AP Sports Digest
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.
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UPCOMING
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AP Sports Digest
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.
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UPCOMING
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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY
RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-NBC-BROTHERS
DESCRIPTION: Donna Brothers has been an integral part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage since it acquired the rights to the race in 2001.Saturday will be Brothers’ final Run for the Roses. She decided two years ago that this would be her last year, but did not announce it publicly until last week. By Joe Reedy. 800 words, photo.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: While Todd Pletcher-trained Renegade opened as the favorite, the 152nd Kentucky Derby is about as wide open as it gets. Brad Cox has two contenders in Commandment and Further Ado, Cherie DeVaux is aiming to be the first woman to train a Derby winner with Golden Tempo and more than half the field of 20 has a legitimate chance to cross the finish line first. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT
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RAC--WOMEN OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY
DESCRIPTION: Kentucky Oaks Friday moving to prime time is putting the best 3-year-old fillies in the spotlight. But from Donna Brothers on television to Lindsay Schanzer producing behind the scenes, Kentucky Derby week has many women making the race happen. On the track, Cherie DeVeaux has the chance to be the first woman to train a Derby winner. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT
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WITH: RAC--KENTUCKY OAKS
DESCRIPTION: Zany, trained by Todd Pletcher, leads a field of 14 fillies in the 152nd rendition of the Kentucky Oaks, run in prime time under the lights for the first time. By Stephen Whyno. Post time is 8:40 p.m. EDT. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT
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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE
BKN--KNICKS ADVANCE
DESCRIPTION: Atlanta tested New York in their Eastern Conference first-round series, forcing the Knicks to make offensive changes. The Knicks were unbeatable after those were installed, and a historic rout sent them rolling into Round 2 of the NBA playoffs. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKN--LAKERS-ROCKETS
DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers look to close out their first-round series with the Houston Rockets in Game 6 after losing two straight. By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 400 words. Photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT
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CAR--F1-MIAMI GRAND PRIX
DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cadillac hits the track in the United States for the first time as the rookie Formula 1 team makes its North American debut at the Miami Grand Prix. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: Round 2 of the Cadillac Championship takes place Friday, with Cameron Young starting the day with a one-shot lead at Doral. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BBO--MLB OFFENSE
DESCRIPTION: Walks are up while catchers have a far better success rate in ball/strike challenges through the season’s first full month. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 450 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
DESCRIPTION: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Stewart Cink took a share of the lead into the second round of the Regions Tradition in a bid to win consecutive senior majors. 200 words.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico — Melanie Green and Brianna Do share the lead in the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, with Nelly Korda two shots behind going into the second round in Mexico. 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE
WITH: HKN--LIGHTNING-CANADIENS
DESCRIPTION: MONTREAL — Tampa Bay visits Montreal, needing a win to force a Game 7 in their first-round playoff series. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT
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WITH: HKN--SABRES-BRUINS
DESCRIPTION: BOSTON — The Boston Bruins staved off elimination with an overtime road win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5. The Bruins will look to do it again when the series shifts back to Boston, where Buffalo won Games 3 and 4. By Kyle Hightower. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/01/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT
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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-MAMMOTH
DESCRIPTION: SALT LAKE CITY — The Vegas Golden Knights take a 3-2 lead into Game 6 at the Utah Mammoth. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/02/2026 01:00 a.m. EDT
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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HKN--OILERS-DUCKS
Carlsson, Terry lead Ducks to 5-2 win in Game 6, eliminating the 2-time conference champ Oilers
SUMMARY: The Anaheim Ducks eliminated Connor McDavid the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers with a 5-2 victory in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry and Chris Kreider had a goal and two assists apiece, while Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist. Ryan Poehling scored the opening goal and Lukas Dostal made 25 saves in the upstart Ducks’ first playoff series victory since 2017. Connor Murphy and Vasily Podkolzin scored as Edmonton followed up its worst regular season since 2021 by going out in the first round for the first time since that season.
WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 05/01/2026 12:59 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12f5ce23aae5750d710f22ad817ec6ef&mediaType=text
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BKN--NUGGETS-TIMBERWOLVES
Jaden McDaniels leads Timberwolves on both ends of the court in 110-98 clincher to oust Nuggets in 6
SUMMARY: Jaden McDaniels had 32 points and 10 rebounds and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 24 points in a surprise start for the injury-ravaged Minnesota Timberwolves in a 110-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 that finished off another tense NBA playoff series between the rivals. The Timberwolves went big with their top three guards missing to injuries for a 64-40 advantage in points in the paint and an 50-33 edge in rebounding. Nikola Jokic had 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds to lead the Nuggets. Minnesota will start the second round at San Antonio on Monday.
WORDS: 564 - MOVED: 05/01/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b1e106f0555717ea6e2a38a0c9210c1&mediaType=text
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HKN--STARS-WILD
Wild beat Stars 5-2 for first playoff series win in 11 years
SUMMARY: Quinn Hughes led Minnesota to its first playoff series victory in 11 years, scoring twice in the Wild’s 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 6 on Thursday night. Minnesota will face Presidents’ Trophy winner Colorado in the second round. The Avalanche have not played since sweeping Los Angeles on Sunday. The Wild won a playoff series for the first time in 10 tries since 2015. They lost to Dallas in the first round in 2016 and 2023. After Hughes broke a tie midway through the third period, Matt Boldy scored his team-leading fifth and sixth goals of the series into empty nets to seal it. Vladimir Tarasenko also scored and Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque scored for Dallas.
WORDS: 559 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 11:59 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b531b15cf8fd20a17deeea4665462cc4&mediaType=text
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BKN--KNICKS-HAWKS
Knicks crush Hawks in record-setting 140-89 Game 6 rout to end Atlanta’s season
SUMMARY: The New York Knicks ended the Atlanta Hawks’ season in dominant fashion with a 140-89 win for their biggest postseason win. The Knicks’ 40-15 lead at the end of the first quarter was the largest of the shot clock era. Their 47-point halftime lead was the biggest in playoff history. Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson were ejected after a fight in the second quarter. The Knicks exceed 100 points with 8:21 remaining in the third quarter. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points. The Knicks will face the winner of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
WORDS: 369 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 11:29 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:984a01a2361ae92f0388dae73facbcb2&mediaType=text
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BKN--KNICKS-HAWKS-EJECTIONS
Daniels, Robinson ejected after fight, part of one-sided series-clinching win for Knicks over Hawks
SUMMARY: Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson have been ejected from Game 6 of the Hawks vs. Knicks playoff series after a fight led to offsetting technical fouls. The incident happened Thursday night. OG Anunoby extended the Knicks’ lead to 50 points with a pair of free throws and 4:39 remaining in the first half. Robinson boxed out Daniels, sparking a scuffle that sent an official to the floor. Players from both teams got involved. Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu and Knicks’ Jalen Brunson held Robinson back as the fight moved toward courtside fans. Atlanta’s 83-36 deficit was the largest at halftime in NBA playoff history.
WORDS: 259 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 10:54 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f4543381cbf075533de04d249f486a0f&mediaType=text
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BBO--GIANTS-PHILLIES-GAME 2
Schwarber delivers as Phillies rally again to beat Giants 6-5 in 10 innings for doubleheader sweep
SUMMARY: Kyle Schwarber hit a tying double with two outs in the ninth inning, Alec Bohm delivered with his glove and bat in the 10th, and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 to sweep their split doubleheader. Philadelphia trailed in the ninth inning of both games before rallying for two walk-off wins on the same day for the first time since July 24, 1998, a pair of 12-inning victories against the Florida Marlins. Schwarber homered in the first inning of each game. Trea Turner launched a leadoff shot on Adrian Houser’s first pitch in the nightcap, and Schwarber followed with a 446-foot drive to right-center for his 11th homer this season.
