Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association holds Team Trials for 2025 Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) held the Team Trials for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup (BJK) and Davis Cup (DC) at its National Tennis Centre.
The BJKC and DC Trials produced two more eligible players to join the finalists from the 2024 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals.
On the ladies’ side, Jalisa Clarke won over Saphirre Ferguson in the finals in straight sets 7-6, 6-4 and Donte Armbrister won over Kofi Bowe in the men’s finals similarly in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. In the backdrop round, Aryuana Davis and Cailan Bowe won over Donesha Gibson and Spencer Taylor, respectively. The finalists are eligible to serve on the BJK and Davis Cup teams respectively.
returning 2023 BJK Cup
member Saphirre Ferguson will both join Sydney Clarke (national champion) and Simone Pratt.
Jalisa Clarke, the No.1 player in under-18s in The Bahamas, will represent on her first BJK Cup team and
to contact coach Corrington Maycock at 395-6381, coach Quell Harris at 818-2095 and or coach Acaci at 445-3915 for more information.
FAST TRACK
SPRING
FLING
INVITATIONAL
THE Fast Track Athletics Club is scheduled to hold its 4th annual Spring
Fling at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex May 16-17. The event is open to competitors from throughout The Bahamas. The action is slated to begin at 5pm on Friday, May 16 and at 10am on Saturday, May 16. It promises to provide fast competition, perfect prep for championship season and an unmatched island atmosphere in Grand Bahama. For more information on the meet, persons can email fasttrackmanagement00@ gmail.com
BASKETBALL DARRELL SEARS
SHOWCASE GRAND Bahamian basketball coach Darrell Sears is scheduled to host a basketball showcase May 16-18 at the St George’s Gymnasium. The showcase will run from 6-10pm on day one, 8am to 5pm on day two and
2024 Davis Cup team member and tennis collegiate Donte Armbrister and Kofi Bowe, who graduated from college in 2024 and is serving for the first time, join national champion Denali Nottage and Michael Major Jr, who both ably served on the 2024 Davis Cup team.
10am to 1pm on the final day. Registration is opened to players in grades 7-12 and unattached with college eligibility. A number of visiting coaches from high school and colleges will be in town from the United States and possibly Canada to conduct the showcase. For more information, persons can call 242-6469557 or 242-533-6374.
SOFTBALL THOMPSON/ WILLIAMS MEMORIAL
SLOW PITCH
TOURNAMENT THE Friends for Life Committee will host a joint Paul ‘Dingus’ Thompson and Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams Men and co-ed slow pitch invitational tournament over the Labour Day and Whit Monday holiday weekend, June 5-9. The event will be staged at the Grand Bahama Sporting Complex softball
All players expressed their excitement to book their ticket to represent the country on this global stage, serving at this high level of competitive tennis is truly an honour and a blessing. Presenting the players with their medals were BLTA president Perry Newton and vice president Chilean Burrows. The BJK and Davis Cup teams are expected to take place this summer, the exact place and time to be determined.
field in Freeport, Grand Bahama and is expected to feature teams from Eleuthera, New Providence, Grand Bahama and the United States of America. For more details, interested persons can email friendsforlife242@ gmail.com
PEACE ON DA STREET
FAMILY NIGHT
PLANS are underway for the staging of the Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classics’ Road to 30 years of existence. The event, being organised by the Hope Center under the theme “Shooting hoops instead of guns,” will be held from July 14-19 at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Center.
The highlight of the event will be the Family Night, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium when the finals in all of the divisions will take place, starting at 3pm.
The BLTA is thankful to God for another wonderful tennis event. We also extend thanks to the officiating team of Esther Newton, Philan Bowe, Paul Whitfield and Steve Taylor for ensuring a smooth and well-organised tournament.
2025 Davis Cup - Denali Nottage, Michael Major Jr., Donte Armbrister and Kofi Bowe. The team consists of four very talented players - two are from Grand Bahama
There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam Dunk Contest. The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up. Lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, will be up for grabs.
GSSSA SOCCER THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association is currently playing its soccer regular season action at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center. Junior girls and boys games are being played on Tuesday and Thursdays and the senior boys and girls are playing on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Games start at 4pm every day. The sudden death playoffs for the senior girls and boys are set for Wednesday, May 14, with the third place and championship game on Friday, May 16.
