分类: sports

  • Coach Gilbert dissatisfied despite MoBay victory

    Coach Gilbert dissatisfied despite MoBay victory

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — In a dramatic Jamaica Premier League encounter at Jarrett Park on Wednesday, Montego Bay United emerged victorious with a 4-3 win over Dunbeholden FC in challenging muddy conditions. Despite the favorable result that extended their league lead, Head Coach Xavier Gilbert expressed significant dissatisfaction with his team’s overall performance.

    The match proved to be an offensive showcase with Ricardo Ramsey delivering a remarkable second-half brace within a mere 60-second span, contributing to Montego Bay’s accumulation of 57 points this season. This positions them eight points clear of second-place Mount Pleasant FA, though their rivals maintain two games in hand.

    Coach Gilbert criticized his squad’s lack of discipline following the narrow victory: ‘We made it unduly difficult for ourselves today, and for that I am disappointed. Our first-half dominance yielded only a single goal when we should have secured the game early.’ He particularly emphasized emotional regulation issues: ‘Several players became frustrated with officiating decisions, but championship teams maintain composure regardless of circumstances.’

    Opposing coach Byjeon Thomas acknowledged his Dunbeholden squad’s ‘spirited performance’ while conceding that defensive errors proved costly. ‘I must credit our players’ effort, but we conceded avoidable goals. Our tactical approach successfully disrupted their preferred style of play through wide-area attacks that created significant problems,’ Thomas noted.

    Match chronology revealed a back-and-forth contest: Malachi Sterling broke the deadlock during first-half stoppage time with his second consecutive goal. Dunbeholden equalized via Shakeem Powell’s 59th-minute penalty, only for Ramsey’s rapid double strike to establish a two-goal advantage. Powell completed his brace in the 71st minute before substitute Stephen Barnett leveled the score at 3-3 in the 77th minute. Dwight Merrick ultimately secured victory for the hosts with an 83rd-minute winner that deflected off the left upright into the net.

  • Gatorade rejoins Champs as official hydration partner, backs key events

    Gatorade rejoins Champs as official hydration partner, backs key events

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development for Jamaican secondary school athletics, Gatorade has announced its return as the Official Isotonic Beverage Sponsor for the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls Championships. The sponsorship marks the brand’s first involvement with the event since 2017, signaling renewed corporate support for Jamaica’s premier school athletics competition scheduled for March 24-28 at Kingston’s National Stadium.

    The championships represent the pinnacle of Jamaican school sports, serving as both a competitive showcase and developmental platform for the nation’s emerging track and field talent. Gatorade’s sponsorship will extend across multiple high-performance events including Girls Class 1 High Jump and Shot Put, Boys Class 2 400 metres, Boys Class 1 1500 metres, and Girls Class 2 Hurdles—all expected to feature standout athletic performances.

    Beyond event sponsorship, Gatorade will establish comprehensive hydration support systems throughout the championship venue. A dedicated recovery station near the finish line will provide athletes with immediate post-event nutritional support, leveraging the beverage’s scientifically formulated electrolyte replacement technology designed for intense physical exertion.

    Brand Coordinator Stephan Bennett emphasized the strategic importance of supporting young athletes during what he described as “one of the most competitive environments for young athletes” requiring “high level of preparation, discipline and endurance.” Bennett further noted the company’s pride in supporting an event that “continues to shape Jamaica’s track and field future.”

    Complementing the athletic support, Gatorade has launched an interactive social media campaign engaging school alumni and supporters. The promotion allows participants to vote for their preferred school, with the winning institution receiving a month’s supply of Gatorade products to support its track and field program, fostering broader community involvement in the championships.

  • Combermere, Christ Church Foundation split zone titles

    Combermere, Christ Church Foundation split zone titles

    The DASANI Powerade BSSAC Championships reached a thrilling conclusion at the Usain Bolt Complex, where Combermere School secured a decisive victory in the boys’ division but suffered a heartbreakingly narrow defeat in the girls’ competition. Combermere’s boys’ team dominated their category, amassing an impressive 398 points to claim the championship title. St Leonard’s Boys’ secured a distant second place with 353 points, followed by Christ Church Foundation School in third with 282 points. The Alleyne School and St George Secondary completed the top five with 207.5 and 202 points respectively.

    The girls’ title race delivered a stunning upset, with Christ Church Foundation School clinching victory by a mere 2.5 points. Combermere’s girls’ team finished with a valiant 415.5 points against Christ Church’s winning total of 418 points. Springer Memorial captured third place with 370.5 points, while The Alleyne School and St George Secondary rounded out the top five.

    The championship’s final day was highlighted by exceptional athletic performances that continued the record-breaking trend established on Monday’s opening day. The record spree began with the Under-20 boys’ 400m hurdles, where the top three finishers all surpassed the previous record of 58.96 seconds. Tarell Johnson-Rouse of St George Secondary established a new benchmark with an outstanding time of 54.56 seconds, followed by Isaiah Marshall of Combermere (58.17) and Dashane Hinds of Grantley Adams Memorial (58.53).

    Additional record-breaking performances included Jace McClean of Combermere setting a new Under-13 boys’ 100m record of 12.34 seconds, Jalino Hamlett of St Leonard’s Boys’ establishing a new Under-15 boys’ 100m standard of 11.17 seconds, and Alec Simmons of Combermere breaking his second record in two days by resetting the Under-17 boys’ 800m mark to 2:00.90. The championship concluded with St George Secondary’s quartet setting a new record in the Open boys’ 4x400m relay with a time of 3:15.03.

    The BSSAC series continues with the Frank Blackman and Sada Williams Zones competitions scheduled for March 19 and 20.

  • Vieux Fort, St Joseph lead Island Champs after Day 3

    Vieux Fort, St Joseph lead Island Champs after Day 3

    The 2026 Saint Lucia Island Secondary Schools Championships have reached a critical juncture following the conclusion of three days of intense field event finals. Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School and St Joseph’s Convent have emerged as the frontrunners, positioning themselves for a dramatic climax during Sunday’s track finals at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

    In the girls’ division, St Joseph’s Convent holds a slender advantage with 93 points as they pursue their third consecutive title. Their southern rivals, Vieux Fort Comprehensive, trail closely with 85 points, setting the stage for a fierce competition. The Saint Lucia Sports Academy sits in a distant third place with 53 points, followed by Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and Micoud Secondary completing the top five.

    The boys’ competition presents an equally compelling narrative, with Vieux Fort Comprehensive leading St Mary’s College 104-99. These two dominant institutions have established a significant gap over third-place Saint Lucia Sports Academy (66 points) and Micoud Secondary (65 points), while Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School rounds out the top five with 56 points.

    Tuesday’s final day of field events produced several standout performances. Vieux Fort’s Nasri Edwin captured the Under-14 boys high jump with a 1.59m clearance, while Randall Monroe of SLSA demonstrated exceptional versatility by adding the high jump title (1.75m) to his long jump championship. Monroe has now qualified for the prestigious CARIFTA Games in the high jump discipline.

    In throwing events, Vieux Fort’s Eavan Edgar delivered an impressive performance with a 13.28m throw to claim the shot put title, complementing his previous discus throw gold. Teammate Sean Pilgrim secured his second event victory with a 12.60m effort in the Under-18 class. The Under-20 category saw Shekim McRae of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College dominate with a 13.85m throw.

    Female athletes equally shone in their respective competitions. Corinth Secondary’s Jahelle Henry triumphed in the under-14 girls’ high jump with a 1.35m clearance, while Anse Ger Sec’s Nyla Joseph claimed gold in the Under-16 division with a 1.54m effort. Vieux Fort’s throwing duo of Tamar Joseph (8.54m in Under-14) and Neriah Charlery (10.37m in Under-16) demonstrated the school’s field event prowess. St Joseph’s Convent’s Autumn Louis won the Under-18 shot put with a 10.81m throw, and SALCC’s Jennica Albert smoothly transitioned to the Under-20 ranks, capturing her third consecutive school title with an 8.87m throw.

    The championship now moves to Wednesday’s semifinals at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where athletes will compete for spots in Saturday’s finals. The semifinals will include special competition for Under-20 track athletes who did not participate in preliminary rounds due to smaller participant numbers.

  • Soniya Jones to represent Antigua at World Indoor Championships in Poland

    Soniya Jones to represent Antigua at World Indoor Championships in Poland

    Antiguan track and field athlete Soniya Jones is poised for international competition after being officially selected to represent her nation at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships. The prestigious global event is scheduled to take place in Poland, drawing elite athletes from across the globe to compete in various indoor disciplines.

    Jones’s qualification marks a significant achievement in her athletic career, underscoring her dedication and performance in her respective events. Her participation not only highlights individual excellence but also shines a spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda’s growing presence in international track and field. Competing on such a prominent stage provides invaluable experience against world-class competition and serves as a crucial stepping stone for future competitions, including potential outdoor world championships and other major games.

    The selection is a testament to the support system behind the athlete, including national coaching staff and athletic associations that have fostered her development. For the Caribbean nation, having representation at a tournament of this caliber is a moment of national pride and an inspiration for aspiring young athletes at home. The championships will offer a platform for Jones to gauge her skills against the best, potentially setting new personal and national records in the controlled environment of an indoor arena.

  • Holder hailed by CWI for outstanding World Cup performance

    Holder hailed by CWI for outstanding World Cup performance

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally celebrated the exceptional achievement of veteran all-rounder Jason Holder, who has been selected for the prestigious 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament. This recognition, bestowed by an elite panel of former international cricketers and expert commentators, highlights Holder’s monumental impact throughout the global championship.

