SPORT

Ethiopians Selemon Barega and Medina Eisa won the men’s and women’s 10km races at the Great Manchester Run respectively.

Barega, who was Olympic champion in the distance on the track at Tokyo 2020, won in 27 minutes and 49 seconds.

Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe finished three seconds behind, while last year’s champion, Vincent Ngetich Kipkemoi of Kenya, was third with 27:58.

There were two British finishers in the top 10, with Alfie Manthorpe fifth and Welshman Dewi Griffiths in eighth.

Olympic 800m champions Keely Hodgkinson MBE and Dame Kelly Holmes were in attendance to start the men’s 10k and the half marathons.

In the women’s 10km, it was a comfortable win for 20-year-old Eisa in 30:42.

American Emily Sisson was second in 31:11, with Eisa’s fellow Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase in third.

British athletes Amy-Eloise Neale and Verity Ockenden finished seventh and ninth respectively.

One of Jake Paul’s nicknames is the “Problem Child,” but that nickname could just as easily fit Julio César Chávez Jr.

After becoming World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion of the world in 2011, Chávez defended his crown three times and came to be considered on the same level as his contemporary Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. But a disappointing loss to Sergio Martínez in 2012, lack of discipline needed to train properly and make weight, as well as a crushing defeat to Álvarez in 2017, sent his career into a free fall.

From 2019-21, he picked up three losses in four fights, including falling to former champion Daniel Jacobs and mixed martial arts veteran Anderson Silva.

Now at 39, Chávez will face Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul in a cruiserweight contest scheduled for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Chávez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) has fought 61 professional bouts since his debut in 2003 and could be the toughest test of Paul’s (11-1, 7 KOs) career to date, although it all depends on the level of the Mexican’s fitness for the matchup.

Boxers Jake Paul, left, and Julio César Chávez Jr. point at each other during a news conference while promoter Oscar De La Hoya watches at the Avalon Hollywood Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Paul and Chávez will fight in June in Anaheim.

(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

During a press event held at The Avalon in Hollywood on Wednesday, Paul strongly criticized Chávez while mentioning the addiction problems Chávez has faced as well as his “lack of mentality.”

“I’m going to embarrass him and run him down like he always does,” Paul said. “I’m going to expose him. He will be the embarrassment of Mexico. There are two things you can’t beat — me and your drug addiction.”

Outside the ring, Chávez’s personal life has not been free of problems. The Culiacan native was arrested in January of last year in Los Angeles and charged with illegal possession of weapons, specifically an assault rifle, which was found in his home. He eventually pleaded not guilty and committed to entering a rehabilitation program.

On Wednesday, the legendary Julio César Chávez Sr. stood by his son’s side to support him in the face of Paul’s verbal attacks. For Chávez Sr., if his son continues to train the way he has seen him lately, the American doesn’t stand a chance. Chávez Jr. will be looking to be the second opponent to beat Paul after Tommy Fury scored a win in 2023.

“He’s an overrated fighter. He hasn’t fought anybody. He only fights old guys,” said Chávez Jr., who added he will arrive in Anaheim as the best version of himself and that the first five rounds will be difficult, but that he will tip the scales in his favor from the seventh round on.

Chávez Sr., as on many occasions, has mentioned that his son is training like never before.

“There is no way Jake Paul can beat my son, the way he is training,” Chávez Sr. said.

Paul responded he could beat Chávez Jr. and his legendary father, criticizing Chávez Jr.’s lack of discipline.

Boxer Jake Paul insulted Julio César Chávez Jr. during a news conference at the Avalon Hollywood Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

“It’s not a champion’s mentality to only train hard when you have a big fight. I train hard every time I have a fight, no matter who I’m facing. That teaches you the type of person he is,” Paul said.

After the news conference, Chávez Jr. noted that he expected Paul to pick on his dad, but understood it was a mental tactic by his opponent.

“In boxing you learn step by step, and he is missing several,” Chávez Jr. said.

Paul, a 28-year-old from Cleveland, will return to the ring since he last fought in November, when he outpointed heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an eight-round bout in Arlington, Texas. The event disappointed many due to a lack of competitiveness from 58-year-old “Iron Mike.”

During this fight, Paul will likely have much of the crowd against him by choosing to fight a Mexican star in Southern California, although he believes there are many who will support him.

“Mexicans love me. People love me more than they love him. Mexico doesn’t even love him. I’m going to show him who the real Mexican warrior is,” Paul said.

