I Dig Sports
Sheppard & Rocket 1 Get Back On Track At Farmer City
FARMER CITY, Ill. Brandon Sheppard and Rocket1 Racing are undoubtedly one of the most successful pairings in the history of dirt late model racing.
But ever since they reunited over the winter, the conversation surrounding them hasnt been about how often they were winning. It was about when they would win again. That win came Saturday at Farmer City Raceway.
Sheppard hadnt won a race since the 2024 Gateway Dirt Nationals, and his last outdoor win came in a preliminary feature at last years Prairie Dirt Classic. The Rocket Chassis house team hadnt celebrated in victory lane since Tim McCreadie won the Topless 100 last August. And Sheppard hadnt won the Illini 100 since 2019.
The five-time and reigning World of Outlaws Late Models champion brought all those streaks to an end with 60 flawless laps around one of his favorite tracks.
Im so happy, man, Sheppard said following the 88th win of his World of Outlaws career. Everybody has been talking us down. Do you miss Longhorn, do you miss this, do you miss that? No. Im not back because I never left.
Sheppards race began in the 11th starting spot, while Cody Overton led the field to green alongside second-starting Drake Troutman. Troutman took the early advantage and went to work on building a gap in hopes of becoming the second rookie in as many nights to win their first World of Outlaws race.
A clean-and-green start to the Feature meant slower traffic quickly became a factor, but Troutman masterfully maneuvered his way through to hold onto the top spot. Behind him, Overton, Brian Shirley, Bobby Pierce and Devin Moran found themselves under a blanket as they dueled for second.
With 25 laps complete, Shirley got to the outside of Troutman in Turns 1 and 2 and briefly grabbed the lead, but Troutman found enough grip on the bottom in the next set of corners to wrestle the position back.
Moran spun in Turn 4 to bring out the first and only caution of the race, erasing Troutmans gap to the field. On the restart, he would have a different Illinois driver to deal with, as Sheppard had made his way around Shirley and up to second before the pace slowed.
When the race went back green, Sheppard rode the cushion for all it was worth and blasted off Turn 4 and into the lead. Less than five laps later, Sheppards gap to the field was already over three seconds. From there, B-Shepp put the No. 1 on cruise control, slicing his way through traffic on the way to the checkered flag.
That was Farmer City right there baby, Sheppard said. That was elbows-up, get it on, cushion right up against the wall. That was the Farmer City we like to see for sure.
While Sheppard was driving off into the sunset, Pierce was busy battling Troutman for second in the laps following the restart. Pierce prevailed and kept Sheppard in sight in traffic, but came up one spot short of a third-straight Illini 100 victory.
Really love racing here, such an up-on-the-wheel track, Pierce said. When I saw Brandon catching lap cars, I thought I was going to have a chance at catching him. Right when I saw him catching those lap cars, he went right through them like a hot knife through butter. He did a great job getting through them. That was my only chance.
Troutman brought the No. 22* home third for his third podium of the season, enough to take the lead back in the MD3 Rookie of the Year standings by 34 points over Dotson.
Weve been so dang close, I just wish we could pull one off, Troutman said. Thats part of it, these two are by far the best guys in Illinois. Theyre tough to beat, and I saw them up on the boards after that caution and knew I was kind of a sitting duck.
Shirley ended up fourth for his second top five of the weekend. Dustin Sorensen finished fifth.
The finish:
Feature (60 Laps): Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, Drake Troutman, Brian Shirley, Dustin Sorensen, Ricky Thornton Jr., Cody Overton, Ryan Unzicker, Garrett Alberson, Tyler Bruening, Tanner English, Kyle Bronson, Dennis Erb Jr., Ryan Gusin, Tyler Erb, Shannon Babb, Jason Feger, Nick Hoffman, Tim McCreadie, Ashton Winger, Max Blair, Ethan Dotson, Dan Ebert, Devin Moran, Mike Spatola, Mckay Wenger.
PEVELY, Mo. Friday night left Logan Schuchart with a bad taste in his mouth.
He knew he had the best car. He knew how close he came to standing in victory lane. But several ill-timed cautions forced he and the Shark Racing crew to settle for second behind Carson Macedo.
Schuchart wasnt about to suffer the same fate Saturday.
A stacked field of 60 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars rolled into I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park.
A Toyota Dash win gave the Hanover, Pa., native the pole for the 40-lap Federated Auto Parts Spring Classic finale, and that was all he needed. Schuchart drove out to an early advantage. Macedo made an early charge to second and looked to give Schuchart a case of déjà vu, but Schuchart was having none of it.
The 12-year series veteran held off the Lemoore, Calif., native for his first victory of the 2025 campaign.
It means a lot, Schuchart said. These things are so hard to win. Only having one win last year wasnt in our cards, wasnt how I thought our season would go. We definitely started out of the box this season strong. Very happy about the way things are going. I was really excited to get to I-55. Its a track where weve ran good in the past, a lot of podium finishes and second place finishes. I knew that wed have a good chance to win with the way the car has been going.
The first win of the season gave Schuchart 43 in his World of Outlaws career. It was also a special moment for Kyle Pruitt as he secured his first World of Outlaws win as a crew chief.
I thought if we could just get the lead, I thought I could control the race and just be smart in traffic and use my experience to know not to put yourself in bad spots, not to try to pass lapped cars where you dont need to, Schuchart said. I actually had my wing back pretty far at the beginning of the race. I felt good running the top and started watching lapped cars, how they would pull off the corner and kind of went lower in (Turns) 1 and 2 there and felt like it started to get a little sticky. (Turns) 3 and 4 was definitely there first, and as the race went on I just kind of pushed the wing back forward a little bit to loosen myself up.
Coming up just a spot short of a weekend sweep was Carson Macedo in the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41. Hes been on the podium in six of the last eight races and has trimmed David Gravels lead atop the standings down to 64 markers.
Hats off to the Shark Racing team on getting the win, Macedo said. I thought our Albaugh 41 car was really close again tonight. Right out of the gate we were pretty good. Philip Dietz, Robby McQuinn, and Adam Zimmerman, they did a great job. They really gave me a great car all weekend. For us to start eighth in the Dash and still run second in the Feature says a lot.
A season best showing from Donny Schatz saw him bring the Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 home third.
My guys are doing a phenomenal job, Schatz said. Last night was big. We got ourselves through the field quite aways. Tonight, we made that much more improvement. It makes you want to get on to the next race sooner than later.
Rico Abreu and Aaron Reutzel completed the top five.
The finish:
Feature (40 Laps): 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart[1]; 2. 41-Carson Macedo[4]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz[5]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu[2]; 5. 87-Aaron Reutzel[3]; 6. 2-David Gravel[6]; 7. 17B-Bill Balog[7]; 8. 88T-Tanner Thorson[8]; 9. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[11]; 10. 55V-Kerry Madsen[10]; 11. 26-Justin Peck[15]; 12. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[9]; 13. 83-Michael Kofoid[18]; 14. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg[25]; 15. 14-Spencer Bayston[14]; 16. 2C-Cole Macedo[13]; 17. 6-Zach Hampton[12]; 18. 7S-Chris Windom[24]; 19. 10-Ryan Timms[21]; 20. 21-Brian Brown[17]; 21. 88-Austin McCarl[20]; 22. 23-Garet Williamson[22]; 23. 2KS-Cory Eliason[16]; 24. 24T-Christopher Thram[23]; 25. 48-Danny Dietrich[19]
Stanley Cup playoff watch: What's at stake in Sunday's games
The 11 NHL games on Saturday helped solidify the playoff picture, as three teams (the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and New York Islanders) have been officially eliminated from the race. Now it's just the Columbus Blue Jackets chasing the Montreal Canadiens.
Out West, the St. Louis Blues kept hope alive for the Calgary Flames, losing in the shootout to the Seattle Kraken. But, with their victories, the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights clinched division titles.
With the end of the regular season approaching on Thursday, here's what at stake in the nine games taking place on Sunday:
Philadelphia Flyers at Ottawa Senators
1 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Senators are locked in to the first wild-card position in the East (and a matchup against the top team in the Atlantic). The Flyers are currently fifth in the draft lottery order, two behind the Boston Bruins and one ahead of the Kraken.
