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SPORTS SECTION E

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018

Big Red Machine, Cougars BAISS softball champions By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

he Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools crowned softball champions in three divisions while the fourth will be determined by a decisive game three today. The St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine won both the junior and senior boys’ titles while the CW Saunders Cougars won the junior girls’ title last night at the Freedom Farm Baseball Complex. St John’s and St Augustine’s will decide the senior girls’ champion today after the Giants evened the series 1-1 with a 12-11 win in game two last night. The Big Red Machine’s junior boys secured the first title of the afternoon with a 7-5 come-frombehind win over the Queen’s

College Comets. QC took the biggest lead of either team in the game when they took a lead 5-1 in the third inning. SAC would rally and even the score with four runs in their half of the inning. Tied 5-5 headed into the fourth inning, SAC clamped down defensively and held the Comets scoreless for the remainder of the game. QC would leave two stranded in the inning and SAC would follow with their first lead of the game in the top of the fifth. After a pair of singles, Basil Dorsett’s line drive to centre field drove in a pair of runs to give SAC the win a 2-0 sweep in the series. “We were resilient. We were down early but we fought hard and we were the tougher team today. We were trying to be aggressive so we had to find a way to manufacture runs,” said SAC head coach

Je’Vaughn Saunders. “It was a complete team effort, our pitching may not have been there all night in terms of the windmill, but it was consistent and our fielding made the plays we needed to win.” The CW Saunders Cougars junior girls capped their undefeated season with a 15-6 win over the Comets to claim the junior girls’ championship title. The Cougars took an early 10-3 lead in the second inning and dominated like they have done all season. “It wasn’t an easy road but because of the grace of God we came out on top. These girls went through the first half of the season, didn’t lose a game, went to the Austin Knowles tournament, didn’t lose a game, came back and finished the season undefeated – something that has never been done in the history of the school

and I can’t express how proud I am of these girls,” Cougars head coach Brad Wood said. “Most of the girls will be moving on to senior but we are looking for big things from both teams next season.” In senior boys’ play, the Big Red Machine were powered by a pair of home runs and a stifling defensive effort. The Comets led 3-1 in the third when a solo shot to left field from Tyler Munroe trimmed the deficit to a single run. With the bases loaded again in the fourth, the Comets walked in the tying run and the Big Red Machine took the lead when Ashton Symonette plated Perez Burrows on a sacrifice fly. Following a scoreless fifth inning, Symonette hit the Big Red Machine’s second solo home run to give SAC the 5-3 lead and the game’s final margin.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

NFL Picks

Week 11 , Page 3

WHICH HIGH SCHOOL WILL TAKE HOME NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TITLE? By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE official list of participants has been released as 20 teams are set to vie for the title of high school volleyball national champions this weekend. Corporate sponsor JS Johnson Insurance Agents and Brokers Ltd will join the Ministries of Youth Sports and Culture, Education and the Bahamas Volleyball Federation to host the High School National Tournament November 15-17 at the DW Davis and Anatol Rodgers gymnasiums. A total of 20 teams will be represented at the event, including champions from the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA), Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association (BSAA), and Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) out of New Providence and the Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association (GBSSAA). In addition to Grand Bahama, three other family islands will be represented

SEE PAGE 4

DAVIS MAKES IMPACT WITH MAVERICKS By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

“He quickly blossomed in the new role, showing one of the higher ceilings among Indians pitching prospects. Thomas pitches with a 92-95 mph fastball and knows how to use his height to create downhill plane to the plate. “Evaluators expect him to add even more velocity as he grows into his athletic and projectable frame. He also has a feel for an above-average curveball, thrown in the upper 70s, as well as a changeup that should improve as he gains more experience,” the report said. “Thomas is already adept at throwing strikes with his fastball

RADSHAD Davis’ adjustment to the NCAA Division I level has been a seamless transition thus far as he has made an immediate impact with the University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks. The junior guard transfer is averaging 11 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50 per cent from both the field and three-point range and 78 per cent from the free throw line. Davis narrowly missed his first double double as a Maverick with nine points and 11 rebounds in his team’s 74-65 win over fellow mid major powerhouse University of Northern Iowa Panthers. Trailing at intermission, 33-32, UTA eventually knotted the contest at 39-all not even four minutes into the 2nd half before embarking on a 14-4 run over the next five minutes to create the first double-figure lead by either team of the evening, 53-43. From there, UTA didn’t allow UNI to get any closer than three the rest of the way. The matchup pitted two of the nation’s best midmajor teams over the last several years as UTA owns the 2nd-most wins in the state of Texas since 201516, three-straight 20+ wins

SEE PAGE 4

LUCIUS Fox and Jazz Chisholm (top left inset) continued their stellar play in the Arizona Fall League in their most recent appearances. SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

Thomas traded to Pirates in the minor league By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TAHNAJ Thomas will be on the move next season with a new organisation in the minor leagues. Thomas was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Cleveland Indians alongside Erik Gonzalez and Dante Mendoza in exchange for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff. Last season, Thomas appeared in eight games (six starts) in the Rookie League this past year, recording a 4.58 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 27 strikeouts in 19.2 innings. The 19-year-old righthander was assigned to the AZL

Indians 1 in the Arizona Rookie League. Thomas was listed as the No.30 rookie prospect in the Indians organisation. His scouting grades include Fastball: 60, Curveball: 55, Changeup: 55, Control: 45 and Overall: 45. His scouting report also suggests that he projects as a starting pitcher with his progression through the minor leagues. “A Grand Bahama native, Thomas signed with the Indians in December 2016. Though he was a shortstop at the time, the Indians were more interested in Thomas for his potential as a pitcher and moved him to the mound full time shortly thereafter.

PAGE 2, Thursday, November 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

MEET THE ORGANISERS: Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard is pictured with ministry staff and members of the Best of the Best team. Shown (l-r) are Alpheus Forbes, under secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Melissa Colebrooke, marketing manager, Rev/Cable Bahamas Ltd, Phedra Rahming, permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Minister Pintard, Barry Wilmott, regatta desk manager, Jimmy Lowe, Bahamas Sailing Association, Stafford Armbrister, race committee member, and Clyde Rolle, race committee member.

‘Best of the Best Regatta’ to make leap for sport of sailing THE 3rd annual Best of the Best Regatta is scheduled for December 6-9 at Montagu foreshore. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard made the announcement during a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters on November 7. “Having met with my team and participated in some of the planning, I am fully confident that we are on track to surpass the mark set last year with the 2nd Best of the Best Regatta,” Minister Pintard said. “With this being the third year of hosting this event,

the expectation that we have found our sea legs is fair. But I go further and say that we are moving beyond baby steps with this year’s spectacle and instead, making a giant leap for the sport of sailing and indeed, sloop sailing.” Minister Pintard said that no other sporting activity in the country has the economic impact of a regatta and in the field of play, as sloop sailing is the only sport where regular competition occurs between boats representing different islands. He said that it is, therefore, important that the

MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard has announced that the Best of the Best Regatta is scheduled for December 6-9 at Montagu Foreshore. Photos: Kristaan Ingraham/BIS

sport be made accessible to Bahamians throughout the country and the world. “To this end, I am pleased to announce that this year’s Best of the Best Regatta will be the first regatta to be broadcast on live television as a result of our partnership with Rev Cable Bahamas, he said. “We have streamed the racing in the past on our online platforms and each year, we’ve moved closer and closer to what was the inevitable future of our sport.” Bahamians throughout the country will be able to tune in to Rev Channel 212

and Channel 242 for live coverage of four days of sloop sailing. Veteran broadcaster and sailing instructor Reg Smith and boat owner and member of the Knowles sailing clan, Tony Knowles, are expected to host the live broadcast. “We believe that by putting sailing on the screens of televisions, laptops, tablets and cell phones, we are making the strongest possible argument that the time for this sport is now and I am pleased that the Best of the Best Regatta will play host to history,” said Minister Pintard.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 15, 2018, PAGE 3

Packers have bitter memories of the CenturyLink Field By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer THE Green Bay Packers have some bitter memories of CenturyLink Field. Who can blame them? The NFC championship game in the 2014 season was in their control until a fake punt by the Seahawks and some bad decisions by the Packers helped Seattle force overtime. Then Russell Wilson spoiled the Cheeseheads’ night with a 35-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse — brilliant throw, even more brilliant catch — and Seattle headed to the Super Bowl. Many believe those Packers would have handled the New England Patriots for the league title. Hey, had Seahawks coaches not gone wacky at the end of that Super Bowl, Seattle would have beaten the Pats. Neither the Packers (4-4-1) nor Seahawks (4-5) looks like championship material. They might find a way to sneak into the playoffs, but a win tonight would be crucial in that chase. “I know they’re frustrated, too,” coach Pete Carroll says, noting his Seahawks have lost two in a row, both against the LA teams. “They’ve dropped a couple of games that they should’ve won and I’m sure their outlook ... we’re kind of in a similar

