Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Australia’s Cummins out of rest of Ashes; Lyon to have surgery

    Australia’s Cummins out of rest of Ashes; Lyon to have surgery

    MELBOURNE — Australia’s cricket team faces significant roster changes ahead of the final Ashes Tests against England, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out due to injuries. The announcement came Tuesday as Cricket Australia unveiled a revised 15-man squad for the upcoming matches.

    Cummins, who recently returned from a lower-back injury to lead Australia to victory in Adelaide, will miss the remainder of series as a precautionary measure. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision, stating, ‘We were taking on some risk with his return. Having now secured the series, our priority is ensuring his long-term fitness ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup.’

    Lyon’s situation appears more severe, with the 38-year-old spinner requiring surgery for a torn right hamstring sustained during fielding operations in Adelaide. His injury sidelines him for what Cricket Australia describes as ‘an extended period,’ interrupting a remarkable career that recently saw him claim his 564th Test wicket to surpass compatriot Glenn McGrath on the all-time bowling list.

    Their replacements bring fresh dynamics to the squad. Spinner Todd Murphy, who has represented Australia in seven overseas Tests, now stands to make his home debut. Meanwhile, pace bowler Jhye Richardson returns to Test cricket after a four-year absence during which he underwent three shoulder surgeries.

    Leadership duties will fall to Steve Smith, who previously captained during Cummins’ absence in the first two Tests. Smith returns after missing the Adelaide match due to vertigo symptoms, necessitating at least three lineup changes. Usman Khawaja, who scored impressively as Smith’s replacement, appears likely to retain his position.

    The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, both recovering well from Adelaide exertions. Starc has emerged as the series’ standout performer with 22 wickets at an average of 17.04, including a career-best 7-58 in Perth, while also contributing 150 valuable runs with the bat.

    McDonald praised Starc’s remarkable endurance: ‘He’s amazing. He keeps running in and presenting the pace that he does. There’s much to be learned about targeting the right matches at the right time.’ The coach’s comments highlight Australia’s strategic approach to player management despite having already retained the Ashes urn through victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

  • Union Hall United FA complete double at NLCL Holiday Fun Festival

    Union Hall United FA complete double at NLCL Holiday Fun Festival

    Union Hall United Football Academy emerged as the dominant force at the Next Level Consulting Limited (NLCL) Nations Cup International Holiday Fun Festival, securing dual championship titles in a spectacular display of youth football excellence. The three-day tournament, held from December 19-21 at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, showcased emerging talent across multiple age divisions.

    In the Under-15 category final, Union Hall faced a formidable challenge from Cox Coaching Academy, resulting in a tense goalless draw after regulation time. The championship was ultimately decided through a penalty shootout, with Union Hall demonstrating remarkable composure to claim a 3-2 victory from the spot. Their triumph was further highlighted by individual accolades, with Sherkeem Campbell recognized as best defender, while Samuel Hosein achieved the rare double distinction of most valuable player and top goalkeeper awards. Head coach Dexter Cyrus received the division’s top coaching honor.

    Union Hall continued their winning streak in the Under-13 division, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Point Fortin Youth FA in the championship match. Judah De Four’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him MVP honors, while teammate Kesion Agard received best striker recognition. Coach Trevlon Abner was celebrated as top coach for his leadership. Point Fortin Youth FA nonetheless saw individual excellence recognized through Zachary Smart (best defender) and Micah Mentor (top goalkeeper).

    The tournament’s younger divisions produced equally compelling narratives. Cox Coaching Academy claimed the Under-11 title with a narrow 1-0 victory over City FC, highlighted by Ival Weston’s exceptional tournament performance that earned him both MVP and best defender awards. The Under-9 division delivered particular excitement as Creek Sports secured victory via penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, simultaneously earning the team spirit award for their sportsmanship throughout the competition.

    The event recognized both competitive excellence and character, with additional awards presented for most disciplined team and team spirit across all age categories, emphasizing the tournament’s commitment to developing both athletic prowess and sportsmanship among young footballers.

  • Basketball Fan TT brings cheer with 3×3 Christmas Cup

    Basketball Fan TT brings cheer with 3×3 Christmas Cup

    The Bon Air Basketball Court in Arouca will transform into a hub of festive athleticism on December 26 as Basketball Fan TT presents the 2025 3×3 Christmas Cup competition. Scheduled for a 4 pm tip-off on Boxing Day, this community-centered event aims to surpass last year’s participation numbers by attracting double-digit teams to the court.

