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.

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UPCOMING

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BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

BKN--HAWKS-KNICKS

DESCRIPTION: The New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. By Brian Mahoney. 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN--RAPTORS-CAVALIERS

DESCRIPTION: The Cavaliers host the Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round series. By Joe Reedy. 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-NUGGETS

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets in their first-round playoff series. By Pat Graham. 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 6:40 p.m. EDT

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BKN--ROCKETS-LAKERS

DESCRIPTION: LeBron James and the Lakers are set to host Kevin Durant and the Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series. By Greg Beacham. 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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HKN--NHL POSTSEASON COVERAGE

HKN--WILD-STARS

DESCRIPTION: The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild open their long-expected series in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. By Stephen Hawkins. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--SENATORS-HURRICANES

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. By Aaron Beard. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--FLYERS-PENGUINS

DESCRIPTION: The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins open the first round of their playoff series on Saturday night in Pittsburgh. By Will Graves. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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DESCRIPTION: In ending their NHL-record 14-season playoff drought, the Atlantic Division-winning Buffalo Sabres seek to rekindle an old rivalry by facing the Boston Bruins in a first-round series that opens Sunday. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--KINGS-AVALANCHE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Anze Kopitar finished his last regular season with the Los Angeles Kings. The longtime captain aims to extend his final playoff run. The Kings face a tough challenge against the Colorado Avalanche, the league’s top team. Game 1 is Sunday at Ball Arena. Colorado boasts star players Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The Avalanche set a franchise record with 121 points this season. They also allowed the fewest goals in the league. The Kings have struggled against Colorado, losing all three matchups this season. Kopitar, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, remains hopeful as the playoffs begin. By Pat Graham. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Marie-Louise Eta will make history as the first female head coach in a major European men’s soccer league when she takes charge of Union Berlin against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. Borussia Dortmund visits Hoffenheim.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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ATH--BOSTON MARATHON-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A look at the favorites in Monday’s Boston Marathon. By Jimmy Golen. 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 5:10 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--MICHIGAN-SPRING

DESCRIPTION: Michigan wraps up its first spring with new coach Kyle Whittingham, who is hoping to help quarterback Bryce Underwood play closer to his potential this year. By Larry Lage. 550 words.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Marseille and Lille are in action with both sides chasing a Champions League spot. Marseille goes to Lorient and Lille hosts struggling Nice. By Jerome Pugmire.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--RBC HERITAGE

DESCRIPTION: Matt Fitzpatrick had a one-shot lead over Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland going into the third round of the RBC Heritage. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GYM--NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

DESCRIPTION: Minnesota will be making its first appearance in the national final at the NCAA gymnastics championships on Saturday along with Oklahoma, LSU and Florida, which have combined for 11 titles.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Brian Gay and Scott Hend shared the lead in the third round of the Senior PGA Championship, with Stewart Cink among those two shots back. 450 words.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: Sei Young Kim took a one-stroke lead into the weekend in the JM Eagle LA Championship, the final event before the first women’s major of the season. 450 words.

UPCOMING: By 04/18/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--WARRIORS-KERR’S FUTURE

Warriors coach Steve Kerr uncertain about his future, notes ‘these jobs all have an expiration date’

SUMMARY: Golden State coach Steve Kerr isn’t sure about his future, saying after the Warriors saw their season end Friday night that he’ll take some time to decompress before gathering with the team’s leadership and figuring out what’s next. He suggested that there is at least a chance that he might not return. Kerr has guided the Warriors to four NBA titles and six Western Conference titles in his 12 seasons with Golden State.

