分类： sports

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The ISSA daCosta Cup football competition is set for a thrilling Monday as former champions Dinthill Technical aim to seize the lead in Zone J. They will host Charlemont High in a rescheduled match starting at 2:00pm. Currently, Dinthill sits in second place with 15 points from six games, just one point behind leaders McGrath High, who have played seven games. Under the guidance of coach Lenworth Hyde, Dinthill previously defeated Charlemont 3-0 in the first round. Even a draw on Monday would propel them ahead of McGrath on goal difference, thanks to their recent 14-0 demolition of Tacius Golding High, surpassing their previous five-game total of 13 goals. Meanwhile, Herbert Morrison Technical and May Day High are also in action, with both teams eyeing crucial wins to climb the points table. Herbert Morrison, third in Zone A with 12 points, face St James High in a must-win game to stay in contention for automatic qualification. May Day High, trailing in Zone F with 14 points, will take on Mt St Joseph Catholic, who are recovering from a 10-0 loss to Manchester High. Monday’s matches promise high stakes and intense competition as teams vie for second-round spots.

Montego Bay United solidified their position at the top of the Jamaica Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Chapelton Maroons at Turners Field in Clarendon. Despite falling behind early, Montego Bay showcased resilience to secure the win, extending their lead to 16 points, four ahead of Racing United and Portmore United, who played out a goalless draw. Chapelton Maroons, now winless in their last four matches, took an early lead through Andrew Vanzie’s sixth-minute penalty. However, Okeemo Jones leveled the score with a stunning free-kick in the 31st minute, marking his first-ever JPL goal. Dwight Merrick sealed the victory with a decisive strike in the 53rd minute. Chapelton’s struggles were compounded when Carlton Brown received a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, leaving them a player short for the second consecutive game. Meanwhile, Waterhouse FC fought back from a goal down but were held to a 1-1 draw by Mt Pleasant FA, thanks to goalkeeper Tafari Chambers’ late penalty save. Defending champions Cavalier secured their second straight win, defeating Tivoli Gardens 2-0, while Molynes United staged a remarkable comeback to draw 2-2 with Spanish Town Police FC, courtesy of a brace from substitute Wisdom Ubani.

Jockey Raddesh Roman, affectionately known as ‘Sneaky Fox,’ delivered a spectacular performance at Caymanas Park on Sunday, securing his 100th victory of the season. Riding He Stands Alone in the fifth race, Roman showcased his exceptional skills in a Restricted Allowance V contest, which featured native-bred and imported five-year-olds and older horses. The race, held over a straight five-furlong (1000m) course, saw He Stands Alone, trained by Gary Crawford, clinch victory by a half-length ahead of Storm Boy and Jet Ski Girl, with a final time of 1:04.0.

Roman’s journey to this milestone began earlier in the day, where he secured his 99th win aboard Tigeramedat in the third race, setting the stage for his historic achievement. He continued his dominance by guiding Bootylicious to victory in the prestigious Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, a $1.25-million Division 1 sprint. Bootylicious, trained by Peter-John Parsard, finished three lengths clear with an impressive time of 59.3 seconds.

In Division 2 of the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, Get A Pepsi, trained by Robert Pearson and ridden by Richard Henry, claimed victory by 2¼ lengths in 58.3 seconds. With these remarkable performances, Roman solidified his status as one of the season’s top jockeys. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling action as the season continues this Saturday.

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has voiced serious concerns about the future of the Caribbean team, warning that without strategic reforms, their struggles will persist. The Windies have faced mounting criticism following a series of poor performances, including a humiliating 27 all out against Australia in July and becoming the first team to lose a T20 series to Nepal. These setbacks have intensified scrutiny on Cricket West Indies (CWI), the region’s governing body, which held an emergency meeting in August to address the crisis. Attendees included former captains Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, who discussed potential solutions to revive the team’s fortunes. Gayle, a two-time T20 World Cup winner with nearly 500 international appearances, attributed the team’s decline to inadequate infrastructure and poor player management. He emphasized that countries like India, England, and Australia thrive due to their robust cricket development systems, which the Caribbean lacks. Despite the challenges, Gayle remains committed to supporting West Indies cricket, expressing unwavering passion for the team. Following the emergency meeting, CWI announced plans for immediate and long-term reforms, including a mentorship program connecting former players with emerging talent. Gayle’s insights underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to restore the Windies’ former glory.

