Rising star set for PGA Tour return one year on from equalling iconic Jordan Spieth feat

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 30, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The Byron Nelson kicks off on Thursday, May 1, and one player is creating headlines following his stunning performance in 2024.

The Byron Nelson has a stacked field this year, with players such as Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth both vying to lay claim to the trophy. 

The tournament holds a special place in Spieth’s heart, with the 2009 Byron Nelson marking his first ever PGA Tour start.

Spieth was just 16 years old when he made his debut in Texas. The rest is history. Spieth is now a modern legend of the game, with three major titles under his belt.

However, he is not the only 16-year-old to impress at the tournament. Last year, another teenager made history, becoming the youngest European player to ever make a PGA Tour cut.

• READ MORE: The clever reason 17-year-old Blades Brown gave up his sponsorship exemption into the Byron Nelson

Kris Kim set for return to Byron Nelson

The now 17-year-old put his high school exam revision to one side last year, with Kim instead competing at the Byron Nelson. His decision paid off, as he managed to secure an impressive 65th-place finish.

Kim has been handed a sponsorship exemption by the CJ group to compete in this year’s tournament. Speaking ahead of the event, Kim has admitted he is looking forward to teeing off in Texas.

“It was so much fun the first time, I just want to experience it all again – all four days of it,” Sky Sports reports.

Looking back at getting to miss school to play on the PGA, Kim revealed it had little impact on his grades.

“I did alright with my results except for Religious Studies – I revised the entirely wrong subject for that one!”

Kim will once again have the help of Olly Brett, the regular caddy of LPGA Tour star Rose Zhang.

Brett’s guidance proved vital last year. The teenager needed a par on the 18th to make the cut, showing composure beyond his years with a comfortable five-shot performance, sending him through to the weekend.

Kim was inspired by Rory McIlroy’s Masters win

Despite currently preparing for just his second PGA Tour start, Kim has revealed his eyes are already firmly set on the biggest prizes in golf.

“She thought I’d miss the cut,” Kim stated. “Thanks Mum! I think I could have played the weekend.”

The youngster went on to mention the huge impact Rory McIlroy has had on his career, with Kim revealing his admiration for McIlroy’s Masters win.

“I don’t really watch golf but how could I not watch that? I was watching from bed and it was so cool. When Rory hit it in the bunkers on the first two holes I thought it might not be his day again,” Kim said.

“It’s inspirational to see somebody knocked down so often and keep getting up. His driving is his great skill, and that really inspires me to get better from the tee. It sets him apart. I like shot-shaping and his approach shot to 15 when he was behind the tree just blew my mind.”

The post Rising star set for PGA Tour return one year on from equalling iconic Jordan Spieth feat appeared first on HITC.

‘Haven’t done myself any favours’… Jon Rahm reveals reason behind winless start to 2025

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 30, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The pressure is on for Jon Rahm ahead of this year’s PGA Championship. The Spaniards’ winless run of form has continued following a fourth-place finish at LIV Mexico.

The 30-year-old used to be one of the brightest stars in golf, having previously won both The Masters and the U.S. Open.

Rahm is one of many LIV players struggling for form, and concerns continue to grow as the best of LIV prepare to descend on Quail Hollow for the 2025 edition of the PGA Championship.

However, unless Rahm can reignite his dwindling golfing prowess, it is looking highly unlikely he will be in contention at the second major of the season.

• READ MORE: The top five Ryder Cup players of all-time include Nick Faldo and one clear winner

Jon Rahm blames too many mistakes for lack of form

Speaking ahead of LIV Golf Korea, Rahm revealed he has to make some major changes if he wants to return to the top of world golf.

“I’m just not doing everything I need to do right. Sometimes you also need a little bit of luck in your favour, not that I haven’t been lucky,” Rahm told the press.

“I just haven’t done myself any favours on the golf course, I would say it like that,” he added.

Rahm has been consistently finishing high this year, but so far, he has been unable to convert his constant contention into a win.

“While I like having top 10s and I like being a good player week-in and week-out, winning obviously is what matters more,” he said.

“I would gladly give up some of those top 10s for more wins.

“I keep playing well, I keep putting myself close enough, just every once in a while there’s been enough mistakes where I’m just not quite close enough going into the back nine on Sunday.”

Rahm is still a favourite amongst LIV golf fans, though he remains winless this season.

However, the Spaniard is yet to finish outside the top 10 since making the jump to LIV. His consistent performances will make him a strong favourite ahead of this year’s PGA Championship in May.

Rahm’s tongue-in-cheek response to a reporter at LIV golf press conference

Speaking during LIV Mexico’s post-round press conference, he had a nippy response to criticisms surrounding a lack of smiles between Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton during their final round.

