06112019 SPORTS

SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019

Miller-Uibo wins 400m in record time

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

S

haunae MillerUibo shook off some unwarranted social media slander to power across the finish line in record-breaking time to win the women’s 400 metres at the Racers Grand Prix meeting.

In her first one-lap race ever contested in Kingston, Jamaica, Miller-Uibo wasted no time in defying the report that she and her husband Maicel had drowned in Canada, by establishing a meet record

in 49.54 seconds, well ahead of American world champion Phyllis Francis, who had to settle for second in 50.85.

It wasn’t as fast as her season opening victory of 49.05 in April in Florida, but Miller-Uibo felt it was good enough to complete her return trip to the Reggae Island where she has dominated in the 200m in the past. “I think today wasn’t a really good run,” said the 2016 Olympic champion. “I’m working on a lot of things trying to perfect my race but I’m happy I finished healthy which is good.”

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo powers across the finish line to win the 400 metres at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica.

Miller-Uibo, 25, admitted that the race went really well.

“I’m in really great shape this year and we’ve been working on a lot of things so I’m happy with it and excited to see how the rest of the season plays out,” she stated.

“Our main goal as with any year is to stay healthy and we know the times will show come end of the season.”

With this being a major year as she gets set to compete in the IAAF World Championships in

SEE PAGE 4

Warriors stay alive

PAGE 7

SHUTOUT: JBLN FALLS TO FREEDOM FARM 9-0

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT — What was supposed to be a classic rematch turned out to be a rout, thanks to the superb pitching from Freedom Farm ace’s Jeorge Araujo as they shutout the Junior Baseball League of Nassau.

After losing their only game 7-3 to JBLN in the round robin, the Farm got revenge when it counted the most with their 9-0 blank job in the final of the 16-and-under division at the Emera Baseball Complex on Sunday.

Their game completed the first leg of the Bahamas Baseball Association’s new triple National Championships series as Sunday action earlier saw the Grand Bahama Little League hold onto the bronze in their showdown against the rookie Andros team with a 15-0 rout.

And on Saturday, the GBLL emerged as the champions of the 18-andunder division with a 10-6 decision over JBLL in the final of their best-of-five series for a 3-1 advantage, while Freedom Farm took home the Tee Ball title over Grand Bahama’s Legacy.

The BBF will now prepare for the second leg of the championships when

SEE PAGE 4

ATHLETES ON TRACK AT NCAA DIVISION I OUTDOORS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

WARRIORS guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots as Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) defends during Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Toronto last night.

(Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

Jones records her 4th double double of season

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones recorded her fourth double double of the season and continues to lead the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA’s best record.

Jones finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots in the Sun’s 65-59 win over the Atlanta Dream.

With their third consecutive win, the Sun lead the league at 5-1.

She hit a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Sun a 63-57 lead with 1:41 left to play as a part of a 9-0 run to put the game away. The fourth year forward has experienced career highs

across the board early in the young season and was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.

She posted 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots in an 89-77 win over the Los Angeles Sparks Thursday to avenge the Sun’s only loss of the season thus far.

Jones averaged 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and five blocks for the week to earn the honour.

CBS Sports’ Award Predictions tabbed Jones as the frontrunner for the WNBA MVP award.

“Just staying consistent, making sure I come to work every day and have that work ethic to take it to the next level,” Jones said at Sun

media day. “[In 2017] I showed that I could do it. I’m not shying away from it, I think it’s something I’m definitely capable of and it’s something that I’ve done before.”

Jones averaged 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, a career-high 1.7 assists and 1.24 blocked shots per game last season and was named the 2018 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year as the league’s top reserve.

Through six games this season, she leads the Sun in several per game averages, including points (17), rebounds (13), blocks (3.1), minutes played (31) and free throw percentage (85.2).

CONNECTICUT Sun centre Jonquel Jones in action against the LA Sparks.

(Sean D Elliot/The Day via AP)

BAHAMIAN athletes produced a series of impressive performances to conclude their seasons at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Samson Colebrooke and Tamar Greene, of the Purdue Boilermakers, along with Doniesha Anderson of the Florida Gators, were members of first team AllAmerican relay teams while Denzel Pratt, of the Liberty Flames, received All-American Honourable Mention at the four-day meet in Austin, Texas.

Colebrooke and Green led their Boilermaker teammates to a first team All-America nod in the 4x100m. They finished seventh in the final in 38.92 seconds, the second-fastest time in Purdue history.

The quartet (which also includes Wassem Williams and Justin Becker) now holds all three fastest times, and each was set in the final three races of the season (NCAA East Regional, NCAA Championship semifinals and final).

Individually, Greene also received an All-American

SEE PAGE 2

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Young and Blue Jays stop the Stone Crabs 8-7

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net IT was a big day from Chavez Young both at the plate and in the field for the Dunedin Blue Jays to seal a win and series split against the Charlotte Stone Crabs as they close in on the first half pennant.

Young went 3-4 (including a double and a home run), with three RBI, two runs scored in an 8-7 win at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Florida.

