I Dig Sports
Jags DE Ngakoue ends holdout without new deal
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue reported to the team's facility on Sunday, ending his 11-day holdout without a new contract.
Ngakoue faced a Tuesday deadline to ensure that he would be able to accrue his fourth season and be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season if he did not sign a new contract or the team used the franchise tag on him.
He faces a fine of $528,650, which also includes $88,650 for skipping the team's mandatory three-day minicamp in June.
Ngakoue is due to make $2.02 million this season and held out because he wants a deal similar to the mega-contracts that pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence of the Cowboys and Frank Clark of the City Chiefs signed in the offseason.
Both players' deals are worth more than $100 million and Lawrence's annual salary of $21 million and Clark's annual salary of $20.8 million rank third and fourth, respectively, among defensive players in 2019.
In addition, Lawrence received $65 million guaranteed and Clark received $62.3 million.
Ngakoue has recorded 29.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles since he entered the league as a third-round pick in 2016. He has more sacks over the past three seasons than Lawrence (26), new Niner Dee Ford (25) and new Lion Trey Flowers (21), who also got new contracts that guaranteed them $45 million and $56 million respectively.
Ngakoue is reportedly seeking a deal that pays him more than $20 million annually.
Ngakoue is in the final year of his rookie contract and had to report by Aug. 6 in order to accrue his fourth season toward unrestricted free agency. If he reported after Aug. 6 and did not get a new contract, he would be a restricted free agent after the 2019 season. The Jaguars could then put a first-round tender offer on him ($4.667 million, per the collective bargaining agreement) and would have right of first-refusal if another team were to offer Ngakoue a big contract.
If the Jaguars chose not to match the offer, they would receive a first-round pick from the team that signed Ngakoue.
Marathon world record-breaker, Olympic medallist and English cross-country running legend Basil Heatley sadly passes away
Basil Heatley, the former world marathon record-holder and 1964 Olympic silver medallist behind Abebe Bikila, has died aged 85.
The Coventry Godiva legend broke Buddy Edelen’s world marathon mark by half a minute with 2:13:55 at the Polytechnic Marathon in June 1964, but he was perhaps best known for his podium place at the Tokyo Games a few months later.
There he finished runner-up to Bikila as the great Ethiopian successfully defended the title he won barefoot in Rome in 1960. In the battle for silver, host nation hope Kokichi Tsuburaya came into the stadium in second place but Heatley, who had been plagued by a stitch for much of the race, sprinted past the Japanese runner in the final 200m to clock 2:16.19. (Heatley, Bikila and Tsuburaya are pictured on the image above, left to right, on the podium).
Sadly, Heatley went on to out-live his rivals from the marathon at the Tokyo Games by almost half a century with Bikila dying in 1973 aged 41 from a brain haemorrhage following a road accident and Tsuburaya tragically committing suicide in 1968 when he realised that injury was ruining his Mexico Olympic chances.
Heatley became arguably better known in Japan than his native Britain for his part in the historic Olympic marathon in 1964. Yet he was a brilliant runner outside the marathon and felt he was more suited to cross-country and winter races than summer marathons on the road.
Heatley set a world record for 10 miles with 47:47 to beat his hero Emil Zatopek’s mark. On his favourite surface he won the English ‘National’ cross country title three times in the early 1960s and in 1961 triumphed in the 1961 International Cross Country Championship – the forerunner of the World Cross – by 23 seconds in Nantes, France, to beat, among others, Gaston Roelants of Belgium.
Despite running shoe technology being in its infancy, Heatley told AW in a 2016 interview that he ran 120-125 miles per week self-coached “when mileage mattered” and raced around 50 times each year. As for the prospect of a two-hour marathon one day, he said: “why not?”
Ironically, Heatley has died with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to start in almost exactly one year’s time. Like other Olympians from 1964 he would have loved to have gone to the Games next year, but at least had the consolation of returning to Tokyo in recent years during a visit that saw him spend an emotional meeting with the family of Tsuburaya.
Teenager Gauff wins Washington Open doubles title alongside McNally
American teenager Coco Gauff has won her first WTA title with victory in the Washington Open women's doubles.
The 15-year-old, whose stunning form at Wimbledon saw her reach the fourth round, won with compatriot Catherine McNally, 17.
