Barbados ushered in its new dominoes season with a display of strategic prowess as the Number One Beauty Supply President’s Pairs Four Hand Tournament culminated in a decisive victory. The event, hosted at the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) premises one week prior to the official league commencement, served as a prestigious prelude to the national championship. A competitive field exceeding 60 doubles teams entered the tournament, all contending for the coveted title. After a series of intense matches, the duo of Kirk Davis and Torique Sealy demonstrated remarkable synergy and skill. They secured the championship in commanding fashion, overpowering the finalists Sharon Lynch and Johnathan Grandison with a resounding scoreline of 6-2, 6-1. This victory sets a high competitive benchmark for the newly launched season, which officially began across all three divisions island-wide this Sunday.
分类： sports
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Cyclists from around the world ride Cibao in Gran Fondo RD 2026
LA VEGA, Dominican Republic – Defying challenging weather conditions, the fourth edition of the Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge RD 2026 concluded triumphantly, cementing its status as a premier event on the Caribbean sporting calendar. The competition attracted over 300 cycling enthusiasts, with approximately 30% representing an international contingent from Chile, Argentina, the United States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, signaling its expanding global footprint.
The race commenced and culminated in La Vega, guiding athletes through a rigorous and mountainous circuit across the Cibao region. Cyclists navigated a demanding path through the municipalities of Bonao, Maimón, and Cotuí. A particularly scenic segment along the iconic Hatillo Dam provided a dramatic backdrop before the route advanced toward Fantino and looped back to the origin. Persistent rainfall intensified the difficulty of the already arduous course, testing the physical and mental fortitude of all participants.
Undeterred by the inclement conditions, competitors demonstrated remarkable resilience and passion, successfully completing the event. Henry Francisco, the chief organizer, emphasized the competition’s dual role in both promoting athletic excellence and boosting regional tourism. ‘The growth we are witnessing is phenomenal,’ Francisco noted. ‘This event is pivotal in showcasing our country’s potential as a top-tier destination for sports tourism.’
Critical institutional support from DIGESETT (General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transport) and POLITUR (Tourism Police) was instrumental in executing a secure and flawlessly managed event. Their coordinated efforts in traffic control and participant safety were paramount to the competition’s seamless operation, ensuring a positive experience for athletes and spectators alike. The event’s continued success underscores the Dominican Republic’s emerging prominence on the international cycling circuit.
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Venezuela wins first World Baseball Classic title
In a stunning finale at Miami’s LoanDepot Park, Venezuela captured its first-ever World Baseball Classic championship with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the defending champion United States. The championship game culminated in a heart-stopping ninth-inning climax that saw Eugenio Suárez deliver the game-winning double to seal Venezuela’s historic triumph.
The championship clash unfolded as a tense pitching duel through the early innings. Venezuela established an early advantage in the third inning when Salvador Pérez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, followed by Wilyer Abreu’s solo home run that extended their lead. The American squad remained scoreless until the eighth inning when Bryce Harper electrified the home crowd with a game-tying two-run homer.
Venezuela demonstrated remarkable resilience in the final frame. After drawing a walk and executing a critical stolen base, the stage was set for Suárez’s climactic double that scored the decisive run. Venezuela’s pitching corps delivered an exceptional performance, with starter Eduardo Rodríguez and reliever Daniel Palencia combining to limit the potent American offense to merely three hits throughout the contest.
This championship victory capped an extraordinary tournament run for Venezuela, who finished with a 6-1 record that included impressive victories against baseball powerhouses Japan and Italy. The loss marks the United States’ second consecutive defeat in the World Baseball Classic final, denying them back-to-back titles in the prestigious international competition.
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![U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières defeated by Puerto-Rico [3-1] (video)](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/f53cae3ce17c51253a7ddc3463aa360b.jpg)
U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières defeated by Puerto-Rico [3-1] (video)
In a critical qualifying match for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, Haiti’s young national team, known as the Grenadières, suffered a significant 3-1 setback against Puerto Rico. The match, played at the Costa Rican Football Federation’s Field No. 1 in Alajuela, Costa Rica, has complicated Haiti’s path to the global tournament.
The Puerto Rican squad, nicknamed the ‘Coqui Warriors,’ established control late in the first half. Striker Mia Colon broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, slotting home the opening goal. The momentum continued for Puerto Rico just before halftime when Colon was fouled inside the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick. Giselle Falcon calmly converted the penalty in the 45th minute, doubling the lead.
Haiti’s captain, Miya Larco, provided a momentary spark of hope for her team. Merely a minute after conceding the second goal, Larco unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, finding the net and cutting the deficit to 2-1 before the break.
Despite a resilient effort in the second half, the Grenadières could not find an equalizer. Puerto Rico sealed their victory in the 67th minute when Michaela Poidomani scored, restoring a two-goal cushion and securing all three points for her team.
Head Coach Frenoy Baptiste made several tactical substitutions in the second half, bringing on players like Krystel Châtelain and Adjani Kamanzi-Mondestin to alter the game’s dynamics, but the changes were unable to reverse the outcome.
This result places immense pressure on the Haitian team. With only the group winner and the two best second-place finishers across three groups advancing from the CONCACAF qualifiers, Haiti now sits at the bottom of Group B with zero points from one match. Their upcoming fixture against a dominant United States team, which demolished Bermuda 18-0, is now a must-win encounter. The Grenadières’ final group match will be against Bermuda on March 22.
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PRESS RELEASE: Caribbean excellence shines at ICC T20 World Cup – Holder honoured to be named to team of the tournament
Cricket West Indies has extended heartfelt congratulations to premier all-rounder Jason Holder for his prestigious selection to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament. The 34-year-old cricketing stalwart, who previously contributed to West Indies’ 2016 championship victory, secured his position among the tournament’s elite performers through exceptional displays throughout the month-long global competition.
The selection process was conducted by an expert panel comprising distinguished former players and seasoned commentators who closely observed the world-class event. Holder’s comprehensive campaign for the Men in Maroon showcased his dual prowess, capturing 10 crucial wickets while amassing 141 dynamic runs at an impressive strike rate of 174.07 and a solid average of 35.25.
Among his most memorable contributions was a blistering 33 runs from just 17 deliveries against England, fundamentally shifting the match momentum and enabling West Indies to post a competitive 196 for 6. This performance proved instrumental as the Caribbean squad successfully defended their total, securing a decisive 30-run victory.
The former West Indies captain further cemented his legacy by participating in a world-record 8th-wicket partnership of 89 runs with Romario Shepherd during the Super Eights clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad. His resilient 49 from 31 balls orchestrated a remarkable recovery after the team had stumbled to 83 for 7.
Holder demonstrated his clutch capabilities against eventual champions India, delivering a vital 37 from 22 balls to elevate West Indies to 195 for 4 in what amounted to a virtual knockout match. His bowling performances equally commanded attention, particularly his devastating 4 for 27 spell against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium that paved the way for a commanding nine-wicket triumph.
Reflecting on this honor, Holder expressed profound pride in the recognition: “This represents a proud milestone in what surprisingly constitutes my first complete T20 World Cup appearance. I maintained simplicity in approach, remained present in each moment, and consistently contributed when the team required intervention.”
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, applauded Holder’s tournament impact and professional demeanor: “Jason’s influence on team performance was unmistakable. This selection acknowledges the quality, experience, and composure he continually brings to West Indies cricket. His game-changing abilities with both bat and ball, especially during critical phases, underscore his immense value and leadership qualities.”
Holder’s individual achievement reflected the collective spirit of the West Indies team throughout the competition. Explosive left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer recorded 248 runs across seven innings—the highest by any West Indian in a single T20 World Cup—at an average of 41.33 and spectacular strike rate of 186.46, including two half-centuries. Sherfane Rutherford electrified audiences with a career-best 76 not out from 42 balls against England, contributing to the team’s tournament total of 76 spectacular sixes.
Holder emphasized team unity as the driving force behind their campaign: “Universal dedication toward shared success enabled us to deliver pride and joy to Caribbean supporters.” Cricket West Indies additionally commended the entire Senior Men’s squad and support staff for their dedication and passionate performances that reignited excitement across the Caribbean region.
