General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 2:56 PM ET

PGA Championship & Golf Turmoil

England's Aaron Rai claimed his first major with a 5-under 65 in the final round at Aronimink, becoming the first English-born winner since 1919 and eclipsing a star-studded leaderboard that included Rory McIlroy. McIlroy, however, erupted at a heckler after a "U-S-A!" shout disrupted his swing, later swearing at the fan in a heated exchange that overshadowed his T4 finish. The win was a staggering upset for sportsbooks, as Rai had been a 290-1 long shot on Thursday morning, the longest odds for a major champion in two decades. Meanwhile, Kurt Kitayama tied a major record with a 7-under 63 in the final round, the lowest score ever shot on a major championship Sunday.

Tennis & International Eligibility Battles

World Gymnastics lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes with immediate effect, ending a suspension that had been in place since the invasion of Ukraine and allowing them to compete as neutral athletes. In tennis, Harriet Dart fought back to defeat China's Yue Yuan in French Open qualifying, while Dan Evans fell at the first hurdle. Off the court, the selection of South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg in England's training squad sparked fierce criticism from former scrum-half Danny Care, who called the call-up "not right." The controversy deepened as England officially named the former 'Baby Bok' in their squad, setting up a potential debut this summer despite the backlash.

Rugby Union: Selections, Injuries & Finals

Ulster received a boost as winger Robert Baloucoune returned to full training ahead of schedule, putting him in contention for Friday's Challenge Cup final against Montpellier. In contrast, Leinster face a major concern with Tommy O'Brien ruled an injury doubt just days before Saturday's Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles. The English Premiership saw Northampton deliver a record 94-33 demolition of Bristol, a result rugby correspondent Chris Jones wrote was "not what most neutral fans wanted" and an embarrassing defeat for the Bears. Former Scotland legend Scott Hastings was hailed as a colossus in a feature on his enduring impact on and off the field.

Cricket: Domestic Wins & International League Action

Yorkshire sealed a dominant innings victory over Surrey by 127 runs at Headingley, wrapping up the final five wickets on day four. In the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Nepal, the hosts bounced back to defeat Scotland by six wickets, keeping their hopes alive in the race for global qualification. The series also involves the United States. England's women passed a Six Nations stress test by defeating France in the Grand Slam decider, though analysts note France remain their most dangerous emerging rival.

College Sports & Playoff Expansion Push

Big Ten coaches are adamant in their push for a 24-team College Football Playoff, an idea gaining traction since its proposal last year. The debate continues as the current 12-team format is credited with revitalizing the sport, but doubling the field is seen by some as excessive. In college baseball, the latest Top 25 rankings were released, with the season entering its critical final weeks. Meanwhile, a 24-team playoff is too much argues one columnist, suggesting the current system is sufficient.

Motor Racing & Combat Sports

The Catalonia Moto GP saw two high-speed crashes hospitalize riders Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco, while Fabio di Giannantonio won the red-flagged race. In NASCAR, Denny Hamlin outlasted crashes and teammate Chase Briscoe to win the chaotic All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, a event marred by multiple incidents that collected over half the 36-car field. In MMA, Most Valuable Promotions vowed to continue its venture, possibly with a second card this year, following a successful inaugural event that delivered a storybook ending for Ronda Rousey.

Basketball: Playoffs & Injuries

The Cleveland Cavaliers blasted their way to the Eastern Conference finals with a 125-94 series-clinching victory over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. The NBA playoffs also saw Caitlin Clark set a WNBA record for 20-point, 10-assist games, a mark she later extended, while Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston missed her first game with a lower leg injury. Sky star Rickea Jackson suffered a left knee injury in a win over the Lynx, with teammate Natasha Cloud criticizing officials for a lack of control.

Other Notable Results & Announcements

Armagh ended an 18-year wait for an Ulster Championship title with a thrilling extra-time 2-28 to 0-25 victory over Monaghan, captain Aidan Forker saying his side "were due one." Wales called up Dragons forward Harri Keddie days before he became a father of two, a dream week for the flanker. In snooker, Ronnie O'Sullivan hit five centuries on his way to a 10-5 victory over Luca Brecel in the Snooker 900 Global Championship final. Finally, Sally Bolton will step down as chief executive of the All England Club after Wimbledon, concluding six years in the role.