New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils
1 p.m. (TNT)
The Isles' playoff hopes were extinguished with their shootout loss on Saturday, and they are in the No. 10 spot in the draft lottery order, two behind the Ducks and Penguins, and one ahead of the Rangers and Red Wings. On the other side, the Devils are locked in to the No. 3 seed in the Metro, and will open the playoffs on the road against the Hurricanes.
Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins
3:30 p.m. (TNT)
One day, these proud franchises will be battling it out again for postseason positioning, but that day is not today. For this iteration of the matchup, Boston enters as the No. 4 seed in the draft lottery order, two ahead of Philly and three ahead of Seattle (the Bruins cannot catch the Predators for the No. 3 spot). The Pens are eighth, one behind the Sabres, tied with the Ducks, and two ahead of the Islanders.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes
5 p.m. (ESPN+)
If things break correctly in the coming weeks, we could see these two teams collide again in the Eastern Conference finals. Toronto holds a four-point lead over the Lightning and Panthers atop the Atlantic Division, and clinches the division today if they win and the Lightning lose in any fashion. The Canes will go no higher or lower than second in the Metro, and they'll face off with the Devils to begin their postseason play.
Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning
6 p.m. (ESPN+)
As noted above, the Lightning remain in the chase for the Atlantic crown and will just about need every W left on the schedule to do it. On the other side, the Sabres are high up in the draft lottery order (they begin Sunday No. 7), but that hasn't stopped them from playing some great hockey as of late, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals
6 p.m. (ESPN+)
A rematch from Saturday's matinee in Columbus, which the Blue Jackets won 7-0. Columbus is five points and two regulation wins back of Montreal for the final wild-card spot with a game in hand. The Capitals are locked in to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but their Presidents' Trophy dreams are on thin ice; they are five points back of the Jets with three games left.
Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Oilers recently clinched their spot in the postseason, and a first-round matchup against the very familiar Los Angeles Kings (having faced them in three straight postseasons). What's left to determine is home-ice advantage, although the Kings are four points ahead with three games left for both clubs. As for the Jets, they are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the West, and just wait to see if they'll be playing the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues or Calgary Flames in Round 1.
San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames
8 p.m. (ESPN+)
Speaking of the Flames, they begin Sunday four games back of the Blues and five games back of the Wild, with two games in hand on both clubs. The chances are slim, but the door remains open for a final-week surge into the postseason. By way of potential tiebreakers, the Sharks have clinched the No. 1 spot in the draft lottery order.
Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks
10 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday's nightcap pits the Avalanche -- who are locked in to the No. 3 spot in the Central, and a first-round matchup against the Dallas Stars -- against the Ducks, who appear to be about one year away from mounting a real run at the playoffs. Anaheim begins Sunday ninth in the draft lottery order, tied in points with Pittsburgh, one behind Buffalo and two ahead of the Islanders.
With the regular season ending April 17, we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Sunday's games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
Philadelphia Flyers at Ottawa Senators, 1 p.m.
New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils, 1 p.m. (TNT)
Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins, 3:30 p.m. (TNT)
Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning, 6 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals, 6 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames, 8 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday's scoreboard
Philadelphia Flyers 4, New York Islanders 3 (SO)
Columbus Blue Jackets 7, Washington Capitals 0
Carolina Hurricanes 7, New York Rangers 3
Los Angeles Kings 5, Colorado Avalanche 4
Florida Panthers 3, Buffalo Sabres 2 (SO)
Toronto Maple Leafs 1, Montreal Canadiens 0 (OT)
Winnipeg Jets 5, Chicago Blackhawks 4 (SO)
Utah Hockey Club 5, Dallas Stars 3
Minnesota Wild 3, Vancouver Canucks 2 (OT)
Vegas Golden Knights 5, Nashville Predators 3
Seattle Kraken 4, St. Louis Blues 3 (SO)
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
x - Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 102
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 105.873417721519
Next game: @ CAR (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 101.721518987342
Next game: vs. BUF (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Florida Panthers
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 100.45
Next game: vs. NYR (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Ottawa Senators
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 95.4936708860759
Next game: vs. PHI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 90.2
Next game: vs. CHI (Monday)
Playoff chances: 98.3%
Tragic number: N/A
e - Detroit Red Wings
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 84.0759493670886
Next game: vs. DAL (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Buffalo Sabres
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 79.9240506329114
Next game: @ TB (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Boston Bruins
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 74.825
Next game: @ PIT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Metro Division
z - Washington Capitals
Points: 109
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 113.139240506329
Next game: vs. CBJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 99
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 102.759493670886
Next game: vs. TOR (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - New Jersey Devils
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 92.379746835443
Next game: vs. NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 86.1518987341772
Next game: @ WSH (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 1.7%
Tragic number: 3
e - New York Rangers
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 83.025
Next game: @ FLA (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - New York Islanders
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 83.0379746835443
Next game: @ NJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 79.95
Next game: vs. BOS (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 77.8481012658228
Next game: @ OTT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Central Division
z - Winnipeg Jets
Points: 114
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 116.85
Next game: vs. EDM (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Dallas Stars
Points: 106
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 108.65
Next game: @ DET (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Colorado Avalanche
Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 1
Points pace: 101.234567901235
Next game: @ ANA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 95
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 1
Points pace: 96.1728395061728
Next game: vs. ANA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 94.5%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 95.1604938271605
Next game: vs. UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 89%
Tragic number: N/A
e - Utah Hockey Club
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 89.175
Next game: @ NSH (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 67.65
Next game: vs. UTA (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 57
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 58.425
Next game: @ MTL (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
y - Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 107
Regulation wins: 45
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 109.675
Next game: @ CGY (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Los Angeles Kings
Points: 101
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 104.835443037975
Next game: @ EDM (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Edmonton Oilers
Points: 97
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 100.683544303797
Next game: @ WPG (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Calgary Flames
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 93.4177215189873
Next game: vs. SJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 16.5%
Tragic number: 3
e - Vancouver Canucks
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 90.2
Next game: vs. SJ (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 80.9620253164557
Next game: vs. COL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Seattle Kraken
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 76.9382716049383
Next game: vs. LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - San Jose Sharks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 52.9367088607595
Next game: @ CGY (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: A "z" means that the team has clinched the top record in the conference. A "y" means that the team has clinched the division title. An "x" means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An "e" means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. More details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 57
Regulation wins: 20
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
4. Boston Bruins
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 21
6. Seattle Kraken
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
7. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
10. New York Islanders
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 27
11. New York Rangers
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
12. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29
13. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29
15. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28
16. Calgary Flames
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29
That Detroit Tigers prospect Jackson Jobe earned his first major league win on Masters weekend fits as perfectly as a green jacket.
The 22-year-old right-hander is the son of former professional golfer Brandt Jobe, who played in the Masters three times, with a young Jackson tagging along for the Par 3 contest in 2006.
On Saturday, it was Jackson's turn to put up a low number, pitching six shutout innings as the Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 4-0.
Jobe (1-0), the third pick of the 2021 amateur draft and the overall No. 3 prospect per Baseball America, cruised through the Twins' lineup after earning no-decisions in his previous two starts. He allowed only three baserunners -- two singles and a walk -- while striking out two batters.
Brenan Hanifee, Tyler Holton and John Brebbia each pitched a scoreless inning of relief for Detroit.
Spencer Torkelson homered and drove in three runs for the Tigers, who have won seven of their last eight.
Chris Paddack (0-2) gave up two runs -- one earned -- on two hits with two walks and five strikeouts over five innings for Minnesota, which at 4-11 is off to the second-worst start in team history.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead with an unearned run in the first inning. Zach McKinstry led off with a walk, and Kerry Carpenter followed with a chopper to the right of second base. Carlos Correa fielded the ball cleanly but his throw on the run was wide of first base, allowing McKinstry to take third. He then scored on Torkelson's sacrifice fly.