- Denali and Kofi and three tennis collegiates Donte, Michael and Kofi. 2025 Billie Jean King Cup - Sydney Clarke, Simone Pratt, Jalisa Clarke and Saphirre Ferguson. The team consists of four very talented players, two players Simone and Jalisa are from Grand Bahama and we have former collegiate players Sydney Clarke and Simone Pratt. The BLTA and the entire country wish the teams well.
GOLF
WOMEN’S GOLF DAY THE Flamingo Women’s Golf Association is scheduled to hold its second annual Women’s Golf Invitational Tournament at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Nine-Hole Golf Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The event is scheduled for May 30-31. Interested golfers can call 422-3744 or email flamingowomensgolfclub@gmail.com
The sudden death playoffs for the junior girls and boys will be played on Thursday, May 15. And the championship games played on Monday, May 19.
BARCELONA RALLIES TO BEAT REAL MADRID 4-3 DESPITE
MBAPPÉ HAT TRICK TO MOVE CLOSER TO LA LIGA TITLE
By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona took a huge step yestetrday to securing the Spanish league title with a 4-3 win over Real Madrid — despite Kylian Mbappé’s hat trick in a mesmerising “clasico” — and opened a seven-point lead over its second-placed rival with three matches remaining.
Raphinha scored twice, and Lamine Yamal and Eric García added a goal each for Barcelona, which needs two more points to secure its 28th league title.
The Catalan club trailed 2-0 after Mbappé scored in the fifth and 14th minutes at Montjuic stadium. The hosts evened the match just over the half-hour mark, and went on to lead 4-2 at halftime in a sensational recovery.
Mbappé completed his hat trick in the 70th but Madrid wasn’t able to come back in a likely fatal blow to its hopes of successfully defending its title.
Mbappé became the league’s leading scorer with 27 goals, two more than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who did not play on Sunday.
Mbappé also became Madrid’s player with the most goals in his debut season with 39, surpassing the 37 scored by Iván Zamorano in the 1992-93 campaign. Mbappé had already overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy (both 33 goals) and Brazil great Ronaldo (30).
Another Barcelona thriller
It was another thrilling match involving Barcelona, which on Tuesday was eliminated by Inter Milan in
extra time in the semifinals of the Champions League. Barcelona lost to the Italians 7-6 on aggregate.
The Catalan club has won every match against Madrid this season. It had already won 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the first league match in October, 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January, and 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final last month.
“We have to celebrate the victory. I’m very happy for the whole club and the fans. The atmosphere is incredible, and I really appreciate it,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. “The job isn’t finished yet. We need to be more consistent defensively, but with matches every three days it’s very difficult to train.”
Barcelona can clinch the title by winning at Espanyol on Thursday. It could already be champion by then if Madrid fails to beat Mallorca on Wednesday. Barcelona then hosts Villarreal and visits Athletic Bilbao in the final round.
“Every match will be tough, but we have the quality,” said Flick, who is in his first season with Barcelona. “I believe we can do it.”
The result virtually ends Madrid’s chances of winning the league, with its hopes shifting to the Club World Cup, starting next month. Madrid won the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the season.
Ancelotti’s future
The loss adds pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is rumoured to be leaving the club to take over Brazil’s national team. Former Madrid player Xabi Alonso, who recently announced he is leaving
Bayer Leverkusen, is widely expected to be Madrid’s next coach.
When asked if it was his last clasico, Ancelotti said: “It’s the last one of the season. There are three games left and we have to try to win all three.”
Spanish media reported that some fans protested against the team after players arrived back in Madrid.
Ancelotti had his 350th game with Madrid.
“In a game at this level, you have to defend and attack well. We attacked well, looking for chances. Obviously, we could have done better in the first half, we made some obvious
mistakes that cost us goals,” he said. “We had to defend better. We gifted them some chances and they punished us.”
Great start for Real
Madrid Needing to win to get back into the title race, Madrid got off to a great start before Barcelona responded.
García began Barcelona’s comeback with a header off a corner kick in the 19th, Yamal equalised with a curling shot into the far corner in the 32nd, and Raphinha scored in the 34th and 45th minutes for Barcelona to lead 4-2 at halftime in a stunning turnaround.
It was a mistake by Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí that had led to the early penalty converted by Mbappé in the first Madrid goal, and Mbappé added another goal in a breakaway to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. Both teams had goals disallowed in the final minutes.