“I would say it might not be shown on the broadcast, but both Tyrrell and I smile a lot more than I think we’re given credit for, to be honest. Honestly, if we made a couple of mistakes on a couple of bad holes, there’s nothing to smile about,” Rahm said.

“But I can remember three or four instances vividly where we were laughing. It may be about anything funny that we did, about misfortune on the golf course, whatever it may be, but there’s definitely stretches of golf where you get a little bit more frustrated. You don’t need to do much wrong out here for something to go wrong. It’s a tricky golf course.

Despite his apparent serious demeanour, Rahm was unable to knock Joaquin Niemann from his perch. Niemann carded a final round 65 to secure a 3-shot lead of tied for second Lucas Herbert and Bryson DeChambeau.

LIV next heads to South Korea, with LIV Korea set to take place between 2-4 May.

The post ‘Haven’t done myself any favours’… Jon Rahm reveals reason behind winless start to 2025 appeared first on HITC.

Shane Lowry claims Rory McIlroy has done something which will take the ‘heat off’ him ahead of The Open

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 30, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Shane Lowry admitted his key advantage as the Open returns to Royal Portrush, the venue that hosted his only major championship victory.

Shane Lowry has been playing some fantastic golf in 2025. The Irishman has carded three top 10 performances and looks in prime position for a Ryder Cup call-up later in the year. 

Unfortunately, the Irishman was unable to defend his Zurich Classic title alongside Masters champion Rory McIlroy in his most recent outing. 

Lowry, who is close friends with McIlroy, will no doubt be gutted he couldn’t retain his title. He is, however turning now turning his attention to the future, making an unexpected admission ahead of The Open in July.

• READ MORE: How Rory McIlroy can become the first golfer in 95 years to achieve the calendar slam

Lowry admits pressure is off as The Open returns to Royal Portrush

The Open heads to Northern Ireland this year, making its first appearance as the tournament venue since 2019.

Lowry was crowned Open champion in 2019; however, in a recent interview alongside McIlroy, the 38-year-old revealed that his close friend’s Masters success has taken the attention away from his Portrush return. 

“He [Rory McIlroy] can take it easy for a while. But no, going back to Portrush is going to be incredible. Rory going back as the Masters champion now is going to take a little bit of heat off me again, so I’m pretty happy with that. It’s going to be a great tournament,” Lowry revealed to Golf News.

“I think I seen something yesterday where 278,000 people are going to attend the Open this year at Portrush. I think a million people applied for tickets. It’s going to be an incredible event, and I’m just going to be happy to be a part of it.”

The Open is still a ways away, however, and most eyes are currently turning to the PGA Championship, where both men are set to make their second major appearance of 2025.

Shane Lowry’s 2019 Royal Portrush triumph

Despite claiming top-five finishes in every major championship throughout his career, Lowry’s only major victory came at The Open Championship in 2019.

Played in his home country, eyes may have been on Lowry, but the majority were likely watching McIlroy, who was winless in majors since 2014.

However, the attention certainly swivelled, McIlroy missed the cut, and Lowry found himself joint leader after 36 holes alongside J.B. Holmes. Saturday’s session saw Lowry play one of the best rounds of his career, scoring a new course record of 63 and taking the lead by four shots.

Despite a valiant effort from Tommy Fleetwood, who finished second overall, the Irishman held on to his lead with a final round 72, sealing the deal by six shots.

The post Shane Lowry claims Rory McIlroy has done something which will take the ‘heat off’ him ahead of The Open appeared first on HITC.

The clever reason 17-year-old Blades Brown gave up his sponsorship exemption into the Byron Nelson

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 30, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Blades Brown had the opportunity to make his sixth PGA start, teeing off alongside the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth at Byron Nelson.

Blades Brown has been the talk of the town since bursting onto the professional scene. Having already accepted four exemptions this year, the teenager is slowly becoming a common face amongst the PGA Tour roster.

Brown made his first professional PGA Tour start in January at the American Express. While he did miss the cut, Brown shot an incredible second-round 64, the lowest scorecarded by someone under the age of 18 in the last 40 years.

The youngster has decided against making his PGA Tour return at the end of April.

Blades Brown’s focus is elsewhere after missing Byron Nelson

Brown has chosen to give up his exemption, instead looking to continue his quest to climb up the Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) rankings.

He recently made the third Korn Ferry start of his career at the Veritex Bank Championship. After four phenomenal rounds, he picked up a T2 finish, only three shots off the winner, Johnny Keefer.

His finish has won the youngster a place on the Tulum Championship in Mexico, which happens to fall on the same weekend as the Byron Nelson, where Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth are both making an appearance.