They doubled their lead in the fourth when Torkelson hit a leadoff single and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Justyn-Henry Malloy.
Torkelson struck again in the sixth inning, hitting a two-run homer off Twins reliever Kody Funderburk to make it 4-0.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Watch the ITTF Mens & Womens World Cup Draw Live Today!
From April 14th to 20th, 2025, the globes top table tennis talents will converge for an electrifying showdown in Macao, China. As the ITTF World Cups return for another spectacular edition, brace yourself for a gripping experience with an innovative tournament format that promises fierce competition throughout.
Beginning with Stage 1s group matches and progressing to Stage 2s best-of-seven knockout stage, fans can anticipate a riveting spectacle at the Galaxy Arena in Macao, China a state-of-the-art indoor venue set to blend table tennis with entertainment for a truly unforgettable experience.
As the excitement builds, mark your calendars for today, April 13th, when the Stage 1 draw ceremony will take place at 13:30 local time (UTC+8). Dont miss the live stream on social media platforms, including Instagram (@ITTFWorld) and Weibo (@ITTFWorld), where youll discover which groups your favorite players will compete in during the crucial opening phase of the tournament.
With reigning mens champion Ma Long not defending his title this year, a new Mens champion could be crowned, while Sun Yingsha returns to defend her womens crown. Follow ITTF.com and ITTFWorld on social media for updates as the tournament unfolds!
ITTF Welcomes Four Official Sponsors for World Cup Macao 2025
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is proud to welcome DHS, OWNWIN, TIBHAR, and Coca-Cola as Official Sponsors of the ITTF Mens and Womens World Cup Macao 2025. These world-class brands will provide specialised products and services to support the successful delivery of one of table tenniss most prestigious events.
DHS Official Table Partner
DHS, a long-standing supporter of table tennis, returns as the Official Table Partner, supplying the competition tables for the event. Since 1961, DHS has played a pivotal role in major international events, including seven Olympic Games and multiple editions of the World Championships and World Cup.
OWNWIN Official Ball Partner
OWNWIN, the Official Ball Partner of the 2024 edition, returns for the World Cup Macao 2025. Crafted from aerospace-grade polymer materials, the OWNWIN seamless ball delivers outstanding bounce, consistency, and durabilityenhancing the intensity and entertainment value of every match. Its advanced wear-resistant surface makes it ideal for high-level competition, offering athletes a premium playing experience throughout the event.
TIBHAR Official Flooring Partner
The ITTF is delighted to welcome TIBHAR as a new Official Sponsor through 2028. TIBHAR stands for innovation and quality, said TIBHAR CEO Roland Berg. This partnership highlights our shared ambition to grow table tennis on the world stage. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Saarbrücken, TIBHAR is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and international growth with recent investments, including a new 2,000 m logistics centre and expanded national team sponsorships.
Coca-Cola Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner
Coca-Cola joins the ITTF World Cup Macao 2025 as the Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner, further enhancing the events global appeal. The iconic brand brings a positive and energetic image that aligns perfectly with the spirit of competition in table tennis. Coca-Colas support will not only contribute to the events success but also help inspire greater public engagement with the sport.
With the support of these valued partners, the ITTF Mens and Womens World Cup Macao 2025 is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of excellence, innovation, and global cooperation in sport.
Table Tennis Titans Converge: ITTF World Cup 2025 Draw Revealed
96 Athletes. One Goal. To be crowned a World Cup Champion. The ITTF Mens and Womens World Cup 2025 is set to ignite the Galaxy Arena in Macao tomorrow, where elite table tennis talent will battle for global supremacy. The draw ceremonya spectacle witnessed by a full house of ITTF officials, media, and live streaming to over 4.6 million viewerswas executed with players selecting their own fate based on seeding, ensuring a transparent and enthralling kick-off to the event.
In the Womens singles, defending champion and World No.1 Sun Yingsha (China) leads Group 1 as she faces up against Mo Zhang (Canada) and Chien Tung-Chuan (Chinese Taipei). Chinas dominance is unmistakable, as top seeds Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi, Chen Xingtong, and Kuai Man headline Groups 2 through 5. Notably, Group 4 promises intrigue as Chen Xingtong faces Germanys Sabine Winter whos recently embraced an Anti-spin rubber on her backhand to great effect, taking the European circuit by storm.
Additionally, Group 9 will see a captivating clash between Romanias Bernadette Szocs and Indias Sreeja Akula, who will be familiar with each others tactics having participated multiple times together in Indias Ultimate Table Tennis League. American star Lily Zhang in Group 14 is tasked with overcoming Korea Republics seasoned chopper, Suh Hyo Won, against whom she trails 0-3 in head-to-head clashes.
In the Mens singles, World No.1 and Singapore Smash 2025 champion Lin Shidong (China) will be looking to start his campaign with a bang as he takes on Hwan Bae (Australia) and Milosz Redzimski (Poland) in Group 1. Following him closely will be World No.2 and semifinalist of last years edition Wang Chuqin (China), who faces Tomislav Pucar (Croatia) and Aditya Sareen (Australia). With both players coming off of big tournament wins at the Singapore Smash 2025 and WTT Champions Chongqing 2025, they will be keen to add the ITTF World Cup to their trophy cabinet.
Group 7 promises a clash of European titans as Patrick Franziska (Germany), Alvaro Robles (Spain) and Simon Gauzy (France) will battle it out for qualification.
It is my first time playing in the World Cup and it is very exciting to be here. Only the very best players make it here, so I am looking forward to it. I have a very tough group. I have been teammates with Simon, and have played many times with Patrick, so we know each other very well and I will try my best, said Robles.
In a similar continental clash, African heavyweights Quadri Aruna (Nigeria) and Abdel-Kader Salifou (Benin) are pitted against each other in Group 16, headlined by Anton Kallberg (Sweden).
I am really proud to be here, representing Benin. It is my first World Cup, both for myself and representing Benin so I am really happy and hope to do well. I played a tough match against Aruna at the ITTF African Cup recently but I hope that I can do better. I have also played against Kallberg a long time ago in the Bundesliga, so I will try to do my best, said Salifou.
With a single qualifier advancing from each round-robin group, every match is a do-or-die affair. With only Sun Yingsha and Dimitrij Ovtcharov having conquered this stage before, the remaining contenders will be driven by a desire to etch their names into table tennis history.
For further updates on draws and results, follow this link.
Wales had gone into the game as underdogs having never won on French soil and having won only two of their last 11 Six Nations outings.
But tries from Kate Williams and Gwen Crabb saw the visitors very much in the contest at half-time.
Lynn admits it was the French scores either side of half-time which proved decisive.
"I call those the championship minutes, but the girls felt really confident going in at half-time and the coaching staff too," he said.
"We've got to take that as a positive because you're coming out here in front of an amazing crowd, in an amazing stadium and we are competing with France."
Lynn agreed that the final scoreline did not reflect the effort of his players.
"I totally agree. 42-12 we are better than that, but full credit to France, the way they played and opened it up, their offloading game is typical "jeu" and it's lovely to see, but we are better than that."
Wales will now go in search of their first win under Lynn when they host Ireland at Rodney Parade on Sunday, 20 April.
France, meanwhile, remain on course for a Grand Slam decider against defending champions England on the final day of the championship on Saturday, 26 April.
AVONDALE, La. Liam McNeilly was peerless today in the first of three races that will comprise the Continental Tire USF2000 Grand Prix of Louisiana at NOLA Motorsports Park.
The youngster from London, England, led throughout the 15-lap race under sunny skies to secure his third win in as many races for the Jay Howard Driver Development team. He also extended his lead in the USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire title-chase.
Jack Jeffers, from San Antonio, Texas, ensured the top two places in all three races to begin the new season were the same, finishing second for Exclusive Autosport, while Thomas Schrage, from Bethel, Ohio, drove a superb race for VRD Racing by climbing from 10th on the grid to third.
McNeilly continued his hot start to the season by posting the fastest lap in qualifying on Friday to snare his second Continental Tire Pole Award in just three attempts. And he was untouchable this afternoon. McNeilly romped away to a lead of more than 2.3 seconds inside the first five laps before the 19-car field was neutralized by a full-course caution due to an incident in the midfield.
