Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Liam Bryden, Victoria Seenath hold on to Brechin Castle Open leads

    Liam Bryden, Victoria Seenath hold on to Brechin Castle Open leads

    Liam Bryden has established a formidable three-stroke advantage following the second round of the Brechin Castle Open Golf Championship at Sevilla Golf Course. The 2022 titleholder, who held a marginal one-shot lead after day one, dramatically expanded his margin as defending champion Ryan Gomez encountered significant difficulties on Couva’s front nine, conceding three critical shots.

    Despite Gomez reclaiming one shot during the back nine, Bryden’s consistent performance secured him a comfortable cushion heading into the championship’s decisive final round. Meanwhile, Marcus Ling delivered an impressive 70-shot round to catapult into third position, trailing the leader by four strokes, while Alex Kangoo matched Ling’s score to claim fourth place.

    In the women’s division, defending champion Victoria Seenath strengthened her position with an 80-stroke round, establishing a five-shot dominance over her closest competitor. Isabella Ramdeen advanced to second place with an 83, as Elise LaBorde slipped to third after carding an 85.

    The First Flight category witnessed a compelling familial rivalry unfold, with Asa Roopchand maintaining a two-shot lead over his teenage son Aba Bally Roopchand. Despite the younger Roopchand firing a superior 77, Asa’s steady 78 preserved his advantage. Amir Ali remains in contention just two strokes back after an 82-round performance.

    Notably, overnight leaders Dr. Solaiman Juman and Shazad Ali experienced dramatic declines, plummeting to 16th and 11th positions respectively. Defending champion Hollis George revitalized his campaign with a flight-best 77, positioning himself for a potential title defense from sixth place.

    The tournament concludes on January 11 with the third and final round determining all championship winners.

  • Santo Domingo to host Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Legends match

    Santo Domingo to host Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Legends match

    Santo Domingo prepares to witness football history as the iconic rivalry between Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona arrives on Caribbean soil for the first time. On March 14, 2026, the newly renovated Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium will host the “Night of Legends” exhibition match featuring legendary players from both clubs at 7:30 p.m.

    The monumental event, orchestrated by CBR Productions in collaboration with FC Barcelona and the Real Madrid Former Players Association, represents more than just a friendly encounter. It marks the inaugural major international event at the stadium following its comprehensive modernization, which now boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a seating capacity of approximately 23,000 spectators.

    FC Barcelona’s legendary squad will showcase football luminaries including Yaya Touré, Philippe Cocu, Frank de Boer, Rafael Márquez, Ludovic Giuly, Javier “Saviola” Hernández, and Sergi Barjuán. Their counterparts from Real Madrid will feature iconic figures such as Iker Casillas, Marcelo, Pepe, Fernando Morientes, Claude Makélélé, and Iván Helguera—players who were instrumental in the club’s numerous domestic and European triumphs.

    Organizers emphasize that the event transcends traditional exhibition matches, offering a multigenerational experience that celebrates one of sports’ most intense rivalries. With ticket sales demonstrating robust demand since their release, authorities anticipate a complete sell-out for what promises to become a landmark moment in the Dominican Republic’s sporting history.

  • Shanequa muscling her way to the top

    Shanequa muscling her way to the top

    Before dawn breaks across Barbados, Shanequa Allamby is already immersed in her rigorous training regimen at Beyond Limits Fitness Centre. The 30-year-old office assistant has transformed her passion for bodybuilding into an all-encompassing lifestyle that dictates her every waking moment.

    ‘Bodybuilding constitutes my entire existence—everything orbits around this discipline,’ Allamby affirms. Her daily routine exemplifies extraordinary dedication: 3:30 AM gym sessions until 5 AM, followed by her professional work from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, then meticulous meal preparation for the following day before retiring by 7:30 PM. This cyclical pattern repeats without deviation.

    Allamby’s athletic journey began through familial inspiration, with her younger brother initially introducing her to the sport. ‘My transition felt natural since I’d always been engaged in physical activities—track and field, basketball, and various school sports before committing to bodybuilding,’ she recalls.

    Her career breakthrough arrived at the May 2024 Roger Boyce Classic, where she secured her prestigious IFBB Pro card. This achievement propelled her onto the international stage at October’s IFBB Elite Pro Night of Champions in London. Following a strategic off-season, Allamby returned to competition with notable performances at another Roger Boyce Classic and a top-ten finish at a December show in Portugal.

    The athlete’s ambitions extend beyond participation. ‘My definitive objective is ranking among the top three at the World Championships—not merely top ten or five, but the podium positions,’ she declares with determined clarity.

    However, her path presents significant challenges, particularly as a Caribbean-based athlete. ‘Accessing international competitions remains our primary obstacle since most events occur in distant locations like Spain,’ Allamby explains. Beyond logistical hurdles, she confronts physical and mental barriers: ‘Sometimes your physique appears peak-ready, then unexpected imperfections emerge due to stress.’

    She references a competitive setback in May 2024 when she failed to reach finals, responding not with discouragement but strategic recalibration. ‘My team and I returned to the drawing board, analyzing every element for our December appearance.’

    This collaborative effort—coach Keliel Marshall, nutritionist Dionne ‘Mummy D’ Clarke, and posing coach Melissa Seaforth—proved instrumental. ‘Through intensive collaboration and constructive criticism, we developed our Portugal presentation. When we saw the final package, we were absolutely astonished,’ Allamby reveals.

    Her preparation involves meticulous nutritional precision: ‘We implemented low-carb, high-carb cycles with refeed days, requiring exact measurements—even a single ounce discrepancy mandates adjustment.’

    The sacrifices inherent to elite competition are substantial. ‘You essentially sacrifice conventional living—social gatherings, late nights—but when you’re committed to your goals, you consciously design your life around achieving them,’ Allamby states, embracing the trade-offs required for world-class achievement.

  • BCA set to launch semi pro league, ground breaking changes coming

    BCA set to launch semi pro league, ground breaking changes coming

    In a landmark development for Caribbean cricket, the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has unveiled plans to establish a semi-professional domestic league designed to foster local talent and create a structured pathway to professional play. The initiative was announced by BCA President Calvin Hope during a media briefing coinciding with the West Indies Under-19 team’s departure for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

    Mr. Hope articulated a clear vision for the league, emphasizing its role in instilling greater seriousness and providing tangible incentives for elite players who currently balance cricket with other employment. “Long are the days where people just come and turn up and play at that level,” Hope stated, underscoring the need for a formalized system to adequately prepare athletes for professional careers. The league is conceived as a critical developmental platform for the future of Barbadian cricket.

    While a tentative start date of April 4 has been set for the domestic season, the financial and operational specifics of the semi-pro league remain under active deliberation. President Hope highlighted the essential role of corporate collaboration, issuing a call to action for private sector investment. He framed cricket not just as a sport, but as a vital national asset and a vehicle for social cohesion, championing the concept of ‘P at the crease’—promoting peace through cricket—and advocating for the sport’s expanded role within Barbadian society.

  • Victorious Links a winner on debut

    Victorious Links a winner on debut

    In a display of sheer determination and resilience, the bay filly Victorious Links, trained by Lawrence Freemantle, secured a dramatic victory in a $1.05-million maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The event, held over 5½ furlongs (1,100m), saw the horse make a triumphant return to the track after a postponed debut in October 2025.

    Ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins, Victorious Links overcame a less-than-ideal start to engage in a fierce battle with rival contender Mo Pai, piloted by Tajay Suckoo. The two horses delivered a heart-stopping finish, with Victorious Links clinching the win by a narrow head margin. The official winning time was recorded at 1:09.4.

    Trainer Lawrence Freemantle attributed the success to a carefully managed recovery and preparation period. The filly had previously been scratched from her intended debut after becoming fractious and injuring herself in the box. ‘I had to give her some time to recover and re-programme her,’ Freemantle explained. ‘Her preparation coming into this race was fairly well, giving me all the confidence.’

    Despite the victory, Freemantle noted there is room for improvement. ‘I thought she would have won a little easier than she did,’ he commented to the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. ‘She didn’t get a brilliant start, and so I still have to give thanks for the victory. The performance was good, and she can only improve from here on.’

    Bred by Western Warrior out of the Handsome Mike mare Victory Turn, Victorious Links demonstrated significant grit during the race. After matching strides with Dark Authority (ridden by Raddesh Roman) approaching the half-mile mark, she took the lead a furlong out, only to be challenged by a late surge from Mo Pai in the final stretch.

    With this win marking a positive start to the 2026 racing season, Freemantle expressed optimism for the year ahead. Reflecting on his previous season’s record of six wins from 32 starts, he stated, ‘My expectations have always been high; once I have the quality horses, I can get the job. I am expecting to do well this year.’