Vinícius Júnior had to be substituted in the second half with a sprained ankle. Barcelona is unbeaten in 16 straight league matches, with its last loss coming against Atletico Madrid late last year.
Madrid, eliminated by Arsenal in the quarterfinals of the Champions League,
had won four in a row in the league.
Among those in the stands at Montjuic was Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith and singer-songwriter Travis Scott, who was shown celebrating in the VIP tribunes.
Not down yet In the fight against relegation, 18th-placed Leganes beat 14th-placed Espanyol 3-2 to move within a point of Alaves, the first team outside the drop zone. Alaves lost 1-0 at fourthplaced Athletic Bilbao.
Also Sunday, sixth-placed Real Betis drew 1-1 with midtable Osasuna.
Arsenal and Newcastle to meet in Premier League showdown as Champions League race intensifies
By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer
ARSENAL and Newcas-
tle set up a Premier League showdown next weekend as the race for the remaining Champions League spots intensified yesterday.
After a weekend of upsets and comebacks in the Premier League, the six-way battle to qualify for European club soccer’s top competition looks set to go down to the wire.
With the top five qualifying for the Champions League next season, just six points separate second-placed Arsenal and seventh-placed Nottingham Forest with two rounds to go. And only two points separate Arsenal and Newcastle in third ahead of their penultimate league game at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday. Arsenal rallied from two goals down against champion Liverpool to draw 2-2 at Anfield on Sunday, and Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0. Manchester City is a point further back in fourth after being held 0-0 by lastplaced Southampton on Saturday. Forest’s chances were hit by a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester on Sunday that led to owner Evangelos Marinakis appearing to remonstrate with manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the field after the match.
Europa League finalists Manchester United and Tottenham maintained their woeful domestic form — both losing 2-0 at home. United was beaten by West Ham and Spurs lost to FA Cup finalist Crystal Palace.
Arsenal fightback
Dumped out of the Champions League semifinals by Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week, Arsenal’s main focus now is ensuring a return.
But trailing 2-0 after just 21 minutes against Liverpool, it looked like another sobering day for Mikel Arteta’s team, which was already on a run of just one win from its last five league games. Now it’s one in six, but Arsenal successfully avoided defeat after a second-half fightback through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who was later sent off.
The Gunners paid the price for a lacklustre start as they conceded twice in quick succession, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
“What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level, so to do it after is too late. We reacted, great, but the standards in those 20 minutes were unacceptable,” Arteta said.
Boos for Trent Six days after confirming that he’ll leave Liverpool as a free agent, Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a hostile reception by some Liverpool fans when he was booed when coming on against Arsenal as a second-half substitute.
“I said to everyone that asked me that question (about the reception) that it is a privilege to live in Europe, where everybody can have his own opinion and everybody can express
his own opinion,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said. “A few of them were not happy with him. I think all of them are not happy with him leaving the club. But a few of them showed it in a way that they booed him. And a few of them clapped.”
Battle for second
Two points will guarantee Champions League soccer for Arsenal next season, but a third straight runner-up spot could be in doubt if it fails to beat Newcastle, which will have second place in its sights after victory against 10-man Chelsea at St. James’ Park. Sandro Tonali fired the home team ahead from
close range in the second minute and Nicolas Jackson was sent off for Chelsea in the 35th, following a VAR review, for a foul on Sven Botman.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Bruno Guimaraes’ dipping shot from distance in the 90th killed off the visitors’ hopes of a comeback.
“We still have two games to go and lots of twists and turns that could be around the corner,” Howe said.
“We have to drive forward, reflect on our next game and make sure we’re ready for Arsenal because that is a very, very tough match.”
Forest held by Leicester Forest’s rise from relegation fighter to Champions League contender has been one of the surprise stories of the season.
But it looks in danger of falling away in the final weeks of the season after being held at home by relegated Leicester. While a point meant Forest will be playing European soccer of some description next term — in the Europa League or Conference League if it misses out on the big one — owner Marinakis didn’t look to be in the mood to celebrate after the final whistle at the City Ground.
Approaching
Espirito Santo on the field, the Greek businessman looked frustrated and appeared to remonstrate during a brief exchange before they went their separate ways.
“It is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us. He wants us to be better,” said Espirito Santo, who explained Marinakis had been frustrated because of a miscommunication between the bench and medical staff after an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi late on. Forest had come back from a goal down to lead 2-1 against Midlands rival Leicester, but Facundo Buonanotte leveled the game in the 81st. Europa flops
As well as the top five, England will be represented by a sixth team in the Champions League next season after United and Tottenham advanced to an all-English Europa League final, with the winner also qualifying.
But based on domestic form, neither team looks like they should be mixing it with Europe’s elite.
United’s latest defeat was a club-record extending 17th loss in the Premier League to leave it languishing in 16th place.
“Everybody is focused on the final. The final is not the biggest thing in our football club,” said United coach Ruben Amorim. “We need to change a lot of things. If we don’t change the way we play and perform and feel this urgency of winning every game, we should not play in the Champions League.”
It’s even worse for Tottenham - now down to 17th with a club record 20th loss in a Premier League campaign.
NEWCASTLE United’s Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game, during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park, in Newcastle, England, yesterday. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
BARCELONA players celebrate after the La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Lions, Big Red Machine win flag football titles
FROM PAGE E1
well,” Thompson said.
“This team was more together. Last year we had an A and B team, but we got to play together and win together. Everyone got a ring.”
Michael Bullard, one of the coaches for Doris Johnson, admitted that it was a learning experience for the majority of their players, but it was an incredible feat for them to get to the final.
“For them to make it to the championship was incredible. I had some fun coaching them,” said Bullard, who kept the fans on the sidelines rocking with laughter about his tactics. “They like listening. They like playing football, so it was fun.”
The only problem, he noted, was the fact that they ran up against a well-oiled machine in SAC.
“They are incredible,” he continued with his gestures. “You could tell they practice. They have a good coach. They know what they are doing.
“Their coach realised what I was doing on defence and immediately, he attacked that. I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting
that. But that’s good. That was a fun game to play. It was a good chess match.”
Bullard, however, assured the Big Red Machine that they will be back next year and their plan is to snap their winning streak.
Lining up to play for Doris Johndon were Ethan Munnings, Tyrus Bailou, Pedro Williams, Shamel Saunders, Antwone Scott, Brandon Williams, Daniel Turnquest, Jayden Hepburn, Densky Decius and Pablo Dantes. 14-and-under Lions 25, Comets 22 It wasn’t pretty, but HO Nash made sure they found a way to come back from a 16-0 deficit in the first half to secure the win. They did it with grit and determination as they slowly turned things around in the second half to stun the Comets, who just seemed to have run out of gas. “We wanted to win both divisions, but our older boys played lackadaisical and they didn’t get into the final,” said Deangelo Edmunds, who coached the Lions along with Sydline Justilien. “I wanted to go home with two pieces of
hardware, but one is good. Our younger boys, led by our MVP Dylan Delahey, played well to come back for this win.”
Delahey, the spark plug for the team, suffered an injury late in the second half when he collided at the head with another player. Having helped HO Nash take a 19-16 lead, he watched from the sidelines as his team mates managed to hold the fort and secure the win.
“I feel good. We performed well. We could have played better, but we still won the championship,” said the 14-year-old
ninth grader. “We just kept our heads up. I played well and everybody just rallied behind me.”
The other members were Derek Brown, Jeremiah Moultrie, Zyian Davis, Rondo Hopkins, Dylan Johnson, Brandon Woodside, Peyton Lewis, Daniel Moss, Roston Lewis, Lebron Johnson, Anthony Hanna and Makayo Green made up the Lions’ roster.
Despite the loss, Cloyd Miller, one of Queen’s College coaches, said their players gave all they had right down to the final whistle as they had an opportunity late in the
fourth to still win, but fell short.
“This was a junior team. Our senior team didn’t do too well. They got eliminated,” said Miller, who coached both teams along with Kevin Coakley and Karl McCartney.
“Our junior team did very well. They fought very hard. We made some mistakes, but we played very well. For a lot of them, this was their first time playing, but they are passionate about the game.”
Led by their quarterback Kealan Cartwright, who pushed them out to an early 16-6 lead, QC used a
combination of boys and girls to get the job done. The other members of their team were Tatyana Clarke, Garth Todd, Ethan Miller, Demia Mycock, Amari Jones, Alphanique Dean, Robert Hall, Andre Flowers, Kyri Carey, Dwayne Small Jr and Kamron Henfield. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was on hand to officially open the tournament. He commended the Royal Bank for their sponsorship and he encouraged the players to make lifelong friends as they play the game.
Ericka Rolle, managing director and country head at RBC, gave some remarks, indicating the reason why they have decided to sponsor the tournament, as we do in other sporting events in the country. She also thanked the organisers, the parents and the players, encouraging them to enjoy the unforgettable moments they will experience during the tournament.
Rev. Dr. Harvis Bain III gave the opening prayer to set the tone for what he expected to be a wellplayed tournament without any injuries.
Athletes put on show at Silver Lightning’s Road to Tokyo Track & Field Classic
push through it, so overall I was pleased with the race,” said Pierre, who also doubled up in the 800m in 2:00.20. “I didn’t know my team-mate was right there with me until they announced it. But I was happy about that, we came out with first and second.”
Thurston, coming off his appearance at CARIFTA where he just missed out of a medal with his fourth place, said it was nice to get in a race like that at home.
“Sometimes we have our ups and downs, but he got me this race,” Thurston said. “He’s my under-20 team-mate. He’s my push. It’s nice to be back home and competing in front of the crowd.”
Rupert Gardiner, head coach of the Silver Lightning, said the meet was a tremendous success and he gave credit to the coaches who brought the clubs to support the event.
“The competition was great, especially with the younger kids,” he said. “We had some great performances at CARIFTA and a lot of them were displayed here.”
Gardiner said they are looking to add some international flavour for the 10th edition as they keep the memory of Robinson, the pioneer in representing The Bahamas in the sprints, alive.
some of the other outstanding performances turned in from the various age groups: Girls under-7
Shalom Leary of Beginners Track Club took the 80m in 16.64 and was second in the 150m in 33.09. Tanah Tanah, third in the 80m in 17.01, won the 150m in 32.43.
Le’Nay Cumberbatch of Speed Capacity was second
in the 80m in 16.74 Amaya Davis of the 3PA Stallion was third in the 150m in 39.65.
Boys under-7
Luke Spence captured both the 80m in 13.87 and the 150m in 28.76 for Kids Athletic. Antonio McKenzie of Hurry Murray was second in both events in 14.,14 and 28.92. Jamari Smith of Kid Athletics was third in the 80m in 14.82 and Kendrick Adderley of Beginners Track was third in the 150m in 31.35.
Girls under-9
Beginners Track’s Symai Stubbs won the 100m in 17.55 and was second in the 200m in 36.69. Jarrell Jean of Fast Forward won the 200m in 33.43. Milani Greenslade of Kids Athletics was second in the 100m in 17.55 with Aja Henfield of Beginners Track third in 18.20. Aubrey-Skye Munnings, unattached, was third in the 200m in 38.26. Gabriel Clarke, representing host Silver Lightning, took the 400m in 1:34.74 and the 800m in 3:39.32.
Boys under-9 Noah Micklewhite of Beginners Track won the 100m in 15.99, but was third in the 200m in 33,01. Kayden Bullard of Swift Athletics, third in the 100m in 16.19, won the 200m in 32.91. Silver Lightning’s Kyro Romer was second in the 100m in 16,00 and Justino Almonarol was second in the 200m in 32,91. Valdez Godet of Hurry Murray doubled up as the champion in the 400m in 1:129.72 and the 800m in 3:04.65. Messiah McLeod of T-Bird Flyers was runner up in both events in 1:22.16 and 3:12.17.
Girls under-11
Christovia Moss of Road Runners won the 100m in 14.30 over her team-mate Shapinka Nottage, who did
15.41. Carrigan Thompson of Jumpers Inc. was third in 15.47.
Mona Miller of Unique Athletics won the 200m in 31.80 with Haley Curry of DTSP Wolf Pack second in 32.39 and Dejanne Evans of Silver Lightning third in 32.75.
Laveah Johnson of the Road Runners picked up a double victory in the 400m in 1:19.31 and the 800m in 2:50.54. Her nearest rivals were Kyanah Clarke of T-Bird in 1:32.63 in the 400m and Ashley Achelus of Silver Lightning in 3:34.79.
Boys under-11
Callen Dean of Fast Forward won the 100m in 14.66 and was third in the 200m in 30.82. Michael Braynen of T-Bird Flyers won the 200m in 30.45, but was second in the 100m in 14.91.
Liam Thompson of Road Runners won the 400m in 1:10.80, but was second in the 200m in 30.47.
Girls under-13
Dazariah Bullard got the 200m victory in 14.02 with
Saniya Mortimer of Unique Athletics as the runner-up in 14.09.
But Jaelyn Munroe of DTP Wolf Pack doubled up as the 200m champion in 28.06 and the 800m in 1:06.38.
Christelle Wallace of Team Velocity was the winner of the 800m in 2:59.69.
Boys under-13
Da’Vion Marcence of Silver Lightning took the 100m in 13,09 and Jayden Jones of Unique Athletics was second in 13.45. Jones won the 200m in 27.66 with Breon Neely of SPTA second in 28.53.
Girls under-15
Rocelis Moxey of Swift Athletics won the 100m in 12.40 with Aniah Charles of Bahamas Speed Dynamics taking second in 12.81. Moxey also won the shot put with 8.10m.
Charles, however, won the 200m in 25.54 with Ta’Aj Curry of Unique Athletics second in 26.24. Curry also got third in the 100m in 13.06.
Another double winner, but in a unique combo, was Kian Duncombe of T-Bird in the 1,500m in 5:35.47 and the high jump with 1.29m.
Boys under-15 Shia Pratt of Bahamas Speed Dynamics won the 100m in 11.61 and was second in the 200m in 23.55. His team-mate Tristan Lockhart won both the 200m in 23.39 and the 400m in 52.13.
Kaden Braynen of T-Bird Flyers was also a double winner in the 800m in 2.21.41 and the 1,500m in 5:09.95. Pratt also got a double as he added the long jump with 5.25m to his 100m title.
Girls under-17
Aaliyah Archer of Unique Athletics won the 100m in 12.35 with Keely Deveaux of Fast Forward taking the 200m in 26.22. Brion Ward, fresh from CARIFTA, won the 400m for DTSP Wolf Pack in 59.19. Deveaux also doubled up in the javelin with her heave of 33.14m.
Boys under-17
J’Mari Moss of Swift Athletics captured both the 100m in 10.94 and the 200m in 22.19 for Swift Athletics. Terrin Beckles of Bahamas Speed Dynamics was second in both events in 11.09 and 22.36.
Kyden Thurston of T-Bird Flyers was also a double winner in both the 800m in 2:02.66 and the 1,500m in 4:20.99.
Girls under-20
Shakinah Johnson of Fast Forward won the 100m in 12.40, but it was CARIFTA stand out Kei-Martin, who led Star Elite in her double victory in the 200m in 25.03 and the 400m in 56.94.
Fellow CARIFTA teammate Akaree Roberts of Road Runners, second in the 400m in 59.11, won the 800m in 2:23.77. Andrinique Lamour of Jumpers Inc. won the triple jump with a leap of 10.42m and the javelin with a toss of 30.98m as the lone competitor in both events.
Boys under-20 Trent Ford of Road Runners won the 100m in 10.75 over his team-mate Ethan Stuart, who followed in 10.89. Davon Davis of Leap of Faith was third in 11.09.
Women’s open Zaria Forbes of 3PA Stallion won the 100m in 13.57 and Sherinique Sears of SPIA won the 200m in 25.65. Jayna Wells of the Blue Marlin Mana won the long jump with 4.328m and the shot put with 7.68m. Open men
Carlos Brown, representing Swift Athletics, clocked 10.35 in the 100m; Yurick Dean of RK Athletics won the 200m in 22.30 and Kristopher Wong, unattached, finished the 1,500m in 4:57.46. On the field, Alfredo Smith won the long jump with 6.34m and Antone Smith of Leap of Faith took the triple jump with 14.30m.
BREZILE HAMILTON AND JUSTYN THOMPSON WIN HANDBALL GOLD
FROM PAGE E1
“We had a chance to teach them about our culture. But we found out that most of the players had the opportunity to travel to The Bahamas before, so they kind of knew what we were talking about.” As for the tournament on Saturday, Thompson said with the money on the line, the level was much higher and they got to the quarterfinal where they lost out to the team that went on to win the tournament.
“We didn’t regret how we played,” he said. “This was
the first time we played in a prize money tournament like this, but we learned a lot about it. We got to network with a lot of players. They invited us to come back, even if it is just to train with them.” As a duo, Thompson said he wouldn’t play with anyone else than Hamilton. That is the type of relationship and bond they have developed since they started playing the sport two years ago.
