Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Twin power: Tenique, Tyrique Vincent shine at NAAA meet

    Twin power: Tenique, Tyrique Vincent shine at NAAA meet

    Track and field’s rising stars Tenique and Tyrique Vincent delivered spectacular performances at the National Association of Athletics Administration’s Season Opener meet on January 10, each securing dual victories at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. The exceptional siblings, fresh from receiving Multi-events Athlete of the Year honors just one week prior, demonstrated why they’re considered among Trinidad and Tobago’s most promising athletic talents.

    Tyrique Vincent edged out fierce competition in the boys’ Under-20 100-meter hurdles, clocking 14.07 seconds to narrowly defeat Omari Brown (14.09s) in a thrilling photo finish. The Concorde Athletic Club phenom continued his dominance in the long jump pit, achieving a winning leap of 7.18 meters to outdistance Kristiano Perez’s 7.13-meter effort.

    Tenique Vincent mirrored her brother’s success with commanding performances in the girls’ Under-20 division. She captured the long jump title with a 5.55-meter effort, nearly sixty centimeters clear of silver medalist Hailey Lynch (4.96m). The talented hurdler then blazed through the 100-meter hurdles in 15.57 seconds, finishing ahead of Neon Wolves’ McKaikah Warde (15.68s).

    The development meet showcased several other standout performances across various age categories. Peyton Winter emerged as a throwing sensation with victories in both discus (37.05m) and shot put (12.80m) in the girls’ Under-20 division. Ethan Myers demonstrated similar prowess in the boys’ Under-17 category, winning discus (37.33m) and shot put (13.91m) events.

    Sprint prodigy Eden Chee-Wah, a 2025 Carifta Games bronze medalist, displayed her versatility with wins in both the girls’ Under-17 100m (12.03s) and 400m (56.25s) events. The meet concluded with relay excitement as Burnley and Stallions Athletics claimed victories in the women’s and men’s 4x200m relays respectively.

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open culminated in a spectacle of dramatic reversals and fresh triumphs, with new champions emerging across all divisions at the Couva course from January 9-10. The tournament’s climax was defined by remarkable come-from-behind victories that captivated the local golfing community.

    In the men’s championship, Marcus Ling staged an impressive final-day surge to seize the title. Overtaking overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling delivered a steady even-par round of 72 to finish with a championship total of 216 strokes across three days of competition. Bryden secured runner-up position with 219, while the battle for third required a countback decision that ultimately favored young contender Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the ladies’ best net honor.

    First flight competition produced equal drama as 2025 Player of the Year Nandlal Ramlakhan leveraged his experience to overcome Asa Roopchand via countback after both contenders finished tied at 242. Brechin Castle Golf Club demonstrated domestic dominance by sweeping the flight’s top four positions, with Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) following closely.

    The second flight saw Riaz Ali mount a decisive charge to claim victory with 170, edging out teenage leader Kaiden Baynes (172). Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) rounded out the division’s top performers. Day two competition crowned Reid Sonnilal as third flight champion.

    Club officials celebrated the event as a resounding success that sets the stage for Trinidad and Tobago’s packed 2026 golf calendar, beginning with this inaugural major tournament that established new competitive benchmarks while showcasing emerging talent.

  • Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    In a significant move for Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) board. Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange confirmed the cabinet-approved appointments on Wednesday, naming seasoned administrator Leslie Harrow as the new chairman.

    Harrow ascends to the leadership role with an extensive background in sports management and public administration. His professional portfolio includes previous service as general manager of the SDF itself, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, and director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. This diverse experience positions him to guide the foundation’s strategic direction.

    Minister Grange outlined the revitalized board’s primary objectives, which will center on fortifying the organization’s technical capabilities and operational effectiveness. Key priorities include achieving full staffing levels, enhancing organizational efficiency, and elevating the public profile of the SDF’s initiatives. These developments were formally communicated through the Minister’s official social media channels.

    The newly constituted board features several prominent figures in Jamaican sports administration, including former Institute of Sport chairman Newton Amos. Harrow succeeds outgoing chairman Lelsie Campbell in leading the nine-member governing body.

    Established as an independent entity in 1995, the Sports Development Foundation has played a pivotal role in national development through athletic programs and infrastructure projects. This board transformation signals a renewed governmental commitment to sports as a catalyst for national progress.

  • Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    National cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez and Heatwave Cycling Club have initiated legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) by filing an appeal challenging a recent High Court ruling. The appeal, submitted on January 14, seeks to overturn Justice Westmin James’ January 13 decision that denied their request for an interim injunction to prevent endurance trials scheduled for January 17.

    The legal confrontation stems from ongoing disputes regarding the TTCF’s selection methodology for the upcoming Pan American Track Cycling Championships in February. The controversy involves multiple athletes including Costa-Ramirez, Njisane Phillip, and Makaira Wallace from JLD Cycling Academy, all contesting the fairness of the federation’s qualification process.

    In their appellate arguments, Heatwave and Costa-Ramirez contend that the trial judge committed legal errors by dismissing their claims. They specifically challenge the court’s determination that some athletes had already submitted performance data without attending trials, and the conclusion that halting the trials would disproportionately harm the federation.

