John Daly II, son of the 2-time major champion, advances to quarterfinals of US Amateur
Daly, the son of two-time major champion John Daly, beat Nate Smith 2 and 1 in the morning in the round of 32, then topped Daniel Bennett of South Africa 3 and 2 in the afternoon in the round of 16.
Daly, a senior-to-be at Arkansas, set up a match with Mason Howell, the 18-year-old from Georgia who qualified for the U.S. Open this year with rounds of 63-63 from the Atlanta sectional.
Howell beat second-ranked Virginia senior Ben James 1 up and Max Herendeen 2 and 1. In the morning, Herendeen eliminated top-ranked Jackson Koivun 3 and 2.
Donegan had two 1-up victories, topping ninth-ranked Christiaan Maas of South Africa and fourth-ranked Preston Stout, the Oklahoma State junior who was the stroke-play medalist.
Donegan, who plays under the Scottish flag and lives in the Bay Area, pulled even with Stout with a birdie on the par-3 15th and took the lead with a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-5 16th.
Donegan was among 17 players who advanced from a 20-man playoff Wednesday morning to determine the final 64 for match play. His father, Lawrence, was a longtime golf correspondent for The Guardian.
Donegan, will face Jacob Modleski, a 2-up winner over Paul Chang of China. Modleski, at No. 15, is the top player left in the world amateur ranking.
Miles Russell, 16, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., also advanced to the quarterfinals, beating Mahanth Chirravuri 2 and 1. Russell is ranked No. 16.
Russell will face 29th-ranked Eric Lee, a 2-up winner over Josh Duangmanee when Duangmanee lost his ball off the tee on the final hole. In the other quarterfinal, Jimmy Abdo will play Jackson Herrington.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Kliff Kingsbury is losing patience, says Washington needs its top WRs back
ASHBURN, Va. — Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said the Commanders' offense is a 'work in progress' and that getting its absent starters, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin, back on the field is a must over the final weeks of training camp and preseason. 'When you don't have your projected top two outside receivers or both of your projected inside pieces at guard, it's not going to give you really a chance to jell or really build that relationship until you get everybody else on the grass,' Kingsbury said Friday. 'So that's something we have to get to over the next three weeks.' Advertisement Kingsbury's comments were the most pointed yet by a Commanders coach or executive about the urgency to get McLaurin back after a months-long contract dispute with the club. The six-year veteran receiver is in the final year of his deal and has been seeking an extension with a pay bump that he believes should align with his value to the team. His absence, along with missed time by receiver Noah Brown (knee), left guard Brandon Coleman (lower body) and right guard Sam Cosmi (on the physically unable to perform list because of his recovery from an ACL injury), has left the Commanders' offense thin around quarterback Jayden Daniels. His backup, Marcus Mariota, has also missed most of camp because of what coach Dan Quinn said was a 'lower leg' injury. In McLaurin's absence, the Commanders have given ample reps to the reserve receivers, most of whom are vying for one of the last couple of spots on the roster. But over the last week especially, Washington's offense has appeared at times out of sync and wholly unlike the efficient and prolific group of last season. Daniels's connection with tight end Zach Ertz and receiver Deebo Samuel have been among the highlights, but the rest of the receiving corps has yet to find a clear leader. Drops, poor routes and missed timing have been daily occurrences. 'Some guys are taking advantage of the opportunities and some have not,' Kingsbury said. 'That's what we wanted to see. With Terry and Noah not getting much … we know what Deebo is, and there's a lot of guys trying to earn a roster spot. The competition has been good, but I think there's still a lot to show over the next three weeks.' Kliff Kingsbury on needing to see everyone out there to get a feel for where the offense really is — Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) August 15, 2025 McLaurin, 29, attended the early portion of OTAs, but skipped mandatory minicamp in June and held out of the first few days of training camp. He then reported to camp to 'hold-in' and was placed on the PUP list with an ankle injury, allowing him to participate in team meetings and work with the strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers but not practice. Advertisement McLaurin hasn't played a live rep of football in more than 200 days; his last one was on Jan. 26, when the Commanders lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. And he has few remaining chances to face live competition. The Commanders and Ravens mutually called off their joint practice that was scheduled for Aug. 21, ahead of their final preseason game, citing 'logistical challenges.' Kingsbury said he has had limited contact with McLaurin, which in turn, has limited their preparation for the season. 'I think not as much as we would if he were full-go, there's no doubt,' Kingsbury added. '… I'm huge on walk-throughs, on practice and things like that because until you get on the grass and actually do it and feel the timing, feel the depths of routes and things of that nature, I don't know exactly how much you can get out of that.' McLaurin observed the Commanders' intrasquad 'Burgundy and Gold' scrimmage on Tuesday, wearing a hoodie and standing on the sideline with the rest of the offense. At one point during the scrimmage, he was seen talking to general manager Adam Peters. Later, when the offensive reserves took the field, he talked to Daniels on the sideline. Daniels has brushed off any concern about McLaurin's absence, noting their full season together and continued discussions and time spent together during the receiver's contract stalemate gave them a solid foundation. Jayden Daniels Commanders 'I think that's one of those deals, it's just time on task,' Kingsbury said. 'Luckily, they had last year to build a lot of rapport and chemistry. And Terry understands our system going into year two, so that should expedite the process. But to me, time on task together on the grass is really the only way that you can continue to build.' McLaurin spoke to reporters at length a week before training camp to express his frustration over his contract, saying 'without any progressive discussion, it's kind of hard to see how I step on the field.' Advertisement He did not specify what would constitute progress, and he did not provide specifics about what he's seeking in a new deal. 'I think you know how the market is today, it pretty much conveys what guys in my caliber are deserving of, and I feel like I fit that in that box,' McLaurin said at the time. '… I feel like I'm one of the best receivers in this league.' Nine receivers now average at least $30 million in average annual value, and 10 receivers are due at least $60 million in guarantees. It's plausible that McLaurin is wanting at least some elements of the contract DK Metcalf signed with Pittsburgh — a four-year, $132 million deal that includes $60 million in guarantees. McLaurin and Metcalf were both drafted in 2019 and have statistical similarities, but Metcalf is nearly two years younger and his deal is backloaded, allowing the Steelers a feasible out after only two years. Courtland Sutton's four-year, $92 million contract that he signed with Denver last month could have negatively affected McLaurin in his negotiations. McLaurin has been much more consistent, but the two have some similarities, including their age; McLaurin (Sept. 15) and Sutton (Oct. 10) will both turn 30 in the coming months. The Commanders and McLaurin have been at a staunch impasse from the start. The team can point to McLaurin's age — he'll be 31 the first season of a new deal — and the fact that he's under contract. McLaurin, however, can point to his years of production and availability. He can also observe a Commanders practice, and watch the team's thin receiving corps struggle to find a rhythm. But as the season opener against the New York Giants looms on Sept. 7, time is running out for both sides. 'I think we're kind of at that point to where we need to start getting those guys, when they're available, out there and jelling and seeing what we are as an offense,' Kingsbury said. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Manchester United form Carlos Baleba transfer plan after Brighton star confirms career dream
Manchester United are formulating a plan to sign Carlos Baleba in a record transfer this summer. Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his midfield, having transformed his forward line with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to the tune of £ considered one of the brightest young talents in the world, is top of his wishlist and, according to reports, an opening player-plus-cash bid has already been rejected. A second bid is expected and Baleba, The Guardian report, has privately made clear his desire to move to Old Trafford. Publicly, Baleba has been clear about his desires. He told the same publication earlier this season: "I want to be a big midfielder, to be a legend, across the world." Brighton are expected to demand a record fee for an African player, which currently stands at the £72million Arsenal paid for transfer flop Nicolas Pepe. It would likely cost more than £100m to strike a deal. So, The Guardian adds, a transfer plan is forming at United. With Chelsea widely expected to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund attracting plenty of interest from AC Milan, United's coffers are set to be boosted before the transfer window shuts on September 1. Amorim will hope to also wave goodbye to outcasts Antony and Jadon Sancho, how many not demand signficant transfer fees but getting their bloated wages off the outgoings would further strengthen United's financial standing.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aryna Sabalenka has a new coach on board at Cincinnati Open
MASON, Ohio — Max Mirnyi won the 1998 U.S. Open and Wimbledon mixed doubles titles with Serena Williams and lost in the finals of the 1999 Australian Open. With Williams. Miryni joined the staff of Aryna Sabalenka in January. So Miryni knows about mercurial ladies who have good hearts but short tempers. 'First thing I want everybody to know,' said the 48-year-old Mirnyi who beat Roger Federer at the 2002 U.S. Open in singles, 'is that Aryna is the sweetest, nicest girl. Please, everybody believe that.' Sabalenka is the No. 1-ranked player in the world , and the top seed and defending champion of the Cincinnati Open. She beat Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 7-5 Wednesday in what was supposed to be a day match but became a night match due to rain. Her victory earned her a fourth round meeting with 9th-seeded Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Rybakina upset No. 6 American Madison Keys 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2. Keys had won her first major at this year's Australian Open. It is not unlike Sabalenka to be undecided with her tennis sometimes. She was very decided on winning just about every point in the first set, taking only 27 minutes to dominate the world's 42nd-ranked player. In the second set, though, Sabalenka seemed to lose her concentration or her head or her mind and most definitely her shots. It wasn't until the 12th and final game of the set until Sabalenka hit a most massive forehand winner into the corner that she could raise her arms in triumph and give a wry smile. Sabalenka hired Miryni to help her with her net game and her serve. But before we get to Aryna, how was that Miryni ended up playing mixed doubles with Serena? 'Our father's met at The Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida,' Miryni said. 'Her dad's name is Richard, right? Both our dads were a little crazy. I was about four years older than Serena and the dads got together and said their kids should play mixed together. I'm just mad we didn't win that Australian. So close to three in a row.' Miryni was asked to join the Sabalenka team by her head coach Anton Dubrov. Miryni had been an accomplished serve-volley player and the thinking is that Sabalenka should be able to use her skills coming off her big serve by volleying more. The pop sound that comes off Sabalenka's racket is telling. There is special power there that not all players have. Her footwork is good and she will bravely try any shot. And the very first point of the match showed what Miryni wants her to do. Sabalenka hit a massive serve and and went full out on a forehand that may have dented the court. Sabalenka, 27, now and in her prime, has earned a bit of a reputation as being a sore loser and even on the court she would break a racket or two or bellow her frustrations loudly after bad shots. There was video of her tearing up a locker room after last year's U.S. Open and she was accused of not being nice enough to Coco Gauff after the Belarusian lost to the American in this year's French Open final. 'And that is so wrong,' Miryni said. Sabalenka was on a practice court on Aug. 12 for about 40 minutes when it started to rain. 'There were fans, hundreds of them, watching Aryna. Most of the other players went running inside – the superstars. But Aryna stayed and attended to every fan, signed autographs, did the selfies. 'That, to me, was great to see. It speaks a lot about a person and I did not know this about here when we first got together. She is a charming girl and many people have the wrong impression of her.' In fact, Sabalenka grows on you. She makes fun of herself plenty off the court. It seemed fine to see her destroy rackets out of the public eye in the locker room. It means she really cares and some people need that release of anger or disgust or disappointment to come out loud and long. And then move on. 'Her hunger and determination are amazing and despite her achievements she knows how much room she has for improvement. She wants to not just win a tournament but to maximize her potential,' Miryni said. Sabalenka has won three majors − the Australian Open twice (2023 and 2024) and the 2024 U.S. Open. Miryni says her goals are much bigger. Because Belarus is tied up with Russia in the Ukrainian war, Sabalenka never sees her flag or hears her anthem at sporting events. He says that bothers Sabalenka. 'It hurts her,' he said. 'Belarus is a small country and those things matter.' Miryni thinks he has had a positive effect on Sabalenka. 'She's a strong, dominating girl, she's got a strong, dominating game but a little more backhand slice and coming into the net after a big serve or back up a powerful groundstroke at the net, I think it could give her new levels.' Sabalenka agrees. 'He wants to move forward always,' Sabalenka said. 'On my serve he's getting me to control my body better, push with my legs, bring my chest up. Nothing really major, but little things that really help.' Her partner for the new U.S. Open one-weekend mixed doubles tournament pulled out and it was suggested that Sabalenka might rope in Miryni. 'We talked about it,' she said, laughing, 'but with the doping system, it's not possible. But it would have been so fun.' This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Aryna Sabalenka coach Max Mirnyi talks WTA No. 1 at Cincinnati Open