    Beyond mere competition, the tournament embodies a deeper mission of social cohesion and seasonal generosity. According to organizers, the event represents “a powerful expression of togetherness, generosity and hope” that utilizes basketball as a vehicle for community upliftment during the holiday period. The initiative seamlessly merges competitive sport with festive celebration while generating meaningful community impact.

    Basketball Fan TT, an NGO dedicated to advancing 3×3 basketball throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the broader region, designed the Christmas Cup to reflect its core mission of making basketball accessible, inclusive, and transformative. The organization emphasizes creating safe environments for youth development, positive social interaction, and community empowerment through athletic engagement.

    The defending champions Three Wise Men—featuring local standouts Jason Friday, Tyrik Singh, and Jelani Valley—will face new challengers in this year’s edition. However, according to national player and Basketball Fan TT president Moriba De Freitas, victory represents only one aspect of the tournament’s broader purpose.

    “This event is about more than wins and losses,” De Freitas stated. “Christmas Cup is about giving back, inspiring belief and reminding our communities of the power of unity. Basketball is the spark, but community is the flame.”

    The 2025 iteration will additionally serve as a collaborative platform for corporate partners, community organizations, and volunteers to spread holiday cheer through activations and on-site engagement. The organizers are welcoming charitable donations, positioning the Christmas Cup as a demonstration of what becomes achievable when athleticism, community service, and passion converge.

  • Only love for Tobago: James Baird hopes to help Phoenix rise again

    Only love for Tobago: James Baird hopes to help Phoenix rise again

    In a dramatic opening chapter to his tenure, Scottish-born coach James Baird has experienced both triumph and setback as the newly-appointed leader of TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) club 1976 FC Phoenix. The Tobago-based team’s recent performances reflect the challenges ahead, with a promising 2-1 debut victory against Point Fortin Civic on December 14 quickly overshadowed by a disappointing 4-1 defeat to FC Eagles just one week later.

    The 42-year-old former goalkeeper brings extensive international experience to Phoenix, having played professionally across Scotland, Iceland, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago. His coaching credentials include positions with the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and most notably as goalkeeper coach for the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team in 2021.

    Baird’s connection to Tobago runs deep, having married on the island and previously played for Tobago United in 2007 during what he describes as a career ‘down spell.’ This personal history makes his current role particularly meaningful. ‘Tobago means a lot to me. To coach a Tobago team is something special,’ Baird told Newsday in a recent interview.

    Despite Phoenix’s precarious position—just two points above last place in the 12-team league—Baird maintains realistic optimism. His immediate target is a mid-table finish this season, with ambitions to build a more competitive squad in subsequent years. ‘If we could get a little extra in the transfer window, I think we could make a push for mid-table,’ Baird stated, emphasizing the importance of creating an attractive environment for players despite geographical challenges.

    The coach identified several key players including defender Jeremiah Bristol, midfielder Antonio Pantin, veteran Trevin Caesar, and forward Teejay Cadiz—who leads the league with eight goals—as foundations for improvement. Baird believes the marginal nature of Phoenix’s defeats demonstrates untapped potential rather than fundamental inadequacy.

    Baird’s coaching philosophy emphasizes tactical sophistication over his goalkeeping background, favoring aggressive, high-intensity football. With their Boxing Day match against Caledonia postponed, Phoenix and their Scottish coach now look toward 2026 as an opportunity to transform their struggling season into a redemption story.

  • New Zealand crush Windies by 323 runs to seal series

    New Zealand crush Windies by 323 runs to seal series

    New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to secure a resounding 323-run victory against the West Indies in the third Test match on Monday, clinching the series 2-0 behind a spectacular bowling display from Jacob Duffy. The right-arm seamer achieved a career-best match haul of nine wickets for 128 runs, dismantling the tourists’ batting lineup in a dramatic final session collapse.

    The West Indies, set an imposing target of 462 runs, displayed initial resilience with openers Brandon King and John Campbell building an 87-run partnership without loss. King appeared particularly composed during his fluent knock of 67 runs, suggesting the visitors might extend the match deep into the final day. However, the match turned decisively when Duffy’s awkward bounce forced King to glove a catch to gully, triggering a spectacular batting collapse that saw nine wickets fall for just 51 runs.

    Spinner Ajaz Patel contributed significantly with his best home figures of 3-23 and 6-136, including the crucial dismissal of Campbell and Kavem Hodge. The latter fell to an exceptional reflex catch by Rachin Ravindra at short leg. Duffy then dominated the middle order with a masterclass in seam bowling, removing Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and captain Roston Chase in quick succession.

    The victory was built upon New Zealand’s mammoth first-innings total of 575 for eight declared, founded on a historic opening partnership between Devon Conway (227) and captain Tom Latham (137). The pair became the first opening combination in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a match, with Conway following his double-century with 100 in the second innings and Latham adding 101.

    This comprehensive victory propelled New Zealand to second place behind Australia in the World Test Championship standings. Conway received the Player-of-the-Match award for his extraordinary batting performance, while Duffy earned Player-of-the-Series honors for his series tally of 23 wickets.

    West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged his team’s inconsistent performance throughout the series, noting they played well in patches but failed to maintain momentum during crucial phases. The tourists had shown promise in the first innings with Kavem Hodge’s century helping them to a respectable 420, but ultimately couldn’t sustain their resistance against New Zealand’s disciplined attack.

  • Prensa Latina selects Latin America’s Best Athletes for 2025

    Prensa Latina selects Latin America’s Best Athletes for 2025

    Cuba has accomplished a remarkable feat in sports recognition by securing all three major categories in the prestigious Prensa Latina Latin American Sports Survey for only the second time in history. The island nation’s athletes dominated the 61st edition of the annual poll, capturing honors in individual and team competitions against strong regional competitors.

    Triple jump sensation Leyanis Pérez emerged as the undisputed favorite in the female athlete category, commanding an impressive 73 votes from the outset of polling that began November 21. The track and field star outperformed 16 other nominated female athletes who each received at least one nomination.

    In a groundbreaking achievement, left-handed pitcher Livan Moinelo made history by becoming the first Cuban baseball player to claim the Latin American Male Athlete of the Year title. The Japanese league champion secured 42 votes, decisively outpacing Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, who trailed with 19 votes.

    The Cuban National Baseball 5 team provided the most dramatic victory, mounting a last-minute surge to claim the team award with 37 votes. The youth champions from the Nayarit World Championship edged out their Argentine rivals by a narrow four-vote margin following an intensive campaign supported by national media outlets.

    This triple victory marks only the second time Cuba has achieved such comprehensive recognition since 1989, when high jumper Javier Sotomayor, runner Ana Fidelia Quirot, and the women’s volleyball team simultaneously topped their categories.

    The 2023 survey carried special significance, commemorating two major sporting milestones: the centenary of Commander Fidel Castro’s birth, recognized as the architect of Cuba’s sports movement, and the fifth anniversary of Argentine football icon Diego Armando Maradona’s passing. Maradona himself had won the Sports Survey in 1986.

    This year’s edition demonstrated extensive international participation with 70 foreign media organizations and 43 Cuban outlets contributing to the voting process, reflecting the continued importance of these awards in Latin American sports journalism.

  • Olympic Gold Medalists Return to Antigua and Barbuda for High Performance Training Experience.

    Olympic Gold Medalists Return to Antigua and Barbuda for High Performance Training Experience.

    Antigua and Barbuda is set to welcome an impressive delegation of world-class Olympic athletes for a specialized off-season training camp from December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The delegation will be led by Rai Benjamin, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist and World Champion widely recognized as one of history’s finest 400-meter hurdlers. Benjamin, who has earned the local moniker ‘King Ben,’ will be accompanied by ten other elite competitors.

    The distinguished roster includes Antigua’s own track stars Cejhae Green and Joella Lloyd, alongside international standouts such as Vernon Norwood, an Olympic gold medalist and World Championship medalist known for his crucial contributions to the United States men’s 4×400-meter relay team. The group also features Jasmine Jones, a top American sprinter and hurdler who recently secured a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics.

