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Five Things to Know About the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards

Six players looking for win number two at the ioa championship presented by morongo casino resort & spa.

• LPGA Match Play
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Big changes are in place for the fourth edition of the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards. With a new sponsor,  format , date and player perks, there are plenty of things that have changed about the LPGA Tour’s one-of-a-kind event, but what remains the same is that the best in the world are once again squaring off in a five-day competition at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about the enhanced and expanded match-play event, which is providing players with one final tune-up ahead of the season’s first major championship.

What’s New?

The re-tooled Tour stop in Las Vegas is seeing some major modifications this season. To start, the event moved from May to April on the 2024 schedule, which has allowed more of the world’s top-ranked players to tee it up at Shadow Creek. Next, the purse saw a 30-percent increase to $2 million, and with a new title sponsor in T-Mobile on board, the tournament will be covering hotel expenses for all players. Here’s a rundown of what else has changed:

• Field expanded from 65 to 96 participants
• Players previously competed in a group-play format, but starting this week, they will instead compete in stroke play from Wednesday to Friday with a cut made to the top 65 players and ties after 36 holes
• After 54 holes, the top eight players will advance to the weekend’s match-play competition
• The Quarterfinal and Semifinal matches will be played on Saturday with the Championship Match held on Sunday

Come Sunday, the champion will have plenty to celebrate as they will have outlasted one of the strongest fields so far this season, with just over two dozen major champions slated to compete at Shadow Creek. But the biggest name poised to tee it up in the desert is Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Nelly Korda. Fresh off a historic third consecutive victory on the LPGA Tour, Korda will look to keep luck on her side as she chases a fourth straight win in Las Vegas. Korda is joined at Shadow Creek by Lydia Ko, who continues her quest to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, Rose Zhang, who is making her match-play debut, and a slew of major champions, including Minjee Lee, Brooke Henderson, Jennifer Kupcho, Anna Nordqvist and Paula Creamer, to name just a few. Tournament invitations were extended to two-time major champion Brittany Lincicome and amateur McKenzi Hall.

Anannarukarn Defends in the Desert

Last season, Pajaree Anannarukarn survived the desert sun and scorching temperatures to capture her second career LPGA Tour victory at the T-Mobile Match Play. Anannarukarn won seven matches in five days, including the championship match against Ayaka Furue, whom she defeated 3 and 1. Anannarukarn will be looking to get lucky once more in Las Vegas as she remains in search of her first top-10 finish of the year. Furue, who has finished runner-up in the match-play competition the past two seasons, will definitely be one to watch at Shadow Creek as she’s already racked up four top-10 results in six starts this year.

Yin Returns From Injury

An offseason injury sidelined Angel Yin during the first three months of the season, but the American is poised to make her 2024 debut at the T-Mobile Match Play. In January, Yin was photographed on social media wearing a walking boot on her left foot and was seen sitting in a wheelchair. While she hasn’t yet disclosed the details of what caused her injury, it forced her to withdraw from the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Yin earned a spot in the winners-only field on the heels of a career-best season in which she won for the first time at the Buick LPGA Shanghai and recorded five more top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at The Chevron Championship that came after she fell in a playoff to Lilia Vu.

Final Chance to Qualify for Season’s First Major

The outcome of the T-Mobile Match Play will determine the final field for The Chevron Championship, the first major of the season, which gets underway in two weeks in Houston, Texas. Players who have not yet qualified for the major championship will have a chance to do so with either a win in Las Vegas or a strong finish that could move them up the Race to the CME Globe point standings. Currently, the cutoff to get into the field is the No. 102 position in the points race, a spot currently held by Hee Young Park, Caroline Inglis, Weiwei Zhang and Jennifer Song. The Chevron Championship field will be finalized on Sunday, April 7 with a total of 132 players.

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Tennis explained: Breaking down the tennis tour schedule

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From January to December, there is no lack of action on the Hologic WTA Tour. How are the tournaments structured? How do players spend their days at these events? Here's everything you need to know. 

How do players decide which tournaments to enter?

A number of factors go into a player’s schedule on the Hologic WTA Tour.

The first consideration is whether a player’s ranking will earn them a place in either the main draw or the tournament’s qualifying draw. Other factors include rankings points and prize money on offer. With all things being relatively equal, players can then choose their destination based on which city they would prefer to play in.

How many levels of tournaments are there?

There are four levels of tournaments -- three on the WTA Tour, plus the Grand Slams.

The WTA Tour includes 250, 500 and 1000-level events -- the categories denoting the number of rankings points awarded to the champion. Grand Slams award 2,000 points to the winner.

What are the different surfaces players compete on? How is the nature of the game different on each surface?

Tour events span hard courts, clay courts and grass courts.

Hard courts are generally a more neutral surface. Clay courts, with their slower and higher bounces, lead to longer baseline rallies. Grass courts, with lower and faster bounces, often produce quicker points.

