Moving right along

The GIST: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner received an anti-doping sanction yesterday for testing positive for a banned substance twice in March, news that came less than 24 hours after he won the Cincinnati Masters. A BFD, made even bigger by the looming US Open — let’s dig in.

The details: On March 10th, during Indian Wells, Sinner tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned steroid that can help athletes increase muscle mass. Eight days later, he again tested positive for the same substance but did not learn of the results until April. He was then suspended, but appealed and was permitted to continue playing.

• Sinner claimed he tested positive because his physiotherapist used a spray containing the steroid on his own hand after cutting himself. The physio then massaged Sinner without gloves on, apparently transferring the clostebol.

• The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) conducted a full investigation that concluded on August 15th and found Sinner “bore no fault or negligence” for the doping violations.

• Furthermore, according to the ITIA’s decision, an independent scientist determined that the very small amount of clostebol in Sinner’s system wouldn’t have had any effect — positive or negative — on his performance, regardless of intent. Alrighty then.

What’s next: As a result of the initial positive drug test, Sinner will forfeit the $325K he won for reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells, as well as the 400 ATP ranking points he earned. But much to the chagrin of some of his fellow players, that’s where the punishment ends.

• Sinner is free to play at the US Open (with a strong chance to win his second major of the season) when the final Grand Slam of the year begins next week. One thing’s for sure, all eyes will be on him in NYC.

The GIST: As August slips away into a moment in time, the best in women’s golf are preparing for the final major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open, which tees off tomorrow with a star-studded field on a historic course. Say less.

Iconic St Andrews plays host to the season’s fifth and final major: The birthplace of golf boasts historic landmarks and the baddest bunkers in the biz, many of which have legends and names of their own — for example, it’s best to avoid the aptly named Coffins bunkers on the 13th hole.

• While this is only the third time the event will be contested at the Grand Old Lady, it’s the 48th edition of the famed tournament and the 24th iteration of the event as a major.

Cash and exemptions on the line: Unlike in previous years, the 2024 purse didn’t increase year-over-year and is sitting pretty at a cool $9M. The $1.35M winner’s check is a nice boost to the bank account, but the champ also receives an AIG Women’s Open exemption, meaning they automatically qualify for future editions so long as they’re playing on a recognized pro tour. Sweet deal.

World No. 1 American Nelly Korda headlines loaded field: One hundred forty-four of the world’s best golfers begin play tomorrow morning, including Korda, defending AIG Women’s Open champ Lilia Vu, and Olympic Gold medalist Lydia Ko.

• The group to watch? The star-studded trio of Korda, Vu, and world No. 10 Charley Hull, who tee off tomorrow at 8:10 a.m. ET. Pure dead brilliant.

⚾ MLB: Cincinnati Reds vs. Toronto Blue Jays — Tonight at 7:07 p.m. ET — Sportsnet+

• Sitting at the bottom of the American League East, the Jays are hoping to win tonight’s rubber match against the Reds, even with meh hurler Yariel Rodríguez on the mound. Fingers crossed.

🏀 WNBA: Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces — Tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET — NBA TV Canada

• With the WNBA trade deadline come and gone and millions of fans watching the W, the Lynx are coming in hot against the two-time defending champs, with three straight wins in their wake behind top tandem Bridget Carleton and Napheesa Collier. Could there be an upset alert loading?

🏈 CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Toronto Argonauts — Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET — TSN1/3/4

• The best-in-the-West Riders travel to the Six, where Argos quarterback Chad Kelly will make his season debut after serving a nine-game suspension for violating the league’s gender-based violence policy. Ick.

The summer of soccer is far from over: TELUS is keeping the footy frenzy going by giving away a free trip for two to next month’s 2024 TELUS Canadian Championship Final.

• Canadian soccer’s most elite men’s tournament features Canada’s top CPL and MLS teams and has an energy unlike any other. All you have to do for a chance to snag two tickets, airfare, and accommodations is fill out this 30-second survey. Easy peasy.

• Enter for a chance to win, and you could be taking in the Battle of the North before you know it.