In recent weeks, Associated Press photographers have been capturing the excitement of sports events happening around the world. From the jubilation of soccer fans celebrating Inter Milan’s Serie A title to the intense matchups between teams like the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics in baseball, the Madrid Open in tennis, and the NHL playoffs where tensions run high between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders players.
In London, Britain’s top canoe slalom athletes began their journey towards the Olympic Games in July. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, Russia, one boy and 48 girls, ranging from first-graders to teenagers, participated in a hobby horsing competition showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.
On the baseball field, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had a memorable moment when he broke his bat during a game against Washington Nationals. In another baseball game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected during a matchup with Oakland Athletics, adding to the excitement and tension in the sport.
The NBA playoffs also provided thrilling moments as teams like Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks battled it out for supremacy on court while Los Angeles Lakers faced off against Denver Nuggets in an epic showdown that captivated basketball fans around the world. In Asia, Yokohama F. Marinos and Ulsan Hyundai faced off in a second leg of Asian Champions League semifinal soccer match held in Yokohama Japan.
AP staff photographer Erin Hooley put together this selection of images showcasing not only