Even within each surface, court conditions can differ from tournament to tournament. You will often hear players discussing the changes in speeds as they travel from event to event.

Do some players have more success on a particular surface? 

Most players have a favored surface, some to a greater extent than others. Power hitters typically prefer hard or grass courts, while baseline grinders are often stronger on clay.

I've seen players compete indoors and outdoors. Why?

The WTA and ATP Tours offer both indoor and outdoor events, with the bulk of the indoor tournaments taking place late in the year during the winter months in the northern hemisphere.

Each player makes her own decision as to which events to prioritize, based on her preferred playing conditions.

What does a player's day look like at a tournament? What resources are available to players on site?

After arriving on site, there are a number of ways for players to spend their time before and after competition. They can eat at the player dining area, relax in the player lounge, work out in the fitness center and much more. Medical staff are also on hand for any necessary treatment.

Just like the many spectators that flock to events, many players are tennis fans, too. It is very common to see players supporting their friends and countrymen from the stands, often in the personal box of the player they are supporting.

What do players use ice baths for?

Like in any sport, recovery is a crucial part of success in tennis -- and that's where ice baths come into play. While they may be unpleasant, postmatch or post-workout ice baths can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, relieve sore muscles and increase blood flow, among other benefits.

How do players practice?

There are a number of ways to practice, and each player has a routine that works for them. Common activities include rallying and playing practice points, as well as hitting drills with a coach feeding balls.

A practice session during a tournament week will look much different than one during the offseason or during a training block, with the players seeking to preserve as much energy as possible during competition weeks.

How do players mingle with each other at tournaments?

Players can spend time behind the scenes and out of the heat of competition in the dining and lounge areas, where the relaxed vibe belies the high-stakes nature of the on-court action.

Do players ever spend time as tourists in different tournament cities?

Tournaments may be business trips, but that doesn’t mean there’s no time to be a tourist! Players often take advantage of the WTA Tour’s worldwide nature by exploring various cities when time allows, typically on off days before or after an event.

Who do players travel with on the road?

Each player has her own traveling team, which can change depending on the week. Aside from family members or significant others, other members of a players’ travelling party can include tennis coaches, fitness coaches, physiotherapists and mental performance specialists.

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Paula Badosa reveals the tough news she received from doctors after she was forced to withdraw from Indian Wells due to her ongoing back issue. Despite the strain and pain, both physical and mental, the former World No.2 isn't ready to give up just yet.

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English [ edit ]

Noun [ edit ].

tour match ( plural tour matches )

• ( cricket ) a cricket match played between a touring side and a local side

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WHAT IS MATCH RACING

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THE BASICS OF MATCH RACING

Match race sailing is easy to follow. A match race consists of two identical boats racing against each other. With effective boat handling and prudent use of wind and currents, a trailing boat can escape the grasp of the leader and pass. The leader uses blocking techniques to hold the other boat back. This one-on-one duel is a game of strategy and tactics. There is only one winner.

THE COURSE:  The boats sail upwind to mark # l (the ‘windward mark’) where they round and set their spinnakers for mark # 2, which is placed in close proximity to the starting line. The yachts will sail back upwind to mark #1, round, and begin the run to the finish line (start line) downwind. Legs # 3 and # 4 are a repeat of the first two legs. The four-leg course will take approximately 20 minutes to sail.

THE START:  The race begins with a warning shot fired by the Race Committee Boat (flying a blue RC flag) ten minutes prior to the official start of the race. Another shot is fired at five minutes prior. The two boats (each flying either a blue or yellow flag) enter the start area from opposite ends of the starting line four minutes prior to the actual start. During the next four minutes, the boats will engage in a furious pre-start battle, in which each will try to gain an advantage over the other. The goal is to make the other boat cross the starting line early, which is a penalty, or to start legally ahead of the other boat.

LEG ONE:  The yacht which crosses the starting line first has a decided advantage because it can hinder the other boat by ‘covering’ it (blocking its wind). The trailing yacht will counter by tacking (altering course from one tack to the other) to gain clear wind. This usually results in a ‘tacking duel’ between the contestants. If the boats were even at the start, each uses speed and wind shifts to try to pull ahead.

After sailing to the first mark upwind, the boats will round the mark to starboard (clockwise), then set colorful spinnakers and race downwind, in what is called ‘the run’ to the second or ‘leeward’ mark.

LEG TWO:  In this leg, the trailing boat has the advantage because it is in a position to ‘cover’ the leader and slow it down by blocking the wind from the leader’s sails. The leader must then work to keep its air clear while positioning itself between the trailing boat and the next mark.

UMPIRING:  Each race is officiated by two umpires in a small power boat who follow each pair of boats and make on-course penalty decisions. When a foul is allegedly committed, the umpire boat will fly one of the following flags: blue the blue boat is penalized, yellow the yellow boat is penalized, or greenthere is no penalty. When a boat is penalized, it must complete a full circle or penalty turn. The penalized boat may complete its penalty turn at any time during the race prior to the finish line. If penalties are offsetting, penalty turns need not be completed. Cumulative penalties are indicated by blue and yellow balls displayed on the umpires’ boat. If one boat receives three penalties, it is disqualified and the race is over.

RULES:  There are two basic right-of-way rules. The boat with the wind coming across its right, or starboard, side has the right of way and the other boat must stay clear. Within two boat lengths of a mark, the inside boat has the right to pass inside and ahead. The races are typically very close. Often, the winner is determined within several boat lengths of the finish line.

The most renowned match racing event is the America’s Cup in which one yacht challenges the defender of the Cup but this event does not require the yachts to be identical.

The first match race to be sailed in one design boats was the Bermuda Gold Cup in 1937 and this event was won by Briggs Cunningham (USA) who also went on to win the first America’s Cup sailed in 12-meter boats.

In 1989 the IYRU introduced a ranking system for match racing skippers and in 1988 the ISAF Match Racing World Championship was born; it has taken place every year since then.

Since 2006 the winner of the World Match Racing Tour is also named the Match Racing World Champion.

A Women’s World Championship has been organised since 1999 and in 2007 women’s match racing was selected for the women’s keelboat event at the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition. Women’s match racing was therefore also included on the programme for the World Sailing World Cup from 2008 to 2012 . Women’s match racing was removed from the Olympics after 2012.

The World Match Racing Tour introduced multihulls to the Tour for the first time in 2016 with teams competing exclusively in identical M32 carbon fibre multihulls.  A USD1million bonus was awarded to the 2016 Match Racing World Champion, Phil Robertson from New Zealand at the World Final in Marstrand, Sweden.

After 2020, the Tour returned to monohull boats which are provided by each event on the Tour avoiding the need to ship boats around the world.

What is Match Play in Golf: The Beginner’s Guide

If you’re like a lot of new golfers I’m sure you’ve asked, what is match play in golf?

It’s a great question because it’s very different from a stroke play scoring system. In stroke play format every shot counts and the player with the lowest score wins the match.

But in match play golf, a player or team can only lose or win on every hole – regardless of the final score. In competitive golf this is fun as players get to compete head-to-head competition and quite a mental game test.

Match Play 101

Here’s how the  USGA  (United States Golf Association) defines match play. 

“Match play is a form of play where a player (or players) plays directly against an opponent (or opponents) in a head-to-head match. You win a hole by completing it in the fewest number of strokes, and you win a match when you are winning by more holes than remain to be played.”

You can play match play in a 1 vs. 1 format or as a team format (like the Ryder Cup) which is typically a best ball or foursomes scoring . 

Key Takeaways 

• Match is a very different golf format from stroke play which is the most commonly used scoring system in golf.
• In a match play event you only compete vs. one person or team – not the entire field making it much more of a hole by hole basis.
• With match play there are different rules – especially with scoring. With every hole you can win, half, or lose only by one, regardless of how many strokes you win or lose by. 
• Match play does work with handicaps but is most common in the Ryder Cup, President’s Cup, Solheim Cup, and Walker Cup events. 

Keep reading to learn more about this iconic golf format and see why you should add it to your golf days.

While most golfers know about stroke play, match play is how golf tournaments were originally played. Now, this format is more common in team events such as the USGA junior amateur, Ryder Cup, USGA mid-am, Solheim Cup, President’s Cup, and more.

Sadly, it’s not common on the PGA Tour anymore as they had the WGC event that was one of the most fun to watch. Now we have to wait for big events – like the Ryder Cup – to see players battle it out in match play competition.

Rules 

Here are some of the biggest things you need to know about this format. 

Scoring 

In this format you can only win or lose by one on every hole – regardless of score.  For example, if player A makes a three on the first hole and player B makes a 6, player A is only “1 up” after one. If both players tie the hole is halved. 

If a player is up more than the holes left to play, the match is over. For example, if player A is three up with only two holes to play, the match is over after the 16th hole. Player A wins 3&2 (three up with two to play). 

A match is dormie once a player is down by the same amount of holes left to play. If a player is 3 down with three to play, this is known as dormie and the match will end soon unless they win a hole. 

If a match is halved at the end of 18 holes, more holes are played in a sudden death playoff.

Concessions 

Unlike stroke play concessions are a big part of match play. As the  USGA  noted,  “In match play only, you may decide to concede a stroke to your opponent. The ball is considered holed and your opponent may pick it up. You may also concede a hole, or the entire match. A concession cannot be declined or withdrawn (see Rule 3.2b(1)).”

This means you can give players putts and/or concede the hole  without  actually finishing it.

For example, if player A has a short putt left player B can concede them the putt. This means that player A has effectively made the putt without having to do so.

Hole concessions are also part of match play. If player B has already hit one out of bounds and is likely to make a big number while player A is on the green in regulation, they can concede the hole and move on. 

Players can also putt and practice after a concession is over without penalty. 

On Course Practice 

Another key difference between match play vs. stroke play is that players can practice on the course. Here’s how the USGA  noted this rule change. 

“Unless the Committee says otherwise, you may practice before your round or practice putting or chipping between play of two holes on or near the putting green of the hole you just played, the next teeing area or any practice putting green (see Rule 5.2a and Rule 5.5b).”

Teeing Order 

While playing ready golf is allowed (and now encouraged) in stroke play competition, this isn’t the case with match play. The player who won the previous hole always tees off first. This is an integral part of match play as golfers can change their strategy after watching their opponent hit first. 

Lastly, a scorecard is not required in match play competitions like stroke play. While you can and should notate the round on a scorecard, you do not need to turn one in with two signatures after the round. 

Instead, make sure the scoring officials note who won and by how much. 

FAQs About Match Play

Do you have more questions about match play? If so, keep reading to learn more about this different format. 

What is the difference between match play and stroke play?

There are a lot of differences between match play vs stroke play competition but the main thing is scoring. In stroke play every stroke is recorded and added up after 18 holes. In match play your score isn’t as important because you can only win or lose by one on each hole – despite your total score.

For example, if player A makes a four on a hole and player B makes a six on the same hole, player A is 1 up in match play. But in stroke play player A would be up two strokes. 

There are also changes that we discuss in detail above. 

How do I keep score in match play?

Match play is much easier to keep score for than a stroke play round. On each hole simply notate if you won, lost, or halved the hole. 

For example, if you won the first hole, simply write “1 up” in the scorecard box. If you lose the next hole, write “All Square” on the next hole as the match is tied. 

What does 3 & 2 mean in match play golf?

When a match is 3&2 this means a player or team is three up with only two holes to play. The match effectively ends after the 16th hole and players do not compete on 17 or 18. 

How do you win at match play? 

To win in match play you need to be at least 1 up after the 18th hole (or the match goes into extra holes). But it’s common for matches to end early such as 2&1 – this means a player is two up with one to play. Or, 3&2 – which means a player is three up with only two holes to play.

Since you can only win or lose by one in match play – which is very different from stroke play – matches don’t necessarily last all 18 holes. 

How many strokes do I give in match play? 

It depends on your handicap and the person you’re playing against. For example, if you’re a 6 and they’re a 12 handicap, you’ll need to give six shots during the round. These six shots will occur on the six hardest holes (which are ranked and notated on the scorecard).

On those six holes you’ll need to give one stroke and play well to get a half or even win the hole as you’re giving up a shot. 

Is there a stroke limit in match play? 

There is no stroke limit but a player can choose to concede the hole and move on to the next hole. Or, if your competitor is already finished and beats you (let’s say they made a four and you’re hitting five, the hole is over). 

Can you play two balls in match play?

If there is a rules’ scenario you aren’t allowed to play two balls through the hole like you can in stroke play. The issue must be resolved with your opponent or with the help of a rules official. 

My Experience

Match play is such a great spin on a traditional round of golf. While stroke play is fun, match play seems to change the game and lead to some amazing golf shots. 

When I play with a fellow golf buddy with a similar average score I prefer to play match over stroke play. And I play in several match play tournaments each year which are some of my favorite events. There is a significant difference in this format and requires a lot more mental toughness.

Even if it feels like there is an inherent advantage, match play competition seems to even the playing field. There’s something really fun about playing vs. one person right in front of you vs. the entire field. You know that all you need to do is beat one person vs. trying to beat the course and tons of players. 

Final Thoughts 

Remember, the overall score on a particular hole doesn’t matter like it does in stroke play. Match play requires a different mindset and game plan than a normal stroke play competition. You must remain focused especially when your opponent hits an amazing shot (which seems to happen more in this format).

In this format you’re not playing the entire field in a tournament, your focus should be on the opponent (or team). Make sure to read this guide on how to master match play to dominate your opponent . 

If you haven’t used this scoring system before I highly recommend it. It’s a ton of fun and a great way to mix things up on the golf course. Plus, you can incorporate handicaps into match play formats too. 

The next time you watch a big event like the Ryder Cup or President’s Cup – make sure to watch for some strategies too.

If you want to learn about other formats in golf make sure to read these popular articles next:

• Chapman Golf Tournament
• Best Ball vs. Scramble Tournament 

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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Tour match – any match within a tour that does not have a full-fledged away series status but is only a part of it. Also, meetings are included in this concept, which most often denote warm-up matches between the away team and the local club or squad assembled on the basis of local players.

