Where should the final outcome of a sporting event be placed in a sports story?

Placing the final outcome of a sporting event in the lead of a sports story serves to capture the reader’s attention immediately. In sports journalism, the lead is crucial because it provides the most important information in the opening lines, allowing readers to understand the key elements of the story right away, particularly highlighting who won or lost the match. This approach aligns with the inverted pyramid style of writing common in news reporting, where the most newsworthy information is presented at the top, followed by supporting details and background information. By positioning the outcome in the lead, the writer ensures that readers grasp the essential information swiftly, making it easier for them to engage with the story and encouraging them to read further for additional context and analysis.