    The appellants assert the existence of an implied contractual obligation mandating equitable treatment of all athletes during selection procedures. They further argue that financial compensation cannot adequately remedy the potential loss of opportunity to compete at prestigious international events, particularly with Olympic qualification implications at stake.

    The appeal emphasizes that suspending the trials would not adversely affect the federation’s operations, while proceeding could cause irreparable damage to athletes’ careers during this critical Olympic qualification period. The appellants have requested expedited consideration of their appeal under Civil Proceedings Rules Part 64.10, citing the urgent nature of selection deadlines preceding the continental championships.

  • Platini says Infantino has become ‘more of an autocrat’

    Platini says Infantino has become ‘more of an autocrat’

    In a candid interview with The Guardian, former UEFA President Michel Platini delivered a damning assessment of current FIFA leader Gianni Infantino, accusing him of autocratic tendencies and an excessive focus on cultivating relationships with the wealthy and powerful.

    Platini, who previously served as Infantino’s superior at European football’s governing body from 2009 to 2015, characterized the FIFA president’s leadership style as fundamentally flawed. “He was a good number two, but is not a good number one,” Platini stated, highlighting what he perceives as Infantino’s problematic attraction to moneyed influence. “He likes the rich and powerful people, the ones with money. It’s his character.”

    The French football legend specifically pointed to the pandemic period as a turning point, noting that “Unfortunately Infantino has become more of an autocrat since the pandemic.” This criticism extends to Infantino’s cultivation of high-profile relationships, including his close ties with former US President Donald Trump, whom Infantino awarded a special FIFA peace prize during the World Cup draw ceremony in December ahead of the 2026 tournament across North America.

    Platini offered a surprising comparative analysis of FIFA’s governance, suggesting the organization under Infantino has become less democratic than during the scandal-plagued era of Sepp Blatter. “There is less democracy than in Blatter’s time,” Platini claimed, acknowledging Blatter’s problematic desire to remain president for life while simultaneously characterizing him as “a good person for football.”

    The former Juventus and French national team star also expressed broader concerns about modern football administration, noting that many current officials lack genuine passion for the sport. “You find many who wouldn’t care whether it’s football or basketball. It’s not always a case of loving football if you work at UEFA or FIFA.”

    Platini’s criticism stems from longstanding tensions between the two administrators, including his belief that Infantino undermined his FIFA presidential ambitions by alerting Swiss prosecutors about a controversial $2.5 million payment from Blatter to Platini that ultimately derailed both of their careers.

  • James, Wahid crowned junior chess champions

    James, Wahid crowned junior chess champions

    In a display of strategic mastery, Justin James and Chelsea Wahid have successfully defended their national titles at the Saint Lucia Chess Federation’s National Junior Under-20 Championships. The tournament unfolded across two competitive days on January 4 and 11 at the Cocoville headquarters in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, drawing a significantly larger field than previous years.

    Justin James, an 18-year-old scholar from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, dominated the Absolute category with an impressive score of 5.5 points from 6 rounds. His victory marks a consecutive championship win, solidifying his status as the nation’s premier junior chess talent. The runner-up position was claimed by D’yorni Cilpa with 5 points, while Chelsea Wahid secured third place with 4.5 points.

    In the Female division, Women’s Candidate Master Chelsea Wahid demonstrated exceptional skill to retain her crown. The 17-year-old International School Saint Lucia student achieved a winning score of 4.5 points. Kiara Lambert followed in second position with 3.5 points, and Shekinah Leonce completed the podium with 2.5 points.

    The championship witnessed remarkable growth in participation, attracting 16 competitors from nine educational institutions—doubling the attendance from the previous year. Participants engaged in six rounds of classical chess under the Swiss system format, employing standard time controls of 60 minutes per player with a 30-second increment per move.

    The national chess calendar continues with the Senior National Championships, scheduled to commence on January 18 at the same venue. This elite competition will span four consecutive weekends utilizing a round-robin tournament structure.

  • Windwards lose WI women’s cricket curtain-raiser

    Windwards lose WI women’s cricket curtain-raiser

    In a thrilling opening match of the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament, defending champions Guyana edged past the Windward Islands by a narrow seven-run margin on Tuesday at Arnos Vale Sports Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

    The match began with Windward Islands captain Zaida James winning the toss and opting to field first. Guyana’s batting innings was characterized by steady partnerships rather than explosive scoring. After an initial opening stand of 27 runs, the Windwards gained momentum with key breakthroughs from Jannillea Glasgow and James herself, who removed Realeanna Grimmond (8) and Mandy Mangru (16) respectively.

    Shakiba Gajnabi emerged as the batting anchor for Guyana, crafting a crucial 38 runs from 37 deliveries including two boundaries. Her productive partnership with Ashmini Munisar (17 off 20 balls) in the final overs proved decisive, propelling Guyana to a competitive total of 96-5 from their allotted 20 overs.

    The Windwards’ bowling attack demonstrated disciplined performance, particularly from James who recorded impressive figures of 1-14 from her four overs, and Glasgow who conceded just 10 runs from three overs while taking a wicket.

    In response, the Windward Islands’ chase encountered early setbacks with the dismissals of Ashlene Edward (5) and captain James (1) within the first five overs. A resilient 59-run partnership between Jannillea Glasgow and Afy Fletcher revived hopes, with Glasgow top-scoring at 41 runs from 36 balls including four boundaries. Fletcher contributed 33 from 36 deliveries with a four and six.

    Despite needing 19 runs from the final 16 balls, the Windwards fell short at 89-5, with Guyana’s bowling unit maintaining composure under pressure. Sheneta Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar and Plaffiana Millington each claimed wickets for the defending champions.

    The Windward Islands, featuring all four Saint Lucian players in their starting lineup, will look to rebound in their next encounter against Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday.

  • IPSC-schietsportseizoen officieel van start bij MTC Rijsdijk

    IPSC-schietsportseizoen officieel van start bij MTC Rijsdijk

    The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) season commenced officially in Suriname on Sunday with the inaugural competition held at MTC Rijsdijk shooting range. Despite threatening rain clouds throughout the day, conditions remained dry during the event, allowing participants to perform under optimal circumstances.

    This year’s opener marked a historic milestone as Suriname introduced the Optics Division for the first time, following its official recognition by IPSC International in September 2025. Bruce Djosetiko dominated this newly introduced category with an impressive performance, securing first place ahead of Justin Heidanus (second) and Darren Tjon Kon Joe (third).

    The Open Division witnessed fierce competition with Desmond Chang emerging victorious, while Andrew Wilson and Gao Ming Pei claimed second and third positions respectively. Chang’s exceptional performance also earned him the prestigious Performance Award 2025.

    In the PCC Division, Jair Liauw Kie Fa demonstrated superior skill to overcome challengers Zheng Nicholson and Will Liu. The Production Optics Division saw Alex achieve a commanding victory, finishing well ahead of Yang Dong and Max Li.

    The most dramatic showdown occurred in the Standard Division where Roderick de Bye secured victory by an unprecedented narrow margin of merely 0.07 points against Andy Liu, with both competitors achieving a remarkable total score of 518 points. Marc Loor completed the podium in third position.

    Senior category honors went to Andy Liu who claimed redemption after his narrow Standard Division loss, outperforming Bai Hongan and Roy Lie. In women’s competition, Tamani Stuger continued her dominance by defeating Angelique Tjon Kon Joe.

  • NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    Belize’s premier basketball competition, the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), makes its triumphant return following a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revamped league announced an unprecedented $100,000 prize pool, establishing what officials believe to be the largest cash prize in Belizean sports history.

    Karim Juan, Operations Manager for NEBL, emphasized that the league’s relaunch and rebranding symbolizes a fresh beginning and renewed stability after the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season. “The rebranding back to NEBL was more trying to symbolize a new start, symbolize stability,” Juan stated, highlighting efforts to restore confidence among players, fans, and sponsors.

    The substantial prize money distribution will award $70,000 to the championship team and $30,000 to the runners-up. Juan provided assurances that the prize fund is securely guaranteed despite ongoing sponsorship negotiations.

    Seven franchises have committed to participate: Corozal Spartans, Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize City Defenders, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Trojans, Cayo Western Ballaz, and EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers. The season will maintain the conventional home-and-away structure with each team playing 12 regular season games.

    Notable regulatory changes include permitting three non-resident players per roster, accommodating Belizean athletes residing overseas. To ensure competitive balance, the league will assume financial responsibility for transportation, security, medical services, and promotional activities for all teams.

    The season commences on February 20 at the Belize City Civic Center with a doubleheader event featuring additional entertainment programming for spectators.

  • ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed an electrifying commencement of the 2026 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) season on January 12, with ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando emerging as early standout performers in the Under-17 category. The team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience by securing two consecutive victories on the opening day.

    In their inaugural match, ASJA dominated St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph with a decisive straight-sets triumph (25-14, 25-21). The team faced a sterner test against defending open category champions Maple Leaf International School, dropping the first set 25-18 before mounting a spectacular comeback to claim the subsequent sets 25-23 and 15-12, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

    In another thrilling Under-17 encounter, Maple Leaf International School redeemed themselves against reigning champions International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) in a three-set thriller. After conceding the first set 25-19, Maple Leaf displayed remarkable composure to edge the second set 25-22 before dominating the decisive third set 15-9.

    ISPS managed to bounce back with a straight-sets victory (25-16, 25-22) against St Joseph’s Convent, despite facing determined resistance in the second set.

    The league, which launched on January 12 and continues through February 8, features competition across Under-15, Under-17, and open age categories for both male and female teams. Defending champions include ISPS (girls’ Under-15), San Juan South Secondary (boys’ Under-17 and open), and Barrackpore West Secondary (boys’ Under-15).

    The competition brings together schools from three regional zones: East (featuring El Dorado West Secondary, San Juan South Secondary, and others), North (including Fatima College, ISPS, and Maple Leaf International), and South (comprising ASJA colleges, Naparima schools, and Barrackpore West Secondary).