In a thrilling showdown at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Elena Rybakina secured her most significant victory since her 2022 Wimbledon triumph by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) on Saturday. The Kazakh star delivered a masterclass in serving and returning, becoming the first player from Kazakhstan and Asia to claim the prestigious WTA Finals singles title. Rybakina’s flawless performance earned her a record-breaking $5.235 million prize, propelling her to a year-end world ranking of fifth. Despite battling a shoulder injury throughout the tournament, Rybakina expressed her astonishment at her success, stating, ‘It’s been an incredible week, I honestly didn’t expect any result, and to go so far, it’s just incredible.’ Rybakina’s victory was marked by her dominance on serve, firing 13 aces against Sabalenka and totaling 48 for the week. Her journey to the finals was paved with a 500-level title in Ningbo and a semi-final appearance in Tokyo, culminating in an 11-match winning streak. The match also highlighted the intense rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka, who have faced off 14 times since 2019. Sabalenka, despite her loss, set a new WTA Tour record for the most prize money earned in a single season, surpassing Serena Williams’ 2013 earnings. During the trophy ceremony, Sabalenka graciously acknowledged Rybakina’s superior performance, saying, ‘Not the best performance from me but Elena, you were definitely a better player today. You literally smashed me out of the court. Very well done. I’m happy to see you back playing your best tennis.’ The Belarusian, visibly emotional, reflected on her team’s efforts, emphasizing the pride in their achievements despite the outcome.
分类： sports
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Army to face Cibao for Concacaf Champions Cup spot
Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) champions Defence Force are set to face Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC in a high-stakes third-place playoff of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the region’s premier club competition. The first leg will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 25, with the second leg scheduled for December 2 in the Dominican Republic. The victorious team will join this year’s Caribbean Cup finalists, Mount Pleasant Football Academy and Universidad O&M FC, in the Champions Cup. Defence Force’s journey to the playoff was marked by a crucial 2-0 victory over Cibao on October 1, ensuring their progression to the semifinals. However, Mount Pleasant eliminated them with a 5-2 aggregate win, while Universidad O&M edged past Cibao 2-1 in their semifinal clash. Cibao, last season’s Caribbean Cup runner-up, now aims to redeem themselves against the TTPFL holders in this decisive playoff.
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Yandy Stafford cops Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold at Pan Am Artistic Gymnastics Cup
In a historic achievement for Trinidad and Tobago, young gymnast Yandy Stafford clinched the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup held in El Salvador on November 6. Stafford triumphed in the vault event, delivering a flawless performance that earned her a score of 13.35 and a place in the record books. This milestone marks a significant moment for Trinidad and Tobago in the realm of international gymnastics.
Stafford was part of a five-member national team that traveled to El Salvador on November 3 to compete against some of the region’s most talented young gymnasts. The team included Shanika Joseph, Asia Ali, Zariah Gittens-Dopwell, and Caeli La Roche, representing both the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) hopes level two and level one divisions. All five athletes participated in the all-around competition on November 5, with Stafford finishing fifth in her division with a total score of 46.75.
On the second day of competition, Stafford showcased her versatility by qualifying for three event finals: vault, beam, and floor. While she placed sixth in the floor exercise with a score of 11.45, her defining moment came during the vault finals. Executing a Yurchenko pike vault with precision and a perfect landing, Stafford secured the gold medal, a first for Trinidad and Tobago in this prestigious event. She later concluded her day with a seventh-place finish on the beam.
The Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup is a biennial event aimed at preparing young athletes for senior elite competition by the age of 16. Following their strong performances in El Salvador, Stafford and her teammates are now gearing up for their next challenge: the 2025 Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) in Couva on December 6 and 7.
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Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the semifinals of the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition kick off on November 8 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. Four elite schools will battle for a spot in the championship, with Fatima College, Presentation College San Fernando, St Mary’s College, and Queen’s Royal College (QRC) vying for glory. The action begins at 4 pm with Fatima College taking on Presentation College, followed by St Mary’s College facing QRC at 6 pm. The stakes are high, as the winners will advance to the gold-medal match on November 9 at noon, while the third-place playoff will commence at 10 am. The semifinalists have little time to recover, making endurance and strategy crucial. Fatima College enters the semifinals with momentum, having dominated QRC 112-67 in their final preliminary-round game on October 26, thanks to standout performances from Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin. St Mary’s College also impressed, securing their Group B victory with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College on October 25, led by Nkobi Ince’s 35 points and Zane Peters’ 31 points. This weekend, one of these four teams will emerge victorious, claiming the prestigious RBC Royal Slam title and etching their name in college basketball history.