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Soufrière reign again in District 8
Soufrière Combined Schools have successfully defended their title as champions of District 8’s primary school track and field competition, cementing their dominance in the region’s sporting landscape. The annual meet, held on March 13 at Soufrière Stadium, showcased exceptional young talent from the district’s five competing schools, two of which participate as a combined entity.
Demonstrating remarkable athletic prowess, Soufrière Combined accumulated an impressive 773 points to secure top honors. The battle for second place proved intensely competitive, with Bouton and Canaries (BouCan) narrowly edging out Les Etangs by just five points (599 to 594). Fond St Jacques Primary completed the standings with 491 points.
Individual excellence shone through across various age categories. In the Under-13 girls’ division, Hadassah Jules—recently named Saint Lucia Athletics Association Juvenile Athlete of the Year—and her teammate Kayla Gills delivered outstanding performances, each securing two gold medals and one silver. Chance Isaac dominated the boys’ division with a perfect trio of gold medals.
The Under-11 category witnessed BouCan’s Neveah Hippolyte capturing two golds and a silver in girls’ events, while Soufrière’s Jayden Jn Baptiste claimed the boys’ title with three gold medals. Younger athletes also impressed, with Sherval Gonzague (Soufrière) taking two golds in Under-9 girls’ events, and BouCan’s Kallam Toussaint sharing honors with Les Etangs’ Etahj Alexander in the boys’ division.
The Under-7 competition featured Lily George of Les Etangs sweeping both gold medals in girls’ events, while Lawrenzo Sylvester (Soufrière) and Mavrick Daniel (Fond St Jacques) each earned a gold and silver among the boys.
With internal competitions concluded, District 8 now turns its attention to the upcoming national championship on April 1 at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The district’s athletes, many of whom maintain regular training and club competition schedules, enter as confident defenders of their regional title, poised to represent their communities beneath the iconic Pitons.
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Veteran Sportscaster Rubén Morales Dies at 65
The Belizean sports community is mourning the loss of iconic sportscaster Rubén Morales Iglesias, who passed away on March 16, 2026, at age 65. The veteran broadcaster died peacefully at 4:30 p.m. after being removed from life support following a severe stroke that had left him in a coma for one week.
His daughter, Dr. Lesly N. Brodhurst, formally announced the passing through social media channels, noting her father’s transition was both ‘peaceful and painless.’ She expressed profound gratitude for the public’s outpouring of prayers and support during this difficult time, indicating that funeral details would be communicated once finalized.
Morales leaves behind an indelible legacy in Central American sports journalism that spanned multiple decades. He launched his distinguished broadcasting career with the Broadcasting Corporation of Belize before advancing to prominent roles at LOVE FM and ultimately joining Breaking Belize News (BBN) in March 2021. Throughout his tenure, he provided comprehensive coverage of both domestic and international sporting events.
Hugh O’Brien, Chairman and CEO of Breaking Belize News, paid heartfelt tribute to Morales, recalling immediate recognition of his sports expertise during BBN’s formative stages. ‘From witnessing his passion during his early football reporting days, I knew Rubén embodied the spirit of sports journalism we wanted to represent,’ O’Brien stated.
The National Sports Council of Belize issued an official statement honoring Morales as ‘a foundational pillar of sports journalism’ whose distinctive narrative voice became intrinsically linked with Belizean athletics. The Council emphasized how his compelling storytelling ignited inspiration across generations of athletes and significantly contributed to the elevation of sporting culture throughout the nation.
Born on November 5, 1960, Morales dedicated his professional life to amplifying athletic achievements and connecting communities through the universal language of sports.
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Vieux Fort star in Island Champs throws
The Saint Lucia Sports Academy witnessed exceptional athletic performances as the Island Champs tournament resumed on Monday, March 17, with Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) establishing early dominance in throwing events. The school captured four out of six available gold medals during the opening day of field competitions, setting a competitive tone for the championship.
Fifteen-year-old Eavan Edgar delivered a standout performance in the Under-16 boys’ discus throw, achieving a remarkable personal best of 45.13 meters. This throw not only secured him the gold medal but also exceeded the CARIFTA Games qualifying standard of 44 meters. Teammate Renard Bernard contributed to VFCSS’s success by claiming the silver medal in the same event.
Barbara-Marie Maximin, already qualified for CARIFTA in her specialty Under-17 long jump, expanded her achievements by winning the Under-18 discus throw with a distance of 25.50 meters. While this represented one of only two discus golds not won by VFCSS, Maximin’s victory ensured representation from southern schools in the winner’s circle.
Additional discus champions included Neriah Charlery (VFCSS) in Girls U16 with 26.28m, Katelyn Charles (VFCSS) in Girls U20 with 25.51m, and Sean Pilgrim (VFCSS) in Boys U18 with 37.25m. Shawn Hubert from Babonneau secured the Boys U20 title with a throw of 31.80m.
The competition expanded to jumping events on Tuesday featuring long jump, triple jump, and discus across various divisions. Notable performances included Darvin Forde of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College winning the triple jump open with 14.10m, though falling short of the CARIFTA qualifying mark by half a meter. Forde also claimed victory in the long jump with a leap of 6.39m.
Other jumping event winners included Kanil Nelson (St Mary’s College) taking Under-18 long jump gold with 6.25m, Randall Monroe (SLSA) capturing Under-16 long jump with 6.16m, and Christiano Nestor (Choiseul Secondary) dominating the Under-14 division with 5.27m.
The championship now moves to the track semifinals at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Wednesday, building toward Sunday’s finals where athletes will compete for top honors in this prestigious interscholastic competition.
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Lionel Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Miami cup clash
FORT LAUDERDALE, United States — Football legend Lionel Messi entered an exclusive athletic pantheon on Wednesday by netting the 900th goal of his extraordinary professional career. The Argentine maestro achieved this historic milestone while playing for Inter Miami in their CONCACAF Champions Cup encounter against Nashville SC.
The 38-year-old icon needed merely seven minutes of play to secure his landmark goal, demonstrating characteristic composure with a precise low finish that gave Miami an early 1-0 advantage in the regional championship knockout match.
This significant strike elevates Messi’s scoring contribution to 81 goals since his high-profile transition to Major League Soccer in 2023. The goal further cements his legacy as one of football’s most prolific scorers across multiple leagues and international competition.
Messi’s journey to 900 goals represents a remarkable scoring spree spanning more than two decades of elite football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient previously accumulated 672 goals during his legendary tenure with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, followed by 32 goals with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, complemented by 115 international goals for Argentina’s national team.
The timeline from Messi’s inaugural senior goal to his 900th showcases unprecedented longevity and consistent excellence. His first professional goal occurred in May 2005 when he scored for Barcelona against Albacete in a 2-0 victory, commencing a scoring legacy that has continued uninterrupted for nearly 21 years.
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JFF and Adidas agree to new deal potentially worth billions
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a monumental development for Caribbean football, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has finalized a groundbreaking long-term partnership with sportswear titan Adidas that will extend through 2034. The agreement represents a significant expansion of their existing relationship, replacing a four-year sponsorship arrangement scheduled to conclude this December with an ambitious eight-year commitment commencing January 2025.
According to insider information, this comprehensive sponsorship package includes substantial financial support and professional equipment provisions for Jamaica’s senior and youth national teams. Industry analysts estimate the total value could surpass $2 billion, supplemented by additional royalty revenues generated from merchandise sales featuring the iconic Jamaican colors.
This commitment materializes despite uncertainty surrounding the Reggae Boyz’s qualification for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America. Adidas’s strategic vision instead emphasizes Jamaica’s confirmed participation in this year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar and the strong prospects of the Reggae Girlz qualifying for their third consecutive Women’s World Cup in 2027.
The partnership finds its commercial justification in Jamaica’s remarkable performance as one of Adidas’s most profitable national team collaborations. The recent Bob Marley Collection, developed in partnership with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation, demonstrated exceptional market performance, cementing Jamaica’s status as a commercial powerhouse in international football apparel.