WORDS: 442 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 10:45 p.m. EDT
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BKN--KNICKS-HAWKS-HALFTIME ROUT
A 47-point halftime lead! Knicks enjoy a rout for the ages over Hawks in Game 6
SUMMARY: The biggest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. The most points and most lopsided win in New York Knicks postseason history, too. By any measure, what the Knicks did to the Atlanta Hawks was a historic blowout. The final score: Knicks 140, Hawks 89 on Thursday night in Game 6 of the teams’ Eastern Conference first-round series. New York won the series 4-2, after losing Games 2 and 3 by exactly one point apiece — and then winning the next three games by 16, 29 and 51 points, respectively.
WORDS: 716 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 10:26 p.m. EDT
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BKL--FEVER-CLARK’S HOMECOMING
Caitlin Clark scores 21 points, gives the Fever a brief scare in her 1st home game in 9 months
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark’s first home game in more than nine months was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, she gave the Indiana Fever and fans a scare. Clark crumpled to the ground early in the third quarter when Dallas forward Alanna Smith collided with her leg on a shot attempt, and then limped toward the bench as she walked off the injury during a replay review that resulted in a Flagrant 1 call. The two-time All-Star then made two free throws before departing and watching the rest of the game from the bench. She finished with 21 points in a 95-80 loss to the Dallas Wings. Paige Bueckers scored 20 points in 20 minutes in a game featuring the WNBA’s last two Rookie of the Year Award winners.
WORDS: 716 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 9:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17549271a99c96db183c052b979a0b6f&mediaType=text
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SOC--MLS-WHITECAPS-LAS VEGAS
Investment group comes forward to buy the Vancouver Whitecaps and move team to Las Vegas
SUMMARY: An investment group has come forward to buy the Vancouver Whitecaps and relocate the Major League Soccer club to Las Vegas. The group is led by Grant Gustavson, grandson of B. Wayne Hughes, the founder of Public Storage. The Whitecaps were put up for sale 16 months ago but no potential buyers had emerged publicly until Thursday. Major League Soccer has said it would “evaluate all options” for the future of the Whitecaps, including a possible move. The team currently plays at BC Place, which will host seven games of this summer’s World Cup. But the league has said the lease situation with the stadium is untenable and would prefer a soccer-specific stadium for the team.
WORDS: 666 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 8:03 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d726b077b81d4d9d7c5a8a76370f7ad&mediaType=text
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SOC--WCUP-FIFA CONGRESS
Gianni Infantino affirms at the FIFA Congress that Iran will participate in the World Cup
SUMMARY: FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened his address at the FIFA Congress by affirming that Iran will participate in the World Cup and that the team will play in the United States despite the conflict between the two nations. In an indication of how fraught the situation is with Iran’s participation in the tournament, representatives from the Iranian soccer federation were denied entry into Canada this week. Infantino also addressed ticket prices while Canadian officials basked in their role as hosts of the World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico. The World Cup starts on June 11 and the final is scheduled for July 19.
WORDS: 850 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 7:21 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5580c8a59a11158f8c16059cea428169&mediaType=text
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SOC--FIFA CONGRESS-ISRAEL-PALESTINE
Palestinian and Israeli soccer officials refuse to shake hands at FIFA Congress
SUMMARY: Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s soccer governing body, during a tense moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday. After the two men addressed the congress, they were called on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They stood far apart from each other and Rajoub protested loudly away from microphones before leaving the stage. Rajoub called on FIFA to address the Palestine Football Association’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulation by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements.
WORDS: 423 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 7:18 p.m. EDT
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HKN--FACEOFF
Sabres, Golden Knights and Canadiens look to close out their 1st-round series in huge Game 6 slate
SUMMARY: Closeout time has arrived in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the pressure to avoid a Game 7 is squarely on Montreal, Buffalo and Vegas. A tantalizing tripleheader of Game 6 action begins with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s visit to the Canadiens and the Sabres’ trip to Boston, with the Golden Knights visiting the Utah Mammoth in the nightcap. Only Montreal has the chance to clinch its series at home, but its matchup with Tampa Bay has already included five one-goal games and three overtimes.
WORDS: 1240 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 6:48 p.m. EDT
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BBO--METS-WEAVER
Weaver says losing is weighing on Mets, who find season suffocating after 17th loss in 20 games
SUMMARY: Luke Weaver thinks losing is weighing on the Mets and New York is being suffocated by its poor play. Weaver gave up a go-ahead, two-run homer to CJ Abrams in the eighth inning that lifted the Washington Nationals to a 5-4 win Thursday and dealt the Mets their 17th defeat in 20 games. New York is a major league-worst 10-21. The team’s .323 winning percentage through April is its fourth-lowest behind poor starts in 1962, 1964 and 1981. The Mets are 27th among the 30 major league teams with a .227 batting average, 29th with 106 runs and 30th with a .631 OPS.
WORDS: 929 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 6:37 p.m. EDT
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GLF--SAUDI SPORTS INVESTMENTS
LIV Golf isn’t the only sports property being reconsidered in Saudi reboot of investment strategy
SUMMARY: The billionaires in Saudi Arabia are pulling the plug on LIV Golf. It won’t be the first mega sports project they’ve given up on recently. Over the last several weeks, the Saudis have bailed on a Winter Olympics-style sports festival and sold one of their best soccer teams, all while shifting the strategy of their multibillion-dollar investment fund that bankrolls it all. It follows an era in which the fund poured staggering sums of money into various sports ventures around the world. Soccer has been a centerpiece — the country is hosting the 2034 World Cup, while PIF owns a majority stake in Newcastle of the Premier League and bolsters the Saudi Pro League. The fund has also spent big on men’s and women’s pro tennis, Formula 1, boxing and more.
WORDS: 1267 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 6:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3d816dea005fa158fd5dd2c467cc58f&mediaType=text
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BBO--SKIDDING PIRATES
Pirates ace Paul Skenes has beaten just about everybody ... except the St. Louis Cardinals
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Cardinals have been able to do what most other major league teams have not: beat Pirates ace Paul Skenes consistently. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner fell to 0-5 all-time against the Cardinals when he took the loss in a 10-5 defeat that gave St. Louis a four-game sweep of the early-season series at PNC Park. Skenes’ ERA against St. Louis is a more than respectable 2.95, but Pirates manager Don Kelly noted the Cardinals are more focused on swinging away than trying to work the count against Skenes. Pittsburgh’s fifth straight loss dropped the Pirates to 16-16 as May begins.
WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 6:11 p.m. EDT
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BKC--DUKE-PRIME VIDEO
Amazon’s Prime Video dives into college sports in partnership with Duke men’s basketball
SUMMARY: Streaming provider Prime Video is diving into college sports by partnering with one of college basketball’s biggest brands: Duke. Amazon and Duke announced Thursday they had reached a multiyear agreement to broadcast three of the Blue Devils’ neutral-site nonconference matchups per season. This marks the first college partnership for Prime Video, which has already taken on live broadcasts of NFL and NBA games among other sports. Duke’s games against UConn, Michigan and Gonzaga next year are set to appear on Prime Video.
WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 5:53 p.m. EDT
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GLF--CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP
Cameron Young makes big putts to take early lead at Cadillac Championship in tour’s Doral return
SUMMARY: Cameron Young made, by his own count, about a billion feet worth of putts. Jordan Spieth was, to use his own word, a nerd. Both approaches were optimal in the opening round of the Cadillac Championship. Young shot a bogey-free round of 8-under 64 on Thursday, taking a one-shot lead over Spieth and Alex Smalley at Trump International Doral to open the $20 million signature event. It’s the first PGA Tour event at the course in 10 years. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler shot an opening round 71.
WORDS: 704 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 5:53 p.m. EDT
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FBN--BRONCOS-NIX
Broncos QB Bo Nix expected to be ready for training camp after right ankle cleanup, AP source says
SUMMARY: Bo Nix is expected to be ready for training camp and the regular season after a cleanup procedure on his right ankle. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Nix had a scheduled post-operative visit with his surgeon. The Broncos might be cautious with Nix following the surgery. He has been working out at the team’s headquarters, but backup quarterbacks will likely share snaps ahead of training camp in late July. Coach Sean Payton confirmed Nix’s visit last week but didn’t provide details. Nix was injured during the playoffs but is reportedly ahead of schedule for OTAs and games.
WORDS: 385 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 5:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c680026b4e9259e07982cb183ce34009&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-MIAMI GRAND PRIX
F1 returns at Miami after a 5-week break as FIA rolls out rule changes
SUMMARY: Formula 1 returns to action at the Miami Grand Prix following an unexpected five-week break when a pair of races in the Middle East were called off because of the war in Iran. The time off gave the FIA time to make changes to the regulations that drivers heavily criticized after the first three races of the year because of how the electrical battery power has changed the cars and competition. Will it help? Max Verstappen, who has been so vocal about his dislike of the current cars that he’s openly considering leaving F1, called the changes “a tickle.”
WORDS: 832 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 4:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65f443c71148d2ea86b033aeb0641963&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-APPLE TV-MIAMI
Apple TV is using Miami race weekend to showcase its 1st year carrying Formula 1
SUMMARY: Formula 1’s return from an unplanned month long hiatus is not only a time to see how rules tweaks will work. It also offers an opportunity for Apple TV to have a second launch in its first year as F1’s U.S. broadcast partner. Hopes are high that casual viewers of the sport will be able to increase audiences especially with this weekend’s race in Miami. Apple reached a five-year deal with the global motorsports series last fall. Miami is the first race since the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29. The Iran war forced F1 to call off April’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
WORDS: 710 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 3:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:215873e7262527c52738a8387c79053b&mediaType=text
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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-JAPANESE RACING
Horse racing in Japan is on the rise. A Kentucky Derby winner could be next
SUMMARY: While horse racing grapples with an uncertain future in many parts of the U.S., the sport is thriving in Japan with millions of dollars being poured into everything from breeding to training. The sport began gaining popularity there in the 1980s after the founding of the Japan Cup, with a focus on turf racing. Interest in dirt racing has come along over the past decade or so and put Japan closer and closer to winning the Kentucky Derby. There are two more opportunities this year with Danon Bourbon and homebred Wonder Dean set to run.
WORDS: 726 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 3:57 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e889f06d4ff15a29fda50bf7f7ce9ac&mediaType=text
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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-FATHERS AND SONS
The Delgados and Motts make the Kentucky Derby a fathers and sons event
SUMMARY: Father’s Day is not waiting for June this year in horse racing. It’s Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. The father-son training duo of Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr. return to Churchill Downs with The Puma after winning the Derby with Mage in 2023. Bill Mott is looking to go back to back with Chief Wallabee, but this time he’ll have to contend with son Riley, who has his first Derby horses in Albus and Incredibolt. While Delgado Jr. doesn’t plan to train once his dad is done, Riley always wanted to start his own stable after studying under his Hall of Fame father.
WORDS: 701 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 3:52 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87b9477d9c648e8079dae8453f91c720&mediaType=text
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GLF--LIV GOLF
LIV Golf has a new chairman and seeks new funding without Saudi backing
SUMMARY: LIV Golf has a new chairman and a new strategy to move forward after Saudi Arabian funding ends after this year. That Saudi funding is what allowed the rival league to launch four years ago by offering nine-figure contracts to top stars and $30 million prize funds. Yasir Al-Rumayyan is no longer chairman of LIV Golf. He’s the Public Investment Fund governor who was behind the creation of LIV Golf. The league is turning to Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to lead the new direction. The development comes during a week when LIV Golf postponed next month’s even in New Orleans.
WORDS: 1015 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 2:35 p.m. EDT
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SOC--CANADA-IRAN-FIFA
Canadian official backs up report that Iranian soccer chief was denied entry for FIFA event
SUMMARY: Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says it is her “understanding” that Iranian soccer officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup. Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But she says the denial was “unintentional.” Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The FIFA Congress is set to start Thursday.
WORDS: 306 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 2:13 p.m. EDT
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