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San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie
In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.
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Chapman’s Power and Santner’s Poise Help NZ Level Series
In a high-octane encounter at Eden Park, New Zealand secured a narrow three-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I on Thursday, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. Mark Chapman emerged as the hero for the home side, smashing a blistering 78 off just 28 deliveries, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 207 for five in their 20 overs. His explosive innings, studded with seven sixes and six fours, earned him the Player-of-the-Match accolade. The West Indies, despite a shaky start, staged a remarkable comeback led by Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, who combined for a 62-run partnership in just four overs. However, their valiant efforts fell short as they were restricted to 204 for eight. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi were instrumental with the ball, claiming three wickets each to stifle the visitors’ chase. The series now moves to Nelson for the third T20I on Saturday, promising more thrilling cricketing action.
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Three Belizean Athletes in the U.S. Awarded Scholarships
Belize is making strides toward its Olympic debut, with ambitions to qualify for the Games by 2032. The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association is supporting this vision by funding the training of six elite athletes, three of whom are based in the United States and have secured Division One university scholarships. These athletes shared their aspirations and the pivotal moments in their careers. Brandon Adolphus, a track and field athlete, highlighted his contribution to winning three conference titles at the Division One level and his focus on qualifying for the PanAm Games and improving his Olympic prospects. Davia Richardson, a swimmer, emphasized her goal of winning medals at future championships and how the scholarship will aid her in attending meets and enhancing her training. Brooklyn Lyttle, another track and field athlete, recounted her peak performance at the New Balance Nationals and her aim to consistently place in the top three at future events. These athletes represent Belize’s growing presence on the international sports stage and its commitment to achieving Olympic success.
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Calvin Ayre Foundation Invests EC$84,132 as Platinum Sponsor of National Swim Team for OECS Championships
The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering youth and sports development by providing a substantial EC$84,132 Platinum sponsorship to the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF). This funding is earmarked for the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, set to take place from November 7th to 9th, 2025, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The regional event will showcase young athletes from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), promoting both elite athletic performance and regional solidarity. The sponsorship covers round-trip airfare and accommodation for Antigua and Barbuda’s 39-member delegation, ensuring the team is fully prepared to defend its championship title. Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through sports. Edith Clashing, President of the ABSF, expressed profound gratitude, highlighting that this marks the first time a private sponsor has offered such significant support. The delegation departed Antigua and Barbuda on November 6th, 2025, with high hopes for the competition.
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Saint Lucia Eye Success in Eastern Caribbean Volleyball
A determined Saint Lucia volleyball team is set to compete in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship, scheduled for November 12–17 at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. After clinching the title in 2021 but missing the playoffs in 2023, Saint Lucia is eager to reclaim its position at the top. This year’s tournament will feature six teams, including host nation Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Anguilla, and defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Saint Lucia squad, comprising 10 players, includes a mix of seasoned athletes and promising talents. Notably, Peter Emmanuel, an 18-year-old middle blocker, and setter Delano Baptiste, both returning from the 2023 campaign, are expected to play pivotal roles. Captain Daniel Mayers-James, who was named MVP in this year’s inter-school competition, will lead the team. The tournament format includes a single round-robin stage followed by playoffs, with Saint Lucia opening against St Vincent & the Grenadines. The champions will not only receive gold medals and a prestigious trophy but also secure a spot in the NORCECA 2026 Pan American Cup. ECVA president Glenn Quinlan emphasized the championship’s role in bridging junior and senior national teams and elevating regional competitiveness. Teams will compete using the elite Mikasa V200W ball, ensuring high-quality play.
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West Indies fall 3 runs short despite fireworks from Powell, Shepherd
In a heart-stopping encounter on Thursday, November 6, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by just 3 runs in Auckland, leveling the five-match T20 international series at 1-1. The match, filled with dramatic twists, showcased the resilience of both teams but ultimately saw the Black Caps emerge victorious.