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has attributed his phenomenal start to the season to the calming influence of his baby son, following his decisive goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Brentford. Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, a testament to his predatory instincts, propelled City to fifth place in the Premier League standings. The Norwegian forward has now scored in nine consecutive appearances for both club and country, marking the longest scoring streak of his career. With 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions this season and six more for Norway, Haaland’s form has been nothing short of sensational. Tottenham remains the only team to have kept him off the scoresheet this campaign. Haaland, 25, believes he is in peak physical and mental condition, a state he credits to the birth of his first child in December. “I have never felt better than I do now. It’s about preparation, both physically and mentally. Having a kid has helped me disconnect from football and relax more,” he said. Haaland’s 18th goal of the season leaves Anfield as the only Premier League ground where he is yet to score. Reflecting on his goal against Brentford, Haaland ranked it among his best for City, praising his ability to evade defenders and convert Josko Gvardiol’s long pass with a clinical finish. “This goal is top for me because of the whole situation. It was a tough game, but we prepared well,” he added. Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has amassed an astonishing 94 Premier League goals in just 104 appearances. His performance against Brentford, despite their defensive tactics, has reportedly intensified interest from Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who views Haaland as a top transfer target. However, Haaland remains focused on helping City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who are three points ahead. “It’s not easy to break down a low block, but winning feels even better,” Haaland concluded. In other Premier League results, Aston Villa defeated Burnley 2-1, Everton edged Crystal Palace 2-1, Newcastle triumphed 2-0 over Nottingham Forest, and Wolves drew 1-1 with Brighton.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Bernard Julien, the celebrated all-rounder and a pivotal member of the West Indies team that clinched the inaugural 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup, passed away on Saturday night in Trinidad. He was 75 years old. A family member confirmed his death in Valsayn, located in the north-western region of Trinidad. Sir Clive Lloyd, the iconic West Indies captain, paid tribute to Julien, describing him as an indispensable asset to the 1975 World Cup-winning squad. Lloyd emphasized Julien’s unwavering commitment, stating, “He always gave you ‘over 100 per cent’. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time…what a fine cricketer.” Lloyd also recalled Julien’s popularity and respect among teammates and fans alike, highlighting a memorable Test match victory at Lord’s where Julien spent hours signing autographs. Julien, a left-arm seam bowler and a stylish right-handed batsman, made his first-class debut at 18 and his Test debut for the West Indies at 23 during the 1973 tour of England. He quickly made an impact with a century at Lord’s, scoring 121 off 127 balls and forming a record partnership with Garfield Sobers. During the 1975 World Cup, Julien delivered standout performances, including a Man-of-the-Match display against Sri Lanka with figures of 4-20 and a crucial 4-27 against New Zealand in the semi-finals. Although he went wicket-less in the final, his unbeaten 26 played a key role in the West Indies’ 17-run victory over Australia.

Following their inability to defend the Concacaf Caribbean Cup title, Cavalier FC’s Assistant Coach David Lalor has expressed the team’s determination to secure a spot in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) final. This would pave the way for a swift return to the regional stage. The reigning back-to-back JPL champions secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Tivoli Gardens on Sunday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, marking their first clean sheet in six games this season. Christopher Ainsworth’s stunning free kick in the 76th minute and Jamilhio Rigters’ stoppage-time strike sealed the win. Lalor highlighted the team’s improved defensive performance and their focus on climbing the league standings. Despite their recent Caribbean Cup disappointment, where they exited at the group stage, Cavalier remains committed to reclaiming their dominance. Lalor emphasized the club’s broader goal of player development and securing opportunities for players to gain exposure. Meanwhile, Tivoli Gardens continues to struggle, with just one win in seven games this season. Head Coach Jerome Waite stressed the need for discipline and organization among his players. The team also faces emotional challenges following the resignation of long-time president Ann-Marie “Dawn” Heron. Waite remains hopeful that the players can overcome these setbacks and regain their form.