    Additional participants include accomplished athletes Raevyn Rogers, Shae Anderson, Sammy Watson, Kendall Ellis, and Allie Jones, all possessing extensive experience competing at the highest echelons of international track and field. The team will be under the guidance of Joanna Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist turned internationally renowned coach, celebrated for her ongoing success in developing world-class athletic talent.

    A highlight of the visit will be a special meet-and-greet and training clinic for local aspiring athletes, scheduled for December 29 at the YASCO Sports Complex. This initiative will provide young Antiguan track and field hopefuls with an unprecedented opportunity to train alongside and receive direct instruction from Olympic champions and seasoned professionals.

    Shawnor Joseph, the newly elected President of the Antigua Athletics Association, expressed strong enthusiasm for the upcoming clinic, highlighting its significant potential for athletic development in core disciplines for both Antiguan coaches and athletes. Joseph stated, ‘The Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association is extremely proud to welcome back Rai Benjamin and his Hayestack training team. We view the clinic as an important investment in athlete development that will have a meaningful impact on our coaches and athletes.’

    The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, serving as the major sponsor through its Department of Sports Tourism, emphasized the strategic value of hosting elite athletes. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted that the visit strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging reputation as a preferred destination for high-performance sport, athlete development, and substantive sports tourism engagement.

  • Grenada Olympia Glory Games 2025

    Grenada Olympia Glory Games 2025

    The Morne Rouge Playing Field in Grenada became an epicenter of athletic excellence on December 13, 2025, as the nation hosted the spectacular Olympia Glory Games. This landmark event celebrated raw power, disciplined physique, and vibrant community spirit, signaling a new era for strength sports in the Caribbean region.

    The games showcased revolutionary strongman equipment, including two professionally engineered vehicle deadlift apparatuses manufactured locally by Moorsafe Group Ltd. These state-of-the-art installations demonstrated Grenada’s growing capacity to support world-class strength competitions while promoting domestic engineering expertise.

    Elite athletes from multiple divisions competed for national titles, with international contenders from Trinidad and Tobago elevating the competitive landscape. The women’s open division saw Candesha Scott claim victory, followed by Onesha Bingley and Jai Abraham. Rashid Bridgeman dominated the men’s lightweight category, while Jusceno Jacob triumphed in the heavyweight division against strong regional competition including Trinidad’s Krishna Lutchman.

    Beyond traditional strongman events, the games featured two signature physique exhibitions: the Men’s Beach Body Competition and Women’s Bikini Showdown. These segments highlighted extraordinary physical conditioning, confidence, and artistic presentation, broadening the event’s appeal beyond pure strength demonstrations.

    The opening ceremony reached historic proportions when Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell officially inaugurated the games before engaging in a symbolic Farmers Walk challenge against Grenadian strongman legend Mark Felix. The presence of high-ranking officials including Police Commissioner Randy Connaught and Olympic Committee President Bernard Wilson underscored institutional support for strength sports development.

    Youth engagement emerged as a central theme through the Schools Truck Pull Challenge, where Grenada Boys’ Secondary School competed against Presentation Brothers’ College in a display of youthful enthusiasm and school spirit. Both principals participated directly, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and teamwork among younger generations.

    The games concluded with a powerful symbolic gesture as Mark Felix presented his personal competition gear to local strongman Marcus Alexander, representing the transfer of excellence between athletic generations. This moment encapsulated the event’s broader mission to inspire future athletes and build lasting legacies.

    Substantial sponsorship from both public and private sectors enabled the games’ success, with the Ministry of Youth Sports, Grenada Olympic Committee, and numerous corporate partners providing crucial support. Fitness establishments including Body Image Health Club, Geomax Gym, and Extreme Fitness contributed to elevating competitive standards nationwide.

  • Liverpool’s Isak faces two months out after ‘reckless’ tackle: Slot

    Liverpool’s Isak faces two months out after ‘reckless’ tackle: Slot

    LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom — Liverpool’s attacking prospects have suffered a severe setback with the confirmation that star striker Alexander Isak faces an extended period out of action. Manager Arne Slot revealed on Tuesday that the Swedish international sustained a fractured fibula during what he described as a “reckless challenge” from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven during last Saturday’s Premier League encounter.

    The injury occurred in the act of scoring Liverpool’s opening goal in their eventual 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The club issued an official statement on Monday confirming Isak had undergone successful surgery to address an ankle injury that included the fibula fracture.

