TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
Celebrating World Volleyball Day
Volleyball Championships
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
As they set and bump the ball to commemorate World Volleyball Day, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation officially launched its campaign for the hosting of the CAZOVA Caribbean Volleyball Championships. With members of both the men’s and ladies national teams joining officials from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the BVF unveiled the plans for the CVC Championships, scheduled for August 14-23 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Federation president Kurkwood Greene revealed that The Bahamas is expected to host eight male teams from Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the US Virgin Islands and six women teams from the matching men, with the exception of Aruba and Curacao.
world in observing World Volleyball Day.
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Kelsie Johnson, the acting director of sports at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said as a former national women’s volleyball team member, she’s proud to know that The Bahamas is going to host the CVC, which she would have played in.
She said it’s even more special that the majority of the people who were in attendance at yesterday’s press conference in the foyer of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium would have played volleyball.
So as they unite to celebrate the sport they love, they join the rest of the
According to Greene, this is the first World Volleyball Day, which is a global initiative by FIVB, which is the governing body for volleyball in the world.
“It is designed to bring together volleyball fans from every corner of the world to celebrate the sport that we love,” Greene said.
“In the audience today, we are honoured to be joined by both past and present players, coaches and supporters all gathered to reconnect, reminisce and reflect on our shared love for volleyball.”
Greene said the federation is now committed to making July 7 a community celebration for volleyball every year throughout the islands of The Bahamas. As they celebrate the historic
event, Greene said the federation was also pleased to announce that, along with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, they will host the CAZOVA Caribbean Volleyball Championships, which will attract more than 300 delegates from the teams coming in to participate.
“We are excited, we are ready and we are committed to putting on an unforgettable tournament,” said Greene, who thanked Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg, Johnson-Sills and the team of the Ministry, who have provided support and the resources necessary for this event to be possible.
“As a federation, we are focused on building meaningful programmes and sustainable systems to create opportunities for our athletes,” Greene said.
Bahamas 2nd behind Grenada at NACAC Age Group Championships
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
THE Bahamas placed second behind Grenada at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Age Group Championships held over the weekend in Managua, Nicaragua. While Grenada topped the list of 20 participating countries with an accumulated total of 27,993, The Bahamas secured 27,972, followed by Barbados with 27,716.
Individually, The Bahamas struck for a silver medal from Mikyla Sears in the girls’ under-13 pentathlon, a tied silver from Justin Shepherd in the boys’ under-15 heptathlon and a bronze from Jazae Johnson in the under-25 girls’ heptathlon. And as a team, the combination of Shepherd, Johnson, Symiah Strachan and Emmile Higgins won the under-15 mixed 4 x 100m relay in a record-setting performance.
“We came up short against a very strong Grenada team, finishing second by 21 points, but we walked away proud
TEAM Bahamas at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Age Group Championships in Managua, Nicaragua.
because our athletes showed incredible commitment and fought right to the very end,” said Bahamas’ head coach Neketa Sears-Knowles.
“Even with a few setbacks along the way they never folded. Instead, they dug deep, stayed focused, and gave everything they had.” In the girls’ under-13 division for the pentathlon, the team of Kian Duncombe and Mikyla Sears
finished third with 5,246 points. Jamaica won with 5,343 and Grenada was second with 5,246. Sears captured the silver medal overall with 2,733 points and Duncombe was ninth with 2,512. Jenoi Daley of Jamaica won the gold with 2,735. The under-13 boys’ team of Aiden Knowles and Antonio Hanna got sixth with 5,344 in their pentathlon.
Barbados won with 6,408, Grenada was second with 6,171 and the British Virgin Islands was third with 5,755. Knowles finished 13th with 2,710 and Hanna was 14th with 2,634. The Bahamas had its best showing in the girls’ under-15 divisional heptathlon with Symiah Strachan and Jazae Johnson combining for the win
He publicly thanked the Department of Sports, the Bahamas Olympic Committee, the Bahamas Basketball Federation, represented by Eugene Horton and the Bahamas Football Association, for partnering with the BVF in this venture.
“These partners have helped us and have played a vital role in supporting us in both our indoor and outdoor volleyball efforts,” Greene stated.
To the local organising committee, headed by Romell Knowles, Greene said they extend their gratitude to each of the members for their steadfast dedication and countless hours of work.
“We are here today because of your efforts and commitment. We are especially excited to welcome
volunteers to be a part of this journey,” he said. While they are still in the planning stages, Greene said they will advise the public how they can get involved in this year’s event.
“For those of us who’ve been around sports for a while, we know that we have all made sacrifices to individual sports, but regardless, we realise that serving our country through sports is indeed an honour and a privilege,” he added. Knowles, who doubles as the president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, said as a former national team player, he’s delighted to serve as the chairman of the LOC (Local Organising Committee).
“This event will showcase not only world-class
FIRST-EVER YOUTH PICKLEBALL CLUB LAUNCHED
By Jonathan Burrows
IN a landmark step for youth sports development, the Bahamas Pickleball Federation, in partnership with the Bahamas Youth Sports and Culture Department, launched its first-ever youth pickleball club yesterday at the Baillou Hill Road Sporting Complex. The programme, designed for children aged five to 16 years, will run for four weeks, every Monday and Friday from 9am to
1pm, providing structured training and mentorship in the fastest-growing sport in the world. The inaugural session drew dozens of eager young athletes, many experiencing the sport for the first time. Guided by coach Anwar Smith, a physical education teacher at Blairwood Academy and avid pickleball player, and Jack Bowles, a 16-year-old Bahamian tennis athlete currently
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
SUMMER FEST
TOURNEY THE Crusaders/ Warhawks Volleyball Club, in conjunction with the Bahamas Volleyball Federation, is scheduled to host its inaugural Summer Fest Beach Volleyball Tournament from July 10-13 in Rolleville, Exuma. The tournament, sponsored by Fidelity and Rubis, will feature a men’s 2-on-2 and women’s 3-on-3 format. Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded for the winners and $500 for the runners-up in both divisions. Interested teams are urged to call 422-4550 or 801-3131 for more details.
GOLF CHALLENGE THE Strikers’ Three Club Challenge is slated
SEE PAGE E2 July
TEAM Bahamas members with Bahamas Volleyball Federation president Kurkwood Greene, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Acting Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills and BOC President Romell Knowles.
FOUR-MEMBER TEAM TO REPRESENT BAHAMAS AT WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
By BRENT STUBBS
BAHAMAS Aquatics
will be sending a four-member team, led by Olympian Lamar Taylor, to the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
While the championships will run from July 11 to August 3, Team Bahamas won’t be leaving until July 21 in time for the swimming competition when the Bahamians start competing on July 27.
The team, managed by Georgette Albury with Olympic coach Travano McPhee as the head coach and Cordero Bonamy as the physiotherapist, will include McPhee, Victoria Russell and the brother-sister tandem of Mark-Anthony Thompson and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson.
Taylor, one of two Bahamians to compete at the Olympics last year in Paris, France, will be competing in the men’s 50 free, 100 free and 50 back. Russell is entered in the 50 free and 50 fly, Mark-Anthony
Thompson will see action in the men’s 50 breast and 100 breast and his younger sister Zaylie-Elizabeth is entered in the 100 free and 50 breast.
Albury said the preparation for Team Bahamas began weeks ago as soon as the team was named.
“Travel arrangements are complete and as the team manager, webinars are being held by World Aquatics that are mandatory for me to attend,” she stated.
As for the swimmers, Albury said there’s high expectations. “I expect the team to represent The Bahamas at this very high level as three of them have competed at World Championships before,” she said.
“This is Mark-Anthony’s first time. I expect that they will all swim personal best times and hopefully bring home a medal.”
McPhee, who coached the Paris Olympic team, said he feels good coaching these seasoned athletes.
“They are dedicated to the sport and have all represented The Bahamas at international meets. I am
confident that they possess the discipline to train leading up to the competition, rest when they can and be ready to compete at a very high level in Singapore.”
At this level of competition, McPhee said the expectation is for each athlete to deliver their best performance and represent The Bahamas with focus, discipline and professionalism.
“We’re aiming for personal bests, strong race execution, and continued progress on the international stage,” he said. “This event offers valuable
experience against worldclass competition, and we expect our swimmers to gain from that exposure both in terms of performance and growth. For our more experienced athletes, we’re looking to see them build on past performances and continue to push their international rankings.
“Overall, we expect the team to compete with confidence, uphold the values of Bahamian sport, and contribute to the long-term development of swimming in the country.”
As the premier coach in the country, McPhee said
it’s a real privilege to coach this group of athletes.
“They’re focused, motivated and committed to the work it takes to compete at this level. What stands out most is their professionalism, both in and out of the pool,” he said. “Whether it’s during training or travelling as a team, they carry themselves with maturity and purpose.”
What’s so unique about this quartet, according to McPhee, is the fact that they support each other.
“This group brings a good mix of personalities and experiences, which makes the coaching environment dynamic and rewarding,” he said.
“They support one another, push each other, and stay accountable, all of which makes my job easier and more fulfilling.
“I’m proud to stand alongside them as they take on the World Championships, and I’m confident this experience will serve them well moving forward.”
BLTA EXECUTIVES AT WIMBLEDON
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s executives were in attendance at the Grand Slam event - Wimbledon in London, England. They included president Perry Newton, vice-president Chilean Burrows, honorary treasurer Timothy Dames and
assistant secretary Wendy Bowe. The executives are pictured with the International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty at the start of the Sinner/ Martinez match. The BLTA executives were in attendance at the invitation of the High Commissioner of the
Dunk Contest. The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up.
VOLLEYBALL
BBSF CLASSIC
to be held from July 11-13 at the Bahamas Golf Federation Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with a shotgun start at noon each day.
The 18-holes event will be played in three different divisions with $2,500 in cash prizes for first, second and third-place finishes as well as the closest to the pin finisher. Registration is required. For more information, persons can contact Swanno at 242-376-0811. The registration fee is $150 per person, which includes the green fees for two days, plus food and drinks.
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,” is slated to 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. There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold its 2025 Co-Ed Volleyball Classic over the weekend of July 19-29 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
The event is open to all churches interested in participating. There is a registration fee per team, which consists of 12 players, including ladies. All teams must have a minimum of two ladies on the court at all times.
The deadline for team registration is Monday, July 14 at a meeting to be held at the BBSF’s office upstairs at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street. For further information, persons are urged to contact Kirk Farquharson at 4223977 or Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 for more details.
BOXING FUNDRAISER
Commonwealth of The Bahamas for the reception and cultural celebration under the theme “60 years of James Bond and The Bahamas.”
The team made their presence felt at these two prominent events in London, England, over the weekend.
SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold their annual raffle grill fun day fundraiser on Saturday, August 16 from 11:30am to 6pm at the Stapledon School Grounds on Dolphin Drive.
Dinners will include chicken, steak, fish, hot dogs, burgers, pastries and soft drinks. Domino’s, Connect 4 and basketball games will be played during the day.
Interested persons are urged to call 426-0233, 477-0304 or 359-3558 for information on ticket purchases.
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex. The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for a donation of $15. Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan. “We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said. The 15 members are expected to participate in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3. The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team. They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors. They would remain in Guyana for another training camp until August 27. Then will head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships. SPECIAL OLYMPICS RAFFLE GRILL FUN DAY
LAMAR Taylor
VICTORIA Russell
MARK-Anthony Thompson ZAYLIE-Elizabeth Thompson
GEORGETTE Albury
CORDERO Bonamy
Red-Line athletes off to AAU track meet at University of North Florida
FIRST-EVER YOUTH PICKLEBALL CLUB LAUNCHED
FROM PAGE E1
studying abroad, the children were introduced to the fundamentals of pickleball, such as grip techniques, forehand and backhand swings, footwork and game rules.
“We are trying to introduce pickleball into the communities of The Bahamas,” said coach Smith about the mission of the camp.
“We want to give the kids some exposure and make sure they learn the rules and the techniques of the game,” he added.
Throughout the morning, kids rotated learning how to serve and different hitting techniques that build confidence and coordination.
Younger players, some as young as five, showed quick progress under the supportive guidance of the coaching team.
The initiative is not only about introducing children to a new sport, but also about preparing them
for future opportunities.
President of the federation, Kelly Ann Meade, emphasised the significance of launching the youth programme now, as the sport of pickleball is going to become an Olympic sport.
“Pickleball will eventually be a part of the Olympics, and the mission
of the federation is to get it to the youth because one day we want them to be on the Olympic stage representing The Bahamas,” said Meade.
The launch was made possible in part by generous donations from The Sports Center, which provided all the equipment used,
including pickleball nets, paddles and regulation balls. Also, partly made possible by the Bahamas Youth Sports and Culture Department for the installation of regulation
pickleball courts at the complex. As the camp continues over the coming weeks, participants will progress from basic drills to friendly matches. With the combined support of local
Celebrating World Volleyball Day
FROM PAGE E1
athleticism, but also the Bahamas’ capacity to unite the Caribbean through sports,” Knowles declared.
“Our men and women’s national teams once dominated these championships. Without fear or favour, I suspect Team Bahamas will deliver inspirational performances, demonstrating tenacious growth at the CAZOVA Championships.”
He commended the BVF and president Greene, former president Crystal Forbes, the second female to serve in that capacity, along with former presidents Don Cornish and Joe Smith for their collaboration with international
bodies like FIVB, NORCECA, CAZOVA to ignite a new era for Bahamian volleyball.
Oswald Moore, one of the pioneer players turned coaches at the international level, also congratulated the federation and has pledged his support for Team Bahamas.
“There’s no reason why we can’t win,” said Moore, who noted how they did the necessary things to get ready to compete at the international level.
He also encouraged the BVF to host some type of tournament in the future of World Volleyball Day to help bring more awareness to the sport.
Also making some remarks was Margaret
BAHAMAS 2ND OVERALL AT NACAC AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS
FROM PAGE E1
with 7,997 points. The Dominican Republic was second with 7,955 and Barbados came in third with 7,758. Johnson, who was a member of this year’s CARIFTA team that placed second in Trinidad & Tobago, won the bronze with 4,284 points. Strachan was 20th with 3,713. The gold went to Rosnery Jimenez of the Dominican Republic with 4,414 and the silver was won by Rejada Hinds of Barbados with 4,340. And in the boys’ under-15 divisional heptathlon, Team Bahamas’ duo of Justin Shepherd and Emmile Higgins was fourth with 9,386 points. Jamaica won with 5,895, Grenada was second with 9,610 and Sint Maarten was third with 9,473. Shepherd claimed a two-way tie for silver with Deshawn Oliver of Grenada after they both scored 5,002 points. Higgins was 18th with 4,384. Daquan Dawkins of Jamaica won the gold with 5,096. Sears-Knowles, who was assisted by coach Sherry Murray-Francis, said one of the highlights for Team Bahamas was the recordsetting performance by the under-15 mixed 4 x 100 metre relay team. “They
captured our team’s spirit of resilience, unification and readiness to rise when it mattered most,” SearsKnowles reflected on the team’s performances.
“We also saw the accomplishment of newcomers Mikayla Sears who finished second overall in the U13 girls’ division, Jazae Johnson who finished third overall in the U15 girls’ division, and Justin Shepherd who finished second overall in the U-15 boys.”
Additionally, SearsKnowles noted that the Bahamas earned divisional honours for third place overall in the U-13 girls’ division and winning the U-15 girls’ division.
“I extend a heartfelt thank you to our hardworking coaching staff, our supportive parents and our association’s president,” said Sears-Knowles of the team that was managed by Ochee Smith.
“Their dedication behind the scenes makes all of this possible. This was a full team effort, and we’re leaving this meet with our heads high and our hearts full of gratitude.”
Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer accompanied the team and both coaches Stephen Murray and James Rolle assisted the team officials.
Albury, a former player on the women’s national team who was once ranked among the best in the world in 1974. She remembered when she played in the CVC Tournament and how the crowd came out and supported The Bahamas’ teams.
She encouraged the crowd to come out and do the same again for these teams.
“We will win. We will win,” she stressed. “So I’m looking forward to it.”
The former national team assistant coach said she’s delighted to see that The Bahamas is hosting the CVC Championships again and she’s wishing The Bahamas every success in winning both titles.
Chandra Mackey, who is returning for her third stint as a libero on the women’s national team, was a little conservative in her remarks.
She thanked the BVF and the Ministry for their support and informed the public that they are working very hard as a team to represent The Bahamas.
But Shonari Hepburn, a member of the men’s national team, made a bold prediction that they are “going to win the title.”
In fact, he said he personally asked the president of CAZOVA what they will receive when they do win.
“There’s no country that can beat us,” said Hepburn, who noted that they waited for this opportunity
to showcase their skills in front of the home crowd.
“We will win.”
Both teams, according to Greene, are expected to be named by the end of the week by national team director Lloyd Davis.
Jermaine Adderley serves as the manager of the men’s team that will be coached by Glen Rolle, assisted by Renaldo Knowles with Sasha Johnson as the trainer.
Endrica Simon serves as the manager for the women’s team, Renaldo Knowles as head coach, assisted by Glen Rolle with Dehron Smith as trainer.
Rolle, who was a member of the 2006 national team, said he’s thrilled that this year’s tournament is here
to take off.
in The Bahamas. “It’s a personal thing to me. I played in ‘06 when we were here and we didn’t have such a good run,” he said. “We want to come out successful in this one.”
It’s anticipated that it will cost the government considerable funding to host the tournament, but Knowles said there shouldn’t be a price tag placed on the Bahamian athletes because of the achievements that they continue to make on the international scene.
Valeria Green is the financial officer for the LOC and she indicated that they will be coming to the general public in short order to assist financially with the success of the tournament.
coaches and athletes, the Bahamas Pickleball Federation is planting seeds for a bright and active future in The Bahamas for a sport that is just beginning
THE BAHAMAS Pickleball Federation launched its first-ever youth pickleball club yesterday at the Baillou Hill Road Sporting Complex.
THE PROGRAMME is designed for children aged five to 16 years and will run for four weeks, every
from 9am to 1pm.
ÁLVAREZ’S TIEBREAKING GOAL GIVES MEXICO
2-1 WIN OVER US FOR 10TH GOLD CUP TITLE
HOUSTON (AP) — Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday night for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Chris Richards put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament, but Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup.
Mexico was awarded the free kick when Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega on a flank.
Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goal mouth and Álvarez burst past the defence, redirecting the ball from 3 yards just inside Matt Freese’s far post. While the play was initially called offside, the goal was awarded by the VAR, and Mexico defended its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the U.S.
Patrick Agyemang had a chance two minutes into stoppage time but he didn’t make good contact on his short-range shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
“We’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said. A sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was about 70% pro-Mexico and booed U.S. players when they walked out for pregame warmups. Mexico dominated with 60% possession
and had 12 corner kicks to none for the Americans.
This was the last competitive match for the U.S. and Mexico before co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Canada.
The U.S., which has seven Gold Cup titles but none since 2021, used a starting lineup with only a handful of players currently projected as World Cup starters, missing regulars due to vacation, injuries and the Club World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino used their absence
to evaluate players who could push for starting jobs during the friendlies this fall and next spring, and Luna, Agyemang and Freese emerged as contenders for World Cup roster spots.
Richards put the U.S. in front when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from about 40 yards off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down and just crossed the goal line.
Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, thirdmost in Mexican history.
Jiménez burst past the defence and one-timed the pass from Marcel Ruiz, beating Freese from about 10 yards on a shot that might have nicked Ream.
Jiménez celebrated by grabbing a Mexico No. 20 jersey with “DIOGO J” in honour of Diogo Jota. Jota was his former Wolverhampton teammate who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. Jiménez ran to a corner, sat down with the jersey and mimicked playing a video game.
Pochettino criticises officials for three calls he said caused US loss to Mexico in Gold Cup final
HOUSTON (AP) — U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino faulted match officials for three key calls in the Americans’ 2-1 CONCACAF Gold Cup final loss to Mexico on Sunday night, saying they wouldn’t allow a video review to deny an El Tri goal for the third time in the tournament.
Pochettino felt his team should have been awarded a penalty kick for a hand ball by Jorge Sánchez in the 67th minute. He also said Diego Luna should not have been whistled for the foul leading to the free kick that set up Edson Álvarez’s tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute and that the origi- nal decision ruling Álvarez offside should have been upheld.
Pochettino said if similar calls went against Mexico, “it would be a fire on the stadium. But for us, it’s like, OK, they are nice guys. They’re nice guys. It’s not a problem.”
After the goal initially was disallowed by an offside flag, the decision was reversed by the VAR and Mexico went on to its 10th Gold Cup title.
“I think the thing about CONCACAF is that we’re always one step behind with the referee,” Richards said. “Palmed the ball like Shaq in the box, and then on the other end we had a block that was offsides. Any other week it would be called offsides. But, again, that’s CONCACAF for you. They hate us and we just have to keep moving with it.”
Sánchez fell in his own penalty area in the 67th minute after colliding with Max Arfsten, and Sánchez pushed down on the ball with his left hand as he tried to balance himself.
Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar let play continue.
“I’m not going to cry. I wanted to tell the truth,” Pochettino said, “and the truth was that if that happened in the opposite half, in the other box, for sure it’s a penalty.”
Defender Chris Richards, who put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute, faulted the officials assigned to games by CONCACAF, the governing body of North and Central America and the Caribbean. He compared Sánchez’s action to those of retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. Richards felt defender César Montes should have been called for a foul for blocking him on the free kick.
“You say silly penalty, silly penalty,” Pochettino told reporters. “It’s like plenty of penalties that are so silly. Silly, yes. The player was with the knee on the floor. He pushed the hand over the ball. It’s not that the hand was on the floor and the ball touched. OK, all the excuses now, but that was (a) penalty and maybe 2-1 for us and maybe we now are celebrating the trophy.”
“I think that is clear and it’s not about to cry. It’s not about the complain. It’s not
about to put excuses in the different things but I think we can continue talking,” Pochettino added. “For me it was embarrassing to see that situation and it’s a shame.” Mexico was awarded the key free kick when Luna was called for fouling Alexis Vega on a flank.
“He slipped and fall down alone,” Pochettino said. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart kick across the
goal mouth and Álvarez burst past the defence, redirecting the ball from 3 yards just inside Matt Freese’s far post. “When he touched the ball, the player from Mexico delivered the ball, was in an offside position,” Pochettino claimed. “That’s it. Nothing more to say.”
Mexico’s Santiago Giménez had appeared to score on a bicycle kick in the fourth-minute of second half stoppage time in the
group-stage finale against Costa Rica on June 22 but that was overturned for offside by the VAR in a match that ended 0-0.
Álvarez had a 54th-minute goal that would have given El Tri a two-goal lead in the Wednesday’s semifinal against Honduras but that, too, was reversed by an offside call in the a video review. Mexico advanced with a 1-0 win.
“It’s difficult to give the third disallowed goal,”
Pochettino said. “Please, guys, I come from — when (was) I born I (was) born with the ball in my hands, in my arms. And I know very well what it is to play
UNITED States head coach Mauricio Pochettino, left, talks with midfielder Diego Luna (10) as they walk off the field at halftime of the team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup final soccer match against Mexico in
Photo/Ashley Landis)
MEXICO midfielder Edson Álvarez (4) celebrates after scoring against the United States in the second half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final soccer match in Houston on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
WIMBLEDON: DJOKOVIC, SHELTON, SINNER, SWIATEK AND 18-YEAR-OLD MIRRA ANDREEVA REACH QUARTERFINALS
By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Tennis Writer
LONDON (AP) — Right before Wimbledon began, Novak Djokovic declared it was the tournament that gave him the best chance to claim an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles trophy. Made sense, really, given that he’s won seven titles there already and reached the past six finals.
For one uncharacteristically unsteady set in the fourth round yesterday, it sure didn’t look as if that would happen this year. Djokovic, though, turned things around and avoided what would have been his earliest exit at the All England Club since 2016, coming through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur at Centre Court.
With eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer sitting in the front row of the Royal Box, very little went right at the outset for the 38-year-old Djokovic on the grass below during a breezy afternoon with the temperature in the 60s Fahrenheit (teens Celsius), a week after matches were contested in record-breaking heat.
“A lot of challenging moments for me,” Djokovic said right after the win, then later called it a “big, big relief” not to get pushed to a fifth set.
He trailed 4-1 in the fourth — before taking the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points.
“Lifted his level,” de Minaur said, “big-time.”
Djokovic’s bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam singles trophy overall will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Cobolli reached his first major quarterfinal with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) victory over 2014 U.S. Open champion and two-time major runnerup Marin Cilic. No. 10 Ben Shelton improved to 3-0 against Lorenzo Sonego at majors this year by beating him 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 7-5. Shelton’s first Wimbledon quarterfinal will come against No. 1
Jannik Sinner, who moved on despite a painful right elbow and a two-set deficit when No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov quit because of an injured chest muscle.
Against de Minaur, Djokovic made mistake after mistake, double-faulting four times in the first set alone. Djokovic lost five of his first seven service games against de Minaur, a 26-year-old Australian who accumulated 19 break points in all.
Djokovic made 16 unforced errors in the first set alone.
All in all, Djokovic was discombobulated, chalking it up afterward to nerves and a swirling wind. He rushed between points. He reacted to flubbed shots by rolling his eyes or shouting and glaring in the direction of his guest box or putting his arms wide as if seeking explanations from someone, anyone. At changeovers, he placed an ice-filled towel — usually wrapped around
necks by players in steamy conditions — on his stomach, which he complained about during his first-round victory last week. But afterward, Djokovic dismissed the significance of that.
A loss would have been Djokovic’s soonest at Wimbledon since he was eliminated in the third round by Sam Querrey nine years ago.
Since winning his men’srecord 24th major title at the 2023 U.S. Open, Djokovic has come close to raising his total. He was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon last year — the second consecutive time they met in the final, with the results the same — and departed each of the first two Slams of 2025 in the semifinals.
No man as old as Djokovic is now has won a major championship. He keeps showing why it’s not preposterous to think he could.
“I didn’t have many solutions, to be honest,” Djokovic said, “but I just reset myself in the second.” By the very end, it’s almost as though de Minaur was resigned to defeat, knowing he’s only the latest — and perhaps not the last — opponent to succumb to a surging Djokovic.
“I mean,” de Minaur
summed up, “he’s been pretty good in big moments for a very long time.”
What else happened at Wimbledon yesterday? No. 7 Mirra Andreeva, an 18-year-old Russian, became the youngest player to reach the women’s quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007, beating No. 10 Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3. Andreeva next meets Belinda Bencic, who defeated No. 18 Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (4), 6-4. Iga Swiatek, the fivetime major champion who is seeded No. 8, was a 6-4, 6-1
winner against No. 23 Clara Tauson and will play No. 19 Liudmila Samsonova, who advanced to her first major quarterfinal with a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Who plays at the All England Club today? The women’s quarterfinals are No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. Laura Siegemund, and No. 13 Amanda Anisimova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The men’s quarterfinals are No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz vs. Cam Norrie, and No. 5 Taylor Fritz vs. No. 17 Karen Khachanov.
By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer
LONDON (AP) — Roger Federer was back at Wimbledon, and back at Centre Court, yesterday — only this time, he was there to watch some tennis, not play it, at a place he won a men’s-record eight championships.
The now-retired Federer sat in the Royal Box for his former rival Novak Djokovic’s 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur in the fourth round at the All England Club.
Djokovic already surpassed Federer’s total of 20 Grand Slam singles titles and has gotten to 24, the most by a man in tennis history. Now Djokovic is trying to equal Federer by winning an eighth trophy at the grass-court major tournament. And, make no mistake, the 38-year-old Djokovic definitely noticed who was sitting in the front row yesterday.
“Obviously, great to have Roger. A huge, huge champion and someone that I’ve admired and respected a lot,” Djokovic said. “We’ve shared the stage for so many years and it’s great to have him back in his most successful and his favourite tournament, no doubt.”
They played each other 50 times, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head by 27-23. The two of them
and Andy Murray recently gathered at the French Open and appeared at the ceremony honouring Rafael Nadal’s career there.
Wearing a dark tie and a blue suit — pinned was one of the round purple badges that champions receive to note their status as club members — Federer was greeted by a loud round of applause as he entered the box with his wife, Mirka. Federer, who turns 44 on Aug. 8, waved to the 15,000 or so other spectators. He won his first Wimbledon title — which was also his first Grand Slam title —- in 2003. His last Wimbledon trophy came in 2017.
Two years after that, Federer returned to the final at the All England Club and even held two championship points but lost to Djokovic in a fifthset tiebreaker. What turned out to be the last match of Federer’s professional career came at Wimbledon in 2021, when he lost in the quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz. It wasn’t until more than a year later that Federer announced he was done competing. He shows up every so often at tournaments and sits in the stands, observing. “It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I won the match. The last couple I lost,” Djokovic said. “So, good to break the curse.”
IGA SWIATEK, of Poland, celebrates a point yesterday during the women’s singles fourth round match against Clara Tauson. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
JANNIK Sinner checks on Grigor Dimitrov after he went down with an injury during their fourth round singles match yesterday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays Australia’s Alex de Minaur during their fourth round singles match yesterday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
BEN SHELTON, of the United States, celebrates winning the men’s singles fourth round match against Lorenzo Sonego. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
MIRRA ANDREEVA, of Russia, returns to Emma Navarro of the U.S. during their fourth round singles match yesterday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
TENNIS legend Roger Federer and his wife Mirka arrive in the Royal Box on Centre Court on day eight of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London yesterday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
TOUR DE FRANCE: BELGIAN RIDER MERLIER
WINS THIRD STAGE, POGAČAR FINISHES SAFELY
DUNKERQUE, France
(AP) — Belgian rider Tim Merlier won the third stage of the Tour de France in a photo finish and Mathieu Van der Poel kept the yellow jersey yesterday.
Defending champion
Tadej Pogacar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard — the main contenders — finished safely as they rolled in together with the main pack.
When the sprinters turned for home into a strong headwind, several crashed near the line at top speeds of 65 kph (40 mph).
Merlier just got the front of his wheel in front of Italian Jonathan Milan as they lunged to the line.
German rider Phil Bauhaus was third.
It was Merlier’s second career stage win on the Tour, four years after his first, which also came on Stage 3.
“It was a big battle and it was difficult to maintain my position, I came from very far back in the last two kilometres,” he said.
“When I found myself next to Milan, I knew it would be complicated to beat him.”
Van der Poel, who rides for the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, did not contest the sprint the day after narrowly beating Pogacar to win Sunday’s rainy and hilly second stage.
Riders set off yesterday in wet conditions and wore light rain jackets on a 178-kilometre (110-mile) flat route from Valenciennes to the coastal city of Dunkerque.
The pace was slower than the two first days but the conditions were treacherous and, about 50 kilometres from the end, Stage 1 winner Jasper Philipsen abandoned.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider was knocked over by Frenchman Bryan Coquard and landed heavily on his side.
Coquard was not to blame, however, as he lost balance only after being clipped by a rider overtaking him on the right.
“I’ve seen the images again, I really didn’t know what happened in the moment,” Coquard said.
“I would like to say sorry to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it was not an intentional act.”
Another crash with three kilometres left felled double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, who was able to continue.
Then, with the finish in sight, a few more crashed — including Coquard, who then somersaulted off his bicycle.
Tuesday stage is hilly
The 174-kilomet fourth stage is another hilly one for allrounders like Van der Poel and his former
cyclo-cross rival Wout van Aert. It starts from Amiens and ends with five consecutive small climbs to the Normandy city of Rouen.
THE PACK with Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar wearing the best climber’s dotted jersey rides yesterday during the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 178.3 kilometres (110.8 miles) with start in Valenciennes and finish in Dunkerque, France.
(AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)
BELGIUM’S TIM MERLIER, centre, and Italy’s Jonathan Milan, right, sprint to the finish line during the third stage of the Tour de France yesterday. (AP Photo/ Thibault Camus)
TADEJ POGACAR, wearing the best climber’s dotted jersey, right, rides with Nils Politt, centre, and Lenny Martinez. INSET: Tim Merlier, left, and Jonathan Milan cross the finish line. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)
BELGIUM’s Tim Merlier celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the third stage. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Bahamas Athletic Pride hosts 6th All-Star Survival
FROM July 3-6, the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) field was the epicentre of elite girls’ softball in The Bahamas, as the BAP (Bahamas Athletic Pride) programme hosted its 6th edition of The Show All Star Survival this weekend. Spearheaded by the CEO of BAP and event organiser
Dachye Stubbs, the four-day event brought together the region’s top female youth talent, scouts, alumni, and fans for a dynamic blend of athleticism, competition and celebration.
The tournament featured eight teams representing eight causes that impact many families in The Bahamas, including
sickle cell, autism, lupus, multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), mental health and domestic violence.
The teams consisted of the top-ranked youth female softball players from all over The Bahamas, including the islands of Nassau, Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Abaco and Freeport.
Photos by Jonathan Burrows
Kipyegon, Chebet set world records at star-studded Prefontaine Classic
By ANNE M PETERSON AP Sports Writer
EUGENE, Oregon
(AP) — Kenyans Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet set world records and American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won a star-studded women’s 100 metres on Saturday as the Prefontaine Classic celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Kipyegon finished the 1,500 in 3 minutes, 48.68 seconds, besting her own record of 3:49.04 in the event set last year.
Chebet became the first women to run under 14 minutes in the 5,000, finishing in 13:58.06 to surpass Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay’s 2023 mark of 14:00.21.
“When I was coming here to Eugene, I was coming to prepare to run a world record, and I said I have to try. I said, ‘If Faith is trying, why not me?’” Chebet said about her good friend. “And today, I’m so happy because I’ve achieved being the first woman to run under 14. I’m so happy for myself.”
The day’s most anticipated race was the 100, which featured the top three finishers from the Paris Olympics.
Jefferson-Wooden, who took the bronze medal last summer, finished in 10.75 seconds. Gold medallist Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia was second in 10.77, and Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith of Ivory Coast was third in 10.90. Sha’Carri Richardson, the silver medallist in Paris, finished last in the nine-runner field. It was just the second outdoor 100 of the year for Richardson, who said she struggled with an unspecified injury in February. “The only motivation that I had today was
having a healthy race and the fact that I executed a healthy race knowing that now I have the time, because I do have that by being the reigning world champion, and all I have to do is just keep pushing and focusing in our practice, so
I’m super excited to just finish,” said Richardson, who has her attention on September’s world championships in Tokyo.
Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson won the men’s 100 metres in 9.86 seconds, ahead of British runner-up
in Paris, easily won the flat 400 in 49.43.
“It’s a long year, so I’m really just taking it day by day, taking it slow, building and seeing which direction you want to go in by the end of it,” McLaughlinLevrone said.
Ethiopian Tsige Duguma, the silver medallist at last year’s Olympics, won the 800 in 1:57.10. Rudy Winkler set an American record in the hammer throw with a hurl of 272 feet, 10 inches.
Canadian Camryn Rogers won on the women’s side. “My training this week was very bad. So I kind of came into this like zero expectations of like ‘Whatever I throw, I throw,’ so I was super surprised by that today,” said Winkler.
In the other field events,
Zharnel Hughes. Thompson, who finished second to Noah Lyles at last summer’s Olympic Games, went into the Pre with the world’s best time this year at 9.75. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who set the world record in the 400 hurdles
American Chase Jackson won the women’s shot put at 68-8 1/2.
Lithuanian Mikolas Alekna took the discus at 232-10.
Tara Davis-Woodhall won the long jump with leap of 23-2 1/2 inches.
Pole vaulter
Duplantis, who set a world record in Stockholm last month, cleared 19-8 1/4 at the Pre. Biniam Mehary of Ethiopia ran the 10,000 in 26:43.82, a world best this year.
Jamaican Ackera Nugent won the 100 hurdles in 12:32.
Alison dos Santos of Jamaica, the bronze medallist in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, won the men’s 400 hurdles in 46.65.
Olympic gold medallist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana won the 200 in 19.76.
British sprinter Matthew Hudson-Smith held on to win the flat 400 in 44.10.
Niels Laros of the Netherlands won the Bowerman Mile, an event unique to the Prefontaine, in 3:45.93. The Prefontaine Classic is named for Steve Prefontaine, the Oregon track star who died in a car accident in 1975.
The event is the lone U.S. stop on the Diamond League series.
Armand
FAITH KIPYEGON, from Kenya, runs in an attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, at Stade Charlety in Paris, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
JULIEN ALFRED, of Saint Lucia, was second in the 100 metres in a time of 10.77.
SHA’Carri Richardson finished last in the 100 metres in the nine-runner field.