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UPCOMING

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TEN FRENCH OPEN

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: TEN FRENCH OPEN NADAL IN RETIREMENT. 600 WORDS.

2. DESCRIPTION: Rafael Nadal is content in retirement. He says he hasn’t swung a tennis racket in the six months since the final match of his remarkable career. Eventually, he figures, he will do so again, if for no other reason than to prepare for exhibition matches. But for now, he is fine taking time away from the court in retirement. He also was OK with realizing soon after walking away that he no longer felt the competitive streak that helped carry him to 22 Grand Slam titles. That total includes a remarkable 14 at the French Open, the site of a moving celebration of his excellence on Sunday. By Howard Fendrich. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 5:00 a.m. EDT

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BBO--BRAVES-ACUNA HEALTHY

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- The much-anticipated return of Ronald Acuña Jr. after missing almost one full year couldn’t have gone much better for the Atlanta Braves. Acuña hit long homers in each of his first two games back and, in perhaps a more important development, felt so good on his surgically repaired left knee that he was back in the lineup for a third straight game on Sunday. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BBC--NCAA TOURNAMENT

DESCRIPTION: The 64-team field and first-round matchups for the NCAA Tournament will be unveiled. Texas is projected to be the No. 1 national seed, though Vanderbilt made a late push by winning the SEC Tournament. The 16 regional sites were announced Sunday. Regional winners square off in eight super regionals, with the winners going to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, beginning June 13. By Eric Olson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--INDYCAR-IN THE PITS

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Chip Ganassi has had a roster full of superstars -- and champions -- drive for his race team over its 35-year existence. Some of the greatest in IndyCar history, he figures. He puts Alex Palou squarely on that list, especially after Palou won his first Indianapolis 500 for his fifth win of this season. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.

UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-METS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Clay Holmes starts for the New York Mets against Adrian Houser and the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series. Houser pitched for the Mets last year before getting released on July 31.

UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 7:10 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

4. WITH: BKN--THUNDER-TIMBERWOLVES

5. DESCRIPTION: MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves try to build on the momentum of a 42-point win in Game 3 and even the Western Conference finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder. By Dave Campbell. 450 words, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKN--KNICKS-PACERS PREVIEW

8. DESCRIPTION: INDIANPAOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers will try to become the first team in the Eastern Conference finals when the series resumes Tuesday against the New York Knicks. The road team has won each of the first three games, which is why the Pacers still hold a 2-1 advantage. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 700 words, with photos by 5 p.m. ET.

9. UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT

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HKN--HURRICANES-PANTHERS

DESCRIPTION: SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers can sweep their way back to the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers play host to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night, one win away from a third straight trip to the title series. Game begins 8 p.m. By Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/26/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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CAR--NASCAR-COCA-COLA 600

Ross Chastain goes from worst to 1st to win NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600

SUMMARY: Ross Chastain passed William Byron with six laps left and won the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, becoming the first driver to win the event after starting at the back of the field. William Byron won the first three stages and led 283 laps, but surrendered the lead to Chastain, who started in 40th place and led just eight laps in his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the year. It was a huge boost to Trackhouse Racing, and a bitter disappointment for Charlotte native Byron. NASCAR said Chastain is the first to win from an official starting position of last since Bobby Allison at the Richmond Fairgrounds in 1969.

WORDS: 1073 - MOVED: 05/26/2025 12:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae42b1dda1d858eb303dabf29b761437&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-PACERS

Knicks charge back from 20 points down, beat Pacers 106-100 to cut series deficit to 2-1

SUMMARY: Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter Sunday as the New York Knicks rallied from 20 points down to beat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Jalen Brunson added 23 points and Towns had 15 rebounds as the Knicks cut the series deficit to 2-1. Game 4 will be played Tuesday night in Indianapolis. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 20 points and six assists. Indiana dropped to 0-4 all-time playing on the same day the Indianapolis 500 was held.

WORDS: 574 - MOVED: 05/26/2025 12:11 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dbdee02eb1edc592fda452003935738e&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Ohtani faces hitters for 1st time since elbow surgery, throws 22 pitches of live BP at Citi Field

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani took a significant step Sunday toward making his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar faced hitters for the first time since elbow surgery, throwing 22 pitches at Citi Field about 4 1/2 hours before launching a leadoff homer in a 3-1 loss to the New York Mets. With dozens of reporters watching from the stands, Ohtani threw to five batters in a simulated setting — including teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior watched closely from the field. Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch in a major league game until after the All-Star break.

WORDS: 956 - MOVED: 05/26/2025 12:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f74026fd8f6ef34aa86e1fcdb5760fce&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500-THE DOUBLE

Kyle Larson crashes again at Coca-Cola 600 ending disappointing day in bid to run ‘The Double’

SUMMARY: Kyle Larson’s day went from bad to worse Sunday night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on a day when he hoped to complete “The Double” — leaving him unsure if he will try to complete the 1,100-mile marathon again. Larson was caught up in a wreck on Lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600, ending a disappointing day in which he also crashed at the Indianapolis 500 on Lap 91. Larson was bidding to become the second driver to finish both races and run the combined 1,100 miles.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 10:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20084364c3da35de8972ef544b43c144&mediaType=text

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HKO--WORLDS

US wins 1st world hockey title since 1933 with 1-0 OT victory over Switzerland

SUMMARY: Tage Thompson scored at 2:02 of overtime to the give the United States a 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Sunday for its second world hockey championship and first since 1933. Thompson, the Buffalo Sabres star from Connecticut, fired a wrist shot past goalie Leonardo Genoni from the top of the right circle for this sixth goal of the tournament. In 1933, the United States beat Canada 2-1 in the final in Prague. The Americans also were formally awarded the title in 1960, when they won the Olympics in Squaw Valley and the worlds did not take place. Utah’s Logan Cooley and Nashville’s Brady Skjei assisted on the goal. Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman made 25 saves to finish 7-0 in the tournament.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 8:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6447d73099286dfe854731789c4dcdd1&mediaType=text

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HKN--STARS-OILERS

Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid score 2 each as Oilers dominate Stars 6-1

SUMMARY: Zach Hyman had two goals and an assist, Connor McDavid added two goals and the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 6-1 on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference final series. Evan Bouchard, with a goal and an assist, and John Klingberg also scored for the Oilers, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added three assists. Stuart Skinner made 33 saves in the Edmonton net. Jason Robertson scored for the Stars, who are hoping to avoid being knocked out in the third round by the Oilers for a second consecutive season. Jake Oettinger stopped 18 shots.

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 8:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cce30389fa776c4b2aa8dd84d404fe11&mediaType=text

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GLF--COLONIAL

Ben Griffin hangs on at Colonial through tough final round, beats Matti Schmid by 1

SUMMARY: Ben Griffin has his first individual PGA Tour victory a month after winning a team event. He hung on to beat Matti Schmid at Colonial after breaking a tie with his co-leader for good on the first hole. Griffin shot a 1-over 71 to finish at 12-under 268 in the Charles Schwab Challenge. He beat Schmid by one stroke as both struggled through the final round on a warm day with wind gusts around 30 mph at Hogan’s Alley. Scottie Scheffler couldn’t match the third-round run he made when the world No. 1 was trailing by 10. Scheffler was six back entering the final round and shot 69.

WORDS: 921 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 7:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1135875f40ef43e7bef07d4eae83830f&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500

Alex Palou makes history as 1st Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500

SUMMARY: Alex Palou has become the first driver from Spain to win the Indianapolis 500 by holding off former Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson over the closing laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Palou came to the speedway Sunday with four wins through the first five races. But it was No. 6, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” that he had circled on his calendar. Without an Indy 500 win, Palou said his career resume would never be complete. Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 winner, finished second for Andretti Global in a 1-2 finish for Honda. David Malukas was third for A.J. Foyt Racing and the highest-finishing Chevrolet.

WORDS: 1001 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 7:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc71ef31fd4ce00e4c36f50ca2feba9a&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN

Shelton joins Musetti and Sabalenka in French Open second round, tournament honors Nadal

SUMMARY: Ben Shelton beat Lorenzo Sonego for the second straight time at a Grand Slam this year, winning 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 under floodlights to reach the second round of the French Open. The 13th-seeded American celebrated by waving his racket to the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier while his girlfriend and father applauded. In earlier play Lorenzo Musetti and Aryna Sabalenka eased into the second round without dropping a set. Musetti has reached at least the semifinals in the past three Masters tournaments at Rome, Madrid and Monte Carlo. There were wins for Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and last year’s French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

WORDS: 778 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 6:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0bb31ba59666e97f3e7949403b3e251&mediaType=text

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BBN--PIRATES-CRUZ

Oneil Cruz hits 122.9 mph home run, hardest-hit ball since Statcast started tracking in 2015

SUMMARY: Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz had the hardest-hit ball since Statcast started tracking in 2015, a home run off Milwaukee’s Logan Henderson that left the bat at 122.9 mph and splashed into the Allegheny River. Cruz’s leadoff drive to right in the third inning on a 92.2 mph fastball traveled 432 feet and cut the Pirates’ deficit to 3-1 in a 6-5 loss. Cruz had the previous hardest-hit ball, a 122.4 mph single on Aug. 24, 2022. Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton had the prior hardest-hit home run at 121.8 mph, a drive off Gio Gonzalez at Washington on Aug. 9, 2017.

