The group stage of the 2025 World Cup of Darts has concluded, and the twelve group winners who will join England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in the knockout rounds are now confirmed.
The Netherlands cruised through Group A without any trouble, recording emphatic 4-0 victories over both Italy and Hungary to finish with four points and a perfect leg difference of +8.
Group B delivered the biggest shock of the round. Belgium looked to be in control in their second group match, leading the Philippines 3-0. But after squandering seven match darts, Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida mounted an incredible comeback to snatch victory, sending a stunned Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh crashing out.
Germany topped their group in commanding fashion, easing past Singapore (4-0) and defeating Portugal (4-2). Ireland, meanwhile, narrowly avoided elimination in a dramatic three-way tie with Gibraltar and China. All three nations finished level on points and leg difference, but Ireland progressed thanks to having the highest number of breaks of throw.
South Africa secured top spot in Group E after Norway’s upset win over Poland shook up the standings. In Group F, Malaysia pulled off a surprise by finishing ahead of Denmark and Canada.
Sweden emerged as group winners ahead of France and Lithuania, while Australia dominated Group H with victories over Austria (4-1) and Spain (4-0).
Hong Kong claimed first place in Group I, and Czechia topped Group J with back-to-back 4-2 wins against Chinese Taipei and India. In Group K, Switzerland edged out Croatia and Japan on leg difference.
And finally, one of the standout stories of the tournament so far came in Group L, where Argentina, making their debut at the event, sensationally won the group—knocking out both New Zealand and Finland in the process.
Group A
Netherlands 4 pt (+8)
Italy 2 pt (0)
Hungary 2 pt (-8)
Group B
Philippines 4 pt (+3)
Belgium 2 pt (+2)
Latvia 0 pt (-5)
Group C
Germany 4 pt (+6)
Singapore 2 pt (-2)
Portugal 0 pt (-4)
Group D
Ireland 2 pt (0)
Gibraltar 2 pt (0)
China 2 pt (0)
* Ireland based on number of breaks further
Group E
South Africa 2 pt (+2)
Poland 2 pt (-1)
Norway 2 pt (-1)
Group F
Malaysia 4 pt (+6)
Denmark 2 pt (0)
Canada 0 pt (-6)
Group G
Sweden 2 pt (+2)
France 2 pt (0)
Lithuania 2 pt (-2)
Group H
Australia 4 pt (+7)
Austria 2 pt (0)
Spain 0 pt (-7)
Group I
Hong Kong 4 pt (+7)
United States 2 pt (0)
Bahrain 0 pt (-7)
Group J
Czech Republic 4 pt (+4)
Chinese Taipei 2 pt (0)
India 0 pt (-4)
Group K
Switzerland 2 pt (+2)
Croatia 2 pt (0)
Japan 2 pt (-2)
Group L
Argentina 4 pt (+4)
New Zealand 2 pt (+3)
Finland 0 pt (-7)
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The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
The return of Elgton Jenkins on Monday has excited the Green Bay Packers and his fans. Expected to play center after spending most of his career as a left guard, a role that he performed so well he earned a couple of Pro Bowl nods. The hope is that Jenkins will continue to shine as the Packers’ starting center, especially with the struggles the others are having filling that role in training camp, particularly with snapping the ball to the quarterback. That was highlighted anew on Monday, when tight end Tyler Kraft was hit by a snap while on the move behind the line of scrimmage. Packers having trouble in camp snapping the ball The Packers’ trouble with snapping appears to be a growing concern for the team, one that they should clean up as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic: “The Packers continue having issues snapping the ball. In recent days, the culprit has been reserve center Trey Hill. On Monday, one Sean Rhyan snap hit Kraft in motion before falling to the ground and another drifted left of Love before hitting the grass. On that play, Love recovered and launched a prayer down the left sideline to Golden, who did well to cut in front of Hobbs and make sure the pass fell incomplete.” Perhaps rust has played a part in those botched snaps, with the Packers training camp not even a week removed from when it started. In any case, improvement in that area will have to show sooner rather than later.