However, with just one KFT exemption remaining, guaranteeing himself as many starts as possible will help him push for a temporary membership on the tour.

The result has seen Brown catapulted up the rankings, flying from 140th to 44th on the KFT points list.

He now needs just 53 more points to earn a special temporary membership. Brown will be hoping these two guaranteed starts will allow him to do just that.

If he achieves the feat, he will then be able to push for a top-20 season finish in the points list, guaranteeing the teenager a PGA tour card.

Brown hoping to make his dreams a reality

Brown has long been dreaming of playing on the PGA Tour. While he has made a handful of appearances, every golfer longs for a tour card, enabling consistent entry into PGA Tour events.

Brown said: “It was awesome to know that I was working on the right things to be able to compete on the PGA Tour,” Brown revealed in a press conference prior to his first PGA Tour start in January.

“That’s something I love to do, I love to compete.

“It’s been a dream of mine for forever, to be able to play on the PGA Tour. When that decision came across on the table I said, ‘You know, let’s not make the decision just yet, but let’s keep it in the back of our heads’.”

His dreams may have already come true, with numerous appearances and low scores already on tour. However, earning a highly sought-after PGA Tour card will allow him to live his dreams week in and week out.

The post The clever reason 17-year-old Blades Brown gave up his sponsorship exemption into the Byron Nelson appeared first on HITC.

The second half mistake Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick made which may have cost them their season

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 28, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick has come under fire for his second-half strategy in his team’s game four loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Lakers’ 113-116 loss put them down 3-1 in the first-round playoff series, giving them a mountain to climb should they hope to progress to round two. Redick’s in-game decision-making may have been the decisive factor in their latest loss. 

The first-year head coach was a controversial offseason hire. He was Lakers star Lebron James’ podcast partner on the Mind the Game podcast last season, and despite playing in the NBA for 15 years, entered his new role with no head coaching experience beyond the high school level. This caused his credentials as an NBA coach to come under scrutiny. 

Redick appeared to have proven doubters wrong this season, leading the Lakers to third in the Western Conference with a 46-26 record. But his coaching inexperience looks to have bitten him in only his fourth playoff game.

JJ Redick fails to make a second-half substitution

Redick elected not to make a single substitution in the second half of the game against the Timberwolves. The Lakers’ lineup featured Luka Doncic recovering from a stomach bug that plagued him in game three, and a 40-year-old James, who were asked to play all of the final 24 minutes of the game. 

James suffered a groin strain in March and was, therefore, cautious about his workload at the back end of the season. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer looked gassed in the closing stages of the game.

The Lakers were outscored 32-19 in the fourth quarter against the comparatively fresh-legged Timberwolves, falling victim to a Minnesota onslaught in the final minutes. 

Even Lakers legend Magic Johnson questioned Redick’s game plan, claiming that James did not have enough left in the tank to make the necessary plays late in the game due to his extended minutes.

Now, the Lakers are facing a 3-1 deficit in the series, something only 13 teams in NBA history have overcome.

Redick was asked about his second-half strategy in his post-game press conference, where he admitted it was a spur-of-the-moment decision mid-game. 

“No, it wasn’t planned,” Redick said. “We just made the decision at halftime.”

“It’s not a planned thing to play five guys an entire second half. We asked them at the beginning of the fourth quarter, we told them we had two extra timeouts, if you need a sub, let us know. Those guys gave a lot.”

The Lakers’ head coach showed little trust in his second unit. Bench players such as Jaxon Hayes have been scrutinised for their performances in the series so far. Redick said he believes in Hayes after game three, despite the big man’s continual defensive struggles in the series, but this seems to prove otherwise.

Redick was asked if he regretted the decision to keep his starting unit on the court for the whole second half, but the 40-year-old dismissed the question.

“Once you kind of made that decision and they’re all in, you just have to trust them,” Redick said.

JJ Redick blasts ‘blatant’ refereeing mistake made against Luka Doncic 

Redick, frustrated in his post-game press conference, pointed the finger at the officials for a no-call made with seconds on the clock against his star guard, Doncic. 

The incident occurred with 36 seconds remaining in the game, with the Lakers down 113-114 and Doncic taking the ball up the court.

The Slovenian appeared to stand on the foot of Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels, causing him to fall and call a Lakers timeout rather than be sent to the foul line by the referees with a chance to put the Lakers up one.

Redick explained why he believed the officials made a game-changing error on the play.

“Luka got tripped,” claimed Redick. “I mean, that was a blatant trip.”

“He doesn’t just fall on his own. We watched it- he gets tripped, so we should have been at the free-throw line. That’s not an excuse for why we lost, but he got fouled.”