    The winner’s enclosure celebration included trainer Lawrence Freemantle, owner Ian Lodge, jockey Dane Dawkins, and other connections, captured in a photo by Karl Mclarty.

  • West Indies set sights on U19 World Cup glory in Southern Africa

    West Indies set sights on U19 World Cup glory in Southern Africa

    The West Indies Under-19 cricket squad is intensifying its preparatory efforts with ambitious aspirations for the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup, set to take place across Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. Under the leadership of captain Joshua Dorne and head coach Rohan Nurse, the Caribbean team aims to replicate their historic 2016 triumph when they clinched their sole championship title in the tournament’s history.

    A notable inclusion in the selected roster is Antiguan batsman Jewel Andrew, who brings valuable senior-level experience to the youth team. Andrew made his international debut in both One Day Internationals and T20 International formats during 2024, in addition to recording a half-century in the competitive Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.

    Team captain Dorne expressed enthusiastic optimism about their prospects, emphasizing the significance of international exposure. “The opportunity to compete in an ICC tournament against diverse international squads provides invaluable experience for every player,” the Barbadian cricketer stated. “Jewel’s inclusion substantially strengthens our lineup given his established international background.”

    Vice-captain Jonathan Van Lange echoed this positive outlook, acknowledging his inaugural World Cup participation. “I’m eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead,” the Guyanese player commented. “This represents my first major international tournament, and I’m focused on delivering strong performances through dedicated training sessions with our pathway coaches.”

    Head Coach Nurse emphasized the program’s broader developmental objectives, noting: “From the initial stages, we’ve prioritized educating these young athletes about international cricket standards, both for youth ODI competitions and future professional careers. They’re learning to balance off-field preparation with on-field execution while appreciating the opportunities presented to them.”

  • Nestor dominates again in UNT win

    Nestor dominates again in UNT win

    The University of North Texas Mean Green women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday night, February 7th, securing an emphatic 87-63 victory over East Carolina Pirates at The Super Pit. This triumph extends their remarkable unbeaten streak in American Conference home games to a program-record 12 consecutive wins.

    Senior forward Megan Nestor, a former Saint Lucia national netball player, anchored the team’s success with her conference-leading seventh double-double of the season, contributing 14 points and hauling in 17 rebounds. This performance marks her second consecutive double-double and her fifth game this season with 15 or more rebounds, placing her tied for the national lead in that category.

    The offensive firepower was demonstrated by junior guard Aysia Proctor, who set a new career high with a game-leading 24 points. The backcourt duo of Chania Price and Mekhia Chase each added 12 points, also achieving new personal scoring records. Price further distinguished herself by securing her first career double-double with 10 rebounds.

    Facing an East Carolina squad (10-6, 2-1 American) that entered the contest on a six-game winning streak and undefeated in conference play, North Texas delivered what coaches described as their most complete performance of the season. The victory maintains North Texas’s perfect 5-0 all-time record against the Pirates.

    Hailing from the fishing village of Canaries and an alumna of Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, the 6-foot-4 Nestor continues to dominate the conference rankings, currently leading in both overall rebounding and offensive rebounding while ranking just outside the top ten in scoring.

  • Saint Lucian boxers to take up Guadeloupe scholarships

    Saint Lucian boxers to take up Guadeloupe scholarships

    Two emerging boxing talents from Saint Lucia have been selected for an elite athletic development program in the Caribbean region. Hervé Charlemagne, 17, and Daniel Martin, 18, have secured coveted scholarships to undertake a comprehensive three-month training immersion at the Centre de Ressources, d’Expertise et de Performance Sportive (CREPS) in Guadeloupe, commencing January 11.

    The young welterweights have demonstrated exceptional prowess in regional competitions. Charlemagne, hailing from Bexon, achieved historic distinction by capturing the bronze medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean School Sports Games in Venezuela—marking Saint Lucia’s inaugural international boxing medal. Meanwhile, Martin, originating from Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, has established himself as a two-time gold medalist at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States championships, most recently triumphing in 2024 as a novice competitor.

    Both athletes share an educational background at St. Mary’s College, with Charlemagne currently representing the institution and Martin advancing to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College on scholarship. Martin brings additional international perspective having previously resided in the United Kingdom, where he attended Patricia D James Secondary School.