The Stone Crabs took an early 3-0 lead before Young got the Blue Jays on the scoreboard with a line drive home run to right field to lead off the second inning.

Defensively in centrefield, Young robbed Joey Wendle of a hit in the third inning to keep Dunedin within striking distance.

In the fourth inning, Young continued his big day at the plate with a double in the gap to drive home Christopher Bec. Dunedin would eventually tie the game 4-4 heading into the fifth.

Young’s glove saved another run in the seventh inning with diving catch off Carl Chester. The Blue

Jays would go on to break the game open in the bottom of the seventh.

Young singled and stole second base to place himself in scoring position. He was plated on a Noberto Obeso single to give the Blue Jays five runs in the inning and an 8-4 lead.

The Blue Jays currently lead the race for the Florida State League North’s First Half Pennant at 38-24.

Four teams will advance to the Florida State League playoffs.

Winners of both halves within the division play each other in a best-of-three series for the Division Championship.

The Division Champions will move on to the League Championship Series.

The All-Star Break is this upcoming weekend with the North vs South midseason classic on June 15.

Young finished 3-5 with one home run, three RBI and scored two runs as the Dunedin Blue Jays took three of four games to close out the series with the St Lucie Mets.

In a three-hour and 35-minute game, which was the longest game of the year for Dunedin, Young helped to break the game open

CHAVEZ YOUNG in action. with a nine-run fourth inning to put the Blue Jays ahead for good. It was the most runs scored by Dunedin in a single inning this season.

After a single from teammate Christopher Bec, Young then took a 3-2 pitch to left field for his second home run of the year and give Dunedin a 2-0 lead.

The lineup came around and in Young’s second plate appearance of the inning, he delivered an RBI single to plate Bec once again.

In the Single A-Advanced Florida State League, Young recorded his third multi-hit game in just over a week for the surging Dunedin Blue Jays.

Since he returned to the lineup, Young continued his production in his first season of Single A-Advanced baseball. Young was placed on the temporarily active list on April 29 to return home following the death of his mother and returned to the team on May 11.

He went hitless in his first four games back with the club but followed with multi-hit games in just over a week as the Blue Jays surged into the division lead.

The following night, he hit backto-back home runs for the first time this season and propelled the Blue Jays to an 8-5 win over the Florida Fire Frogs.

Young progressed to Single A-Advanced in the offseason.

Through 47 games, he hit .227 with a with 40 hits, eight doubles, five home runs, 21 RBI, nine stolen bases and 23 runs scored.

NCAA from PAGE 1 Honourable Mention in the triple jump. He finished 19th in the final with a mark of 15.64m. In the 200m, Colebrooke was fourth in heat two of the semi-finals in 20.49. His time was just three one-hundredths of a second shy of his personal-record as he finished 15th overall. He was also a member of the 4x400m team which finished sixth in heat three of the semifinals in a time of 3:07.65.

It marked the sixth fastest time in school history.

Fellow Bahamian and head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers, Norbert Elliot, applauded the effort of his 4x100m squad in particular and his entire Boilermaker team that set several milestones this season.

“Those guys are poised.

It was a really tense atmosphere and they did the best they could out of lane two and I am just so proud of them. They listened and they executed well,” Elliot said. “We are returning just about everybody from this group [at nationals] and I can’t wait for next year.

We’re going to have a really special group and I think we’ll continue the rise that we are on.”

Elliot led Purdue to a memorable season after qualifying for the NCAA championships in seven events.

Pratt made his second consecutive NCAA national outdoor championships appearance a memorable one with his second team All-America nod in the javelin. Pratt threw 67.36m (221’ 1”) on his first attempt and finished 14th place in the field. It was the bestever finish by a Liberty men’s javelin thrower at the meet. Pratt also became the Flames’ first NCAA Division I All-American in the event in programme history.

Anderson and her Gator teammates just missed the medal podium with a fourth place finish in the women’s 4x400m. They finished in 3:27.02 - the second-fastest time in Gators history and an All-American first team selection.

Jyles Etienne, of the Indiana Hoosiers, finished the men’s high jump tied at No.17 overall with a clearance of 2.15m.

The East Regional was hosted at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, while the West Regional was hosted by Sacramento State University in Sacramento, California.

In order to advance to the final round, athletes had to finish among the top-12 (per region) in their respective events.

Both Colebrooke and Greene were members of the record-setting 4x100m team that won the East Regional quarter-final.

Their time of 38.75 was the fastest time in Purdue history, a facility record and was the fifth-fastest time by any team in the NCAA this year.

Individually, Colebrooke also qualified in the 200m and finished ninth overall after he ran an NCAA qualifying time of 20.46 in the quarter-final. His new personal best time also made him the second-fastest Boilermaker in programme history. He was also a member of the 4x400-metre relay team that advanced to nationals with a time of 3:05.43.

Following the 4x100m, Greene also qualified individually in the triple jump.

Green leaped 16m (52 feet, six inches) to finish fourth overall.

Pratt qualified for Austin on his very first attempt, 67.49m (221 feet, five inches). His final throw of 68.43m (224 feet, six inches) produced a fifth-place finish at the East Regional. This season, he has won four of his six javelin competitions and won the ASUN title most recently.

Anderson, who was named an SEC All-Freshman honouree for the individual 400m, was a member of the Gators’ 4x400m that finished No.10 at the East Regional in 3:33:49.

Etienne finished 10th in the high jump field with a height of 2.19m (7 feet 2.25 inches). He recorded his season best height at the Big Ten Championships where he cleared a height of 2.20m (7’ 2.5”).

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 3

NBA Finals: ‘Splash Brothers’ help Warriors force Game 6

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer TORONTO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 31 points, Klay Thompson added 26 and they led a season-saving surge that gave the Golden State Warriors a 106-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors last night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

The Splash Brothers combined for three straight 3-pointers in the closing minutes after Toronto had taken a six-point lead with under 3½ minutes remaining in front of a raucous, red-shirted crowd.

The Warriors lost Kevin Durant barely a quarter after getting him back but got the win, cutting Toronto’s lead to 3-2 and sending the series back to Oracle Arena for Game 6 on Thursday.

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points for the Raptors but couldn’t get the final shot, having to give the ball up.

The two-time defending champion Warriors were minutes away from their title reign ending, having lost Durant and a 14-point lead during an emotionally exhausting game. They had controlled Leonard for three quarters, but he scored 10 straight Toronto points in the fourth and the Raptors were close to their first championship and a celebration that would have stretched coast to coast in Canada.

But even after everything the Warriors had lost, they still had two of the best perimeter shooters in the world on the floor. Thompson hit a 3, and Curry followed with one to tie it at 103. Golden State got it back to Thompson and the Raptors lost sight of him just long enough for the tiebreaking shot with 57 seconds to go.

RAPTORS forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) vie for the ball during first-half action in Game 5 of the NBA Finals last night.

(Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto cut it to one when Kyle Lowry was credited with a basket and the Raptors got a final chance when DeMarcus Cousins was called for an illegal

screen. Leonard had the ball but the Warriors forced him to pass and it ended up in the corner to Lowry, who was way off as the buzzer sounded. Cousins had 14

points for the Warriors and Draymond Green finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Golden State is the only team to lose a 3-1 lead

in the NBA Finals, when Cleveland came back to win in 2016.

Now the Warriors have a chance to pull off the feat themselves, but it became

more difficult after Durant limped off in the second quarter.

Durant missed the previous nine games with a strained right calf.

MUNNINGS TAKES ADVANTAGE OF Nesbitt and team claim HORNETS’ PRE-DRAFT WORKOUTS title in Brazil’s pro league

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TRAVIS Munnings participated in the Charlotte Hornets’ series of NBA Pre-Draft Workouts and relished the opportunity to showcase his skills for scouts and talent evaluators.

Munnings participated in the team’s 12th workout of the series Thursday at the Hornets’ training facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“For me, I think it was a great workout, I think I brought great energy. It was a great group of guys, we went out there and showed what we can do. I’m just thankful to be in this position to showcase my talent in this workout,” Munnings said. “I wanted to showcase my energy and effort, how hard I play, how well I can shoot the ball, show that I can handle the ball coming off of ball screens, playing defence, fighting over screens and things like that.”

He worked out with a group that included Jordan Caroline (Nevada), Justin Wright-Foreman (Hofstra), William McDowell-White (Brose Bamberg), Robert Franks Jr (Washington State) and Torin Dorn (North Carolina State).

“I embraced the challenge, I love competing against guys that are going to make me better and that’s what I hope I did. I tried to push them to be better, they tried to push me to be better and I think it was a great workout,” Munnings said. “I think I brought rebounding, the energy. I feel like energy is a big key because your energy and effort that’s what you can control each and every day. I think I can bring my energy, my toughness, my will and my grit to the game, my passion, and

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TRAVIS Munnings takes part in the Charlotte Hornets’ series of NBA Pre-Draft Workouts.

Photo: Wesley Robinson/Hornets.com I feel like that’ll help me a long way.”

Prior to the invite, Munnings called it a blessing to be considered as a player out of a mid major programme like the University Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.

“It’s different for us than a lot of the other guys. The ones that went to the high DI programmes, the scouts already know about them and their game. For someone like me from a mid major, I have to go extra hard in workouts. The process is kind of different for everybody,” Munnings said.

“Once you get that one phone call it will probably give other teams interest.

It makes other teams think ‘Where has this guy been’ and it creates more opportunities. It’s a blessing.”

In May, he was one of 40 players invited to work out at the Impact Basketball Pro Day last weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“In the pro day I had to stand out so at least one team can write my name down. That’s what I did out there, I showed that I’m ready to grind, I can play with these guys and I’m ready to work hard,” he said. “I just have to continue to make shots, shoot

at a high level, handle the ball, come off ball screens, make plays, get my teammates open, create my own shot and that’s mostly what I’ve been trying to work on in addition to just to staying engaged on defence.”

Munnings concluded his four-year Warhawks career and reached several milestones as a senior.

He concluded his NCCA career with a hot shooting month of March where he averaged 20.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, two double doubles and made at least five three pointers in four games.

Munnings received a basketball commemorating membership in the 1,000-point/800-rebound career club. He also played in more games than any other player in Warhawks history with 133.

As a senior, he averaged 14 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game on 44 per cent shooting from the field and 36 per cent from three-point range.

After testing the market last spring and facing evaluation from scouts and coaches, Munnings withdrew from the NBA Draft and decided to return to the Warhawks for his final year of eligibility.

NATIONAL team member David Nesbitt claimed his second consecutive Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) championship in as many years.

Nesbitt and his Regates de Flamengo Basketball Club closed out the five-game series with an 81-72 win over Sesi Franca BC on Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The NBB is the Brazilian premier professional men’s basketball league.

Nesbitt scored six points in 12 minutes off the bench in the series finale.

Flamengo took game one at home 82-68 before Franca evened the series and protected their home court with an 88-79 win. Franca went ahead to take a 2-1 lead with a 77-71 win before Flamengo tied the series. Flamengo defeated Sesi Franca BC 76-62 in the CAIXA Finals to force the fifth and deciding game.

Flamengo began the playoffs with a three-game sweep over Corinthians. Nesbitt averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in the series, highlighted by a 22-point, four-rebound performance in the series opener. They went on to defeat Botafogo FR 3-1 in the semi-finals. Nesbitt averaged eight points per game in the series.

In 37 games with the club this season, Nesbitt has averaged 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game. The veteran forward shot 56 per cent from the field, 33 per cent from three-point range and 83 per cent from the free throw line.

Last season, Nesbitt won the NBB title with Paulistano Sao Paulo. He averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds for the series in a 3-1 over Mogi.

Prior to Brazil, Nesbitt played for Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda in the Argentinian LigaA. In 32 games with the club, he averaged 9.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Earlier in the season, he was also a key component for Goes Montevideo in Uruguay’s (LUB). In 19 games he averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Nesbitt spent the previous season in the Iraqi Superleague with Al Mina. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. Nesbitt was also voted to Asia-Basket.com’s Iraqi League All-Imports Team and All-Second Team.

He has also played professionally in Kazakhstan for Kaspiy Aktau. Most

DAVID NESBITT in action for Bahamas. recently, he participated with the men’s national team at the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers where he averaged 6.1 points and 5.8 rebounds through the first two windows.

Should Nesbitt remain with Flamengo next season, he will have an opportunity to go against G-League competition in the offseason.

The club will participate in the NBA G League Challenge, presented by Antel, a friendly tournament that will take place September 18-22 at Antel Arena in Montevideo, Uruguay.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

We are the champions

MILLER-UIBO WINS 400M IN RECORD TIME FROM PAGE 1

AFTER losing their only game 7-3 to JBLN in the round robin, Freedom Farm got revenge when it counted the most with their 9-0 blank job in the final of the 16-andunder division at the Emera Baseball Complex on Sunday.

September in Doha, Qatar, Miller-Uibo is still undecided whether or not she will contest the 200m or the 400m to add her first world title to her résumé.

But there’s one thing that is certain.

The 6-foot, 1-inch double national 200/400m record holder will be heading to Boston June 19-20 for the Adidas Boost Boston Games for the street 150m race that she easily won a year ago in 16.23 that was listed as a world record.

“I’m always really excited for that meet,” added Miller-Uibo, who posted back-to-back victories and is gearing up for an unprecedented three-straight crown.

All jokes aside, MillerUibo said she was disappointed that someone would smear her character by indicating that she and her husband had drowned.

“For the article that was posted, I have not much to say about it,” she summed up. “It’s pretty sad that someone feels it’s okay to make up such a thing. But my husband and I are fine and well.”

Coming off her goldmedal performance at the Commonwealth Games in the 200m in the Gold Coast last year, Miller-Uibo is hoping this year to eventually surpass the bronze medal she won at the 2017 World Championships in London, England.

JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NASSAU FALLS TO FREEDOM FARM 9-0 FROM PAGE 1 the 12-and-under series heads to Rock Sound and Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, June 20-23. The nationals will conclude in New Providence over the weekend of June 28-30 at the JBLN and Freedom Farm parks with the under-8, under-10 and under-14 series.

Under-16 championship Freedom Farm 9, JBLN 0 Manager Jeff ‘Sangy’ Francis said there was no question that they were saving Araujo for the finale.

He said the 16-year-old Queen’s College student delivered a steady diet of pitches to secure the win.

“One of the games, JBLN used a strategy to throw a slower pitcher against us and it worked to perfection because that was the only game we lost in the tournament,” Francis stated.

“This time, we were geared up. My starting pitcher was very focused.

He told me from yesterday (Saturday), ‘coach, I want the ball.’ He has a variety of pitches. So I told the guys to just stay focused and crush the ball.”

With a 1-0 lead to work with after the top of the second inning, Araujo went to work on JBLN, finishing with a two-hitter, a pair of hit by pitches and five strike outs to seal the deal for Freedom Farm.

“I feel good because this is a nice tournament. We wanted to win,” said the Cuban native who has been residing here in the Bahamas for the past two years.

“Yesterday (Saturday), we lost to the same team, so we came here today (Sunday) with more energy and we won the game. I told coach that I wanted the ball because I know I could beat this team and that was what I did.”

Freedom Farm, who broke the game open with an 8-run spurt in the fourth, was led offensively by left fielder Ferron Edgecombe, who was 2-for-3 with two runs batted in (RBI) and one scored; shortstop Kristin Munroe, who was 1-for-2 with a RBI and run scored and right fielder Brandon Hutchinson, who drove in a run and scored another in his three at-bats.

Warren Levarity Jr, the manager for JBLN, admitted that they faced a well oiled machined in Araujo and there was nothing they

FREEDOM Farm ace’s Jeorge Araujo in action Sunday as they shutout the Junior Baseball League of Nassau. could do offensively to slow him down.

“I have to give them credit. They had a good pitcher and he had a good fast ball and a slider,” he recalled. “That kind of kept us off balance because normally we would face good fast ball and curve and we would still be able to adjust, but that slider that looked like a fast ball, had us a little off balanced and we couldn’t adjust to that.

“We tried to wear him down. As you could see, near the end of the game we were putting the bat on the ball, but it was too late.”

Levarity even had some difficulties with his own pitchers, using three in the third inning after starter and loser Gaber Colie got in trouble. But Travis Minnins nor Amahj McPhee could get them out of the hole before the two-hour time limit had expired.

“We went with our ace.

The game was 1-0 for the first three innings, so we

were in the game, but I guess at a certain point we just lost gas and they kind of took over from there.”

Catcher Shaquille Anderson was 1-for-1 and designated player Rashad Knowles was 1-for-2 to pace the way for JBLN. Bronze medal game GBLL 15, Andros 0 This was a lopsided affair as the more experienced Grand Bahama team took advantage from start to finish as they took advantage of nine walks, two hit by pitches, five wild pitches, two balks and five hits.

Third baseman Denali Nottage led their attack by going 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored; second baseman Ernie Barr was 1-for-3 with a RBI and run scored; winning pitcher Keyron Knowles helped his own cause going 1-for-2 with two runs scored; first baseman Samuel Solomon was 1-for-2 with a run scored and first baseman Jeffrey Pierre was 1-for-3

with a run scored. Centre fielder Steven Adderley, right fielder Adonte Philip and shortstop Brent Burrows all scored a pair of runs.

Manager Orville Saint said they had a young team, but they didn’t have enough games under their belt to match up better against Freedom Farm and JBLN. “I think they did a great job. Sorry we couldn’t go any further than third place, but that’s baseball,” he summed up.

As for their opponents, Saint said it was good for them to get their feet wet.

“They need a little more help and to play more ball,” he said. “They are great guys and athletes and so it seemed like they are getting the hang of the game.”

Andros’ manager Michael Miller said this was their first year playing baseball and they were excited to be a part of the tournament, thanks to the support from Freedom Farm and

Aliv. “Resources were not able, but their heart and determination really impressed us so their eyes were opened to see something big, so that was the key to get them out here, so they can be exposed to something great so they will know what greatness is.”

Andros lost 13-1 to JBLN in their playoff game, while Freedom Farm prevailed 12-2 in their match-up.

Round robin games saw JBLN defeat Freedom Farm 7-3; GBLL def.

Andros 15-1; Freedom Farm def. Andros 15-0; GBLL def. JBLL 5-4; JBLL def. Andros 14-0 and Freedom Farm def. GBLL 6-2.

Under-18 Final GBLL 10, JBLL 6 With only two teams entered, Grand Bahama made sure that they kept the title home completing their five-game series on Saturday night with a 3-1 decision.

Kefon Wright got the win on the mound, giving up

four hits, walking two and striking out four with three earned runs before Camerone Meadows closed the door in the final two innings on three hits and two earned run. Giovante Tomalin suffered the loss before Perez Burrows and Alex Colie shared relief duties. Third baseman Denanaj Russell went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored; Camrone Meadows, the starting second baseman, was 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored; catcher Rex Missick was 1-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored and left fielder Ashley Poitier was 1-for-2 with a RBI and run scored.

In a losing effort, second baseman Tyrique Dorsett was 2-for-3 with three RBI; catcher Perrico Mortimer was 2-for-3 with a RBI and run scored and centre fielder Kylee Wemyss was 1-for-2 with a run scored.

Their other games played saw GBLL win 4-3 and 17-1, while JBLL won 7-5.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 5

Inaugural Nations League surpasses most expectations

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer PORTO, Portugal (AP) — The Estádio do Dragão was still filled as Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates congratulated each other and waited for the trophy presentation after Portugal won the UEFA Nations League title.

When Ronaldo lifted the trophy, the crowd erupted in cheers. Confetti and fireworks went off behind the stage set up at midfield.

Players then went around the field to thank the fans, who sang and waved Portugal flags.

About an hour later, several thousand people packed a plaza in Porto to celebrate with the squad.

Ronaldo and other players addressed the crowd from a balcony.

UEFA’s newest national team competition looked far from meaningless when it ended on Sunday in Portugal.

The tournament created to give national teams more meaningful games and reduce the number of friendlies surpassed most expectations, receiving praise by those involved and giving Portugal another trophy to add to its gallery. “Although it’s the first edition of the competition, I think it will grow very well and will end up being a competition for the entire European family,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said. “Being the first winner is something that will go down in history. It’s a cause for joy for us, for the Portuguese people.”

Runner-up Netherlands fell short of its first title since the 1988 European Championship. But the competition was crucial to help the team restore its confidence after failing to qualify for the last two major tournaments — the 2018 World Cup

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

PORTUGAL’s Cristiano Ronaldo lifts up the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Netherlands at the Dragao stadium on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Luis Vieira) and the 2016 European Clubs complained, saying it competition,” Switzerland finally had something to Championship. would put even more strain coach Vladimir Petkovic play for, as the group winThe Dutch eliminated on players. Some coaches said. “But it’s the contrary. ners in all leagues were the last two World Cup also didn’t like it, saying it Every single team in every assured of a place in the champions in the com- was too much soccer. Liv- single league wanted to 2020 European Champipetition’s group stage erpool manager Jürgen win. We are happy to be onship qualifying playoffs.

— France and Germany — Klopp called it “senseless.” here, and I think in the Among the nations which and it got past England in But in the end the com- future we will see that this are now closer to making the semi-finals this week. petition certainly meant competition might become it to Euro 2020 are Kosovo “I think it’s a great tour- a lot to Portugal, even if even more interesting.” and Georgia. nament,” Netherlands not as much as the EuroThe tournament proUEFA President Alekcoach Ronald Koeman pean Championship the duced some exciting sander Ceferin said last said. “If you back across team won three year ago games, especially in the year the Nations League the whole season of the in France. And the title final rounds of the group was “even more successful Nations League, you see also probably would have stage. Both England and than we thought,” and the how happy Portugal were meant a lot to the other the Netherlands needed governing body recently to win this prize, how nations that made it to the dramatic late goals just to said the competition may focused we were to win inaugural Final Four. make it to the Final Four. provide a qualifying path this prize tonight. I think England had the chance Perhaps the most lack- to the 2022 World Cup, the intensity in the groups of ending a drought of lustre game of the whole with teams earning places was really high and I think more than five decades tournament came in the in the playoffs via the new the idea to organize the without a trophy, dating third-place match on competition.

Nations League was per- to the 1966 World Cup at Sunday, when England In addition to lifting the fect. We’re looking forward home, and Switzerland was defeated Switzerland in a winner’s trophy on Sunday, to the next one.” just two games away from penalty shootout after a 0-0 Portugal also took home There was criticism its first ever title. draw. the prize of 10.5 million a few years ago when “Some people were Promotion and rel- euros ($11.9 million).

UEFA announced it was skeptical against the egation between the four “We are very happy to adding yet another offi- Nations League, especially leagues added excite- be the first winners and to cial competition to an the clubs. They didn’t think ment to the competition. go down in history,” Santos already busy calendar. this could be an interesting Europe’s smallest teams said.

WEST INDIES READY AND RARING TO TAKE ON ARCHER’S ENGLAND

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — The size and pace of the fast bowlers from the Caribbean has cricket watchers excited about a potential West Indies renaissance at the World Cup. The fact one of them is playing for England makes it more intriguing.

Barbados-born Jofra Archer was a late inclusion in England’s squad after qualifying on residency in March.

West Indies coach Floyd Reifer said Archer “made his choice.” Now he’s going to have to live with it.

The 24-year-old Archer is set to lead the England attack against the West Indies on Friday, a showdown that will be in the spotlight.

Archer was the toast of London after taking three wickets against South Africa in England’s tournament-opening win, and has six wickets so far at the World Cup. The West Indies have had plenty of choice in the pace department, with skipper Jason Holder working with Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas and Carlos Brathwaite to bounce out Pakistan for 105 and then cause defending champion Australia all kinds of trouble early before slipping to a 15-run loss.

Cottrell took two early wickets to have South Africa reeling at 29-2 on Monday before rain washed out the group game at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl.

The Windies will take a 1-1-1 record back to Hampshire on Friday to face England, which has

SPAIN BEATS SWEDEN TO STAY AHEAD IN EURO 2020 QUALIFYING

two wins and a loss. While Archer has been a revelation to occasional cricket fans in England, he has long been on the watch list for selectors because of his English-born father.

He was well known in the Caribbean as a Barbados Under-19 representative before deciding to see if his British passport was a way to reach the international level.

“To be honest, we knew Jofra for a long time. He is from Barbados,” said Reifer, who played cricket against a younger Archer in Barbados.

“Yes, he’s bowling quickly, but there’s nothing that we are not accustomed to.”

England has never won the Cricket World Cup, but is the No. 1-ranked team and was pre-tournament favourite to win on home soil.

The West Indies were the original kings of one-day cricket, winning the first two World Cups and reaching the final in 1983. They haven’t been back to the final since.

Reifer noted that Archer had some injuries as a young, developing pace man learning the craft but always showed he had the talent to play international cricket.

“Definitely. He obviously had the pace. He had a few injuries as a young guy. But I’m guessing though he’s fully over those injuries and he is bowling very well for England,” Reifer said. “I’m sure Jofra will be chomping at the bit to come at us, and we will be ready for him.

“Jofra is a tremendous talent, we all know that.

Like I said, we are looking forward to the game on Friday.”

MADRID (AP) — Sergio Ramos extended his scoring streak and helped Spain defeat Sweden 3-0 to remain leader of its qualifying group for the 2020 European Championship yesterday.

Substitutes Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal also scored at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to give Spain a comfortable five-point lead over secondplaced Sweden after four matches in Group F. Romania is also five points back.

Ramos reached 20 goals with the national team, with seven coming since last year’s World Cup. He is the national team’s top scorer under coach Luis Enrique, who again was absent for personal reasons.

The result at the Bernabeu extended Spain’s winning streak to five matches, and ended Sweden’s seven-game unbeaten run. Ramos converted a 64th-minute penalty kick after a handball by Swedish midfielder Sebastian Larsson following a cross

by Spanish forward Marco Asensio.

Spain scored another penalty in the 85th after Morata was brought down

by Filip Helander inside the area. Ramos handed the ball to Morata, who calmly converted from the spot.

Oyarzabal closed the scoring with a shot from inside the area in the 87th for his first international goal. Spain controlled the match at the Bernabeu, creating most of the significant scoring chances. Rodrigo had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, and Francisco “Isco” Alarcon came close with an uncontested shot from inside the area that just missed early in the second half.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Monday, June 10, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 7

Nadal wins 12th French Open for 18th Slam title

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer PARIS (AP) — For a few, fleeting moments Sunday, Rafael Nadal found his French Open supremacy seemingly threatened by Dominic Thiem, a younger, talented opponent challenging him in the final for the second consecutive year.

A poor game from Nadal allowed Thiem to break him and even things at a set apiece. That development brought fans to their feet in Court Philippe Chatrier, roaring and clapping and, above all, wondering: Was this, now, a real contest?

Could Thiem push Nadal more? Could Thiem make this surge last? Would Nadal falter?

That the questions arose at all was significant. The answers arrived swiftly.

Nadal reasserted himself, as he usually does at Roland Garros, by grabbing 16 of the next 17 points and 12 of the remaining 14 games, pulling away to beat Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 for his record-extending 12th

championship at the French Open. “He stepped on me,” Thiem said. “The numbers are crazy. He won it 12 times.”

No one in tennis ever has won any major tournament that frequently. Then again, no one ever has been as suited for success on any of the sport’s surfaces as this 33-year-old Spaniard is on red clay: Nadal is 93-2 for his career at Roland Garros, winning four in a row from 2005-08, five in a row from 2010-14, and now three in a row.

“I can’t explain my emotions,” said the No. 2-seeded Nadal, who dropped to his back after the final point, getting that rust-coloured dirt all over his neon yellow shirt, then wiped away tears during the trophy ceremony.

Looking at the bigger picture, he is now up to 18 Grand Slam trophies, moving within two of Roger Federer’s men’s record of 20.

Nadal, however, did not want to entertain any discussion of a pursuit of Federer.

“I am not very worried about this stuff,” Nadal said. “You can’t be frustrated all the time because the neighbour has a bigger house than you or a bigger TV or better garden.”

Thiem, a 25-year-old Austrian who was seeded No. 4 and upset No. 1 Novak Djokovic in a draining, rain-interrupted semi-final played over two days, was eyeing his first major title in this rematch of the 2018 final in Paris. But again, he couldn’t solve Nadal. “First thing that I want to say is congrats to Dominic. I feel sorry, because he deserves it here, too,” Nadal said.

“He has an unbelievable intensity.”

So, of course, does Nadal.

This had been, by his lofty standards, a rough season, from the most lopsided Grand Slam final loss of his career — against Djokovic at the Australian Open — to entering May without a title for the first year since 2004. Injuries, as often is the case with Nadal, were a problem, including a bad right knee. “Mentally, I lost a little bit (of) energy,

In the initial game — interrupted briefly by a baby wailing in the stands, drawing a laugh from other spectators and prompting Nadal to back away from the baseline between serves — three of the five points lasted at least 11 strokes.

And, thereby, a pattern was established: By the end of the 3-hour, 1-minute match, a total of 46 points went 10 strokes or more.

Each man claimed half.

From the get-go, it was such a physical grind that Nadal was soaked with sweat and changed neon yellow shirts after just seven games, eliciting catcalls from the stands.