The pair beat Hungary's Fanny Stollar and American Maria Sanchez 6-2 6-2 in a match that lasted 65 minutes.
"I think for me, and I think for both of us, [the title] means a lot," Gauff said.
"Obviously we want to do well in singles, but I think we just love competing in general, so whether it's singles or doubles, we want to win no matter what.
"We get as nervous in doubles as we do in singles because we just want to make the other one proud."
The tournament was Gauff's first main-draw appearance since Wimbledon, where she beat Venus Williams on her way to the last 16.
Her run at SW19 made her the youngest woman to reach the second week at the All England Club since Jennifer Capriati in 1991.
She was beaten by Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas in straight sets in the first round of the Washington Open singles before going on to win in the doubles.
McNally reached the semi-finals of the singles before losing 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 to Italy's Camila Giorgi.
Joking Kyrgios entertains crowd on way to reaching Washington final
Nick Kyrgios said he is playing "one of the best tournament weeks of my life" as he produced an entertaining display to defeat top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and reach the Washington Open final.
For a second successive match, Kyrgios asked a spectator where to serve on match point as he closed out to win 6-4 3-6 7-6 (9-7), having earlier helped to deliver new shoes to his opponent.
The 24-year-old Australian collected a bag from the stands before kneeling to present it to Tsitsipas, much to the amusement of the Greek and the crowd.
"This week has been awesome. I've really enjoyed myself," said Kyrgios, who will play Russian Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final (22:00 BST).
"I'm just doing the right things. I'm having the same routine every day. I'm trying to improve on a lot of little habits, and it's paying off. Five days in a row competing, I'm pretty happy with myself."
On seeking advice from the crowd, the world number 52 added: "I feel like it's very easy when someone just tells you where to serve. I feel like you just go all in on that spot. That's all you're focusing on. It's worked two days in a row. Hopefully I get the chance to do it tomorrow."
Kyrgios, contesting a first singles tournament since losing a fiery second round encounter to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon, survived a second set dip which saw him slam his racquet in anger.
But, treating onlookers to between-the-legs shots and under-arm serves, he was able to see the funny side of Tsitsipas' shoe malfunction and returned to his swashbuckling best in the third set.
"I'm pretty happy with myself the way I tried to drag it back from a dark place," said Kyrgios - who ran to high-five the spectator after the match.
"I just left it all out there and gave myself a chance to win the match. I'm pretty happy the way I somehow just battled in and dug deep."
Winner of the class 5 title the previous day, Jung Younga partnered colleague Li Migyu to class 2-5 success; similarly in class 11, Elena Kosacheva secured gold in harness with compatriot Anzhelika Kosacheva.
Meanwhile, Carl Öhgren added the class 1-3 team title to his collection. He joined forces with Germany’s Thomas Brüchle, the player he had beaten at the semi-final stage (8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 19-17, 11-7) to secure the class 3 singles top prize. Likewise, Tommy Urhaug had overcome Great Britain’s Jack Hunter-Spivey in the class 5 singles penultimate round (11-6, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3); together they emerged team champions in the same category.
Form maintained, it was the same for Rungroj Thainiyom, the class 6 singles winner, he lined up alongside colleague, Charlermpong Punpoo to capture class 7 gold, notably recording a 2-0 win in the final in opposition to top seeds, the pairing of Great Britain’s Will Bayley and Germany’s Jochen Wollmert.
Significantly for all others who completed the double, the top seeded position was their rating; a situation that applied Viktor Didukh and Samuel von Einem. Competing in the same categories as in the individual competitions, Viktor Didukh partnered colleague Ivan Mai to class 8 gold; Samuel von Einem joined forces with Korea Republic’s Kim Gitae to gain success in class 11.
Gold for Rungroj Thainiyom and Charlermpong Punpoo was a mild surprise, they commenced play the second seeds; the title clinched in men’s team class 9 was a much greater upset. Not listed amongst the leading pairs, Great Britain’s Joshua Stacey and Ashley Facey Thompson clinched the top prize. Impressively in the final they recorded a 2-0 win against the top seeded Ukrainian duo of Maksym Nikolenko and Lev Kats.
Otherwise it was success for the top seeds, in the men’s event Korea Republic’s Kim Younggun and Thailand’s Wanchai Chaiwut secured the class 4 title; Germany’s Thomas Rau and Tim Laue emerged the class 6 champions. Likewise in class 10, it was gold for the favourites. The combination of the Czech Republic’s Ivan Karabec and Great Britain’s Kim Daybell claimed gold.