“We practice all the time. We do work full time at our jobs, but we force ourselves
to practice at least 45 minutes a day so we are used to playing with each other. It’s just chemistry we have developed,” said Thompson, who is a tennis and pickleball professional at Baha Mar. Hamilton, a tennis and pickleball pro at Albany, concurred, saying that they form a pretty good combination. All they need to do is to work through their game style, especially at the net. “I think it’s mostly match play for us. It’s a lot more drills and a lot more matches for us to play to
get better,” Hamilton said. “It will take a lot of competition and a lot of travel because we don’t have much competition here at home.
“So it’s a lot more playing time for us and playing against teams with different styles. So that will require us playing in a lot more tournaments, especially overseas, even if it’s just here in Florida.”
With a lot more at stake with the prize money up for grabs, Hamilton said they realised how serious the players take their
participation in the tournament. “These guys we played against are playing at least three tournaments every weekend,” Hamilton said. “But it was a good learning experience for us. Good competition for us.
“We were really proud of how we played against the teams in the tournament that we won and the one we didn’t win. We just have to work on the little things.” Hamilton said they just have to continue playing more tournaments to be more consistent. He noted that there is a tournament in Harbour Island where they are expected to make an appearance. Coming from a tennis backboard, Thompson said they had to learn to slow down the pace in which they play pickleball. But it’s something that they are now getting used to. Pickleball, a sport that uses a racket or paddle sport played between two or four players to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
FAST TRACK: Athletes compete in the Silver Lightning’s Road to Tokyo Track and Field Classic at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: The HO Nash Lions won their championship title on Saturday as the Bahamas Youth Flag Football completed its third annual High School Tournament.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
British High Commission takes part in 69th National Family Island Regatta
THE British High Commission is proud to have participated in the 69th Annual National Family Island Regatta held in picturesque Exuma.
This remarkable celebration of Bahamian maritime heritage brought together sailors, dignitaries, and communities to honour the rich tradition of sloop sailing that defines the islands.
At this year’s regatta, the British High Commission hosted its third annual British Pavilion event, creating a welcoming space for ministers, sailors, and attendees to reflect on the significance of this enduring Bahamian tradition.
Guests enjoyed light refreshments while exploring how events like the regatta inspire community pride and empower young Bahamians to learn from the very best in their country.
Among the distinguished attendees were Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security, and M.P. John Pinder, Member of Parliament
for Central and South Abaco, whose presence underscored the event’s importance in promoting cultural pride and community engagement.
The Exuma Regatta, renowned as one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing events in The Bahamas, has long been a cornerstone of cultural and economic vitality.
It showcases the artistry of Bahamian sloops, fosters community spirit, and serves as a gathering point for visitors and locals alike. Beyond its festive atmosphere, the regatta also serves as an inspiring
platform for young Bahamians, encouraging them to engage with their maritime heritage, refine their skills, and contribute to a tradition that shapes their identity.
The event also provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate ‘The Independence,’ the E-Class sloop donated by the British High Commission in honour of the Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence 2 years ago. It was a joy to see the vessel sailing once again in Exuma’s glistening waters, participating in the E-Class race on Friday morning, a testament to the enduring
friendship between the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. The Independence continues to embody the spirit of perseverance, pride, and community that the regatta itself represents.
The British High Commission is committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage and foster youth empowerment. The regatta exemplifies the values of tradition, skill, and camaraderie that resonate throughout the islands. We extend our congratulations to the organisers, participants, and the broader Exuma community for
delivering another outstanding celebration of Bahamian pride. As the sails are lowered and the sloops return to harbour, the legacy of the Exuma Regatta continues to inspire all who take part. The British High Commission is honoured to have shared in this journey and looks forward to further opportunities to celebrate the Bahamas’ vibrant heritage.
Said H.E. British High Commissioner Mr. Thomas Hartley: “Regatta is a true celebration of skill, resilience, and heritage, and it was a privilege to witness
this year’s exhilarating races in Exuma. Sailing instils invaluable life lessonsdiscipline, teamwork, and perseverance - and seeing young Bahamians embrace the sport with such enthusiasm is incredibly inspiring. The return of The Independence to Exuma’s waters was a proud reminder of the bond between the United Kingdom and The Bahamas, and the lasting impact of investing in maritime tradition. A heartfelt thank you to all the organisers, sailors, and supporters who continue to make the regatta a cherished event year after year.”