Things improved for the Washington Commanders when Terry McLaurin finally showed up to camp. And head coach Dan Quinn was among the happy people. However, McLaurin’s previous absence and the consequences put him as one of two Commanders players struggling early in the team’s 2025 training camp. The Commanders are looking forward to what they hope will be another strong regular season and one more step further in the playoffs. But McLaurin’s contract demands and subsequent absence have been a big distraction for the Commanders. Commanders WR Terry McLaurin has ground to make up A six-year veteran, McLaurin should be able to make up for lost time. However, even veterans sometimes suffer from straying from the normal preseason routines. So it remains to be seen whether McLaurin’s absences will cost him when the regular season rolls around. Either in the form of injury or reduced production. It also doesn’t help that McLaurin has lost valuable time continuing to grow the timing and relationship with second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a promising season into a disappointing one. Adding to the woes, McLaurin still doesn’t have a deal. That could shift hiim from a locker room boost to a player whose self-focus hurts the team. Of course, the Commanders are trying to say the right things. That’s all they can do at this point. Quinn said the Commanders are happy to have McLaurin back, according to nfl.com. “Terry McLaurin has reported, and we’re very happy about that,” Quinn said. “I’m really pumped that he is here. He is such an awesome competitor. At his core, that’s who he is. “He’ll start training camp on PUP for his ankle. On the business side, (Commanders General Manager Adam Peters) and the guys are still working very hard with Terry and his rep on the business side of things. While on PUP — just like we do with the other guys. He’ll be working with the trainers to get back as soon as he can.” McLaurin also tried to put a positive spin on the negative situation. “It feels good to be around my teammates and around my fans,” McLaurin said. “I can’t beat that at all. They show me a lot of love and support, and I just try to give that back, not just on the field but off the field.” But the truth is, the Commanders and McLaurin don’t appear to be close on a contract, according to commanderswire.com. “It’s been vast,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said when asked what the separation was between the two sides. “It’s up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences. But I would say that DK Metcalf was the same draft class as Terry McLaurin; he got about $33 million per year. And I wouldn’t think that Terry is going to take less than that. I think he wants considerably more than that. Now, what it comes in at, we’ll wind up seeing.” DE Andre Jones Jr. slipping down depth chart It didn’t help Jones’ cause that the Commanders signed Von Miller. It’s not like Jones was battling for a starting spot, but he’s not even in the roster picture at this point. He stands as a fourth-teamer behind Miller, Dorance Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jalyn Holmes, and Clelin Ferrell. When the Commanders selected Jones in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, his former college position coach at Louisiana thought it was a steal thought it was a great pick, according to commanders.com. “I think Washington got a steal,” Giuliani said. “He’s capable of anything.” However, Jones has made only two starts over two seasons with zero sacks and five tackles. And now it looks like his days with the Commanders could be moving toward their end. His overall grade of 39.3 from Pro Football Focus doesn’t help his cause. It ranked 203 out of 211 defensive ends. He had a slightly better pass-rush grade of 52.7, but it only moved the needle to No. 178 in that category. Still, he’s with a team that needs to improve its pass rush. Adding Miller could help, but the Commanders plan to harass quarterbacks by committee for the most part. However, it could help Jones’ cause that Miller wants to help the younger players, according to commanders.com. “I tell them what I should have been doing,” Miller said. “And that could be just different dynamics on the football field or rushing or just coming to work, just your daily process at work. So, I still love working with the young guys, and that’s something that I’ll be able to offer to this team.”
Austin Hill was the subject of much scrutiny following Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hill appeared to intentionally hook Aric Almirola with six laps to go in the Pennzoil 250 after Almirola had gotten Hill loose in Turn 3. Almirola believed Hill's actions to be intentional, as did several members of the media. On Monday's episode of "Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin," Hamlin became the latest NASCAR personality to call out Hill's decision. "It looked like he right-rear hooked the No. 19," Hamlin said. "I'm just saying, there's no way you can be that dumb. It feels like if there's anyone that would fly off the rails, it's probably (Hill)." Hamlin went on to say that it was possible that Hill's wheel had yet to stop spinning from the contact in the previous corner that forced Hill to save his car. A one-race suspension for Hill would not be surprising, given the fact that NASCAR has suspended drivers for retaliatory crashes in the past. A one-race suspension would force Hill to miss Saturday's race at Iowa Speedway, a race he finished 29th in a year ago. A decision regarding a potential suspension would likely come on Tuesday when NASCAR issues its weekly penalty report.