WORDS: 504 - MOVED: 04/18/2026 1:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:766416d54d211bcfc690b76eb9e9d491&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-SUNS

Green scores 36 points, Suns lock down Warriors, Curry in 111-96 win in NBA’s play-in tourney

SUMMARY: Jalen Green scored 36 points, Devin Booker added 20 and the Phoenix Suns locked down Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, winning 111-96 in the NBA’s play-in tournament Friday night. The Suns took the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Game 1. Green shot 14 of 20 from the field, including 8 of 14 on 3-pointers. Booker and Golden State’s Draymond Green were both assessed two technical fouls late in the fourth quarter after exchanging words multiple times and were ejected. The 38-year-old Curry couldn’t get many clean looks and finished with 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points.

WORDS: 401 - MOVED: 04/18/2026 12:56 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bd5ab4ee73cd397304827cdfd24f5b2&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAGIC-DESPERATION

The Magic found the formula for making the playoffs. For them, it was called desperation

SUMMARY: The Orlando Magic found their winning formula. Desperation works. Works wonders, actually. Facing elimination and clearly wanting no part of it, the Magic might have put together one of their best performances of the season Friday night. They rolled past the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in an Eastern Conference play-in game, moving into the playoffs for the third straight season and getting a matchup with top-seeded Detroit as their reward.

WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 11:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d7a8f33cd2b95378b0df7d4479277e5&mediaType=text

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BKN--HORNETS-MAGIC

Magic rout Hornets 121-90 in play-in game, advance to face Pistons in 1st round of playoffs

SUMMARY: Paolo Banchero scored 25 points and the Orlando Magic built a 35-point lead in the first half on the way to a 121-90 rout of Charlotte Hornets in a play-in tournament game on Friday night and advanced to a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic earned the No. 8 seed in playoffs and will start their best-of-seven series at Detroit on Sunday. LaMelo Ball scored 21 of his 23 points in the third quarter for Charlotte. Banchero had 12 points and Wendell Carter Jr. added 10 as the Hornets shot 5 for 20 with six turnovers in the first quarter and fell behind 38-16.

WORDS: 388 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 11:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b86afbfb2d39c6b253db323cec73b729&mediaType=text

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BBO--PADRES SALE

San Diego Padres are nearing a whopping sale, AP source says

SUMMARY: The family of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler is nearing a sale of the team, a person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Padres aren’t commenting publicly on the process. The Wall Street Journal first reported the progress of a deal with private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. While the deal hasn’t been finalized, the team is expected to be sold for $3.9 billion, a record valuation for a Major League Baseball team.

WORDS: 841 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 10:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd7c380dc7b569aebf428239e3e5db51&mediaType=text

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BKO--OBIT-OSCAR SCHMIDT

Oscar Schmidt, Basketball Hall of Famer from Brazil, dies at 68

SUMMARY: Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer known to his Brazilian compatriots as the “Holy Hand,” died Friday. He was 68. Schmidt’s family said in a statement that he fought a brain tumor for 15 years “with courage, dignity and resilience . . . while remaining a role model of determination, generosity and love of life.” Schmidt is beloved in Brazil for committing to the national team for 19 years and becoming one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. He also starred in a historic victory over the United States in the final of the 1987 Pan American Games.

WORDS: 942 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 10:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95a479e36c285f6d93158b5373359163&mediaType=text

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BBO--OBIT-GARRET ANDERSON

Garret Anderson, the talented outfielder and Angels career hits leader, dies at 53

SUMMARY: Former Angels outfielder Garret Anderson has died. He was 53. The multitalented player became the Angels’ career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title. The Angels announced Anderson’s death without immediately disclosing the cause or location. Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder. He was a fixture in the heart of their batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise’s leader in hits, RBIs and games played among many other achievements. Anderson was a three-time AL All-Star from 2002-05.

WORDS: 756 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 9:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5129ae839e84c676dfb38c4a6a65197e&mediaType=text

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GLF--LIV-MEXICO

Jon Rahm keeps his focus on golf as LIV CEO’s interview raises more questions about tour’s future

SUMMARY: Jon Rahm says he isn’t worried about the future of LIV Golf despite uncertainty about its funding. The two-time major champion has shown it’s not affecting his golf. After a poor week at the Masters, Rahm has started 65-67 for a one-shot lead at LIV Golf Mexico. Speculation centers around Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund cutting financial backing of the rival golf league. Scott O’Neil is the CEO of LIV. He has told the staff funding would continue without interruption. But in another interview, he suggests the league will have to “work like crazy” to create a business plan.

WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 8:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4bf5fe0a5f91f804abc6adf463a0ca86&mediaType=text

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GLF--RBC HERITAGE

Matt Fitzpatrick rides a good bounce and great golf to a 63 to lead Viktor Hovland at Hilton Head

SUMMARY: Matt Fitzpatrick has a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland going into the weekend at the RBC Heritage. Fitzpatrick took advantage of one big break when his shot on the par-3 14th caromed onto the green and narrowly avoided the water. He made a 30-footer for birdie. But it was mostly great golf that led to 63. Hovland played in the tough afternoon wind for a 65. Harris English was four behind. Fitzpatrick played bogey-free on a day of 20 double bogeys for the rest of the field. Scottie Scheffler hit all 14 fairways and shot 67. He was seven back.

WORDS: 820 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 6:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b257f9a13d7d8287ff04c4a0824e24a&mediaType=text

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HKN--WILD-STARS PREVIEW

Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild finally set for Game 1 in long-expected 1st-round NHL playoff series

SUMMARY: The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are getting ready to start a first-round playoff series that has been expected for months. Game 1 is Saturday in Dallas between the teams that spent most of the season second and third in the Central Division behind President’s Trophy winner Colorado. The Stars and Wild each won twice and scored 13 goals over their four games during the regular season. Dallas pretty much secured home-ice with a 5-4 win over the Wild on April 9, a game with 12 roughing penalties. Both teams boast 40-goal scorers, with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy for the Wild, and Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston for the Stars.

WORDS: 919 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 6:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4a1a7c1c147162e468305bf4774a069a&mediaType=text

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BKN--ROCKETS-LAKERS PREVIEW

Kevin Durant, LeBron James meet in playoffs for 4th time when Rockets visit short-handed Lakers

SUMMARY: LeBron James and Kevin Durant have faced each other in the playoffs three times, and the superstar with the superior supporting cast won a championship every time. That’s why Durant and his Houston Rockets are favored over James’ Los Angeles Lakers when they meet for the fourth time this month. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are sidelined indefinitely with injuries, leaving James to lead another team against a superior opponent. Durant is hoping his first postseason with the Rockets will be memorable. Game 1 is Saturday night in Los Angeles.

WORDS: 1044 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 6:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:415f374438213c3900136ff856cffcb8&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-CUBS

Ballesteros, Hoerner and Happ homer as Cubs hand Mets their 9th straight loss in 12-4 romp

SUMMARY: Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ homered, and the Chicago Cubs handed the Mets their ninth straight loss, pounding New York 12-4. The Mets’ skid is their worst since the 2004 team dropped 11 straight. They’ve been outscored 56-16 during the streak. Chicago scored in double digits for the third straight game and major league-leading fourth time this season. Ballesteros made it 4-0 in the first with a three-run homer. Hoerner had three hits and drove in two runs after setting a career high with five RBIs in Wednesday’s 11-2 win at Philadelphia. The Mets’ Kodai Senga was tagged for seven runs in his second straight start.

WORDS: 349 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 5:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e697dc4ca5006e222b3c5327052e24fc&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-REESE

Now with Atlanta, Angel Reese says she is grateful for her 2 years in Chicago but wanted more

SUMMARY: Angel Reese is excited about the talent she’ll be surrounded with in Atlanta. The star forward had her introductory news conference with the Dream on Friday. Reese was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Sky. She says she was grateful for her time in Chicago but she wanted more. She says she wants to win and to be surrounded by people who can help her improve. Reese led the WNBA in rebounds in each of her two seasons in Chicago. She joins a team that won a franchise-record 30 games last season under coach Karl Smesko.

