分类： sports

Norman Powell, the 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is gearing up for his 11th season in the league, now as a key player for the Miami Heat. After being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in July, Powell is determined to carry forward the momentum he gained while representing Jamaica’s national basketball team this summer. The NBA season is scheduled to commence on October 21, marking Powell’s second debut in months following his pivotal role in helping Jamaica qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers in August. Born in the U.S. to a Jamaican father, Powell has become one of the most prominent figures in Jamaican basketball. His standout performance in the 80-76 overtime victory against Costa Rica, where he scored a game-high 34 points, was instrumental in securing Jamaica’s historic qualification. Powell described his experience with the national team as transformative, deepening his connection to his Jamaican heritage. He expressed his excitement about the overwhelming support from the Jamaican and Caribbean communities, which he hadn’t anticipated. Powell also highlighted the benefits of the FIBA-style play, which he believes will enhance his performance with the Heat. The physicality and intensity of international basketball have prepared him well for the upcoming NBA season. Powell is also looking forward to engaging more with the Jamaican community in Miami, home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S. He plans to visit Jamaica more frequently to contribute to the development of basketball on the island. Last season, Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game with the Clippers but missed out on an All-Star selection. This season, he aims to not only earn that recognition but also help the Heat become a more competitive team. The Heat, who finished the 2024/25 regular season with a 37-45 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs, are looking to Powell to be a driving force in their quest for championship contention.

In a dramatic turn of events during the ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I play-offs on Thursday, defending champions Garvey Maceo High and former champions Glenmuir High secured their places in the Round of 32, albeit with contrasting outcomes. Glenmuir High, despite their strong form, suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat to Kemps Hill High, with Dalton Francis scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, Garvey Maceo High triumphed over Denbigh High with a 2-1 victory, marking their second win against Denbigh this season. Both Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo are now tied at 21 points each, ensuring they finish no lower than third in the group. Their qualification brings the total number of schools advancing to the second round to 12, joining Cornwall College, Mannings School, Cedric Titus High, William Knibb Memorial High, Christiana High, Alphansus Davis High, Manchester High, Central High, Clarendon College, and Ocho Rios High. In other matches, Ferncourt High avenged their earlier loss to York Castle High with a 2-0 win in Zone K, while Morant Bay High climbed to the top of Zone L after a 4-1 victory over Yallahs High. Former champions Rusea’s High, currently on 18 points, aim to secure their spot in the next round with a win over Green Island High, who remain unbeaten in their last four games. Titchfield High and St Mary High also look to strengthen their positions in Zone M with crucial upcoming matches.

The 64th Montego Bay Yacht Club International Marlin Tournament, held from September 25 to 27 along Jamaica’s picturesque north coast, concluded with a resounding victory for the vessel Safe Passage. The event, which drew 16 boats, 100 anglers, and 15 junior competitors, transformed the waters into a dynamic arena of skill, strategy, and endurance. Safe Passage, owned by Chris Berry and Mark Berry and captained by Paco Vela, emerged as the undisputed champion, showcasing unparalleled precision, teamwork, and resilience. The crew released 15 marlins and reported 29 hook-ups, solidifying their place in the tournament’s storied history. The 2025 edition proved to be a rigorous test of persistence and expertise, with Safe Passage earning 1,800 points through six marlin releases by anglers Chris Berry, Brian Pengelley, Bob Rawe, Mark Berry, and Kevin Mann. My Other Toy, led by owner and captain Radcliffe Gayle, secured second place with 613 points, while Sea Horse, owned by Raymond Rousseau and captained by Adam Epstein, claimed third with 600 points. The tournament also celebrated junior angler Harry Ince, who took home the top junior award. Notable catches included a 15.5 lb mahi mahi by Jesse Ince, a 23.1 lb wahoo by Paulette Thai Chen, and a 25.5 lb tuna by Jacques Carvallo. As the oldest active tournament in Jamaica and a premier big-game fishing event in the Caribbean, the 65th anniversary edition, scheduled for September 23 to 27, 2026, promises to further elevate its legacy.

NEW YORK, United States — FIFA has officially revealed the match ball for the 2026 World Cup, named Trionda, which blends cutting-edge technology with symbolic design elements honoring the three co-host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Designed by Adidas, the long-standing provider of World Cup balls since 1970, the Trionda was unveiled at a special event in New York on Thursday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed pride in presenting the ball, which reflects the historic nature of the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and featuring 48 competing teams. The ball’s design incorporates red, blue, and green colors, alongside iconic symbols from each host nation: maple leaves for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and stars for the United States. A triangular motif symbolizes the unity of the three countries. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Trionda boasts advanced technological features, including deep seams for optimal flight stability, embossed icons for enhanced grip in wet conditions, and a motion sensor chip that transmits real-time data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the North American World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA has also initiated its phased online ticket sales, with over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories participating in the presale draw. The tournament’s official draw will take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5.

Aston Villa delivered a commanding performance in the Europa League on Thursday, securing a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Emi Buendia opened the scoring with a stunning 20-yard curler, followed by John McGinn’s composed finish, marking Villa’s triumphant return to the city where they clinched the European Cup in 1982. Despite a rocky start to the season, Unai Emery’s side has now notched three consecutive wins, placing them among the top teams in the competition with six points. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot, stepping in for the injured Emiliano Martinez, made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. “We never lost faith,” Bizot remarked, reflecting on the team’s resurgence. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s European campaign faltered as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at home against Danish side Midtjylland. Defensive lapses proved costly, with Ousmane Diao, Mads Bech, and Valdemar Andreasen capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. Despite Chris Wood’s late penalty, Forest’s new manager Ange Postecoglou remains winless. Rangers’ woes deepened with a 2-1 loss to Sturm Graz in Austria, leaving them pointless in the competition. Manager Russell Martin lamented his team’s poor mentality, while Celtic also struggled, falling 2-0 to Braga at Parkhead. Celtic’s inability to score in key matches has raised concerns for manager Brendan Rodgers, who vowed to find solutions. Elsewhere, Porto, Lyon, and Lille maintained perfect starts, while Basel, Real Betis, and Fenerbahce rebounded from opening defeats.

The ninth edition of the Mayberry Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament commenced on Thursday at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The opening day saw the release of eight Marlin, setting a promising tone for the competition. Leading the pack is Nuh Reely, which successfully released three Marlin, followed by Brac Rebel, Pipe Dream, Wreckless, Daddy’s Dream, and Keepin’ it Jiggy, each releasing one Marlin. The tournament, which will run through Saturday, will culminate in an awards ceremony to honor the top performers. Defending champion Safe Passage is expected to face stiff competition as participants vie for the prestigious title. The event continues to highlight Port Antonio as a premier destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The semifinal matchups for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been finalized, with Jamaica’s Mt Pleasant FA set to clash against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC. The announcement came a day after the conclusion of the group stages on Wednesday. Mt Pleasant FA secured their spot by dominating Group A, amassing a flawless 12 points from four victories without conceding a single goal. Meanwhile, Defence Force FC emerged as Group B runners-up with seven points, narrowly surpassing Barbadian team Weymouth Wales on goal difference. Their qualification was sealed with a decisive 2-0 victory over group leaders Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic. The first leg of the semifinal will take place on October 22 in Trinidad, followed by the return leg in Kingston on October 29. In the other semifinal, Dominican Republic clubs O&M FC and Cibao FC will face off on October 23 and 30 to determine the second finalist. Notably, defending champions Cavalier SC of Jamaica, who had reached the previous two finals, were eliminated in the group stages this year.