OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.: In a FedEx Cup playoff opener that felt like a heavyweight bout, Dustin Johnson delivered back-to-back blows to beat Jordan Spieth in The Northern Trust.
One was a putt from 18 feet.
The other was a drive that traveled 341 yards.
Down to his last shot, Johnson watched his 18-foot par putt stay on the high side of the hole and thought for sure it would miss. He took two steps of hope to the right, and then pumped his fist in a rare show of emotion when it swirled around and dropped in the back side of the cup for a 4-under 66 to force a playoff.
Given new life, Johnson relied on his strength and powered a drive over the lake to the far edge of the fairway. It was the longest drive all week on the 18th hole, and it left him a 60-degree wedge to 4 feet for birdie and a victory he badly needed.
The No. 1 player in golf finally looked the part again.
"It was fun to be in the hunt again and know that my game is going to hold up under pressure," Johnson said.
Spieth lost for the first time in six tries when leading by two shots or more, and there was not much he could do except take back that tee shot into the water on the par-3 sixth hole after building a five-shot lead. Johnson played bogey-free over the final 29 holes.
"I didn't lose the tournament," Spieth said after closing with a 69. "He won it."
It was great theater between Johnson and Spieth, good friends who now are No. 1 and No. 2 in the world.
"I thought that was a fun show," Spieth said. "I was hoping it wasn't going to be that much fun."
Johnson made up a five-shot deficit in five holes, and they battled along the back nine with big shots and big moments.
They were tied on the par-3 17th when both hit into a bunker, and Johnson blasted out to 4 feet with an easier shot and angle to the hole. Spieth had 18 feet for par and knocked it in, like he always seems to do.
On the closing hole, Johnson showed the kind of golf I.Q. that belies his simple outlook on life. After he sliced his drive up the hill and into a nasty lie in the rough, he chose to lay up instead of trying to hammer a shot to an elevated green.
But he made it pay off with a par, that got him into the playoff after Spieth lagged a 75-foot putt perfectly to get his par.
They finished at 13-under 267.
Johnson was angry with himself after his tee shot in regulation for not taking it over the water, even with a light wind in his face.
"Right after I hit my drive, I was like, 'What am I doing?" Johnson said. He told his caddie, brother Austin Johnson, that if they got into a playoff, he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. It took the most clutch putt Johnson has made in his career, and he blasted his best drive of the week.
Spieth knew it was going to be tough when they returned to the tee and felt the wind switch in their favor.
"I was hoping he was not going to notice that," Spieth said.
Johnson won for the first time since he wrenched his back during a spill down the stairs that knocked him out of the Masters and derailed his dominance in golf. He had won three straight tournaments against strong fields until that injury.
"I feel like the game is finally back in form like it was before the Masters," Johnson said.
Of his 16 victories, this was the first time Johnson faced a must-make putt on the final hole, and he delivered a par putt that even Spieth thought was going to miss on the high side of the hole.
"But his body language was hanging in," Spieth said. "I'm like, 'Does that really still have a chance?' And it came around and lipped it. My initial thought was, 'I just did that exact thing to him the hole before.'"
The Northern Trust never looked as though it would contain so much drama.
Spieth began with a three-shot lead and he stretched it to five shots with a 30-foot birdie putt on the fifth hole.
Five holes later, they were tied.
Spieth's tee shot on the next hole banged off the rock wall and into the water on the par-3 sixth, and he made double bogey. On the ninth hole, Spieth took three putts from just off the left side the green, and Johnson made a 7-foot birdie putt for another two-shot swing.
No one else really had a chance.
Jon Rahm (68) ran off three straight birdies early on the back and briefly was one shot behind, though he had stronger holes ahead of him and fell back. Jhonattan Vegas (65) was within two shots after playing the scoring holes. They tied for third, four shots behind.
Otherwise, it was a matter of who finished among the top 100 in the FedEx Cup to move on to the TPC Boston next week for the second playoff event.
Bubba Watson shot a 70 and tied for 10th, to become one of eight players to qualify for the second playoff event all 11 years of the FedEx Cup. David Lingmerth and Harold Varner also moved into the top 100. That marked the fewest players outside the top 100 to advance since 2007.
Johnson moved to the top of the list. Spieth is right behind. They will play together the opening two rounds next week in Boston.
Johnson pulls off stunner over Spieth in Northern Trust
Johnson pulls off stunner over Spieth in Northern Trust
Ronaldo fires Portugal into Nations League final
- It was Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000
- Spain and France will clash in the other semifinal on Thursday to decide who will face Portugal in the decider on Sunday
MUNICH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal fought back to beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday, with the 40-year-old bagging his 137th international goal to send them into the Nations League final.
It was Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000 with Ronaldo’s goal earning them a spot in their second Nations League final, after winning the inaugural edition in 2019.
Spain and France will clash in the other semifinal on Thursday to decide who will face Portugal in the decider on Sunday.
Germany dominated the first half, but it remained goalless thanks to the heroics of Portugal keeper Diogo Costa.
The shotstopper made an excellent start to the first half, keeping out a low shot from Germany’s Leon Goretzka after four minutes with a strong save.
Costa came to Portugal’s rescue again with an incredible save from Nick Woltemade’s close-range effort and two minutes later, he produced another quick reaction stop, diving low to tip away another attempt from Goretzka.
Germany took the lead in the 48th minute, as Florian Wirtz headed in unmarked in the box, following a pinpoint lobbed pass from Joshua Kimmich.
However, Portugal turned the match around, first equalizing through substitute Francisco Conceicao in the 63rd minute, before Ronaldo tapped in five minutes later after Nuno Mendes teed him up.
For Conceicao, the win carried extra significance, as his father Sergio scored a hat-trick the last time Portugal beat Germany — at the European Championship in 2000.
“We need to enjoy the victory — we won for the first time in a while against Germany. Tactically we were exceptional and our commitment helped... it was a team victory,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.
“Now we can recover and evaluate,” he added. “We want another performance with personality in this shirt.”
Germany looked to shift the momentum when substitute Karim Adeyemi unleashed a powerful rising strike with his left foot, only to see it crash against the outside of Costa’s right-hand post.
Portugal could have grabbed a third goal very late in the match but Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen stretched impressively to perform a double save.
It was a disappointing 100th appearance for Germany captain Kimmich.
“The defeat is absolutely deserved. We weren’t playing well enough in the first half. After going 1-0 up, nothing came of it in the second half,” he told reporters.
“We have to learn from this. If we’re not at 100 percent, we can’t beat a top European team. Today was one of our worst games, purely based on our performance.”
Brazil need to get the best out of Vinicius Jr., says Ancelotti
- Ancelotti: I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid
- Vinicius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador: Brazil must help striker Vinicius Jr. rediscover the form he has displayed at Real Madrid, new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.
Ancelotti, who guided the Spanish giants to several titles alongside the Brazilian forward, including two Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga crowns, said that his unique ability to unsettle opposing defenses made him a vital asset.
“I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador on Thursday — his first match in charge of the national team.
“For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here,” the manager added.
Vinicius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament. However, he has struggled for form with the national team, falling short of his usual standards at Real Madrid.
Regarding his tactical approach, Ancelotti stated that he aims to field a compact, balanced team.
“I don’t want a team with a clear identity. We have to defend well, whether it’s 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have to defend together and use creativity with the ball,” he said.
“Individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.”
He didn’t reveal his starting lineup for his debut as coach, but he did have words of praise for 18-year-old Estevao, who is leaving Palmeiras for Chelsea and has been tipped for a bright future with the national team.
“He’s got a special talent... he’s got character, he’s a good person, he’s humble, and he seems fine to me, but with a young player we have to be patient and careful. He has the characteristics to be very important for the future of the national team,” the coach said.
Brazil are fourth in the standings for the South American World Cup qualifiers, while their opponents Ecuador are second, behind world champions Argentina. The top six qualify directly for the World Cup.
They will host Paraguay in Sao Paulo next week and could secure an early spot at next year’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA’s competitive parity
- NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum says the series between Oklahoma and Indiana shows success no longer dictated by market size and reflects the league’s evolving landscape
DUBAI: As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City this week, the league is celebrating this year’s matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a landmark moment. These are finals defined by competitive parity, the rise of international stars, and a clear message: In today’s NBA, success is no longer dictated by market size.
During a pre-finals international media call, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the Thunder-Pacers series reflects the league’s evolving landscape.
“This season, we will crown the seventh different NBA champion in seven years, a first in league history. This speaks to the parity in today’s NBA, where more teams have a chance to win and more players are stepping up on the global stage,” Tatum said.
A new era of champions
Neither Oklahoma City nor Indiana has ever won an NBA title, with the Pacers’ only championships coming in the ABA. But both teams have reached the top through smart drafting, player development, and long-term vision, not through market size or heavy spending.
“It’s still early, but I’m encouraged by what we’re seeing in terms of parity,” Tatum said. “Teams like OKC and Indiana prove that strong management, regardless of market size, can build championship contenders. The result is increased global interest and competitive balance.”
The Thunder finished with a league-best 68 wins behind Canadian-born MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, advanced through the East with dynamic offense and relentless energy. Both squads are young, deep, and built with a clear identity.
Small markets, global reach
While Oklahoma City and Indiana are traditionally considered small markets, their impact in 2025 tells a different story. Through global broadcasting and social media, the finals and their stars are more accessible than ever.
“Market size doesn’t have the same weight it once did. Thanks to social media, international distribution, and player-driven content, stars from any team can become global icons,” the NBA deputy commissioner added.
This postseason supports that claim. The NBA recorded its most-viewed opening playoff weekend in 25 years, and the Eastern Conference Finals between Indiana and New York had the highest viewership in seven years. Across digital platforms, engagement is at an all-time high.
“The Thunder and Pacers have proven that you don’t need to be from New York or Los Angeles to capture global attention. If your team plays the right way and your players connect with fans, the world will watch,” Tatum continued.
Global stars, global stage
The finals spotlight two international standouts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada and Pascal Siakam from Cameroon. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named both the 2025 NBA regular season MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP, and Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, have emerged as global stars on the league’s biggest stage. Both are products of the NBA’s global development programs, including Basketball Without Borders. Siakam participated in the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in 2012, which played a significant role in his basketball development. Gilgeous-Alexander attended the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in 2016, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
“This is truly a breakout moment for Shai,” Tatum said. “And Pascal’s story, from attending a camp in Africa to becoming an NBA champion and now returning to the finals, is a powerful example of what international investment can achieve.”
Built, not bought
This year’s finals also highlight the impact of the league’s updated Collective Bargaining Agreement. Neither team is a luxury-tax payer, and both rosters were built through the draft, player development, and smart acquisitions.
Tatum highlighted that there are multiple paths to building a championship contender, adding that what we are seeing now is a validation of the system. Drafting Chet Holmgren, trading for Alex Caruso, and signing Isaiah Hartenstein are all smart, sustainable moves.
Finals for the future
With Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton, Siakam, and Holmgren at the forefront, the 2025 NBA finals represent more than a battle for the title. It marks a generational shift in the league.
“These players aren’t anointed. They earn their place. And this is where they begin to cement their status as the future faces of the NBA,” Tatum concluded.
As two passionate fan bases chase their first NBA title and a global audience tunes in, the Thunder-Pacers Finals stand as a symbol of the league’s evolution, driven by competitive parity and the rise of international stars who are boosting viewership around the world.
Given that Oklahoma City holds home court advantage, Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Friday, June 6 at 4:30 a.m. GST), live from Oklahoma City.
Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to set up a semifinal showdown with Jannik Sinner
- Djokovic proved too much for No. 3 seed Zverev, a man who’s a decade younger and was last year’s runner-up at Roland-Garros, and set up a semifinal against No. 1 Jannik Sinner
PARIS: A crucial moment arrived more than 2 1/2 hours into Novak Djokovic’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 French Open quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev. It was the fourth set, and Djokovic led, but Zverev was in possession of a break point and a chance to get back into Wednesday’s match.
They engaged in a 41-stroke exchange, the longest of a buggy and breezy night, and Djokovic came out on top, smacking a forehand winner. He stayed in place afterward, breathing heavily, with hands on hips, scanning the standing ovation from thousands of Court Philippe-Chatrier spectators.
Djokovic might be 38 now. He might have slogged through a pair of three-match losing skids this season and slid to No. 6 in the rankings. What hasn’t changed is Djokovic’s determination or his ability to be his best on big stages — and now he’s two wins from a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic proved too much for No. 3 seed Zverev, a man who’s a decade younger and was last year’s runner-up at Roland-Garros, and set up a semifinal against No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Earlier Wednesday, Sinner continued his overpowering run through the bracket by dismissing Alexander Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. Sinner not only hasn’t dropped a set so far, but he has ceded a total of only 36 games through five matches.
So Friday will bring a tantalizing showdown between someone many consider the top player in tennis history, Djokovic, and someone who is at the top of the men’s game at the moment, Sinner. Djokovic and Sinner are tied 4-4 in their head-to-head series, but Sinner has won the last three matchups.
No one has spent more weeks at No. 1 in the rankings than Djokovic. No one has won more major championships or reached more major semifinals than his total that now stands at 51 after becoming the second-oldest man to get that far in Paris.
Sinner, 23, has won three of the past five Grand Slam titles. That includes last year’s US Open and this year’s Australian Open, so his unbeaten streak at majors is now at 19 matches. He’s also won his last 26 sets at those events.
“He’s playing fast. He’s playing smart,” Bublik said. “He’s in another dimension with all the aspects of the game.”
Also an apt description for Djokovic, who repeatedly used drop shots to great effect against Zverev.
As for Sinner, no one other than Carlos Alcaraz has been able to beat him in his last 48 matches, a stretch that dates to last August. Sinner is 46-2 in that span, with both defeats coming against the French Open’s defending champion.
And as it happens, No. 2 Alcaraz is still around. He will meet No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti in Friday’s other semifinal.
There were some distractions in Djokovic vs. Zverev, including a bunch of tiny flying insects that the players kept trying to swat away and a back-and-forth between the chair umpire and some fans in the fourth set.
Needless to say, Djokovic handled it all much better. He also was superior in pretty much every way with the ball in play.
He was broken in the very first game — and then not again.
He broke Zverev four times — no small feat against a guy who had been broken a total of five times in his five previous matches.
And Djokovic’s 29 unforced errors were far fewer than the 44 for Zverev.
It took Djokovic five match points to wrap this one up, and when he did, his face morphed from concentration to as wide a smile as can be.
The last time these two played each other was in the Australian Open semifinals in January, and Djokovic had to quit after one set because of an injured hamstring. The last time Djokovic played at the French Open, 12 months ago, he had to withdraw before the quarterfinals because he tore the meniscus in his right knee and needed surgery.
He sure looks in good shape at the moment.
Al-Hilal sign Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as new coach
- Inzaghi, 49, fills role of Jorge Jesus who was fired last month
- First challenge is FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia giants Al-Hilal announced on Thursday Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach, replacing Jorge Jesus who was fired last month.
The announcement was made in a video posted on the club’s X account shortly after midnight.
“My name is Simone Inzaghi. And today begins my story with Al-Hilal,” he says at the end of the 40-second clip.
He is shown wearing his customary black suit, tying his shoes, putting on a watch and adjusting his tie.
Inzaghi’s Inter Milan suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final, prompting the Italian to step down.
He joined Inter in 2021 and won 141 of 217 games as coach. He was at Serie A rivals Lazio for five years before taking over at Inter.
Al-Hilal parted ways with Portuguese coach Jesus at the start of May, who led the Riyadh team to 83 wins in 105 games, in his second stint with the club.
Defending champions Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League, eight points behind Al-Ittihad.
Inzaghi’s first order of business will be in the US, where Al-Hilal will join the best teams in the world, including the 49-year-old’s former side Inter, in the FIFA Club World Cup which runs from June 14 to July 13.
Al-Hilal are drawn in Group H with Real Madrid, Pachuca and Salzburg.
