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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018

BLTA Nationals: Players refuse to play in main draw By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net PLAYERS collectively took a stance on Wednesday and refused to play the opening round of the main draw of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Giorgio Baldacci Tennis Nationals, claiming their displeasure in the way the seeding was done by the BLTA. But BLTA president Darnette Weir, who took a lot of heat from the players for refusing to address them as they took their stance at the National Tennis Centre, said everything was done

in compliance with the rules previously set for the tournament. Weir, in an interview with The Tribune, said the players were provided with the information regarding the tournament and there was no objection, nor when the players participated in the first two days of competition on Monday and Tuesday. “The rules were put in place from the previous administration and nothing has changed,” Weir said. “From the round robin, the top two players in each pool will advance to the main draw. This was the same format that we have

been using for the past few years.” The players, however, maintained that there were some players who were seeded who should not have been and players who should have been seeded and were not. As a result of what transpired from the first two days of the round robin, the players objected to how they were seeded and refused to play in their opening round matches in the main draw. Weir said the BLTA board will meet, as they did when the players took the stance, and will make a decision after the players

DARNETTE WEIR refused to play any of their matches. “The rules were followed. There’s nothing new. We have been playing

under them for the past few years,” she insisted. “The outcome from the results of the round robin may not have been what everybody wanted them to be, but we followed the rules in place.” The tournament serves as a qualifier for the BLTA’s selection for both the Davis Cup team for men and the Fed Cup for ladies. But Weir said once the board meets again, they would advise the players on what course of action they will take. “I believe everyone took a stance because we believed in what is right,” said Philip Major Jr, who

acted as the player liaison in the meeting with the BLTA during the morning. “We are only trying to establish what is best for all of us moving forward so that we can get the best teams to represent our country.” Marvin Rolle, the player/ captain of the Davis Cup team, who also served as the coach for the Fed Cup team last year, said it’s unfortunate how things turned out. “It is what it is,” he stated. “I guess things have to be looked at a little differently. I am on the fence

SEE PAGE 8

Youth clinic treat for aspiring stars By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net or the fourth consecutive year, the organisers of the Bahamas Bowl treated the aspiring Bahamian young men and women to a youth clinic. And every year, Chris Merritt said the enthusiasm level gets better and better. This year’s camp was held on the field in front of the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Merritt, the head coach of Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, was on hand to conduct the clinic as the regional southeast master trainer for the USA. “This is a lot of fun that I get to come over and do this event,” Merritt said. “I love to watch football grow in other countries and I have a passion for it, so it’s great to see the kids embrace the sport.” During the clinic, featuring players from both the Toledo Rockets and the Florida International University Panthers who are here to play in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl game tomorrow, the youngsters were given a number of football drills. They went through the football stance, how to throw the ball and how to run backyards - three positions that are key recipes for aspiring football players to know and execute. Merritt said it was a great turnout and he’s looking forward to coming back next year. Mitchell Guadagni, a 6-foot, 2-inch junior quarter-back for Toledo, said he was just happy to be a part of the clinic in the Bahamas where the “weather is

so beautiful and the sun is always out.” As for the clinic, Guadagni said he witnessed a lot of talent and he was thrilled to be able to assist the youngsters. He hopes that they can come out and cheer on their team on Friday. “I’ve never been outside of the country, so it was nice to come here and see how everybody lives,” Guadagni said. “It’s just awesome being here and experiencing all of this.” His rival DeAndre Williams, who represents FIU, said he feels as if he’s right at home here, coming out of Florida. “It’s good that we can help people who want to learn some new things,” he said. “I once was in their shoes and someone was

YOUNG American football enthusiasts enjoy the clinic yesterday.

ASPIRING football stars take advantage of yesterday’s Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl youth football clinic. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 8 Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff trying to help me out with the things they are doing, so it’s been good.” Williams said he wishes he can stay here a little longer, but he said they have a mission to accomplish and that is to win the bowl game after falling short in another appearance last year. For a number of the youngsters, the clinic provided them with an opportunity to learn more about the game. Jadian Lightbourne, a 14-yearold ninth grader at AF Adderley Junior High, said he was glad that the guidance counsellor at his school encouraged him to attend the camp. “I like the way they play American football,” said Lightbourne, a sprinter. “They have similar stance as track and field, so I caught on rather quickly with what they were doing.” Torres Ingraham, the 19-yearold former basketball and track star at Queen’s College, is now at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas after he transferred from Independence Community College where he played football. “This was a lot of fun. FIU is real close to us being right across the water, so I just want to come

out here and try to get better and hopefully get a scholarship to continue to play the game,” he said. “They taught us very well. The players did a good job of teaching us the basics of the game. I’m enjoying it. I like what I see in the camp.” Sheaderon Thompson, an eight-year-old third grader at CW Sawyer, said he came to the camp because he wanted to play the game. “I learned how to play football,” he said. “They taught me how to throw the football, stand and catch. I hope I can play more often. But I like running track.” Even the girls enjoyed their participation in the clinic. Isabella Hoscumbe, an eightyear-old third grader at St Andrew’s School, said she likes football because her father takes her to watch a game every year. “I learned how to run backwards and stop,” said the tennis player. “It was a lot of fun.” Evon Wisdom, sports officer in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, was elated to see the response from the youngsters. “We didn’t want something where the kids just came out and they were not inspired,” Wisdom said. “They were able to see, feel and

touch these young men and get to know them. “We have to get football into our schools, whether it’s just on a trial basis on a Friday night. It’s something that we have to do because we can inspire more young people to play another sport other than basketball and volleyball.” Wisdom said what was even more encouraging was to see how the players from the two teams interacted with the young people. The players all received tickets to attend the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl game 12:30pm Friday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

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PAGE 2, Thursday, December 20, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TOURNAMENT WINNERS (l-r) David Harris - Pro Winner BPGT Classics #1 & #2, Lemon Gorospe - Pro Winner BPGT Classic #3, Greg Maycock - Pro Winner BPGT Classic #4, Keno Turnquest - Pro Winner BPGT Classic #5 and Jim Duncombe – Pro Winner BPGT Classic #6.

BAHAMAS PRO GOLF TOUR WINNERS TAKE SPOTLIGHT MAY 25 2018 marked the launch of The Bahamas Professional Golf Tour (BPGT) Series of Professional Signature Golf Classics and the excitement and tremendous energy that has been reinvigorated in the Bahamas for golf is definitely a positive step in the continued development of our local Bahamian golf community. The BPGT, through their monthly tournaments, were able to not only showcase their golf skills and talent but also had the opportunity to improve upon their craft through competitive and professional quality tournament play. Greg Maycock, a seasoned golf professional, enthusiast and coach, heads into the BPGT Championship Tournament as the #1 Seated Pro on the tour with a score of 2,300 points and is also poised to take home the money leader prize. Maycock hails from Grand Bahama and commends the BPGT on their first year of professional tournaments. He will return for the 2019 BPGT Series and the BPGT looks forward to Maycock hitting that Million Dollar Hole in One prize next year. The BPGT CEO and Director Riccardo Davis, the No.2 seeded BPGT pro, is close behind Greg with a score of 1,700 on the BPGT leaderboard and depending on Sunday’s

tournament play the outcome of the BPGT 2018 leadership pro champion can go one of three ways. Coach Jim Duncombe, better known as the ‘Swing Doctor,’ made an impressive showing on the BPGT 2018 Tour and after a disappointing Pro 2nd place finish in the 4th BPGT Classic featured at the Ocean Club Golf Course, the tie breaking showdown with Lemon Gorospe fuelled a newfound spirit for the Swing Doctor. Duncombe dug in and captured the 1st place pro division Prize in the BPGT Halloween Classic on October 26 at the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar. Duncombe heads into the championship tournament tied with Davis at 1700. The action returns to the Royal Blue Golf Course 10:30am Sunday to close off the 2018 BPGT Series of Professional Golf tournament play. Topping the Amateur Division BPGT leaderboard is Richard Gibson with 1,200 points. Gibson was also the BPGT amateur division winner in the BPGT Halloween Pro/Am Classic. Peter McIntosh is following at a close 1,100 and is determined to bridge that gap on Sunday in a threeway race to #1 BPGT 2018 amateur champion. Ryan Major is following closely in third place with 900 points and is sure to put

out an impressive showing on Sunday. “This amateur trio have truly showcased great golf skills and finesse on the greens during this 2018 BPGT Series and we look forward to more fine moments from the pros and amateurs on the 2019 BPGT series of professional tournament play.” Join the BPGT for the Championship Tournament in the signature series of Pro-Am Tournament Play at the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar 10:30am Sunday. Special thanks to all of the professional and amateur golfers that participated in the 2018 series. Special thank you to all of the BPGT Tour partners whom collectively are the resounding and collaborative success behind the 2018 BPGT Circuit: Bahamas Waste Limited, Hopetown Lodge and Marina; R&E Imports and Sales; Suntee and Under Armour; Breezes SuperClubs; Bentonite Beauty Clay; Kalik, Beer of the Bahamas; Graycliff Hotel and Cigars and Bahamas Barrels; Paradise Island Beach Club; DJ, the Mighty Pencil; Esscentrix Handmade Bahamian Products; Royal Blue Golf Course & Tavern; Atlantis Ocean Golf Club; Leno Corporate Services; the Ministry of Tourism and Wildflowers Events.

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Thursday, December 20, 2018, PAGE 3

Chavanno ‘Buddy’ Hield joins ‘Be A Hero’ campaign AFTER receiving major endorsements from wellknown sports heroes like Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, Jonquel Jones and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the Ministry of the Environment has added yet another highprofile sports superstar to its popular Be A Hero campaign, basketball phenom and Grand Bahama native Chavanno “Buddy” Hield. Hield, who has made a name for himself as an NBA superstar with the Sacramento Kings, is the latest to join the campaign designed to encourage young Bahamians to tap into their inner heroes and create a cleaner, greener, safer space around their school or in their community.

Over the past several weeks, billboards bearing the faces of some of the country’s national heroes from all walks of society have been erected across Nassau, with each proclaiming his or her support of the initiative and why they endorse keeping the island clean. The Hero campaign is the second phase of the Ministry of Environment’s clean-up programme for New Providence and is being spearheaded by the Minister himself - Romauld Ferreira - along with Barefoot Marketing and Diane Phillips & Associates. “We’re so excited to have Buddy on board as we spread the message that it’s

cool to care about our environment,” said Ferreira, MP for Marathon and an environmental lawyer by profession. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our national heroes and are grateful to add Buddy to the Hero Team.” Since launching the #BeAHero campaign in October, schools around New Providence have flocked to participate, creating their own cleaning projects or events to join the promotion and to become Hero’s too. “Our programme targets all primary and middle school students in the capital asking them to share their project via

BUDDY HIELD social media,” said Sally Chisholm, the director of

environmental health. “The 10 best projects and the students behind the projects will have their photos replace the national heroes currently promoting the campaign and they will become the faces and local heroes.” “The feedback has been amazing” said Diane Philips, president of Diane Philips & Associates. “Students and teachers have both responded well to the programme, and we have been pleasantly surprised to find that many schools already had environmental projects taking place on their campuses.” The campaign is fully sponsored by corporate Bahamas, including AML

Foods, Atlantis, Bahamas Hot Mix, Bahamas Waste, Bahamas Wholesale Agencies, Commonwealth Brewery Limited, Kelly’s, McDonald’s, Seaside Media, Solomon’s, The Sign Man, Tribune Media Group in addition to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education. Sponsors are also participating with the heroes in school assemblies as part of the ongoing effort to clean up the island. For those schools, students or teachers wanting to join in, they can call the ministry to set up a school visit or go to the group’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SnapChat.

PAGE 4, Thursday, December 20, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 20, 2018, PAGE 5

Ravens and the Chargers both chasers as they meet Saturday By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer WHEN they meet Saturday night in one of several intriguing games in the penultimate week of the NFL season, the Ravens and Chargers will be chasers. By Sunday night, they could be leaders. Baltimore (8-6) trails Pittsburgh (8-5-1) by a half-game in the AFC North. The Chargers (11-3) are tied with Kansas City for the AFC West lead — and the conference’s best record — but the Chiefs hold the tiebreaker. So the winner will be in solid position for the playoffs; LA already is in. Plus, the Steelers and Chiefs have very difficult road tests. “They’re playing outstanding football,” Ravens safety Eric Weddle said of his former team. “We’ve got everything in our hands, as do they, so it’s going to be an amazing game, one that will define where our season goes from there.” Baltimore, ranked 12th in the AP Pro32 poll, is a 4½-point underdog at the No. 2 Chargers, who have had an extended rest after a sensational comeback win at Kansas City on Dec. 13. CHARGERS, 27-24 KNOCKOUT POOL: Baltimore struggled a bit but then “Lamared”

By GENARO C ARMAS AP Sports Writer

IN this file photo, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) runs into the end zone for a touchdown between Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen, right, and safety Ron Parker, left. One year after being the seventh overall pick, Williams is showing why he was a first-round pick by the Chargers. (AP) the Bucs. Next up, try TENNESSEE. No. 27 Cincinnati (plus 7) at No. 16 Cleveland Hard to believe we’re going with Browns as our top choice. We are. BEST BET: BROWNS, 23-13 No. 20 Green Bay (minus 1) at No. 29 New York Jets Tempted by Houston and Seattle, but see this as ...

UPSET SPECIAL: J-E-T-S, 20-17 No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (minus 14) at No. 32 Arizona Rams’ offense needs to wake up for 60 minutes. This is the time. RAMS, 40-10 No. 8 Pittsburgh (plus 5 1-2) at No. 1 New Orleans Saints’ offense needs to wake up for 60 minutes. This is the time.

NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS - WEEK 16 NAUGHTY Titans Chargers Browns Cowboys Vikings Colts Dolphins Patriots Packers Texans Atlanta Rams Bears New Orleans Chiefs Raiders SANTXO Z Titans Ravens Browns Cowboys Vikings Colts Dolphins Patriots Packers Eagles Falcons Rams Bears Saints Chiefs Broncos

RODGERS GETS 7TH PRO BOWL NOD IN PACKERS’ PLAYOFFLESS YEAR

JOHN S Titans Chargers Browns Cowboys Vikings Colts Dolphins Patriots Packers Texans Atlanta Rams Bears New Orleans Chiefs

LEO B Titans Chargers Browns Cowboys Vikings Colts Dolphins Patriots Colts Lions Texans Rams Bears Steelers Chiefs Broncos

STEVIE J Titans Ravens Browns Cowboys Vikings Patriots Packers Eagles Falcons Colts Jaguars Rams Bears Saints Seahawks Broncos

SAINTS, 34-24 No. 6 Houston (plus 2 1-2) at No. 15 Philadelphia Such a huge game for both sides. In Foles we trust. EAGLES, 24-23 No. 3 Kansas City (minus 2 1-2) at No. 10 Seattle Chiefs could go from No. 1 seed to wild card, especially if they lose here. SEAHAWKS, 26-24

CHARGERS LEAD PRO BOWL SELECTIONS WITH 7 PLAYERS NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers placed seven players in the Pro Bowl, including safety Derwin James, one of six rookies across the league to make the game. James, a first-round draft choice, will be joined on the AFC squad by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Melvin Gordon, defensive end Melvin Ingram, center Mike Pouncey and specialteamer Adrian Phillips for the game, which will be played January 27 in Orlando. James and Phillips are the only starters, though. Rivers is a backup to Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, one of 29 firsttime Pro Bowlers. That, of course, includes all the rookies: James, Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Seahawks punter Michael

SEASON STANDINGS OVERALL 1. Wilner (AP) - 145-77-2 2. Naughty - 145-77-2 3. Clint J - 140-82-2

No. 23 New York Giants (plus 9 1-2) at No. 9 Indianapolis Colts believe they are playoff bound. Giants won’t get in way. COLTS, 30-20 No. 18 Washington (plus 10) at No. 14 Tennessee, Saturday Titans believe they are playoff bound. Redskins won’t get in way. TITANS, 22-15 No. 24 Tampa Bay (plus 7) at No. 11 Dallas Dallas came back to Earth last week, should soar this week. COWBOYS, 26-13 No. 25 (tie) Buffalo (plus 13) at No. 7 New England No more road nightmares for Patriots, who are 6-0 at Foxborough. PATRIOTS, 30-23 No. 13 Minnesota (minus 5 1-2) at No. 25 (tie) Detroit Wild-card spot could depend on win here for Vikings. VIKINGS, 26-14 No. 4 Chicago (minus 3 1-2) at No. 28 San Francisco Niners won’t be intimidated by Bears’ D after handling Seahawks’ D. BEARS, 17-13 No. 22 Atlanta (plus 3) at No. 19 Carolina Ron Rivera deserves better than what players have delivered. Dan Quinn, too. PANTHERS, 21-20 No. 21 Denver (minus 2 1-2) at No. 31 Oakland, Monday night Last home game in Bay Area for Raiders? BRONCOS, 19-13 No. 30 Jacksonville (plus 4 1-2) at No. 17 Miami At least it should be sunny for this one. DOLPHINS, 23-20