WORDS: 406 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 5:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:563304584ad3b3c3d9cb04d68da92518&mediaType=text

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HKN--PANTHERS-MARCHAND’S SNACK

Did Brad Marchand really have a Blizzard between periods of Game 3? It’s a delicious rumor

SUMMARY: A controversy — a creamy, delicious one — is brewing in the Florida Panthers locker room, surrounding some potentially decadent behavior on the part of Brad Marchand during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. The issue: Did he REALLY have ice cream after the second period Saturday night? He said he did, though it is possible that he was telling a frozen fib. Specifically, Marchand said he enjoyed a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Coach Paul Maurice says just because Marchand said it doesn’t make it true.

WORDS: 478 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 4:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4764bf6193544bc8440dfd8c60e59381&mediaType=text

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HKN--HURRICANES-PANTHERS PREVIEW

Panthers can sweep their way back to Stanley Cup Final with a win over Hurricanes on Monday night

SUMMARY: Brad Marchand wanted no part of the conversation. He and the Florida Panthers lead the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. Florida is on the brink of reaching the Stanley Cup Final; it would be the Panthers’ third straight appearance in that round and Marchand’s first time in the title round since 2019. Talk of getting there, however, can wait. There’s another win to get first.

WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 4:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:299c53f81cbb1a5e36682377b8e97b96&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

Chisato Iwai wins Mexico Riviera Maya Open by 6 shots for first LPGA title

SUMMARY: Chisato Iwai is a winner on the LPGA Tour, and it wasn’t even close. Iwai made five birdies in her first six holes for a 66 to win the Mexico Riviera Maya Open by six shots. The 22-year-old from Japan had won eight times on the Japan LPGA. She is the third LPGA rookie to win this year. It’s been 10 years since the LPGA had three rookies win tournaments before the end of May. Jenny Bae shot 73 and finished second. She had a one-shot lead starting the day and bogeyed the first two holes as Iwai took off.

WORDS: 539 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 3:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b32aea190a8c28d1ba3a8d4b60de7631&mediaType=text

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RAC--OBIT-CHRISTOPHE CLEMENT

Horse trainer Christophe Clement dies at 59 from rare eye cancer

SUMMARY: Christophe Clement, one of the top thoroughbred trainers in the United States over the last 34 years, has died. He trained longshot Tonalist to victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes and won a Breeders’ Cup race in 2021. The Paris-born Clement announced his own death in a prepared statement that was posted to his stable’s X account on Sunday. It said he had been fighting uveal melanoma. It’s a rare type of cancer that affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. In the 2014 Belmont, Tonalist spoiled California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid. Clement was 59.

WORDS: 590 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 2:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d6d30e064a3aa6616950136758f240fd&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle secure Champions League spots as angry Villa misses out

SUMMARY: Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle have secured the remaining Champions League places on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were the big losers on Sunday, missing out in the race for the top five. Villa was left with a sense of injustice after having a goal ruled out against Manchester United just moments before going behind and eventually losing 2-0 at Old Trafford. A draw would have been enough for Unai Emery’s team on a day when Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Everton. Chelsea beat Forest 1-0 to secure a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.

WORDS: 1003 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 2:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2e79fa8aad9333d81e9ba2923fa9134b&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-TIMBERWOLVES PREVIEW

Thunder face rare test of fortitude after Wolves’ recommitment to throwing ‘fastball’ on defense

SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder found all kinds of soft spots in the defense and consistently hit those open shots over two decisive wins to start the Western Conference finals. The Minnesota Timberwolves tightened up their pressure with a back-to-basics approach on their home court that fueled a 143-101 victory in Game 3. They aggressively hounded the ball, employed effective switches and limited their drop pick-and-roll coverage to prevent the mid-range shots. The Wolves were also disciplined enough to minimize their fouls. The question for Game 4 is how quickly the Thunder can hit the reset button after such a drubbing.

WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 2:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dff04b596084d8b55fa60739d0998b8f&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-NADAL CEREMONY

French Open 2025: Rafael Nadal is celebrated at the tournament he won a record 14 times

SUMMARY: Rafael Nadal is being celebrated during a ceremony in the main stadium of the French Open on Day 1 of the tournament. Nadal is a 14-time champion at Roland-Garros who retired after last season. The tribute to him is taking place Sunday after the three day-session matches in Court Philippe Chatrier. He won more titles in Paris than any other player won at any major tennis tournament. The 38-year-old from Spain played his last competitive match in the Davis Cup in his native Spain in November, and some were critical of the way he was honored then.

WORDS: 874 - MOVED: 05/25/2025 2:12 p.m. EDT

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