分类: sports

  • Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup

    Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup

    Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmer, Dylan Carter, is set to conclude his 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup journey with a determined push for a podium finish in Toronto, Canada. On October 25, Carter will compete in the men’s 50-meter butterfly final at 6:32 PM (TT time), aiming to cap off his campaign with a medal. Earlier in the day, during the preliminary rounds, the 29-year-old secured second place in heat four with a time of 22.49 seconds, trailing behind Canada’s Ilya Kharun, who dominated with a blistering 21.85 seconds—the fastest time across all heats. Carter’s performance ranked seventh overall in the prelims, signaling the need for a stellar effort in the final to add to his two bronze medals earned earlier in the competition. In the first leg of the Swimming World Cup in Indiana, Kharun claimed gold in the 50m butterfly with a time of 21.86 seconds, while Carter finished fifth in 22.57 seconds. The second leg in Illinois saw Kharun repeat his golden feat in 21.69 seconds, with Carter placing seventh at 22.48 seconds. Carter’s previous successes include bronze medals in the 50m backstroke (first leg) and 50m freestyle (second leg), showcasing his versatility and determination throughout the tournament.

  • Hurricane Melissa forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant

    Hurricane Melissa forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant

    The semifinal matches of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been rescheduled due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The second leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant Football Academy, originally set for October 29, has been moved to November 5. This decision was announced by Concacaf’s chief football competitions officer, Carlos Fernandez, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had upgraded the alert level from a hurricane watch to a warning on October 24, prompting the change. Additionally, the all-Dominican Republic semifinal clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC has also been postponed. The first leg of this matchup will now take place on October 30, with the second leg scheduled for November 6. In the first leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant, the latter dominated with a 5-1 victory, maintaining their flawless record in this year’s tournament. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Defence Force’s Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal. The rescheduled second leg will be held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the second- and third-placed teams advancing to the first round.

  • Liverpool suffer fourth consecutive Premier League defeat at Brentford

    Liverpool suffer fourth consecutive Premier League defeat at Brentford

    In a shocking turn of events, Liverpool’s Premier League title defense continues to unravel as they suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat, falling 3-2 to Brentford on Saturday. The Bees, powered by goals from Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Igor Thiago, climbed to 10th in the table, while Liverpool slipped to sixth, potentially seven points behind league leaders Arsenal by Sunday. This loss marks Liverpool’s fifth defeat in their last six games across all competitions, raising serious questions about manager Arne Slot’s ability to forge a cohesive team despite a record-breaking £450 million ($600 million) transfer window spend.

  • THE BEAT GOES ON!

    THE BEAT GOES ON!

    Despite the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has confirmed that the scheduled racing event at Caymanas Park will proceed as planned this Saturday. Solomon Sharpe, SVREL’s executive chairman, emphasized that the race card remains on schedule, with teams working diligently to prepare the track for optimal conditions. However, Sharpe acknowledged that the weather could pose challenges, particularly if the storm intensifies later in the weekend.

  • Isak-less Liverpool look to hit stride in Premier LeagueMan City ‘back’ to their best

    Isak-less Liverpool look to hit stride in Premier LeagueMan City ‘back’ to their best

    As the Premier League heats up, Liverpool faces a critical challenge to end their three-game losing streak when they visit Brentford this Saturday. The Reds must secure a win to stay within reach of league leaders Arsenal and the in-form Manchester City. Meanwhile, City’s nine-game unbeaten run will be put to the test against Aston Villa, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United, buoyed by their recent victory at Anfield, aim to continue their resurgence against Brighton, a team that has consistently troubled them at Old Trafford in recent seasons. The weekend’s fixtures could prove pivotal in shaping the title race and European qualification battles. Liverpool’s fortunes may hinge on the absence of Alexander Isak, their record signing, who sustained a groin injury. His absence could allow Arne Slot to experiment with new formations, potentially reigniting the team’s form. Manchester United’s revival under Ruben Amorim faces a stern test against Brighton, who have dominated recent encounters. For Manchester City, the match at Villa Park will be a litmus test of their title credentials, with Erling Haaland’s prolific form driving their resurgence.

  • NBA coach, player arrested amidst ‘mind-boggling’ gambling scheme

    NBA coach, player arrested amidst ‘mind-boggling’ gambling scheme

    In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the NBA, Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling schemes. The arrests, part of a broader federal investigation, have exposed a complex web of fraud and corruption tied to organized crime and sports betting.

    Billups, a celebrated former Detroit Pistons star and NBA Hall of Famer, is accused of facilitating rigged poker games linked to mafia crime families. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, these high-stakes games utilized advanced cheating technologies, including card-reading shuffling machines and hidden cameras. Meanwhile, Rozier, along with former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, was implicated in a separate sports betting case involving insider information on player injuries and game performances.