Boxers Julio César Chávez Jr., left, and his father, Julio César Chávez Sr., sit beside each other during a news conference Wednesday.

(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

The showdown between Paul and Chávez Jr. comes after a proposed showdown between the Youtuber and Álvarez fell apart earlier this year.

Paul could be close to a fight against Álvarez, although before that he could consider a matchup against Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, who will be defending his cruiserweight crown against Cuban Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) on the Anaheim card.

“He has done a good job. Maybe someday we can fight for titles. Now I’m the champion,” Ramírez, 33, said about facing Paul.

Ramírez (47-1, 30 KOs) said he would prefer to unify the Boxing Assn. title against Jai Opetaia, the International Boxing Federation champion. But before that, he will have to dispatch Dorticos, who is known for his powerful punch.

“Los Angeles is going to shake. The knockout doctor is back,” said Dorticos, 39.

The card is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, and will air on pay-per-view via DAZN.

This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.

The WRU had continually insisted maintaining four professional sides on an equal footing was at the heart of its long-term strategy that was launched in 2024.

The governing body say that was their preference from the outset, but the system will not return to the model “given seismic changes in the rugby landscape”.

The WRU now says it has taken “the difficult but necessary decision” to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing with its bank, NatWest.

They say it was not a decision that was taken lightly, however “given the WRU’s duties to the game in Wales as a whole, the broader performance, financial and strategic needs of the game must take precedence”.

“When I announced the headline strategy back in July 2024, I said one thing is for certain, given the challenges facing rugby in Wales and globally, there will be times when we need to adjust our course,” said Tierney.

“We must seize this opportunity. Our continued aim is to build a resilient and world-class structure that will support Welsh rugby’s next generation and beyond.”

The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) is the organisation set up to represent the four professional sides and the WRU.

“The next phase of consultation, as always, will be conducted with the best interests of the whole of Welsh rugby at its heart,” said PRB chair Malcolm Wall, who is also a WRU board member.

SOUTHERN SECTION LACROSSE PLAYOFFS

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

At Fred Kelly Stadium

BOYS FINALS

DIVISION 1

Loyola 11, Mater Dei 3

DIVISION 2

San Clemente 8, Dos Pueblos 7

DIVISION 3

Riverside King 14, Agoura 8

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

At Fred Kelly Stadium

GIRLS FINALS

DIVISION 1

Foothill 12, Mira Costa 7

DIVISION 2

St. Margaret’s 11, El Segundo 8

DIVISION 3

Oaks Christian 15, Trabuco Hills 9

The rear window of a van belonging to world champion darts player Luke Littler was smashed while he took part in an exhibition match.

Littler played in the MODUS Icons of Darts event at Epic Studios in Norwich on Saturday, where he defeated Luke Humphries.

After leaving the event, he found his vehicle had been damaged. Posting to Instagram he said: “Just trying to do an exhibition in Norwich and this happens, absolutely scum of the earth.”

Norfolk Police has been approached for comment.

Littler is the youngest-ever darts world champion, and he took the record from Michael van Gerwen in January, aged 17.

Van Gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won the first of his three world titles in 2014, aged 24.

Littler, who was born in Warrington and moved back to the town when he was six years old, has won 11 senior PDC titles and is also the reigning Premier League and Grand Slam champion.

SOUTHERN SECTION SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

SECOND ROUND

DIVISION 1

Norco 13, Oaks Christian 1

Chino Hills 4, Huntington Beach 0

La Mirada 12, Roosevelt 4

Ayala 3, Murrieta Mesa 2

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 12, El Segundo 10

El Modena 7, Rosary Academy 5

Temescal Canyon 8, Valley View 0

Etiwanda 3, La Habra 1

DIVISION 2

California 3, Capistrano Valley 0

Great Oak 7, Downey 1

JSerra 5, Sonora 3

Palos Verdes 11, Linfield Christian 7

Ganesha 4, Millikan 0

Santa Margarita 13, Vista Murrieta 3

Los Alamitos 7, Whittier Christian 3

La Serna 4, Redondo Union 2

DIVISION 3

Yorba Linda at Valencia, Monday

Arlington 4, Cerritos Valley Christian 1

St. Paul 6, Alta Loma 2

Marina 7, San Clemente 0

Kennedy at Royal, Monday

Aquinas 5, Tesoro 2

Mission Viejo 14, Ramona 3

Westlake 7, Chaminade 2

DIVISION 4

Santa Monica 7, Duarte 3

Long Beach Poly 11, South El Monte 1

Harvard-Westlake 5, Foothill 3

Dos Pueblos 10, Colton 2

Indio 4, Northview 2

El Toro 14, Quartz Hill 7

Hemet 2, Segerstrom 1

Elsinore at Warren, Monday

DIVISION 5

St. Bonaventure 4, Muir 3

Patriot 10, Kaiser 2

Irvine at Highland, Monday

Riverside North 9, Western Christian 8

Cerritos 11, Placentia Valencia 1

Canyon Springs 5, Grace 1

West Ranch 12, Bishop Montgomery 5

Lancaster at Wiseburn Da Vinci, Monday

DIVISION 6

Cantwell-Sacred Heart 2, South Pasadena 1

University 10, Coastal Christian 2

Ramona Convent 13, Granite Hills 7

Pasadena Poly at La Salle, Monday

Adelanto 11, Norwalk 1

San Jacinto 14, Eisenhower 3

Katella 7, Vasquez 4

Rio Hondo Prep 16, St. Monica 6

DIVISION 7

El Monte 9, Garey 7

Westminster 14, Fillmore 8

Rancho Mirage 23, Hesperia Christian 10

Edgewood 10, Sacred Heart LA 3

Silverado 16, Rialto 4

Los Amigos at Culver City, Monday

Lakeside 9, Yucca Valley 6

Riverside Notre Dame 5, San Bernardino 1

DIVISION 8

Orange 3, Tustin 2

Cathedral City 15, Bethel Christian 6

United Christian Academy12, Banning 11

Nuview Bridge at Lennox Academy, Monday

Hawthorne 17, Rancho Alamitos 8

Calvary Baptist 14, Academy of Careers & Exploration 0

Hueneme 13, Loara 0

Downey Calvary Chapel 10, St. Genevieve 8

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

(Games at 3:15 p.m. unless noted)

QUARTERFINALS

DIVISION 1

Chino Hills at Norco

Ayala at La Mirada

El Modena at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

Etiwanda at Temescal Canyon

DIVISION 2

California at Great Oak

JSerra at Palos Verdes

Ganesha at Santa Margarita

La Serna at Los Alamitos

DIVISION 3

Arlington vs. Valencia / Yorba Linda

Marina at St. Paul

Aquinas vs. Kennedy / Royal

Mission Viejo at Westlake

DIVISION 4

Long Beach Poly at Santa Monica

Harvard-Westlake at Dos Pueblos

El Toro at Indio

Elsinore / Warren at Hemet

DIVISION 5

Patriot at St. Bonaventure

Riverside North vs. Highland / Irvine

Canyon Springs at Cerritos

West Ranch vs. Lancaster / La Canada

DIVISION 6

University at Cantwell-Sacred Heart

Ramona Convent vs. Pasadena Poly / La Salle

Adelanto at San Jacinto

Katella at Rio Hondo Prep

DIVISION 7

Westminster at El Monte

Edgewood at Rancho Mirage

Silverado vs. Los Amigos / Culver City

Riverside Notre Dame at Lakeside

DIVISION 8

Cathedral City at Orange

Nuview Bridge / Lennox Academy at United Christian Academy

Hawthorne at Calvary Baptist

Hueneme at Downey Calvary Chapel

Note: Semifinals (all divisions) May 24; Finals (all divisions) May 30-31.

SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

FINALS

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 3

Tesoro d. Orange Lutheran, 25-16, 25-16, 27-25

DIVISION 5

Kennedy d. Esperanza, 23-25, 27-25, 25-20, 26-24

DIVISION 9

CAMS d. Downey Calvary Chapel, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19

DIVISION 6

El Toro d. Quartz Hill, 17-25, 28-26, 25-21, 25-19

At Santa Barbara

DIVISION 4

Sage Hill d. Santa Barbara, 15-25, 25-13, 18-25, 25-20, 15-8

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

FINALS

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 1

Mira Costa d. Huntington Beach, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 29-31, 15-11

At Mater Dei

DIVISION 2

Mater Dei d. Peninsula, 20-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-19

At Crossroads

DIVISION 8

Wildwood d. Katella, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

FINALS

DIVISION 7

San Gabriel Academy d. Brea Olinda, 3-2

He was in tears after was he booked against Tottenham two weeks ago, after which Potter said he was “frustrated” and had “given everything and in difficult circumstances”.

Later that evening Paqueta’s wife Maria Fournier said in an Instagram post that they had “been living this nightmare for two years”.

Paqueta was left on the bench for last weekend’s 2-0 win at Manchester United, which Potter said was because he had a cold.

“It has taken its toll on him. The week he had was a particularly tough week for him personally,” Potter said.

“As a result of that he was feeling under the weather on the day before the game and the day of the game, so I didn’t want to risk him and make it worse for him.

“Sometimes stress, pressure, can manifest itself in a different way.

“Generally he’s come in and conducted himself in a really good way. He’s handled it really well.”

Potter said he is keen for the case to be resolved before the start of next season.

“It’s not my thing to talk about, but the sooner the better for everyone,” he said.

In comic book terms, Servite’s group of talented sprinters would be described as “faster than a speeding bullet.”

There’s so many of them that a rival coach quipped, “They run so fast no one can see them.”

Under an overcast sky and with unusually cool temperatures for May, Saturday’s Southern Section track and field championships at Moorpark High was not conducive to record times, but that didn’t prevent the Friars from turning on the speed.

It started with winning the Division 3 4×100-meter relay in 40.43 seconds but really got going when sophomore Benjamin Harris ran a career-best time of 10.32 seconds to win the 100 meters, an event in which the Friars accumulated 20 points.

“I feel I have more in the tank,” Harris said. “It’s not my favorite weather. I like running in heat, but you have to adapt.”

Later in the 200 meters, he won in 20.96 seconds and Servite athletes also claimed third, fourth, fifth and sixth. Freshman Jalen Hunter won the 400 in 47.10.

Brandon Thomas, Servite’s coach, has used his many fast runners to push each other in practices.

“The next three weeks we’re going to be real hot,” he said.

Servite could be a state title contender, but despite its sprinter success, the Friars fell short to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame for the Division 3 team title. The Knights found enough depth in the field events to finish with 106.5 points to Servite’s 104. JJ Harel made major contributions with a win in the high jump, second place in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump. Aaron Uzan got a surprise win in the 110-meter hurdles.

The Masters Meet next Saturday at Moorpark, which features the 18 best qualifiers, will have a memorable 100. Rodney Sermons of Rancho Cucamoga, a USC commit, won the Division 1 100 in 10.36 seconds. He also took the 200 in 20.29. Sophomore Demare Dezeurn of Bishop Alemany set a Division 4 100 record in 10.42 seconds.

Keelan Wright of Chaparral defended her Division 1 100 meters title, winning in 11.50 seconds.

(Craig Weston)

In the girls Division 1 100, Georgia-bound Keelan Wright of Chaparral repeated as champion with a time of 11.50. Marley Scroggins of Calabasas set a Division 3 100 record at 11.59 and won the 200 in 23.84. Wright also won her 200 in 23.32.

Evan Noonan of Dana Hills, one of the top distance runners in the nation, broke his own record in the Division 1 1,600 meters, winning in 4:03.71. The Stanford commit is aiming for his best performance to come next month at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. He has limited his appearances this spring trying to peak at the right time.

Evan Noonan of Dana Hills set a Division 1 record in the 1,600.

(Craig Weston)

“I wasn’t planning on it today but it was fun,” he said of his record. “I don’t feel 100% fresh but am moving in the right direction.”

Junior Alden Morales of JSerra set a Division 3 record in the 800 meters at 1:50.79.

Sophomore Darren Haggerty of Viewpoint, the school’s top wide receiver, surprised himself with personal bests to win the Division 4 long jump at 22 feet, 8 inches and high jump at 6-6. “It just happened,” he said. Viewpoint tied Gardena Serra for the Division 4 team title.

Aja Johnson of Notre Dame, headed to Louisville, won the Division 4 girls shotput at 46-2. Kaylin Edwards, the Long Beach Wilson senior who won a state championship in the 300-meter girls hurdles as a sophomore, showed she has regained her form in the 100 hurdles, winning Division 1 in 13.90. Wilson won the team title.

Benjamin Harris of Servite (middle) holds off Jaxon Gates of Damien (right), winning the Division 3 100 meters in 10.32 seconds.

(Craig Weston)

Braelyn Combe of Corona Santiago won her second straight Division 1 girls title in the 1,600 with a time of 4:46.99. She finished second at last year’s state final to Ventura’s Sadie Engelhardt.