boat right here. “They’ve been a winning programme for a really long time and we don’t think of them as anything other than that. I mean, it happens to be the Packers and the Seahawks, so it’s a big deal. We’ve had some great matchups in the past, so we’ve got to play good football.” Seattle, ranked 14th in the AP Pro32, is a 2½-point favourite over No. 13 Green Bay. SEAHAWKS, 26-23 KNOCKOUT POOL: Green Bay did the job for us on Sunday, and now we go with ARIZONA. What? Look who the Cardinals are facing. No. 23 Denver (plus 7) at No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers Chargers might be “the other team” in LA, but they’re very solid. BEST BET: CHARGERS, 30-19

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer

No. 7 Minnesota (plus 2 1-2) at No. 10 Chicago If Bears win this one, we’ll start believing. UPSET SPECIAL: VIKINGS, 22-20 No. 4 Pittsburgh (minus 4 1-2) at No. 24 Jacksonville Do Steelers remember playoff matchup with Jaguars? Is Pittsburgh the Steel City? STEELERS, 34-20 No. 2 Kansas City (plus 2 1-2) at No. 3 Los Angeles Rams

GREEN Bay Packers’ Davante Adams celebrates his touchdown catch with Aaron Rodgers during the second half against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke) Game moved from Mexico back to LA. Expect lots of scoring. RAMS, 40-36

NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS - WEEK 11 NAUGHTY Packers Cowboys Panthers Titans Giants Texans Steelers Ravens Cardinals Chargers Saints Vikings Chiefs SANTXO Z Seahawks Cowboys Panthers Colts Bucs Redskins Steelers Ravens Cardinals Chargers Saints Bears Rams LEO B Packers Cowboys Panthers Titans Giants Texans Steelers

Ravens Cardinals Chargers Saints Bears Chiefs

STEVIE J Packers Ravens Falcons Bucs Jaguars Texans Colts Panthers Broncos Cardinals Saints Vikings Rams

Ravens Cardinals Chargers Saints Vikings Chiefs JOHN S Packers Falcons Panthers Titans Bucs Texans Steelers

PACKERS FACE SEAHAWKS WITH PLAYOFF POSITIONING AT STAKE

No. 8 Carolina (minus 3 1-2) at No. 25 DetroitPanthers need turnaround coming off real stinker.

They’ll get it.PANTHERS, 26-24 No. 15 Dallas (plus 3) at No. 19 Atlanta Falcons need turnaround coming off real stinker. They’ll also get it. FALCONS, 26-19 No. 16 Philadelphia (plus 9) at No. 1 New Orleans Eagles need turnaround coming off real stinker. Sorry, not here. SAINTS, 37-27 No. 12 Tennessee (plus 2 1-2) at No. 18 Indianapolis. Pro Picks is certain this looks like a crazy choice after what Titans did to Patriots. Still ... COLTS, 21-20 No. 9 Houston (minus 2 1-2) at No. 11 Washington Two clubs that can begin thinking playoffs with victory here. TEXANS, 23-17 No. 26 Tampa Bay (plus 1) at No. 28 New York Giants At least Giants don’t have to face that other Tampa team, USF. GIANTS, 26-24 No. 32 Oakland (plus 4) at No. 31 Arizona Liked how Cardinals played at KC. Raiders ain’t Chiefs, so ... CARDINALS, 20-10 No. 17 Cincinnati (OFF) at No. 20 Baltimore Flacco, Jackson or RG3 as Ravens QB? Won’t matter against Bungles’ defense. RAVENS, 29-23

Cowboys’ Elliott faces Falcons, 1st foe for last year’s ban By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer

CLINT J Packers Colts Steelers Giants Redskins Panthers Falcons Ravens Chargers Cardinals Saints Bears Chiefs

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott paused and lowered his voice when asked what he was doing when the Dallas Cowboys played without their star running back for the first time during his six-game suspension last year. Not only was Elliott having a self-described “tough time” with the NFL’s ban over domestic violence allegations finally in place after weeks of court battles, but he had to watch a dreadful offensive showing by the Cowboys in a blowout loss to Atlanta. The 27-7 defeat started a three-game losing streak that wiped out any realistic playoff hopes.

SEASON STANDINGS OVERALL

5. Santxo Z - 87-60-2

1. Wilner (AP) - 98-48-2

3. Naughty - 97-50-2

2. Clint J - 97-50-2

4. John S - 95-55-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have faced off in a few memorable games in Seattle, from the “Fail Mary” to an unforgettable NFC championship game that sent the Seahawks to their second straight Super Bowl. For the fifth straight regular season — and the seventh time overall since 2012 — Green Bay and Seattle will meet again tonight, but this time it’s positioning in a jumbled NFC playoff picture at stake. Washington, New Orleans, Chicago and the Los Angeles Rams are the division leaders in the NFC, leaving a pile of seven teams — including Seattle and Green Bay — within a couple of games of each other likely competing for the two wild-card spots. And every advantage or tiebreaker in that race — such as a head-to-head victory — could end up being crucial. “I know that this team is very, very capable of doing what we’re setting out to do,” Wilson said. “I think everybody should watch out (for) what we can do.” Seattle (4-5) has dropped two straight after winning four of the previous five, and hasn’t lost three straight since the middle of the 2011 season. Green Bay (4-4-1) snapped a two-game losing streak with a 31-12 thumping of Miami last week. The “Fail Mary” in 2012, the 2014 season opener when Seattle raised its Super Bowl banner and the NFC title game after the 2014 season are the only three times Rodgers has lost to the Seahawks in his career. The past two matchups with Seattle have been among Rodgers’ best, throwing for 311 yards in a 17-9 win to open last season and in 2016 posting a 150.8 passer rating in a 38-10 Green Bay rout. He also has the distinction of having won in Seattle — although that came 10 years ago. “It’s a tough environment like I said but we’ve definitely done it before,” Rodgers said. “You’ve just got to start fast, take care of the football. They’re very good at turning the ball over. I know this is different personnel on their side of the ball than we’ve seen over the years, but they’re still playing really well.” Rodgers and Wilson are being helped this year by improved run games that are among the best in the league.

7. Leo B - 86-61-2 6. Stevie J - 82-65-2

EZEKIEL Elliott carries the ball. (AP) “I was home watching it,” Elliott said yesterday. “Tough to watch. Tough time for me. I’m glad I’m out there this year and able to help my guys go out there and try to get this win.” It’s relevant because the Cowboys (4-5) are visiting the Falcons (4-5) again Sunday, nearly in the same spot on the schedule, in more dire need of a win because of an uneven first-half performance, particularly by the offence. Just like last year, though — when Elliott refused upon his return to the team

to discuss already-public details about his time away — Elliott didn’t last long talking about the drama surrounding his suspension, and the impact it had on the Cowboys. “That’s all behind me,” he said. “It’s hard to even need extra motivation when you’re 4-5. For the rest of this season, our backs are up against the wall. We have to do the best we can to go out there and try to win every one of these last games. And those guys on their side, they’re feeling the same way.” The next two questions were brushed aside. “I really don’t want to dwell on last year,” Elliott said. Four-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin didn’t even remember last year’s Atlanta game was the first without Elliott. “I know you guys want to talk about it,” Martin said. “That really hasn’t come up at all this year.” Elliott and the Dallas offence have had a rough season, even with a running game that has ranked in the top five most of the season.

PAGE 4, Thursday, November 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Fox and Chisholm continue their stellar play in Arizona Fall League By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net LUCIUS Fox and Jazz Chisholm continued their stellar play in the Arizona Fall League in their most recent appearances. Fox went 3-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a walk out of the leadoff spot in a 14-3 win for the Peoria Javelinas over the Mesa Solar Sox. Chisholm was 2-4 with a triple and two RBI in his Salt River Rafters’ 4-2 loss to the Scottsdale Scorpions. Chisholm raised his average to .425 with three home run, nine RBI and six stolen bases. Fox also raised his average to .337 after his 10th multi hit game of the AFL this season. He discussed the change in his approach with Jake Trybulski of MLB.com.