    Slot expressed significant disappointment regarding the prognosis, stating: “It’s going to be a long injury, spanning several months. This represents a substantial disappointment for Alexander personally and consequently for our squad as well.” The Dutch manager was particularly critical of the challenge from his compatriot Van de Ven, remarking that similar tackles would likely result in serious injuries in the majority of cases.

    This development marks the latest chapter in what has been a challenging adaptation period for Isak since his British record £125 million transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day in September. His arrival at Anfield was hampered by match fitness concerns following the protracted negotiation process, and he subsequently battled a groin injury that further delayed his integration into the squad.

    Slot acknowledged these difficulties, noting: “This has been a challenging period for Alexander. When joining a new club, players naturally want to immediately demonstrate their qualities, but circumstances made this impossible.” Despite limited appearances—just three goals in 16 matches across all competitions—the manager believes Isak was showing signs of approaching the form that made him so successful at Newcastle.

    The timing compounds existing selection headaches for Liverpool, who are already without Mohamed Salah due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments and face doubts over Cody Gakpo’s availability for Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With attacking options severely limited, only Hugo Ekitike—enjoying a rich scoring vein with five goals in his last four games—and seldom-used Federico Chiesa remain as fit senior forwards.

    This situation may prompt Liverpool to accelerate their January transfer window activity, though Slot remained noncommittal when questioned about potential interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. The injury could also influence the ongoing conversation surrounding Salah’s future, particularly following his recent controversial comments and links to Saudi Arabian clubs.

    Despite these challenges, Liverpool have shown resilience with a five-match unbeaten run as they seek to stabilize their Premier League title defense following a difficult period that included six losses in seven games.

  • Police top TTPFL tree at Christmas, big wins for ‘Cale,’ Eagles

    Police top TTPFL tree at Christmas, big wins for ‘Cale,’ Eagles

    Miscellaneous Police FC has claimed the top position in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings just before the Christmas holiday, following a crucial 2-1 victory over third-placed Club Sando at St James Police Barracks on December 20. This result propelled Police FC to 22 points, establishing a narrow two-point advantage over defending champions Defence Force, who remain undefeated this season with 20 points from eight matches.

    The league’s Boxing Day fixtures promise high-stakes drama with an anticipated double-header at Sangre Grande recreation ground. Defence Force will face last season’s runners-up MIC Central FC Reboot at 5 pm, followed by Police FC’s encounter with fourth-placed Prisons FC at 7 pm. Prisons, despite beginning the season with five consecutive wins, have recently struggled with three losses in their last four outings.

    Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, FC Eagles orchestrated a remarkable resurgence with a 4-1 triumph over 1976 FC Phoenix at Mahaica Sporting Complex. Despite conceding an early goal to league top scorer Teejay Cadiz—his eighth of the season—Eagles mounted an impressive comeback. Coach Reshad Wint’s strategic double substitution at halftime proved instrumental, with Jomoul Francois scoring twice in his return from a two-year injury absence and Miquel Williams providing dynamic wing play.

    In the subsequent Mahaica fixture, Caledonia AIA delivered a commanding 4-0 performance against hosts Civic, featuring a first-half brace from Malachi Celestine complemented by goals from Jariel Arthur and Ernesto Rodriguez.

    The December 20 action also saw AC Port of Spain climb to sixth position with a 2-1 victory over Prisons, while Police FC’s winning goal against Club Sando came from Tobago-born striker Mickaeel ‘Jem’ Gordon during first-half stoppage time after goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo mishandled a right-side cross.

    Current TTPFL Tier One Standings:
    1. Police FC: 22 pts (9 matches)
    2. Defence Force: 20 pts (8 matches)
    3. Club Sando: 18 pts (9 matches)
    4. Prisons FC: 16 pts (9 matches)
    5. MIC Central FC: 16 pts (9 matches)
    6. AC Port of Spain: 14 pts (9 matches)
    7. Jabloteh: 12 pts (9 matches)
    8. Caledonia AIA: 10 pts (8 matches)
    9. Point Fortin: 7 pts (9 matches)
    10. 1976 FC Phoenix: 6 pts (9 matches)
    11. Eagles FC: 4 pts (8 matches)
    12. La Horquetta Rangers: 4 pts (8 matches)