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Match play is a form of play where a player (or players) plays directly against an opponent (or opponents) in a head-to-head match. You win a hole by completing it in the fewest number of strokes, and you win a match when you are winning by more holes than remain to be played. You (or your opponent) may concede a stroke, a hole, or even the match to each other. If your next stroke has been conceded, you are permitted to putt out, unless this will help your partner (for example, by showing them the line for their putt).

If you are unsure how to proceed, you and your opponent can agree on a course of action even if it is against the Rules, but you are not allowed to mutually agree to ignore a Rule or penalty. If you and your opponent don’t agree on how to proceed, you should do what you think is correct. Your opponent can then make a request for a ruling, which will later be decided by the Committee. In match play, you are not required to keep a scorecard – scorecards are only required in stroke play.

• How do I keep score in match play?
• Do I have to sign a scorecard in match play?
• What is a concession?
• What should I do when I don’t know how to proceed in match play?
• Is playing two balls allowed in match play?
• May I putt out after my shot has been conceded?
• May I practice on the course before or during my match?
• May I share a caddie with my opponent or my partner?

Read the Rules:

• Definition of Match Play
• Definition of Opponent
• Rule 3.2 - Match Play

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Definition of tour

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of tour  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

• peregrinate

Examples of tour in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tour.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit, journey — more at turn

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

1708, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing tour

• Cook's tour
• package tour
• tour de force
• tour of inspection

Dictionary Entries Near tour

Cite this entry.

“Tour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tour. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of tour.

Kids Definition of tour  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on tour

Nglish: Translation of tour for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tour for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tour

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What time is Rafael Nadal's next match at Madrid Open 2024? Schedule, live stream and TV channel

T he 2024 Mutual Madrid Open is already underway at La Caja Majica in the Spanish capital, and ahead of the mens' singles event beginning on Wednesday, April 24, anticipation is high amongst the home crowd with several Spaniards going for glory. 

One of these is of course defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, but veteran legend Rafael Nadal will also be taking to the clay court and makes his second appearance on this year's ATP Tour since the Brisbane International in early January. 

Returning to the circuit ranked 644th in the world at present, Nadal will be hoping for a strong showing in Madrid as he looks to round off what could well prove to be his last year in professional tennis. He is one of only two players, along with Canadian Denis Shapovalov, to enter this year's event with a protected ranking, given to competitors who have been injured for up to six months. 

With a first-round tie against the USA's Darwin Blanch up first for the 37-year-old, the home crowd will be hoping to see some strong form from Nadal, and you can follow his progress through the 2024 Madrid Open with us at The Sporting News . 

MORE:  Who is the world No.1 in men's tennis? Updated ATP rankings

When is Rafael Nadal's next Madrid Open 2024 match?

Nadal's opening match at this year's Madrid Open pits him against American wildcard pick Darwin Blanch, who is over 21 years Nadal's junior at just 16, on Thursday, April 25 . While the official start time is yet to be confirmed, it's believed that this match will take place on the main court at Caja Magica. 

His first round opponent may be less than half his age, but Blanch has experience playing in practice matches against another Spaniard — Carlos Alcaraz. The winner will pass through to the second round, where they'll face Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur. 

What time is Rafael Nadal v Darwin Blanch? 

Nadal faces Blanch at the Caja Magica on Thursday, April 25, 2024 , with the official start time of the match yet to be confirmed. 

Rafael Nadal next match TV channel, live stream

As one of the poster boys for Spanish tennis, Nadal's first round match will be one of the most anticipated clashes in the early stages of this year's Madrid Open, and as such there's plenty of coverage confirmed ahead of the tournament beginning. 

Here's a look at the following TV channels and live streams in the major territories:

Rafael Nadal's Madrid Open record

As a long, storied and successful career begins to come to a close, it's fitting that Nadal's bursting onto the scene in the early 2000's also marked the birth of the Madrid Open. 

Replacing the original Spanish Open in 2002, the 21 previous editions of the event have seen Nadal pick up a record-breaking five titles, claiming his first in 2005 and following on with further success in 2010, 2013, 2014 and most recently 2017. 

Nadal was also the runner-up in the 2009, 2011 and 2015 deicders, last reaching the semifinals in 2019, and after missing last year's tournament through injury, the veteran Spaniard will be hoping to go out with a bang in 2024. 

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2024 RBC Heritage leaderboard: Scottie Scheffler nears fourth win in five starts with event to finish Monday

Weather prevented the final round from completing, but scheffler is well on his way to continuing his hot streak.

Scottie Scheffler's fourth victory in his last five tournaments will have to wait one more day. With the 2024 RBC Heritage experiencing more than a 2.5-hour weather delay Sunday, tournament action was unable to be completed before nightfall; it will instead leak into the work week. The final round at Harbour Town Golf Links will resume Monday at 8 a.m. ET with Scheffler holding a five-stroke lead at 20 under.

