National Spelling Bee runners-up rarely go on to win. But Faizan Zaki hopes to defy the odds
OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — With the benefit of hindsight, Vikram Raju knows there was almost no chance he would win after being a runner-up in the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
'The chances of getting that high are infinitesimally small, and the chances of doing it again are an order of magnitude smaller, obviously,' Vikram said Wednesday. 'So it's a really daunting feeling as well because you always try to outdo yourself from the previous year.'
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Winnipeg Free Press
24 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wake Forest baseball coach apologizes for apparent homophobic slur at NCAA regional vs. Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Wake Forest and baseball coach Tom Walter apologized on Tuesday for what appeared to be a homophobic slur caught by television cameras during an NCAA regional game against Tennessee. 'I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,' Walter said in a statement issued by the school. 'I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC.' Walter said he has watched the video and doesn't remember the specific moment but acknowledged 'that language doesn't reflect my values or the standards of this program.' Wake Forest athletic director John Currie said he was 'surprised and deeply disappointed' and said he spoke with Walter after the game and again Tuesday morning. 'I feel badly for those most hurt by such words,' Currie said. 'This incident … is completely out of character for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference.' Tennessee beat Wake Forest 11-5 on Monday night to win the Knoxville Regional and earn a best-of-three super regional matchup with Arkansas for a chance to advance to the College World Series. An Atlantic Coast Conference spokeswoman did not immediate respond to an email seeking comment. ___ AP college sports:
Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Top-ranked Sabalenka plays in front of empty seats at French Open, calls for fairer scheduling
PARIS (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka is the top-ranked player in women's tennis. Yet even that status didn't spare her from competing in front of empty seats at Roland-Garros, something she says isn't fair. The three-time Grand Slam champion faced China's Zheng Qinwen in the first quarterfinal match on Tuesday, beginning at 11 a.m. on Court Philippe-Chatrier. When play began, large sections of the 15,000-seat stadium were still unoccupied — a common sight in the early hours at the French Open, when many ticket holders opt for lunch or arrive later in the day. 'It was a big match and probably would make more sense to put us a little bit later just so more people could watch it,' Sabalenka said after her 7-6 (3), 6-3 win. ' I definitely think that would make more sense to kind of like move our match for a little bit later.' But scheduling more night sessions for women is proving a tough issue to resolve for French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo. Since the introduction of night sessions in 2021, only four women's singles matches have been featured in that marquee time slot. Serena Williams played in the first-ever night match at Roland-Garros, but pandemic restrictions meant the stands were empty. No women's matches have been scheduled for the evening session this year, something Sabalenka said should change. Asked about her views on the fact that women haven't played a single night match this year, the player from Belarus said they deserve 'equal treatment.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'There was a lot of … great battles, a lot of great matches which would be cool to see as night sessions,' she said. 'Just more people in the stands watching these incredible battles. And just to show ourselves to more people. I definitely agree that we deserve to be put on a bigger stage. Like better timing, more people watching.' There was, however, one upside to the early start for Sabalenka ahead of her semifinal against four-time champion Iga Swiatek. 'I'm happy to finish earlier and then I have a half day off and I can just enjoy the city and do all the things that I have to do,' she said. ___ More AP tennis:
