All articles tagged with #defending champions
The WPIAL released the brackets for the 2024 boys and girls basketball playoffs, with six reigning champions starting their title defenses as favorites. The playoffs start with first-round games on various dates, and the tournaments conclude with 12 championship games from February 29 to March 2 at the Petersen Events Center.
Australia knocked out defending champions England from the ODI World Cup with a 33-run win. Adam Zampa's three breakthroughs in the middle overs proved crucial as England's batting lineup struggled once again. Despite valiant efforts from Ben Stokes, Dawid Malan, and Moeen Ali, Zampa's decisive blows limited England to 253 runs. Australia's batsmen, including Marnus Labuschagne, failed to convert their starts but managed to post a total of 286. Australia's sharp fielding and England's missed opportunities contributed to Australia's fifth consecutive victory.
The Houston Astros have made a statement by pulling ahead in the AL West and solidifying their position as the defending champions. With a 2.5-game lead, the Astros are showing their capability to dominate in October and potentially repeat as champions. Their strong lineup, including standout performances from Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, combined with a solid pitching staff, make them a formidable team. The Astros are aiming to become the first team to win three straight pennants since the Yankees in the early 2000s.
Defending champions Blue Collar U and alumni teams from Kansas and Louisville lead the 64-team field for The Basketball Tournament, which will feature eight regionals in seven cities and compete for the $1 million, winner-take-all championship prize. The semifinals and championship game will be held at Drexel's home arena in Philadelphia. All 63 games will air on the ESPN family of networks, with action starting July 19.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team format event, returns for its sixth consecutive edition with 80 partnerships competing for official PGA TOUR victories, FedExCup points, and a record purse of $8.6 million. Defending champions Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay are among the top contenders, along with other notable teams such as Collin Morikawa and Max Homa, and Sam Burns and Billy Horschel. The tournament takes place at TPC Louisiana, a par 72 course with overseeded bermuda greens and two inches of playable rough. The format includes better ball and alternate shot rounds, with the low 33 teams and ties advancing to the final rounds.