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (AP) — A lost season coming to a close without a trip to the playoffs for the Green Bay Packers is ending in a familiar spot for Aaron Rodgers. He’s headed to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his career. “Yeah, I think there’s a lot of pride with that. Especially knowing the struggles early in the season with my health, and I’m very appreciative,” Rodgers said yesterday. It has been quite the winding road for the Packers and their franchise quarterback since the season-opening win in September against the Chicago Bears. Rodgers hurt his left knee in that game before returning after halftime to lead Green Bay’s rousing 24-23 win following falling to a 20-point deficit. The victory turned out to be the highlight for a disappointing year in Titletown. Rodgers worked through the injury early in the season, missing practice at times to focus on rehab. Injuries to receivers Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison meant more playing time for Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown, rookies who hadn’t developed the kind of rapport veterans Cobb and Allison had with the quarterback. Going into this weekend’s game against the New York Jets, Rodgers’ 61.8 per cent completion rate was his lowest since his 60.7 rate in 2015, the year that then-top receiver Jordy Nelson was sidelined with a knee injury. The Packers (5-8-1) are 0-7 on the road, having led or been competitive in the second half in each of their last five road defeats before falling short. Season-long struggles on third down and in the red zone helped contribute to the demise of coach Mike McCarthy, who was fired after a stunning 20-17 home loss on December 2 to the lowly Arizona Cardinals. Rodgers still set an NFL record after throwing 402 attempts without an interception, a streak that ended last week in the 24-17 loss at Chicago that helped extinguish Green Bay’s faint playoff hopes. “I think there (are) a lot of teams in the National Football League that would love to have a quarterback with 23 touchdowns and two interceptions, and who’s battled through some things and provided leadership to the football team each and every week,” interim head coach Joe Philbin said.

3. Santxo Z - 137-86-2

5. Leo B - 129-96-2

4. John S - 131-92-2

6. Stevie J - 122-101-2

JAMES (AP) Dickson, Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay, Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson and Cleveland cornerback Denzel Wads. Lindsay is an undrafted player. New England’s Tom Brady is the other AFC quarterback, making it for the 14th time. Noticeably missing is the Colts’ Andrew Luck. New Orleans, led by quarterback Drew Brees, Dallas and Chicago paced the NFC with five players each. Brees is the starter, backed up by Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and the Rams’ Jared Goff.

Buffalo, Oakland and Tampa Bay had no Pro Bowl selections. Pittsburgh and Kansas City each had six players chosen, including such first-timers as Steelers running back James Conner and Mahomes, both having breakthrough years. Cleveland has a first overall draft choice in the game — not Baker Mayfield, but 2017 top pick Myles Garrett at defensive end. Among the perennial AFC choices returning to the game are: Houston DE J.J. Watt, Pittsburgh WR Antonio Brown, Baltimore guard Marshal Yanda and safety Eric Weddle, Cincinnati DT Geno Atkins and Denver LB Von Miller. For the NFC, frequent repeaters include Atlanta WR Julio Jones and C Alex Mack, Dallas tackle Tyron Smith, inside LBs Luke Kuechly of Carolina and Bobby Wagner of Seattle, Arizona CB Patrick Peterson, Rams DT Aaron Donald and Bears LB Khalil Mack. One of the newcomers, Chicago DT Akiem Hicks, sounded overwhelmed by the honour.

PAGE 6, Thursday, December 20, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Booker, Ayton carry Suns past Celtics for 4th straight win By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Devin Booker had 25 points and eight assists, and DeAndre Ayton added 23 points and 18 rebounds to lead the suddenly resurgent Phoenix Suns past the Boston Celtics 111-103 on Wednesday night. It was the fourth consecutive victory for the Suns since opening the season 4-24. Phoenix has its first four-game winning streak since March 2015. T.J. Warren scored 21 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 13 for the Suns. Kyrie Irving led Boston with 29 points and Jayson Tatum had 18. The Celtics lost their second straight after winning eight in a row. Boston center Aron Baynes broke a bone in his left hand early in the game and the team announced that he’ll be sidelined indefinitely. The Suns led by six entering the final quarter and pushed it to 92-80 on Jamal Crawford’s 3-pointer from the top of the arc with just under 10 minutes to play. They led 97-84 before Boston sliced it to five on Marcus Smart’s 3 with 1:49 to go. Warren was fouled

by Smart taking a 3 on the ensuing possession and made all three free throws. After a 3 by Irving, Oubre nailed a 3-pointer on the other end to help the Suns hold on. Smart’s 3 at the secondquarter buzzer gave the Celtics a 62-59 halftime lead. Boston grabbed an 11-point lead early in the first only to see the Suns come charging back with a 25-7 run over a 6½-minute stretch in the second. Baynes blocked Ayton’s pass and shook his hand in visible pain before heading to the locker room during a stoppage in play.

By IAN HARRISON Associated Press

TIP-INS Suns: Warren went to the floor hard in the second quarter and walked slowly to the bench during a timeout. He did return to the game. ... Phoenix lost the first meeting between the teams in overtime at home on Nov. 8. Celtics: C Al Horford missed his sixth straight game with a sore left knee. Boston coach Brad Stevens said Horford didn’t practice Tuesday but did some things on the court Wednesday morning. “Feeling better, getting better. Reassess pretty SUNS centre Deandre Ayton (22) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Daniel Theis (27) during the second half last night. Ayton scored 23 as the Suns defeated the Celtics 111-103. AP Photos/Charles Krupa much every day,” Stevens said. . F Marcus Morris also missed the game with a sore right knee. . Boston shot 70.8 percent (17 of 24) in the first quarter.

CELTICS guard Kyrie Irving (11) passes the ball as he drives against Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) last night.

VANVLEET HITS GO-AHEAD 3-POINTER, RAPTORS BEAT PACERS 99-96

NOT THIS TIME Booker had scored 38 points or more in his last three games against Boston, including 70 at TD Garden on March 24, 2017.

BUSY STRETCH The Celtics played their first of a game every other day for the next 36 days. Irving said it’s just about taking care of bodies and getting through the workload. “You want to prepare yourself the best you know how,” he said. “It’s more about maintenance and survival right now.” It was also their first of four

games in a row at home, which culminates with a Christmas Day matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. NICE COMPANY Irving is the first Celtics player with five games of 20-plus points and 10-plus assists within the first 30 games of a season since Larry Bird did it in 1990-91.

TORONTO (AP) — Fred VanVleet hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 25 seconds left and the Toronto Raptors rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 99-96 last night. Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points, Pascal Siakam had 17 and Greg Monroe 13 as Toronto snapped a two-game losing streak. The Raptors, who have the best record in the NBA at 24-9, avoided their second three-game slump of the season. VanVleet scored nine of his 11 points in the final quarter as Toronto won its tenth straight home meeting with the Pacers. Indiana has not won in Toronto since March 1, 2013. Victor Oladipo scored 20 points for the Pacers, who lost their second straight after winning the previous seven. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 18 points, Myles Turner had 10 points and 14 rebounds and Domantas Sabonis had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Indiana. Toronto shot 4 for 22 from 3-point range through the first three quarters, but made 3 of 8 in the fourth to avoid a season-worst performance from long range. The short-handed Raptors were without starting point guard Kyle Lowry, who missed his third straight game because of a sore left thigh, and center Serge Ibaka, who was inactive because of a sore right knee. VanVleet and Siakam both returned to the starting lineup after missing Sunday’s loss at Denver because of back soreness.

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Thursday, December 20, 2018, PAGE 7

Rain forces draw in 1st New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka test By STEVE MCMORRAN AP Sports Writer WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Rain rewarded the persistence and determination of batsmen Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews, washing out most of the final day of the first cricket test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand yesterday to allow Sri Lanka to claim a well-earned draw. After batting through all of the fourth day in an historic partnership in which both made centuries, Mendis and Mathews survived just under an hour — all the rain allowed Wednesday — to ensure the two-test series remains level ahead of the second test at Christchurch from December 26. Mendis and Mathews came together near stumps on the third day when Sri Lanka was 13-3 in its second innings after trailing by 296 on the first innings in which New Zealand made 578 in reply to its 282. They were still together more than a

day later when heavy rain forced the abandonment of play on the final day. Sri Lanka’s third wicket had fallen in the seventh over and at the close of play Mendis and Mathews had just faced the 115th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Mendis was 141 not out, Mathews was 121 not out and the pair had put on 274 runs — the best for the fourth wicket by a Sri Lanka pair against New Zealand — to leave Sri Lanka only nine runs short of making New Zealand bat again. On their way to a matchsaving partnership, Mendis and Mathew became the first batsmen to bat throughout a full day of a test in New Zealand without a wicket to fall, and the first to do so anywhere in the world in almost a decade. Their innings and partnership came at significant moments in both careers. Mendis made an outstanding beginning in his test career with scores of 176 against Australia, 194

GROUND staff sweep water from the covers yesterday as rain delays the start on the final day of the first cricket test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) and 196 against Bangladesh and 102 against the West Indies within his first 25 tests. But he had only two half centuries in his next 15 innings and, while his talent was never doubted, there had been questions over whether he could prosper in tests on raw talent alone.

He answered that question resoundingly at the Basin Reserve with an innings of patience, determination and pure technique. Mendis said after the fourth day he took inspiration from Mathews who showed he was willing to

be take the ball on his body rather than surrender his wicket. “(Mathews) got hit twice on the body and he came up to me and told me ‘hit the ball somehow, even if it has to be with your body’. When I saw him playing like that, I also thought

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 60° F/16° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm; breezy

Mostly cloudy, a shower; breezy

Morning t‑storms; cloudy, windy

Breezy in the morn‑ ing; partly sunny

Partly sunny

A mixture of clouds and sunshine

High: 83°

Low: 72°

High: 81° Low: 66°

High: 73° Low: 63°

High: 77° Low: 67°

High: 79° Low: 69°

AccuWeather RealFeel

84° F

71° F

80°-62° F

73°-63° F

78°-66° F

79°-68° F

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: 74° F/23° C

12‑25 knots

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 64° F/18° C

10‑20 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 65° F/18° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 73° F/23° C Low: 59° F/15° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

MIAMI

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 66° F/19° C

15‑25 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 61° F/16° C Normal high ....................................... 79° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 80° F/27° C Last year’s low ................................... 65° F/18° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 44.50” Normal year to date ................................... 39.19”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

KEY WEST

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 71° F/22° C

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

5:24 a.m. 5:38 p.m.

3.0 2.4

11:50 a.m. ‑0.1 11:47 p.m. ‑0.5

Friday

6:13 a.m. 6:29 p.m.

3.2 2.5

12:41 p.m. ‑0.3 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Saturday

7:02 a.m. 7:20 p.m.

3.4 2.6

12:36 a.m. ‑0.7 1:30 p.m. ‑0.5

Sunday

7:51 a.m. 8:11 p.m.

3.5 2.7

1:26 a.m. ‑0.8 2:20 p.m. ‑0.6

Monday

8:41 a.m. 9:04 p.m.

3.5 2.7

2:18 a.m. ‑0.9 3:11 p.m. ‑0.7

Tuesday

9:33 a.m. 10:00 p.m.

3.4 2.7

3:11 a.m. ‑0.8 4:03 p.m. ‑0.6

Wednesday 10:26 a.m. 10:58 p.m.

3.3 2.7

4:07 a.m. ‑0.6 4:57 p.m. ‑0.6

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:50 a.m. 5:25 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

3:50 p.m. 4:25 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 22

Dec. 29

Jan. 5

Jan. 14

CAT ISLAND

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

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

‘there’s no way I’m giving away my wicket’.” When rain stopped play yesterday, Mathews had batted 7-1/2 hours and Mendis eight minutes more to change the course of the test. “We showed a lot of character throughout the five days,” Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal said. “It’s not an easy task when the opposition get a lead of almost 300. “(Mathews) has done really well in the last four or five five-day games. He’s an experienced player and every time he goes to bat we want some runs from him. He and Kusal Mendis were outstanding.” New Zealand was frustrated that rain ruined their push for a 1-0 series lead yesterday. “The forecast wasn’t too good,” captain Kane Williamson said. “It would have been nice to pick up two or three wickets yesterday but it wasn’t to be. Sri Lanka played very well and showed the character we know they have.”

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

H L L

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: 81° F/27° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

8‑16 knots

7‑14 knots

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

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

WINDS SE at 10‑20 Knots SW at 20‑30 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots WSW at 25‑35 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots S at 10‑20 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SSW at 12‑25 Knots SSE at 12‑25 Knots WSW at 30‑40 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSW at 12‑25 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots S at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SW at 12‑25 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSW at 12‑25 Knots

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

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 76° F 76° F 82° F 83° F 75° F 75° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 76° F 76° F

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PAGE 8, Thursday, December 20, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

MAKERS WANTED BAHAMAS BOWL YOUTH CLINIC

YOUNG American football enthusiasts enjoy the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl youth camp yesterday on the field in front of the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

BLTA NATIONALS from page 1

because I understand what the players are saying and I also understand what the board is saying. As a board member, I understand what they are saying and as a player, I get what they are saying. So if we can all come to an agreement and go on from there, we can move forward.” Former BLTA president Derron Donaldson, now the secretary general of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, tried to intervene, but he claimed that after he went into the meeting with the BLTA, he was told by Weir that his views were not appreciated. “I think there was a loss of translation in this tournament,” Donaldson said. “In the past, the players were only allowed to play by invitation. “So that eliminated anyone who was considered a talented player and they didn’t have any adult standards or ranking to be invited.

So when I was the president, we decided to have a qualification and the top players would go directly to the main draw.” Donaldson was of the opinion that had the BLTA placed the top players directly into the main draw and seeded them according to their status and allowed the younger players to participate in the qualifying round, the BLTA would not have to go through this process. “Mistakes are made all the time. I just think the BLTA board is lacking in maturity to handle situations like this,” he said. “We have a lot of new people, including parents who have children involved in tennis, but there’s nothing wrong with consulting with persons who have the knowledge of how the tournament should run. “The board does have the final say in making rules, but because of these rules, which they are not willing to correct, they have a revolt from the players. That should have never happened. In an organisation or federation like

this, the athletes come first. So I would have liked to see the president come out and meet with the athletes, resolve it and move on.” Donaldson said he was totally disappointed in the actions of the board and the president, in particular, who refused to take any constructive advice from him. To counteract what was said and done, Weir said the rules were set and the BLTA will stick with them unless the board reverses the decision when they meet again. One parent, Stephen Thompson, another former executive of the BLTA, provided a suggestion that the BLTA can utilise in the tournament moving forward. “The round robin should be used for players to get into the main draw, not to base rankings points off for the main draw,” he stated. “There’s no way in the world you would have someone who made it to the main draw with ATP points, who is a former Davis Cup or Fed Cup player, who is ranked lower than someone

who advanced out of the round robin because they got wins on walk-overs.” Thompson said the international rankings should supersede any national or tournament rankings. He said what the BLTA did with the main draw is making a mockery of the tournament. “I don’t understand that,” he said. Based on the two days of competition in the round robin, the main draw had Kevin Major Jr seeded number one on the men’s side, followed by Donte Armbrister, Jody Turnquest and Philip Major Jr. One of the reasons the players refused to accept the draw was the fact that Kevin Major Jr, Spencer Newman, Justin Lunn and Philip Major Jr, all Davis Cuppers, along with Shannon Francis, were all placed at the top half. In the bottom half were Donte Armbrister, Jody Turnquest, Kofi Bowe, Archie Burrows, Marvin Rolle and Jacobi Bain. With the exception of Turnquest and Rolle, Davis Cuppers,

all of the others were players players who should have played in the round robin. On the ladies’ side, Kerrie Cartwright and Sydney Clarke were the only two seeded players. Danielle Thompson and Sierra Donaldson, who played on the Fed Cup team, were not seeded. In this case, there was a possibility that Cartwright and Thompson, who played in the final of the tournament last year, could end up clashing in the second round of the main draw. Weir said based on the performances of the players in the round robin, whether they played and won their matches, or they won by walk-overs, which gave them scores of 6-0, 6-0, they ended up seeding the players and placed them in the draw. She indicated that the main draw was not compiled by her, but really the tournament director along with two board members. She noted that three players as well as two parents were also present to ensure that the process went smoothly on Tuesday.