分类: sports

  • WHEN IN ROME

    WHEN IN ROME

    Jamaican winger Leon Bailey made his much-anticipated AS Roma debut in Serie A, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan. Despite the defeat, Bailey’s brief appearance has already sparked optimism about his potential to elevate Roma’s performance this season. The 28-year-old, who joined Roma on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, became only the third Jamaican-born player to feature in Serie A, following in the footsteps of Luther Blissett (1983) and Trivante Stewart (2023).

    Bailey’s journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges. After falling out of favor at Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery, he sought a fresh start in Italy. However, his transition was delayed by a leg injury sustained during his first training session, which sidelined him for eight matches and prevented him from participating in Jamaica’s Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers in September and October.

    Despite the setback, Bailey remains optimistic. ‘I’m not happy with the result, but I’m glad to be back on the pitch,’ he said. ‘I hope to help the team and fit in as soon as possible. We have to stay positive and move in the right direction.’ His performance caught the attention of legendary Italian sporting director Walter Sabatani, who praised Bailey’s potential to revitalize Roma’s attack. ‘He has the right quality to make an impact,’ Sabatani remarked.

    Italian journalist Daniele Aloisi also highlighted Bailey’s dribbling skills and explosiveness, suggesting he could be the missing piece in manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s offensive strategy. ‘Bailey’s elegance and explosiveness are exactly what Roma needs,’ Aloisi noted. ‘He’s not yet at 100%, but his desire to succeed is evident.’

    Bailey is expected to make his first start for Roma in the UEFA Europa League against Viktoria Plzen and could rejoin Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz for their final World Cup Qualifiers next month. His journey in Serie A is just beginning, but the early signs suggest he could become a key figure for both club and country.

  • Dylan Carter misses out on 50m free final at Swimming World Cup

    Dylan Carter misses out on 50m free final at Swimming World Cup

    Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, narrowly missed securing a spot in the men’s 50-metre freestyle final during the third leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Toronto, Canada, on October 23. Competing in lane five of the sixth and final heat, Carter clocked in at 21.36 seconds, finishing fourth, just 0.11 seconds behind Canada’s Ruslan Gaziev (21.25). The heat was dominated by American swimmer Jack Alexy, who secured first place with a time of 20.92 seconds, followed by Estonia’s Ralf Tribuntsov at 21.22 seconds. Overall, Carter ranked ninth out of 51 participants, narrowly missing the eighth and final qualifying spot for the final, which went to New Zealand’s Cameron Gray with a time of 21.30 seconds. Alexy, who recorded the second-fastest time in the prelims, will advance to the final alongside USA’s Chris Guliano (21.02) and Canada’s Josh Liendo, who topped heat four with a blistering 20.87 seconds. Carter’s journey in the World Cup has been a mix of highs and lows. In the first leg in Indiana, he finished fourth in the 50m freestyle final, while in the second leg in Illinois, he clinched bronze. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke during the opening leg on October 11. Despite this setback, Carter remains a formidable contender in the swimming world.

  • ‘Natty’ James scores double in historic Portland win

    ‘Natty’ James scores double in historic Portland win

    In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Portland Hearts of Pine delivered a resounding 6-1 victory over Spokane Velocity in their USL League One match on October 21. The star of the match was Trinidad and Tobago striker Nathaniel “Natty” James, who scored two stunning goals to set the tone for his team’s dominant performance. The match, held at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, drew a record-breaking crowd of 6,440 spectators, who witnessed Portland’s relentless attack and clinical finishing. James opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise left-footed shot into the top corner, following a brilliant assist from Jay Tee Kamara. Ollie Wright extended the lead with a penalty in the 35th minute, but Spokane managed to pull one back in the 41st minute. James quickly restored Portland’s two-goal advantage with another left-footed strike from outside the box. Nathan Messer and Titus Washington added to the tally, while Kamara capped off the scoring with a stylish finish in the 67th minute. This historic win keeps Portland in playoff contention with one game left in the season.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: ISSA calls off games due to approaching storm

    #EyeOnMelissa: ISSA calls off games due to approaching storm

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an approaching weather disturbance across the Caribbean, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has decided to postpone all scheduled games for the remainder of the week. The announcement, made on Thursday, cited updates from the Meteorological Office as the basis for the decision.