    The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) has characterized this opportunity as a transformative milestone in athletic development. President David Christopher commended the boxers’ dedication, stating: ‘This scholarship recognizes the exceptional commitment and potential demonstrated by these young athletes. Such prestigious opportunities are earned through relentless discipline and performance.’

    During their immersion, the boxers will access world-class training facilities, advanced coaching methodologies, sports science support systems, and competitive sparring with elite partners. The comprehensive program includes preparatory administrative processing, medical evaluations, and orientation sessions to ensure optimal adaptation to the CREPS training environment.

    Christopher emphasized the broader implications for national sports development: ‘The CREPS program provides exposure to elite training environments that are instrumental for athlete advancement. The knowledge and experience gained will not only elevate individual careers but also enhance the competitive landscape of boxing throughout Saint Lucia.’

    The CREPS Guadeloupe Immersion Programme maintains international recognition for cultivating elite competitors across multiple sporting disciplines, representing a significant investment in Caribbean athletic talent development.

  • WI pace duo in line for T20 World Cup

    WI pace duo in line for T20 World Cup

    In a significant development for West Indies cricket, the Caribbean team’s T20 World Cup prospects have received a substantial uplift with confirmation that pace spearheads Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are progressing optimally toward full fitness for the upcoming global tournament.

    Dr. Donovan Bennett, Head of Cricket West Indies’ Medical Panel, delivered an encouraging assessment on January 6th, particularly highlighting Shamar Joseph’s remarkable recovery from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him since September. “The latest that I saw on Shamar is that he is fit and ready to go,” Dr. Bennett affirmed. “He was bowling pretty fast, in the 140s (kph) without any discomfort.”

    This medical update concludes an anxious period for West Indies supporters, as Shamar missed both the Test tour of India and the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh. His rehabilitation journey included specialized consultation in England, which has yielded successful outcomes.

    Meanwhile, Alzarri Joseph, who missed the India Tests with a lower-back concern, is following a slightly delayed but positive recovery trajectory. Dr. Bennett confirmed: “Alzarri has resumed return-to-play protocols and is currently hitting his required fitness targets. Based on what I am seeing, both of them should be ready for the World Cup.”

    The return of both pacemen, who last competed in September 2025, substantially bolsters the West Indies’ bowling arsenal ahead of the prestigious event. CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow disclosed that a provisional squad has already been selected, with the final 15-player roster to be formally ratified following the West Indies’ T20I series against Afghanistan in India from January 18-22.

    Subsequent preparations will include a three-match T20I tour of South Africa in late January. The two-time champions will commence their World Cup campaign in Kolkata on February 7 against Bangladesh, competing in Group C alongside England, Nepal, and Italy.

  • AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty howler

    AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty howler

    In a heart-stopping Serie A finale at San Siro, AC Milan narrowly avoided a shocking defeat against Genoa on Thursday, securing a 1-1 draw after surviving extraordinary penalty drama in stoppage time. The result grants local rivals Inter Milan a crucial three-point advantage atop the league standings.

    The match reached its climax when Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu sent a potential winning penalty soaring over the crossbar in the dying moments, squandering Genoa’s golden opportunity for a monumental upset. The penalty was awarded after Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi fouled Mikael Ellertsson, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion.

    Milan’s equalizer came through Portuguese forward Rafael Leão, who powered home a decisive header during second-half added time, finally breaking Genoa’s resilient defense. The visitors had taken a surprise lead just before the half-hour mark through Lorenzo Colombo, a Milan academy product currently on loan to Genoa, who capitalized against his parent club.

    Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 17 matches, Milan’s dropped points proved particularly costly following Inter’s 2-0 victory over Parma the previous day. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri emphasized the need for tactical maturity, stating his team should have created additional opportunities after their late equalizer without exposing themselves to counter-attacks.

    In parallel Serie A action, veteran striker Jamie Vardy contributed both a goal and an assist for Cremonese, yet his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory as the team surrendered a two-goal halftime advantage to draw 2-2 with Cagliari. The former England international now boasts five goals in Italian football since his transfer.

    The single point leaves Genoa just three points above the relegation zone as they prepare for critical matches against fellow strugglers Cagliari and Parma. For Colombo, the performance against his childhood club represented a positive step despite the heartbreaking conclusion, noting his team demonstrated character and competitive quality against one of Italy’s elite sides.