In a historic match at Drewsland Stadium on Monday, Treasure Beach FC clinched their first-ever victory against former champions Arnett Gardens, securing a narrow 1-0 win in the first round of the Jamaica Premier League. This triumph marked a significant turnaround for Treasure Beach, who had previously suffered defeats in both encounters against Arnett Gardens two seasons ago. The win also ended a five-game winless streak, reigniting their momentum after their initial victory against Spanish Town Police FC earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Harbour View also celebrated a 1-0 victory over Dunbeholden FC, joining Treasure Beach at eight points in the league standings. Both teams secured their wins through penalty kicks, marking their second victories of the season.

In the second game of the double-header, Jahiem Harris, who entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored the decisive goal 20 minutes later, halting Arnett Gardens’ three-game winning streak. Earlier in the day, Trayvone Reid’s penalty in the eighth minute ensured Harbour View’s third consecutive win over St Catherine-based Dunbeholden FC, who currently sit in 10th place with seven points.

A mysterious 10-second video shared by NBA legend LeBron James on Monday sent shockwaves across the internet, leaving fans and media alike speculating about its meaning. The video, posted on James’ social media channels, teased a major announcement dubbed “The Second Decision,” scheduled for 1600 GMT on Tuesday. This immediately drew parallels to his infamous 2010 “Decision,” where he revealed his move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. The timing of the video is particularly significant, as James, now 40, is set to make history by becoming the first NBA player to begin a 23rd season. At a recent Lakers media day, James hinted that retirement is on the horizon, stating, “It’s a lot sooner than later.” However, the video’s ambiguity has also fueled theories about a potential commercial venture, given James’ extensive partnerships with brands like Amazon, which is hosting a sales event on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the speculation has already impacted ticket prices for the Lakers’ final home game against the Utah Jazz on April 12. According to reports, the cheapest ticket on Tickpick surged from $85 to $445, while SeatGeek and Ticketmaster listed prices as high as $821 and $955, respectively. Whether the announcement marks the end of an era or a new business endeavor, the world eagerly awaits James’ next move.

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Jamaican motorsport sensation Sara Misir secured a second-place finish at the Lagos Grand Prix in Nigeria on Sunday. This remarkable performance not only highlighted her individual prowess but also propelled Team Blue Rising to third place in the team standings, setting the stage for an electrifying season finale at the E1 Series Grand Final in Miami on November 7–8. This event marked the first time the E1 Series was held in Africa, adding historical significance to the competition. Misir, alongside teammate John Peeters, built on their recent victory at the Monaco Grand Prix on July 19, delivering another strong showing in Lagos. Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed the top spot, while Team Drogba rounded out the podium in third. Misir’s strategic brilliance was evident as she surged from seventh to second place in the opening race, setting the tone for Peeters’ commanding win in his heat. Their combined efforts earned Misir a third-place grid position for the final race, where she demonstrated exceptional consistency and racecraft to secure second overall. This podium finish marks Team Blue Rising’s third consecutive top-three result, following victories in Monaco and Italy earlier this season. With four podium finishes in six events, Misir’s debut season in motorboat racing has been nothing short of extraordinary. The team now stands third in the championship standings, poised for a thrilling showdown in Miami. ‘It was a really intense race weekend, and I’m proud of how we fought through the field,’ Misir remarked. ‘The team strategy paid off, and we’re in a strong position heading into Miami. We can’t wait to give it my all at the Grand Final.’ The Miami Grand Prix promises high stakes and high drama as Misir continues to make waves for Jamaica in the world of motorsport.