HOBART, Tasmania (CMC):The Big Bash League (BBL) has blasted comments by Chris Gayle made to a female reporter during a live television interview as “disrespectful and simply inappropriate” and says it will be meeting with the West Indies star over the matter.Following his explosive 41 for Melbourne Renegades yesterday at the Bellerive Oval here, Gayle openly flirted with Network TEN’s Mel McLaughlin during the interview, telling her: “I wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here.”He added: “I get to see your eyes for the first time, it’s nice. Hopefully we can win and go for a drink after.”Don’t blush, baby.”However, BBL head Anthony Everard said Gayle’s behaviour had no place in the glitzy Twenty20 tournament.CONDEMNATION”I heard Chris’ comments and they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate. We’ll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it,” Everard said.”This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. There’s just no place in the BBL – or, for that matter, cricket anywhere – for that sort of behaviour.”The Renegades franchise also condemned Gayle’s remarks, echoing similar sentiments to those of the BBL head.”I heard Chris’ comments and we agree with both Cricket Australia and Channel TEN that they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate,” Renegades Chief Executive Stuart Coventry said.”We’ll certainly be talking to him in association with Cricket Australia about it. The Melbourne Renegades is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. There’s just no place for that sort of behaviour.”Channel 10 subsequently announced they would be dropping Gayle as an interview option.”We won’t be using (Gayle) in the game anymore,” Channel TEN’s head of sport David Barham said. “Unless things change in the next few days, it’s not happening.”Renegades captain Aaron Finch, with whom Gayle shared a sizzling 84-run first-wicket partnership off 36 balls to set up yesterday’s win over Hobart Hurricanes, said the Jamaican had apologised to McLaughlin.”Chris has apologised to Mel. As an organisation, we don’t condone it,” Finch said following the five-wicket win.”Between Chris and everyone else, they’ve addressed it … he’s apologised.”
Undaunted Young WI seek final spot
DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):West Indies Under-19s will bid for a place in the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup today, but will face perhaps their sternest test of the competition.The Caribbean side takes on an accomplished Bangladesh Under-19s who whitewashed them in a three-match warm-up series before the tournament and have played unbeaten since.After making a slow start to the tour, West Indies have consistently improved, and manager Dwain Gill is hoping this progress can be reflected against the Bangladeshis.”We lost the three-game series, but we came into that series without playing any youth ODIs over the last year and they are a very well prepared team,” Gill told CMC Sports ahead of the semi-final, which bowled off at 9 a.m. here (12 a.m. today, Jamaica time).”We saw against Bangladesh … we were getting better and better all the time. It is going to be difficult because Bangladesh are always going to be difficult to beat at home, especially at Mirpur.”Following the whitewash, West Indies lost their opening game of the tournament to England by 61 runs, but then routed Fiji by 262 runs, before edging Zimbabwe by two runs, to qualify for the quarter-finals.Bangladesh had no such hiccups, trouncing South Africa by 43 runs, hammering Scotland by 114 runs and easily getting past Namibia by eight wickets.West Indies head coach, Graeme West, said: “Their top six are all well-organised batters and their spin attack is very broad, but very skilful in the conditions here in Bangladesh,” West pointed out.”They also have two good seam bowlers … but they (team) are not an unknown quantity to us. We’re very familiar with them, we know what to look out for and hopefully … we can establish a method not just to be competitive but ultimately to be successful.”HALF-CENTURYCaptain Shimron Hetmyer, a first-class player, suffered a poor run of form during the tournament, but found his touch in the quarter-final win over Pakistan on Monday with an aggressive half-century.Openers Gidron Pope and Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Shamar Springer and Keemo Paul, along with Jyd Goolie, have all had important knocks, while pacer Alzarri Joseph has been outstanding with the new ball.”The semi-final knockout stage is a pressure situation. We have seen that the team that handles the pressure better will win on the day,” Gill stressed.”Nothing counts now – nothing about preparation and how much matches you’ve had. We are aware they will have the home advantage, but we are not daunted, we believe the boys have what it takes to really come to the party and beat Bangladesh in the semi-finals.”The winner will progress to Sunday’s final to face India who defeated Sri Lanka by 97 runs in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
Mills encouraged by Bolt’s return
impressed LONDON, England: Despite handing out a failing grade in his athlete’s second of two runs, coach Glen Mills was left generally satisfied with Usain Bolt’s back-to-back 9.87 runs at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games on Friday, inside the London Olympic Stadium. Mills, after watching Bolt post his fastest times this season, believes the signs are encouraging as he now focuses on sharpening up the sprinter ahead of his double-sprint title defence at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, which is now a mere four weeks away. In wet and chilly conditions, Bolt won his heat in 9.87 seconds, running against a -1.2 wind, and returned to again stop the clock at 9.87 (-0.8), with Mike Rodgers, who was also second in Bolt’s heat, following the big Jamaican to the line in 9.90, with another Jamaican, Kemar Bailey-Cole, posting a personal-best 9.92 for third. Nesta Carter was seventh in 10.08. Mills was left impressed with Bolt’s run in the heat, but was less pleased with his execution in the final. “To put it into context, he had one 100m before this in Brazil in April, so between April and now is a significant period of time. So to start at 9.87 is an indication that he is making progress, and the focus is to continue getting his competitive condition to be at his best by the time we get to Beijing,” Mills told The Gleaner. “His performance is encouraging.” “Yes, it’s clear that his (Bolt’s) performance in his heat was far superior to his run in the final, even though the times are the same. In the heat, he executed much better than he did in the finals. He had a better start, his mechanics was better, and despite the -1.2 wind, he was able to run 9.87 after he eased down near the end, which would indicate that with a full effort and no wind, he probably would have gone under 9.80 seconds,” Mills assessed. “But he came back in the final, and there was less breeze, but his execution was very poor. It was bad at the start, he lost ground and stumbled a bit and had to come from way back to actually get back; but all in all, it was a good training exercise,” added Mills. Still, after going into the meet with questions about his ability to successfully defend his world titles in the coming weeks, Mills feels that the sprinter has gone a long way in showing that he is on the right course to do just that in Beijing. “What I can say, though, is that today, he (Bolt) showed that he has made some progress, and we hope that we can make significant advancement on that, and that by the time Beijing comes around, he will be at the competitive level where he can execute much better and defend his title,” Mills said. Bolt is not expected to compete again before the World Championships. andre.lowe@gleanerjm.com
Nelson stars with three-timer at Caymanas Park
THREE-TIME champion jockey Dane Nelson highlighted the year’s first Sunday meet at Caymanas Park yesterday with three winners to assume the lead from Omar Walker in the jockeys’ standings.Having booted home two winners in NUCLEAR AFFAIR and DOC HOLIDAY on Saturday, Nelson improved his tally yesterday with wins aboard 4-5 favourite DWAYNE STAR for trainer Patrick Lynch in the opening race over the straight; followed up aboard even-money favourite WILL IN CHARGE for trainer Robert Pearson in the sixth over a mile; and closed out the triple aboard 4-1 chance EL NUMERO UNO for trainer Lawrence Freemantle in the closing race over 1300 metres.Nelson, who is popularly called ‘The Warrior Chief’, pushed his early-season tally to nine wins – two clear of four-time champion Walker, who rode one winner at the back-to-back meets, LITTLE BIG HORN at 2-1 in division one of the Mercury Sprint on Saturday.OPPORTUNITY MISSEDNelson missed the opportunity to make it a four-timer yesterday when odds-on favourite EDISON was beaten in a driving finish by the front-running 5-2 chance FORCE DE JOUR and RED FLAG in the overnight allowance coming a trifle late.Champion for three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014, Nelson said he is happy with his form following a stint in North America in the second half of 2015.”I learnt a lot riding abroad, and this has enhanced the quality of my riding. Despite a recent spill which resulted in a broken nose, I am in very good physical shape right now, and as long as I get good rides, (I) will be constantly among the winners,” said the popular jockey.Meanwhile, 4-5 favourite MIRACLE STAR ran on strongly to win the City of Kingston Centenary Cup feature over a mile for $550,000-$500,000 claiming horses. Trained by Patrick Chang, the seven-year-old son of Miracle Man-Irish Star was ridden by Wesley ‘Callaloo’ Henry, who had a second winner on the card in 5-2 chance REGGAE GOLD.The mayor of Kingston, Angella Brown-Burke, was on hand to present the Centenary Cup to the connections of MIRACLE STAR.
