08082017 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

JONQUEL SHINES - SEE PAGE FIVE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017

Record-breaker By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LONDON, England: After falling short in his first two appearances, Steven Gardiner will finally get a chance to run in his first global final tonight at the 16th IAAF World Championships. The Abaco native will be in lane five of the men’s 400 metres as he attempt to win The Bahamas’ first medal on day five of the championships at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium. Gardiner, who will be 22 on September 12, set the pace for the 24-member team on Sunday night by becoming the first Bahamian to crack the 44-second barrier, lowering his national record from 44.26 three months ago to 43.89. “I was shocked because it felt better than my heats,” said Gardiner of his amazing time in winning the first of three semi-finals. “I didn’t know what to do, but just fell because it was out of this world for me.” He was referring to his reaction to the time as he crossed the finish line after making up the stagger on the back stretch. By the time he came of the final curve, he extended his 6-feet, 2-inches frames into another dimension. As he checked the clock when he was done, Gardiner put his left hand over his mouth and fell onto the

Gardiner runs in final tonight

STEVEN Gardiner on the track after breaking his own national record on his way to qualifying for the World 400m final tonight. Photos: Kermit Taylor/Bahamas Athletics track as he tried to grasp become only the second gold in 2001 in Edmonton, in 2007 in Osaka, Japan celebrate, Gardiner have to the reality of his accom- Bahamian male to medal at Canada. The last Bahamian when he fell short with a get recharged for his return these championships, join- to make the one-lap final fourth place. plishment. SEE PAGE TWO Without much time to Gardiner will attempt to ing Avard Moncur, who the was Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown

SURE-FOOTED SHAUNAE INTO 400M FINAL By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LONDON, England: A calm, cool and collective Shaunae Miller-Uibo breezed into the final of the women’s 400 metres and now she has a chance to add the IAF World Championship title to her collection of the Olympic Games crown she clinched last year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Here on a mission for the 200/400m double in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium, Miller-Uibo surged to the front of the pack from lane four and as she used her 6-feet, 2-inches frame to extend the lead going onto the home stretch, she had enough room to spare to shut it down in 50.36 seconds. Jamaica’s national champion Stephanie Ann McPherson tried to close in the gap for second place in a season’s best of 50.56, while Quanera Haynes, the American came in third in 50.71. But they didn’t have enough real estate to catch Miller-Uibo, who ended up posting the third fastest qualifying time. The best time came from Salva Ed Naser in winning heat two in a national record of 50.08 as she held of defending champion Allyson Felix from the United States, the second place finisher in 50.12. Not perturbed at all by the outcome, Miller-Uibo acknowledged that she achieved a portion of her goal. “I felt fine. I just wanted to make it through the rounds and I felt I did a pretty good job of it,” said

Miller-Uibo moments after she completed the race. “I just want to get ready for the 200 tomorrow.” The quarter-mile is Miller-Uibo’s focus of attention at these championships and now that she’s clinched her berth into the final, she will attempt to achieve the other half of her goal when she line-up in lane five in the fourth of seven heats today at 2:54 pm EST. “I’m in great shape send I trust in my God fully, so I know all things will work out for me,” she proclaimed. Miller-Uibo will be joined by two other Bahamians in Ty’Nia Gaither in lane seven in the first heat next to Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers, already with a bronze medal to her ledger at these championships. The other is Anthonique Strachan, running out of lane eight in heat six, which includes Ivory Coast’s 100m silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou in four. Also included in the field is Miller-Uibo’s training partner Tori Bowie, the minted century gold medallist in lane six in heat seven. “The field is strong as always, but I’m prepared for it,” Miller-Uibo stressed. Not entered in the halflapper are Jamaican Olympic double champion Elaine Thompson, who only contested the 100m, finishing fifth, and American Allyson Felix, who will have a third consecutive yearly showdown with Miller-Uibo in the one-lap final. On Wednesday at precisely 4:50 pm EST, MillerUibo will run out of lane seven in the 400m final with only McPherson ahead of SEE PAGE THREE

TERAY SMITH ELIMINATED By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo in action as she breezed into the women’s 400m final.

LONDON, England: Not even getting a chance of competing against one of the world’s best was enough to push an exhausted Teray Smith to a better ending of a long season in his individual event at the IAAF World Championships. Competing on Monday night at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium in the first round of the men’s 200 metres, the Auburn University senior clocked 20.77 seconds for fifth place in the first of seven heats that was won by Jamaican Yohan Blake in 20.39 seconds. He finished 33rd overall out of a field of 45 competitors, who finished the event. Three got disqualified and two others did not start. Missing from the start was Isaacs Makwala of Botswana. He was expected to contest the 200/400m double with van Niekerk, But by virtue of skipping the 200, his spot in the 400m could be in jeopardy. It was later revealed that Makwala (BOT) withdrew from the first round of the men’s 200m due to a medical condition on the instruction of the IAAF Medical Delegate (Rule 113). Any further questions should be referred to the BOT team as at this stage we have no further information. While it’s not a concern of his, Smith said he just wanted to see how well he would hold up after going through the gruelling indoor and outdoor collegiate season. “It was pretty good. I’m just happy the season is over,” said Smith after his performance, which was short of his personal best of 20.25 that he ran on May 27 in Lexington, Kentucky to qualify for the World’s. SEE PAGE TWO

PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

TERAY SMITH ELIMINATED TERAY SMITH, right, during his 200m race, a heat won by Yohan Blake, right. Photo: Kermit Taylor/Bahamas Athletics

from page one “I can now take a little break.” Running out of lane two in his second World Championship appearance, the 22-year-old Grand Bahamian said he tried to go out hard, but he may have exerted too much energy coming of the curve and didn’t have anything left as he tried to accelerate and reel in his rivals on the home stretch. “I tried,” he said. With Blake, the 2011 100m champion in Daegu, back in action after he missed out on a medal in the historic century final on Saturday, Smith said he knew that he had to give his best shot, but he didn’t have it after a long collegiate season. “That’s reality. I look up to him, so it was a honour to run against him, or to say that I’m on the same level to run against him,” said Smith, of the apparent heir to the Jamaican sprint throne now that icon Usain Bolt is retiring. Smith, who has also ran a number of 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relays for Auburn this year, said he’s looking forward to completing his duties here as a member of the team and whatever leg he is selected to run by the coaching staff. “I’ll get ready for the relays, then the season will be over,” he stressed. “Everything is looking pretty good.” As for which one he prefer, Smith said he’s willing to be a part of both, but he’s listed for the 4 x 100m.

Gardiner runs in final tonight from page one

for the final tonight at approximately 4:50 pm EST, Gardiner will run out of lane four, smacked right in the middle of a heavy loaded field. South Africa’s world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, who avoided a clash with Gardiner in the semis, will be in six as he defends his title. Three other notables to watch are American NACC champion Fred Kerley in two, Jamaican NCA runner-up Nathon Allen in five and Botswana’s Isaac Makwala in seven. Makwala, however, may not be competing after he withdrew from the first round of the men’s 200m due to a medical condition on the instruction of the IAAF Medical Delegate (Rule 113). In a statement from the IAAF, it was indicated that any further questions should be referred to the BOT team as at this stage “we have no further information”. Others in the field are Jamaica’s Denish Gaye in eight, Botswana’s Baboloki Thebe in nine and Abdalelah Haroun of Qatar in three. Gardiner’s achievement came in the midst of Olympic gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s quest for the rare 200/400m double and the ouster of a couple of Bahamians, who were attempted to gain their own recognition. Tamara Myers, one of three Baha-

mians to get an invitation from the IAAF to participate in the championships, was not at her best as she managed to only pop one jump of 13.41 metres or 44-feet on her third and final attempt in the qualifying round of the women’s triple jump. Myers, who failed to put down a mark in her first two attempts, could finish no higher than 13th in Group B. The 24-year-old, in her major global international debut, finished 24th out of a field of 26 competitors with the top 12 clinching their berths in the final. “I know the competitors I watched with. I’ve seen them in competition all over the world, at least on television,” Myers said. “So it helps me to improve my training moving forward to come here to come here. I know what I need to work on and I’m going to do that moving forward.” Letting the secret out of her bag, Myers said she would an improvement to her hop, step and landing approach, something should have to improve on as she prepares to represent the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for April 4-15 in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Opening day blues As Jamaican icon Usain moved closer to the end of the greatest individual career ever experienced in track and field, Bahamian national champion Warren Fraser got one lasting memory against the 32-year-old legend.

