05012017 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017

FOUR STRAIGHT!

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

T

he Spanish Wells Bulldogs won the Bahamas Softball Federation’s annual Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles National High School senior boys’ softball championship title for the fourth consecutive year.

In a showdown between two undefeated teams, the Bulldogs prevailed with an impressive 18-3 rout over the Charles W Saunders Cougars in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday night.

“It was good, but I still don’t think it was our best,” said Spanish Wells’ head coach Delano Cartwright. “We practiced religiously and we practice with one strike on the batter.

“So we don’t look for a walk like everybody else. We practice as if we have two strikes on us, but it’s only one strike. So if any pitcher wants to beat our programme, they have to last. If they don’t last, they won’t beat us.”

Cartwright didn’t have to worry about his pitcher. Kade Roberts was as solid as a rock in leading the Bulldogs to victory from the mound, striking out his final batter with two runners on base to end the game and the tournament.

“I think it was a great team effort. We played awesome,” Roberts said. “We hit the ball. That was what we had to do tonight. It feels awesome to win four straight.

I’m just elated that I was able to be a part of all of them.”

Also making their contribution to the team’s success were Carlos Tador with a 2-for-3 night with three RBI and two runs scored, Duran Roberts with a 2-for-2 day with three RBI and two runs and Dominic Pinder with a 1-for-4 outing with a RBI and a run scored.

Kristin Fulford went 1-for-2 with a RBI and Khawan Dames suffered the loss.

NBA

Playoffs, Pg 5

SERENA WINS, BREAKS HER NATIONAL RECORD IN Spanish Wells Bulldogs win annual Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles National High School DISCUS senior boys’ softball championship title

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: The Spanish Wells Bulldogs with their winning trophy.

“I felt pretty good, but when you buck up to good pitching, it stops good hitting,” said Charles W Saunders’ head coach Brad Wood Sr. “Spanish Wells need to be commended on the job they did.

“That pitching from Spanish Wells is just fantastic. If I had a pitcher like him, I think I would win the national title every year.”

Wood, who was assisted by his son Brad Jr, had the best versatile player in the tournament in Dames, who was named the most valuable player.

Dames, who played between third base and on the mound, enjoyed a 6-for-7 plate appearance, scoring six runs for a batting aver-

age of .857. He ripped a single, two triple and three home runs with five RBI. And on the mound, Dames had a 1-0 win-loss record. In the two innings he pitched, he had three strike outs with three walks and gave up one earned run.

Comets secure bronze The Queen’s College Comets had to settle for the bronze medal after they took their frustrations out on the CR Walker Knights with a 15-10 slug-fest.

Gary Cox went 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored, Trean Dorsett was 2-for-3 with a RBI and three runs scored, Cameron Dean

was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, Rumalo Elis was 2-for-2 with a run scored and Tyler Kemp was 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.

Ellis was the winning pitcher.

Rashawn Wallace went 1-for2 with two RBI and a run scored and Christopher Brown was 2-for2 with a RBI and run scored in a losing effort.

Crossover Playoffs Spanish Wells 4, Queen’s College 3: Dominic Pinder went 2-for2 with two RBI and he scored the winning run on Duran Roberts’ two-out RBI sacrifice fly in the

SEE PAGE 4

Bahamas falls to 2017 FIFA WORLD CUP THRUSTS Senegal 10-1, does BAHAMAS INTO SPOTLIGHT AS BEACH SOCCER HUB IN CARIBBEAN not reach quarters

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 has thrust the Bahamas into the spotlight as the hub of beach soccer in the region and the international governing body of the sport looks toward further development.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino was on hand for the opening day of competition at the tournament and applauded the hosts for creating an ideal atmosphere for the game.

“I’m very excited to be here in the Bahamas for this Beach Soccer World Cup. It’s great fun, it is a great atmosphere and what the players have presented on the pitch has been world class. Technically, physically, it’s been great fun,” he said, “We can see that not only in football, but in beach soccer the play has

TEAM Bahamas ran into one of the most prolific offences of the tournament thus far and suffered a lopsided loss in their second game of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.

The Bahamas suffered a 10-1 loss to Senegal Saturday night at the national beach soccer stadium in game two of the tournament for each team. The Senegalese team has now stockpiled 19 goals in just two games after a 9-0 win over Ecuador in their opener.

It ended the Bahamas’ bid to reach the knockout stage, while Senegal was one of three teams to advance to the quarter-final on the evening.

Gavin Christie scored the

been going up. The level of play has increased so that maybe countries that do not have such a rich history, they train, they take themselves seriously and you see the result.”

SEE PAGE 2

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SERENA Brown had another record-breaking performance at the Mt SEC relays, while the men and women national teams didn’t fear so well at the Penn Relays where Brown’s alma mater, St Augustine’s College, had a successful showing.

And at the Drake Relays at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, over the weeken, Devynne Charlton helped Purdue to pull off a hurdles shuttle win over Pedrya Seymour and Illinois.

Brown, a freshman at Texas A&M, increased her own national record to 56.84 metres on her fourth attempt to win the women’s discus at the 2017 SEC Relays at the Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Her nearest rival was Janeah Stewart, a junior at

SEE PAGE 3

REGULATORS, HIGH FLYERS WIN TITLE IN BASKETBALL NATIONALS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

lone goal for the Bahamas, his team-leading second of the tournament.

The Bahamas is slated to face Ecuador at 8pm tonight in the evening’s finale.

Bahamian national team head coach Alexandre Soares said the side did not display the toughness and enthusiasm from night one when they nearly pulled off the upset over Switzerland in a 3-2 loss.

“It was a bad performance.

Our team played very bad in defence and had no fight,” he said. “I wish we had the same

MR Ship It Freight Regulators and Breezes High Flyers represented the New Providence Basketball Association very well at the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s National Round Robin Tournament.

The two teams brought the respective men’s division 1 and II titles back to New Providence after their victories over the weekend in Marsh Harbor, Abaco.

The Regulators, coached

by Don ‘Robo Cop’ Dorsett, defeated the Grand Bahama Shipyard Cruisers 84-82 as Brian Bain walked away with the MVP award after he hit the game-winning basket with just seven seconds left to play.

Bain finished with 21 points, five assists, three steals and two assists. Eugene Bain, however, led Mr Ship It Freight with 25 points and six rebounds.

Cruz Simon had 14 points and six rebounds and Miguel Mackey also had 14 points with eight assists and five rebounds.

SEE PAGE 2

SEE PAGE 3

ISLAND NATION TO FACE ECUADOR TONIGHT

COUGARS SENIOR GIRLS TAKE NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Charles W Saunders Cougars, coming off their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ championship run, added the Bahamas Softball Federation’s national senior girls championship crown to their collection.

