Sports enthusiasts around the world were treated to an array of exciting moments last week. From Inter Milan winning the Serie A title to the New York Yankees playing the Oakland Athletics, there was no shortage of thrills. The Madrid Open tennis tournament also brought anticipation and excitement to fans, while the NHL playoffs saw intense competition between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders.
AP photographers were on hand to capture these moments and more, showcasing the passion and intensity of athletes and fans alike. In London, Britain’s top canoe slalom athletes kicked off their season, leading up to the Olympic Games in July. Meanwhile, a hobby horsing competition in St. Petersburg, Russia brought together young participants showcasing their skills and talents.
In baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani made headlines by breaking his bat during a game against the Washington Nationals. The Yankees’ Aaron Boone also made a splash by getting ejected during a game against the Athletics. The NBA playoffs added to the excitement, with games between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets providing plenty of drama.
Asia was not left out of the sports action either, with Yokohama F. Marinos facing Ulsan Hyundai in the Asian Champions League semifinal soccer match in Yokohama, Japan. These diverse and thrilling moments were selected by AP staff photographer Erin Hooley, highlighting the best of sports from around the world last week.