Doncic’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February was among the biggest stories in the history of the NBA. The five-time NBA All-Star led his Mavericks to the Finals last season and has the second-highest Playoff scoring average in NBA history behind Michael Jordan at 30.9 points per game. 

Doncic is one of the NBA’s biggest stars but has been criticised for his persistent complaints to officials and occasional foul-baiting tactics. On November 29, 2023, he was assessed a $2,000 postgame fine for a flopping violation during a game against the Houston Rockets. 

Therefore, his rapport with officials has seen him receive one of the stingiest whistles for an NBA star, and his reputation among referees may have once again worked against him here.

The post The second half mistake Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick made which may have cost them their season appeared first on HITC.

How Tyrese Haliburton and other NBA stars reacted to Damian Lillard’s gut-wrenching injury

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 28, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Players have come out in support of NBA star Damian Lillard following a crushing injury in the Milwaukee Bucks’ game four against the Indiana Pacers.

The Bucks’ season is all but over following their defeat to the Pacers in game four, leaving them 3-1 down in the season series. 

To make matters exponentially worse, their star guard, Lillard, went down with a non-contact leg injury in the first quarter. The initial examination pointed towards a possible Achilles tendon injury.

Lillard was traded to the Bucks in the summer of 2023, pairing him with two-time NBA MVP and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, had hopes of winning his first championship alongside Antetokounmpo, but those hopes seem distant now. 

Should his worst fears be confirmed and the 35-year-old be officially diagnosed with an Achilles tear, he is in danger of never returning to his brilliant best.

NBA stars show support to Lillard following injury

Lillard’s NBA contemporaries quickly expressed their anguish following the injury, both on social media and in the post-game press conference.

Four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young wrote “Pray for Dame man!” on his X account.

Meanwhile, former teammate Josh Hart also posted to X. “Prayers up Dolla,” said Hart. 

The injury occurred not long after the controversial end to the Knicks’ playoff win against the Detroit Pistons, but Hart was quick to take to social media after the game nonetheless. 

Lillard had already made an unlikely return to action for the playoffs after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf earlier in the season.

Lillard’s return from injury for game two sparked optimism for the Bucks, who had lost convincingly to the Pacers in game one. That made it even more gut-wrenching when he was helped off the court in heartbreaking fashion. 

His series opponents also came out in support of Lillard. Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton made sure to show love to his fellow point guard. 

“Before you ask any questions, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Dame,” said Haliburton.

“What you see between us is competing, and you hate to see that happen, especially to a guy that went through a lot. He’s given it his all to come out and play after a scary health issue.

“It’s well documented, the love I have for that guy. You hate to see that happen to anybody, and I wish him the best.”

Lillard’s head coach Doc Rivers praised Haliburton earlier in the series for his play, and would have appreciated the sentiment from the opposing team’s star. 

Rivers was visibly shaken postgame, adding to the concern shared among fans. “I felt bad for him. The guy tried to come back for his team, and I just felt bad for him,” said Rivers.

“This is a tough one, honestly. That’s why you have teammates and family around him. He’s just a great dude on the basketball level, but more importantly as a teammate, a father and all that stuff.”

Rivers also hinted at the injury’s severity before further medical evaluation.

“They’re going to do an image tomorrow. Obviously, it’s lower leg, and just being honest it’s not promising.”

The history of NBA Achilles injuries 

Unfortunately for Lillard, Achilles injuries have marked the end of illustrious careers for NBA Hall of Famers in the past.

Most notably, Pistons legend Isaiah Thomas and Los Angeles Lakers Icon Kobe Bryant were never the same players after their Achilles injuries. 

Bryant, a five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2013. He played only three more injury-plagued seasons before retiring, his best in 2024-25, when he averaged 22 points in 35 games played.

Meanwhile, Thomas was forced to retire a month after his injury in May 1994. The injury effectively ended his illustrious 13-year NBA career with the Pistons. 

Kevin Durant is a modern example of an Achilles tear in a future Hall of Fame player. Durant, who tore his Achilles in the 2019 Finals, returned in December 2020, and while he still competes at an All-Star level, he has lacked the same explosiveness ever since. 

Durant’s Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs this season, and the two-time champion and NBA MVP has not graced the sport’s biggest stages deep into the playoffs since 2021. 

That said, should Lillard’s injury be confirmed as an Achilles tear as suspected, we may have seen the last of Dame time.

The post How Tyrese Haliburton and other NBA stars reacted to Damian Lillard’s gut-wrenching injury appeared first on HITC.

He's only just turned 18, yet Enzo Maresca has to utilise Messi-esque Chelsea wonderkid next season - opinion

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Chelsea are currently locked in a battle to secure Champions League football for next season but already next season’s preparations are underway.