On Saturday night in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the Cougars pulled off the annual Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles title with a resounding 17-7 win over the Queen’s College

SEE PAGE 4

SWEET VICTORY: The Charles W Saunders Cougars senior girls celebrate their title win.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 2, Monday, May 1, 2017

Paraguay gets 5-3 win over Portugal

THE TRIBUNE

BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP AT A GLANCE (Team’s world ranking) Group A

P 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 0 0

L 0 0 2 12

F 19 12 3 5

A Pts 1 6 7 6 13 0 18 0

P 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

F 17 7 11 6

A 10 7 16 8

P 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

F A 5 4 10 5 7 6 2 9

Pts 5 3 3 0

P 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 0

F 11 12 5 8

Pts 6 3 3 0

Senegal (17) Switzerland (6) Bahamas (48) Ecuador (21) Group B Italy (4) Iran (5) Nigeria (24) Mexico (12) Group C UAE (10) Portugal (1) Paraguay (9) Panama (28) Group D Brazil (3) Japan (8) Tahiti (7) Poland (15)

A 5 8 7 16

Pts 6 3 2 0

Group phase Thursday April 27 Group A: Ecuador 0 Senegal 9, Bahamas 2 Switzerland 3 Group B: Iran 3 Mexico 2, Nigeria 6 Italy 12 Friday April 28 Group C: Portugal 7 Panama 0, United Arab Emirates 3 Paraguay 2 Group D: Japan 9 Poland 4, Brazil 4 Tahiti 1 Saturday April 29 Group A: Switzerland 9 Ecuador 5, Senegal 10 Bahamas 1 Group B: Italy 5 Iran 4, Mexico 4 Nigeria 5 (after extra time) Sunday April 30 Group C: Paraguay 5 Portugal 3, Panama 2 United Arab Emirates 2 (UAE win on penalties) Group D: Tahiti 4 Japan 3, Poland 4 Brazil 7 Monday May 1 3.30pm: Group B: Italy v Mexico 5pm: Group A: Switzerland v Senegal 6.30pm: Group B: Nigeria v Iran 8pm: Group A: Bahamas v Ecuador Tuesday May 2 3.30pm: Group D: Tahiti v Poland 5pm: Group C: Paraguay v Panama 6.30pm: Group D: Brazil v Japan 8pm: Group C: United Arab Emirates v Portugal Win - 3 points Win after extra time - 2 points Win on penalties - 1 point Top two teams in each group qualify for knockout stages Thursday May 4 Quarter-finals 3.30pm: Group C winner v Group D runner-up 5pm: Group D winner v Group C runner-up 6.30pm: Group A winner v Group B runner-up 8pm: Group B winner v Group A runner-up Saturday May 6 Semi-finals 3pm: Winner quarter-final 1 v winner quarterfinal 3 4.30pm: Winner quarter-final 2 v winner quarter-final 4 PARAGUAY yesterday earned a 5-3 victory over Portugal in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at the Malcolm Park national beach soccer stadium. Group A and Group B will return to the sand tonight with four matches on the schedule. Italy will face Mexico at 3:30pm (Group B), Switzerland and Senegal will decide the top team in Group A at 5pm, followed by Nigeria versus Iran at 6:3 pm and finally, the Bahamas versus Ecuador.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Bahamas falls to Senegal 10-1, does not reach quarter-finals FROM PAGE 1

performance we had against Switzerland. Against Senegal we did not play with intelligence, we did not fight and you see the result. It was not even the first period but we were thrown off in the first four minutes. Within that first four minutes, it was already 4-0, it’s our mentality in this aspect that we need to improve.”

Soares, a native of Brazil, holds the record for being the only coach to lead a national beach soccer team to four world titles. He led Brazil to the FIFA World Beach Soccer titles in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He was the head coach of the Brazil national beach soccer team from 2005 to 2011.

“Now is time to talk to the team, motivate the team and try to win one game in the World Cup,” Soares said.

The African champions raced out to a five-goal lead in the first period and never looked back, as the Bahamas struggled to contain

Senegal’s attack. Ibrahima Balde struck a hat-trick before Papa Ndoye and Hamad Diouf each scored a brace to book Senegal’s place in the quarter-finals alongside Switzerland.

Bahamian goalkeeper, Julio Jemison, said the slow start defensively placed the Bahamas into a hole they were unable to recover from.

“We allowed the guys to play their game. What we did against Switzerland is we forced them to play the game we wanted them to play but we weren’t able to do that against them. We gave Senegal too much freedom and they took advantage of us,” he said. “Defending them was a bit of a struggle because their playing style was so unique. They’re probably one of the only teams that play like that, that keeps the ball in the sand and they’re a bit unpredictable. Their players are world class so it was a bit of a struggle restricting them. I think we gave them too much space

and too much time on the ball. Ecuador doesn’t play the same way, but we’ll take this game learn from it and come back on Monday with a vengeance. The only option is to get ready and work harder and get ready for the next one.”

Bahamian forward Lesly St Fleur was also critical of his team’s lack of ability to respond to an early deficit.

“We had a game plan, we just didn’t execute so we couldn’t succeed, but it wasn’t really tough. When the four goals happened, we couldn’t really fight back from the early deficit. We lacked focus, everyone’s head went down and we couldn’t lift each other up. You have to believe and we didn’t go out there and believe. We have to go back to the drawing board. We have to work on some things, in particular, our throws and our finishing but the crowd never gave up on is, they were there since CONCACAF and were with us tonight up until the last

whistle.”

Italy and Switzerland joined Senegal to become the first three countries to book their places in the quarterfinals. Italy defeated Iran 5-4 while Switzerland defeated Ecuador 9-5.

Senegal has also allowed just one goal thus far in the tournament to rank as the top defensive team.

Balde made it clear that he and his teammates are not getting carried away: “We’re really happy. We’ve played very well, although we haven’t achieved anything yet. The tournament will begin in earnest for us in the quarter-finals,” he said.

Group A and Group B will return to the sand tonight with four matches on the schedule.

Italy will face Mexico at 3:30 pm (Group B), Switzerland and Senegal will decide the top team in Group A at 5pm, followed by Nigeria versus Iran at 6:3 pm and finally, the Bahamas versus Ecuador.

Sunday May 7 3pm: Third place match 4.30pm: Final

BAHAMAS BEACH SOCCER HUB IN CARIBBEAN REGION FROM PAGE 1

In addition to the Bahamas, teams participating include Switzerland, Ecuador, Senegal, Nigeria, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, Panama, Brazil, Tahiti, Poland, United Arab Emirates, Iran and Japan.

Portugal hosted the 2015 edition of the Beach Soccer World Cup and took home the tournament trophy in their role as hosts.

This is first time that the World Cup has been hosted in a CONCACAF nation. Organisers for the biennial event said while each host destination has its own unique appeal, The Bahamas has attracted increased attention because of its atmosphere.

Infantino said witnessing the progression of the Bahamian team and the enthusiasm of its fanbase shoes just how much the sport has developed.

“It is great to play this event here in the Bahamas because it’s important for the young people, it’s important for the whole region and it’s important to show that both football and beach soccer can develop all over the world,” he said following the Bahamas’ 3-2 loss to Switzerland. “It was great to be here to witness that match because you get to see the enthusiasm of the people. They came out to support, they follow the sport and they have great passion. That’s what we want to see in beach soccer, for people to come out, have fun and enjoy the sport. Here you have the sun, the sand, the beach and the always-smiling friendly people of the Bahamas who are absolutely fantastic.”

Infantino was elected the 9th president of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016. With his election, he became the first Italian to hold the Presidency of FIFA. The final day of opening round play concludes tonight and quarter-finals play begins on Thursday, May 4.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 1, 2017, PAGE 3

Lack of funding directed toward development ‘the greatest obstacle to Bahamian athletics’ TO say my last column touched some nerves may be an understatement.

In the days that followed last Monday’s column, I have received countless calls, emails and a few texts that took my input on country’s track and field product to task.

In addition to being implored to pen an apology to Christine Amertil herself, I have been asked to “go look up and study all of her feats and accomplishments, one by one”.

Further to that, I have been lectured on the “talent pool” of Bahamian track and field and its pace of development.

Yes, it has been a long week.

Now while I respect and appreciate all of this, I see it necessary to publish the one constant view that drives my writing; no one view is final, as no one view is all-encompassing.

With that said, I extend an understanding to all the views and comments presented to me over the last week, all of which were read, researched, addressed where needed and added to my ever-expanding view on the nature, direction and development of Bahamian sports.

This week, I commend one respondent in particular who, whether he intended to or not, brought me to

the crossroads of limitations due to size, population and talent, and the need never to rest on one’s laurels.

In addition to being a staunch student of history both social and athletic - I am a proud Bahamian that views our small, but successful country as one never limited by its size, deficiencies and outright inability to match wits with others.

To Vaughn Nembhard, your claim that, “the pool will just not be deep enough (to) consistently (compete) like Jamaica and USA”, may be true when composed against time; but I am of the view that this could change with a simple influx of funding.

This has been my view from day one. The Bahamas, despite its size and population is not falling short due to these elements, rather it has and continues to succeed in spite of them.

The greatest obstacle to Bahamian athletics has always been the lack of funding being directed toward development.

I have written for much of the last year about circumstances in which kids are succeeding and overcoming despite a lack of facilities, equipment, technology, medical capabilities; and in some cases, proper coaching.

Thus, my argument continues to be, the talent pool

FOURTH QUARTER PRESS

BY RICARDO WELLSedia.net rwells@tribunem

“THIS HAS BEEN MY VIEW FROM DAY ONE. THE BAHAMAS, DESPITE ITS SIZE AND POPULATION IS NOT FALLING SHORT DUE TO THESE ELEMENTS, RATHER IT HAS AND CONTINUES TO SUCCEED IN SPITE OF THEM. THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO BAHAMIAN ATHLETICS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE LACK OF FUNDING BEING DIRECTED TOWARD DEVELOPMENT.” in The Bahamas isn’t small, it is just severally under developed and encouraged.

Case in point, in a country with a handful of indoor, properly contracted, hardwood courts; The Bahamas has for the past five decades produced compelling basketball talents.

Moreover, the caliber of

this talent has pushed not only NBA level executives to question what else may be hiding on these scattered rocks, but collegiate personnel to make The Bahamas a noted stop on its journey to discovering top tier talent.

Despite this however, both the public and private

sectors have continued to walk around the idea of establishing proper youth leagues that compiles the best features of church leagues, school leagues, and even the night leagues.

To its credit, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has done a great deal to pull these independent factions together to work toward a single and absolute goal improving basketball skill in The Bahamas.

To recall a column written by one of my more respected media colleagues, Mr Fred Sturrup: “This is interesting because while these events enjoy huge television markets and generate heaps of money, somehow the BBF remains always in dire need of funds to effectively coördinate a meaningful national program.”

You see, I used basketball as my prime example because it is the case most familiar to the public.

But this is also the case with track and field, tennis, swimming, softball, baseball, boxing; heck, all across the board.

No matter the sport, the issue remains, not enough funding.

If you were to reach out to any coach associated with any professional sport the world over and were to ask them about The Bahamas, I can guarantee that

they would be aware of some athletic talent here that could be a star.

Further to that, I can almost project, word for word, their second point - there is also this other kid that if placed in a better position, could be something special.

The Bahamas, for whatever reason has been blessed. With that blessing comes so much naturally capable athletes.

However, financing has limited how that natural talent is discovered, addressed and directed.

Far too often our country opts to put money into events and circumstances that celebrate the result of athletes. Hardly ever is that seem enthusiasm and financing placed behind planting the seeds that yields the fruit.

So if my point last week was missed, allow me to note again, in our rush to celebrate the fruits of this spectacular Bahamian tree, may we remember to nurture the soil that yielded the tree.

After all, if we do, those one or two fruits we celebrate can be the precursor to many and not just the lot that survives a tough and rugged bearing process.

• Fourth Quarter Press appears every Monday in Tribune Sports – comments and responses to rwells@ tribunemedia.net

REGULATORS, HIGH FLYERS WIN TITLE IN BASKETBALL NATIONALS FROM PAGE 1 For the Cruisers, Jay Philippe had a game high 27 points with five rebounds and three assists.

Leon Cooper had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists, Jamik Pitt had 12 points and 11 rebounds and Marco Cooper added 12 points and five rebounds.

The Bimini Marlins picked up the bronze medal after winning 55-50 over the Murphy Town Bombers. CJ Sears scored 21 points with five rebounds for the winners. Timothy Bullard and Theophilus Wallace both had 11 in the loss.

In the division II final, the High Flyers nipped the Marsh Harbour Hoppers 61-60 on Jeremy Neely’s 1-of-2 free throws with 14 seconds remaining in the game and he ended up with

23 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Shanton Pratt was named the MVP. He scored 20 points with three rebounds, two assists and as many steals. Dwight Moss and Delano Forbes both had six points and six rebounds to help out.

Donnie Culmer got into Abaco just in time to coach his Breezes’ team to the championship victory after he missed the opening day of the tournament on Thursday.

He remained in town to coach his Bommer Gee Lady Operators with assistant coach Anthony Swaby as they pulled off the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association’s championship crown for the second consecutive year.

Malik Penn scored a game high 24 points with

four assists and two steals to lead the losers. Edney Bethel had 14 points and 12 rebounds.

The South Andros Elites won 40-37 over the Bimini Marlins for third place.

Basil Adderley and John Woodside had 12 and 11 points respectively in the win. Gevin Saunders and Stanley Stuart had a game high 13 and 11 points each in the loss. Stuart also had 10 rebounds.

In the division II playoffs earlier in the day, the Flyers knocked off the Marlins 4234 and the Hoopers pounded the Elites 47-33 to set up the championship and third place matches between the two winners and the losers.

The division 1 playoffs, also on Saturday, saw the Regulators win 65-61 over the Bombers and the Cruisers sailed past the Marlins

50-47 to complete their championship and third place matches.

Federation’s public relations officer Eugene Horton, who also serves as the president of the NPBA, congratulated the Regulators and the High Flyers for bringing the two titles to New Providence.

“The round robin was competitive and there was great fan support from the fans in Abaco,” he said.

“We look forward to repeating in Grand Bahama next year.”

Once again, the federation didn’t have a ladies’ league as there were no teams to play the Lady Operators. The federation, however, is hoping that they can revive the ladies’ programme by next year when the nationals goes to Grand Bahama.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Brian Bain.

SERENA BROWN BREAKS HER NATIONAL RECORD IN THE DISCUS FROM PAGE 1 Old Miss, who threw 56.00m on her first attempt.

“This one felt really good,” Brown told The Tribune after her performance. “The girl who was in second, who threw 56-feet, and I was able to answer back, so it was quite an amazing feeling.

“Being able to do that and get the win was just fantastic. All of my coaches and team-mates were so excited so the atmosphere was so jovial.”

Brown also threw the shot put on Saturday where she was eighth with 13.93m (45-08.50). Stewart won the event with 17.82m (5805.75). “I was able to move up to number one in my conference this weekend and number two in the world junior list,” said Brown of her performance in the discus.

“My practices have been going really good and it has showed in my performances in the meets, so I’m just looking for some good things the rest of the season.”

Penn Relays After failing to make the finals at the IAAF/BTC World Relays last weekend at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations sent its men and women 4 x 400 metre relay teams to the Penn Relays Festival to improve on their times.

Competing in the showdown dubbed: The USA versus the World Elite Relays, neither team were able to improve on what they did here as they missed a couple of key athletes.

The women’s team, without Olympic gold medallist Shaunae Miller, did not finish. The team comprised of Lanece Clarke, Christine Amertil, V’Alonee

SERENA BROWN Robinson and Rashan Brown.

The Jamaicans pulled off the upset in winning in 3:28.32. The United States of America had to settle for second in 3:29.30.

And the men’s team, without world leading quarter-miler Steven Gardiner, came in third as Michael Mathieu, Demetrius Pinder, Ramon Miller (46.75) and Andretti Bain (46.22) combined to run 3:06.20.

The Jamaicans won in 3:03.14 and the United States was second in 3:03.25.

The Bahamas also entered a team in the women’s sprint medley with the quartet of V’Alonee Robinson (100m), Tynia Gaither (100m), Anthonique Strachan (200m) and Rashan Brown (400m) coming in third in 1:39.44.

The USA won in 1:35.59 and the Jamaicans got second in 1:36.67.

In the high school segment, the best showing came from St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine as their team of Jaida Knowles, Tanae Miller, Doneisha Anderson and Megan Moss placed sixth in 45.81 in the Championship of America’s 4 x 100m final.

The team of Knowles, Miller, Blayre Catalyn and Moss clocked 46.26 for fourth place in the Small

School heats. Bishop Michael Eldon’s team of Latevia Adderley, Destiny Huyler, Aaryanna Cooper and Dajonae Jayawardana ran 49.54 for 28th.

SAC also won their heat of the 4 x 400m relay with the quarter of Doneisha Anderson (55.32), Marissa White (55.61), Jaida Knowles (57.52), Megan Moss (54.81) clocking 3:43.25 for second overall.

However, they didn’t compete in the Championship of America’s final.

Bishop Michael Eldon also got eighth in the high school girls 4 x 400m heat as the team of Quanisha Marshall (58.83), Latevia Adderley (1:00.74), Destiny Huyler (1:01.57) and Dajonae Jayawardana (1:02.50) ran 4:03.62 for eighth.

In the high school boys’ 4 x 100m Small Schools, three teams from the Bahamas participated.

St Augustine’s College team of Joel Johnson, Tavonte Mott, Raymond Oriakhi and Adrian Curry led by placing 20th in 42.49.

Bishop Michael Eldon’s team of Emmitt Higgins, Cruz Humes, Isreal Williamson and Ty Dawkins got 47th in 43.64. Nigel Lafleur, Natario Williams, Ricardo Russell and Mikhail Duncombe of North Andros ran 43.90 for 63rd place. St John’s was 119th in 44.84 with team of Joshua Fernander, Rashad Darling, Breshoan Pennerman, Cyrique Saunders.

North Andros High, with the combo of Mikhail Duncombe (51.01), Nigel Lafleur (49.79), Deshon Joseph (50.91), Ricardo Russell (48.70), placed fifth in 3:20.40 in the high school boys’4 x 400m.

Bishop Michael Eldon got ninth in 3:23.85. Their team included Israel Williamson (51.13), Ty Dawkins (50.94), Elijah Swain (49.73),

Braham Najman (52.07).

On the college side, Teray Smith ran the opening leg for Auburn University as they won their heat in 39.66. Smith also opened up on the first leg in the Championship of America’s Invitational final as Auburn got third in 39.12.

The University of the Bahamas’ team of Aaron Cox, Yurick Dean, Ken Mullings and Avery Thompson was 40th overall in 40.50.

In the men’s 4 x200m, the team of Ken Mullings, Yurick Dean, Verdell McIntosh and Avery Thompson was 19th in 1:27.65.

The team of Verdell McIntosh, Ken Mullings, Yurick Dean (51.39) and Tyler Gardiner (53.02) was 59th in the men’s 4 x 400m in 3:25.48.

Smith, however, ran the second leg for Auburn as they won the Championship of America men’s 4 x 400m final in 3:05.19.

Jenae Ambrose anchored Auburn University to second place overall in the women’s 4 x 100m heat with Keianna Albury running the second leg as Penn State was sixth in 45.05.

In the Championship of America women’s 4 x100m college final, Ambrose anchored Auburn University to second place in 43.02, while Albury on second leg for Penn State got sixth in 44.78.

The University of the Bahamas didn’t advance out of the preliminaries as the team of Gabrielle Shannon, Antonishka Deveaux, Ronnecia Ferguson and Alexandria Strachanwas 56th in 48.86.

Albury also ran the second leg as Penn State came fourth overall in the 4 x200m heats 1:35.36.

In the Championship of America women’s 4x200m final, Albury again ran second leg as Penn State got fourth in 1:35.59.

The University of the Baha-

mas’ team of Gabrielle Shannon, Antonishka Deveaux, Ronnecia Ferguson and Beyonce Scott was 24th in 1:40.55.

And in the 4 x400m, the University of the Bahamas’ team of Gabrielle Shannon, Antonishka Deveaux, Beyonce Scott and Ronnecia Ferguson was 62nd in 4:07.96.

Individually, Danielle Gibson won the women’s triple jump with 13.26m (43-6) and Ambrose was fourth in the women’s100m for Auburn in 11.35.

Drake Relays The top two Bahamian collegians competed against each other on the first leg of the women’s shuttle hurdles. It was Charlton and Purdue, who came out with the win in 53.85 with Seymour and Illinois taking second in 54.54.

Charlton also contested the elite women’s 100m hurdles where she was fifth in 12.89. Kendra Harrison of Adidas claimed the victory in 12.56.

Seymour, meanwhile, ran the opening leg for Illinois as they got fourth in the university women’s 4 x 100m in 45.79. She also contested the women’s college/university 100m hurdles heats where she was the fastest qualifier in 13.16. But she didn’t compete in the final.

Carmiesha Cox ran the third leg for Purdue in the women’s 4 x 400m as they won in 3:34.31.

Jamal Wilson came in eighth in the men’s high jump with a leap of 2.14m (7-0 1Ž4). Trevor Barry was also scheduled to compete, but he didn’t make the trip.

Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands also competed in the men’s triple jump special where he was 8th with 15.26m (50-00.75). The event was won by American Christian Taylor with 16.93m (55-06.50).

PAGE 4, Monday, May 1, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: The Charles W Saunders Cougars senior girls with their trophies.

COUGARS SENIOR GIRLS TAKE NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN FROM PAGE 1 Comets.

Solana Brown had a perfect 4-for-4 night with four runs batted in (RBI) and scored three times, while Mia Turner was 2-for-3 with two RBI and four runs scored and Brianna Knowles and Crystal Symonette were both 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

Charles W Saunders opened a 5-2 lead after the first inning and came up with a pair of five runs in the fourth and fifth to seal the deal.

“We have a lot of faith in these girls,” said Brad Wood Jr, who along with his father, Brad Sr, coached the Cougars’ team. “They are young, they are strong and they are determined.

So we didn’t underestimate them.”

Wood Jr said it’s a great feeling for their school because they won the title for the first time on the biggest stage they could play on, so he’s elated by their awesome performance.

“Once again, I’m speechless. I never expected them to play so well on such a grand stage,” he said.

The biggest performer of all was Mia Turner, who was named the girls’ most valuable player of the tournament. She went 4-for-10 with a double, triple and two home runs for a .400 batting average, scoring

eight runs.

And Turner also showed her versatility as she finished with a 3-1 win-loss record with two shutouts, pitching 10 innings in total and striking out 25 batters.

“It was a good win. We could not have done it without our seniors,” Turner said.

“But I feel awesome in winning the MVP. I tried not to make it so hard to play it. I just did what I had to do and everything fell in place.”

Queen’s College, who came up with two runs in the first, one in the third and four in the fifth, got a 2-for-2 day with two RBI and two runs in a losing effort.

“I think the girls performed well. It was a tough game. We made a few errors and it cost us the game,” said Comets’ coach Sandre Hobbs. “But it’s a fairly young team so I know that we have a lot of potential.

We will be back next year.”

Spanish Wells clinch bronze The Cougars prevailed with a 8-3 win over the Spanish Wells Bulldogs to advance to the final. Spanish Wells had to settle for the bronze medal.

Mia Turner went 2-for2 with three RBI and two runs and Kenisha Kelly was also 2-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored.

Turner was the winning

Charles W Saunders 8, RUNNERS-UP Queen’s College Comets.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff pitcher. Allie Pinder was the loser. Pinder and Sharlyn Sands were both 1-for-1 with a run scored.

Round Robin Play CW Saunders 12, Government High: Solana Brown went 2-for-3 with five RBI and a run scored, while Kenisha Kelly was 1-for-2 with two RBi and a run scored in the win for the Cougars.

Mia Turner was the winning pitcher and Carlean McKinney suffered the loss.

Spanish Wells 8, Anatol Rodgers 0: Sharlyn Sands was 2-for-2 with three RBI and two runs scored in the win for the Eleuthera girls.

NGM 0: Solana Brown had a perfect 3-for-3 day with two runs in the win for the Cougars’ girls.

Mia Turner was the winning pitcher and Chrysanthea Fox was the loser.

Samuel Gray Pinder 4, NGM 3: Allie Pinder was 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored to pace the Spanish Wells boys.

Pinder was the winning pitcher and Chrysanthea was the loser.

Charles W Saunders 18, Anatol Rodgers 1: Mia Turner was 2-for-3 with four RBI and three runs scored in the win for the Cougars’ girls. Brianna Knowles and

Megan Grant both were 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Grant was the winning pitcher and Trenai LaFrance was the loser.

NGM 8, Anatol Rodgers 5: Chrysanthea Fox and Ashlee Major both were 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored in the win for the Long Island girls.

Fox was the winning pitcher and Tenae LaFrance was the loser.

Charles W. Saunders 7, Spanish Wells 0: Mia Turner was 2-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored in the win for the Cougars’ girls.

Turner also got the win on the mound and Madison

McGee got the loss.

Queen’s College 10, Anatol Rodgers 6: Brigitte Cumberbatch went 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored in the Comets’ girls win.

Ramona Hanna was the winning pitcher.

NMG 5, Queen’s College 3: Chrysanthea and Leanna Fox, as well as Eldria Garland, all had one hit and scored a run in the win for the Long Island girls.

Chrysanthea Fox was the winning pitcher and Ramona Hanna was the loser.

Kimona Wilson was 2-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored in the loss.

Queen’s College 8, Charles W. Saunders 3: Ramona Hanna was 2-for2 with a RBI and a run scored and Kimona Wilson was 2-for-2 with two runs scored.

Hanna was the winning pitcher and Mia Turner got the loss.

Queen’s College 17, NGM 4: In the most explosive game played, the Comets’ girls batted around the clock twice, scoring all 27 runs before they finally got out in the first inning.

Brigette Cumberbatch and Indira Sweeting were both 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored and Patricia Symonette was 1-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored.

Sweeting was the winning pitcher and Madison McGee got the loss.

SPANISH WELLS BULLDOGS WIN ANNUAL AUSTIN ‘KING SNAKE’ KNOWLES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR BOYS’ SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FROM PAGE 1

bottom of the third inning to break up a 3-3 tie.

Kade Roberts was the winning pitcher and Rumalo Ellis suffered the loss.

Cameron Dean and Jameison Miller were both 1-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored for the Comets.

Charles W Saunders 18, CR Walker 4: Teners McKinney was a perfect 3-for3 with three RBI; Shawn Davis was 2-for-3 with four RBI and three runs; Kristin Fulford was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored; Khawan Dames was 2-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored.

Both Davis and Dames had a two-run homer in the win.

Jason Wood was the winning pitcher and Rashawn Wallace was the loser. Wallace also went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored in the loss.

Robin Robin Play CR Walker 8, Jordan Prince Williams 6: Rashawn Wallace went 1-for-2 with a four RBI and a run scored for the Knights’ boys team.

Carifta water polo medallist Saequan Miller was the winning pitcher and Meiko Saunders was the loser.

John Webb was 1-for-1 with two RBI and a run scored.

Queen’s College 9, Government High 3: Cameron Dean had a perfect 3-for-3 day with two RBI and as many runs scored to pace the Comets’ boys.

Tristan Hanna was the winning pitcher and Junel Bain got the loss.

a RBI and a run scored for the Cougars’ boys. Dames was also the winning pitcher and Rumalo Ellis was tagged with the loss.

CR Walker 8, CC Sweeting 1: Darrion Rollewas 2-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored and Reshawn Wallace was1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored.

Saequan Miller was the winning pitcher and Joshua Anderson got the loss.

NGM 8, Eight Mile Rock 3: Keano Cartwright was a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs scored and Enrikos Wells was 1-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored in Long Island’s win for the boys.

Spanish Wells 12, Jordan Prince Williams 0: Kade Roberts went 2-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored for the Eleuthera boys.

Roberts was the winning pitcher and Amarj McPhee got the loss.

Charles W Saunders 12, Eight Mile Rock 4: Shorn Davis and Kristan Fulford were 2-for-2 with three RBI and two runs scored and Khawan Davis was 2-for-2 with two runs scored.

Jason Wood was the winning pitcher and Clayton Cash was the loser.

Charles W. Saunders 6, NGM 4: Krsitan Fulford was a perfect 2-for-2 with a RBI and a run scored in the win for the Cougars’ boys.

Jason Wood was the winning pitcher and Enrikos Wells was the loser.

Government High 7, Eight Mile Rock 4: Marco Donaldson was 1-for-1 with two RBI and a run scored in the win for the Magicmen.

George Manson was the winning pitcher and Kinsey Rigby got the loss.

CHAMPIONSHIP winning pitcher Kade Roberts (left) and tournament MVP Khawan Dames.

Queen’s College 16, Eight Mile Rock 0: Gary Cox had a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and three runs scored and Cameron Dean was 2-for-3 with two RBI and as many runs scored for the Comets’ boys.

Keron Marshall was the winning pitcher and Alex Sands was the loser.

Spanish Wells 15, CC Sweeting 0: Dominic Pinder was 1-for-1 with two RBI and three runs scored

and Sonnel Duverle was 1-for-1 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Eleuthera boys.

Kade Roberts was the winning pitcher and versatile Carifta medalist Denvaughn Whymns was the loser.

Spanish Wells 15, CR Walker 0: Dominic Pinder went 1-for-1 with two RBI and two runs scored and Kade Roberts was 1-for-1 with a RBI and two runs scored in the win for the

Eleuthera boys. Roberts was the winning pitcher and Saequan Miller suffered the loss.

NGM 12, Government High: Adriel Garland was1for-1 with two RBI and two runs scored in the win for the Long Island boys.

Enrikos Wells was the winning pitcher and Denicia Knowles was the loser.

Charles W. Saunders 7, Queen’s College 4: Khawan Dames was 2-for-2 with

Charles W. Saunders 14, Government High 2: Khawan Dames, Kristan Fulford and Natario Evans all scored two runs in the win for the Cougars’ boys.

Ian Davis was the winning pitcher and Marco Williams got the loss.

Queen’s College 12, NGM 4: Tyler Kemp went 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs; Trent Dorsett was 2-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored and Cameron Dean went 2-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored for the Comets’ boys.

Tristan Hanna was the winning pitcher and Enriko Wells was the loser.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 1, 2017, PAGE 5

Celtics stop the Wizards, take 1-0 lead

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer BOSTON (AP) — Nothing it seems can stop Isaiah Thomas this postseason — be it pains big or small.

The All-Star led the Celtics to a first-round win over Chicago in a haze after learning the day before that series began that his younger sister, Chyna Thomas, had died in a car accident outside of his native Tacoma, Washington.

That pain persisted on the eve of Boston’s second-round pairing with the Washington Wizards, when he flew cross-country to attend her funeral.

Then Sunday’s game brought the latest dose of adversity, when he had one of his front teeth dislodged after an early game collision. But as he’s done all postseason, he continued to find a way to push through it.

Thomas had 33 points and nine assists, and the Celtics made 19 3-pointers to beat the Wizards 123-111 and take a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

“I got in at 4am,” Thomas said of his second flight to Washington in two weeks. “It’s tough, but it’s the playoffs so there are no excuses. I decided to play and I just tried to give it all for my team.”

The Celtics star flew to the funeral with Boston president of basketball operations Danny

Ainge and assistant coach Jerome Allen.

During player introductions, Thomas pointed to the TD Garden rafters when his name was called.

Al Horford added 21 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Jae Crowder finished with career playoff-high 24 points.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night.

The Wizards were more energetic at the outset, jumping out to a 16-0 advantage and leading by as many as 17 points. But the Celtics rallied with Thomas briefly sidelined while getting his tooth repositioned in the second quarter.

“I didn’t know if we’d ever score and I didn’t know if they’ve ever stop scoring,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.

Bradley Beal led Washington with 27 points. John Wall added 20 points and 16 assists.

Washington starter Markieff Morris played just 11 minutes before leaving with a sprained left ankle in the second quarter after landing awkwardly on Horford’s foot.

The Wizards also had a tough time responding after Stevens started Marcus Smart in place of Gerald Green in the third quarter.

“They were a little more aggressive than we were,” Beal said.

“Our defence slipped a little. We lacked some IQ and focus.”

A rivalry has been simmering between the teams since last year,

CELTICS’ Isaiah Thomas points to his mouth after losing a tooth during the first quarter of yesterday’s 2nd-round playoff series against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics won 123-111.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) when Boston swept the season series. They split their four regularseason matchups this season, but each included intense moments.

Sunday’s matchup was played at just as high a level, with a frenzied pace at times and physical play underneath the basket.

After the Wizards’ early scoring flurry, Thomas lost his tooth, but initially kept playing. He found it during a timeout, but started the second quarter in the locker room. His teammates went on a 13-2 run without him to cut

into Washington’s lead. Boston led by 15 by the end of the third.

INJURY UPDATE Despite what appeared to be on replays a serious sprain, Morris said afterward that it was just a normal basketball play.

“He stepped right under my foot,” Morris said of Horford.

“Not sure if it was intentional or not, but that’s what happened.”

He intends to play in Game 2.

“Oh yeah,” Morris said. “It ain’t broke. That’s what I do know.”

THOMAS’ PLEDGE In a clip of Thomas eulogising Chyna posted by Washington NBC-affiliate King 5, Thomas was full of emotion as he expressed his pledge to live the rest of his life in her honour.

“I wanted to give up and quit and never in my life have I thought about quitting,” Thomas said. “I realised quitting isn’t an option. That’s the easy way out. I will keep going for my sister, because I know she wouldn’t want me to stop.”

Jazz flatten Clippers 104-91, win 1st-round series 4-3

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and the Utah Jazz easily eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday with a 104-91 victory, winning the first-round playoff series 4-3.

George Hill and Derrick Favors added 17 points apiece in Utah’s first postseason victory since 2010.

The Jazz advanced to face top-seeded Golden

State in the Western Conference semi-finals. The Warriors swept Portland 4-0 and have been waiting since Wednesday to find out their next opponent.

Game 1 is Tuesday in Oakland.

The Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan had 24 points and 17 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the series.

Jamal Crawford added 20 points off the bench.

Chris Paul had 13 points for the Clippers, who were sent packing in the

first round for the second straight year. Last season, they lost to Portland after Paul and Blake Griffin went down with injuries.

This time, they didn’t have Griffin again after he was lost in Game 3 with a bigtoe injury.

In the most closely contested series of the first round — and the only to go seven games — the Clippers came up strangely flat with their season on the line. J.J. Redick didn’t hit his first 3-pointer until the game’s

final 3 ½ minutes, drawing the Clippers within eight.

Paul couldn’t muster any of his fourth-quarter magic, either. He went scoreless with three assists in the period. By then, the Jazz were well in command, ahead by 17 points and hardly feeling pressured by foul trouble for Rudy Gobert and Favors, who both fouled out.

Gobert finished with one point in 14 minutes. Favors had 11 rebounds off the bench.

The first six games be-

tween the fourth-seeded Clippers and No. 5 Utah were decided by eight points or less. Los Angeles outscored Utah 98.8 points to 98.0 points. The teams had identical 51-31 records in the regular season.

But this one was all Utah in the second half.

The Jazz opened the third on a 23-9 run, extending their lead to 69-48 — largest in the series. Boris Diaw had eight points, Hayward added six and Hill four as the Jazz had three three-

point plays.

The Clippers got bogged down with a shot-clock turnover, a delay of game warning and Redick’s airball on a 3-point attempt while the home crowd went silent. This time, the Jazz didn’t need the big-shot heroics of Joe Johnson or the presence of Gobert.

The Clippers, whose only lead was one point minutes into the game, shot 44 percent, and were outscored 56-46 in the paint and 12-9 on fast-break points.

Spurs beat Arsenal for 1st finish above neighbour in 22 years CHELSEA BEATS

By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — Tottenham shifted the balance of power in north London’s soccer rivalry by securing its first Premier League finish above Arsenal in 22 years with a 2-0 victory over its neighbour yesterday.

Arsenal imploded inside 77 seconds at the start of the second half to hand Tottenham a ninth consecutive league win.

In the penultimate game at White Hart Lane before the stadium is demolished, Dele Alli scrambled the ball into the net and Harry Kane won a soft penalty that he converted.

“We worked hard. We outworked them,” Kane said.

“The fans have got the bragging rights for now, but we’ve still got four important games to finish off.”

Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s hopes of overhauling Chelsea’s four-point lead at the top of the league are fading after the leaders beat Everton 3-0 on Sunday. But Spurs are still locking down second place for their highest finish in 54 years and on the brink of a second successive season in the Champions League for the first time.

It’s grim times, though, for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, which last finished below Tottenham in 1995 ahead of the manager’s arrival the following year.

Back in December, Arsenal fans were still counting down to St. Totteringham’s Day, the day they coined to celebrate the point in the season Tottenham cannot catch them.

But as Arsenal has collapsed, Tottenham has surged.

Arsenal’s seven-point advantage over Tottenham has been turned into a 17-point deficit as the team has slumped to sixth place.

The one certainty under Wenger has been Champions League qualification, which has been achieved for 20 consecutive seasons. That continuity is now in jeopardy with five games remaining for Arsenal and maybe Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Arsenal is six points from the Champions League places with five games remaining, one more than fourth-place Manchester City.

When Tottenham fans sang “Arsene Wenger, we want you to stay” there was no sympathy.

It was just another opportunity to compound the troubled manager’s misery at a time when sections of Arsenal fans want Wenger to leave.

Such instability and uncertainty is usually the preserve of Arsenal’s neighbours, with Pochettino the 11th manager Wenger has faced during his 21-year reign.

“Spurs deserved to win, we have to accept that,” Wenger said. “Of course it is very disappointing, but the target at the beginning of the season is not to finish above Spurs, it is to win the league.”

While Arsenal fans are vexed that they haven’t won the Premier League since 2004 — the third success under Wenger — Tottenham’s title drought goes back to 1961.

North London derbies have been equally lopsided under Wenger, who entered his 50th game on Sunday with only seven losses. There was no doubting which team was on top this

EVERTON TO CLOSE IN ON PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE

TOTTENHAM Hotspur’s Harry Kane, front, celebrates after scoring a penalty yesterday during the English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

(AP Photo/Alastair Grant) time. It looked like Tottenham might pay for its missed chances in the first half when Alli headed wide and Christian Eriksen swept a shot over and Jan Vertonghen was denied by goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Had it not been for Cech’s agility, Arsenal might have fallen behind sooner. The second period opened with Victor Wanyama’s shot being tipped over and Kane’s effort collected by the goalkeeper.

But Arsenal was undone in the 55th minute. Kane ran onto a long throw-in and held up the ball under pressure from Gabriel Paulista. Alli seized possession and passed to Eriksen, who weaved past Laurent Koscielny before testing Cech.

The shot was parried, but Alli stuck out his left boot into a crowded area to clip the loose ball into the net.

Arsenal never recovered. It

took 77 seconds for the penalty to be conceded, with Kane going down lightly under Gabriel’s challenge and winning the spotkick.

Kane thrives against Arsenal. His 27th goal of the season was his fifth in five league games against Arsenal.

Cech kept his team in the game, with a flying save that prevented Vertonghen’s shot from curling into the top corner and Toby Alderweireld’s effort being blocked.

But Arsenal could find no way back against Tottenham, which is now virtually assured of making the top four, given its superior goal difference over fifth-place Manchester United.

Arsenal’s season could still end with the FA Cup if it beats Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham will still be hoping Chelsea doesn’t enter the final as Premier League champions.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Pedro Rodriguez scored an eye-catching long-range goal as Chelsea closed in on the Premier League title by beating Everton 3-0 yesterday.

Chelsea stayed four points ahead of Tottenham, which beat Arsenal 2-0 in the north London derby. Antonio Conte will be guaranteed the trophy in his first season in charge of Chelsea if the leaders win three of their last four games ahead of the FA Cup final against Arsenal.

“We have to have great enthusiasm and great patience because I think we are having a great season but to become a fantastic season we must win (the league),” Conte said. “Now it is important for us to prepare the right way the next game. If we don’t win against Middlesbrough (on May 8) then you lose this great win.”

Everton’s eight-match winning run at Goodison Park ended after Pedro broke through the home resistance in the 66th minute. Pedro collected the ball on the edge of the area, shifted it onto his left foot and fired a shot from 25 yards (meters) just under the crossbar.

Gary Cahill then bundled home in the 79th minute after goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg saved Eden Hazard’s low freekick, and substitute Willian completed the victory seven minutes later.

“This feels massive,” Cahill told broadcaster Sky Sports. “We’ve done what we needed to do. You can see the celebrations at the end. We knew this was a massive game, one of the hardest we had.

“It was convincing in the end, but we had to work very hard for it. We felt we needed to go to the next level in the second half. It was a special goal from Pedro. In some games you need a bit of class.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 1, 2017, PAGE 7

Bottas holds off Vettel for first grand prix win SOCHI (AP) - Valtteri Bottas claimed his first Formula One win after holding off a late charge from Sebastian Vettel in the Russian Grand Prix yesterday.

Mercedes driver Bottas, who started third but slipstreamed into the lead off the start, finished 0.6 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen took third in the second Ferrari, 10.3 seconds further back.

“Took quite a while, more than 80 races,” said Bottas, who had his debut with Williams in 2013. “Worth the wait.” The 27-year-old Finn joined Mercedes after last year’s champion, Nico Rosberg, announced his retirement.

Vettel, who had started from pole position, hunted Bottas down in the latter part of the race. However, he was left fuming after his hopes of passing the Finn on the last lap were dashed by having to lap the Williams of Felipe Massa.

“What was that?” Vettel asked over the team radio in frustration that Massa had not moved out of his

MERCEDES driver Valtteri Bottas leaves the pit yesterday.

VALTTERI BOTTAS (AP)

way swiftly enough, though the German was in conciliatory mood afterward.

“It doesn’t matter,” Vettel said of the incident with the Brazilian. “This is the man of the race today, big congrats to Valtteri.”

Vettel’s second place meant the German extended his championship lead

to 13 points over Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who trailed in fourth after suffering overheating trouble. It was a lonely race for Hamilton, who had large gaps to Raikkonen ahead and Max Verstappen behind.

“Why is my car overheating? We’re out of the race

now,” Hamilton told his team on lap 16. The British driver never came close to third-placed Raikkonen, and the gap stood at more than 25 seconds at the chequered flag.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin looking on, Red Bull driver Verstappen claimed fifth, ahead of

the Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.

Eighth went to Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg, with Massa and Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz claiming the final points.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was the most notable retirement, parking his car on lap six after the right-

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 71° F/22° C

TAMPA

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Partly sunny with a warm breeze

Partly cloudy, showers around late

Partly sunny and warm with a shower

Partly sunny with a shower in spots

Partly sunny and pleasant

Mostly sunny and warm

High: 88°

Low: 74°

High: 88° Low: 74°

High: 88° Low: 73°

High: 88° Low: 74°

High: 90° Low: 74°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

93° F

77° F

98°-80° F

96°-76° F

94°-77° F

97°-74° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

ABACO

S

N

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

10-20 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 85° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

8-16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

E

W S

E

W

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8-16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 82° F/28° C Last year’s low ................................... 73° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ................................................. 2.70” Normal year to date ..................................... 6.18”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 74° F/23° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

N

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

S

E

W

8-16 knots

S

10-20 knots

ANDROS

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

12:18 a.m.

12:48 p.m.

3.2 2.5

6:50 a.m. -0.3 6:56 p.m. -0.3

1:19 a.m.

1:53 p.m.

3.0 2.4

7:52 a.m. -0.2 8:02 p.m. 0.0

Wednesday 2:23 a.m.

3:01 p.m.

2.9 2.4

8:56 a.m.

9:10 p.m.

Thursday

3:27 a.m.

4:06 p.m.

2.7 2.5

9:58 a.m. 0.0 10:18 p.m. 0.2

Friday

4:28 a.m.

5:06 p.m.

2.6 2.5

10:54 a.m. 0.0 11:19 p.m. 0.2

Saturday

5:24 a.m.

5:58 p.m.

2.6 2.7

11:45 a.m. -0.1 ---------

Sunday

6:14 a.m.

6:44 p.m.

2.5 2.7

12:14 a.m. 0.1 12:30 p.m. -0.1

0.0 0.1

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:34 a.m.

7:40 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:33 a.m.

12:18 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

May 2

May 10

May 18

May 25

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

N

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

H

tiDes For nassau

CAT ISLAND

E

W

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

Tuesday

almanac

E

W

N

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

rear brakes caught fire.

There was a safety-car stoppage after barely half a lap when Romain Grosjean’s Haas hit the Renault of Jolyon Palmer on the inside of a right-hand bend, putting both cars into the wall. Bottas held on to his lead comfortably at the restart in a race with few overtaking opportunities.

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso is still yet to reach the finish this season after his car broke down on the formation lap.

Championships standings (after 4 races): 1 Vettel 86 points, 2 Hamiulton 73, 3 Bottas 63, 4 Raikkonen 49, 5 Verstappen 35, 6= Ricciardo, Perez 22, 8 Massa 18.

Next race: May 14: Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona.

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

10-20 knots

10-20 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday:

WINDS SE at 8-16 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 7-14 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 7-14 Knots

WAVES 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-8 Feet 3-6 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 5-9 Feet 5-9 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 76° F 76° F 81° F 81° F 76° F 76° F 79° F 79° F 75° F 75° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 76° F 76° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F