  • ‘Pres’ blow SSFL title race open with win over rivals ‘Naps’

    ‘Pres’ blow SSFL title race open with win over rivals ‘Naps’

    In a thrilling encounter at the Naparima College Ground on October 22, Presentation College San Fernando delivered a significant blow to Naparima College’s unbeaten streak in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came in the second minute of first-half extra time when Josiah Bain’s audacious long-range effort from just outside the center circle found the back of the net, albeit with a stroke of luck. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar, evaded goalkeeper Mikhail Clement’s grasp, and ultimately bounced into the goal, sending the Presentation supporters into a frenzy. Despite Naparima’s relentless efforts to equalize in the second half, including opportunities for substitutes Adasa Richardson and Ryan Radellant, they were unable to break through Presentation’s resilient defense. The result narrows the gap between fourth-placed Presentation (24 points) and league leaders Naparima (27 points), reigniting the title race. Presentation’s coach, Dunstan Williams, expressed satisfaction with the outcome but acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that their title hopes hinge on other teams’ performances. Meanwhile, defending champions Fatima College capitalized on the situation, moving within two points of the top after a high-scoring 6-4 victory over Arima North. The league now heads into its final phase, with several key matches scheduled for October 25, promising intense competition as teams vie for the coveted title.

  • Hillview, Mucurapo West clinch SSFL championship division titles

    Hillview, Mucurapo West clinch SSFL championship division titles

    The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season has reached a thrilling juncture as Hillview College and Mucurapo West Secondary have secured their places in the prestigious Big 5 playoffs. These playoffs, set to commence on October 29, serve as the gateway to the premier division for the following season. Both schools clinched their respective zonal titles on October 21, showcasing their dominance in the championship division. Hillview College, representing the east zone, concluded their campaign with a flawless record, amassing 24 points and a commanding goal difference. Their emphatic 4-0 victory over El Dorado East in their final match solidified their status as east zone champions. Meanwhile, in the north zone, Mucurapo West Secondary edged out East Mucurapo by a single point, sealing their triumph with a resounding 9-0 win against Diego Martin Central. The south zone remains undecided, with Pleasantville Secondary temporarily leading after a 4-0 victory over Rio Claro West. However, Palo Seco Secondary, with two games in hand, remains the favorite to claim the title. Their postponed match against Point Fortin East, delayed due to a bee infestation, is set to be replayed on October 24. In the central zone, Presentation College (Chaguanas) awaits a ruling from the league’s Appeals Committee following an appeal by Chaguanas North Secondary regarding an abandoned fixture. Should the appeal be dismissed, Presentation will be crowned central champions. Speyside Secondary has already secured the Tobago zone title and is poised to begin their Big 5 campaign against the south zone winners. The upcoming Big 5 tournament promises intense competition as these top schools vie for promotion to the premier division.

  • Carter continues hunt for third medal at Swimming World Cup

    Carter continues hunt for third medal at Swimming World Cup

    Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, is set to make waves at the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup as he prepares for the third leg of the competition in Toronto, Canada, starting October 23. The 29-year-old athlete has already showcased his prowess in the earlier stages of the tournament, securing two bronze medals and demonstrating consistent performance across multiple events. In the first leg held in Indiana on October 11, Carter clinched bronze in the men’s 50-meter backstroke. He followed this up with another bronze in the 50m freestyle final during the second leg in Illinois on October 17. Additionally, Carter has achieved notable placements, including fourth in the 50m freestyle and fifth in the 50m butterfly finals in Indiana, as well as a joint fifth-place finish in the 50m backstroke finale in Illinois. In Toronto, Carter will commence his campaign in the 50m freestyle, competing in lane five during the sixth and final heat, scheduled for 12.07 pm (TT time) on October 23, with the final set for 7.09 pm the same day. The competition promises to be fierce, with American Chris Guliano and Canada’s Ilya Kharun having already set impressive times in the previous legs. Carter will also participate in the men’s 50m backstroke heats on October 24 and the 50m butterfly heats the following day, as he continues his quest for glory on the international stage.

  • CWI thanks Windies legends for ‘Mission India’ tour

    CWI thanks Windies legends for ‘Mission India’ tour

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expressed profound gratitude to iconic players Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, and Richie Richardson for their pivotal roles in the ‘Mission India’ corporate engagement tour. This initiative aimed to foster corporate partnerships and enhance the global appeal of the West Indies cricket brand. The tour coincided with the West Indies’ two-match Test series in India from October 2 to October 14, with CWI officially acknowledging the legends’ contributions in a release on October 21. The delegation, led by CWI CEO Chris Dehring and chief commercial officer Rupert Hunter, visited Delhi and Mumbai to explore sponsorship and broadcast opportunities in the Indian market. The legends’ participation in numerous meetings generated significant enthusiasm, reigniting global interest in West Indies cricket. Dehring emphasized the legends’ unwavering dedication, stating, ‘Their willingness to give of themselves so freely speaks volumes about their love and passion for West Indies cricket.’ The tour also included a special golf day, where the legends interacted with current players and team management, further strengthening the bond between past and present cricketing generations. While the release did not confirm any immediate sponsorship deals, it highlighted the enduring influence of West Indies cricket and its legends on global audiences.

  • Panton, Gregg, Swann set for final Rally2 clash

    Panton, Gregg, Swann set for final Rally2 clash

    The Barbados Motoring Federation’s (BMF) 2025 Rally2 Championship is set for an electrifying conclusion this Sunday, with nine special testing stages in the island’s northern region determining the ultimate champion. The double-header finale promises high-octane drama, as just 17 points separate the top three contenders, with a total of 46 points up for grabs. Jamaican drivers Jeff Panton and Kyle Gregg, alongside Britain’s Rob Swann, lead a diverse field of ten cars in their quest for the title. Panton, the 2023 champion, currently tops the standings in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, co-driven by Mike Fennell Jnr. Gregg, also in a Fiesta, has been a consistent performer, securing second place in the first four rounds. Swann, a seasoned rally veteran, is poised for his best shot at the championship, sitting third in the standings. The event, hosted by the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) Winter Rally, marks rounds six and seven of the championship, following the cancellation of last month’s Motoring Club Barbados Inc (MCBI) Rally of the Sun & Stars. Other notable contenders include Josh Read, Adam Mallalieu, and Roger Hill, all vying for a strong finish. The competition will feature challenging routes, including runs from French Village to The Rock and Pickering to Luke Hill, with reverse stages adding to the complexity. The rally will also see participation from international teams, including Paul Horton of the Turks & Caicos Rally Team and America’s George Sherman, ensuring a truly global showdown.

  • SVG launches Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament

    SVG launches Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament

    St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is gearing up to host the 2025 Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament, a marquee event that will bring together some of the finest cricket teams from the Caribbean, North America, and the United Kingdom. Scheduled from October 24 to November 1, the tournament is a highlight of the nation’s 46th Independence celebrations, showcasing 21 teams in a thrilling display of cricketing excellence. The event is organized by the SVG government, the SVG Tourism Authority, the SVG National Sports Council, and the Ministries of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, Culture, and Sport. The grand finale on November 1 will feature a T20 night match at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, where the West Indian Masters XI, boasting legends like Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, and Mervyn Dillon, will take on the Rest of the World Masters XI. Minister of Tourism, Carlos James, emphasized the tournament’s significance in celebrating SVG’s talent, unity, and resilience, while also boosting sports tourism and creating opportunities for local communities. Minister of Sports Orando Brewster highlighted the event’s role in youth engagement and community development, calling it a bridge that connects generations and inspires national pride. The SVG Tourism Authority is collaborating with the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports to position the tournament as a cornerstone of sports tourism, enhancing SVG’s reputation as a premier sporting destination in the Caribbean.