Enzo Maresca’s side sits sixth in the table, two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle United with five matches to play.

The Blues are also through to the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they will face Swedish side Djugarden.

As the season draws to a close though, Maresca will have his eyes set firmly on next season and the arrival of one of the most exciting talents in world football – Estevao Willian.

Estevao Willian can genuinely shine for Chelsea next season

It’s Estevao’s 18th birthday at the time of writing this article – yet you wouldn’t believe it watching him play.

Operating primarily as a right winger, Estevao is expected to be a key figure in Maresca’s side next season, after the Blues secured his signing in June 2024.

Chelsea’s wing slots have hardly been commanded this season, with Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho struggling to hold down their places, while Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended indefinitely and Tyrique George has only recently emerged as a promising talent.

Estevao will certainly add competition to the Chelsea wing options, whether or not Maresca opts to turn Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United permanent.

An area the Blues have seriously struggled with in 2025 has been scoring goals, with forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both out injured for large parts of the new year and Cole Palmer struggling for form.

Alarmingly for Maresca, left-back Marc Cucurella is Chelsea’s top scorer in 2025 and the droughts of several of Chelsea’s attacking players is a large reason for the slump down the table.

Estevao has already proven he is a natural goalscorer as well as a creator and should he be able to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League, it seems inevitable that he can play a key role in addressing Chelsea’s barren spell in front of goal.

A look at Estevao’s career so far

Since Estevao’s £28m signing to Chelsea from Brazilian side Palmeiras was announced, he has been catching headlines globally for his uncanny resemblance to fellow Brazilian Neymar.

In fact, ‘Messinho’ as he is affectionately known in Brazil, has already broken a record set by the Seleção legend.

In October 2024, Estevao eclipsed Neymar’s record as the most productive 17-year-old in Brazil’s Serie A history, notching 17 goal contributions to beat Brazil’s all-time top scorer, who previously held the record with 16 when starring for Santos in 2009.

He then backed that up by setting another record of his own in November, becoming the first under-18 player in the history of Brazilian Serie A to reach 20 goal contributions in a season, scoring 12 goals and assisting eight times.

In September 2024, aged just 17, the winger made his debut for Brazil against Ecuador in a 1-0 friendly win and has remained part of the squad ever since.

It is clear that Estevao is someone to keep an eye on at Chelsea next season and, having only turned 18 on 24 April 2025, he may well be a player who becomes a star at Stamford Bridge for years to come.

The post He's only just turned 18, yet Enzo Maresca has to utilise Messi-esque Chelsea wonderkid next season - opinion appeared first on HITC.

Fernando Torres explains his historic Chelsea goal against Barcelona – it was far from pure luck

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 24, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

When Chelsea fans think of Fernando Torres, it is likely they will think of one specific Champions League moment.

Hanging on by a thread at the Nou Camp, Chelsea had defended valiantly against Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Barcelona side in the 2012 Champions League semi-final.

Down to 10 men after John Terry’s sending-off, The Blues trailed 2-1 on the night, enough to advance to the final thanks to the old away-goals rule and Didier Drogba’s first-leg winner.

Barcelona and Lionel Messi were banging on the door though, until Torres found himself through on goal on the halfway line, before calmly dribbling past Victor Valdes to send Chelsea to the final in Munich.

It might have appeared lucky for the Spaniard, having just lost the ball but Torres recalls the moment differently.

Fernando Torres explains his famous Nou Camp goal

Spaniard Torres, who had previously struggled since joining from Premier League rivals Liverpool, revealed his awareness that he was left unmarked on the 13th anniversary of the goal.

In an interview with Chelsea TV, Torres said: “I just keep running because we were dead.

“I see Ashley Cole with the ball and I was sure he wanted to kick the ball as long as possible.

“I look at my back and there are no defenders there, I thought, if he kicks the ball in that direction, I am one against one with Valdes.

“I know Victor, I know the way he likes to defend these situations and he was too high, the first thought I have is chip the ball because he was too high, but I saw I had time to dribble and what a great feeling.”

The goal sparked mass celebrations among the players and interim manager Roberto Di Matteo as The Blues secured their spot to play Bayern Munich in the final.

Torres came on in the final as an 84th-minute replacement for Salomon Kalou but did not take a penalty in the subsequent shootout, with Drogba slotting home the decisive spot kick.

Nevertheless though, Torres’ historic goal at the death of the semi-final was without a doubt vital to Chelsea’s first Champions League triumph.

What happened in the rest of Fernando Torres’ Chelsea career?

The following season, Torres was a key player under Di Matteo and then fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez.

