As the West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in the decisive fifth T20I on Thursday, captain Shai Hope has emphasized the need for a comprehensive team performance to secure a series draw. The Caribbean side began the series on a high note, clinching the opener by seven runs. However, narrow defeats in the subsequent two matches—by three and nine runs, respectively—left them trailing 2-1. The fourth T20I was abandoned due to rain, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all finale.
分类： sports
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CAS-tribunaal doet binnenkort uitspraak over Danilho Doekhi en Natio
As the Surinamese national football team gears up for crucial World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Guatemala, the Surinamese Football Association (SVB) is embroiled in a legal battle with FIFA. The dispute centers on the eligibility of Danilho Doekhi, a 27-year-old center-back for Union Berlin, to represent Suriname. The case, which has been ongoing for over a year, was recently brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent tribunal that resolves international sports disputes. A ruling is expected next week.
Doekhi’s request to play for Suriname was initially submitted to FIFA in mid-2022 but has been repeatedly denied. The defender, who recently scored twice in Union Berlin’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, ending the latter’s unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, could significantly bolster Suriname’s squad. However, FIFA’s approval is required due to Doekhi’s prior appearances for the Dutch youth team, Jong Oranje.
Brian Tevreden, General Manager of Suriname’s national teams, expressed optimism about the CAS ruling, citing a precedent involving Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who was granted permission to play for Indonesia. Tevreden criticized the prolonged delay in Doekhi’s case, stating, ‘It’s incomprehensible… It shows that Suriname is not taken seriously as a footballing nation.’
If the CAS rules in favor of the SVB, Doekhi will join the national team after the upcoming qualifiers. He has already expressed his willingness to play for Suriname, potentially participating in the World Cup finals or the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2024 in Mexico. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already secured their spots in the playoffs, with other possible opponents including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
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Seaforth Wins IFBB Masters World Title in Malta
Melissa Seaforth, a celebrated IFBB Pro Bikini Fitness athlete and ambassador from Antigua, has triumphed at the IFBB Pro Masters World Championships in Malta, clinching the Masters Bikini title. This victory marks a significant addition to her already impressive 2025 season. Seaforth, who recently garnered gold in the Bikini Pro Masters Division and silver in the Bikini Pro Open Division at the IFBB Pro Grand Gala in Italy, described the win as an emotional and career-defining moment. “Winning a World Championship title at the Masters level is a tremendous honor,” she remarked. “It’s not only a historic achievement for Antigua and Barbuda but also a pivotal milestone in my professional bodybuilding journey.” Seaforth outperformed competitors from Russia, Spain, and Poland, securing her place at the top. Her next challenge will be at the IFBB Pro Bikini Fitness World Championships in Spain, where she will make her sixth consecutive appearance. With a bronze medal from the IFBB Grand Prix PEPA PRO in the Czech Republic on October 25, Seaforth is also a strong contender for Antigua and Barbuda’s Sportswoman of the Year.
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Two-tier Test system scrapped by ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to abandon its plans for a two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) following a lack of consensus among member nations. The decision was made during recent quarterly meetings in Dubai, where directors of the ICC convened to address the future of cricket’s three formats. A working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose presented recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), ultimately leading to the rejection of the two-tier proposal. The idea, which had been periodically discussed for over a decade, faced significant opposition from nations likely to be placed in Division Two, such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Concerns over reduced playing opportunities against top-tier teams and the absence of a viable funding model contributed to the proposal’s downfall. Instead, the ICC has proposed a 12-team WTC for the next cycle, beginning in July 2027, potentially including Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. Teams will be required to play a minimum number of Tests, though the exact figure remains undetermined. Additionally, the ODI Super League, scrapped after the 2023 World Cup, is set to be revived to provide more context for the 50-over format, which has seen declining interest.
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Windies lose 3-1 to Kiwis in T20 series
The West Indies cricket team faced a disappointing end to their T20 series against New Zealand, succumbing to an eight-wicket defeat in the fifth and final match on November 12 at University Oval, Dunedin. Despite captain Shai Hope’s repeated calls for the top-order batsmen to step up, the Men in Maroon were bowled out for a meager 140 runs, sealing a 3-1 series loss. The West Indies’ batting collapse began early, with opener Alick Athanaze dismissed for just one run in the second over. The team’s woes continued as key players Shai Hope (11), Ackeem Auguste (8), and Sherfane Rutherford (0) fell victim to New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, who claimed four wickets for 35 runs. Roston Chase top-scored with 38 off 32 balls, while Romario Shepherd’s late surge of 36 off 22 provided a brief glimmer of hope. However, the West Indies failed to utilize their full quota of overs, being dismissed in 18.4 overs. In response, New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway (47 not out) and Tim Robinson (45) set the tone for a dominant chase, reaching the target of 141 in just 15.4 overs with 26 balls to spare. The teams will now shift focus to a three-match One-day International series starting November 15, followed by a Test series from December 1-22.
