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SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018

Miller-Uibo, Gardiner in win column By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Jamal Wilson, in the men’s high jump on Saturday night at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston, Jamaica. Gardiner, fresh off his victory in his second IAAF Diamond League Meet in Shanghai, China, built up enough stamina near the end of the men’s 200m to pull away to secure his win in 19.88 seconds as Panama’s Alonso Edward tried to catch him, but had to settle for second in a season’s best of 20.03. That was good enough for him to hold off Jamaica’s Jereem Richards, who did the same time. “They had a different set up, so overall it was better than last year,” said Gardiner as he told The Tribune about the race conditions.

his time it was on the streets of Boston, but that didn’t stop the Bahamian twin towers of Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo to continue their dominance of the track and field competition this year. As two of three Bahamians competing at the 3rd Boost Boston Games on Sunday, Gardiner and Miller-Uibo both took advantage of their heights to surge from their field of competitors to easily win the men’s 200 metres and the women’s 150m. Meanwhile, it was a sweep for the Bahamas, led by Commonwealth Games’ silver medallist

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo at the 3rd Boost Boston Games.

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Cavaliers even series By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James scored 44 points, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar atop a postseason list and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers even the Eastern Conference finals at 2-2 last night with a 111-102 victory over the Boston Celtics, who are looking forward to getting home. Pushed by a raucous crowd that wasn’t so confident a few days ago, the Cavs held off Boston’s comeback in the fourth quarter and squared a series that is now a best-of-three. Cleveland is trying to become the 20th team — out of 300 — to overcome a 2-0 deficit and James, who has already orchestrated two such rallies, is a step closer to a third. But to do it again the Cavs will have to win in Boston, where the Celtics are 9-0 this postseason. Game 5 is Wednesday night at TD Center. Kyle Korver added 14 points with several hustle plays, and Tristan Thompson had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland. Jaylen Brown scored 25 and Boston had all five scorers in double figures, but the Celtics fell behind by 19 in the first half and didn’t have enough to catch Cleveland. And, of course, they didn’t have James, who moved past Jabbar (2,356) for the most field goals in playoff history. James also recorded his 25th career postseason game with at least 40 points — his sixth in this postseason. The Celtics hung around in the second half and pulled within 100-93 on Marcus Smart’s basket with 4:29 left. But Thompson got free for a dunk, and after a miss by Boston, James recovered after making his seventh turnover by making a steal and layup. Moments later, James drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing to finally put away the young Celtics, who will now feel the immense pressure of trying to hold off the three-time champion. Celtics coach Brad Stevens considered changing his starting lineup, but decided to stick

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CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics in the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals last night. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

NAUGHTY

Column, See page 5

LORRAINE LAFLEUR 4TH IN ARNOLD CLASSIC AFRICA By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net LORRAINE LaFleur’s debut as a professional bodybuilder resulted in a fourth place finish in the women’s physique category at the Arnold Classic Africa 2018. Over the weekend in the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, Gauteng, LaFleur was the lone Bahamian competing in the event that was held in Africa for the third time. She admitted that she did her best, considering that she was in virgin territory. But the performance was something that has inspired her to look ahead to the future with a lot of confidence. “I really didn’t know what to expect because this was my first pro show,” LaFleur told The Tribune from Africa. “From the amateur shows that I did in the past, they didn’t want that hard look so I really didn’t know what to expect. I just came here with an open mind as to anything the judges could be looking for. “It seems as if they are looking for that more hard look, which I used to get points taken off for, so in the future, I will have to go back to that more harder look like what I had as a bodybuilder and not now as a physique competitor.” Bahamas Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Federation president Joel Stubbs commended LaFleur for her gallant effort. “I am very proud of her taking the initiative to go all the way to Johannesburg to represent the Bahamas. Everybody knows long distance travel takes a toll on one’s body, especially a sport like bodybuilding and fitness,” Stubbs said. “However, we were in concert at all times, talking, giving her pointers on how she should stay on her game plan and she was very fierce and she presented a great physique to the judges on that end. “It was a good beginning for her to understand and see what it is that they truly look for in the pro athletes in women’s physique. As we talked and I looked at the photos that came back from her category, I now have a clear understanding of how we will proceed for in her future. But I’m very happy and proud of her getting in her first pro show.” Based on what she experienced, LaFleur said once she can get back to the harder look, she could be a real contender in future competitions.

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‘KJ’ Major wins singles title at USTA National Men’s Open By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net FRESH from his graduation from college, Kevin ‘KJ’ Major couldn’t ask for a better way to start his professional career. One week after he was done with his two-year sting at Seminole State College Oklahoma, Major was on the court competing in the USTA National Men’s Open in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he won the singles title with an impressive 6-4, 6-2 win over Charlie Force in the final on Friday. Major, 23, advanced to the final by upsetting top seed Charlie Sullivan 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the semi-final. Before that, Major won 6-2, 6-0

over No.9 seed Jesse Ross in the quarter-final. He won his second round match 6-3, 6-2 over Gabriel Keymer and he opened up the tournament with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Jack Vance. Looking at his performance, Major said it was definitely the kind of debut that he anticipated. “This was the cleanest I’ve played in a while so winning the tournament was just keeping my mind stress free while playing to deal with tough situations easier made the difference,” Major told The Tribune about his performance. “I was really pleased with what I have achieved. With his first victory under his belt, Major said he will contemplate his future. He said he’s not

sure when he will compete again on the pro circuit. But he indicated that based on his success in his first tournament, he’s confident that he can make an impact as he looks to become the next to excel at the pro level. However, Major Jr said he will skip the trip to Escazu, Costa Rica for the American Zone III Davis Cup Tie May 28 to June 2. He said he prefers to take the time to work on improving on his pro career. He anticipates that he will need the time to get fully acclimated to the environment of competing as a pro. Since 2013, Major Jr has played in 12 matches in three Davis Cup ties for the Bahamas, compiling a 4-7 win-loss record in singles and was 1-0 in doubles.

KEVIN ‘KJ’ Major (right) with his coach Lawrence Carpio.

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 22, 2018

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Boost: Miller-Uibo, Gardiner in win column FROM PAGE 1 “It was more steadier and everything. It was a good race. I didn’t have a good start. But as more a 200/400m runner, I just had to go out and didn’t panic or anything. I just kept my composure and just brought it home to the line.” Gardiner said it was good to get to compete on the street in an environment where they got to interact closely with the crowd. After dominating the women’s 200m last year, Miller-Uibo moved down to the 150m where she used her 6-1 frame to pull away from the field in the final stage of the race to easily take the tape in 16.23. As she crossed the line, newly wed Trinidad & Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye, the Commonwealth Games’ 100m champion, closed in for second in 16.57. Jamaica’s Shashalee Forbes was third in 16.75. “I just give God all the thanks and praise yet again,” said Miller-Uibo, the champion of the 200m at the Commonwealth Games last month in the Gold Coast, Australia. “This was

my second year competing at the Adidas Boost Boston Games so to come out with my second win and world best time, it was amazing.” The 24-year-old 6-1 double 200/400 sprint contender noted that the energy was different, racing in the streets and it makes the sport so much more fun. “I’d say I got some speed work in today,” Miller-Uibo told The Tribune. “I’m looking forward to competing in Eugene next week.” Miller-Uibo, who will continue her IAAF Diamond League campaign at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon this weekend, said she was proud to have watched Gardiner turn in another impressive performance. “Stevie once again did an amazing job and we all saw the 400m power and strength kick in during his last 50m of the race,” she stated. “He added another sub 20 to his list. I’m proud of him as well.” Likewise, Gardiner said he was equally pleased with what he saw. “Shaunae just go out there and do her thing,” he pointed out. “Congrats to her for a great job.”

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo in action at the 3rd Boost Boston Games. The only other Bahamian to compete in the Boston Games was sprinter Tynia Gaither, who had to settle for a fourth place finish in the women’s 200m in a

season’s best of 22.86. The race was won by Jamaica’s Anastasia Le-Roy in a personal best of 22.16. American Joanna Atkins was second in 22.31 and her

compatriot Shakima Wimbley was third in 22.43. “I saw Tynia go off. “Congrats to her for her season’s best,” he summed up.

NPWBA: OPERATORS TAKE 2-0 LEAD IN BEST-OF-5 SERIES AGAINST LADY CHEETAHS

LORRAINE LAFLEUR 4TH IN ARNOLD CLASSIC AFRICA FROM PAGE 1 “For the amateur shows, they want that more softer look, but in the pro league, it looks like they don’t want that. They want that harder, more muscular look, so that is something that I have to work on,” LaFleur said. “The competition was good, but they were more harder than me. So I have to improve in that area.” While the next major competition for the pro ranks is in Canada at the end of June, LaFleur said she will bypass that one as she goes back to the drawing board with the help of Stubbs to prepare for Aruba in August, or any other show after that. “There are a lot of shows left to compete in for the rest of the year, so I can pick and choose from any of them,” she stated. “So I just want to try and work on that harder look in the gym, so I can really go back on stage and compete with these women. I know I can do it. I just have to put in the work.”

Wilson leads Bahamas sweep At the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston where four Bahamians were in action, Commonwealth Games’ Jamal Wilson continues to soar, winning the men’s high jump with his leap of 2.28 metres. Wilson passed his three attempts at 2.30m and went to 2.32m, but didn’t clear any of his attempts. Both Trevor Barery, making his comeback this year, and Donald Thomas, fourth at the Commonwealth Games, cleared 2.25m for second and third respectively. Barry, however, got the higher spot because of fewer knockdowns than Thomas. They both attempted 2.28m, but failed. Anthonique Strachan, now training Jamaica, was the only other Bahamian to compete in the meet. The Commonwealth Games’ 200m semifinalist was entered in the women’s 100m Development where she placed fifth in 12.24m. Veteran Sherone Simpson led a 1-2-3-4 finish for Jamaica by clocking 11.73 for the victory.

LORRAINE LaFleur ended up fourth overall in the women’s physique category at the Arnold Classic Africa 2018.

THE Bommer G Lady Operators now find themselves in the driver’s seat of the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association. On Saturday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium, the Lady Operators took a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five championship series against the Lady Cheetahs after 64-58 victory. Game three of the series will be played tonight at 8 pm and it will be a do-or-die situation for the Lady Cheetahs. In game three in 38 minutes and 45 seconds, Sherelle Cash shot 6-for17 from the field, 3-for-9 from the three-point line and 1-for-1 from the free throw line for a game high 16 points to lead the Lady Operators in a well rounded game as she added eight steals, seven rebounds and seven assists. Chrishandra Rahming chipped in with 14 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block shot and Briana Stevens helped out with 11 points. In a losing effort, Brontae Riley had 14 points, shooting 5-for-13 from the field and 4-for-5 from the foul line with seven rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist in 33:50 in a losing effort. Shantel Rolle had 13 points, five rebounds and four assists and Anastacia Moultrie finished with 12 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and as many steals.

LEBRON SCORES 44 AS CAVS EVEN SERIES WITH CELTICS FROM PAGE 1 the same first five — Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, Al Horford, and Terry Rozier — as the first three games. Boston’s starters held their own, but none of them was able to match James when it mattered most. The Celtics couldn’t afford another slow start and that’s exactly what happened. Boston got some open looks in the first quarter, but the Celtics shot just 27 percent (7 of 26) and both Tatum and Brown missed dunks. Also, Morris picked up three fouls and his teammates all seemed tentative as the Cavs pushed their lead to 15 at halftime.

TIP-INS Celtics: Stevens was deliberately evasive about his starting lineup during his pregame news conference, not wanting to give the Cavs any advance notice. “We will start five people. I promise,” he said, drawing laughs from media members. ... Injured stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are not traveling with the team so they can continue their respective rehabs. Both have been sitting on the bench with their teammates in Boston. Cavaliers: Won their seventh straight playoff game at home. ... James also recorded his 106th 30-point game in the postseason. Only Michael Jordan (109) has more. ... Love threw one of his patented

“touchdown” passes in the first quarter to James, who outmaneuvered Smart and Brown like a wide receiver to make the catch and score. ... Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in last month’s NFL draft, attended the game. Improved to 9-3 vs. Boston in the playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. BLOWOUT CITY Like most fans, Lue has been stunned — but not necessarily disappointed — by the number of lopsided wins in the playoffs, especially in the semifinals. The first six games between Boston-Cleveland and Houston-Golden State were decided by an average of 24 points.

CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson (13) dunks against the Boston Celtics in the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals last night. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 22, 2018, PAGE 3

Chisholm, Champ Stuart score home runs By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JAZZ Chisholm and Champ Stuart broke out of their respective slumps in the most dynamic way possible – with home runs. Chisholm hit three home runs in the last two games and continues his progression as one of the top prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks organisation. After a torrid April, the 20-year-old shortstop was hitting just .143 since the calendar flipped to May but had a breakout series last weekend for his Kane County Cougars against the Peoria Chiefs. After an 0-4 appearance at the plate in game one of the series, Chisholm went 3-5 with two home runs and four RBI in game two, an 8-4 win for the Cougars.

He homered to right field in the first inning, hit a two-run blast to centre in the sixth and lined an RBI single to left in the eighth. “I just changed my approach. I went back to my old approach. I just wanted to hit the ball hard. They were playing me different [while I was hot. So] I started trying to place the ball instead of just trying to hit it hard. I was just trying to get a bloop,” Chisholm said to MiLB.com. Chisholm led the organisaton’s minor leaguers in home runs this offseason. He has already surpassed his home run total from last season. A torn meniscus cut short Chisholm’s debut season in Single-A baseball with the Cougars in the Midwestern League’s Western Division. He played in just 29 games - hit .248 with, three stolen bases, slugging .358,

CHAMP STUART

JAZZ CHISHOLM

an on-base percentage of .325, an OPS of .683, 12 RBI and one home run. Through 28 games this season, Chisholm is hitting .277 with an OPS of .932, OBP of .352 and a slugging percentage of .352. After his stellar weekend he now has seven home runs, with 18 RBI, 22 runs scored, 65 total bases with four stolen bases.

Despite the recent outburst, he insists he’s not a power hitter. “I’m not a launch-angle guy. I don’t consider myself a power guy; I’m more of a gap-to-gap guy. The Diamondbacks have told me I need to cut down on my swing. Other guys say I’m a power guy, but I don’t think of myself as a power guy. I really swing hard, really

hard. Most of the time, I swing 110 per cent, almost every swing,” he said. “They want me to have maybe a 75 per cent swing because I have easy power. I just need to cut down on my swing. Because when I cut down on my swing, my contact point is amazing.” The Cougars sent Chisholm to the 7-day disabled list on April 20 due to a hamstring injury. He left the Cougars’ 13-2 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on April 18 after he awkwardly slid into third base. He returned on April 26 and closed out the month on a five-game hit streak, hitting .367 with two RBI. Stuart’s struggles have been well documented this season in his return to the Binghampton Rumble Ponies. Stuart hit a solo home run in the third inning of Binghampton’s 6-5 loss to

New Hampshire on Sunday. It was his third hit in the last five games. The 23-year-old outfielder has gone hitless in 23 of 28 games this season and his hitting just .094 with six stolen bases. Stuart was assigned to the Las Vegas 51s, the Mets’ Triple A-affiliate in the Pacific Coast League, this offseason, but was reassigned to Binghampton before appearing in a game. This offseason, Stuart also received a spring training call up from the Mets in Grapefruit League play at First Data Field in Port St Lucie, Florida. In 101 games last season with the Double-A Binghampton Rumble Ponies, Stuart led the Eastern League with 35 stolen bases, hit .222, slugging .331, an on-base percentage of .310, an OPS of .641 and five home runs.

JONQUEL JONES HELPS SUN GET 101-65 WIN OVER THE ACES By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones finally made her way back to Connecticut in time for the Sun’s WNBA regular-season opener and the All-Star forward showed flashes of brilliance in her season debut, despite limited minutes. Jones finished with seven points, five rebounds, three steals, two blocked shots in the Sun’s 101-65 win over the Las Vegas Aces Sunday afternoon at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Every Sun player scored as Connecticut piled up 27 assists on 37 made field goals. The Sun were also 11-21 (52.4 per cent) from three-point range. Las Vegas had an early 14-4 lead thanks to a 14-2 run 3:40 of the game, but the Sun closed out the quarter on a 21-7 run and led 25-21 after the first quarter. The Sun continued to roll in the second quarter, building its lead to 44-28 with 2:51 remaining in the half. Las Vegas never got closer than 10 the rest of the day. The Sun return to the court Thursday at 7pm, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks at Mohegan Sun Arena.

CONNECTICUT Sun guard Rachel Banham (1) wraps-up Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson as Sun centre Jonquel Jones, of the Bahamas, helps on defence in the second half of WNBA action on Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D Elliot/The Day via AP) Jones was a late addition to the team this season after awaiting paperwork at home and reported to the Sun just one day before the regular season tipped off. Prior to the game, Jones discussed her brief preparation with Arielle Chambers of Ballerzworld.com.

“The first thing I did was I had to go and get a physical, I had to make sure I had everything right so I can go ahead and play. That was the main thing. [I was] looking forward to getting on the floor with everybody, it’s been a while, we all went to different places overseas,

Ohtani sparkles for Angels, Romo starts again for Rays ANAHEIM, California (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out nine while throwing 7 2/3 innings of excellent six-hit ball in his seventh career start, and the Los Angeles Angels snapped their five-game skid with a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Martin Maldonado homered and drove in two runs, and Zack Cozart drove in two more runs on sacrifice flies as the Angels wrapped up a disappointing 11-game homestand with only four victories — including both games started by Ohtani (4-1). Los Angeles’ rookie twoway sensation had another strong outing in the longest start of his stateside career. Ohtani retired 12 straight Rays after yielding rookie Johnny Field’s homer leading off the third. Blake Parker pitched the ninth for his second save. While Ohtani threw 110 pitches, reliever Sergio Romo started for Tampa Bay for the second consecutive day. He faced the Angels’ first six batters and got four outs while becoming the first pitcher in 38 years to last at least one inning in back-to-back starts. The reliever gave way to Matt Andriese (1-2), who gave up two unearned runs in the fourth. YANKEES 10, ROYALS 1 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Austin hit a pair of two-run homers, Sonny Gray (3-3) allowed four hits in eight innings

and New York won its eighth consecutive series for the first time since 1998. Miguel Andujar and Austin Romine added back-to-back homers in the ninth for the Yankees, who have won 14 of their last 15 against the AL Central. Eric Skoglund (1-4) gave up six runs and eight hits in five innings. RED SOX 5, ORIOLES 0 BOSTON (AP) — J.D. Martinez had hit first multihomer game for Boston and drove in three runs, and Andrew Benintendi had a two-run homer among his three hits. Boston is 6-1 against Baltimore this season. Eduardo Rodriguez (4-1) scattered nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Baltimore lost for the 15th time in 16 road games. David Hess (1-1) gave up five runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in his second major league start. ATHLETICS 9, BLUE JAYS 2 TORONTO (AP) — Daniel Mengden (4-4) allowed two hits over seven shutout innings to win his second straight start as Oakland completed a fourgame sweep. Marcus Semien hit a tworun homer and had three RBIs, and Matt Chapman had three hits. Toronto designated hitter Kendrys Morales had two of Toronto’s four hits and made his first big league pitching appearance with a

scoreless ninth. Joe Biagini (0-3) allowed four runs — three earned — and six hits in four-plus innings. He has lost eight straight decisions. CUBS 6, REDS 1 CINCINNATI (AP) — Yu Darvish (1-3) recovered from a shaky start for his first win with the Cubs, allowing one run and two hits in six innings. In his second outing since coming off the disabled list Tuesday, the four-time AllStar overcame a 39-pitch first inning and finished six for the third time this season. It was Darvish’s first start with Chicago since signing a $126 million, six-year contract in the offseason. Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer, and Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist each had a solo shot off Tyler Mahle (3-6). METS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 1 NEW YORK (AP) — Amed Rosario hit his first two home runs of the season and pinch-hitter Asdrubal Cabrera connected for a go-ahead drive, leading Noah Syndergaard and the Mets over the Arizona Diamondbacks for a surprising sweep. The Mets hadn’t won back-to-back games in more than a month before rolling past the NL West leaders for their first threegame sweep at home since September 2016 vs. Minnesota. Arizona has lost four in a row and 10 of 11.

but our team is as strong as it’s ever been. I’m just excited to play with them and see what the season has in store for us,” she said. “[This season] I think I’m being more confident in everything I do on the basketball court, just trusting in my teammates more, our chemistry is one of the best in the league I think and I think just maintaining consistency. I think just understanding what we are as a team, who we are, our identity, always playing with a chip on our shoulder, whether it’s last year when people didn’t expect us to do anything or it’s this year where we have a target on our backs, so I think having that mindset is going to be a difference maker this season.” WNBA.com posed questions to the league’s general managers to learn what the

people who make the decisions think on a variety of topics. Jones was voted as the league’s top rebounder and received a whopping 58 per cent on the poll ahead of Tina Charles at 25 per cent. Her record-setting total was 403 rebounds for the season. She also added 20 double doubles. Jones’ historic season included several individual milestones, including becoming just the second player in league history to record three 20-rebound games in a single season. The Sun finished the regular season with a record of 21-13, second in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the playoffs. The Sun were also projected to be successful in the WNBA Insider poll as the team likely to

have the most wins in the Eastern Conference and tied for third in projections to win the WNBA Finals. They were also voted as the “Most Fun Team to Watch.” “I was happy to make it before the season started so I’m feeling good,” Jones said to Jim Fuller of the New Haven Register. “The good thing about is the system is the same our coaches are the same so for the most part I’m adjusting quickly. I know the plays, they were getting them to me while I was in the Bahamas so I had time to look over them and really take my time to look over them so I feel good. I worked out, I had a few coaches that I would work it so I got to work with them. Did a lot of footwork stuff, got my shots up so everything’s good.”

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Uncertainty shrouds Chelsea despite FA Cup win over United By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — Chelsea’s players saved their season but maybe not their manager. Collecting the FA Cup, after beating Manchester United 1-0 on Saturday, is looking like Antonio Conte’s final act with Chelsea. “After two years, the club knows me very well,” Conte said. “And if they continue to want to work with me they know I can’t change. My way is always the same.” Having won three Serie A titles at Juventus before capturing the English Premier League trophy for Chelsea, Conte reminded the Chelsea hierarchy: “I’m a serial winner.” It was a bullish signoff to a lacklustre season that saw the Italian’s relationship with Chelsea’s leadership become increasingly strained as the team went from champions to fifth in the Premier League. “Our job is not simple,” Conte said. “I understand that the club can make a decision.” Wembley match-winner Eden Hazard also has a decision to make: Whether to pursue a transfer. After raising doubts about his Chelsea future ahead of the final — demanding “good players” are signed in the offseason — Hazard produced the only goal from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. On the pitch, amid the celebrations, Hazard said nothing to demonstrate his commitment to the club. “I’m just happy,” Hazard said. “You see the fans celebrating with the trophy. We didn’t play a great season but at least we finished well.” Although not in the style craved by Hazard. “If we want to win a lot of games we have to play better,” Hazard said, “because today we played defensively.” Such was the focus on the gloomy Premier League campaign and looming offseason of uncertainty in the post-match interviews, it was easy to forget

CHELSEA’s team captain Gary Cahill lifts the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley stadium in London on Saturday. Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) Chelsea had just picked up a trophy. “This was to save our season,” Chelsea captain Gary Cahill said. “I’m not saying we’ve had a magnificent season by any stretch. But we are used to winning, not in an arrogant way, but we have to try to win things.” Conte’s first cup final victory in coaching meant former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho finished his second season at United empty-handed, paying the price for an insipid first-half display and coming to life only after the break. United took until the 56th minute to register a shot on target when Marcus Rashford struck at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who later rushed off his line to block the forward.

United’s deficiencies were encapsulated by another patchy performance from midfielder Paul Pogba, who squandered a late chance to equalise by heading wide. Mourinho, though, couldn’t find any faults. “I don’t think (Chelsea) deserved to win,” said Mourinho, who won the League Cup and Europa League last year. “I am quite curious because if my team played like Chelsea did I can imagine what everyone would be saying.” KNOW THE LAW Conte seemed unfamiliar with the 2016 change to the “triple punishment” law, reducing the type of incidents that result in a penalty kick, a red card and suspension.

Conte remonstrated to the officials after Phil Jones was only booked, not sent off for bringing down Hazard for the penalty. Referee Michael Oliver was right because a “genuine attempt has been made to play the ball,” as football laws state. MAN UNITED: WHAT NEXT? This was only Mourinho’s third loss in 15 career cup finals and the first defeat in regulation time. Despite Mourinho being able to spend around 300 million pounds ($404 million) on players, the only progress he can point to is finishing second in the league for the club’s highest finish since Alex Ferguson retired as a champion in

2013. More investment is required in the offseason, particularly to acquire fullbacks. Wingers Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have been deployed there. CHELSEA: WHAT NEXT? The rapid turnover of managers hasn’t prevented Chelsea from collecting trophies. It’s now 15 in 15 years under Roman Abramovich’s ownership. The Russian billionaire could well be searching for his 11th permanent manager if he decides to fire Conte with a year remaining on his contract. Chelsea’s priority is finding a new striker, particularly if Hazard leaves, despite lacking the appeal

of appearing in the Champions League. Chelsea failed to adequately replace Diego Costa last year, scoring 62 goals in the league compared to 85 in the previous title-winning campaign. MISSING The president of the Football Association wasn’t available to present the FA Cup. Prince William had a more pressing engagement, serving as best man for brother Prince Harry in the lunchtime wedding to Meghan Markle at Windsor. Instead, the trophy was presented by Jackie Wilkins, the widow of former Chelsea and United midfielder Ray Wilkins, who died last month at the age of 61.

BELMONT DISTANCE, FATIGUE TEST JUSTIFY IN TRIPLE CROWN BID By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer BALTIMORE (AP) — Justify keeps showing something new each time he races. In the Kentucky Derby, he showed he could run in the mud in a crowded, 20-horse field. In the Preakness, he showed he could withstand the challenge of a top rival pressing him early and hold off others before the finish line — also in the mud. For his next trick, he’ll need to show he can endure the gruelling 1½-mile Belmont in New York on June 9. And it he does that, Justify will become horse racing the second Triple Crown winner in four years. “If you’re a superior horse, you can do it,” trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday. “I’ve seen horses go a mile and-a-half and they never won again. It’s a weird, quirky race, but I don’t see why though he wouldn’t handle it.” Had the Preakness been another tenth of a mile, a hard-charging Bravazo might’ve passed Justify and ended the Triple Crown bid on Saturday. Bravazo will go to the Belmont where Justify will have plenty of familiar challenges — and a fresh ones — standing in the way of becoming the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown. In addition to Bravazo, Kentucky Derby horses Hofburg, Vino Rosso and Free Drop Billy and Preakness horse Tenfold are among those likely to challenge Justify in what’s considered the most

JUSTIFY (7), with Mike Smith aboard, runs against Good Magic, with Jose Ortiz atop, in the final stretch of the 143rd Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico race track on Saturday. Justify won the race. (AP Photo/Tom Horan) difficult race on the Triple Crown trail. Bravazo is “a tough little horse, and I think his pedigree will let him run that far,” trainer D. Wayne Lukas said. “So, we’ll take him on and see what happens.” Justify’s run in the Kentucky Derby was convincing enough to scare off a few opposing owners and trainers from the Preakness. Given the fatigue of difficult races two weeks apart, they could see Justify as beatable at the Belmont. Baffert, who had three near-misses with Silver Charm, Real Quiet and War Emblem before American Pharoah broke the 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015, said Justify is built to power through the fatigue

caused by running on the slop twice against highcalibre competition. “You do hate to keep running on these wet tracks because it does take a little bit out of them,” Baffert said before Justify flew back to Louisville, Kentucky, for some rest and more training. “It can be tough. It’s not as tough on him because he’s a big horse. He can handle it. He was blowing pretty good, he got a good blow out of (the Preakness), but he wasn’t as tired as we thought he was.” As gassed as Justify looked at the wire in the Preakness, jockey Mike Smith is convinced the undefeated colt could have run longer and picked up the pace if asked. Finishing a half-length ahead of

Bravazo made it by far Justify’s closest victory of his five, but it counts just the same. “Although he got tired (Saturday), he was also looking around a bit at the end,” Smith said. “I certainly could have got after him a whole lot more a lot earlier and made him do a little more, as well.” Justify has already done more than expected, a bit of a late bloomer who doesn’t have the pedigree of someone like American Pharoah. Baffert went into the year thinking McKinzie gave him a better chance and on Friday recalled thinking of Justify, “The backup horse is pretty good, too.” Now all eyes are on Justify, who might have one

TRAINER Bob Baffert holds the Woodlawn Vase after his horse Justify won with Mike Smith atop at left, the 143rd Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico race course on Saturday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) major factor in his favour. His owners and Baffert have connections to Audible, My Boy Jack and Solomini, who ultimately might not be entered in the Belmont because they could threaten Justify’s chances of finishing off the Triple Crown. Baffert is unsure whether to bring Solomini back from the Derby, though it wouldn’t make much sense to put him in Justify’s way. Baffert is sure about Justify, who looked healthy and that a bruised heel was not an issue in an impressive showing in the mud and fog at the Preakness.

“I’m feeling pretty in awe of the horse,” Baffert said. “I don’t see why not go to the Belmont, as long as he stays like this. He looks good.” Twelve out of the last 13 times the horse who won the Derby and Preakness lost the Belmont. It’s certainly the test of a champion for a reason, and co-owner Elliott Walden is hoping for the best with three weeks of hype ahead. “Those things tend to happen the way they’re supposed to happen,” Walden said. “If Justify is meant to do it, it’ll happen. And if not, it just won’t.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 22, 2018, PAGE 5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 PREVIEW PART 1 FIRST things first, let’s start things off by congratulating Budweiser and Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits for running another awesome promotion. Once again, sending another lucky Bahamian to a world-class, international sporting event. This time around, it’s the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. FULL SIZE OPERATION I know first hand, from my fantastic trip to this year’s Super Bowl in Minnesota, courtesy of Bud Light. What a once in a lifetime, VIP experience from start to finish. All patrons had to do was purchase a six-pack of Budweiser, from any Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits, fill out the form, drop it in the barrel and wait to get lucky. Patrons could enter as many times as they wanted. The lucky winner would win an all expenses paid trip to Russia, to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2018. WINNER WINNER Well congratulations are in order for Mr Anthony Bullard. It was my pleasure to do the grand prize drawing from Jimmy’s Cable Beach location, live on the Press Box on KISS96FM this past Sunday. Mr Bullard, an avid Budweiser drinker, heading to

Russia, to sip Budweiser with Putin. Enjoy my brother, enjoy. WORLD CUP NEWS THREE UNDER 20s SET TO BREAK OUT AT WORLD CUP 1.GABRIEL JESUS FORWARD BRAZIL Their talisman Neymar aside, forward Gabriel Jesus is the Brazilian that’s turning heads heading into Russia 2018. Three years ago, Jesus was already garnering tons of attention - featuring for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top flight aged 18. The ‘boy wonder’ would go on to impress at the Under-20 World Championships in New Zealand 2015, helping his side to the final. Since then, Jesus’ stock has only risen. His cheeky performances caught the eye of Manchester City, who signed him in the summer of 2016 for arrival in January 2017, and he duly helped City break Premier League records on their way to the 2017/18 title. The forward has also become an integral part of the senior A Seleção side, scoring six goals in 10 World Cup qualifying matches. He also scored three in six games on the way to Men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold in 2016.

RESULTS: JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NASSAU PLAYOFFS

2.ANDRE SILVA FORWARD PORTUGAL It will not be easy for Portugal to move on from the Cristiano Ronaldo era, however his heir apparent in the Seleccion das quinas side: Andre Silva. This heavy responsibility has been put on the forward’s broad shoulders, after his impressive performances so far for youth and senior sides. He impressed at New Zealand 2015 with four goals at a reasonably impressive rate of one every 114 minutes. Silva went on to make his senior debut after the victorious UEFA EURO 2016 campaign and has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances – including nine in 10 World

Cup qualifying games. His move to Italian giants AC Milan in June 2017 has not been a resounding success, but he remains a key part of Fernando Santos’s plans for Russia 2018. 3.RODRIGO BENTANCUR MID FIELD URUGUAY Rodrigo Bentancur’s assent since the Korea Republic 2017 has been rapid. The Uruguayan youngster played a crucial role in La Celeste’s midfield at last year’s U-20 World Cup, helping the side to fourth. He had already agreed to sign for Italian giants Juventus the month prior to the finals, and formally joined them from Boca Juniors in July 2017.

THE

PRESS BOX ZELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICA

Bentancur was often used from the bench by coach Massimiliano Allegri during another successful Serie A campaign for Juventus. He made his senior international debut in October 2017 off the bench against Venezuela in qualifying for Russia 2018 and has started every game for Los Charruas since. More on the World Cup next week,

until then, let there be Budweiser. • Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net

CROSSWORD PUZZLE MONDAY, MAY 21, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 22, 2018, PAGE 7

WITH ROME TITLE, NADAL BACK ON TRACK ENTERING FRENCH OPEN By ANDREW DAMPF, AP Sports Writer ROME (AP) — Rafael Nadal is right back where he wants to be heading into the French Open. Alex Zverev is in a good place entering Roland Garros, too. Nadal came out on top in a matchup of this year’s top two clay-court players, beating defending champion Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 on Sunday to win a recordextending eighth Italian Open title. Coming a week after a loss in the Madrid Open quarter-finals to Dominic Thiem, Nadal has his confidence back entering the year’s second Grand Slam in Paris, which starts next Sunday. “It’s been an amazing week,” Nadal said. “It was tough losing in Madrid so to come back and win the trophy here is great.” Nadal recovered from an early break in the third set after a 50-minute rain delay, winning four straight games to close it out once

the players returned to the court. “He came out way faster and played much more aggressive than I did,” Zverev said. “It just changed momentum ... If you don’t have the momentum on your side, you’re not going to beat Rafa.” Still, Zverev was pleased that he dominated Nadal in the second set and was up a break in the third before the rain came. “I was not far away from beating Rafa on a clay court in a Masters final, so I guess I can take that to Paris,” Zverev said. Nadal, who improved to 5-0 in his career against Zverev, has won a record 10 French Opens. “Of course Rafa will be the favourite there,” said Zverev, who has never been past the fourth round in a major. “I’ll be in the other half of the draw and that’s a good thing.” Nadal reclaimed the No. 1 ranking yesterday from Roger Federer, who is sitting out the clay season to prepare for Wimbledon. “My first victory here in 2005 is one of my greatest

SVITOLINA

RAFAEL Nadal bites the trophy after beating Alexander Zverev in the Italian Open final. (AP) memories,” Nadal said during the trophy presentation. “To have this cup with me so many years later is really specialissimo.” Earlier, Elina Svitolina defended the women’s title, facing little resistance from top-ranked Simona Halep in a 6-0, 6-4 win. “I dominated all the match,” Svitolina said.

Just like in last year’s final, Halep appeared bothered by an injury. Nadal and Zverev had each won two titles on clay this season entering the final, with Nadal lifting trophies in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and Zverev taking Munich and Madrid. Midway through the final set, Nadal showed off his

shot-making skills with an over-the-shoulder put away with his back to the net, earning long applause from the crowd. Nadal, who hadn’t won the Italian Open since 2013, picked up a winner’s check of 935,000 euros (nearly $1 million). “Congratulations Rafa,” Zverev said. “You’re the

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

ORLANDO

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 68° F/20° C

TAMPA

TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Partly sunny, a shower; breezy

Partly cloudy, a shower; breezy

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Variable clouds, a t‑storm in spots

Periods of sun with a shower or two

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

High: 84°

Low: 76°

High: 84° Low: 77°

High: 84° Low: 75°

High: 84° Low: 76°

AccuWeather RealFeel

91° F

78° F

93°-79° F

90°-79° F

91°-78° F

90°-80° F

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 71° F/22° 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.

almanac

ABACO

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

10‑20 knots

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

8‑16 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 77° F/25° C Normal high ....................................... 85° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 72° F/22° C Last year’s high ................................. 90° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 16.86” Normal year to date ..................................... 7.71”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

KEY WEST

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

uV inDex toDay

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

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

2:16 a.m. 2:58 p.m.

2.9 2.5

8:49 a.m. ‑0.1 9:08 p.m. 0.2

Wednesday 3:20 a.m. 4:02 p.m.

2.8 2.6

9:49 a.m. ‑0.1 10:16 p.m. 0.2

Thursday

4:21 a.m. 5:02 p.m.

2.7 2.8

10:46 a.m. ‑0.1 11:19 p.m. 0.1

Friday

5:19 a.m. 5:56 p.m.

2.6 2.9

11:38 a.m. ‑0.2 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Saturday

6:11 a.m. 6:45 p.m.

2.6 3.0

12:16 a.m. 0.1 12:25 p.m. ‑0.3

Sunday

6:59 a.m. 7:29 p.m.

2.5 3.0

1:07 a.m. 0.0 1:09 p.m. ‑0.3

Monday

7:44 a.m. 8:11 p.m.

2.5 3.0

1:54 a.m. ‑0.1 1:51 p.m. ‑0.3

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:23 a.m. 7:51 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

1:36 p.m. 1:54 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

May 29

Jun. 6

Jun. 13

Jun. 20

CAT ISLAND

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

greatest clay-court player of all time.” Halep called a trainer onto the court for an apparent back problem while trailing 2-3 in the second set then exited the court for treatment. “I was a little bit too stiff with my body and I couldn’t stay in the rallies,” Halep said. Last year, Halep rolled her ankle in the final and lost a set lead to Svitolina. This time, Svitolina didn’t face a single break point in a match that lasted just 67 minutes. Halep said her physical problems were the result of a long three-set win over Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals a day earlier. Halep had already secured the No. 1 ranking for another week by reaching the semi-finals. Svitolina, who has never made it beyond the quarter-finals at a major, was hesitant to predict anything for Paris. “In a Grand Slam it’s very tricky,” she said. “But I’m definitely going to Roland Garros on a high note.”

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° 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: 79° F/26° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

10‑20 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: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots

WAVES 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑8 Feet 4‑8 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 8 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 76° F 76° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 76° F 80° F 80° F 74° F 74° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 75° F 75° F

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years. NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

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