The world No. 1 is well clear of his nearest pursuer, Wyndham Clark, with three holes left in his tournament. Clark, meanwhile, is in the clubhouse at 15 under hoping for another runner-up check behind Scheffler. Others on the golf course like J.T. Poston, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala stand at that same number with holes to play.

Monday morning may only be a formality as Scheffler looks to be in control of just about everything -- like he has been the last two months.

Scheffler began Sunday in Hilton Head Island with one arm already slipped in the tartan jacket. Possessing a one-stroke lead, the Texan was crowned by many late Saturday evening despite the bevy of stars who had plans to upend him.

After knocking in a 6-foot par save on the 1st, Scheffler more or less turned those predictions into a reality. Chipping in for eagle on the par-5 2nd from long of the green (his 11th hole-out from off the green this season), Scheffler opened a three-stroke lead on the field and never looked back.

Charges were made by many, including a familiar foe in Clark, but none were that threatening. The reigning U.S. Open champion turned in 7-under 29 and tacked on another birdie on the 11th to get within one of Scheffler, but the pressure of perfection proved too much.

Hitting a tree with his second shot on No. 12, Clark's ball ricocheted out of bounds and led to a double bogey. Another dropped shot came on the following hole and all but secured another near miss from the U.S. Open champion.

Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Cantlay and Theegala all hovered on the first page of the leaderboard but never truly threatened. Instead, it was Patrick Rodgers who emerged as Scheffler's greatest threat thanks to an eagle-2 at the turn. A bogey a few holes later put an end to his Cinderella story.

Remaining in the wake of mistakes was a spotless Scheffler at 19 under, four ahead of the field. Turning in 3 under, the steadiest man in the game marched forward with a heavy diet of fairways and greens before a spell of thunderstorms halted his momentum on the par-4 12th.

Inclement weather was all that could stop Scheffler as the 27-year-old returned to the golf course more than two hours later and resumed his round without a hitch. While temperatures cooled and winds freshened, Scheffler was unaffected.

He picked off a birdie on the 13th to push his lead to five before a mud ball on the 15th led to his second finding the water on the par 5. It didn't matter as Scheffler launched a pitching wedge onto the surface, spinning it left and utilizing the slope to access the tucked pin. He avoided what would have been his first dropped shot since the 3rd hole on Thursday with an emphatic par save, and he will sleep easy Sunday night knowing five strokes separate him from the field and three holes separate him from victory.

Rick Gehman, Kyle Porter, Patrick McDonald and Greg DuCharme discuss Scottie Scheffler's hold on the RBC Heritage, Nelly Korda's fifth straight victory and Miles Russell finishing top 25 as a 15 year old. Follow & listen to The First Cut on  Apple Podcasts  and  Spotify .

Play called for evening

The final group is on the green on the par-5 15th meaning they will have three holes to play on Monday. Scottie Scheffler faces a par putt from 10 feet to maintain his five-stroke lead as he stands at 20 under.

Five clear with five to go!

The only thing that can stop him is the sunlight at this rate. Scottie Scheffler adds a birdie on 13 to get to 20 under and five clear of the crew at 15 under. Without the world No. 1 this tournament would be very, very good, but alas they are all fighting for first flight honors it appears.

Conditions are considerably harder for these guys. The wind has switched, it's about 10 degrees cooler and they are racing against the clock. Scottie Scheffler and Sepp Straka make par on No. 12 and head to the par-4 13th. Wyndham Clark posts the clubhouse lead at 15 under, four behind Scheffler.

Let's play ball!

Players are on the golf course and play is set to resume. Scottie Scheffler in the final pairing has about 7.5 holes remaining and one hour until sunset meaning this thing is probably going to leak into Monday unfortunately. 

Play to resume at 7 p.m.

Coverage information, play to resume at 6 p.m. et.

The expectation is this thing will be finished today as the range is open and play is set to resume in 40 minutes at 6 p.m. ET. This will leave Scottie Scheffler a couple hours to complete just about seven holes as he left off in the middle of the 12th fairway with a four-stroke lead at 19 under.

Play suspended due to weather

The horn has sounded at 4:28 p.m. ET as a large weather system (with lightning) has engulfed Harbour Town. This comes as Scottie Scheffler stands in the 12th fairway with a four-stroke lead at 19 under over a number of pursuers up ahead of him on the golf course. Players are being brought back into the clubhouse as rules officials make an assessment on when play will return.

Rain comin' down hard

Scheffler turns in 33 with three-stroke lead.

Scheffler lets a chance slide by on the short ninth and will instead settle for a 3-under 33 on his front nine. It was highlighted by his eagle-3 on the par-5 2nd and Scheffler will head to the back side with a three-stroke edge.

