Peterson-Griffith is set for the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships

CURRENTLY, Guyana’s most accomplished strongman, Carlos Peterson-Griffith, is set to represent the Golden Arrowhead at what will be the biggest annual World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships slated for June 11–18, next in Malta.

Guyana will be one of the 65 nations present at these championships, with over 400 lifters, 37 referees, and 257 other officials, making it the largest and most diverse participation in any Open Classic World Championship ever.

Peterson-Griffith will be battling the best in the world in the 93kg class and has been preparing for this championship for quite some time. The President, Executive, and Members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) would like to wish this marquee athlete the best in Malta.

Peterson-Griffith noted that it is a great pleasure and journey once again to be representing Guyana at the highest level of the sport that he loves.

"Not just for carrying the entire nation but more so as an individual who has always been willing to pursue greatness. And besides pursuing greatness, I must say that on this journey, it’s not all about me, but more so about the people who have encouraged me, taught me, and continue to teach me and support me throughout. I will endeavor to continue doing my best to make all proud."

He notes that training has been great, and it’s time to showcase to the world and his home country what he is capable of.

GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson, commented that he has been following Peterson-Griffith’s rise in the sport for years and, now at the helm of the body, is privileged to be supporting the athlete at a different ma in his second over. level.

Vriitya Aravind took his time but stabilised the innings with a 70-ball 40, assembling a partnership of 31 off 54 with Rameez Shahzad for the third wicket. The stand was broken when Rameez had to retire hurt in the 12th over following a blow on his helmet off Odean Smith's bowling. Aravind hit a few elegant cover drives and put on 44 runs with Asif Khan for the fourth wicket before being dismissed by legspinner Yannic Cariah when he nicked the ball to the wicketkeeper. He also became UAE's highest run-getter in ODIs with this knock.

"As a Federation, we are well aware of the passion and dedication that Carlos brings to the platform. He is devoted to the sport and always strives to be the best. We look forward to him doing well for himself and Guyana. We also know that his performances continue to be an inspiration to young and upcoming athletes. The powerlifting fraternity, and by extension, Guyana, stands with Carlos and will be repping for him whilst in Malta."

The Federation would like to express profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association for supporting Peterson-Griffith’s participation at these championships.

The athlete is also expressing gratitude to Fitness Express, Superior Concrete, MVP Sports, Space Gym, and a few other individuals who have all contributed.

"I would also like to thank the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation for making it possible for me to make this journey to compete for my country. Thank you all."

Peterson-Griffith is set to wing out on Sunday and will be competing on June 14.

From 100 for 2, UAE suffered a collapse of four wickets for 29 runs. That included the wicket of Rameez, who returned to bat after retiring hurt. Cariah was tough to score off in the middle overs and conceded just 26 runs in his seven overs. UAE, though, bounced back in the final phase of the innings, courtesy of Naseer. Coming in at No. 7, the left-hand batter provided the late push needed to cross the 200-mark. Naseer, 19, showed determination with little support from the other end and went after left-arm spinner, Hodge, hammering two sixes in the 41st over, one over midwicket and another - a slog sweep over wide long-on en route his half-century. Smith, Drakes and Hodge then kept him quiet for a few overs before Naseer ‘held out’ to long-off - Paul's slow offcutter from outside off stump doing the trick. His 52-ball 58 knock consisted of five fours and two sixes. For West Indies, Drakes, Smith, and Cariah ended with two each and Roston Chase took one.

PPP/C $1M Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football finals decided

SWAG and YMCA in men’s final, Speightland face Superstars in women’s title

Swag men will battle YMCA as Speightland collide with Superstars for female honours following the semifinals of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic $1M Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football championship.

The semi-finals were played outside the office at Mackenzie, Linden on Saturday night.

In the women’s semifinals, Superstars dispatched of Dynamo 2-0, thanks to Naomi Williams who sent the winners ahead in the 2nd minute and Patsy Walker’s strike in the 6th.

In the other female semifinal clash that evening, Speightland crushed Nurses 9-2 in an emphatic display of ruthless scoring led by National Under 20 footballer Sheneesa Cornelius who banged in four goals in that victory.

Kyandi Smith added a double and single strikes came from Danacia Williams, Nikita Wayne and Lakeisha Pearson.

Natasha

Headley

and

Janella Gildery netted the two goals for the Nurses.

To reach the men’s final, tournament favourites, Swag, had to turn back the challenge of Young Gunners twice that night, first in a preliminary round game where they won 2-0 thanks to Donovan Francis’ brace.

Both teams eventually met in the semifinal clash and this time the score-line read 4-2 for Swag, with Francis netting twice once more, to complement a brace from Colwyn Drakes.

Devante Tappin scored both goals for the losing Young Gunners.

In the other men’s semifinal, YMCA had to overcome R9, handing them a 5-3 loss. Jamal Bentick and Kevin Gittens both got the double for the winners while Jahu Regis and Jona Simmons each had a goal for R9.

Earlier in the evening, R9 scored a polished 4-0 win over Kara Kara united with Andre Mayers, Jona Simmons, Tasha Rich and Julian Regis being the scorers.

The finals are set for next Saturday at the same venue in Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden.