COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC): West Indies were kept in the field all day ahead of Wednesday’s start of the opening Test as Milinda Siriwardana dominated with an unbeaten hundred for Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI, on the final day of the drawn three-day tour game in Sri Lanka yesterday. Resuming from their overnight 233 for three, the hosts piled on the runs to close on 455 for seven at the Sinhalese Sports Club, with the left-handed Siriwardana stroking an unbeaten 105. Opener Udara Jayasundera converted his overnight 124 not out into 142, while Angelo Jayasinghe hit 42 and Sachith Pathirana, 40, to frustrate the West Indies bowlers. Wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka hit 101 on Saturday’s second day. Skipper Jason Holder led three seamers with two wickets each as Kemar Roach (2-58) and Shannon Gabriel (2-85) finished as the successful bowlers. Jayasundera and Siriwardana, who resumed the day on three, extended their fourth wicket stand to 69 before being separated by Holder. Left-hander Jayasundera faced 216 balls and counted 19 fours and two sixes and once he departed in the third over after the first drink break, Siriwardana took control of the innings. The 29-year-old, who batted 149 balls and struck 18 fours, added 93 for the fifth wicket with Jayasinghe and another 65 for the seventh wicket with Pathirana. Both Jayasinghe and Pathirana played breezy knocks, with the 22-year-old Jayasinghe hitting six fours and a six off 62 deliveries and Pathirana, a 26-year-old left-hander, striking seven fours off 46 balls. When Gabriel removed Jayasinghe and Lahiru Milantha (0) in successive deliveries half-hour after lunch, West Indies would have been hoping to get through the lower order quickly. However, Siriwardana and Pathirana stood firm, leaving the Windies bowlers to toil without much success, with the first Test in Galle just three days away. extended lead
Roberts writes off WI
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):Legendary former fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts has held out little hope for West Indies in their upcoming three-Test series against Australia starting next week Down Under.The 64-year-old said the regional side had “no chance”, and argued that with the poor standard of regional cricket, the young players would struggle to make their mark against a superior Australia side with the advantage of home conditions.”We have no chance, because we do not believe in personal development,” Sir Andy told the Observer newspaper here.”When you look at the standard of cricket in the region and somebody scores a double-hundred, you have to say this double-hundred deserves 50 or 100 instead of a double-hundred.”He continued: “All the youngsters we have brought in, from Shane Dowrich and Shai Hope, people are saying how good they are but when you look at them at the international level against the Sri Lankan attack, against the English attack down here, and even the Australian attack down here – it’s going to be a lot more difficult in Australia because the ball bounces a lot more in Australia and swings a lot more in some instances.”Drew England seriesWest Indies drew 1-1 in the three-Test series against England in May, earlier this year, and were swept 2-0 by Australia a month later – both at home.Last month, they were hammered 2-0 away to Sri Lanka, in another disappointing outing.West Indies have struggled in their only tour match which is currently ongoing in Brisbane, and are facing an innings defeat on Saturday’s final day.They have not won a Test in Australia in 18 years, and have failed to beat the long-standing rivals in a Test period since 2003.West Indies face Australia in the first Test in Hobart starting December 10.
ECA/Norbrook Cup Under-9 tourney launched
Jamaica Football Federation grassroots programme coordinator, Andre Virtue, says the Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA) is moving in the right direction with the staging of the Scotiabank ECA/Norbrook Cup, which kicks off tomorrow. “We expose kids from early because they are behind in terms of development of our football,” Virtue said yesterday at ECA. “There is no outlet for those kids Under-9, so this tournament is a welcome one. It is about enjoying the game at that age group,” the former prep school and Manning Cup star said. “We must do our part in passing on the right information. We don’t have many youngsters moving on professionally; very few people are going to make it. The reality is one out of 80 that will make it,” he disclosed. Gregory Jones, league director, said a change has been made to the format of the programme this year: “This year, we’ve moved away from a one-day format to four weekends starting on February 20 to March 12. A total of 20 teams from schools and clubs will be participating.” The 20 teams, including defending champions Ballaz Academy, will participate in three zones. Simone Walker, director of marketing programmes at ScotiaBank, said her company was pleased to be the title sponsor of this tournament. “We are very pleased to be a part of the tournament as football is a great pastime for most Jamaicans,” she added. Walker also said she was happy that girls will be participating in the programme. TITLE SPONSORS
RJR Sports Awards Nominee | McLeod’s Magic
AMAZING CAMPAIGN As a schoolboy at Manchester High Omar McLeod showed promise. A less-hyped member of Jamaica’s team to the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France, back in 2011, if not a medal magnet, McLeod, in what was his first real taste of top level international competition showed that while the medals were missing then, he certainly had the wiring of a champion. Unlike many of his Jamaican teammates at the championships, McLeod did not leave the island’s shores to headlines and mass expectations He did not arrive in the French city to any fanfare, but when he left, he certainly gave a glimpse of the type of athlete he would become, the type of athlete he matured into over the past two seasons. Fourth place in the 110m hurdles and eighth in the 400m hurdles with a spot on the second-place sprint medley relay team were his results. The outcome was not the most glittering, but his effort and performance over his seven races in three days laid the foundation. It sparked a fire and he later seemed to flip a switch after his move to Kingston College. He was unleashed, and as his confidence grew, the records tumbled. Back then he was still competing in both the 110m hurdles, and 400m hurdles and in his final year as a high-school athlete, in 2013, he set records in both events at the ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, becoming the first Jamaican junior to dip below 50 seconds in the longer event with a 49.98-second run. He would take his talents to the University of Arkansas, where he quickly established himself as a leading collegiate sprinter. There was little surprise when he turned pro in 2015, and although he didn’t get on the podium at the World Championships in Beijing that summer with an eighth place finish after winning the national title for the first time, McLeod again was laying the foundations – like he did in Lille. The year 2016 brought new expectations for the wide-smiling McLeod, who showed his intentions right at the start of the year with an amazing World Indoor Championships campaign. McLeod, who became the first Jamaican to win gold in the 60m hurdles at the championships, hurried along to the finish line in a national record 7.41 seconds. “I was really impressed that I actually won. I didn’t go there with the expectancy. I am not doubting myself, but there were experienced people in the event, so I was just going there to have fun and it led to a gold medal, so I was really grateful and it definitely set me up for the rest of the season,” McLeod told The Gleaner of his success at the World Indoors acting as a springboard for what was to come. He would underline his immense all-round ability with a ‘stand-up, and run’ 9.99 seconds in the 100m just over a month later to add fuel to strong belief that he will be the man to lower Aries Merritt’s 12.80 world record when that speed is fully applied in the 110m hurdles. He duly took his form to the circuit, dominating the Diamond League, winning his first six races of the outdoor season with a 12.98s run at the Shanghai Diamond League stop making it almost impossible for writers to punch in his name without adding the words ‘Olympic gold medal favourite’ a few strokes along. Trouble in his next two races in Monaco and Hungary brought questions about his ability to handle the expectations, but the sprint hurdler was clear about his own convictions. “What trouble? those didn’t happen. I am not even thinking about anything but to go to the Olympics and execute and deliver,” he said just before his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic spectacle. The youngster certainly delivered, tackling hurdles, rain and seven other determined hurdles to again become another first, crossing the line in 13.05 seconds to carve his name as the first Jamaican Olympic champion in the event. The emotions that followed still play vividly on his mind. “Its an amazing feeling, that’s the pinnacle of all sport. Just to be an Olympian is a big deal, and to be an Olympic champion, it’s even a bigger deal, and never in a million years did I think I would achieve that so early. I remember it like yesterday, its an indescribable feeling, its awesome to be honest,” McLeod shared. “It was a great year obviously. I set goals for the year and I think I accomplished all of them: World Indoors, first athlete to go sub-10 and sub-13, being the first athlete to win an Olympic gold for my country in the 110m hurdles, so it was an astonishing year and I am really grateful for that and I am looking forward to an even better career because I still don’t think I have maximised my full potential as yet and that’s what makes it a lot more exciting for me,” McLeod added. He ended the year winning nine of his 12 races in the 110m hurdles and was unbeaten in the 60m hurdles with six wins. Such dominance is not often seen in his trade, leaving little surprise around his first nomination for the RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman of the Year Awards. The winner is set to be announced at a ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Friday.
Williams Into Aussie Open Quarters
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP): Serena Williams has advanced to the Australian Open quarter finals with a scrappy 7-5, 6-4 win over Barbora Strycova to open play at Rod Laver Arena yesterday. Williams is attempting to win her Open era-record 23 Grand Slam singles title, her seventh Australian Open championship and, with top-ranked Angelique Kerber’s fourth-round loss, a return to the number one ranking. She had 23 unforced errors in the first set and needed eight set points to clinch it. There were seven breaks of serve in the set, including the first four games. On the final point of the set a backhand by Williams bounced flatly on Strycova’s side of the court. The Czech player couldn’t pick it up and Williams had the first set in 55 minutes. Williams took a 4-1 lead in the second set and had her serve broken when she served for the match at 5-3. But Williams came back in the next game to break Strycova’s serve and clinch the match. Williams next plays the winner of a later match between Ekaterina Makarova and Johanna Konta. If Serena Williams needed any more incentive to win her seventh Australian Open title and a record 23rd Grand Slam major, she may have got it with top-ranked Angelique Kerber’s fourth-round loss. Williams began her match against Barbora Strycova on Rod Laver Arena yesterday knowing that if she does clinch the title next Saturday, she will overtake Kerber for the number one ranking. Williams lost the top ranking, which she had held for three consecutive years, to Kerber after the German player won the US Open in September.
Jamaica advance despite beach soccer loss
Jamaica’s beach soccer team has advanced to the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships despite going down 3-2 to hosts Bahamas earlier in Nassau. The Jamaicans got their goals through Rohan Reid and Daemion Benjamin. Captain Andre Reid said that it was a really tough game. “I said to my coach earlier today that this is a game where if they beat us, it has to be a referee’s decision and it came right down to that,” he said. The Jamaicans conceded a free kick in the third minute of the game and Reid describes it as being like giving up a penalty, because of the size of the playing area and how close it was to goal. “We still go through even though we were playing to top the group but now we’ll just wait for the draw tomorrow and use the day to rest,” Reid told The Gleaner. The Bahamians have won the group with 7 points and the Jamaicans finished runners up, tied on 3 points with Guyana but advanced with a better goal difference. Belize have finished in last place on 1 point. The Beach Boyz will play their quarter final match on Friday, although they do not yet know their opponents.
ONE: Kingad pressured, excited for ‘biggest fight’ of his career
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Plus the fact that Kingad is also trying to preserve his undefeated record—something that most fighters refuse to admit.“This is the biggest fight of my career,” Kingad told INQUIRER.net Tuesday in a press conference at City of Dreams Manila. “Moraes is my toughest challenge so far. He has a lot of experience.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog“There is pressure. I feel it and I’m excited for the fight. I haven’t lost and in my mind, I want to keep it that way,” added Kingad, who owns a 6-0 slate.Adding to Kingad’s anxiousness is the fight will be staged in Manila at Mall of Asia Arena, which is expecting a sellout crowd. Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award LATEST STORIES Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ MOST READ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Alaska hires Altamirano, Ildefonso as new coaches OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIPThe pressure Danny Kingad has heading into Friday’s ONE: Legends of the World is no joke. Not only is Kingad fighting in his first world title shot, he’s also up against an experienced champion and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert in Adriano Moraes.ADVERTISEMENT It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set “It makes me more excited fighting here but at the same time, I also feel nervous because obviously, I don’t want to let our fans down. I want to put on a good show,” he said.The 21-year-old Kingad hasn’t fought since beating Muhammad Aiman by unanimous decision last April in Manila.The fast-rising Team Lakay fighter was supposed to return to action in July but the event was cancelled. His bout was rescheduled a month later but things also didn’t turn out well as it was cancelled for the second time.Kingad assured that despite the snag, his buildup for his title fight against Moraes went as planned.Kingad said his training focused on improving his ground game knowing that he will be up against a master grappler.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
Federer beats Zverev to reach last four at ATP Finals
Stindl equalizer saves Germany’s 21-match unbeaten run Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ View comments Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles round-robin match on day three of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London on November 14, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRKRoger Federer held young pretender Alexander Zverev at bay in a gripping contest Tuesday to reach the last four of the ATP Finals and stay on course for a seventh end-of-season crown.The world number two saw off a spirited challenge from the much-hyped German 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-1 in front of a boisterous pro-Federer crowd to become the first man through to the last four at the O2 Arena.ADVERTISEMENT Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ The 20-year-old third seed raced into a 4-0 advantage only to see the Swiss charge back to lead 5-4. Zverev earned a set point of his own at 6-5 but could not convert and Federer made his third set point count.The 19-time Grand Slam champion broke in the first game of the second set to establish an iron grip on the round-robin match but Zverev hit back in the fourth to get back on level terms.Federer only landed 43 percent of first serves in the second set and it finally cost him in the 12th game, when Zverev capitalized on his third set point to force a decider.The Swiss re-found his focus and some consistency on serve in the decider as Zverev’s level dipped, earning three breaks to close it out 6-1.Zverev has been touted as the leader of a pack of young players hungry to oust the creaking old guard but Federer, who has suffered only four defeats all year, shows no sign of slipping.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award “It was a good battle and I always enjoy myself at this beautiful arena,” said Federer, who has now reached the semi-finals 14 times.“I have so much fun playing in London and I have been so successful here. Thank you for making it such a special night.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBack on the throne“I’m happy and relieved that I can play freely against (Marin) Cilic, instead of it being a nail-biter. It’s been a tough group so to be through in two matches is great.”Both players were scratchy on serve at the start of the match but were quickly into the groove in a tight first set that saw no breaks of serve, though Zverev had to fend off two set points in the 12th game to force a tie-break. It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson LATEST STORIES Coming into the match Federer, 36, and Zverev had faced each other four times and each had won twice.This year, Federer beat the German in Halle but Zverev returned the favor at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.Earlier, also in the Boris Becker group, Jack Sock kept his dreams of a fairytale finish to his season alive, beating Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4).“It’s been an interesting morning so far,” said the American. “The fire alarm went off at 4:00 am and we had to exit the building. But I love playing here in London. It’s an amazing atmosphere, you make me feel like home.”The top two players from each of the two groups of four progress to the semi-finals.Federer, who beat Sock in his first match, is the standout star at the tournament after the withdrawal through injury of world number one Rafael Nadal.Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka are all long-term absentees from the Tour this season.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson
Heat beat Celtics to end 16-game winning streak
Miami Heat’s Goran Dragic (7) goes to the basket over Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart (36) and Al Horford (42) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI, Florida—Goran Dragic scored 27 points, Dion Waiters had 26 with a pair of big 3-pointers in the final minutes and the Miami Heat held on to beat Boston 104-98 on Wednesday night, snapping the Celtics’ 16-game winning streak.Tyler Johnson scored 16 points for Miami, which had an 18-point lead cut to one in the final moments. The Heat shot 49 percent and outrebounded the Celtics 48-37.ADVERTISEMENT Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? LATEST STORIES OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Kyrie Irving scored 23 points for Boston. Jayson Tatum added 18, and Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris each had 14.The Celtics got down by 18 in the first half, which has been a very comfortable place for Boston this season. Boston had overcome 18-point deficits against Oklahoma City and Charlotte, a 17-point hole against Golden State, a 16-pointer against Atlanta and rallied from 13 down to win in Dallas this week.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBack on the throneThe Celtics almost did it again.Down by 14 midway through the fourth, the unflappable Celtics went on a 13-0 run in just about three minutes — getting to 91-90 when Smart made one of two free throws with 3:14 remaining. Waiters decided that was close enough. His 3-pointer from the left wing bounced off the rim, then the top of the backboard, before falling to end Miami’s scoreless drought. Waiters added another 3-pointer over Al Horford to make the lead seven, Hassan Whiteside had a big tip-in with 1:10 left and Miami would hang on from there.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’
View comments Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours MOST READ Hamilton targets win as pack scramble for points Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award
Salinggawi gearing to bring back glory days
OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson But it has since faired in and out of the podium with Salinggawi’s last championship happening back in 2006. Salinggawi hit a low point in 2013 when the famed group finished at seventh and the term “Sawinggawi” was infamously coined to mock the once formidable cheerdance institution.is current Salinggawi crop is not letting that 11-year drought taunt them.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“We want to bring back the glory days of UST,” said Salinggawi team captain Benjo Gutierrez in Filipino after taking the silver medal of Season 80 Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. “We want to become like the original Tigers who won five straight.”UST’s second-place finish was its second in three years, and although it’s still not the luster the Salinggawi is looking for, it’s a step back the right direction. MOST READ Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene NU extends win streak to 64, sweeps UE for 4th straight women’s hoops title “We have to be passionate, trust the process, and trust ourselves,” said Gutierrez.And pushing the current Salinggawi is a former member turned rookie head coach Marc Chaiwalla who orchestrated UST to 638.50 points in his first UAAP competition.Gutierrez said it was Chaiwalla who pushed them past their limits and made them realize that they are capable of achieving more than what they initially thought of.“Our coach challenged us to be more fearless, to be bolder,” said Gutierrez. “He challenged us to exceed our expectations, he pushed us to newfound capabilities we never knew we could do.”“At first there was an adjustment period when he took over, a really long one, but we trusted the process rather than complaining,” said Gutierrez.ADVERTISEMENT Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Salinggawi Dance Troupe performs during the 2017 UAAP Cheerdance Competition at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netThere was a time in the history of the UAAP cheerdance competition when the Salinggawi Dance Troupe of University of Santo Tomas would just show up and take the trophy.UST was the first dynasty of the exhibition after winning eight titles in the first 12 years of the competition. ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ LATEST STORIES Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson View comments