In the women’s events, in a similar vein, Russia’s Maliak Alieva and Victoriya Safanova prevailed in class 6-7, as did Australia’s Andrea McDonnell and Melissa Tapper in class 8-10.
Play concluded in Tokyo, attention now turns to Thailand, the three day 2019 Para Bangkok Open begins on Thursday 8th August.
2019 Para Japan Open: Draws and Latest Results
Day of drama, dream debut, defeat for second seed
Acclimatising quickly, in his opening match of the day, Ibrahima Diaw beat Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu, the no.6 seed (15-13, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5) to set the tone; later he accounted for Guinea’s Maret Camara (11-5, 11-3, 11-5) and Benin’s Monday Olabiyi (11-6, 13-11, 11-2) to secure first place.
“I was a bit nervous in the first game against Saheed, we are used to playing against each other in Europe. I was losing in the first game 4-8 but I was able to recover and win the game. Also after winning the second game, I was confident that I could win, even when he came back in the third game. I was able to keep ahead of him mentally. He is such a good player with superb backhand.” Ibrahima Diaw
Ibrahima Diaw is taking Senegal to unprecedented heights; in a different manner so is the African Table Tennis Federation; their progress is in the sphere of organisation and presentation, a fact appreciated by Ibrahima Diaw.
“I am really impressed with the quality of play coupled with the organisation; it shows that Africa has come of age. The conditions for play are very good just like Europe and I am really happy making my debut in the continental tournament. I think I have a chance to win this competition because I am playing well at present. Everybody is also playing well but I am here to make a name for myself and do my country proud. There is no doubt that the quality of players in the competition has again confirmed that Africa has talents.” Ibrahima Diaw
Defeat for Saheed Idowu but it was his only reverse; thus he gained second position in the group and a place in the main draw. In both the men’s and women’s events, players finishing in first and second positions advance.
Impressive from Ibrahima Diaw, it was the same in the counterpart women’s singles event from Fadwa Garcia. She caused arguably the biggest surprise of the day. Similar to Ibrahima Diaw, she made the dream start. In her opening contest she accounted for Nigeria’s Offiong Edem, the no.2 seed (14-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9), before overcoming Senegal’s Thiane Seck (11-2, 11-1, 11-4) to secure top spot. Second position was the lot of Offiong Edem and thus a main draw place was booked.
A reverse for Nigeria, the scales were balanced by Ajoke Ojumu. Following the same formula as Ibrahima Diaw and Fadwa Garca, in her opening match she caused a notable surprise. She beat Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi, the no.7 seed (9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4), prior to securing top spot courtesy of success in opposition to Ghana’s Hilda Agbottah (11-2, 11-6, 11-6) and Congo Democratic’s Ammadine Litobka (11-7, 13-11, 11-8). Lynda Loghraibi experienced no further defeats and thus ended the day in runners up spot.
“We had played each other at junior level and I always had the edge over Lynda. Today, it was much more difficult because the rubber on her racket caused me problems. I am happy that with the instructions from my coach, I was able to win.” Ajoke Ojumu
Surprises but in the women’s event, other than for Offiong Edem and Lynda Loghraibi, it was first place in the group for the leading names. Egypt’s Dina Meshref, Farah Abdel-Aziz and Yousra Helmy all secured first positions in their respective groups, as did Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike and Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou.
Similarly, in the men’s event, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, Segun Toriola, Olajide Omotayo and Bode Aboidun topped their groups, a goal also accomplished by did Egypt’s Omar Assar and Ahmed Ali Saleh. Likewise, it was pole position for Algeria’s Sami Kherouf.
Additional to the contests for the lower places, on Sunday 4th August, the first round and quarter-finals of both the men’s and women’s events will be played.
2019 ITTF-Africa Cup: Newsletter (Friday 2nd August)
2019 ITTF-Africa Cup: Newsletter (Saturday 3rd August)
Hugo Calderano, two titles in Toronto, three in Lima?
In 2015, after having joined forces with Thiago Monteiro and Gustavo Tsuboi to claim men’s team gold, he duly won the men’s singles title, a success that at the time matched the bronze medal he had secured at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
Two titles in Toronto, a tournament in which there were just the four events – men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles. Now in Lima, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles are added to the schedule.
Hugo Calderano does not appear in the mixed doubles but in addition to the men’s singles, he partners Gustavo Tsuboi in the men’s doubles and lines up alongside Gustavo Tsuboi and Eric Jouti in a slightly different men’s team selection to Toronto. Eric Jouti replaces Thiago Monteiro in an outfit the same as at the Liebherr 2018 World Team Championships in Halmstad; notably Brazil reached the quarter-finals.
In Lima, Brazil occupies the top seeded position ahead of Chile’s Gustavo Gomez, Juan Lamadrid and Manuel Moya. Next in line is the United States trio of Kanak Jha, Nikhil Kumar and Nicholas Tio Argentina’s Gaston Alto, Horacio Cifuentes and Pablo Tabachnik occupy the fourth seeded spot.
However that event is somewhat in the future, the team events conclude matters on Saturday 10th August. It is mixed doubles, followed men’s doubles and women’s doubles that commence proceedings.
Just as in the men’s team event, Hugo Calderano is at the top of the list, he partners Gustavo Tsuboi for whom it will be a busy day; he joins forces with Bruna Takahashi in the mixed doubles. Gaston Alto and Horacio Cifuentes form the second seeded pair in the men’s doubles event; next on the list is Puerto Rico’s Brian Afanador and Daniel Gonzalez followed by Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre and Alejandro Toranzos.
Worthy titles to which to aspire but it is to the men’s singles competition on which eyes focus; the men’s singles and women’s singles are the only events in Lima where the winners qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Earlier this year at the Universal 2019 Pan American Cup in San Juan, to say Hugo Calderano coasted to victory would be unfair to his most worthy opponents, especially in the later rounds when he faced Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre and Kanak Jha of the United States. However, it is fair to say that when crisis loomed, he was a step ahead.
Similarly, in Lima, Hugo Calderano is the top seed and could well face familiar faces, next on the list is Gustavo Tsuboi followed by Kanak Jha and Marcelo Aguirre.
The men’s singles event commences on Monday 5th August.
It’s two all-Egyptians finals in KL after Jana Shiha saves three match balls to break local hearts
Aifa Azman stopped (just) while Lewis Anderson meets his match.
By HOWARD HARDING, KNG ZHENG GUAN and ALEX WAN – Squash Mad International Correspondents
Despite determined resistance from English opposition in the men’s semi-finals and a heart-breaking home bid in the women’s, the 2019 CIMB Foundation WSF World Junior Squash Championships will reach its climax in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur in two all-Egyptian finals – for the fifth time since 2011!
Despite determined resistance from English opposition in the men’s semi-finals and a heart-breaking home bid in the women’s, the 2019 CIMB Foundation WSF World Junior Squash Championships will reach its climax in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur in two all-Egyptian finals – for the fifth time since 2011!
In her third successive women’s final, twice runner-up and favourite Hania El Hammamy will face second seed Jana Shiha, while top men’s seed Mostafa Asal, the defending champion, will line up against surprise opponent Moustafa El Sirty in the other final.
After taking the No.2 seed the full distance in a thrilling women’s semi-final encounter in front of a partisan crowd at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre, Malaysia’s 3/4 seed Aifa Azman went down 10-12, 14-12, 2-11, 16-14, 11-7 to Jana Shiha – the 64 minute victory taking the Cairo-based 17-year-old into her first world final.
Local hopes were high on Aifa, also 17, to make a breakthrough against Jana, to whom she has never lost in two past meetings.
But the Malaysian couldn’t capitalise when it mattered, squandering three match-ball opportunities in the fourth game – 10-9, 11-10, and then 12-11 – as Jana put on a steely performance to hang on. Of the three, Jana saved two of them with a seemingly ridiculous cross-court backhand slam from the back of the court which left both Aifa, and the entire packed audience in the gallery, shocked.
There was little between Jana Shiha (r) and Aifa Azman today.
The Egyptian, who was so calm under pressure, despite several refereeing decisions that went against her, then took her opportunity when it came to level the tie at 2/2.
And that proved to be the turning point as Jana stepped up her pace in the deciding game with Aifa just failing to catch up, eventually sealing the win in 64 minutes – the longest game of the tournament so far.
“I was so many match-balls down but I managed to find a way to save them and somehow win the fourth game,” said Jana, a semi-finalist in 2018. “It gave me a bit more confidence for the fifth game which was tense and I had to stay as calm as I could.
“It feels really amazing to be in the final. Furthermore this is like a double revenge for me, having beaten Marina (Stefanoni) in the quarter-finals and now Aifa.
“Hopefully I can go on to win tomorrow. It is a pleasure to play in an all-Egyptian final and I’ll definitely do my best.”
Jana will meet world No.15 Hania El Hammamy, who despite dropping the third game, still proved too hot for compatriot Farida Mohamed in an 11-8, 11-6, 4-11, 11-3 win.
Meanwhile a visibly dejected Aifa rued the spurned chances in the fourth that cost her a shot at reaching the final.
“I’m really disappointed because I’ve never lost to Jana before. I thought I could win the fourth because I was this close having gotten to match-ball first,” said Aifa.
“It was really nerve-wrecking as there was a lot of pressure on me and everyone was expecting me to win.
“I did well to get back to 7-all in the fifth but Jana was just too good on the day. Still, I’m proud of myself to reach the semi-finals having come back from injury earlier this year.
“This is just the beginning as there is still the team event. I’ll come back stronger for that and I’ll make sure to make the final next year to win it.”
Lots of interference in the match, but nothing world number 15 Hania El Hamammy (l) cannot handle.
After her semi-final win, Hania El Hammamy said: “It was a tough match. Farida is a hard-hitting player so I had to dig in to manage well because there were a lot of interference. I’m glad managed to win today to get through to the final.
We certainly hope Hania doesn’t need to be angry tomorrow.
“Tomorrow, it is my last world juniors final and I will be really angry if I don’t win it, so I’ll do my best to try and win”, said Hania who will be playing her third successive final tomorrow.
In the first men’s semi-final, 3/4 seed Moustafa El Sirty stole the show as he rallied from 2/1 down to upset second seed and his best friend Omar El Torkey 11-8, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7 in 63 minutes.
It will be the 17-year-old’s first world juniors final and it also made up for a disappointing campaign at the British Junior Open in January where he lost in the third round.
And Moustafa, who described reaching the final as a ‘dream come true’ was certainly pleased as punch with his performance.
A very happy Moustafa El Serty after beating his best friend Omar El Torkey.
“It was such a hard game today, not only because Omar is higher-ranked but also because he is one of my closest friend,” said underdog Moustafa.
“But I’m so happy to have gotten through to my first final. It’s really a dream come true. I remembered when I was nine and I knew I wanted to make the final one day too.
“Last year I only made the semi-finals of the world juniors and I was learning how to be one step better. I still have one more year of world juniors so to reach the final now is really good for me.”
Moustafa El Serty (l) produced a powerful display to outmuscle second seed Omar El Torkey.
Cairo-born and based Moustafa now meets Mostafa Asal – also from the Egyptian capital – for the title. The world No.29 was a class apart as he powered through to an 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 win over unseeded Englishman Lewis Anderson.
Full credit should be given to 18-year-old left-hander Anderson, however, who came into the tournament with little expectations but managed to take out three seeded players, including 3/4 seed Viktor Byrtus of Czech Republic, en-route to becoming the first unseeded player for 15 years to reach a world junior semi-final!
“It’s been an amazing experience for me here, getting to the semi-finals,” said the Solihull-based teenager. “Unfortunately Mostafa is a very good player, very strong and I just didn’t have enough in the tank after the three big wins.
Mostafa Asal (l) raises the land of Lewis Anderson in a nice gesture at the end of their semi-final.
“I’m happy with my performance and I hope to finish it tomorrow. This is my last world juniors so I hope to make it and be proud of myself. I know Moustafa had a tough battle today so I hope to focus on myself and take my chances against him”, added Mostafa, who at the end of his semi-final match made a sporting gesture by holding aloft Lewis’ arms, in acknowledgement of the Englishman’s amazing feat in Kuala Lumpur.
Semi-Finals
[1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Lewis Anderson (ENG) 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 (28m)
[3/4] Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) bt [2] Omar El Torkey (EGY) 11-8, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7 (63m)
[1] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [3/4] Farida Mohamed (EGY) 11-8, 11-6, 4-11, 11-3 (54m)
[2] Jana Shiha (EGY) bt [3/4] Aifa Azman (MAS) 10-12, 14-12, 2-11, 16-14, 11-7 (64m)
Pictures courtesy of #WSFWorldJunoiors2019
Sir Brian Lochore: Former New Zealand captain and World Cup-winning coach dies aged 78
Former New Zealand captain and World Cup-winning coach Sir Brian Lochore has died aged 78, two months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
An All Blacks player between 1964 and 1971, he made 68 appearances and captained his country on 46 occasions.
Lochore became national team coach in 1985 before the team's inaugural Rugby World Cup triumph on home soil.
A number eight and lock forward, he was knighted in 1999 and inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.
"Sir Brian Lochore is one of of the most respected men in New Zealand, not only in rugby but all facets of New Zealand life, as well as being hugely respected and held in high regard around the world," All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said.
Lochore received treatment for melanoma and prostate cancer in 2016 and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June.
Having initially retired in 1970, he reappeared for a Test against the British and Irish Lions in 1971 and coached his hometown club Masterton prior to his All Blacks appointment.
"To those from around New Zealand and the world who have sent messages, these have been enjoyed by our Dad and appreciated by us all," said his eldest son of three, David.
"Dad led a life that was full and one which he was very proud of. Our hearts are breaking at a life we feel still had much to give."
KENT, Wash. – Mike Salinas secured his fourth Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier of the year Saturday during the Magic Dry Organic Absorbent NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.
Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) are also No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 16th of 24 races during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Seattle also marks the last of three races on the NHRA’s famed Western Swing.
Salinas’ run of 3.694-seconds at 327.66 mph in his Scrappers Racing dragster on Friday held up, giving him five career No. 1 qualifiers. Salinas will race for his third win this season on Sunday.
Brittany Force qualified second after her Friday run of 3.702 at 326.87, while defending world champion and points leader Steve Torrence, who has eight wins this season, finished third in qualifying after going 3.705 at 328.46.
“Tomorrow is a different day, and you just have to go one round at a time and don’t get too far ahead of yourself or you get in trouble,” Salinas said. “The rest of the guys know we have our stuff together. Our team has their stuff together, and the driver just has to do his job and have fun with it.”
In Funny Car, Tasca’s career-best run of 3.871 at 330.63 in his Ford Performance/Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang held up from Friday, giving Tasca his first No. 1 qualifier of 2019 and fourth in his career.
Tasca will meet Terry Haddock in the opening round of eliminations.
Defending world champion J.R. Todd qualified second following a run of 3.886 at 325.85 on Friday and Matt Hagan will start race day from the third position after his 3.888 at 329.75 from Friday.
Tasca’s Mustang suffered a massive engine explosion in the third qualifying session on Saturday, but he rebounded with a good run during the final qualifier and feels strong heading into race day.
“I give the guys all the credit. We had to switch engines, switch bodies and assess what actually failed,” Tasca said. “We came back and made another solid run in Q4. These guys are battle-tested and we’ve been through the ups and downs, and I got back in that car with all the confidence in the world. With the way this car has run and how this team has performed, we’re feeling confident and we clearly have a car that can win.”
Coughlin claimed his first No. 1 qualifier of 2019 in Pro Stock thanks to his 6.539 at 210.57 from Friday in his JEGS.com Chevrolet Camaro.
It gives Coughlin, a five-time world champion, his 30th career No. 1 qualifier. He will meet Alan Prusiensky in the opening round of eliminations.
The rest of the top three was unchanged from Friday as well, as Alex Laughlin, last weekend’s runner-up, stayed second with his 6.540 at 210.83, and Erica Enders is a spot behind in third thanks to her 6.542 at 210.97 from Friday.
Greg Anderson qualified sixth after going 6.558 at 209.52 and will meet Fernando Cuadra Jr. in the opening round of eliminations as he tries to win in Seattle and sweep the Western Swing.
“We’ve run really well in qualifying here and the majority of our (Elite Motorsports) cars have, qualifying 1-2-3, but more importantly we want to run well tomorrow,” Coughlin said. “Friday we had a lot of cloud cover and we were very aggressive. Today, the track was a little trickier but the stronger cars ran well. We were fortunate to hold onto the top spot and we’ll look to take it the distance tomorrow.”
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