Russia must be allowed to return to the ice hockey world championships, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday, overturning an exclusion in place since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The ruling is a major win for Russia against efforts to bar it from international sports due to the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is a noted hockey fan who has previously played exhibition games with former stars.

CAS overturned IIHF decisions which excluded Russia from events in the 2026-27 season including the men’s and women’s world championships. Russia also missed the Olympics tournaments this year.

Russia's return throws into uncertainty how the men's world championship will work next year in Germany, given that Ukraine has also qualified.

VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) — Karl Vilips used two long bridie streaks to take the first-round lead Thursday in the Mexico Open, the first of two straight PGA Tour events in the country.

Vilips shot a 9-under 62 in the afternoon round on the Vidanta Vallarta layout, making five straight birdies on Nos. 11-15 on his opening nine and finishing with four in a row. In between, he had another birdie and a bogey.

The 25-year-old Australian pointed to his driver.

“Had it on a string for the first nine,” Vilips said. “Got a little loose in the middle and got it back on course toward the end of the round. It was lift, clean and place today so being in the fairway was a must for me and I took advantage of those drives that I hit.”