Theegala thriving

Theegala cards four 3s in a row to end his front nine and get within four of Scottie Scheffler. Sahith spoke yesterday about how cool it is what Scheffler is currently doing and how it is a motivating factor for someone like him to get better. It's a great perspective and Theegala continues to get better and better, but it may not be enough this week as he is four behind with nine to go.

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Teen Tennis Pro Had Perfect Reaction to Learning He’ll Face Rafael Nadal

• Author: Madison Williams

Rafael Nadal is scheduled to play against 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open on Tuesday, and Blanch had the most teenager response to this news.

Blanch, who's ranked No. 1,028 in the world, reacted to facing the 22-time Grand Slam winner by posting a Snapchat photo to his friends with the caption "Guys I play nadal wtf." He looked beyond shocked with his hand covering his mouth in the picture.

It's important to note that Blanch and Nadal are 21 years apart in age. Nadal had already won three Grand Slam titles by the time Blanch was born in 2007.

16 year old Darwin Blanch had a hilarious reaction when he realized he plays Rafa Nadal in the first round of Madrid “Guys I play Nadal wtf” 😂 21 year age difference. This is only his 2nd tour level match. pic.twitter.com/JWVMvsw9eN — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 22, 2024

Tuesday's match will mark Blanch's second ATP level match in his young career. He lost in the first round at the Miami Open in March.

Nadal will be playing in just his third tournament of the season after he has been dealing with hip and abdominal injuries since the beginning of 2023. This tennis season could "probably" be his last , the 37-year-old previously hinted at, since he's been dealing with various injuries.

It will be a tough match for Blanch for many reasons, with one being that Nadal is known as the "King of Clay." He's won a record 14 French Open titles, with the Madrid Open being one of the bigger tournaments leading up to the major tournament.

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RBC Heritage: How to watch Monday finish, live scores, tee times, TV times

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A Monday finish will take place at the RBC Heritage after the final round was suspended due to darkness Sunday evening at 7:45 p.m. ET. Play resumes at 8 a.m. on Monday morning as Scottie Scheffler looks for back-to-back wins for a second time this season and his fourth win in five starts. The world No. 1 holds a five-shot lead with three holes remaining. This will be the second unscheduled Monday finish on the PGA TOUR this season and first since the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.

Here's everything you need to know to follow the action.

HOW TO FOLLOW (all times ET)

Television:

• Monday: 8 a.m. (Golf Channel, Peacock)

PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and free on PGATOUR.COM/liveaudio :

• Monday: 8-9 a.m.

The independent voice of cricket

WI A vs NEP 2024 schedule: Full fixtures list, match timings and venues for West Indies A tour of Nepal

West Indies A will tour Nepal for a T20I series from April 27. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule of the WI-A vs NEP 2024 T20Is, including the full fixtures list, match timings and venues.

The first T20I will be played on April 27, followed by the second and the third matches on April  28 and May 1, respectively. The remaining two matches will be held on May 2 and 4. Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur will host all the encounters.

The tour, a first for a West Indian side in Nepal, “serves as another phase in preparation leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024,” West Indies’ chief selector Desmond Haynes said in a statement. “It presents an invaluable opportunity to get our players who are not in the IPL back on the park playing competitive T20 cricket, as well as provides the chance for us to expose a few emerging prospects.”

Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Mark Deyal, Andre Fletcher, Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh are all part of the side, which will be led by Roston Chase , with Alick Athanaze as his deputy.

🇳🇵At Home Action is all set to return with a bang as KIBU West Indies Tour of Nepal kicks off from 27th Apr 🏏 #WIndiesATourOfNEP | #WorldCupYear2024 | #OneBallBattles | #NepalCricket pic.twitter.com/GSJJGZ56co — CAN (@CricketNep) April 24, 2024

West Indies A tour of Nepal: Date, time and venues for WI-A vs NEP 2024 T20Is

Saturday, April 27, 1st T20I:   Nepal vs West Indies A, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, 1:00 PM local time

Sunday, April 28, 2nd T20I:   Nepal vs West Indies A, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, 1:00 PM local time

Wednesday, May 1, 3rd T20I:   Nepal vs West Indies A, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, 1:00 PM local time

Thursday, May 2, 4th T20I:   Nepal vs West Indies A, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, 1:00 PM local time

Saturday, May 4, 5th T20I:   Nepal vs West Indies A, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, 1:00 PM local time

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PBA Tournament of Champions

Streaming on BowlTV

FINALS Sunday, April 28 1PM ET on FOX

Matt Ogle Leads Heading into Final Rounds of TOC Match Play

Matt Ogle leads the field as just 16 games remain in the 2024 PBA Tour season’s final major championship.

Ogle has averaged 224 across 26 games on the 40-foot Don Johnson pattern. Ogle has a total pinfall of 6,004 (+804), including match play bonus pins, at historic AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio. 

EJ Tackett, Anthony Simonsen, Eric Jones and Jake Peters round out the top five.

Defending and record-four-time TOC champion Jason Belmonte sits in 12th place.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by PBA TOUR (@pbatour)

Ogle, a two-time PBA Tour champion, seeks to win his first major title. He finished fourth in last year’s TOC and gained valuable experience on the iconic TV pair of 27-28 — knowledge he aims to put to use on Sunday.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Ogle said of his performance on Wednesday. “We’ve still got 16 games to go so anything can happen. I'm going to  keep doing what I'm doing the best I can. Greg (Ostrander) is taking care of me (as a ball rep). He's making all the right decisions and I’m just trying to execute the best I can so we do the right thing.”

The 72-player field was trimmed to 24 after Wednesday's final six-game round of qualifying.

The top 43 players in competition points this season will earn exemptions for the 2025 PBA Tour , and the TOC is the season's last event which awards points. 

Therefore, players around the all-important No. 43 faced enormous stakes this week in Fairlawn. Several of those players rose to the occasion. 

Matt Sanders, who was 44th in points coming into the TOC, began the final round in 41st place at +14 and 95 pins outside the cut. He fired a clean, 1,413 six-game series to rise into 22nd place and solidify a spot in the main field for every 2025 PBA Tour event.

“That was possibly one of best rounds I’ve ever had on tour, if not the best,” Sanders said.

Kyle Sherman entered the TOC 49th in points. Despite battling a litany of lower-body injuries, 30-year-old qualified for match play and sits in 13th place after 26 games.

As things currently stand, Sherman would earn enough points to earn a 2025 exemption. He will need to remain inside the top 20 at the TOC, and perhaps better if any of Trevor Roberts, Carlos Granados, Dick Allen, Shawn Maldonado or Brad Miller make a run on Thursday.

Miller, the other half of Sherman’s “Brad and Kyle” YouTube channel , delivered the story of the day on Wednesday — and could write one of the year’s best stories on Thursday.

Miller entered the TOC 80th in points with a top-three TOC finish as essentially his only chance of earning an exemption. He then missed the cut in the pre-tournament qualifier, finishing 12th with only the top 10 advancing. 

Then two players from the main field withdrew, Miller snuck into the main field, and he led the whole dang thing through three rounds of qualifying.

“When I got into the event, I was just happy and on house money,” Miller said. “I actually started with 156 and I still didn’t care. I was just happy to be bowling. I just felt so lucky, so fortunate because of how everything went down. I came in with a mindset that I didn't care how I did, and the lanes played into my favor.”

Miller said not bowling in the World Series of Bowling XV, in which the scoring pace was significantly higher, turned out to be a blessing in disguise (in reference to his success this week specifically).

“Other players were used to having a hook spot, and then this week we don’t have that,” Miller said. “I also didn't bowl any games last week so I'm completely fresh and I'm not used to bowling on an easier condition. Everything literally just worked out.”

After a stellar 2022 season , in which Miller finished 12th in points, he finished 62nd last season and will need at least a top-three finish (and more likely top two) in order to climb into the top 43 in points this season.

“The past couple of years really have been pretty rough. There's just not a lot of room for error. Everyone's so good and there's a lot of moving parts,” Miller said. “I'm excited. I want to compete against these guys. I want to see what I can do and see how I can hang. I'm right up there with all of them so it's gonna be fun.”

Miller will look to write the final pages of a Hollywood-worthy script as match play continues at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. 

After Thursday's final round of match play, the top five players will advance to the stepladder finals, which will take place Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

All rounds of qualifying and match play will be livestreamed on BowlTV .

Match Play Round 1 Leaders

• Matt Ogle, 6,004 (+804)
• EJ Tackett, 5,911 (+711)
• Anthony Simonsen, 5,858 (+658)
• Eric Jones, 5,842 (+642)
• Jake Peters, 5,762 (+562)
• Brad Miller, 5,753 (+553)
• Matt Sanders, 5,750 (+550)
• Marshall Kent, 5,745 (+545)
• Jason Sterner, 5,727 (+527)
• BJ Moore, 5,727 (+523)

Full standings are available here .

TOC Schedule

AMF Riviera Lanes | Fairlawn, OH

All times listed in Eastern

Thursday, April 25 10am — Match Play Round 2 (eight games) 6pm — Match Play Round 3 (eight games)

Top five players advance to championship round — Sunday at 1pm ET on FOX

Friday, April 26 6pm — Hall of Fame induction ceremonies (free to watch on BowlTV)

Saturday, April 17 9am — Pro-Am 11am — Pro-Am 4pm — PBA Elite League Round 14 matches (L.A. X vs. Portland; Akron vs. Las Vegas) Tickets

Sunday, April 28 1pm on FOX — TOC stepladder finals Tickets

More information on the PBA Tournament of Champions is available here .

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