05082017 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

NBA

Playoffs, Pg 5

Kings of the sand

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

B

razil erased a seven-year drought as they conquered the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, hoisting the title for the 14th time as they denied Tahiti their second straight chance to be crowned champions.

In a complete domination from start to finish, the South Americans stunned Tahiti 6-0 in the final yesterday in the newly constructed beach soccer stadium at Malcolm Park to regain the title they last held in Dubai in 2009.

“It was a dream come true. I always dreamt about playing beach soccer,” said Brazil’s Mauricinho, who spoke on behalf of the team during their celebrations.

“Being a part of that and winning the silver ball was just a dream come true.”

TEAM BRAZIL celebrate yesterday after routing Tahiti 6-0 to win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final at the new Malcolm Park beach soccer stadium.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Mauricinho, who finished behind Iran’s Mohammad Ahmadzadeh with the most goals scored in the tournament, said their coach Gilberto Sousa used the concept that they were playing against Brazil and that helped them to tip the scale because they knew they had to be better than their opponents.

“We are the world champions again,” he summed up as they danced on stage to the delight of their cheering fans as they received their awards.

Just 14 seconds into the match, the 27-year-old Mauricinho booted in the first goal for Brazil and they were never challenged the rest of the way.

Tahiti’s goalkeeper Jonathan Torohia admitted that there was nothing they could do to contain the Brazilians.

“Brazil played very well today. They were a step above us for sure,” Torohia said. “For us, we didn’t start well. At the start of the match, we had no confidence and it was really

hard. That’s why Brazil is the World Cup champions.”

As the bridesmaids for the second consecutive time, losing to Portugal in 2015 in Portugal, Torohia said losing two times in the World Cup is a hard pill to swallow.

“But even they made mistakes, we could not beat Brazil,” he said. “Brazil

stopped us. They are the only team that beat us.

“I think a lot of teams would like to be in our place. We’re a small island in the Pacific and we appreciate that. Second time, one more time, we got to the final, but we didn’t win. It’s hard.”

SEE PAGE 2

STUART TAKES LONG JUMP TITLE IN FLORIDA MEET BAHAMAS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IT wasn’t her best, but women’s long jump record holder Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart was quite content with her performance over the weekend.

Competing in the Seminole Twilight Meet at Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida, Stuart posted her winning leap of 6.41 metres or 21-feet, ½-inch to take the title.

Stuart’s nearest rival was Jogaile Petrokaite, a junior from Florida State, with her best of 6.07m (1911) for second place.

“First and foremost I would like to thank God for allowing me to get through another competition in healthy condition,” said Stuart, who competed in her third meet for the season, coming off a windaided 6.66m (21-10 1/4) and a legal 6.63m (21-9) two weeks ago at the War Eagle Invitational in Auburn, AL. “This meet in Tallahassee on Friday wasn’t my best performance distance-wise, but I felt great and was technically sound based on my

coach’s observation.”

The two-time Olympian, who turns 29 on May 17, was short of the qualifying standard of 6.75m for the IAAF World Championships all set for August in London, England.

But she’s confident that she can attain that goal.

“My focus going forth is to follow my coach’s instruction in order to properly execute my jumps each time I compete,” said Stuart, who will compete in her next meet in St Martin on May 13.

“Proper execution will easily bring the further distances.”

The daughter of Althea and Sherwin Stuart and brother of Nyles Stuart, a former long and triple jumper, is hoping that she will make her fourth appearance at the sport’s biggest event.

Stuart was one of six persons inducted in the Saluki Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Southern Illinois University’s Arena in Carbondale, Illinois.

During her tenure from 200609, Stuart was a seven-time MVC long jump champion (four indoor, three outdoor) and is the only

BIANCA ‘BB’ Stuart in action. four-time conference champion in the long jump in league history.

Stuart, who lives and trains in Auburn, Alabama and is coached

by Henry Rolle, was a two-time All-American, placing seventh at the 2008 outdoors and fourth at the 2009 indoors.

She still holds the school and MVC record in both the indoor and outdoor long jump, and was a key figure in two MVC team titles for the women in 2009 (indoor and outdoor).

Also at the Tallahassee meet, Grand Bahama’s Sunland Lu-

theran 2014 graduate Shaquania Dorsett clocked 53.29 seconds to win her heat in the women’s 400 metres.

The 19-year-old biochemistry major, now in her sophomore year, finished second overall. Taylor Washington of Empire Athletics was the winner in 52.62.

Dorsett, the daughter of Michelle Evans and Desmond Dorsett, has already earned All-ACC Academic Honours during the indoor season and was a member of the ACC honour roll.

In the Payton Jordan Invitational at the Stanford University in Stanford, California, Kaze Poitier of the Academy of Arts ran to a second-place finish in the men’s 200m in 22.88. The winning time was 22.75 by Marlon Britton, who was unattached.

Poitier, a 5-foot, 10-inch freshman from Queen’s College, was also fifth in the 400m in 50.96. Steven Solomon was the winner of the event in 46.13.

The web design and new media major is the son of Kingsley and Monique Poitier and he has a sister, Kyi.

FALLS TO THE WORLD CUP ALL-STARS 6-3

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE “Rake ‘N’ Scrape Boys” gave an eager home crowd one final look at the national team playing at an elite level in Saturday’s historic exhibition match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Team Bahamas fell 6-3 to the World Cup All-Star select team, but for the players, the game served as a symbolic gesture of thanks to the Bahamian public.

Defender Dwayne Forbes said that while the team fell short of its ultimate goal,

SEE PAGE 2

‘I got out and I was able to finish it off strong’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net MEN’S national 400 metre record holder Steven Gardiner said Friday’s IAAF Diamond League victory was just an indica-

tion of what to come from him this year.

At the Doha 2017 in Qatar, Gardiner made up the stagger on American LaShawn Merritt through the first 250m. The final 250m, he pulled away to take the tape in 44.60 seconds.

“I just went out there and did what my coach told me to do,” Gardiner said. “I got out and I was able to finish it off strong, so it was really good.”

The 21-year-old Gardiner left Merritt, the 2008 Olympic and 2009 world champion, trying to close in the gap on the home stretch, but he faded down the stretch to finish in 44.76 followed by fellow American Tony McQuay in 44.92.

“I knew what he was going to run, so I just had to go out there and focus on me,” said Gardiner, who trailed in lane three to Merritt, who was in four. “I just wanted to run my own race and not worry about anybody else. That was my plan and it worked for me.”

The 6-foot, 2-inch native of Abaco fell

short of his world-leading and new record time of 44.36 that he ran at the inaugural Grenada Invitational in the B final last month.

But he was happy with his effort.

“It was pretty good. It’s the best start I’ve ever had, so I just have to continue to work hard and stay healthy,” he said. “I know that I can go out there and run some pretty good times this year.”

His agent, Caude Bryan, chief executive officer of On Track Management, couldn’t agree more.

“He is doing very well so far and is on schedule as it relates to 2017 expectations,” he said. “Given his youth in chronological and athletics age he was brought along patiently by George Cleare and now his new coach Gary Evans is doing an excellent job in marshalling his talent.”

Now training in Clermont, Florida, Gardiner said the hard work is paying off and STEVEN GARDINER

SEE PAGE 3

PAGE 2, Monday, May 8, 2017

World champions

BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP AT A GLANCE Group A

P 3 3 3 3

W 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

F 18 25 7 6

A 13 7 14 22

Pts 7 6 3 0

P 3 3 3 3

W 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

F 25 11 15 7

A 11 11 20 16

Pts 9 4 2 0

P 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 2 0

L 1 1 1 3

F 12 12 6 4

A 8 6 6 14

Pts 6 5 4 0

P 3 3 3 3

W 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 3

F 20 13 15 12

Switzerland Senegal

Bahamas

Ecuador Group B Italy Iran Nigeria Mexico

Group C

Paraguay Portugal UAE Panama Group D Brazil Tahiti Japan Poland

TEAM BRAZIL celebrate yesterday after routing Tahiti 6-0 to win the Beach Soccer World Cup final at the new Malcolm Park stadium.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FROM PAGE 1

While Brazil added to their list of victories in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008, it was an historic performance by Iran as they clinched the best show-

ing ever for a team from Asia with their 5-3 decision over Italy for the bronze.

The Bahamas, as hosts, got eliminated in the round robin, but got a chance to play in an exhibition match on Saturday night. However, they lost 6-3 to an All-Star

team.

At the end of the tournament, the following players were awarded the individual trophies: Adidas Golden Scorer - 1st: Gabriele Gori (Italy) – 17; 2nd - Rodrigo (Brazil) – 9; 3rd - Mohammad Ah-

madzadeh (Iran) - 9 Adidas Golden Glove Peyman Hosseini (Iran) Adidas Golden Ball - Gold - Mohammad Ahmadzadeh (Iran); Silver - Mauricinho (Brazil); Bronze - Datinha (Brazil) Fair Play Award – Brazil

THE TRIBUNE

A Pts 8 9 11 6 17 3 24 0

Group phase Group A: Ecuador 0 Senegal 9, Bahamas 2 Switzerland 3, Switzerland 9 Ecuador 5, Senegal 10 Bahamas 1, Switzerland 6 Senegal 6 (Switzerland won on penalties), Bahamas 4 Ecuador 1 Group B: Iran 3 Mexico 2, Nigeria 6 Italy 12, Italy 5 Iran 4, Mexico 4 Nigeria 5 (after extra time), Italy 8 Mexico 1, Nigeria 4 Iran 4 (Iran won on penalties) Group C: Portugal 7 Panama 0, UAE 3 Paraguay 2, Paraguay 5 Portugal 3, Panama 2 UAE 2 (UAE won on penalties), Paraguay 5 Panama 2, UAE 1 Portugal 2 (after extra time) Group D: Japan 9 Poland 4, Brazil 4 Tahiti 1, Tahiti 4 Japan 3, Poland 4 Brazil 7, Tahiti 8 Poland 4, Brazil 9 Japan 3 Quarter-finals Paraguay 4 Tahiti 6, Brazil 4 Portugal 3, Switzerland 3 Iran 4 (after extra time), Italy 5 Senegal 1 Semi-finals Tahiti 1 Iran 1 (Tahiti won on penalties), Brazil 8 Italy 4 Third place match Iran 5 Italy 3 Final Tahiti 0 Brazil 6

TEAM Bahamas fell 6-3 to the World Cup All-Star select team in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, held at the new Malcolm Park beach soccer stadium. The “Rake ‘N’ Scrape Boys” gave an eager home crowd one final look at the national team playing at an elite level in Saturday’s historic exhibition match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

‘RAKE ‘N’ SCRAPE BOYS’ FALL 6-3 TO WORLD CUP ALL-STAR SELECT TEAM FROM PAGE 1 the final exhibition was a fitting way to conclude their participation in the event.

“It didn’t end the way we expected, but based on being the smallest nation in the tournament - to get our first World Cup win is a great result. For me, personally, and for my teammates, we know we can do better for the country and at least reach the quarterfinal as our main objective,” he said. “It felt good coming out to play and it’s all about the fans.

This game was mostly about the fans. We didn’t perform how we wanted to for the fans, so we actually thought we owed this to them, one last chance to enjoy the game.

For growing the sport, the more games we play, the more the people get to see, the more they will support this sport in the future.”

Team Bahamas fell behind early, trailing 2-0 at the end of the first third. The select team moved ahead 3-0 early in the second pe-

riod before St Fleur got the Bahamas on the scoreboard.

The All-Stars tacked on two more goals at the end of the period, capped by a Noel Ott score with 7.5 seconds left to play. They took a 5-1 lead into the third.

St Fleur opened the scoring in the final period with his second goal. He also dished an assist to Dwayne Forbes moments later, who delivered the third goal for the team to further trim the deficit. Sergio Villaverde’s header would produce the game’s final margin.

Jean Francois, who scored two goals in the Bahamas’ 4-1 win over Ecuador, said the national team programme should look to the growth of Tahiti as a model for the Bahamas to follow.

“A lot of the guys have potential to do better,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work and we have to get all the guys out to practice, the guys have work, a family to take care of but we have to find some way to do it. We could do more if we had the opportu-

nity to just focus on beach soccer only. I think we would have a programme like Tahiti who started from the bottom, they went from being hosts and now you see them reach a final. We can do it too.”

This year marks the first time the World Cup is hosted in the Caribbean and the Bahamas is also the first Caribbean team to win a game in the history of the competition. The Bahamas is also the first country to play in an exhibition game at the biennial tournament.

Team captain Gavin Christie said he is optimistic about the development of the national team programme. “I think the Bahamas has proven they can play at the highest level, but we have to work with with the federation and we have a lot of work to do. A lot of guys, this was their first time at the national team level and for them to perform at a tournament of this magnitude, it’s amazing.

We have a young team so the basic core guys can grow together as the sport continues to develop,”

he said. “In order to get there you have to train every day, there are no breaks, every day you have to touch the sand and that’s what the Bahamas needs. It’s tough because most of us work 9-5 jobs so it’s difficult with those regimens and playing against guys that train every day. Over time that’s something the Bahamas will have to change if they want to compete at this level.”

Bahamas Football Association President Anton Sealey said it is his organisation’s goal to continue the sport’s development as beach soccer has been thrust into the spotlight for both spectators and prospective athletes. “I was extremely impressed with the team, given the fact that they’ve only been working with Soares for just under three months. I thought the improvement in the level of play, understanding of the game and movement, outstanding. It just bodes well for the future,” he said.

“We now have to sit back and analyse the programme and see where we take it from here because we

can’t just play this World Cup and then abandon it. We now have to sit down and take a critical look at the programme and plot the way forward, but I can assure you that you have not seen the last of team Bahamas. We now have the venue so we will be hosting more competitions as well as having this team travelling to competitions. I can assure you team Bahamas will qualify in its own right for the Beach Soccer World Cup.” Sealey said it is his hope that corporate Bahamas and the general public will build upon this foundation.

“It’s always a challenge because of the structure of the programme, but given the performance they put forth in this competition, I think the conversation with employers is going to be a little easier when we ask them for time off for the guys to train and travel,” he said. “We have attracted some more followers of the game, not only fans but interested players. I think the future is bright for the Bahamian national team.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 8, 2017, PAGE 3

National 400m record holder Gardiner coming into his own IN the weeks since announcing changes in coaching and management, men’s national 400 metre record holder Steven Gardiner has made a strong push to keep his name synonymous with the title: ‘world’s best male 400m athlete’.

It was in late March when the Abaco native disclosed that as a result of his ‘mutual separation” from former coach George Cleare, he had forged a relationship with Gary Evans and On Track Management.

If the latter sounds familiar, well that’s because the management agency also handles the affairs of our very own 2016 Olympic gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

Of the chance, Gardiner told reporters: “At the Olympics, I wasn’t at my best. It just made me realise that I could do so much better, so I guess I had to make a change,” he said. “I feel very good about it. I’m very happy and I’m very happy with the environment that I’m in.

“I guess I just needed people to motivate me, instead of training by myself.

Being in a group, it makes me more happy and I get to enjoy what I’m doing at the same time.”

Ever since making the change, Gardiner has catapulted himself to the top echelon of male track athletes – in some instances, stating definitely that he is focused on etching his name and country into the top spot.

Gardiner has long displayed the talent necessary to dominate on both the season and Olympic circuits, however, his raw ability always seems to be outshined by poor strategy

in the moment.

From my view, the move from Cleare to Evans has aided primarily in the way Gardiner approaches races and the way he handles those in the moment, split -second decisions.

If you recall his 2016 Olympic outing in Rio, Gardiner, positioned in a heat that favoured him, misjudged the effort it would take to get out of the gate and around the first 200 metres of his race.

As reports have it, he fell behind in the first 200m and, by the time he tried to accelerate coming off of the final curve and into the home stretch, the field was already too far ahead.

Those who witnessed the race added that Gardiner “attempted” a late comeback, but it was only good for a fifth place finish in 44.72.

Gold was secured by South African Wayde Van Niekerk with a time of 43.03. Kirani James of Grenada secured silver with a time of 43.76, followed by American Lashawn Merritt, who grabbed bronze with his 43.85 outing.

Since his mishap in Rio, Gardiner’s pacing has improved tremendously. It has proven useful.

In April, he broke his own national record in the 400 metres, posting a 44.26 seconds in the B race at the inaugural Grenada Invitational. Reports at the time of the invitational qualified the results of the race with the note that Gardiner’s run upstaged that of local hero Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic 400m champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist.

It was during that race where I first realised Gar-

FOURTH QUARTER PRESS

BY RICARDO WELLSedia.net rwells@tribunem

“WHILE HE IS STILL BEHIND THE PACE SET BY THE TOP THREE FINISHERS IN THE 2016 OLYMPICS, GARDINER IS SET UP TO DO WONDERS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND INTO THE 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES. THE 21-YEAR-OLD, IN MY OPINION, IS NOW COMPETING ONLY WITH HIS OWN LIMITATIONS.” diner had adjusted his initial sprint motion, adopting a more firm and balanced stride that seems to reserve energy. Once nearing the 200-metre mark, Gardiner widens his stride, seemingly covering more ground with each stride.

The strong performances only continued thereafter.

For starters, Gardiner ran the opening leg for the team Bahamas during the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays mixed gender 4x400m relay – that team won the gold medal.

Again, Gardiner didn’t sacrifice speed in his open strides, pacing himself perfectly to that 200 metre mark, where he gave team Bahamas a good lead to start that race.

Then again last Friday,

in the IAAF Diamond League at the Doha 2017 meet in Qatar, using the same strategy, Gardiner pulled away from Americans LaShawn Merritt and Tony McQuay to easily take the gold in 44.60. Merritt crossed the line behind Gardiner in 44.76, followed

by McQuay in 44.92, both season’s best performances.

While he is still behind the pace set by the top three finishers in the 2016 Olympics, Gardiner is set up to do wonders over the next three years and into the 2020 Olympic Games.

The 21-year-old, in my opinion, is now competing only with his own limitations.

• Ricardo Wells writes Fourth Quarter Press every Monday. Comments to rwells@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL 400m record holder Steven Gardiner in action in this file photo.

GARDINER: ‘I GOT OUT AND I WAS ABLE TO FINISH IT OFF STRONG’ FROM PAGE 1 he’s confident in himself that once he takes the lead, he doesn’t anticipate anyone catching him.

And although it’s a long season ahead of him to keep his winning streak going, Gardiner said he’s just as eager as everybody to prove that he’s capable of running the rounds and advancing through in a major event like the IAAF World Championships coming up in August in London, England.

“I feel good. Practice has been great, so I know I can make it through the rounds,” he said. “I just have to go out there and do it.”

Gardiner thanked all of his supporters for the encouragement he’s gotten and he expressed his gratitude for it. He assured them that he’s going to go out there and make the Baha-

OLYMPIC 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo is expected to open Diamond League in Shanghai this weekend. mas proud this year.

Also at the meet, Donald Thomas, the 2007 world champion, picked up a third place finish in the men’s high jump with a season’s best of 2.29 metres (7ft 6in).

Mutaz Essa Barshim, Qatar’s Olympic 2016 silver and 2012 bronze medallist, won the event before the home crowd with a height of 2.36m (7ft 83/4in).

LASHAWN MERRITT, centre, beats Tony McQuay, left, and Kirani James, right, to the finish line to win the men’s special 400 metres at the Drake Relays on Friday, April 28, in Des Moines, Iowa.

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Barshim held off a strong challenge from Great Britain’s Robbie Grabarz, who cleared 2.31m (7ft 7in) for second place. Grabarz won the 2012 Olympic bronze medal.

Gardiner will be back

in action in June when he competes in Boston.

As for Olympic women’s 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who is also managed by Bryan, she will open her Diamond League in Shanghai this weekend.

She is scheduled to line up against American Natasha Hastings and Jamaicans Novlene Williams-Mills, Stephanie Ann McPherson and Anneisha McLaughlinWhilby.

And Thomas is also ex-

pected to renew the showdown from Qtar when he competes against Barshim and Grabarz, as well as Canadian Derek Drouin, American Erik Kynard and China’s Yu Wang and Guowel Zhang.

TEAM BAHAMAS POSTS TOP TIMES AT THE 2ND CARIBBEAN TRIATHLON

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas delivered a series of impressive performances against the top triathletes in the region last weekend.

The team turned in some of the top times at the second edition of the Caribbean Triathlon and Duathlon Championships, hosted April 30 in Key Biscayne, Florida.

In the Olympic Triathlon, Mark Dietrich and Simone Bertoldo led the Bahamian contingent and finished second and third overall respectively. Dietrich finished in a total time of 2:22:29.19 secs while Bertoldo followed closely behind in 2:22:47.35 secs.

Jason Costelloe of Trinidad and Tobago was the top overall finish-

er in 2:10:34. 01 secs.

Simon Lowe finished fifth in 2:30:47.69 secs and first among the Male 30-34 Age Group.

Kelly Kramp was seventh overall in 2:31:27.65 secs and second amongst his group, Male 55-59.

His pace was less than one second behind the division’s top finisher.

Jonathan Pendlebury also finished second in his age group, Male 35-39 and was 15th overall in 2:52:30.98 secs.

Among the competitors in the Sprint Triathlon, Sean Andrews was first among Male Masters and seventh overall in 1:00:46.06 secs.

Just behind him was Cameron Roach who finished first in the Male 35-39 and eighth overall in 1:00:55.42 secs.

Mark Davies was the top finisher in the Male 55-59 and 15th

overall in 1:04:56.18 secs followed

by Mario Carey, second in the division at 1:08:19.53 secs.

Elizabeth Shaddock was the second female to finish the course with her time of 1:11:22.25 secs and Ben Derbyshire was third in the Male 16-17 in 1:11:43.48 secs.

Lori Roach finished first overall in the Female Masters with her time of 1:12:17.02 secs, No 21 in the field while Katherine Bowers finished one spot behind at 1:15:46.70 secs for the top spot in the Female 40-44 division. Sarah Farrington won the top spot in the Female 45-49 in 1:22:21.22 secs while Thomas Bowers was fourth overall in the Male 14-15 in 1:23:23.08 secs.

In the Sprint Duathlon, Kathryn de Sousa was the top Female finisher and was fourth overall in

1:15:10.82 secs.

Justin Higgs finished one spot behind, fifth overall and first in the Male 18-24 division in 1:18:22.64 secs.

Kordero St Cyr was the first finisher in the Male 30-34 and seventh overall in 1:19:42.16 secs.

The lone competitor for the Bahamas in the Aquabike, Dorian Roach took first place in 1:54:56.60 secs.

The event featured athletes ages 12 and older. Male and female winners in each event, each age group and division received an award and will be named Caribbean Triathlon/Duathlon Aquabike Age Group Champion.

The standard triathlon included a 0.5 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike and 6.2 mile run. The sprint triathlon comprised a 0.25 mile

swim, 10 mile bike and 3.1 mile run while the duathlon includes a one mile run, 10 mile bike and 3.1 mile run.

The event consisted of triathletes from several Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas, Granada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Haiti, and Barbados.

In 2016, the Bahamas’ team came away with 16 podium finishes, including 11 first places awards.

Several races now fill the country’s triathlon calendar - three brand new in the last three years.

With the Conchman, Potcakeman, Pineappleman, UWC, Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, Breeze-a-thon and BMC Dri Tri, the popularity of the sport has increased over the years.

PAGE 4, Monday, May 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Calling All High

SCHOOL STUDENTS

Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year.

In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students across the Bahamas and Family Islands.

We want profiles from as many schools and students as possible to make this guide essential and informative.

Profiles must include 1. Name 2. Age 3. School 4. Grade 5. Parent name or names 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes won and honours awarded

7. Name of college they will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).

How to submit profiles Email to back2school@ tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in the subject field and photos in .jpeg format.

By post to Back To School, The Tribune, Shirley Street & Deveaux Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau.

By hand to The Tribune office The deadline for the profiles is June 30, 2017 and there is no cost involved. For any questions please contact Tribune Features at 5022380 or 502-2391.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 8, 2017, PAGE 5

Cavs sweep Raptors 4-0

By IAN HARRISON Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — LeBron James scored 35 points, Kyrie Irving added 27 and the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a four-game sweep of Toronto, beating the Raptors 109-102 on Sunday to give James his seventh consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kyle Korver scored 18 points to help the Cavaliers become the first team to win eight straight playoff games the year following a title, and the first team to win eight straight in consecutive postseasons.

Channing Frye had 10 points, and Cleveland finished 16 for 41 from 3-point range.

They finished off the Raptors about an hour before Game 4 between the Celtics and Wizards tipped off in Washington.

That series won’t end until Wednesday night at the earliest, and could run until Monday night, meaning the Cavaliers will have plenty of time to rest before the Eastern Conference Finals.

James added nine rebounds and six assists. Irving had nine assists.

Serge Ibaka scored 23 points, and DeMar DeRozan had 22 for Toronto. The Raptors took their first fourth-quarter lead of the series but couldn’t avoid their fourth straight loss.

Making his second start in place of injured point guard Kyle Lowry, Cory Joseph had 20 points and 12 assists for Toronto, which lost in six games against Cleveland last year in the Conference Finals. P.J Tucker had 14 points and 12 assists in his first career playoff start.

CAVALIERS forward LeBron James (23) argues over a call with referee Tony Brothers. (AP) Lowry sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Game 2, and aggravated the injury while trying to warm up for Friday’s Game 3.

He was not active Sunday.

A 3 by Toronto’s Fred Van Vleet cut it to 87-86 at 9:51 of the fourth, but James answered with a 3. Toronto kept it close, and took a 93-93 lead when Ibaka converted a three-point play with 6:38 left.

Irving responded with a 3 and, following a missed shot by DeRozan, added a pair of free throws to put Cleveland up 97-92 at 5:54.

After a basket by Cory Joseph, Ir-

CAVALIERS forward LeBron James (23) goes to the net past Raptors forwards P.J. Tucker (2) and Serge Ibaka (9) during Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Raptors yesterday.

(Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) ving added two more free throws and a layup, scoring all of Cleveland’s points in an 11-2 run that gave the Cavs a 103-95 edge with 4:00 remaining.

Cleveland missed nine of its first 12 field-goal attempts, including four straight 3-point shots, and trailed 26-15 with 2:38 left in the first, but Toronto couldn’t hold its lead. James converted a three-point play with 15 seconds left in the first to tie it at 28-all after one.

Following a replay review, Cleveland’s Shumpert was called for a technical foul in the sec-

OLYMPIC marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, right, talks with Nike CEO and President Mark Parker after crossing the finish line of a marathon at the Monza Formula One racetrack on Saturday.

Eliud Kipchoge was 26 seconds from making history on Saturday but in the end the Olympic champion was just short of becoming the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours. Kipchoge ran the 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres) in 2 hours and 24 seconds, beating Dennis Kimetto’s world record of 2:02:57, but the Kenyan failed to run the first sub-two hour marathon.

(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

KIPCHOGE FALLS 26 SECONDS SHORT OF FIRST SUB 2-HOUR MARATHON

By DANIELLA MATAR Associated Press MONZA, Italy (AP) — Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge was 26 seconds short of running the first marathon in under two hours on Saturday.

Kipchoge ran the 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres) around an oval track in an impressive 2 hours, 25 seconds, unofficially smashing Dennis Kimetto’s world mark of 2:02:57 by 2 1/2 minutes and raising hopes that one of world sport’s most famous barriers can be broken.

“We are human. We are going up the tree ... I have lifted a branch and I am going onto the next one,” Kipchoge said.

“This is not the end of the attempt of runners on two hours.”

The time will not be an official world record, sanctioned by the IAAF, due to variables like pacers entering mid-race and drinks being given to runners via mopeds.

Considered the best marathon runner in the world, Kipchoge broke his person-

al best of 2:03:05 set at the London Marathon last year.

Kimetto set the world mark in Berlin in 2014.

Organisers first listed Kipchoge’s time as a second faster, then changed it to 25 seconds off the two-hour mark.

“I rank this as the highest-ever performance in my life,” Kipchoge said. “The aim of ‘Breaking2’ was to pass the message that running less than two-hour marathon is possible. That message is really special to me.”

It wasn’t a road race, with runners completing 17.5 laps around the 1.5-mile Monza Formula One track.

The attempt was held on the 63rd anniversary of Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile in 1954.

Nike planned the record attempt for three years, including making shoes it said made runners four percent more efficient.

The Monza track was selected after extensive research that included average temperature, air pressure, and wind levels.

Two-time Boston Mara-

thon winner Lelisa Desisa, from Ethiopia, and halfmarathon world-record holder Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea were also part of the attempt, which started at 5:45am local time. They tried to help pace Kipchoge.

Desisa was dropped after 50 minutes, with Tadese falling back shortly afterwards. The duo still completed the marathon with Tadese shaving nearly four minutes off his personal best in 2:06:51. Desisa finished in 2:14:10.

That left just Kipchoge chasing the landmark time.

He passed the halfway mark in 59:54, but his average pace of 4:36 per mile was not quite enough, despite a final sprint to the tape.

Kipchoge needed an average of less than 4:35 per mile — an improvement of about seven seconds per mile on Kimetto’s record, or around 2.5 per cent.

“I tried to maintain the pace,” Kipchoge said. “As a human you are not a machine so you cannot go 2.50 exactly, and those microseconds really have an effect.”

ond after he kneed DeRozan in the ground area while rising for a jump shot, an incident that left DeRozan lying on the court in pain.

The Cavaliers started a 17-7 run while DeRozan was on the bench, opening a 51-41 lead with 3:46 left in the second. Korver scored 16 points in the second, making four 3-pointers, as Cleveland led 61-49 at halftime. James scored 10 points in the third but the Raptors got nine from DeRozan and seven from Ibaka to close the gap. Toronto trailed 85-80 heading to the fourth.

TIP-INS Cavaliers: Cleveland has swept its opponent all nine times it has taken a 3-0 series lead. ... Korver’s career high for points in a quarter is 17. ... James was the only Cleveland player to shoot a free throw in the first half. He went 3 for 3 from the line.

Raptors: Toronto shot 10 for 29 from 3-point range. ... The Raptors used a different starting lineup in all four games. ... DeRozan’s eight assists were a career playoffhigh.

PAGE 6, Monday, May 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Arsenal beats United 2-0 as Wenger gets better of Mourinho

ARSENAL’S DANNY WELBECK, fourth right, scores his side’s 2nd goal of the game yesterday at the Emirates Stadium. (AP) LONDON (AP) — Arsene Wenger got the better of managerial rival Jose Mourinho for the first time in a competitive game as Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League yesterday to keep alive its Champions League qualification hopes.

Granit Xhaka, with a deflected shot, and former United player Danny Welbeck, with a bullet header, scored goals in a fourminute span early in the second half to end United’s 25-match unbeaten in the league dating to October.

This was the 16th competitive head to head between Wenger and Mourinho — and the 13th

in league play — since 2004. It has been a one-sided rivalry but Wenger finally got a victory over the man who once dubbed him a “specialist in failure,” for a result that might end United’s chances of a top-four finish and leaves Arsenal with some hope.

“Finally, I leave this (Emirates) stadium with Arsenal fans happy,” Mourinho said. “It’s the first time I see them smile, enjoy.”

Arsenal moved two points behind fifth-place United with a game in hand, and is seven points behind third-placed Liverpool having played two games fewer and six behind fourth-placed Manchester City having played

one game fewer. Wenger’s team has four matches remaining to earn a 20th straight season in the Champions League. “We still have a mathematical chance but we need some help,” Wenger said.

“But the best help we can get is by winning our own games.”

A disappointing game burst into life in the 54th when Xhaka, afforded plenty of space in central midfield following a throw-in, advanced and sent in a 30-metre (yard) shot that struck the turned back of Ander Herrera and looped over goalkeeper David de Gea. Welbeck, who was sold to Arsenal in 2014 to end a 13-year as-

sociation with United, has now scored in each of his last three appearances against his old club after powering a header in off the bar in the 57th from Alex OxladeChamberlain’s cross.

Mourinho made eight changes to his starting team from the 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.

The second leg is at Old Trafford on Thursday and Mourinho has suggested the European competition, which offers a place in the Champions League for the winner, is his priority for the remainder of the season.

“Of course, we knew we were

not coming in our maximum power,” Mourinho said. “Thursday is the match of the season.”

It meant the 19-year-old Axel Tuanzebe was handed his Premier League debut, at right back up against Alexis Sanchez, and he performed excellently. Scott McTominay, a 20-year-old midfielder, came on as a second-half substitute for his first-team debut while Paul Pogba — the world’s most expensive player — didn’t even come off the bench.

United hasn’t scored away to a top-six rival all season.

Arsenal will climb above United with a win at Southampton on Wednesday.

SHARAPOVA NOT WORRIED YET ABOUT WIMBLEDON WILD CARD

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Maria Sharapova is not yet worried about whether she will be awarded a wild card for Wimbledon following her doping ban.

After moving into the second round of the Madrid Open yesterday, Sharapova said it’s too early to think about the July tournament.

“I mean, look, I would love to be in a position to compete in that event,” she said. “It’s very meaningful to me. But it’s just too far down the line right now.”

Sharapova defeated Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia in three sets for her fourth victory since serving a 15-month ban for testing positive for meldonium at last year’s Australian Open.

She was eliminated in the semi-finals in Stuttgart last month in her first tournament since the ban.

“I feel like I’m like a broken-record player, but these tournaments are really important,” Sharapova said.

“The match play that I have, getting myself in these situations, getting out of them, will ultimately help me for those big events whether I’m in there or not.”

Sharapova, who is also expected to play in Rome later this month, has been playing on wild-card entries because she lost her ranking following the doping suspension.

The decision on her wild card for Wimbledon may not come until June 20, according to tournament officials. The five-time Grand Slam champion and former top-ranked player will know on May 16 if she will be able to compete on a wild card in the French Open, which starts May 22.

A win in the second round in Madrid against Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, one of the most outspoken players against Sharapova’s return to tennis, could be enough to let the Russian qualify for Wimbledon on points,

MARIA Sharapova defeated Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in three sets to move into the second round of the Madrid Open yesterday. (AP) without needing a wild card.

Bouchard, who called Sharapova “a cheater” and said she should be banned for life from tennis, was a finalist in Wimbledon in 2014. Sharapova won the 2004 title in Wimbledon.

Sharapova said playing as many matches as possible is the most important thing for her at the moment.

“I feel like it’s still a learning experience, and it’s still just getting back in the groove and understanding what I need to work on and improve,” she said. “But those are all things that are normal and are part of the process, part of kind of the journey that I’ve started.

“You can train for as much as you want, but playing the matches and being in that competitive environment is just not the same.

You can never replicate it,” she said.

“Expectations of how I

play, I’ll get back into that.

But, as I said, the match play is the most important thing right now.”

Sharapova said she is not being affected by the offthe-court controversy involving her return to tennis.

“I’m very much in my element. I think it’s always great to be the person that’s kind of in control of your actions while everything around you is moving in a different way,” she said.

“Not much has changed from my end. I still go through my routines. I still go through my training.

I’m around my team. But then there’s a little bit more around. I definitely feel it, but it doesn’t change anything that I do.

“I’m kind of the driver of that,” she said. “I like being in that position. I like doing my work. I love being quiet about it and letting everyone around speak or have the noise, whatever it is.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 8, 2017, PAGE 7

ALWAYS DREAMING MAKES A WINNING SPLASH IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY LOUISVILLE (AP) - A trainer and jockey accustomed to success. A headstrong horse with a mind of its own. Together, they harnessed their collective talents to win the Kentucky Derby.

Always Dreaming splashed through the slop for a 2 3/4-length victory on Saturday, giving Todd Pletcher and rider John Velazquez their second victories in the race but their first together.

The New York-based duo has teamed up often over the years and is the sport’s leading money winners.

On their own, they were a combined two for 63 coming into America’s greatest race. Joining forces, they were unbeatable on a cool and rainy day at Churchill

Downs.

“We have had a great relationship for a long time now, and we have won a lot of races together,” Pletcher said. “This is the one we wanted to win together.”

Sent off at 9-2 odds, Always Dreaming made it the fifth straight year that a Derby favourite has won, equaling the longest stretch since 1892-1896.

Always Dreaming ran the 1 1/4 miles in 2min 03.59sec and was followed across the finish line by a pair of long shots: 33-1 Lookin At Lee and 40-1 Battle of Midway.

“This is the best horse Todd and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with,” Velazquez said. “Being behind me for 24 years together, a long time for him to still trust in me and

JOHN VELAZQUEZ rides Always Dreaming to victory in the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (AP) give me the opportunity, it’s not very often it happens in this business.”

Pletcher won his first Derby in 2010 with Super Saver; Velazquez won the following year with Animal Kingdom.

Velazquez used his colt’s speed out of the gate to get good position early in a chaotic start that saw several horses, including McCraken

and Classic Empire, banged around. He steered Always Dreaming into an ideal trip behind pacesetter State of Honor, with mud flying in all directions on a surface that resembled creamy peanut butter. “We got wiped out at the start. McCraken came and nearly knocked us,” said Mark Casse, who trains Classic Empire. “The track is impossible.”

On the final turn, Always Dreaming took command as State of Honor faded. Despite chasing a quick early pace, Always Dreaming was still full of run. No other horses threatened him down the stretch and Velazquez furiously pumped his right arm as they crossed the finish line.

“I got a good position with him early and then he

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 62° F/17° C

TAMPA

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Mostly sunny and pleasant

A moonlit sky

Delightful with plenty of sun

Nice with plenty of sun

Pleasant with plenty of sunshine

Mostly sunny and warm

High: 86°

Low: 73°

High: 87° Low: 73°

High: 87° Low: 72°

High: 88° Low: 74°

High: 89° Low: 75°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

74° F

95°-75° F

96°-76° F

96°-76° F

95°-77° 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

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 74° F/23° C

4-8 knots

S

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 68° F/20° C

3-6 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 70° F/21° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 69° F/21° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 71° F/22° C

6-12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 86° F/31° C Low: 73° F/23° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

6:59 a.m.

7:26 p.m.

2.5 2.8

1:02 a.m. 0.0 1:11 p.m. -0.2

Tuesday

7:40 a.m.

8:05 p.m.

2.5 2.9

1:46 a.m. 0.0 1:49 p.m. -0.2

Wednesday 8:19 a.m.

8:42 p.m.

2.4 2.9

2:27 a.m. -0.1 2:25 p.m. -0.2

Thursday

8:57 a.m.

9:19 p.m.

2.4 2.9

3:06 a.m. -0.1 3:01 p.m. -0.2

Friday

9:35 a.m.

9:55 p.m.

2.3 2.8

3:44 a.m. -0.1 3:37 p.m. -0.1

Saturday

10:13 a.m.

10:33 p.m.

2.2 2.8

4:23 a.m.

4:14 p.m.

0.0 0.0

Sunday

10:52 a.m.

11:12 p.m.

2.2 2.7

5:02 a.m.

4:52 p.m.

0.1 0.2

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:29 a.m.

7:44 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

5:59 p.m.

5:16 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

May 10

May 18

May 25

Jun. 1

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

N

S

E

W

6-12 knots

S

7-14 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 61° F/16° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 86° F/30° C Last year’s low ................................... 72° F/22° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 3.27” Normal year to date ..................................... 6.60”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

relaxed,” Velazquez said.

“When we hit the quarter pole, I asked him and he responded. He did it himself from there.”

By winning the Derby, Always Dreaming accomplished something his sire Bodemeister couldn’t do. Bodemeister finished second in the 2012 race.

The victory was worth $1,635,800.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 72° F/22° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

7-14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8-16 knots

7-14 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA

L

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 NW at 3-6 Knots NNW at 4-8 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 7-14 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 3-6 Knots NE at 3-6 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots

WAVES 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet

VISIBILITY 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 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 77° F 82° F 82° F 78° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 81° F 81° F 79° F 79° F

PAGE 8, Monday, May 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE