Sports

Akshay Bhatia Wins 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational in Playoff After Stunning Comeback

Published

5 months ago

March 8, 2026

Akshay Bhatia celebrates with his caddie, Joe Greiner, after winning the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Photo credit: Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Akshay Bhatia delivered a fearless comeback Sunday, winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge and further cementing his reputation as one of the most clutch playoff performers on the PGA Tour.

Bhatia rallied from five strokes behind after missing a short putt on the ninth hole, then ignited a late charge with four consecutive birdies. The turning point came on the par-5 16th, when the 24-year-old struck a precise cut 6-iron from 191 yards toward a tightly tucked flag.

Bhatia nearly holed the approach and tapped in for eagle, a defining moment that propelled him into contention and ultimately into a playoff victory.

Akshay Bhatia celebrates with trophy kissing after winning the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Photo credit: Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

The win at the $20 million signature event moves Bhatia into the top 20 in the world rankings and places him firmly among the game’s rising stars as golf enters a critical stretch leading to The Masters next month.

With the victory, Bhatia becomes just the eighth player in PGA Tour history to win his first three titles in playoffs — a rare feat that has earned him a new reputation. Florida National News called him “the PGA Tour playoff master.”

The dramatic finish echoed the philosophy of tournament namesake Arnold Palmer, who famously said, “You must play boldly to win.”

Bhatia did exactly that, repeatedly firing at difficult pin locations down the stretch and embracing the aggressive style that defined Palmer’s own career.

What’s Next for Bhatia

With momentum from his biggest career victory, Bhatia now heads into a pivotal stretch of the PGA Tour schedule that includes several elite events before the season’s first major. His rising world ranking and growing confidence could make him a serious contender at Augusta National in April.

For now, the Bay Hill triumph marks another milestone for a young player quickly building a reputation for thriving under the pressure of sudden death.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown

Published

1 day ago

July 30, 2026

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.

The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.

In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.

The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.

What the Moves Mean

A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.

The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.

Sports

Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

Published

5 days ago

July 27, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Sunday that offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the team continues preparations for training camp.

Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.

The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.

DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.

The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.

Sports

Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

Published

3 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

Orlando Pride 3
Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.