The higher seeds handled business on Tuesday, as twin first-round sweeps saw the Liberty and Aces emerge 2-0 from the best-of-three series to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
Fueled by Sabrina Ionescu's 36 points, which tied New York's single-game playoff scoring record, the Liberty came from behind to defeat the Atlanta Dream 91-82 before the Aces held off the Storm 83-76.
Wildcard entrant Alexandra Eala of the Philippines continued her sensational run at the 2025 Miami Open on Wednesday, shocking world No. 2 Iga Świątek with a 6-2, 7-5 straight-set victory. Despite lacking overwhelming power, the 19-year-old relied on her speed and strategic shot-making, winning 43 of her 77 points from serve returns. "My coach told me to run, chase every ball, and seize every opportunity because a five-time Grand Slam champion won’t hand you the win," Eala said. While Eala disrupted Świątek’s rhythm, the tournament’s defending champion struggled with her serve, committing 32 unforced errors in the defeat. "She was really aggressive, stayed focused, and hit some shots that came out of nowhere," Świątek admitted after the match, as she joined a growing list of high-profile exits from the Florida tournament. Story by Dee Lab
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After a planned seven-week break from the LPGA Tour, world No. 1 Nelly Korda is back in action, kicking off her 2024 title defense at the 2025 Ford Championship on Thursday afternoon. Last year, Korda made history with a five-tournament winning streak, but this year, the 26-year-old has taken a more strategic approach, opting out of the tour’s recent Asia swing after starting her 2025 season with two Top 10 finishes. “It’s always nice to take time off when you’re not injured and hopefully improve, catching up on any lost time,” Korda told Golfweek on Wednesday. Rest has also been a key part of world No. 3 Lydia Ko's strategy. The New Zealander arrives at the Phoenix event after a three-week break, carrying momentum from her 23rd career title, which she secured at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore on March 2nd. Korda and Ko will be joined by all 10 of the LPGA's top-ranked players at the Ford Championship, marking the first time this year the entire top 10 will compete together. Among them are Australia’s No. 5 Hannah Green, the US's No. 6 Lilia Vu, and South Korea’s No. 8 Jin Young Ko, all vying for a share of the $2.25 million purse. Story by Dee Lab
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WHAT A BREAKTHROUGH FOR WOMAN'S SPORTS!
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