    At 34 years old, Holder, a cornerstone of West Indies’ 2016 championship squad, delivered a masterclass in all-round prowess. His tournament statistics were nothing short of extraordinary: claiming ten crucial wickets while amassing 141 runs with a devastating strike rate of 174.07. His batting average of 35.25 underscored remarkable consistency under pressure.

    Several iconic moments defined Holder’s campaign. His blistering 33 from just 17 deliveries against England proved instrumental in setting a winning total of 196, which the Caribbean side successfully defended by 30 runs. In a display of resilience and power, Holder partnered with Romario Shepherd to establish a new world-record eighth-wicket stand of 89 runs against South Africa during the Super Eights stage. Coming to the crease with his team reeling at 83-7, Holder’s counter-attacking 49 from 31 balls salvaged the innings.

    Even against eventual champions India, Holder demonstrated his value with a late flourish of 37 from 22 balls, pushing West Indies to a competitive 195. With the ball, his 6’7″ frame generated troubling bounce and discipline, epitomized by a spectacular bowling performance of 4-27 against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

    Reflecting on the honor, Holder expressed profound pride, noting this represented his first complete T20 World Cup campaign. “I felt everything was in alignment. My game is in a good place, I kept things simple, lived in the moment and contributed whenever the team needed me,” he stated.

    CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised Holder’s professionalism and game-changing abilities. “Jason’s impact was undeniable. His selection reflects the quality, experience and composure he brings to West Indies cricket. His ability to influence games with both bat and ball, particularly in pivotal moments, speaks to his immense value and leadership,” Bascombe emphasized.

    Holder’s individual success mirrored the team’s vibrant performance. Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the tournament’s leading West Indian run-scorer with 248 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 76 against England. The team collectively electrified fans with a record 76 sixes throughout the competition. Holder attributed this success to collective determination: “Everyone wanted the same result. We buckled down as a team to bring a proud feeling to the Caribbean people.”

  • Carolina Mejía welcomes delegations for Santo Domingo 2026 Games

    Carolina Mejía welcomes delegations for Santo Domingo 2026 Games

    Santo Domingo rolled out the welcome mat for international sports officials as Mayor Carolina Mejía hosted a pivotal gathering at the revitalized Taíno Park. The event brought together delegation leaders from 37 participating nations ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.

    The reception, attended by organizing committee chairman José Monegro and other distinguished officials, served as a ceremonial precursor to the major sporting event. During the proceedings, Mejía emphasized the transformative potential of hosting the Games, characterizing them as a monumental opportunity for national development and international recognition.

    The newly renovated Taíno Park will function as both a competition venue and a symbolic centerpiece for the Games. In a unique display of unity and environmental consciousness, organizers revealed that each national delegation will plant a native tree within the park grounds when the Games commence on July 24, 2026.

    This arboreal ceremony will establish a living legacy of the international gathering, representing both cultural exchange and environmental stewardship. The planting ritual will precede the athletic competitions that will continue through August 8, creating a permanent green monument to regional cooperation and sporting camaraderie.

  • World Cup Preparation : List of senior Grenadiers called up (Tunisia/Iceland)

    World Cup Preparation : List of senior Grenadiers called up (Tunisia/Iceland)

    In a significant development for Caribbean football, Haiti’s national team coach Sébastien Migné has revealed his 25-player selection for upcoming international friendlies against Tunisia and Iceland. The matches, scheduled for March 28 and 31, 2026, at Toronto’s BMO Field, mark the Grenadiers’ first gathering since their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The squad introduction, delivered during a digital press conference on March 17, 2026, features three debutants: Wilson Isidor from English club Sunderland, Delentz Pierre of FC Tulsa in the United States, and Woodensky Pierre from Haiti’s domestic Violette AC. These selections demonstrate Migné’s strategy of blending established overseas professionals with emerging domestic talent.

    The comprehensive roster includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Johnny Placide (SC Bastia, France), defender Carlens Arcus (Angers SCO, France), and attacker Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal FC, Iran). The selection represents Haiti’s global football diaspora with players competing in eleven different countries across Europe, North America, and South America.

    These preparatory matches serve as crucial building blocks for Haiti’s World Cup campaign, providing opportunities for tactical refinement and team cohesion against quality international opposition. The encounter against Tunisia offers particular significance as both nations prepare for North America’s premier football tournament.

    Ticket availability for the Haiti versus Tunisia match has been announced through official Canadian ticketing platforms, with the Canadian venue providing neutral ground for these international contests.

  • Davis and Sealy clinch early domino title

    Davis and Sealy clinch early domino title

    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.

  • Cyclists from around the world ride Cibao in Gran Fondo RD 2026

    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.