Fraser, 26, took advantage of his invitation by the IAAF to compete in the championships by running 10.30 for a third place to get out of the preliminaries. However, the 5-feet, 8-inches Fraser was matched against the 6-5 Bolt side by side in the first round of the century. It was no comparison in height nor time as Bolt distanced himself in cruising across the line in 10.07 for the victory, compared to Fraser’s 10.42 for seventh. “I was trying to relax and get my recovery time in,” Fraser said. “Maybe I wasn’t ready with the rounds so close. But I came out. I felt much better in the preliminary round than I did in the first round. I guess it was because I was racing against Bolt. But I’m just glad that I was back here competing. The times ain’t there, but I’m just glad that I was able to show that I can compete at this level. I just wished that I could have performed better.” When it was all said and done, Fraser was out of contention for a shot at the semi-final after placing 38th overall. “All eyes were on him,” said Fraser about his showdown with Bolt. “I was just sitting small and tried to beat him, but it ain’t happen. For a big guy, he got out better than I expected.” Of course, Bolt went on to compete in his historic final that was ruined by American Justin Gatlin, the new world champion in a season’s best of 9.92 and rising star

Christian Coleman, who completed the 1-2 sweep with the silver in 9.94. Outdone as he gets set to celebrate his 32 on August 21, Bolt produced a modest 9.95 for his season’s best and had to settle for the bronze and a rousing round of applause. Gatlin, on the other hand, had to suffer through a barrage of boos that permeated throughout the stadium. The only other disappointment was the fact that Andre de Grasse, the Canadian bronze medallist behind Bolt and Gatlin in Beijing, didn’t compete after suffering an injury. But it was so good to see 2011 Daegu champion Yahan Blake back in form as he had to settle for fourth place. The championships are from over for Team Bahamas. Over the next six days, The Bahamas still have competitors to take their stroll through the tunnel and into the massive stadium to compete before the championship climaxes on Sunday. TyNia Gaither and Anthonique Strachan will both join Miller-Uibo in the women’ 200m; national record holder Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart will take a shot at the women’s long jump and 2007 world champion Donald Thomas will soar in the men’s high jump. The highlight for the final weekend, however, will be the four teams representing the country in the men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relays. Heat sheets are not yet available.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 3

SHANAE Miller-Uibo lined up for her 200m heat from which she qualified comfortably. Photo: Kermit Taylor/ Bahamas Athletics

SURE-FOOTED SHAUNAE INTO 400M FINAL from page one

her in seven and Kabange Mupopo of Zambia in eight. Everybody else will be chasing her, including Felix and her compatriot

Phyllis Francis in five and six respectively, Naser in three and the Jamaican duo of Shericka Jackson and Novlene Williams-Mills in two and three. Tonight, however at 4:50 pm EST, Miller-Uibo said

she will be rooting and cheering for Steven Gardiner as he attempt to become the first medallist for Team Bahamas at these championships. Gardiner lowered his national record in becom-

ing the first Bahamian to dip under the 44-second barrier in 43.89 to go into his much anticipated showdown with world record holder Wayde van Niekerk. “He did an amazing job.

I told him that he’s going to do it,” said Miller-Uibo of Gardiner’s feat. “I told him that he was going to do it and he did it. He went in there with a lot of pride.” The only question left to

be answered is will the two of them get the national flag raised and possibly the national anthem played on back-to-back nights as they celebrate their accomplishments? Only time will tell.

ATHLETES COMPETING AT WORLDS GET SICK AT OFFICIAL HOTEL LONDON Associated Press

JAMAICA’s Omar Mcleod celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men’s 110-meter hurdles final during the World Athletics Championships in London. Photo: Matt Dunham/AP

GOLD FOR JAMAICA IN HURDLES LONDON Associated Press

THE tune blaring across the stadium sound system was unmistakable: “Jamming” by Bob Marley. The flag the winner paraded around the track was familiar, too: The black, green and gold cross of Jamaica. That 110-meter hurdler Omar McLeod was at the center of this celebration Monday wasn’t all that big a surprise. That McLeod was the first from the island to do the honors at this year’s world championships still feels like something of a shock. The 23-year-old from Kingston did what Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson could not the previous nights in the 100 meters — namely, powered toward the finish line and left the field behind to bring a gold medal home to a country that has come to expect nothing less. I took it upon myself to reroute that and bring that spark back,” said McLeod, who adds this gold medal to his Olympic title from last year. “I’m happy I did that.”

won in 13.04 seconds, while the world-record holder, American Aries Merritt, finished fifth. It marked the first disappointment of the meet for the US on a straightaway where Justin Gatlin and Tori Bowie won the 100 and Christian Coleman finished second to Gatlin and one spot ahead of Bolt. The US got shut out of the medals in the 110 hurdles for the first time since the world championships were first contested in 1983. That, plus the unlikely notion of McLeod, not Bolt, breaking the ice at the top of the podium for Jamaica were Exhibits 1 and 1a of why they run the races. “Everyone in the hurdling game is hurdling well,” said Merritt, who was competing in his first major competition since a kidney transplant after the 2015 worlds. “The event is much deeper than it has been in a long time.” Sergey Shubenkov of Russia finished .1 seconds behind McLeod for the silver medal, though that prize will go in nobody’s column. Shubenkov came in as the defending world champion, but was not able

to compete at the Olympics last year because of the doping scandal that has engulfed his country. He is one of 19 Russians cleared to compete in London this year — his anti-doping regimen judged to be robust enough to return to competition. But with Russia’s track federation still suspended, all 19 of the Russians are competing as neutral athletes. They are wearing aqua, red and pink uniforms with no hint of the Russian flag or any other Russian symbol. “Not a big deal,” Shubenkov said. “There are a lot of people in my hometown, it’s 4 or 5am, and they’re not sleeping. It means a lot for my family. It means a lot for every person in my country that was watching it, supporting me. The color of the vest doesn’t matter.” Asked whether doping is still a problem in his home country, Shubenkov insisted “not only in Russia but worldwide”. “I’m not into the subject, really,” he said. “Since my clearance, I got into my training and I’m not as much into the news as I was last year.”

SEVERAL athletes competing at the world championships have come down with a stomach bug, the event’s organising committee said Monday. All of them have been staying at the same official hotel. “There have been a number of cases of gastroenteritis reported by team members residing within one of the official team hotels for the world championships,” the organising committee said in a statement. “Those affected have been supported by both team and LOC medical staff, in addition we have been working with Public Health England to ensure the situation is managed and contained.” It was not immediately clear how many athletes were affected, but Botswanan runner Isaac Makwala said he was among the ill. Makwala, who has already qualified for the 400-meter final, pulled out of his opening heat in the 200 on Monday. He wrote on his Facebook page that he was not the only one affected. “According to IAAF medics I am apparently suffering from food poisoning which has affected several other athletes,” Makwala wrote. “Let’s hope they will allow me to run my final.” Makwala was expected to be the main challenger to Wayde van Niekerek in both the 200 and the 400. • As always, Caster Semenya is focused on racing, not regulations. And she has some big goals, too. The South African plans to be around for a while, and maybe dominate the 1,500 meters the way she has the 800. After falling over the line to earn bronze in the 1,500 on Monday at the world championships, Semenya was flooded with questions about a long-running dispute over whether females with excessive testosterone

should be allowed to compete. In 2011, the IAAF instituted restrictions on athletes with hyperandrogenism, but a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned that. The governing body is appealing, with a decision possible next year. Asked about it during the medalists’ news conference, Semenya said: “I have no time for nonsense. I’m an athlete.” “For me, it’s their own decisions,” she said. “Like I said before, my focus is more on getting healthy and competing. I really don’t have time for nonsense.” In the race, Semenya moved from fifth to third over the final 100 meters thanks to her signature finishing kick — the one that turned her into an Olympic champion in the 800. Up for a new challenge, she’s trying her hand at the 1,500 — and is still learning the nuances of going four laps instead of two. In this one, she allowed too big of gap and couldn’t catch winner Faith Kipyegon of Kenya or silver-medalist Jenny Simpson of the United States. “I learn every day. For me, it’s quite an amazing performance,” Semenya said. “Next time, I’ll do better.” If there is a next time. A recent scientific paper found that women who produce higher-than-normal amounts of testosterone have up to a 4.5 percent advantage over their competition on the track. That’s evidence world track officials are using in their appeal to CAS, which has the power to reinstate the IAAF rules and sideline Semenya, India’s Dutee Chand (the runner who initially appealed the ban) and others with so-called intersex conditions. The study analysed more than 2,100 androgen samples from athletes participating in the 2011 and 2013 world championships.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 8, 2017

THE TRIBUNE OAKLAND Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch pauses in stretching during an NFL football training camp on Friday in Napa, Calif.

THE BEAST IS BACK

MY Dallas Cowboys kicked off the NFL preseason with a 20-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game. To all the “haters”, a win is a win, and we will take it. Yes I have every second of Jerry Jones induction to the hallowed Hall recorded for posterity as well. This week, all NFL teams are in action for week one of the NFL preseason, and this week we take a look at the AFC WEST as we wrap up the AFC coverage, getting you ready for the NFC NORTH next week. DENVER BRONCOS: Training camp report dates: rookies (July 23) and veterans (July 26). Location: UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado.

HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP: Trevor Siemian vs Paxton Lynch. Head coach Vance Joseph says the position is wide open, he’s 50/50 on deciding a starter, either way. While the smart money is on Siemian, who has the respect of the team’s two stud wide receivers and a firm grasp of the playbook, Lynch’s measurables and arm strength will be hard to ignore for long. If protection is shoddy, the nod goes to Siemian, who is more proficient against heavy traffic in the pocket. BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: HC Vance Joseph. The 44-year-old is the new face of the Broncos at a time when the organisation could really go in one of two directions. Gary Kubiak won a Super Bowl because of his ability to manage the offensive talent and personnel around him with an even hand. Joseph comes in with ready to get his hands on a dominant Broncos defense, from a potent secondary to Vaughn Miller, one of the best pass rushers in football. If the defense takes a step forward, the Broncos are still very much in contention despite the West being one of the league’s

toughest divisions. BIGGEST CAMP QUESTION MARK: Offensive Live : Can Matt Paradis pick up where he left off? One of the league’s premier centers had surgery on each hip this offseason, but he should be on the field participating once camp opens. This is huge for an offensive line that should be much-improved from last season -- Ronald Leary was an overlooked part of Dallas’ O-line success and could end up coming into his own with the Broncos -KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Training camp report dates: rookies (July 24) and veterans (July 27). Location: Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP : Back up QB position Most important position battle: Patrick Mahomes vs. Tyler Bray (for the backup QB job). The Chiefs are obviously not concerned with Mahomes vs. Smith just yet, but they would definitely love to see Mahomes blow the current second-string quarterback out of the water to save them a roster spot. BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: DE Tanho Kpassagnon Watching Kpassagnon’s Villanova film is like going back to the early CreateA-Player days on “Madden” when you could pump a player’s attributes up to something Herculean and set him loose on the mere mortal public. BIGGEST CAMP QUESTION MARK: How different might the Chiefs look toward the

end of camp? The club just changed general managers less than two months and team rosters will be trimmed from 90 to 53 in the matter of a few hours. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: (I can’t believe I just typed that) Training camp report date: rookies and veterans (July 29). Location: Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP : Rookie WR Mike Williams thrown into the competition for a starting position. For as many rookie wideouts as we’ve seen over the past few years come in and change a franchise, we’ve also seen some highprofile busts. No “ Bust” here though, Williams is a gamer. BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: DC Gus Bradley Bradley might not be out of head coaching for long and for the moment, he can raise his profile with the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year (Joey Bosa) and a slew of recent first- and second-round picks across his defensive line. Can he find his groove in LA? BIGGEST Camp Question Mark: New Head Coach Anthony Lynn Lynn has spent his first few months as a new head coach talking up the Bolts’ temporary micro stadium and lauding the challenge of establishing the organization in Los Angeles. The city is very much up for grabs right now, so winning now can sway the city in the Chargers direction. Lynn must lean on the side of caution when using the “Us against the world” approach, it backfired for for-

KANSAS City Chiefs defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon warms up on Thursday, July 27, 2017, during NFL football training camp in St Joseph, Mo. mer Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Training camp report dates: rookies (July 24) and veterans (July 28). Location: Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California. HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP: Offensive Line Right Tackle Oakland had some lesssavory options at right tackle for the upcoming season. In camp, we’ll need to gear up for the Austin HowardMarshall Newhouse battle for the RT spot. The Marshawn Lynch return will only work as well as the right side of the offensive

THE BATTLE of the starters - will it be Trevor Siemian (13) to take the QB slot for the Denver Broncos - or will it be Paxton Lynch?

line can. General manager Reggie McKenzie is balancing a ton on his shoulders and had to make some difficult financial choices in free agency. Now we’ll see if his faith in Newhouse and Howard is well-placed. BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: RB Marshawn Lynch “ Beast Mode” is back ! The Lynch-Oaktown reunion, in his hometown will be one of the most heavily anticipated storylines of the season. Training camp gives the football world something tangible, in regards to Lynch’s comeback. It’s easy to conceive how much bet-

ter QB Derek Carr could be with a tier running game. BIGGEST CAMP QUESTION MARK: The recovery of QB Derek Carr. Despite assuring reporters he’s good to go, and his broken leg suffered last season, would not be a factor moving forward. However, serious injuries like this can resurface and re-aggravate. Carr was clearly the lifeblood of the 2016 Raiders, leaving the entire offense punchless in his absence. The hope is to see him at full speed in late July. Until next week, when we bring you the NFC NORTH, let there be football! Even if it’s only preseason.

S E N I H S JONES E H T D I M A N U S G N I RIS

THE TRIBUNE

by RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones and her Connecticut Sun have been one of the surprise success stories thus far in the WNBA but for the team to break a historic playoff drought they face a strong schedule to close out the regular season. The Sun are currently third in the league with a 15-9 record and are in a midst of a seven-game stretch that features the Sun against teams currently in the five-through-nine slots in the WNBA standings. The Sun began the stretch with a 93-92 win over the fifth ranked Phoenix Mercury, Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Jones posted another double double with 19 points and 15 rebounds. At halftime she had 11 points and 11 rebounds to secure her fourth straight double-double and 14th of the season.

It was the third straight win for the Sun following the All-Star break. Jones leads the WNBA in rebounding and 11.4 per game, with 15.7 points and is seventh in the league at field goal percentage 53 percent. “It means a lot but I try to stay level-headed,” Jones said. “I just want to continue to grow. It is not one thing but continue to get better in everything that I do.” Connecticut coach Curt Miller told the Norwich Bulletin the team has to maintain its composure down the stretch to solidify playoff positioning. “We have to stay focused during each game on what has led to success for us, what’s important to us; our core beliefs, our core philosophy, both offensively and defensively,” he said, “We haven’t put out a number that we have to reach to get into the playoffs, but we have addressed the

next seven games. We’re all fighting for playoff berths and there will be one team that is the odd one out. This is a really important stretch for us.” Despite a late surge following a slow start last season, the Sun were eliminated from the postseason with three games left to play. The Sun posted an 8-4 record from July to early September and was tied for the second best mark in the WNBA during that timespan. Despite being sixth in the Eastern Conference, with the league’s new playoff rules, they remained with a shot at the eight spot. The top eight teams in the entire league, irrespective of division, qualify for the playoffs and are seeded one to eight. The new format will reseed after each round and includes byes for the topranked teams. The Sun have not reached the WNBA postseason since 2012.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 5

CONNECTICUT Sun centre Jonquel Jones.

PENN STATE LIONS REACH OUT TO ASPIRING ATHLETES by RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BEFORE they took to the court for the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder Exhibition Series, the Penn State Nittany Lions engaged in a community outreach effort with the island of Eleuthera. Penn State staged a youth basketball clinic in Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera on Saturday, hosting dozens of aspiring student athletes on the island. Several players and members of the coaching staff facilitated the camp, which included various drills and competitions aimed at skill development. Andrew Johnson is the head coach of the Harbour Island All-Age school and runs one of the most successful youth basketball programmes in the Family Islands. His teams have captured 11 division titles at the Father Marcian Peters Basketball Classic, the national tournament for primary and junior high school players, and he brought 14 members of his programme to Govenor’s Harbour for the event. “It’s a great inspiration for these guys to have a team from a programme on the level of Penn State come down here and work with them. It gave them a chance to have fun, but also to learn at the same time. “You can see the excitement and we need more events like this, as much as possible. These guys love to play the game so they couldn’t wait to be apart of this clinic. Anytime they have an opportunity to show what they can do they take advantage,” Johnson said. “To see people that have made it and are able to use basketball to get an education is a wonderful thing and I hope some of these lessons stick with my guys. They realise playing at a higher level takes a lot of work and you have to put the time in. It’s not about just going on the basketball court and bouncing a ball, but it takes a lot of hard work, many times by yourself, the guys from Penn State did that to get where they are so hopefully that message resonates.” The Nittany Lions outfitted each of the participants in team apparel and two

competition winners were also awarded authentic jerseys. The balls used at the clinic were also donated to the island for use with youth basketball programmes. Sophomore forward Lamar Stevens said the experience took him back to his days as a young player when he was on the receiving end of many lessons. “I remember being a kid on the park where I grew up and having older guys that I would look up to and they taught us a lot, whether it was directly or indirectly. It’s always good to be able to learn as much as you can about the game from some older guys and help your process along,” he said. “We want this trip to be a business trip, we want it to be fun but at the same time we love the idea of giving back to the community is something that’s very important to us as well. It was fun, the kids were excited and engaged and that always makes it a better experience for everybody. They came out with energy and they wanted to learn and we loved working with them.” Keith Urgo is in his sixth season as a member of the Penn State coaching staff and fourth serving as an associate head coach. Urgo spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Penn State before being promoted to his current post in June of 2013. He is in his 10th season overall in collegiate coaching and formerly worked with Patrick Chambers as a member of the Villanova coaching staff. “It’s a wonderful experience, both for our guys and the people in this community. We’re in the business of helping to develop basketball players, but also to develop young men and a part of that is showing them the importance of giving back to a community through opportunities such as this,” Urgo said. “This is a beautiful place and we’re blessed with a chance to come here and be a part of this special event. You can tell there is a lot of talent here, you can see people are working with these kids and for some of them that potential is just beneath the surface just waiting to drawn out. Hopefully this can be the start of something special for them and Penn State basketball was pleased to be apart of that.” The Urgo family has a permanent presence on the

island as principal developers of the Cocodimama Resort in Governor’s Harbour. Following the clinic, the team was treated to an afternoon at the Cocodimama, situated at the center of Alabaster Bay’s beach

where they had an opportunity to experience the resort’s many amenities. Penn State made its last foreign trip in 2013 — programs can take international trips every four years — when the Nittany Lions went to Belgium, France

and England. The Nittany Lions’ trip offers the fanbase the first glimpse of the programme’s freshmen Jamari Wheeler, Trent Buttrick and John Harrar. In their first game, Penn State outlasted the New Providence Basketball As-

sociation All-Stars, 109-105 in double overtime Sunday afternoon. Back-to-back games will take place on Tuesday, August 8 at 6pm against the Providence Storm and following evening at 7 pm against the Bahamas All-Stars.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE MONDAY, AUGUST 7TH, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 7

Arsenal the winner that takes it all in ABBA shootout LONDON Associated Press ARSENAL will start the Premier League season on a high note after mastering the experimental ABBA penalty shootout pattern to beat Chelsea to the Community Shield. Wembley Stadium provided the biggest stage yet for global trials with the format that mixes up the order of penalties rather than spotkicks alternating between teams A and B. The long-standing system was deemed by soccer’s lawmaking body to be handing an unfair advantage to the team going first. And going second in the rejigged shootout, Arsenal overwhelmed Chelsea 4-1 to win the traditional curtain raiser to the English season after the match was locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. “We showed great composure to come back to the game,” Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech said, “then it is penalties and who keeps their cool better.” Only six penalties were

required between Premier League champion Chelsea and FA Cup holder Arsenal. Gary Cahill got Chelsea off to a perfect start before Theo Walcott and Nacho Monreal responded by finding the target for Arsenal. But Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blazed his kick over the crossbar followed by striker Alvaro Morata also missing. Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud then converted their kicks in succession to ensure the north London club started the new season just as it finished the last one — by beating Chelsea at Wembley. Just like in the FA Cup final, Chelsea was reduced to 10 men. Victor Moses, who was sent off in the May showpiece, made amends this time by putting Chelsea in front a minute into the second half by getting on the end of Cahill’s header. “Even though we were 1-0 down we didn’t panic and kept control of our

ARSENAL players pose with the trophy after winning the English Community Shield soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP game and came back,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. Arsenal gained a man advantage with 10 minutes to go when Pedro Rodriguez, wearing a mask after being injured on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Asia, was dismissed for a studsup sliding challenge on Mohamed Elneny. It proved even costlier when the resulting free kick by Granit Xhaka was headed in by new defensive sign-

ing Sead Kolasinac, sending the game into the shootout. “Physically he is naturally very strong,” Wenger said of Kolasinac, who was a free recruit after being out of contract at Schalke. “We have players pumped up in the gym and players who were born strong. And he was the second part.” Defeat for Chelsea added to the uneasy atmosphere around the club since winning the title, with uncertainty and rancor sur-

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Partly sunny with a stray shower

Patchy clouds with a shower

Variable clouds, a shower or two

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Mostly sunny

Partly sunny with a shower or two

High: 93°

Low: 79°

High: 92° Low: 80°

High: 92° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

102° F

89° F

102°-89° F

102°-90° F

102°-89° F

102°-92° F

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° 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: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

7‑14 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

7‑14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

7‑14 knots

KEY WEST

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° 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.)

8:56 a.m. 9:17 p.m.

2.8 3.3

3:03 a.m. 3:02 p.m.

0.4 0.3

Wednesday 9:36 a.m. 9:55 p.m.

2.9 3.3

3:40 a.m. 3:43 p.m.

0.4 0.3

Thursday

10:18 a.m. 10:35 p.m.

3.0 3.3

4:18 a.m. 4:26 p.m.

0.3 0.4

Friday

11:01 a.m. 11:17 p.m.

3.0 3.2

4:57 a.m. 5:11 p.m.

0.3 0.5

Saturday

11:48 a.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

3.1 ‑‑‑‑‑

5:38 a.m. 6:01 p.m.

0.3 0.6

Sunday

12:03 a.m. 12:39 p.m.

3.1 3.1

6:23 a.m. 6:56 p.m.

0.3 0.7

Monday

12:54 a.m. 1:36 p.m.

2.9 3.2

7:14 a.m. 7:57 p.m.

0.4 0.8

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:41 a.m. 7:50 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

8:36 p.m. 7:22 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Aug. 14

Aug. 21

Aug. 29

Sep. 6

CAT ISLAND

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

7‑14 knots

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

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 83° F/28° C Normal high ....................................... 89° F/32° C Normal low ........................................ 76° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 92° F/34° C Last year’s low ................................... 80° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 16.10” Normal year to date ................................... 20.92”

ELEUTHERA

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 79° F/26° C

on Friday as Wenger chases a first league title since 2004, with his team out of the Champions League after finishing fifth last season. “It’s down for us to keep a positive atmosphere around the team,” said Wenger, who dithered over his own future before signing a new two-season contract after the FA Cup success. “A lot was created by my own situation. Maybe I made a mistake.”

rounding the future of striker Diego Costa, who is up for sale and didn’t play at Wembley. Asked about Costa, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte replied: “I have already replied to this question.” The tough questions on the pitch will start next weekend when the league season begins. Chelsea opens its title defense against Burnley on Saturday. Arsenal play Leicester

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

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

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

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

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

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F