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Bravo, Pollard appointed ambassadors for sport
In a significant ceremony held on November 12 at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, Trinidad and Tobago, cricket icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were officially appointed as national sports ambassadors. The event was presided over by Minister Sean Sobers, who emphasized the government’s dedication to recognizing exceptional national athletes whose accomplishments inspire citizens and elevate the country’s global profile. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to honor outstanding sports figures, as previously announced by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts on September 4. Bravo, who recently led the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 21, has been instrumental in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting excellence. The team’s triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match in Providence, Guyana, was celebrated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who hosted the champions at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on September 23. During the event, Persad-Bissessar also named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin star Keshorn Walcott as sports ambassadors. While the exact dates for Pooran and Walcott’s official appointments remain undisclosed, the ministry expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo and Pollard to champion values of excellence, teamwork, and national pride, both domestically and internationally, while enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation.
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RENEWED RIVALRY
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, are set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. This penultimate match could significantly bolster Jamaica’s chances of securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
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‘Take care of business!’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Former national defender Tyrone Marshall has expressed optimism about Jamaica’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but emphasized the need for unwavering focus as the Reggae Boyz approach their decisive final matches. The team is set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their penultimate qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. Marshall, renowned for his spectacular long-range goal in a 1-0 victory over T&T during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, shared his insights following Jamaica’s inconsistent performance in recent matches. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Marshall highlighted the significance of this week’s games, stating, ‘It’s a big week for the Reggae Boyz.’ Jamaica’s campaign began strongly in September with a 4-0 win against Bermuda and a 2-0 victory over T&T. However, their momentum faltered in October with a 2-0 loss to Curaçao, though they rebounded with another 4-0 triumph over Bermuda in Kingston. Marshall praised the team’s overall progress but critiqued their approach in the Curaçao match, describing it as a missed opportunity. ‘The one hiccup I would say is the Curaçao game. I didn’t think the approach was, ‘Let’s go and take care of business there,’’ he remarked. Currently, Jamaica leads Group B with nine points after four games, one point ahead of Curaçao and four ahead of T&T, while Bermuda remains at the bottom with no points. A win against T&T, coupled with a Curaçao loss to Bermuda, would secure Jamaica’s automatic qualification. However, if both Jamaica and Curaçao win tonight, their fate will be determined in their final match in Kingston on Tuesday. Marshall stressed the importance of urgency and a determined mindset, urging the team to treat the T&T game as a ‘do-or-die’ scenario. He also noted the emotional significance of the campaign, particularly in light of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation, which has united the nation and could serve as a motivational force for the team. Marshall expressed confidence in Jamaica’s qualification, drawing parallels to their historic 1997 qualification. ‘I have no doubt that Jamaica should qualify and will qualify,’ he declared, eagerly anticipating the upcoming games and the chance to celebrate with his Jamaica jersey on.
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Burris defends $2m Døds Diving Championships
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) invested over $2 million in hosting the Døds Diving World Championships in Charlotteville on August 9, a decision that has sparked discussions about the allocation of resources for sports tourism. Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Tashia Burris revealed the financial details during a plenary session in the Assembly Legislature on November 12, responding to inquiries from Minority councillor Petal Daniel-Benoit. The event, a collaboration between Døds Federation International, the THA, and the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago, attracted 50 divers from across the globe, who showcased their skills from a 10-meter platform. Burris emphasized the event’s potential for financial sustainability, noting that the THA will receive 50% of local advertising revenue for the 2026 edition, with four major advertisers already expressing interest. She contrasted this with the Tobago International Cycling Classic, which relies heavily on THA sponsorship and has struggled to attract international participants. Burris highlighted the Døds Diving event’s global exposure, with online viewership reaching 50 million and international broadcast deals secured for 2025-2027. In contrast, the Cycling Classic, which lacks UCI sanctioning and offers low prize money, has seen limited participation and international appeal. Burris concluded that the Døds Diving model represents a sustainable partnership for high-level sports tourism, while the Cycling Classic requires significant reforms to remain viable.
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Yorke readies troops for do or die W/Cup qualifier vs Jamaica
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 13. With TT currently third in Group B of the Concacaf final round with five points, a victory over group leaders Jamaica (nine points) is essential to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Curacao, sitting second with eight points, also poses a threat as they face Bermuda in a simultaneous match. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to the intercontinental playoff. TT’s head coach, Dwight Yorke, emphasized the must-win nature of the game, stating, ‘We’re fighting for our lives to keep our dreams alive.’ Yorke acknowledged Jamaica’s strength but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. The previous encounter in September saw Jamaica secure a 2-0 victory, but Yorke remains optimistic about TT’s improved performance. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s coach, Steve McClaren, highlighted the significance of qualifying for the World Cup as a way to bring joy to a nation recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Both teams are under immense pressure as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament.