07272018 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018

Jacobi earns his first JITIC title

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

J

acobi Bain, back in his natural age group after moving up a notch for some experience, won his first JITIC 16-and-under title in the 2018 COTECC Junior Circuit.

Playing in the final as the top seed yesterday in El Salvador, Bain came from behind for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Christian Winstead.

While there have been a few winners on the girls’ side in the past, Bain became just the second Bahamian male to triumph in the tournament, joining pro player Kevin Major Jr, who won for the first time in 2010. Major Jr is now in Colombia where he is playing on the men’s team at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Bain, who turned 15 on April 11, had to go right back on the court for double duties where he teamed up with Jamaica’s John Chin in the final. As the top seeds as well, they defeated Ronny Hernandez and Enrique Laennec of Spain.

Bain’s father, Bradley, said the victory was just what Bain needed

JACOBI BAIN, of the Bahamas, speaks to international media members after he won his first JITIC 16-and-under title on the COTECC Junior Circuit yesterday in El Salvador. to boost his progression, especially after he got eliminated in the first round of his last tournament here at home at the National Tennis Centre – the Junkanoo Bowl – by top seed Canadian Alexandre LeBlanc, who got knocked out in the semi-final.

“I think he’s been working really hard for it,” he said. “The transition to boys under-18 is going exceptionally well. He hasn’t won, but he’s been competing exceptionally well. He’s right on the crisp of a breakthrough. But 16s is really his right age group. So playing the

18s has really helped him to understand what he needs to do to win.

“As I talk to him and as he analyses his performance, he’s beginning to talk more strategy and tactic on the court. He’s beginning to be a player as opposed to a ball striker and that is a huge difference.

“This could be the event that turns the table for him in the 18s.

Remember, when he played 18s, he was the youngest guy in that age group.

“So to be able to to compete, much less play with the older kids, makes it that much easier for him when he competes against kids his own age or slightly older.”

The six-foot, 1-inch Bain is rapidly growing and could come back and duplicate the feat next year as he is still eligible. By virtue of winning the title, he will be afforded two Grade One wild cards next year.

“The Grade One events are just a step below the Grand Slam events. His current rankings would not allow him to earn a berth in a Grade One Tournament, but COTEC has now given him two appearances for his victory.

SEE PAGE 3

Team Bahamas 24th overall at USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN water polo players concluded their historic appearance at the USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics.

In a joint effort with the Houston Storms Water Polo Club, the six members of the Bahamian Mantas Water Polo Club - Saequan Miller, Gabriel Sastre, Alexander Turnquest, Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield, Gabriel Encinar, Damian Gomez and Thor Sasso – formed a select team “BahTex ManStorm” and finished 24th out of 48 teams in the Under-16 Classic division at the event in San Jose, California.

The team exited the tournament with a 15-7 loss to the Clesea Piers in their final contest following a 10-8 loss to San Jose WPF. The BahTex ManStorm opened the tournament with a 7-3 loss to the N San Diego Stars but followed later that afternoon with a 9-6 win over Praetorian WPC. They advanced to the upper 24 teams division with a 5-4 win over Raptor A. In the final group of 24, the team suffered consecutive losses to Vanguard Red (11-4) and CDM Aquatic

TOUR, Page 8

BOMAC 4: THE STRIKERS REVENGE AT MELIA AUGUST 3

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

LIVE Mixed Martial Arts will return to the country as the Bahamas Open Martial Arts Championship prepares to host the fourth edition of its signature event.

BOMAC will reach another milestone in Mixed Martial Arts when they host BOMAC 4: The Strikers Revenge at 7pm Friday, August 3 at the Melia Resort.

Fighters from Angola, Jamaica, Turkey and the United States will compete alongside top local talent on the card which features five bouts.

Bahamians will headline two of the three main event bouts.

Giovanni “MoFire” Johnson will face Pedro Cassoma of Angola and Tyrone Oliver will face Marquez Greer of the United States. In the third, Matthew Calquhon of Jamaica will face Emre Orun of Turkey.

Marcian Tucker takes on Berke Orun of Turkey and Tyson Issacs will fight Kyle Chin of Jamaica.

Fighting styles on the night will include MMA, Muay Thai kickboxing, Chinese kickboxing, boxing and amateur grappling.

Tickets are available at JLine Fitness, Jemi Fitness East, Crave Deli, Cheesecake Heaven, Fitness Connection West, Sammy’s Chicken Carmichael and Outdoor Sportsman.

SEE PAGE 3

100-HITS MILESTONE FOR CHAVEZ YOUNG THIS SEASON

find out that you have these types of deceases, the important thing is your support system.

“So I would say that I’ve had a good support system, my family, my friends, my church and the persons who knew about it have always supported me. In times when I wanted to fall down, they have always encouraged me to keep going. So having a good support system is very important.”

She added that taking the medication prescribed by the doctors is just as vital, although she admits that she has not been fully compliant, but she’s working on it.

“It’s just trying to keep a positive attitude and not allowing the worst or it to get to you,” she pointed out. “I just keep going.”

Although she was diagnosed with the illness, Webb has not allowed that to hinder her commitment to the various organisations that she has been a part of. The Securities Commission’s employee worked feverishly as a member of the

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CHAVEZ Young continues his season of milestones with the Lansing Lugnuts and the Toronto BlueJays organisation.

Young became the first Lugnuts player this season to reach 100 hits when he went 2-4 with one run scored and one RBI in Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the South Bend Cubs.

Through 90 games this season, Young is hitting .285 with 100 hits and 40 RBI. He also has an .795 OPS, slugging .444 with 22 stolen bases, 62 runs scored, 156 total bases, 27 doubles, seven triples and five home runs.

Young leads the Midwest league in doubles, tied for second in triples and tied for sixth in stolen bases and is one of only seven players in the league with 100 hits.

His play this season has prompted his consistent rise up the prospect ranks in the Toronto Blue Jays organisation.

In a year when he was named a Midwest League All-Star and has helped to propel his Lansing Lugnuts to clinch a playoff spot, pundits around the organisation continue to rave.

The Lugnuts are second in the league’s Eastern division with a record of 57-45.

Prospect analysis website FutureBlueJays.com

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 3

SIX members of the Bahamian Mantas Water Polo Club - Saequan Miller, Gabriel Sastre, Alexander Turnquest, Nicholas WallaceWhitfield, Gabriel Encinar, Damian Gomez and Thor Sasso - can be seen with members of the Houston Storms. They formed a select team “BahTex ManStorm” to contest the U-16 Classic division at the USA Water Polo National Jr Olympics in San Jose, California.

White (8-7). The losses placed the ManStorm in Group S and in contention for 24-21 place out of the 48-team field bracket.

The team suffered a 12-10 loss to NIPC

yesterday and had an evening matchup against WPF B team. However, those results were unavailable up to press time last night.

The USA Water Polo Junior Olympic

Championships is the largest age group water polo tournament in America with over 400 teams competing over the course of the four-day event. Athletes and teams come

from across the country to compete on the national stage. The Junior Olympics Tournament consists of two divisions, the

SEE PAGE 3

‘Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope’ - Jonique’s Beast Mode

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHENEVER you see bubbly Jonique Webb, one would never know that she’s suffering from the decease lupus because she’s the type of athlete that doesn’t allow anything to upset her.

Webb, a 2006 graduate of Jordan Prince Williams High School where she participated in basketball, softball, volleyball and track and field emerging as the best all-around female student, was diagnosed with the trace of lupus in her system in 2012.

A year later, after further consultation, it was confirmed that she had lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, joints, brain, lungs, heart, blood cells and kidneys.

On Saturday, August 11, starting at 6:30am, a committee formed to assist her with her medical

expenses, will hold a fun run/walk, dubbed: ‘Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope’ - Jonique’s Beast Mode.

The route will leave Goodman’s Bay west and head onto Baha Mar Boulevard, pass Scotiabank, around the curve by Baha Mar and heading straight around to the dead end, turn around by the former Wyndham, pass Melia, cross the street over to pass Scotiabank once again and onto Baha Mar Boulevard and back to Goodman’s Bay west.

“I think it’s a good initiative. At first, I was hesitant about the initiative because it’s something that a lot of people didn’t know that I had, so it was something that I tried to keep to myself,” she stated.

“But after I spoke to certain persons about it, I think it’s a good initiative what they are doing and to help get the word out there and kind of educate people about the decease itself.”

Webb, who turned 29 on May 10, thanks her support team for assisting her because as she puts it: “What is important when you

JONIQUE WEBB

PAGE 2, Friday, July 27, 2018

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Congrats to ‘Golden Girl’ Joanna and our swimming team at CAC Games WHAT a difference an international meet has been for Olympic swimmer Joanna Evans.

In her second appearance at the Commonwealth Games Down Under in the Gold Coast in Australia in April, Evans was quite disappointed that she didn’t get to perform at the best of her ability.

Now the face of swimming for the Bahamas in the retirement this year of Arianna VanderpoolWallace, Evans had her best performance in the final of the women’s 400 metre freestyle but she just barely missed getting on the podium with a fourth-place finish. She vowed then that she would return to the University of Texas and get prepared for the Central American and Caribbean Games. This part week, she lived up to the expectations and literally dominated the competition.

As the leader of the Bahamas’ six-member team in Barranquilla, Colombia, Evans highlighted her 21st birthday celebrations on Wednesday by winning five medals – three gold and two silver – for the best individual performance ever produced by a Bahamian in any sport at any one competition.

At those major international events like the CAC, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games, it’s so refreshing to see our athletes in another sport, other than track and field, excel at such a high level.

Evans has proven that swimming is continuing to make its presence felt, albeit, the executives, coaches and parents of the Bahamas Swimming Federation, would be quick to point out that

they don’t get the proper recognition for their swimmers.

We congratulate Evans and the rest of the team, including Albury Higgs, the other medallist, who helped to put the Bahamas at No.9 on the medal chart going into the rest of the games.

We look forward to seeing how well the rest of Team Bahamas will perform, especially the men’s softball and men’s basketball teams.

This is the first time that the Bahamas will have two team disciplines participate in the same games at the same time.

JOANNA EVANS, of the Bahamas (centre), on the medal podium earlier this week after winning gold in the 800 metre freestyle - her speciality - at the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The men’s basketball team, coached by Quintin ‘Three Ounce’ Hall from Grand Bahama, is coming off a hard-fought series in the FIBA Qualifier for the World Cup. Although that team only won its last game with NBA second year guard Chavano Rainier ‘Buddy’ Hield making an appearance, there are some major changes to the make-up.

So with only a few of the players from the FIBA World Cup Qualifier making the team for the CAC Games, Hall is still quite confident that the squad put together by the Bahamas Basketball Federation can get the job done on the big stage.

Likewise, we’re also looking with keen interest on what the men’s softball team, managed by Perry Seymour, will do.

This team is also going through

a transformation with Alcott Forbes and Lyle Sawyer from Abaco leading their charge. It’s a little disappointing that some of the top competitors in track and field will not be making the trip to Colombia due to the quota that the Bahamas has received.

But with Evans and swimming already setting the pace, we will be watching to see how well the rest of the Bahamian contingent can continue the trend that has been set so far.

And we wish all of the other competitors all of the best as the games continue through August 3.

Again, congratulations to Evans and Higgs and the rest of the Bahamian swim team – Laura Morley, Margaret Albury, Izaak Bastian, N’Nyhn Fernander and Kohen Kerr managed by Jeff Slater and coached by Rochelle Bastian – for a job well done.

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Friday, July 27, 2018, PAGE 3

‘Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope’ - Jonique’s Beast Mode FROM PAGE 1 Golden Gates Native Baptist Church with the Baptist Sports Council and the Youth Department of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

Her number one supporter, her grandmother Joanne ‘Mother’ Webb, said it’s a difficult time for the family, but they are rallying around her granddaughter with “prayers and love.

“She’s my pet. She’s always been my pet. She’s always been the different one, but I don’t like to see her when she’s sick. When the pain comes, it gets rough for her.”

For those who know her, and even those who don’t, a plea is being made to assist her in her time of need as the fun run/walk will help to defray the cost of Webb’s medical expenses.

The committee has stressed that all proceeds raised (after expenses) will be used for Webb’s medical fund and will go directly into a private banking account for proper record keeping.

With her kidneys now affected, Webb has to have a transplant and her dad John has already been identified as the donor.

The operation is expected to be performed at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

It’s estimated that her expenses could soar to about $4,000 per month, including medication, for about six months after she goes through her rehabilitation process.

Interested persons can call 525-2673 or write to hopejonique@gmail.com for more details. They can also obtain more information on the Facebook account Jonique’s Stride For Hope.

Early registration for the fun run/walk will be held up until July 30, which will guarantee a t-shirt. The cost is $25 per person. Persons can also register at Suntime in the Mall at Marathon.

A souse-out will also take place during the event.

FROM PAGE 1

Bain wins JITIC title FROM PAGE 1 On his way to the singles final, Bain won 6-1, 7-6 (5) over Julian Lozano of Costa Rica in the first round. He then won 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 over Federico Infante of the Dominican Republic in the quarter-finals and ousted No.3 seed Kaipo Marshall of Barbados 6-2, 6-0 in the semi-finals.

In doubles as the top seeds, Bain and Chin won 6-1, 6-1 over Randy Funez of Honduras and Damian Rivera of Puerto Rico in the quarter-final and 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 over Alejandro Gandini and Federico Infante of the Dominican Republic in the semi-final.

JONIQUE WEBB

JACOBI BAIN, of the Bahamas (right), on the medal podium after he won his first JITIC 16-and-under title on the COTECC Junior Circuit yesterday in El Salvador.

BOMAC 4: The Strikers Revenge at Melia August 3 FROM PAGE 1 Standard tickets are available at $35, VIP - $50 and Ringside - $75. Local hip-hop artist Ton Ash will be performing his new hit single “I Yi” Remix alongside Bodie and Chase Fernander.

Johnson has won both of his previous appearances at BOMAC events.

At BOMAC 1 he defeated TJ Miller via Submission and at BOMAC 3 he won by decision over Douglas Wilder.

Isaacs will appear in his fourth BOMAC event, with a 2-1 record thus far.

At BOMAC 1 he lost to Colquhon, at BOMAC 2 defeated Rohann Exctain via TKO and at BOMAC 3 he defeated Denez Jones.

The Oruns look to continue their success from BOMAC 3 where they both recorded wins.

Tucker makes his first return to the ring since a KO win over Floyd Moxam at BOMAC 1.

Following BOMC 1, organiser of the event and

Empire Mixed Martial Arts founder, Dr Kent Bazard, said that he expects the appeal of cage fighting to grow in the Bahamas.

“This is just the beginning of things to come.

We’ve come a very long way in the sport. I think from here on, BOMAC will have cage events at each of our events,” said Bazard.

“Cage fighting will make a huge impact because it’s a little different from fighting in a ring. We want to push the sport locally.

The cage fight event is billed as a part of the larger BOMAC Championships which began in 2010.

BOMAC traditionally features an open forms and weapons tournament, point and continuous fighting, amateur Sanda/Sanshou, Pankration, grappling and amateur MMA. BOMAC has hosted over 500 competitors from 11 countries in its history.

In addition, it also hosts various martial art seminars by world-class instructors.

“The Bahamas will be well represented as always.

We have been doing very well outside of the Bahamas.” Bazard said.

“All of the fighters are excited to showcase their skills right here at home.

We usually fight in a hostile environment so to have our people here at home encouraging us is huge. We really want Bahamians to come out and support these fighters because it is going to be a fun and exciting show.”

In April 2015 BOMAC Cage Fights 1 featured seven bouts at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace.

BOMAC 2: The Revenge took place in August 2015 at the British Colonial Hilton in August 2015.

A total of 11 bouts were featured on the card including the first female MMA cage match in Bahamian history featuring Melanie “Bear Traps” Camden against Gillian “Savage” Robertson.

BOMAC 3: King of the Ring was hosted December 2015 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

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100-hits milestone for Chavez Young

Team Bahamas 24th overall at USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics FROM PAGE 1 Championship Division and the Classic Division.

The Bahamian players first joined the Storms at the Southwest Zone Junior Olympics Qualifier tournament in Houston, Texas, last month where they finished fourth out of 10 teams.

While in California, the team also attended an expo being held by USA

Water Polo. This expo featured presentations on the path to college water polo, being a triple impact competitor, elevating your game and a mental skills clinic. Additionally, there was a college coach meet and greet for rising grade 12 players.

Miller was recently awarded a college scholarship to play water polo for Salem University, a first for Bahamian water polo.

ranked Young at No.8 among the Blue Jays prospects while the Lansing State Journal profiled the 21-year-old outfielder for his impact on the Lugnuts.

“You wouldn’t ordinarily expect much from a 39th round pick, but Young is truly proving to be a diamond in the rough. The Bahamian may have been behind his peers in terms of development when he made his pro debut two years ago, but he’s more than made up for that.

Young has been a fixture atop Lansing’s order,” Future Blue Jays said.

“Young has a simple set up at the plate, gets good plate coverage, and seldom chases. He can play all three outfield spots, and has been set loose on the basepaths this year, stealing 13 in 19 attempts.”

In the Midwest League’s All-Star game, Young’s Eastern team won 3-2 victory over the Western team at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing, Michigan.

“Coming from a late-round draft guy, I’ve just had to work for everything,” Young told the Lansing State Journal. “I never forget that this is my dream job. I always have got to have fun doing it, no matter where I’m at. I’ve got to be even-keeled through the bad days and the good days. I’ve got to stay on that even plane always and keep having fun. The hard work will pay off.”

He spent last season with the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League.

Yong led the Appalachian League with eight triples, was second in runs scored with 55, and seventh in total bases with 118.

In 67 games, he hit .283 with, four stolen bases, slugging .445, an on-base percentage of .336, an OPS of .781 and four home runs.

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PAGE 4, Friday, July 27, 2018

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CHICAGO Cubs celebrate after Anthony Rizzo hit a game-winning home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning yesterday in Chicago.

(AP Photo/David Banks)

Cubs stun D’backs 7-6 with consecutive homers in 9th CHICAGO (AP) — David Bote hit a tying, two-run homer off Brad Boxberger with one out in the ninth inning, Anthony Rizzo followed two pitches later with a winning home run and the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 yesterday.

Bote was called up when Kris Bryant was put on the disabled list because of inflammation in his left shoulder.

Eddie Butler (1-1) retired Jon Jay on a flyout that stranded two runners in the ninth. Boxberger (1-4) was the loser.

Nick Ahmed hit his first career grand slam in the fifth inning as Arizona built a 6-1 lead.

ANGELS 12, WHITE SOX 8 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Francisco Arcia became the first Los Angeles Angels player with four RBIs in his major league debut, hitting a three-run homer and an RBI single. Ian Kinsler and Kole Calhoun also homered for the Angels.

Daniel Palka and Jose Abreu each hit two home runs for the White Sox, and Avisail Garcia and Nicky Delmonico also went deep.

Nick Tropeano (4-5) allowed five runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Dylan Covey (4-6) gave up six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

JUDGE LEAVES GAME AFTER HIT ON WRIST BY PITCH

NEW York Yankees’ Aaron Judge runs to third base on a double by Didi Gregorius during the first inning yesterday against the Kansas City Royals in New York.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees star slugger Aaron Judge has left a game after being hit by a pitch on his right wrist.

The Yankees said Judge was seen by the team doctor last night and was going to a hospital for an MRI. Judge was hit in the first inning by a fastball from Kansas City’s Jakob Junis.

Judge was checked by a trainer, and he remained in the game as the designated hitter.

Judge beat out an infield hit in the third inning. He was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the fourth.

Normally New York’s right fielder, Judge is hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 61 RBIs. He homered last week in the All-Star Game.

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Friday, July 27, 2018, PAGE 5

NO EXTENSION, NO BIG DEAL FOR PACKERS’ AARON RODGERS

By GENARO C ARMAS AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs out of the facility during practice at NFL football training camp yesterday in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

CARSON WENTZ LEADS 2ND-TEAM OFFENCE IN EAGLES’ 1ST PRACTICE

By GEOFF MOSHER Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Wearing a brace around his surgically repaired left knee, Carson Wentz participated in all of the Philadelphia Eagles’ first training camp practice yesterday.

About seven months and two weeks removed from tearing two knee ligaments in a December game against the Rams, Wentz took a handful of reps, mainly leading the secondteam offence.

“I thought he was comfortable,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “He did some nice things today.

It was very, very limited obviously, but we didn’t do too much. I think we had 30 offensive plays. It was good.

It was a good first start for everybody.”

The Eagles practiced for about two hours and weren’t in pads. None of

their drills involved serious contact or tackling.

The team doesn’t usually practice in pads or tackle for the first three days of practice.

Nick Foles, who replaced Wentz and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, worked with the first offence yesterday in Wentz’s place. Foles said he doesn’t need any commitment at some point from the coaches that he is or isn’t the starter for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.

Wentz said he hasn’t yet received medical clearance for contact. Pederson offered no timetable for when the team expects Wentz to be cleared for contact practices and also didn’t say if Wentz would play in the preseason.

Also undetermined, or just unannounced: How far along Wentz is right now toward full recovery and whether Wentz can expect

to be cleared to start on September 6.

“I’m not going to push him or get him out there sooner than he has to,” Pederson added. “I want to make sure that he’s 100 per cent. He looked good today, and we’re just going to continue to progress.”

Wentz said any decision to clear him for contact practice or a preseason game would be made in conjunction with Pederson and the team’s medical staff. Wentz, who set the team record for touchdown passes in a season last year with 33, didn’t specify if he believes it’s necessary to play in the preseason. “My goal is September 6,” he said. “We’ll see what happens with all that. But when I’m ready, I’ll be ready.”

Pederson sidestepped questions about the longterm plan for Wentz, or even a plan for when Wentz would take snaps with the first-team offence.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers sounds as if he’s more worried about swimming with sharks than a new contract.

Starting training camp without an extension from the Green Bay Packers is not really that big a deal to the two-time NFL MVP. “I’ve seen a lot of stuff you guys have either written or that’s been written about it,” Rodgers said yesterday. “I talk with my agent daily, so I’m aware of conversations. But I’m really not too worried about it.”

He’s under contract through the 2019 season, though NFL salaries continue to escalate. Star receiver Julio Jones showed up for Atlanta Falcons camp yesterday after the sides reached agreement to renegotiate Jones’ deal next year, avoiding a potential holdout.

Not Rodgers’ style.

“I don’t really operate like that. I have two years left on my deal,” Rodgers said when asked if he could consider holding out to turn up pressure.

“They’re obviously more than willing to talk about an extension. There wasn’t any animosity on either side.”

Team president Mark Murphy is hopeful there will be an agreement, too, at some point.

“I don’t want to put a timeframe on it, but I’m confident we’ll work it out,” Murphy said after the Packers’ annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday night.

So there was Rodgers back to work for the first day of camp on Thursday.

One of his first throws was a deep pass for receiver Randall Cobb, who was

GREEN Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers arrives at NFL football training camp yesterday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash) covered tightly by Kevin King. The cornerback went up and wrestled for the ball before appearing to come away with the pick.

“That wasn’t an interception,” Rodgers said.

So competitive, even in late July.

The quarterback fed his curiosity too when he appeared on an episode of the Discovery Channel show “Monster Tag” in which he put on scuba gear and dove into the Pacific Ocean to help tag a blue shark. It was a Shark Week special on the network, in which scientists studied sharks and ways to help preserve the population.

It might be easier to stiff arm a linebacker.

“I’m a lot more scared in the water,” Rodgers said.

Staying upright in the pocket seems as if it’s a less stressful task. Protection could get a huge boost if 6-foot-5 veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga remains on track to come

back from a right ACL injury.

The right side of the line was in question in the offseason after Bulaga got hurt last season.

He has progressed well enough to the point that coach Mike McCarthy hopes that Bulaga will be ready for Week 1, even if the tackle is starting camp on the physically unable to perform list as a precaution.

Getting Bulaga back would leave right guard as the only position up front for the Packers to find a new starter after Jahri Evans wasn’t re-signed as a free agent.

“I’m optimistic about it, yeah,” Bulaga said about targeting the season opener.

“Yeah I’m disappointed that I started on PUP. Been a tough road rehabbing and getting back to this point ... but that’s part of the process and I’ve got to keep going.”

KYRIE IRVING INSISTS HE WILL BE READY FOR CELTICS CAMP

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving isn’t in a position where he could play with USA Basketball this week at its mini-camp.

He made the trip to Las Vegas anyway.

The way Irving sees it, if USA Basketball calls, you answer. So he was in the gym yesterday for the start of the two-day camp, watching and interacting with guys but not partaking in the on-court action.

And he insisted that when the Boston Celtics start training camp in about two months, he will be fully ready to go.

“Easily. Easily. Easily,” Irving said. “It’s just the summertime. This is probably one of the first summers in my last seven years where I’ve actually had time to kind of develop and work on things that I want to improve on.”

Irving’s first season with the Celtics ended in midMarch with a knee issue that required surgery. The Celtics went to the Eastern Conference finals even without him and Gordon Hayward (who missed all but the first five minutes of the season because of injury) anyway.

And now with LeBron James now out of the East — he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, meaning his eight-year run of being on the team that wins the East is ending — Boston figures to be a popular pick to reach the NBA Finals next season. “At the end of the day, we’re going to be battling anyway,” Irving said.

“We haven’t started. Everyone’s 0-0 right now. The expectations, the power rankings, all that other good stuff that the media loves doing, it’s all part of the game. Obviously there’s some expectations that we have to meet individually and then as a group.”

Irving was the third-leading scorer for the US at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, starting all eight games and averaging 11.4 points.

The US went 8-0 in Rio on the way to gold.

BASKETBALL ACUMEN The sheer amount of basketball IQ inside the practice facility at UNLV on Thursday was impressive.

Besides US coach Gregg Popovich and his coaching staff that includes Villanova coach Jay Wright and Gonzaga coach Mark Few among others, there were plenty of other proven

JAMES Harden signs a basketball for a fan during a training camp for USA basketball.

basketball minds watching practice.

Among them: USA Basketball CEO Jerry Colangelo, longtime NBA executive and 2018 Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinee Rod Thorn, former U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, Golden State general manager Bob Myers, Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle

KEVIN DURANT, right, watches Kyrie Irving during a training camp for USA Basketball yesterday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photos/John Locher)

and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.

TWITTER BEEF Kevin Durant was a recent guest on Portland guard C.J. McCollum’s podcast, which wound up leading to a bizarre Twitter exchange where McCollum called Durant’s decision to sign with Golden State two summers ago “soft.”

Predictably, that didn’t go over well with Durant, who lashed back. But when asked about the saga at USA Basketball’s minicamp Thursday, Durant didn’t shed a lot of new light on the topic.

“What happened?”

Durant asked, incredulously, when a reporter asked him for his side of the story.

Durant seemed to take exception with the notion that he was the upset person in the tale.

“So I’m the upset one because he responded to something I said. “... So how am I upset?”

Durant asked.

After about a minute, the conversation moved on to basketball and Durant no longer seemed upset.

PRACTICE ADJUSTMENT Gregg Popovich planned for Thursday to be a relatively easy day. His players had other ideas, so Day 1 of USA Basketball’s minicamp in Las Vegas was more competitive than first envisioned.

Popovich was fine with that. “They wanted more,” Popovich said.

THOMAS MARVELS Isaiah Thomas of the Denver Nuggets said he thought the atmosphere at mini-camp Thursday was like an NBA All-Star Game. “It’s just dope to be around such great players,” Thomas said.

He said he wasn’t surprised that players took Day 1 seriously, either.

“Everybody’s having fun, but at the same time everybody’s competing,” Thomas said. “You want to get better while you’re here, you don’t want to waste your time. It’s always good to be around the top players in the world, the top coaches in the world and just have a few days to get that fellowship in and just have fun.”

RESPECT FACTOR Replacing a successful coach can be daunting, especially when someone is trying to replace Mike Krzyzewski.

Of course, replacing a winner with a winner tends to make things easier.

Gregg Popovich won’t have to spend any time earning the respect of his USA Basketball team.

His five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs are obviously more than enough proof that he knows what he’s doing, and Blake Griffin — who played for the US under Krzyzewski and now is back to play under Popovich — said the transition between coaches will be easy for the Americans.

“You’re talking about two of the most respected coaches in all of basketball and probably two of the best coaches of all time,” the Detroit Pistons forward said Thursday.

“When you have the respect factor there, from the players, it doesn’t matter the styles you just buy into what they say.

That’s what’s great about these two guys.”

20

PAGE 6, Friday, July 27, 2018

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THE TRIBUNE 21

2

25

24

2 26

27

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FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CAS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CASH read down the 2 letters in the highlighted squares to reveal letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the mystery word.

TO ENTER: call 0904 161 3700 and leave your a CARPE DIEM to 84915. calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone TO ENTER: call 0904 161 3700 and leave your answer and details, or teco

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Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 27, 2018, PAGE 7

Dumoulin down to his last chance in Tour de France

By CIARAN FAHEY Associated Press PAU, France (AP) — The Tour de France is Geraint Thomas’ race to lose with only one rider seemingly left with a slim hope of catching the Welshman.

The last stage in the Pyrenees today - the Tour’s so-called “queen stage” for its difficulty and drama - offers Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin his final real chance of capitalising on any slip-up from Thomas.

But Thomas hasn’t put a pedal wrong after 2 ½ weeks of racing, and Dumoulin knows he needs a miracle of sorts to take his yellow jersey on Stage 19 from Lourdes.

“I think the chance of winning the Tour is really, really small. But if I see an opportunity I will take it for sure,” Dumoulin said after yesterday’s uneventful Stage 18 ended in Pau. “I will try to test Thomas. We will see if it’s possible.”

Thomas leads the Team Sunweb rider by 1 minute, 59 seconds with three stages

of the Tour remaining, including Sunday’s mostly ceremonial finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Dumoulin lost nine seconds to Thomas the day before, when defending champion Chris Froome’s hopes of a record-equalling fifth title all but ended for this year. Froome, who had been second, fell 32 seconds behind Dumoulin, whom he had earlier called his Team Sky’s “biggest threat.”

Thursday’s stage was flat and easy which allowed riders to prepare for the ordeal in the Pyrenees to come. The 200.5-kilometre (124.6-mile) trek from Lourdes to Laruns in Stage 19 features the category 1 Col d’Aspin and two unclassified climbs in the 2,115-metre Col du Tourmalet and 1,709-metre Col d’Aubisque.

Dumoulin has been waiting all week for a chance to attack, but so far he has found his opportunities limited in the mountains.

“At the moment I need to keep my gunpowder dry and wait for the right

NETHERLANDS’ Tom Dumoulin arrives for the start of the 18th stage of the Tour de France cycling race yesterday over 106.3 miles with start in Trie-sur-Baise and finish in Pau, France.

(AP Photo/Peter Dejong) been hit with a 20-second penalty in Stage 6 for straying too close to his team car, benefitting from the draft that pulled him along.

Dumoulin was trying to catch up after losing time due to a broken wheel.

moment to attack,” the 27-year-old said earlier in the week.

“I would have loved to take some time, but I need to wait.”

Dumoulin would be closer to Thomas had he not

Dumoulin, a time trial specialist and strong climber racing for Sunweb, was always likely to emerge as Sky’s closest challenger.

Vincenzo Nibali, the 2014 champion, pulled out Thursday after crashing on

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 74° F/23° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Sun and clouds, a t‑storm in spots

Partly cloudy with a thunderstorm

Some sun with a t‑storm; breezy

Periods of sun, a t‑storm; breezy

Periods of sun, a t‑storm; breezy

Partly sunny, a t‑storm; breezy

High: 89°

Low: 79°

High: 88° Low: 76°

High: 88° Low: 77°

High: 89° Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

97° F

87° F

96°-82° F

95°-83° F

97°-83° F

97°-84° F

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° 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: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

S

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

7‑14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 79° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 92° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 81° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ............................................... 30.56” Normal year to date ................................... 18.87”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2018

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 82° F/28° C

uV inDex toDay

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

8:18 a.m.

8:42 p.m.

2.5 3.2

2:31 a.m.

2:21 p.m.

0.5 0.3

Saturday

8:57 a.m.

9:19 p.m.

2.6 3.2

3:08 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

0.4 0.3

Sunday

9:36 a.m.

9:55 p.m.

2.6 3.1

3:45 a.m.

3:38 p.m.

0.4 0.4

Monday

10:14 a.m.

10:31 p.m.

2.6 3.1

4:20 a.m.

4:17 p.m.

0.5 0.5

Tuesday

10:53 a.m.

11:07 p.m.

2.7 3.0

4:56 a.m.

4:57 p.m.

0.5 0.6

Wednesday 11:33 a.m.

11:46 p.m.

2.7 2.9

5:31 a.m.

5:39 p.m.

0.5 0.7

Thursday

2.7 ‑‑‑‑‑

6:09 a.m.

6:26 p.m.

0.6 0.8

12:16 p.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:35 a.m.

7:58 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

8:00 p.m.

6:18 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Jul. 27

Aug. 4

Aug. 11

Aug. 18

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

6‑12 knots

S

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

Alpe d’Huez, and a challenge never materialized from Romain Bardet, Mikel Landa or Nairo Quintana.

Thomas and Froome, helped by the unselfish efforts of teammates Egan Bernal, Michal Kwiatkowski and Wouter Poels, have proved to be unshakeable, albeit until Froome faltered on Wednesday.

Dumoulin, who won the Giro d’Italia last year, has been staying close to and testing the leading Sky riders, while Froome and Thomas have been working together to keep him in check.

Dumoulin had been hoping to get within striking distance — ahead of Saturday’s time trial in the penultimate stage from Saint-Pee-Sur-Nivelle to Espelette.

As the time trial world champion, he might have had an advantage.

But Thomas’ lead is so comfortable, Dumoulin will have to launch a successful attack today, or hope for an unlikely collapse from Thomas.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

H

E

W

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 86° F/30° 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: 85° F/29° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

7‑14 knots

8‑16 knots

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

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS SE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots

WAVES 3‑6 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 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 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 83° F 84° F 85° F 88° F 83° F 83° F 85° F 82° F 83° F 80° F 83° F 86° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 82° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 84° F 81° F

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years.

NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

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(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

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PAGE 8, Friday, July 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

CYCLISTS pass next to straw bales during the 18th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 171 kilometres (106.3 miles) with start in Trie-sur-Baise and finish in Pau, France, yesterday.

THOMAS LOOKS TO CEMENT TOUR LEAD IN FINAL MOUNTAIN LEG

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer PAU, France (AP) — Arnaud Demare was rewarded yesterday for hauling his muscular frame over the Alps and through the Pyrenees.

Geraint Thomas, meanwhile, is preparing to cement his hold on the yellow jersey in today’s final mountain test of the Tour de France.

After many of his competitors were unable to get through the mountains, Demare took advantage by dominating a mass sprint in Stage 18.

It marked the first victory by a French team, Groupama-FDJ, in this year’s race.

Sprinters Fernando Gaviria of Colombia and Dylan Groenewegen — who had each won two stages in this Tour — called it quits during Stage 12 to Alpe d’Huez. That came a day after Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel, who have a combined 44 Tour stage wins between them, failed to make the time cut on another mountain leg.

Demare said he was motivated by an accusation on social media from Andre

Greipel, a top German sprinter, who alleged that Demare held on to his team car on the way up the grueling Col du Portet in Stage 17.

Demare finished Wednesday’s stage second to last but managed to avoid the time cut as thousands of French spectators cheered him on.

Greipel, who also quit in Stage 12, later apologised on Twitter, saying he had relied on “incorrect” information. “It hurt me enormously,” Demare said.

“It’s a shame that people cast doubts over my performance and my hard work. ... I thought a lot about (Greipel) today. It’s not in my mindset or my philosophy to (cheat). I worked hard in the mountains before the Tour and, as a result, I made it through mountain stages when most of the sprinters did not.”

Demare, who failed to make the cut on a climb in the Alps last year, had time to celebrate as he crossed the line with his arms wide open ahead of fellow Frenchman Christophe Laporte.

Alexander Kristoff of Norway crossed third in the same time.

BRITAIN’S GERAINT THOMAS, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, passes fields of sunflowers during the 18th stage of the Tour de France yesterday.

(AP Photos/Peter Dejong) After two gruelling days in the Pyrenees, Thomas was able to enjoy his seventh day in the yellow jersey during the less challenging 171-kilometre (106-mile) leg from TrieSur-Baise to Pau, which featured only two minor climbs and a flat finish.

Thomas remained 1 minute, 59 seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin with the Welshman’s Sky teammate and four-time champion Chris Froome third, 2:31 behind.

Only two challenging stages remain — a lengthy

leg through the Pyrenees today including three major climbs, then a technical individual time trial on Saturday — before the mostly ceremonial finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Sunday.

Stage 19 starts in the pilgrimage town of Lourdes and takes the peloton over legendary climbs like the Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque.

“We’re expecting the worst, hoping for the best. ...

It’s the last mountain stage and I think guys will try to take every opportunity they

can,” Thomas said. “But we’ve been riding real well the whole race, so hopefully we can keep that going for one more day.”

After Froome cracked on the Col du Portet, all of Sky’s strategy is aimed at getting Thomas to Paris in yellow — meaning Froome may have to help.

“Hopefully we won’t have to use Froomey.

Hopefully we’ll have strength in numbers and he’ll be able to just follow as well,” Thomas said. “But obviously having Froomey at my disposal, so to speak, is just phenomenal.”

Perhaps a bigger worry for Thomas and Froome concerns the unruly fans who have consistently affected this Tour by spitting at riders — or even reaching out to grab them.

One fan who reached over the barriers nearly took Thomas down on Wednesday “I thought it was maybe an accident, just maybe an overly exuberant fan,” Thomas said.

“But when I got back to the hotel and was showed the pictures it was obviously something else. It’s not nice. It’s not what you want.”

On a warm day in southern France, Stage 18 took riders through the vineyards of Madiran to the city of Pau, the birthplace of 16th-century King Henri IV. It was the 70th time that the Tour passed through Pau, which first hosted the race in 1930.

Five riders — Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (WantyGroupe Gobert), Mathew Hayman (MitcheltonScott), Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott), Niki Terpstra (Quick-Step Floors) and Thomas Boudat (Direct Energie) — were involved in an early breakaway.

The sprinters’ teams never let them get much more than two minutes ahead, and they were caught with 16.5 kilometres to go.

Otherwise, it was a very calm stage except for a minor crash involving Stage 17 winner Nairo Quintana and British rider Adam Yates midway through the route. Both riders got back on their bikes and continued without apparent problems.

• Associated Press writers Ciaran Fahey and Samuel Petrequin contributed.