On the boys’ side, Long Beach Poly (Division 1) and Culver City (Division 2) were among the team title winners. Canyon Country Canyon (Division 2), JSerra (Division 3) won girls’ team titles, as did St. Mary’s and Rosary, which finished tied in Division 4.

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has thanked manager Ange Postecoglou for protecting the squad amid their disappointing season, describing him like “a dad or uncle for us”.

Spurs are 17th in the Premier League table with one game remaining and have suffered 25 defeats across all competitions – their joint-highest since the 1991-92 season.

They have an opportunity to salvage their season with the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday, and Mali midfielder Bissouma says the relationship between the players and the manager has remained strong throughout the season.

“It’s never changed, never changed. We have a good relationship,” Bissouma, 28, said of Postecoglou.

“He’s like a dad or uncle for us. He’s always trying to make us understand what he really wants.

“For us, he’s Ange, he’s him. He’s got his idea. He’s trying to help us every time. He’s always protecting us.”

Bissouma added that Postecoglou’s style was difficult to grasp at the beginning of his tenure in 2023, but he said the Australian has never put any blame on the players.

Injuries have plagued Tottenham’s season but they were boosted by the return of captain Son Heung-min in Friday’s defeat by Aston Villa.

They beat AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt to set up the European final against fellow Premier League strugglers United.

Bissouma was briefly suspended by Spurs at the beginning of the season after footage appeared to show the midfielder inhaling laughing gas, an incident which he said he did not want to talk about but is “still learning” from.

“Of course there’s more to come [from me]. We are always here for learning, I’m still learning,” he said.

“This season has been hard for me because I didn’t play much.

“The only thing I know is you have to work hard and never give up and be ready when your team needs you. That’s what I’m always trying to do.

“We know what we have to do. We have to win this cup because for us it’s really important.

“As a player, it’s not coming every season. For the club, for the fans, it’s something special.”

CITY SECTION BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

QUARTERFINALS

DIVISION I
#1 Banning 2, #8 Garfield 1
#5 Verdugo Hills 5, #4 San Pedro 4
#11 Taft 4, #14 Roosevelt 3
#2 Carson 6, #7 Palisades 0

DIVISION II
#1 Maywood CES 7, #8 Monroe 1
#12 Marquez at #4 Chavez
#6 Sotomayor 7, #3 Van Nuys 6
#7 Port of Los Angeles 4, #15 SOCES 0

DIVISION III
#1 Jefferson 3, #8 East Valley 0
#4 WISH Academy 8, #5 Huntington Park 2
#3 Triumph Charter 20, #6 Diego Rivera 6
at #2 University 10, #7 RFK Community 0

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SEMIFINALS

At Cal State Northridge

OPEN DIVISION
#3 Birmingham vs. #2 El Camino Real, 3 p.m.
#5 Sylmar at #1 Venice, 6 p.m.

At higher seeds

DIVISION II
#7 Port of Los Angeles at #6 Sotomayor, 3 p.m.
#4 Chavez / #12 Marquez at #1 Maywood CES, 3 p.m.

DIVISION III
#3 Triumph Charter at #2 University, 3 p.m.
#4 WISH Academy at #1 Jefferson, 3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SEMIFINALS

At Stengel Field

DIVISION I
#11 Taft at #2 Carson, 3 p.m.
#5 Verdugo Hills vs. #1 Banning, 6 p.m.

Note: Divisions II-III Finals Fri., May 23 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Stengel Field; Open-Division I Finals Sat. May 24 at Dodger Stadium, time TBD.

Until Scheffler’s late flourish, the top of the leaderboard was tightly contested for so long during an enthralling day in North Carolina, with the lead fluctuating wildly and at one stage, five players sharing top spot.

Overnight leader Jhonattan Vegas began the day two clear but his lead was eroded by bogeys on his first two holes and he finished the day five shots back at six under par.

He is alongside two-time major winner Rahm, who thrust himself into contention with a round of 67.

Fellow LIV golfer and perennial major contender DeChambeau celebrated when he seized the outright lead with three holes of his round to play, but carded a bogey and a double bogey on his way home to shoot a two-under 69.

At the opposite end of the leaderboard, Masters champion Rory McIlroy shot a one-over 72 to end round three 13 shots off the pace.

More to follow.

The crack of the ball off Jordan Woolery’s bat in the first inning sent a sharp, resounding message — the Bruins weren’t going to let their opponent dictate the tone this time.

Woolery, UCLA’s RBI leader, went two for three with a three-run homer, a triple and five RBIs to lead the Bruins to a 10-0, six-inning shutout over San Diego State in Game 2 of the Los Angeles Regional on Saturday afternoon.

The No. 9 Bruins (51-10) cruised into Game 6 of the regional, where they’ll have a chance to clinch a spot in the Super Regionals with one more win. Their opponent has yet to be determined for Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. PDT first pitch.

It was a complete role reversal. Just a day after UCLA’s bats stayed quiet through the first four innings in an eventual victory over UC Santa Barbara, the Bruins opened their second regional matchup with intent.

On the first pitch, Jessica Clements ripped a leadoff double. One pitch later, Savannah Pola dropped down a bunt and, spotting an uncovered second base, the speedy second baseman turned it into a heads-up double.

With runners in scoring position, Jordan Woolery did what’s become second nature — she brought them home, and did so with a bang.

Staying patient in the box, Woolery worked the count full, waiting for a pitch she could drive. She then clobbered a high fly ball that just cleared the glove of San Diego State center fielder Julie Holcomb, sailing over the wall for a three-run homer.

A candidate for national player of the year, Woolery is one of UCLA’s most consistent threats near the top of the lineup. She entered the regional ranked fifth in the nation with 75 RBIs — the second-highest single-season mark in program history.

Woolery added another RBI later, legging out a triple after a diving attempt by the Aztecs’ right fielder missed and the ball skipped past, allowing Clements to score. The hit brought her total to six RBIs for the weekend.

In an encore to her heroics at the plate and dominance in relief the night before, Kaitlyn Terry took the mound with poise and command. The left-hander turned in a smooth outing, giving up only two hits and one walk while striking out five.

Her only trouble came in the bottom of the third. A walk, an infield single and a fielding error loaded the bases, giving San Diego State a prime chance to take the lead. But Terry stayed composed.

After recording two outs, Terry dug in for a seven-pitch battle with Angie Yellen — and won, inducing a routine groundout to end the inning and preserve the Bruins’ lead.

From there, she settled in and found her rhythm, retiring nine straight batters and striking out three, earning the complete-game shutout victory.

A six-run rally in the sixth inning sealed the game via the run rule. Kaniya Bragg opened the onslaught with a two-run double, followed by an RBI single to right field from Terry. Then, just like the night before, Megan Grant delivered the finishing blow — a two-run triple that slammed high off the center-field wall, narrowly missing a three-run homer.

With the win, the Bruins notched back-to-back mercy-rule victories — their 27th of the season, extending a program record.

The likeable Allen was introduced as ‘the people’s champ’ and received a warm welcome as he entered the ring.

Fisher – thanks in large part to his social media star father ‘Big John’ and their ‘bosh’ catchphrase – is one of domestic boxing’s biggest ticket sellers.

The noise turned up a notch when he made his ring walk to Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, with just a small number of empty seats at the 8,000-capacity arena, nicknamed ‘Copper Bosh’ by Team Fisher.

Allen failed to land with his telegraphed overhand rights and Fisher snapped out the jab as the contest struggled to catch fire early on.

Fisher, who knocked out Alen Babic in the first round at the same venue last year, landed stinging uppercuts in the third and was given a warning for throwing a punch after the referee called break.

With the ‘Bull Army’ in full voice, the raucous atmosphere was strikingly different to the low-key first fight in Saudi Arabia.

Allen remained patient, waiting for his opening. Just like he did five months ago, he sent Fisher to the floor in the middle of the fight with brute power and determination.

Then came a highlight reel knockout which drew gasps from those in attendance.

The pair have remained friends since first sparring several years ago and Allen kept his celebrations on hold until Fisher was back on his feet.

SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

FINALS

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 1

Mira Costa d. Huntington Beach, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 29-31, 15-11

At Mater Dei

DIVISION 2

Mater Dei d. Peninsula, 20-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-19

At Crossroads

DIVISION 8

Wildwood d. Katella, 3-0

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE

FINALS

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 3

Orange Lutheran vs. Tesoro, 10 a.m.

DIVISION 5

Esperanza vs. Kennedy, 12:30 p.m.

DIVISION 9

CAMS vs. Downey Calvary Chapel, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 6

Quartz Hill vs. El Toro, 6 p.m.

At Santa Barbara

DIVISION 4

Sage Hill vs. Santa Barbara, 1 p.m.

Striker Marcus Rashford is happy to take a pay cut in order to get a move from Manchester United to Barcelona, Arsenal braced for Jakub Kiwior bid from Napoli, AC Milan turn down Manchester City offer for Tijjani Reijnders.

Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is willing to lower his wage demands to secure a summer move to Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish), external

Barcelona want to take Rashford on loan from Manchester United in the first instance but with an option to buy. (Sport – in Spanish), external

Arsenal and Poland defender Jakub Kiwior, 25, will be targeted by Napoli again this summer but the Serie A club want the Gunners to lower their £30m asking price. (Calciomercato – in Italian), external

Manchester United will not sack manager Ruben Amorim even if they lose the Europa League final against Tottenham. (Mirror), external

Manchester City are planning a £180m double deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Germany winger Florian Wirtz, 22, and AC Milan and the Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 26. (Mirror), external

AC Milan have turned down a £50.4m offer from Manchester City for Reijnders. (Teamtalk), external

Bayer Leverkusen and the Netherlands right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, 24, has agreed a five-year contract with Liverpool. (Talksport), external

Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has rejected the offer of a new contract at Bayern Munich amid links with clubs in the Premier League and La Liga. ( Sky Germany – in German), external

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez looks to be on his way out of the club with the 32-year-old Argentine receiving offers from Saudi Arabia and two European sides. (Mundo Albiceleste – in Spanish), external

Martinez and his family are settled in Birmingham but he wants to move in order to win more trophies. (Ole – in Spanish), external

Aston Villa are eyeing Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher as a potential replacement for Martinez but face competition from Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bournemouth for the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper. (The I), external

Espanyol’s Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia, 24, is also interesting Aston Villa. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Newcastle United are ready to spend £150m in the summer transfer window with a right winger, forward and goalkeeper high on manager Eddie Howe’s wish-list. (Newcastle Chronicle), external

Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, 24, is a target for a number of Saudi Arabian clubs with an offer of £210m (250m euros) believed to be on the table. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

Former Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro turned down a chance to take over at Brazilian side Corinthians with the 63-year-old Portuguese on course for a role in the Premier League. (Foot Mercato – in French), external

The NBA draft combine concludes this weekend, and the draft is next month. However, before I dive into what kind of player the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue, I need to remind you of three significant economic shifts.

The first began in 1994 when Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson asked the Milwaukee Bucks for a $100-million contract after the team made him the No. 1 pick. Robinson eventually signed a 10-year, $68-million contract (the richest ever for a rookie), but the following year the league said goodbye to open-ended contracts for rookies. Today rookie deals are four years max.

Next, in 2006, the NBA changed eligibility rules requiring players to be at least 19 or one year removed from high school before entering the draft. This was because of the glut of high school phenoms who turned into pro duds.

And finally, in July 2021, the NCAA’s “name, image, likeness” policy went into effect. That means any senior in this year’s draft is part of the first full class of ball players who could monetize their entire college playing career.

All of which affects the answer to the pressing question: What kind of player should the Lakers pursue in next month’s draft?

The kind who had access to excess on a college campus for four years and proved they can handle the temptations that money and fame can bring. The kind that already had opportunities to make emotional or childish mistakes on the court or perhaps in a social media post and learned from them. The kind of player who didn’t get a real senior year in high school but made the best out of the cards they were dealt. Resiliency isn’t something that can be measured at the combine, which is ironic because without it, all the measurable qualities add up to nothing.

The league’s economic shifts made a “high ceiling” — meaning a lot of potential, but not a proven track record — the most sought-after quality in the NBA draft. As a result, players who can legally drink fell out of favor with scouts.

Consider, Michael Jordan was drafted in 1984 at the age of 21. At the time he was a relative youngster: The average age in the draft was 22.3. Before the eligibility rule change, Kobe Bryant was drafted at 17, and the average age had dipped to 22. When Lebron James was 18 in 2003, the average was 21.5. Last year the average was down to 20.

How has this affected the college game? In 2012, Kentucky won the NCAA title with a roster that was about 19.7 years old. In 2021, Baylor University won with players who averaged 22.3 in age.

While the Lakers roster is in desperate need of a big man — something that was made painfully clear in this year’s first-round playoffs loss — they likely won’t find the next Shaq with their No. 55 pick. But they could find the next Austin Reaves, who went undrafted as a 23-year-old senior in 2021.

That’s not to say youth isn’t a good thing. Only that with the advancement of technology and nutrition, “youth” has been greatly extended for professional athletes. Players in their late 20s are likely to still be in their prime performance years, not aging out. And LeBron James and the NHL’s Alex Ovechkin aren’t the only 40-year-old world-class examples to point to. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn came out of retirement last fall and at 40 placed second in an event in March. What was considered old for an athlete when Jordan was drafted is not applicable today.

My hope is the Lakers comb through the entire NCAA spectrum and draft a 24-year-old college graduate who has NIL money in the bank and a good head on his shoulders. Critics of NIL complain that the new system makes it hard to build a good college program because players are constantly chasing money and have no team loyalty. I say it’s better to learn the lessons that can come from that while on a college campus than in the higher-stakes world of pro sports.

Back in the day, talented but raw college players felt pressured to earn money and would enter the league too early. Sometimes it was to protect their prospects of being drafted based on potential, before they had enough of a record that they would be judged on their accomplishments instead. Now, in the era of NIL cash and transferring among colleges, a promising 18-year-old can make a case to finish his degree before trying to go pro — maturing as a player, a student and a businessman without giving up his dream of being in the NBA.

No doubt the Lakers need a big man.

If they hold on to the pick, they should be sure to draft a grown-up as well.

@LZGranderson

Mark Delgado has known Greg Vanney since he was 13.

“We’re definitely close,” the LAFC midfielder said of the coach he played for in three MLS Cup finals.

So it’s been difficult for Delgado to watch from afar as Vanney’s Galaxy team, the one Delgado played for last season, has struggled through the worst start in franchise history.

“I definitely hope, personally, things go better for him,” Delgado said of Vanney, who got a multiyear contract extension Friday, one that reportedly makes him the best-paid manager in MLS. “I hope Greg can get things turned around.”

As long as that turnaround starts next weekend since Delgado returns Sunday to Dignity Health Sports Park for the first time since December’s MLS Cup final. Only this time he’ll be wearing the black and gold of LAFC, the Galaxy’s bitter rival.

“Yeah, definitely. I want to come out on top,” he said. “It’s kind of a weird situation. You don’t wish them too well because you want to do well yourself.”

A weird situation is also an apt description of Delgado’s last five months. Six weeks after capping a career-best season by assisting on the winning goal in the Cup final, Delgado was traded 12 miles up the Harbor Freeway to LAFC, a sacrifice to the league’s paltry salary cap.

The Galaxy (0-10-3) haven’t won since but Delgado has thrived. Not only did LAFC (6-4-3) give him a multiyear contract with a raise from the $876,250 he made last season, but he’s tied for the team lead with three assists and is one of just three players to appear in all 13 MLS games for a team that hasn’t lost a league game in six weeks and is fifth in the Western Conference table.

And he’s done that despite playing under a coach not named Greg Vanney for just the second time in 11 seasons.

Galaxy coach Greg Vanney celebrates after a win over Seattle in the Western Conference final on Nov. 30. The defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy is winless through its first 13 games of the season.

(Etienne Laurent / Associated Press)

“Coming to a new team, a different view of things, may take a little time,” said Delgado, who played under Vanney in Toronto and with the Galaxy after breaking in as a teenager with Chivas USA, where Vanney was an assistant coach. “I’m a guy who can take in information and change on the fly as well. I think my ability to do things passing and how I see the field, [my] work rate covering ground, helps.”

His leadership and experience is also important. Although he just turned 30 on May 9, Delgado is in his 14th MLS season and his 340 appearances, including playoffs, ranks ninth among active players, according to Transfermarkt. No other LAFC player is close.

He’s also the only man to have played for all three of Southern California’s MLS teams, Chivas USA, the Galaxy and LAFC. Yet none of that, he said, has prepared him for changing sides in El Tráfico.

“It is definitely a different look,” he said. “But at the end of the day it’s a Derby. Once that whistle blows and we’re on the field, I’m locked in.”

The crosstown rivalry has grown into the most passionate in MLS but most of that bad blood is felt in the stands. On the field, Delgado said, the feeling is more one of mutual admiration regardless of the colors you’re wearing.

“I don’t know what goes on between the two fans bases, but I know as players there’s a level of respect. Everyone has their own journey of getting here. Everyone has their own battles,” he said.

And his fight Sunday will be for LAFC. So while he feels for his former teammates, he’d like nothing better than to see them suffer for at least one more week.

“I have an emotional attachment with the club over there. But I’m over here, right?” he said. “I have duties over here and I’m working on doing my part and finding success for this club.”