THE 69th Annual National Family Island Regatta held in picturesque Exuma brought together sailors, dignitaries, and communities to honour the rich tradition of sloop sailing that defines the islands.
Intriguing Colorado Duo
Pacers build 41-point halftime lead and rout Cavaliers 129-109 for a 3-1 lead in the series
By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Pascal Siakam scored 21 points and the Indiana Pacers tied an NBA playoff record by taking a 41-point halftime lead before routing the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 last night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Pacers can earn a second straight trip to the East finals with a victory Tuesday in Cleveland, where they won the first two games. Indiana jumped to an 80-39 lead at halftime and led by 44 points.
The 41-point lead matched the margin Cleveland set in Game 2 of the 2017 Eastern Conference finals against Boston, according to Sportradar.
And Indiana did it mostly without Bennedict Mathurin, one of its top playoff scorers, who was ejected just 7 1/2 minutes into the game for a flagrant foul.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 21 points and Donovan Mitchell had 17 points despite not playing in the second half because of a left ankle injury.
Coach Kenny Atkinson said his All-Star guard would have an MRI exam today.
For the Pacers, it was a redeeming moment in front of a towel-waving home crowd just two days after an embarrassing 22-point loss on its home court.
The Cavs dominated the glass, held two-time AllStar Tyrese Haliburton to four points and five assists and fought harder than Indiana. This time, the Pacers left no doubt about who would be the aggressor.
Indiana took control quickly with early runs of 11-2 and 13-0 to build a commanding 48-23 lead with 9:24 left in the first
half. And the Indiana Pacers didn’t stop — or back down — there, either, closing the half on a 19-2 run.
Aaron Nesmith’s buzzerbeating midrange jumper put the Pacers in another exclusive club — the 10th team in playoff history and
second this week to score 80 points in the first half of a playoff game. Oklahoma City scored 87 points in Game 2 against
Denver. Also, centre
Turner made all four of his 3-point attempts and scored 20 points, as did Obi Toppin.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER SCORES 25, LEADS THUNDER PAST DENVER 92-87 TO TIE SERIES 2-2
By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets at their own game yesterday.
The NBA’s youngest team made all the clutch plays in crunch time against an experienced squad teeming with a championship pedigree, knotting the second-round series with a 92-87 win in Game 4.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine of his 25 points
in the fourth quarter, pulling the top-seeded Thunder from the brink of a 3-1 deficit against a Denver team known for closing out games while winning six of its last seven playoff series — and the two tight games earlier in this series that resumes Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.
About 36 hours after an exhausting overtime Game 3 Friday night, the early Mother’s Day tip-off produced an ugly first half that featured a combined 25
points in the first quarter and ended with OKC up 42-36 at the break.
“Quick turnaround with an early game today, we made an intentional effort to use our depth today and get everybody going,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.
Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder used an 11-0 run fuelled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to wrest control.
Wallace’s second 3-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead for good at 75-73.
“I really thought the difference in the game was their bench kind of lit a fuse for them,” Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said.
“They made 3s ... pretty incredible in a game where the two teams shoot 21 of 86 from 3.”
Denver looked poised to put the top-seeded team in the West on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon’s turnaround jumper made it 73-66.
This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. Denver’s many late miscues included a key five-second inbounds violation.
Nikola Jokic had 27 points and 13 rebounds but his three assists were a low for this playoff run and gave him 22 assists to go with 23 turnovers in this second-round series.
Jokic said he never thinks about fatigue so he didn’t blame anything or anyone else for Denver’s 31% shooting clip and 34 missed 3s. And Adelman wouldn’t go so far as to say the NBA erred with the early tipoff, either. “I don’t want to say that,” Adelman said. “I will say that both teams were very tired coming off an unbelievably physical
overtime battle late Friday night. ... I mean, both of us had super tired legs, so it was about who’s going to make that final run.” Not his team, not this time. “We fought. We stayed the course,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, “... and then
Myles
INDIANA Pacers centre Myles Turner (33) celebrates last night in the first half of Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
DENVER Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, struggles to move the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, left, defends in the first half of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs yesterday in Denver. (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)