    The scope of the alleged fraud is staggering, with tens of millions of dollars reportedly siphoned through these schemes over several years. Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave by the NBA, which emphasized its commitment to preserving the integrity of the game. The league stated, ‘We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.’

    Rozier appeared in federal court in Orlando, Florida, where he was ordered to post bond and surrender his passport. He is scheduled to appear in New York on December 8. Billups, released on bond after his court appearance in Portland, Oregon, is set to face charges in New York on November 24. Both have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

    The investigation has also revealed connections to other NBA teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. One notable incident cited in the indictment involved Rozier allegedly informing co-conspirators of his early exit from a game due to a supposed injury, enabling them to place over $200,000 in wagers and reap substantial profits.

    Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that prosecutors are relying on ‘spectacularly incredible sources’ rather than concrete evidence. The National Basketball Players Association has also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

    This scandal underscores the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in combating corruption and maintaining the trust of its fans. As the legal proceedings unfold, the league’s reputation hangs in the balance, with the integrity of the sport at stake.

  • Pierre added to West Indies T20 squad vs Bangladesh

    Pierre added to West Indies T20 squad vs Bangladesh

    In a strategic move to strengthen their bowling arsenal, the West Indies cricket team has enlisted left-arm spinner Khary Pierre for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh. Pierre’s inclusion comes as a response to injuries sustained by fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were initially part of the squad. Joseph experienced shoulder discomfort during the first training session ahead of the opening ODI against Bangladesh, while Blades was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back, necessitating his return home for rehabilitation. Cricket West Indies officially announced Pierre’s addition in a press release on Thursday. The release stated, ‘Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies T20I squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram, starting on Monday, October 27. Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were originally included in the squad, were ruled out due to injuries.’ The West Indies T20 squad, led by captain Shai Hope, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, including Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Rovman Powell. The series, set to commence in Chattogram, will be a crucial test for the West Indies as they aim to fine-tune their T20 strategy ahead of future international fixtures.

  • SSFL hit with sponsorship cuts, travel issues…league working to improve shortcomings

    SSFL hit with sponsorship cuts, travel issues…league working to improve shortcomings

    The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has encountered significant hurdles this season, including financial constraints, sponsorship cuts, and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, SSFL President Merere Gonzales has reassured the public that the league is actively addressing these problems to maintain its integrity and competitiveness. The 2025 season began with over 100 schools registering, though some withdrew due to logistical difficulties. Gonzales emphasized that withdrawing before fixtures are released is the honorable approach, as post-release withdrawals can result in a two-year ban. The league has also faced issues with the quality of school home venues, particularly in the championship and lower divisions. In one instance, a team in the Central Zone attempted to mark their field with flour minutes before a match, which the referee deemed unacceptable. Many schools without corporate sponsorship struggle to prepare their grounds adequately. Gonzales highlighted the need for more support from relevant authorities to ensure playable and credible standards. Financial challenges have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of sponsorships from the National Gas Company (NGC) and Shell, which has impacted the league’s operations, including the planned inaugural girls premiership. The TT Football Association (TTFA) is collaborating with the SSFL to ensure the girls premiership launches in 2026. Additionally, First Citizens has narrowed its sponsorship to the boys championship, while Coca-Cola remains the title sponsor of the Intercol competition. Traveling schools, particularly those moving to and from Tobago, now have to fund their own travel, leading to postponed games and fixture congestion. The SSFL is also facing broadcasting hardships following the shutdown of SportsMax, but is forming partnerships with Digicel, Rush, and TT Television (TTT) to broadcast matches. In the interim, matches are being broadcast on Tiger Tanks International, 360TV, and Tobago Sports Live. Despite these challenges, the SSFL remains committed to building student-athletes across all divisions. The league has introduced monthly off-season activities, including nutrition, performance, and mental health workshops, to keep schools engaged and prepare student-athletes for the next season.

  • SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns

    SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns

    The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is heating up as four pivotal matches are set to unfold on October 25, starting at 3:30 pm. These games could significantly influence the title race, with the top five teams all in action.

  • LETTER: Are All Sporting Events Real Or Rigged?

    LETTER: Are All Sporting Events Real Or Rigged?

    The authenticity of sporting events has long been a topic of debate among fans, analysts, and stakeholders. A recent letter published in a prominent sports journal raises the provocative question: Are all sporting events real or rigged? The author delves into historical instances of match-fixing, doping scandals, and questionable officiating that have tarnished the reputation of various sports. The letter also highlights the increasing influence of financial incentives, corporate sponsorships, and gambling industries, which some argue create environments ripe for manipulation. While many sports organizations have implemented stringent regulations and monitoring systems to ensure fairness, the letter suggests that these measures may not be foolproof. The discussion extends to the psychological impact on fans, whose trust in the integrity of sports could erode if suspicions of rigging persist. Ultimately, the letter calls for greater transparency, accountability, and independent oversight to safeguard the purity of competitive sports.