In a highly anticipated clash, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will battle for the ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy, after both players secured their spots in the final with commanding performances on Saturday. Alcaraz, the newly crowned year-end world number one, dominated Felix Auger-Aliassime with a 6-2, 6-4 victory, showcasing his relentless form. Meanwhile, Sinner, the Italian sensation, triumphed over Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, continuing his impressive streak at the tournament. This final marks the culmination of a thrilling rivalry between the two young stars, who have shared the Grand Slam titles this season. Alcaraz holds a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, winning 10 of their 15 matches, including four of their five meetings this year. However, Sinner’s historic Wimbledon victory over Alcaraz adds an extra layer of intrigue to this showdown. Both players have been in scintillating form, with Alcaraz recently clinching the US Open and Roland Garros titles, while Sinner has won his last 18 sets in Turin and boasts a 30-match winning streak on indoor hard courts. The final promises to be a captivating contest, as Alcaraz aims to cement his dominance, while Sinner seeks to cap off a remarkable year with a prestigious title.
分类： sports
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Last dash for ‘Nash’: Molino to retire after final World Cup qualifier
Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.
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Grandstand tickets sold out for Reggae Boyz’ deciding World Cup qualifier
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz are set to face Curacao in a high-stakes match at the National Stadium on Tuesday, aiming for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, scheduled for 7 pm, has already seen the $8,000 Grandstand tickets sold out, though other seating options like Bleachers ($2,000), Premium Bleachers ($4,000), VIP ($12,500), and Skyline Seats ($25,000) remain available as of Saturday evening. This match is pivotal for Jamaica, as a victory would secure their second World Cup appearance, nearly three decades after their debut in 1998. The urgency follows a recent 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, which dropped Jamaica to second place in Group B with 10 points. Meanwhile, Curacao’s dominant 7-0 win over Bermuda has propelled them to the top of the group with 11 points, leaving Jamaica with no margin for error. Rudolph Speid, Chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation Technical Committee, has called for nationwide support, urging fans to don yellow and fill the 29,000-seat National Stadium. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Jamaica seeks to reclaim their position and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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Curacao coach Advocaat leaves camp for personal reasons ahead of Jamaica match
In a surprising turn of events, Curacao’s head coach Dick Advocaat has temporarily departed from the team’s training camp in Kingston, Jamaica, citing personal reasons. The announcement was made by the Curacao Football Federation on Saturday evening, just days before the decisive World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Tuesday. The federation expressed its full support for Advocaat’s decision, with President Gilbert Martina stating, ‘We respect the decision of the head coach. The entire federation stands behind him.’
During Advocaat’s absence, assistant coaches Dean Gorré and Cor Pot will take charge of training sessions, match preparations, and other team activities. Despite his physical absence, Advocaat will remain actively involved in strategic decisions, maintaining regular communication with Gorré and Pot to ensure continuity in tactics and player management.
Curacao currently leads their World Cup qualification group with 11 points, just one point ahead of Jamaica. A draw in the upcoming match would secure Curacao’s automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team previously defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their last encounter in Curacao, boosting their confidence ahead of this critical fixture.
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Unbeaten run, delayed fixtures keep Signal Hill in SSFL race
Signal Hill Secondary School is on the brink of making history in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. With four matches remaining, the Tobago-based team is uniquely positioned to challenge for the title, currently sitting fifth with 25 points from 11 games. Their fate is entirely in their hands: if they win their next three matches against St Augustine, Trinity College East, and Malick, they will level with current leaders Naparima College at 34 points. This would set up a high-stakes final showdown between the two teams on November 27, effectively making it a winner-takes-all decider. Signal Hill’s strong goal difference further bolsters their chances in case of a tiebreaker.
This is Signal Hill’s second year in the SSFL, and their journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Several of their matches were postponed earlier in the season due to logistical challenges, including unavailable flights and limited vessel seats between Tobago and Trinidad. However, this delay has now placed them in a favorable position to mount a late title charge.
Head coach Downie Marcelle remains cautious, emphasizing a game-by-game approach. ‘We are taking it one game at a time and not getting carried away,’ he said. Marcelle highlighted the importance of managing player fatigue and maintaining focus, especially with a packed schedule ahead. ‘We have to stay perfect or near perfect to win the league,’ he added.
Signal Hill’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten run in their last seven matches. Marcelle attributes this improvement to their ability to capitalize on early chances, a weakness they addressed after struggling with finishing earlier in the season. The team’s continuity, with only three players lost from last year’s squad, has also played a crucial role in their success.
Meanwhile, other title contenders like St Benedict’s and Presentation College San Fernando remain mathematically in the race but are dependent on Signal Hill and Naparima dropping points. As the SSFL enters its final stretch, all eyes are on Signal Hill, whose performance in the coming weeks could culminate in their first-ever league championship.
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Phillip named ACC Offensive Player of the Year
Saint Lucian forward Donavan Gusto Phillip has emerged as a standout star in collegiate soccer, securing prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) accolades on Wednesday. The North Carolina State University (NC State) junior was named to the All-Conference Team and crowned Offensive Player of the Year, capping off an exceptional season. Phillip, hailing from Marchand, Saint Lucia, is poised to transition to professional soccer in 2026, having signed with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. He also aspires to represent the Saint Lucia national team on the international stage. In his final collegiate campaign, Phillip dominated the ACC with impressive statistics, leading in shots (62), points (31), and goals (15), among other metrics. His contributions were instrumental in NC State’s success this season. Joining Phillip in the ACC honors were sophomore center-back Nikola Markovic, named Defensive Player of the Year, and senior goalkeeper Logan Erb, who claimed Goalkeeper of the Year. Senior midfielder Taig Healy, the conference leader in assists, also earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team. This collective achievement marks a historic moment for NC State, as it is the first time since 1984 that the program has placed four players on the All-ACC First Team, a feat achieved only twice in its history.
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Bravo, Pollard named National Sports Ambassadors
In a significant move to celebrate national sporting excellence, Trinidad and Tobago officially appointed cricket legends Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard as National Sports Ambassadors on Wednesday. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, was presided over by Minister Dr. Sean Sobers. This appointment underscores the government’s dedication to recognizing athletes whose global achievements inspire citizens and enhance the nation’s international reputation. The initiative was first proposed in early September by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts, following a Cabinet meeting. Bravo’s recent success as coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders, who clinched the Caribbean Premier League title on September 21, further validated the decision. The victory ignited nationwide celebrations, culminating in a reception hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on September 23. During the event, the Prime Minister announced that the TKR team would receive the Chaconia Gold medal and named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin champion Keshorn Walcott as Sports Ambassadors. While the official appointments for Pooran and Walcott are pending, the government expressed enthusiasm for its new partnership with Bravo and Pollard. The Ministry stated, “We look forward to collaborating with Mr. Bravo and Mr. Pollard as they champion excellence, teamwork, and national pride, while promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s global brand.”
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Saint Lucians join Windwards squad after two-year absence
Kimani Melius, the former West Indies Under-19 captain, has made a triumphant return to the regional cricket scene, securing a spot in the Windward Islands squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament. This marks his first appearance in List A cricket after a two-year hiatus. The 24-year-old right-handed batter from Boguis, Saint Lucia, is one of four Saint Lucians selected for the five-match series, which commences on Wednesday, November 19, in Trinidad and Tobago. The Windward Islands Cricket Board unveiled a 14-member squad for the tournament, aiming to add to their four 50-over titles since the competition’s inception in 1972. Melius joins allrounder Shadrack Descarte and fast bowlers Keon Gaston and McKenny Clarke in the final lineup. Wicketkeeper Noelle Leo and fast bowler Dillan John also participated in early October training sessions. Melius, who debuted for West Indies B in 2018, has played 23 List A matches, amassing 397 runs at an average of 17.26. His best performance came in his debut year, averaging 21.60 in five fixtures. Descarte, known for his T20 prowess, brings experience from the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory with Saint Lucia Kings. Gaston, despite limited regional experience, played a pivotal role in Saint Lucia’s Windwards title win this year. Clarke, a former West Indies Under-19 player, contributed to the Trinbago Knight Riders’ 2025 CPL triumph. The Windwards will kick off their campaign against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
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Windies falters, New Zealand seal T20 Victory
The West Indies’ T20 International series against New Zealand concluded on a disappointing note on Thursday, as the hosts delivered their weakest performance in the decisive fifth match, suffering an eight-wicket defeat that handed the series to the Black Caps. This loss highlighted the persistent issues that have troubled the Caribbean team throughout the contest, particularly a top-order batting collapse that proved fatal. Captain Shai Hope identified the team’s inability to adapt as the primary reason for their downfall. ‘The power play has been our Achilles heel for this series,’ Hope remarked. ‘As batters, we failed to assess and adapt quickly enough.’ Despite the setbacks, Hope praised the lower-order batsmen for their resilience, acknowledging their efforts to salvage the innings. He emphasized the need for smarter, more assertive batting to disrupt the opposition’s bowlers. ‘We need to be more precise with our stroke play and prevent good bowlers from settling,’ he explained. Hope also highlighted the importance of applying counter-pressure, a skill the team has lacked. Amid the criticism, he lauded all-rounder Romario Shepherd for his consistent performance and work ethic. ‘Sheppy has been a hard worker, and his success is becoming more consistent,’ Hope said, noting Shepherd’s crucial contributions with the ball. As the team shifts focus to the upcoming ODI series, Hope stressed that immediate improvements are essential to turn their fortunes around.
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Suriname wint groots (4-0) van El Salvador
In a thrilling World Cup 2026 qualifier held at the packed Essedstadion, Suriname delivered a commanding performance against El Salvador, securing a decisive 4-0 victory. From the opening whistle, Suriname implemented a well-crafted strategy, controlling the game with over 54% possession. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Tjaronn Chery was fouled in the penalty area and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, giving Suriname a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The second half saw Suriname maintain their disciplined approach, dictating the pace of the match. Richonell Margaret doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a clinical finish, and just two minutes later, he struck again with a powerful shot to make it 3-0. Substitute Dhoraso Klas sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, expertly finishing a wide pass from Grot to bring the score to 4-0. This dominant display has positioned Suriname favorably in Group A, with their final qualifying match against Guatemala scheduled for November 18.