Early on, there were no signs of fatigue for Thiem, even though he was competing for a fourth straight day.

Indeed, it was Thiem who nosed ahead first, closing a 12-stroke exchange by ripping a forehand to earn the first break point, then converting it with an overhead on a 20-stroke exchange for a 3-2 edge. He turned with a clenched right hand to face his guest box, where his girlfriend, women’s doubles champion Kristina Mladenovic, was pumping her fist and shouting.

Nadal immediately responded. He grabbed the next four games with elan, using a drop shot to help break for a 5-3 lead, then a serve-and-volley to help hold for the set.

That must have been demoralising for Thiem.

RAFAEL NADAL, of Spain, kisses the trophy to mark his record 12th French Open title after winning his final match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem in four sets, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, at the Roland Garros stadium on Sunday.

(AP Photos) because I had too many issues in a row,” Nadal said, tapping his right fingers on his temple. “When you are constantly hit in the face,” he said in Spanish, “you end up being hurt.”

He started to right himself by taking the Italian Open title on clay last month.

“It was very important for him to win in Rome.

It was like he realised that he was getting back on the good level, on the right path,” said Nadal’s coach, 1998 French Open champion Carlos Moya, “and gaining a lot of confidence.”

Soon enough, Nadal found himself in a familiar position in Paris: playing in the final, and winning it.

This one began on a cloudy afternoon, with the temperature in the low 60s (mid-teens Celsius) and only a slight breeze.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 72° F/22° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Sunny intervals, a t‑storm in spots

Partly cloudy with spotty showers

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Sun and clouds with a stray t‑storm

Partly sunny with a shower

Mainly cloudy with showers around

High: 87°

Low: 78°

High: 87° Low: 79°

High: 87° Low: 77°

High: 88° Low: 77°

High: 88° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

96° F

86° F

96°-87° F

96°-85° F

97°-84° F

97°-83° F

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

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: 84° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 91° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° C

4‑8 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

S

E

W

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 77° F/25° C

6‑12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2019

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

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uV inDex toDay

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

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

3:07 a.m.

3:53 p.m.

2.8 2.8

9:35 a.m. ‑0.1 10:09 p.m. 0.2

Wednesday 4:09 a.m.

4:53 p.m.

2.7 3.0

10:31 a.m. ‑0.2 11:13 p.m. 0.2

Thursday

5:08 a.m.

5:49 p.m.

2.6 3.1

11:25 a.m. ‑0.3 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Friday

6:03 a.m.

6:40 p.m.

2.6 3.2

12:13 a.m. 0.0 12:16 p.m. ‑0.3

Saturday

6:56 a.m.

7:29 p.m.

2.5 3.2

1:07 a.m. 0.0 1:04 p.m. ‑0.4

Sunday

7:45 a.m.

8:14 p.m.

2.5 3.2

1:57 a.m. ‑0.1 1:50 p.m. ‑0.3

Monday

8:31 a.m.

8:58 p.m.

2.4 3.2

2:44 a.m. ‑0.1 2:34 p.m. ‑0.3

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:20 a.m.

8:00 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

2:37 p.m.

2:19 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Jun. 17

Jun. 25

Jul. 2

Jul. 9

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

4‑8 knots

S

3‑6 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 ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 79° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 78° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.16” Year to date ............................................... 11.09” Normal year to date ................................... 10.24”

But at the ensuing changeover, he didn’t whack a ball toward the stands, as Federer memorably did during his semi-final loss to Nadal. Thiem casually sat in his gray sideline seat, bounced his legs and chewed on an energy bar, furtively glancing at Nadal.

Thiem bounced back, if only briefly. Talk about a stunning shift: Nadal won 25 of 26 points on his serve before — with spectators trading between-point chants of nicknames, “Rafa!” and “Do-mi!” — he got broken to cede the second set. That was the only set Thiem managed to steal from Nadal in four career meetings at Roland Garros.

Maybe this was going to be a long one.

But Thiem, put simply, wilted. Enough to create an opening Nadal barged through.

By now, Nadal was creating magic at the net, and he won the point on 23 of 27 times he went forward. One drop volley was spun so marvelously that it landed on Thiem’s side, then bounced back toward the net. All Thiem could do was watch — and offer an appreciative thumbs-up.

“Almost everybody will tell you that he’s one of the best volleyers of our game,” Thiem said. “Because the last time he missed a volley was, maybe, seven years ago, I guess.”

Soon enough, it was over.

The King of Clay, as Nadal is known, still reigns.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

E

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LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

3‑6 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

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4‑8 knots

3‑6 knots

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

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS S at 4‑8 Knots S at 4‑8 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots S at 4‑8 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots S at 6‑12 Knots SSW at 4‑8 Knots E at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 3‑6 Knots ENE at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots S at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots NE at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots

WAVES 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 0‑1 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 0‑1 Feet 0‑1 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 0‑1 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 79° F 79° F 83° F 84° F 79° F 79° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 80° F 80° F