The striker went on to play 36 matches in the Premier League, scoring eight goals but again it was in Europe where Torres really thrived.

He scored nine goals in 16 European games for Chelsea in the 2012/13 season, including six goals in nine appearances in the Europa League and a goal in the final against Benfica, which the Blues won to seal back-to-back European titles.

Jose Mourinho was then appointed Chelsea’s boss for the 2013/14 season, which saw Torres become surplus to requirements.

The Spanish forward then went on loans to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid before signing with the Madrid side permanently in 2016.

Having retired from playing football in 2019, the World Cup winner took up coaching and is now the manager of Atletico Madrid B.

The post Fernando Torres explains his historic Chelsea goal against Barcelona – it was far from pure luck appeared first on HITC.

Pep Guardiola admits surprise at former player’s instant Premier League impact after Man City exit

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 22, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Pep Guardiola is hoping his Manchester City side can make it three successive Premier League wins, when they host Aston Villa in a significant match in the race for Champions League qualification.

City come into this game off the back of a 2-0 away win against Everton.

Teenager Nico O’Reilly broke the deadlock with just six minutes of the match remaining, before Mateo Kovačić added a second in stoppage time.

The current Premier League holders are just a point ahead of Villa in the five-team battle for the last three Champions League places that are up for grabs.

While Guardiola was quick to credit O’Reilly for his impact in recent weeks, it was a former player that received the majority of praise from the Spanish manager.

Pep Guardiola praises exceptional Morgan Rogers

In the reverse fixture, Morgan Rogers scored a second-half winner to secure a 2-1 win against his former club, who never gave him a first-team appearance.

The 22-year-old, who was only 16 when he joined City from West Brom in 2019, was loaned out to Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool before Rogers was sold to Middlesbrough.

As reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Guardiola has hailed the impact Rogers had had at Villa.

He said: “Morgan Rogers was in Man City second team and trained sometimes with us

“The glimpse, we could see something, he could do it. But the impact that has been at Villa has been… What a player!

“We had an exceptional player here, absolutely!”

The Englishman has excelled at Aston Villa and could come back to haunt his former club in this crucial Premier League encounter.

Rogers’ numbers this season

Rogers has kicked on at the West Midlands club this season following his breakthrough campaign last year.

The playmaker has returned 27 goal contributions this season, which includes a goal against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League.

Rogers also registered an assist in Villa’s emphatic 4-1 victory against Newcastle in the last league outing.

His terrific performances at club level earned him a call up to the England national team in November.

Rogers then made his senior debut against Greece in the UEFA Nations League, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 victory.

The post Pep Guardiola admits surprise at former player’s instant Premier League impact after Man City exit appeared first on HITC.

Unai Emery eyes Aston Villa midfield reinforcement with move for 25+ goal and assist wonderkid

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 22, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Aston Villa are looking to qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season with Unai Emery’s side competing in a five team race for the remaining three spots.

After being eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain in the quarter-finals, Villa responded perfectly with a comfortable 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

The Villans will now travel to the Etihad Stadium, looking to complete a league double over the current champions.

Although the club strengthened in midfield last summer with the acquisitions of Amadou Onana Onana and Ross Barkley, Emery is still looking to add a youthful spark to the spine of his team.

Villa close to agreement with wonderkid Sverre Nypan

While it could be an eventful summer transfer window for the West Midlands club with the futures of loan players Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford still uncertain, Villa are still making contacts with various targets.

Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan is attracting a lot of interest, having made an impact at senior level with Rosenborg in his home country.

In recent years, the Villans have invested in emerging European talent and as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club are closing in on an agreement with Nypan on personal terms.

If the Midlands outfit qualify for Champions League yet again, Emery will need a bigger squad and the potential addition of Nypan would allow for the Spanish manager to rotate his team on a consistent basis.

Nypan’s stats at Rosenborg

Nypan has risen through the ranks at Rosenborg, playing at academy level before cementing his position in the first-team setup.

This season the 18-year-old has played in all three of Rosenborg’s games this season, scoring the only goal in their opening day victory.

Villa have been drawn to Nypan, due to his excellent vision and composure on the ball with the club officials in agreement that he can bring a new dimension to Emery’s midfield.

The post Unai Emery eyes Aston Villa midfield reinforcement with move for 25+ goal and assist wonderkid appeared first on HITC.

Alan Shearer believes one team have advantage in race for the Champions League

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 22, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Aston Villa face off against Manchester City in a match of extreme significance tonight in their chase for Champions League qualification next season.

Unai Emery’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium to square off against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

The Lions have won their last five Premier League matches, with a 4-1 statement win against other Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United at the weekend.

While Emery’s side may take confidence from their 2-1 victory over City earlier in the season, Villa have not won at the Etihad Stadium since Martin O’Neill was in charge when goals from John Carew and Shaun Maloney gave them a 2-0 victory in April 2007.

Shearer expects Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League next season

Alan Shearer has backed Aston Villa to finish in the top five of the Premier League this season and, in doing so, qualify for the Champions League.

The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer believes that Emery’s side have an advantage over their rivals for this race.

He told the BBC: “Looking at each club’s remaining games doesn’t really help in deciding what might happen, because some of the teams they face may have different priorities or nothing to play for full stop.

“It’s the same for anyone who plays Manchester United and Tottenham before the end of the season too, because the Europa League is their priority now. Right now, my guess would be that maybe Chelsea and Forest will be the teams who miss out – but that situation could change very quickly.

“Villa and Newcastle are both different again, in that both clubs have had a taste of it now, and their fans, players – everyone – they all want more. I’ve been lucky enough to go to Villa Park for some Champions League games this season, including their thrilling attempt to fight back against PSG last week.

“The atmosphere was incredible, the same as it was with Newcastle in 2023-24. If you think about where both clubs want to go and also how they might comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules while they try to get there, then Champions League football is imperative.”

The run-in for the clubs chasing Champions League qualification

Liverpool and Arsenal would be confident that their place in next season’s Champions League is assured.

Meaning Villa are one of five teams vying it out for the three remaining qualification spots for next season’s competition.

On paper, Man City’s run-in looks the easiest when compared to their rivals, while the most difficult run-in appears to be Chelsea, who have to face both Liverpool and Newcastle.

Tonight’s fixture between Guardiola’s side and Villa should be the most difficult opponent for either side based on league position.

While Newcastle have to travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal and Nottingham Forest host Chelsea on the final day of the season.

The only notable distraction for Villa in their quest for Champions League qualification will be the FA Cup, with Emery’s side facing Crystal Palace this weekend for a place in the final of the competition.

Champions League rivals Nottingham Forest and Man City will square off in the other semi-final this weekend, which could help others in this race.

The post Alan Shearer believes one team have advantage in race for the Champions League appeared first on HITC.

Rio Ferdinand calls for statement signing as Manchester United eye Premier League sensation

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 22, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is urging the club to sign players with Premier League experience and has singled out a star that Ruben Amorim should push to sign.

Manchester United continued their winless streak in the league with a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford. This contest was devoid of any real quality with the visitors scoring with their first shot on target.

The Red Devils were unable to respond after Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick goal, which means Amorim’s side are now just two points ahead of 17th placed West Ham United.

Although it was Sarabia, who scored the only goal of the game, it was the man who won the free-kick that is being urged to make the switch.

Rio Ferdinand encourages United to sign Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha ran the show at Old Trafford and has played an influential role in both victories against United this season.

At Molineux, the forward scored directly from a corner and grabbed an assist in the dying moments of the game to secure a 2-0 victory.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Ferdinand named Cunha as one of the four players his former team should look to sign in the summer transfer window.

He said: “Another one I’d buy is Cunha. He’s made it clear he wants to leave.

“I’d go and get Cunha.”

Former United captain Roy Keane had already told the club why they should sign the 25-year-old and and as per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club are now leading the race to sign the Brazilian with negotiations ongoing.

The Brazil international has a £62.5m release clause in his contract and although the Black Country outfit prefer this to be paid in full, there is scope for instalments.

Cunha’s numbers this season

Cunha, who has made 87 appearances for his Wolves since joining in January 2023, has 14 goals in the league this season.

The dynamic player also has 20 goal contributions in all competitions, despite missing six games due to suspension.

Amorim’s men have struggled to score goals this season with only the bottom three, Everton and West Ham scoring fewer.

The signing of Cunha would not only solve their goalscoring issues, but it would also take some of the creative responsibility off the shoulders of captain Bruno Fernandes.

Cunha already has experience of playing in Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation having played as a left-sided forward under both Gary O’Neil and Vitor Pereira.

While United will face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle, the club are ahead in the race for the Brazilian’s signature having already held initial talks over a potential deal.

The post Rio Ferdinand calls for statement signing as Manchester United eye Premier League sensation appeared first on HITC.

Justin Rose speaks on inner ‘torment’ following Masters playoff defeat to Rory McIlroy

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 17, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

It was a week of highs and lows for Justin Rose, who, after falling down the leader board on Saturday, was within touching distance of denying Rory McIlroy’s career grand slam.

After recording a six-under par 66 on the final day, Rose forced a playoff with Rory McIlroy.

Unfortunately for the Englishman, he could not grasp the green jacket, with McIlroy birdieing the opening playoff hole to take the win.

It marked a career-defining achievement for the Northern Irishman, becoming just the sixth man to achieve the career grand slam, and the first since Tiger Woods.

This weekend stood as Justin Rose’s second runner-up finish within a year, placing T2 at 2024’s Open Championship in July, and Rose is finding his defeat tough to come to terms with.

Justin Rose admits Sunday’s defeat has left him feeling ‘tormented’

Despite the Rider Cup veterans’ form, at 44 years old there are doubts over just how much is left in the tank.

Rose has had many close calls, and eventually, that has to begin to take a toll on the star.

Speaking on his defeat, Rose reveals how difficult it has been to come to terms with the loss.

“Having been in that situation before and even more this time, I could really sense what it would be like to win it. I was right there on the edge of winning it obviously,” he stated in a press conference ahead of the RBC Heritage.

“I certainly don’t feel down in any way, shape or form because of the performance I was able to put in and how I was able to feel putting in that performance, but just sort of… tormented probably by the thought of what might have been.”

Rose feels he made no major mistakes at Augusta National

Despite eventually losing out to the world number two, Rose’s Sunday performance was nothing short of spectacular.

After starting the day seven shots behind the leader, the former U.S. Open champion, made birdie after birdie in a last ditch dive for Masters glory.

Mistakes from McIlroy certainly helped. However, nothing can be taken away from the runner up’s determined effort.

His dogged-persistence launched him right back into the fire fight, and if it wasn’t for a moment of brilliance from McIlroy on his second shot of the playoff, the outcome could have been vastly different.

Reflecting on his performance, Rose feels he did everything required to win.

“The last two majors I’ve been right there and been beaten by the top players in the world at the peak of their game.

“But on both occasions I’ve felt like I’ve stepped up, I’ve hit the shots, I’ve played well, I’ve felt great, and I’m doing the right things to win. So just got to keep the level high enough to keep creating those opportunities.”

Justin Rose will be back in action less than a week after his harsh loss to McIlroy, taking to the tee-box at Harbour Town Golf Course as part of the RBC Heritage against a stacked field including Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg.

The post Justin Rose speaks on inner ‘torment’ following Masters playoff defeat to Rory McIlroy appeared first on HITC.

'Expectation' - Kyrie Irving injury timeline revealed as Mavericks star continues ACL recovery

By: Muhammad Saeed on April 17, 2025 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury was a huge blow for the Dallas Mavericks, but Shams Charania has provided fans with an update on when they can expect to see him again.

Things went from bad to worse for the Dallas Mavericks on the court after they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2nd, and a lot of it had to do with injuries.

Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II all missed significant portions of the last two months of the NBA regular season. Perhaps the biggest blow came when Kyrie Irving went down, though.

The dazzling point guard suffered a devastating knee injury in a game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3rd. He heroically stayed in to take his free throws, but his injury turned out to be quite serious.

The former NBA champion was ruled out for a year, having to undergo surgery on a torn ACL. Considering that he is 33 years old, this was an extremely concerning update.

• READ MORE: The NBA franchises with the most Championships include the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers

Shams Charania says Kyrie Irving will return sooner than expected

If the expectation that it would take a year for him to return stayed true, then Irving would return with around a month left in the 2025-26 regular season.

However, the ultimate NBA insider reported the target date for Kai’s return on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, and it seems that he might take to the court sooner than imagined.

“Kyrie Irving’s return, that’s the big question now,” Charania said. “The expectation around the Dallas Mavericks is that he will play a good chunk of next season. And there’s optimism that he will be back by January.

The superstar guard is the key to the Dallas offence after they traded Doncic away. His scoring and playmaking abilities are paramount for Jason Kidd to have alongside AD’s post presence.

Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season before going down.

• READ MORE: Luka Doncic has just done something no NBA player has managed since 2013, he has the LA Lakers to thank

Nico Harrison has to worry about Kyrie’s contract situation

Having been acquired after a low point in his career with the Brooklyn Nets, the Mavericks signed Irving to a three-year, $120 million contract till the end of the 2025-26 season.

However, he has a player option worth $43 million on the last year of his deal, meaning he could be a free agent as early as the coming offseason.

This is a major worry for GM Nico Harrison, who is currently in the middle of a media storm. Former Mavericks players have ripped into him, and even Stephen A. Smith clowned Harrison on ESPN.

If he cannot re-sign Irving, trading Doncic away will look even worse. This puts Kyrie in a position of power, and with his seemingly accelerated return timeline, the star guard could get a potentially huge deal from the Mavericks.

The post 'Expectation' - Kyrie Irving injury timeline revealed as Mavericks star continues ACL recovery appeared first on HITC.