WORDS: 628 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 5:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac655045b933af0d8e7b10371b342525&mediaType=text

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US--BIRD-RAPINOE

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are breaking up and phasing out their podcast

SUMMARY: Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are splitting up. The sports power couple announced Friday that they are ending their 10-year relationship and phasing out their popular podcast, “A Touch More.” They dropped the news together on the podcast. Bird is considered one of the greatest women’s basketball players in history. Rapinoe rose to fame as a member of the Women’s World Cup team in 2011, 2015 and 2019. Bird said they will host six more special episodes of “A Touch More” as a farewell to fans.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 5:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4653e0ae13410fafe04612f11af363a8&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-ANDERSON

Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. lands a record $150M extension, top-paid non-QB in NFL

SUMMARY: Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has agreed to a three-year, $150 million contract extension making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That’s according to two people with knowledge of the deal told who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the deal had not yet been announced. The extension includes $134 million in guaranteed money. The $50 million per year Anderson will earn surpasses the $46.5 million per year defensive end Micah Parsons got when he signed a four-year extension with the Packers after a trade from Dallas last year.

WORDS: 239 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 3:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce57646afbf8971a4aa978e227a5fa6f&mediaType=text

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US-NFL IMPERSONATION-FRAUD

Prosecutors say makeup, wigs helped former Alabama tackle impersonate NFL players in $20M fraud

SUMMARY: A former defensive tackle at the University of Alabama is accused of wearing makeup and wigs to impersonate NFL players in a fraud scheme that bilked investors of $20 million. Federal prosecutors in Atlanta charged Luther Davis last month with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. An email and call to his attorney, Gabe Banks, on Friday were not immediately returned. According to a court filing, Davis is expected to plead guilty later this month. In a criminal complaint, prosecutors say Davis impersonated three separate NFL players. The complaint only identifies the NFL players by their initials.

WORDS: 329 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 2:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22b915201bf523037c31a27f1bdd5dec&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-MOCK DRAFT 3.0

AP Mock Draft 3.0: Real intrigue in NFL draft starts at No. 2 after Raiders take QB Fernando Mendoza

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza will get a chance to learn from Kirk Cousins before the Las Vegas Raiders give him an opportunity to start. The only question surrounding the Heisman Trophy winner is when he’ll make his debut. Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship, is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick in the NFL draft. The intrigue starts with the second pick. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese was widely considered the choice for the New York Jets but Texas Tech edge David Bailey has gained momentum.

WORDS: 1636 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6cf49781e89adc0f4fad631b2f16e305&mediaType=text

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US--SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

Transgender athlete focuses on what may be her last track season as Supreme Court ruling looms

SUMMARY: A West Virginia transgender girl who competes on her high school girls’ track team says she’s focused on having fun with her friends. Becky Pepper-Jackson isn’t dwelling on her case that was heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. In January, the court’s conservative majority signaled it would rule that state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports don’t violate either the Constitution or the federal law known as Title IX. Such a ruling would bring an end to Pepper-Jackson’s high school sports career. She finished third in the state meet a year ago in the discus as a freshman. The justices are expected to rule by early summer.

WORDS: 1194 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 1:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3121b7b76c44d4973015c3b7ed52a65a&mediaType=text

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AF--SOUTH AFRICA-MARATHON-CHEATING

Men caught competing in the women’s category of a prestigious South African marathon

SUMMARY: Two male runners in South Africa who were discovered fraudulently competing on behalf of female colleagues in a top marathon have been disqualified. They could face two-year bans from the event, along with the two women who swapped their bibs with the two men. The two men both finished within the top 10 in the women’s marathon at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town last Sunday, initially denying those slots to two female runners. But marathon board member Stuart Mann says the deception was discovered, and the men were disqualified from their 7th and 10th place finishes.

WORDS: 458 - MOVED: 04/17/2026 1:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:05092d282888805ba9384614274a33ad&mediaType=text