He was even more imperious at the restart, jumping out to an advantage of 1.6 seconds on the first green-flag lap, then controlling the remainder of the race to win by a comfortable four seconds over Jeffers, who had grabbed second place from front row qualifier Brad Majman (Jay Howard Driver Development) on the opening lap.
Majman, from Melbourne, Australia, couldnt maintain the front-running pace but looked fairly comfortable in third until coming under pressure from the impressive Schrage in the closing stages.
Schrage made a flying start after a poor qualifying session yesterday, during which he spun twice. He made up three places on the first lap before quickly picking off Colombian Sebastian Garzon (DEForce Racing) and Evan Cooley, from Mokena, Ill., who had started fifth for Exclusive Autosport.
Schrage actually lost a position after the restart to Pabst Racings G3 Argyros, from Newport Beach, Calif., but it proved to be a temporary blip. Schrage soon found his way into fourth before scything past Majman to assume third on the final lap.
Schrages teammate Teddy Musella, from Orlando, Fla., also muscled past Argyros on the last lap to take fifth, with a third VRD Tatuus in seventh in the hands of the youngest driver in the field, 15-year-old Christian Cameron, from Sonoma, Calif.
AVONDALE, La. After each claimed a victory in the opening rounds of the USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire season on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., Turn 3 Motorsports Alessandro de Tullio and Pabst Racings Max Garcia once again were the pair to beat in todays opening race of a tripleheader event at NOLA Motorsports Park.
It was Garcia who took the pole, but that wasnt enough to prevent de Tullio, from Miami, Fla., from taking a hard-earned victory under a cloudless sky.
Garcia, from Coconut Grove, Fla., had to be content with second plus the additional bonus point for a new fastest race lap record. The final position on the podium went to Canadian Mac Clark (Exclusive Autosport) for the second time this season.
Garcia carried on from where he left off in St. Pete by nabbing the Continental Tire Pole Award during qualifying on Friday with a new lap record of 1:29.7842, an average speed of 109.863 mph. Pabst Racing teammates Jacob Douglas, from Christchurch, New Zealand, and Michael Costello, from Naples, Fla., lined up on the second row of the grid behind de Tullio on the outside pole.
Garcia maintained his advantage at the green flag but was unable to shake off de Tullio. On Lap Two, de Tullio glimpsed the smallest of openings on the inside of Turn Five. He and Garcia ran side by side through the next corner, Turn Six, but it was de Tullio who had the inside line and the lead as they headed into Turn Seven.
That was pretty much it. De Tullio edged away to a lead of almost two seconds inside the first four laps, even though Garcia wasnt about to give up. He whittled away at the deficit, such that the two cars were virtually together with five laps remaining. Garcia had marginally the faster car at this stage of the proceedings, but de Tullio had the lead. And he had no intentions of giving it up. He eventually took the checkered flag after 18 hectic green-flag laps a scant 0.8084 seconds to the good.
Douglas lost a couple of places on the opening lap, to teammate Costello and Clark, but at that stage the trio remained very much in contention with the two leaders, de Tullio and Garcia. However, an attempt by Costello to wrest away second place from Garcia on the third lap ultimately proved costly as the loss of momentum allowed Clark, Douglas and the leading TJ Speed Motorsports entry of Israeli Ariel Elkin to steam past.
The leading positions remained unchanged thereafter. Clark couldnt match the two leaders but never looked likely to lose out to either Douglas or Elkin.
Costello slipped back in sixth, holding off an extended challenge from 2024 USF Juniors champion Max Taylor (VRD Racing), from Hoboken, N.J.
Joey Brienza (Exclusive Autosport), from Golden, Colo., Jace Denmark (TJ Speed), from Brownsburg, Ind., and Tyke Durst (Turn 3 Motorsport), from Charlotte, N.C., completed the top 10, just ahead of Comet/NCMP Racings impressive privateer Logan Adams, from Greenfield, Ind., who picked up four positions to claim the Tilton Hard Charger Award.
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