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May 25, 2026
The Sporting Brief
Weekend Wrap
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Today's Briefing
The Bulldogs survived a heart-stopper at the weekend, edging Melbourne 93-90 in a three-point thriller that had Luke Beveridge reaching for historical allegory. Joel Freijah and Rhylee West steadied the ship late, and a contentious free kick to Harry Sharp proved the turning point that put Western Bulldogs ahead for good. Beveridge addressed the near-capitulation with a story about Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse — which tells you everything about how close it got. In the NRL, Manly made hard work of a hard win. The Sea Eagles scraped past the Titans 12-10 in an ugly, nervy affair, with Kieran Foran's side fighting every inch of the way before banking the two points. Twelve points in a Manly win. The margin says it all. Kimi Antonelli made it four straight at the Canadian Grand Prix, claiming victory for Mercedes after George Russell retired from the lead. Lewis Hamilton finished P2 for Ferrari. That retirement cost Russell dearly — Antonelli now leads the Drivers' Championship by 43 points. Across in the NBA, San Antonio cut Oklahoma City's lead to 2-1 in the Western Conference finals with a 103-82 win in Game 3. Victor Wembanyama said he must be "more of a team player" as the Spurs fight to extend the series. Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy after a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. West Ham joined Burnley and Wolves in relegation after Tottenham's win over Everton kept Spurs two points above the drop. Bournemouth and Sunderland took the Europa League places, with Sunderland sealing seventh by beating 10-man Chelsea 2-1.
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NRL
Overview
The Sea Eagles scraped past the Titans 12-10 in an ugly, nervy affair that left Manly fans sweating.
Kieran Foran's side were made to fight every inch of the way before holding on for the two points.
NRL — Round 12 Results
| Raiders |
22 |
– |
30 |
Dolphins |
| Bulldogs |
30 |
– |
20 |
Storm |
| Dragons |
12 |
– |
30 |
Warriors |
| Sea Eagles |
12 |
– |
10 |
Titans |
| Cowboys |
30 |
– |
18 |
Rabbitohs |
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ESPN
Cowboys def. Rabbitohs 30-18
Drinkwater Class Key as Cowboys Beat Rabbitohs
North Queensland beat South Sydney 30-18, with fullback Scott Drinkwater delivering another influential display to lift the Cowboys into sixth on the NRL ladder.
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AFL
Overview
The Western Bulldogs survived a scare against Melbourne, winning 93-90 in a three-point thriller that went down to the wire.
Joel Freijah and Rhylee West delivered heroics late, while a contentious free kick to Harry Sharp proved the turning point that put the Bulldogs ahead.
Coach Luke Beveridge addressed the team's near-capitulation with a story about Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
AFL — Round 11 Results
| Hawthorn |
75 |
– |
66 |
Adelaide |
| Richmond |
74 |
– |
56 |
Essendon |
| Fremantle |
104 |
– |
74 |
St Kilda |
| North Melbourne |
111 |
– |
105 |
Gold Coast |
| Geelong |
107 |
– |
80 |
Sydney |
| Collingwood |
92 |
– |
82 |
West Coast |
| Port Adelaide |
58 |
– |
92 |
Carlton |
| Greater Western Sydney |
166 |
– |
88 |
Brisbane Lions |
| Western Bulldogs |
93 |
– |
90 |
Melbourne |
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Football
Overview
Arsenal closed their first Premier League title since 2004 with a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, finishing on 85 points and seven clear of Manchester City.
West Ham were relegated with Burnley and Wolves after Tottenham beat Everton to stay two points above the drop.
Bournemouth and Sunderland qualified for the Europa League, with Sunderland's 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea completing a remarkable seventh-place finish.
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The Guardian
Arsenal def. Crystal Palace 2-1
Arsenal celebrate Premier League title with win at Crystal Palace
Arsenal won 2-1 at Crystal Palace, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke capping their first Premier League title since 2004, as 16-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player to start a Premier League game.
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Cricket
Overview
Pat Cummins has reaffirmed his commitment to Australian cricket, stating "My priority is Australian cricket" as questions swirl around his IPL involvement.
The skipper's comments draw a clear line on where his loyalties sit as the Australian season approaches.
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Formula 1
Overview
Kimi Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes, claiming a fourth successive victory.
George Russell retired from the lead, handing Antonelli a 43-point gap in the Drivers' Championship.
Lewis Hamilton finished P2 for Ferrari, completing the podium.
RESULT: Winner: Kimi Antonelli, P2: Lewis Hamilton
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ESPN
Winner: Kimi Antonelli, P2: Lewis Hamilton
Antonelli wins Canadian GP as Russell retires from lead
Kimi Antonelli claimed a fourth successive win at the Canadian Grand Prix after teammate George Russell retired from the lead, handing Antonelli control of the Drivers' Championship.
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NBA
Overview
The San Antonio Spurs bounced back to take Game 3, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 and cutting the Western Conference finals deficit to 2-1.
Victor Wembanyama called for self-improvement after the loss, saying he must be "more of a team player" as the Spurs fight to stay alive in the series.
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MLB / NHL
Overview
Reid Detmers was near-perfect Sunday night, retiring 24 of 25 Rangers batters and striking out a career-high 14 as the Los Angeles Angels won 2-1 to claim their first series sweep of the season.
The win came courtesy of a ninth-inning throwing error from Texas's Justin Foscue, handing the Angels an unlikely but deserved finish.
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Golf
Overview
Blades Brown, just 19 years old, tied for 14th at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson to earn unlimited sponsor exemptions for the rest of the PGA Tour season.
The result hands Brown special tour status — a remarkable outcome for a teenager competing against the world's best.
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AI, Business & Technology
Overview
Sportradar faces a shareholder lawsuit alleging the sports data giant misled investors by concealing illegal gambling ties through shady overseas business conduct.
The suit claims investors suffered financial harm as a result of the company's conduct in foreign markets.
Sportradar provides data and technology services to major sports leagues and betting operators worldwide.
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