“Just a different approach, not missing my pitch,” Fox said. “I don’t have to swing at the first pitch and I don’t have to be in an advantage count to get a hit. Sometimes with two strikes you get mistakes, so it’s just being patient and waiting on my pitch and not missing it.” As he continues his pregression up the ladder in the Tampa Bay Rays organisation, Fox said he has gained confidence from the AFL experience and looks to become the seventh Bahamian to make the major leagues in very short order. “Especially going into the offseason where I get to work and get back into the cages to work on my swing, It’s a lot of confidence and I’m loving it,” he said. “Getting to this year and actually seeing them call up my friends -- you know, guys that I played with or talked to

LUCIUS Fox went 3-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a walk out of the leadoff spot in a 14-3 win for the Peoria Javelinas over the Mesa Solar Sox. -- and seeing them make an impact on the big league level, that does excite me. I can’t wait to contribute with what I can do in

Tampa and hopefully make the playoffs next year.” Chisholm is tied for third in the league in home runs despite appearing in just

nine games. Contrastingly, the players atop the leaderboard Peoria’s Braxton Davidson hit six home runs in 16 games and Scottsdale’s Peter Alonso hit five home runs in 26 games. The No.2 ranked prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks organisation has hit safely in each of his games thus far, including five multi-hit games. “My organisation already told me to just come here and work on a better approach to the plate and just stay within myself and not trying to overswing,” he told MLB. com. “It’s kind of hard to stay on top of your game but you go to practice and get your reps in all the time, just keep on working in practice like it’s a vgame situation, get your reps up. My expectations right now are just less strikeouts, staying within myself at the plate and on top of my game.”

Thomas traded to Pirates in the minor league FROM PAGE 1 and breaking ball, a quality that sets him apart from other teenage hurlers, and his athleticism and clean arm action bode well for future gains in his control and command. He’ll need considerable time to refine his craft in the minor leagues, but the final product could be that of an impact starting pitcher at the highest level.” In his contract, which encompasses a scholarship programme, the Indians would pay for Thomas’ tuition whenever he decides to go to school while he is playing or even if he chooses to go to college and then come back to play.

RADSHAD DAVIS MAKES AN IMPACT WITH THE MAVERICKS FROM PAGE 1 seasons and a trio of postseason victories. UNI, meanwhile, has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004, winning four games this decade in March Madness, including a trip to the 2010 Sweet Sixteen after stunning top-seeded Kansas in the Second Round. Davis made his Division I debut with 13 points and six rebounds in a 90-66 win over Texas-Tyler College. The Mavericks compete in the Sun Belt Conference and Davis joins the

programme in its first year under Chris Ogden. Ogden was named the eighth head coach in the programme’s history. Ogden played for head coach Rick Barnes and served on his staff for 13 seasons at both the University of Texas and the University of Tennessee. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach under head coach Chris Beard at Texas Tech. UTA concluded last season with a 21-13 record, its third-straight 20-win season and a fourth-place regular season finish in the Sun Belt. They lost in the

conference championship game to Georgia State. Davis is a part of a rebuilding effort for the Mavericks after the team lost its top-9 scorers and only returns two letter winners from last year’s team. The Mavericks had eight seniors graduate and one junior who transferred. Davis recently completed a successful junior college tenure with the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies. He received the teamelected Most Valuable Player and Team Captain awards, as well as Defensive Player of the Year.

Davis averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game against all opponents. Against region opponents, however, he has averaged 20.2 points, 7.7 rebounds,

3.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He finished second in the region in both scoring and rebounding. He also received All-Region 16 first team.

WHICH HIGH SCHOOLS WILL BE CROWNED NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS? FROM PAGE 1

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Davis starred locally for the CC Sweeting Cobras where he won the Hugh Campbell MVP before making the transition to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.

through the Abaco School Sports Association (ASSA), the Bimini School Sports Association (BSSA) and the Eleuthera School Sports Association (ESSA). Boys’ teams will include the St Augustine’s College (BAISS champions), St John’s College (BAISS runners-up), Government High School (GSSSA champions), Doris Johnson (GSSSA runners-up), Teleos (BSAA champions), North Eleuthera, Patrick J Bethel, Jack Hayward, St George’s and Agape Christian. Girls’ teams include St John’s College (BAISS champions), Kingsway Academy (BAISS runners-up), CV Bethel (GSSSA champions), Anatol Rodgers (GSSSA runners-up), Teleos (BSAA champions), CI Gibson, Agape Christian, St George’s, Bishop Michael Eldon and Gateway Christian. As the title sponsor, JS Johnson

presented stakeholders with a $10,000 sponsorship last week. The event will again feature a roundrobin format in the preliminary round with the top teams advancing to the playoffs. In 2017, the National Championships were hosted in Grand Bahama at the St George’s Gymnasium, void of the BAISS programmes. Abaco’s Agape Christian School Eagles won the senior girls’ title over the CV Bethel Stingrays while the CI Gibson Rattlers were the senior boys’ champions with a win over the CC Sweeting Cobras. The Rattlers won the bronze medal in the senior girls’ division. The Teleos Christian Cherubims were fourth, the Lucaya International Buccaneers finished fifth, and the St George’s Jaguars were sixth. The Jack Hayward Wildcats won the bronze medal in the seniors boys’ division, followed by the Patrick J Bethel Mighty Marlins in fourth, the Cherubims in fifth and the Tabernacle Baptist Academy Falcons sixth.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 15, 2018, PAGE 5

Djokovic overcomes illness to progress at ATP Finals By SAM JOHNSTON Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic overcame an illness — and Alexander Zverev — to advance to the last four of the ATP Finals. Despite requiring a tissue to blow his nose between points, Djokovic beat Zverev 6-4, 6-1 yesterday to earn a second straight victory at the season-ending tournament. “Unfortunately today hasn’t been great in terms of that (illness),” Djokovic said. “Somehow I managed to gather the strength when I needed it.” Djokovic’s passage to an eighth semi-final at the tournament was confirmed when Marin Cilic

defeated John Isner 6-7 (2), 6-3 6-4 in the late match. The five-time champion from Serbia saved two break points at 4-4 in the opening set and then broke Zverev in the following game to take the lead. Zverev won only one more game. “Maybe he was a little bit sick or something like that,” Zverev said. “But he still played like he felt at his absolute best. That’s kind of all that matters.” With Zverev having defeated Cilic in the opening match of the round-robin, all three players still have a chance of reaching the semi-finals for the first time. The top-ranked Djokovic and third-seeded Zverev engaged in a number of thrilling exchanges

NOVAK DJOKOVIC, of Serbia, plays a return to Alexander Zverev of Germany yesterday. (AP) early on, but it wasn’t until the ninth game that Zverev earned the first break point of the match,

aided by a friendly net cord. Djokovic saved it with a service winner but then double-faulted to give the 21-year-old another opportunity. Zverev played a great defensive forehand slice to set up a chance to finish the point with a backhand lob, but his attempt drifted just wide and Djokovic held on for 5-4. Zverev then made a spate of errors in the next game to bring up set point for Djokovic, and double-faulted to hand the Serb the lead. “If I made the break, it goes the other direction a little bit,” Zverev said. The German rallied from 0-30 down in his next service game to hold, but that was the last of his resistance.

Djokovic broke for a 3-1 lead and then lost just one more point as he remained on track to equal Roger Federer’s six titles at the tournament. Victory in London would cap a remarkable season for Djokovic, who has already secured the yearend No. 1 ranking after dropping as low as 22nd in June. The 31-year-old ended a twoyear Grand Slam title drought by winning Wimbledon in July before collecting his 14th major trophy at the US Open two months later. Cilic ended a four-match losing streak at the O2 Arena as he came from behind to beat Isner, the hard-serving American who is making his debut at the tournament. It was the first match all week that went to three sets.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 15, 2018, PAGE 7

England posts 285 all out, Sri Lanka replies 26-1 on 1st day By REX CLEMENTINE Associated Press PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AP) — England posted 285 all out yesterday on a testing wicket while Sri Lanka reached 26-1 at stumps in reply on the first day of the second test. Sri Lanka lost opener Kaushal Silva cheaply at the Pallekele International Stadium - bowled by Jack Leach for 6. Night-watchman Malinda Pushpakumara, who arrived at the crease with 4.4 overs left, and Dimuth Karunaratne ensured there was no further trouble. Karunaratne was unbeaten on 11. Karunaratne survived some nervous moments as Sri Lanka batted for 12 overs before stumps. The day belonged to Sam Curran, who helped England reach a competitive total with the spinners getting plenty of purchase on a dry surface. Curran added 60 runs for the last wicket with James Anderson to push England’s total close to 300. England’s No. 8 batsman did well to shield the last man and wasn’t afraid to cash in when loose balls were offered. He was dropped on 53 by Pushpakumara and was the last man

dismissed for a well compiled 64. Curran hit six sixes, most of them lofted drives over long-on or longoff, and one four as Sri Lanka went onto the defensive mode. Sri Lanka were sitting pretty with England on 225-9, but Curran, with the help of Anderson, turned the tide. England leads the series 1-0 and Curran’s effort could help the team win its first series in Sri Lanka in 17 years. Earlier, Curran and Adil Rashid added 45 runs for the eighth wicket with Rashid contributing 31 runs. “Getting close to 300 was massive for us. Rashid played beautifully before tea and I tried to take over where he left off. We got a nice score on the board,” Curran said. “They looked like they started to panic a little bit almost. You have got to take those risks when you can on a wicket like that.” Jos Buttler was the other halfcenturion in the England innings while opener Rory Burns chipped in with 43 runs. With Sri Lanka’s spinners posing significant threat, Buttler used the sweep shot, both the conventional and reverse, to good effect. His 63 came off

ENGLAND’s Joss Buttler plays a shot during the first day of the second test cricket match against Sri Lanka yesterday. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) 67 balls with seven fours. Offspinner Dilruwan Perera was the most successful bowler finishing with 4-61. Pushpakumara, playing his first test in more than a year, finished with three wickets.

Akila Dananjaya, whose bowling has come under a cloud after match officials reported him for a suspect action in Galle, finished with two wickets. “We thought we should restrict them to 200. But

the last pair, as you see, added 60 runs and that’s a big bonus for them,” Pushpakumara said. “It will be tough for us. Our batsmen need to score all those runs.”

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 46° F/8° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Clouds and sun with a thunderstorm

Mainly cloudy with a passing shower

Some sun with a t‑storm; breezy

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm; breezy

Periods of sun, a t‑storm; breezy

Clouds and sun with a stray shower

High: 86°

Low: 73°

High: 84° Low: 73°

High: 84° Low: 72°

High: 84° Low: 71°

AccuWeather RealFeel

96° F

77° F

91°-74° F

89°-71° F

90°-77° F

92°-71° F

High: 72° F/22° C Low: 46° F/8° C

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

tiDes For nassau High

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.

almanac

ABACO

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

6‑12 knots

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 57° F/14° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 62° F/17° C

N E S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 71° F/22° C

MIAMI

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 62° F/17° C

10‑20 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 77° F/25° C Normal high ....................................... 81° F/27° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 85° F/30° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/24° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.08” Year to date ............................................... 43.99” Normal year to date ................................... 37.14”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

KEY WEST

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 68° F/20° C

Ht.(ft.)

2.2 2.6

6:58 a.m. 7:51 p.m.

1.0 0.8

Friday

1:55 a.m. 2:11 p.m.

2.2 2.5

7:58 a.m. 8:42 p.m.

1.0 0.8

Saturday

2:50 a.m. 3:04 p.m.

2.3 2.5

8:57 a.m. 9:30 p.m.

0.9 0.6

Sunday

3:41 a.m. 3:54 p.m.

2.5 2.6

9:53 a.m. 0.8 10:14 p.m. 0.4

Monday

4:28 a.m. 4:41 p.m.

2.7 2.6

10:44 a.m. 0.6 10:56 p.m. 0.2

Tuesday

5:13 a.m. 5:26 p.m.

2.9 2.7

11:32 a.m. 0.3 11:38 p.m. 0.0

Wednesday 5:56 a.m. 6:10 p.m.

3.1 2.7

12:18 p.m. 0.1 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

6‑12 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Low

12:58 a.m. 1:16 p.m.

6:26 a.m. 5:22 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

12:51 p.m. none

First

Full

Last

New

Nov. 15

Nov. 23

Nov. 29

Dec. 7

CAT ISLAND

Ht.(ft.)

Today

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 83° F/28° 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: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

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

Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday:

WINDS SE at 6‑12 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots NE at 4‑8 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots NE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots S at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots SSW at 6‑12 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SSW at 4‑8 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots WSW at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots NE at 4‑8 Knots WSW at 4‑8 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots NNE at 6‑12 Knots

WAVES 4‑8 Feet 6‑10 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 8‑12 Feet 5‑9 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet

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

WATER TEMPS. 80° F 80° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 81° F 82° F 82° F 80° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 80° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F

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PAGE 8, Thursday, November 15, 2018

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