday July 8th 2023, at SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. The match featured the San Diego Legion and the New England Free Jacks, who were the top two teams in the league's regular season. The Legion entered the match as the favorites, having won a league-record 14 consecutive games. However, the Boston-based team were able to pull off the upset, winning 25-24.