Taylor leads Thunder to victory
SYDNEY, Australia, (CMC):A season-best knock from Stafanie Taylor anchored Sydney Thunder to a comfortable, eight-wicket victory over struggling Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League yesterday.The West Indies Women’s captain struck four fours and two sixes in 48 not out from 37 balls, making her a shoo-in for the Player of the Match award, as the Thunder successfully chased a modest target of 94 in the 22nd match of the tournament at the Blacktown Sportspark.Taylor shared an unbroken, third-wicket stand with Australia Women’s international Alex Blackwell to give the Thunder their third win in the tournament with 50 balls remaining.The result also meant that the Thunder now have seven points from their six matches, placing them third in the current standings.Taylor, also a decent part-time off-spinner, was not called upon to bring her tweakers, as the Renegades, sent in to bat, were restricted to 93 for six in their allocation of 20 overs.In another match at Allan Border Field, a five-run victory for hosts Brisbane Heatover the tournament-leading Melbourne Stars was overshadowed by a heavy, head-first collision between West Indies Women’s star all-rounder Deandra Dottin and her teammate Laura Harris.Dottin was rushed to the hospital with a suspected concussion and was later released, but Harris was able to walk away and remained at the venue. (See full report under Full Sports).Earlier, Dottin was dismissed for two, as the Heat posted 129 for five from their 20 overs, after they chose to bat and she conceded 22 from two overs in the Stars’ chase which fell just short.The other match on the card between home team Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes, whose squad includes teenaged West Indies opener Hayley Matthews, was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Gliderol Stadium, due to rain.
Sport tourism not affected by crime
Despite the recent increase in violent deaths across the country, various local sports administrators say that they do not believe that crime has had a significant effect on sport tourism or the ability of their sporting associations to attract foreigners to the island for competitions.Jamaica Volleyball Associa-tion (JAVA) president Rudolph Speid said that three international volleyball tournaments will be hosted on the island this year. One of these will be at the Ocho Rios Bay Beach in St Ann and the others at venues that have not yet been decided, but Speid said that one of the three will be an indoor tournament to be played in Kingston.He told The Gleaner that crime has never been a worry when planning the staging of these competitions and it would not this year, despite its recent increase across the island.”We don’t find any problems with hosting these tournaments because in volleyball, once you say ‘Jamaica’ everybody wants to come,” Speid said. “Our main problem is really the cost, not the crime.”The Jamaica International Badminton Championships is one tournament held over the last two years in Kingston that has brought athletes and spectators to the island from across the world. Jamaica Badminton Association General Secretary Antonio Bell said that like the previous two years, the body has no fears about hosting this year’s event at the National Indoor Sports Centre in March.”We take it (crime) into consideration, but it doesn’t impact our plans directly,” Bell said. “Just like when travelling anywhere in the world, we advise our visitors to be aware and alert. We have ensured, nonetheless, the required security is at the international tournaments we host.”Bell agrees with Speid that Jamaica’s reputation for tourism is a big enough pull to attract foreigners for local tournaments.”Rio was hyped as a hotbed of crime, but people still poured in (for the 2016 Summer Olympics). If people want to come, nothing will stop them.”OFFICIAL FIGURESMontego Bay United Football Club president Orville Powell said that although he could not say whether crime was keeping foreign sports fans away from Montego Bay, as he did not have official figures, he believed that it affects turnout at local games.”There must be people that want to come to games but stay at home because of curfews in their areas,” Powell said. “Sometimes you may find disorder and disturbances in the stadium that may be a deterrent to persons as well, but other than that, I really can’t say.”The Montego Bay Sports Complex will host Group C of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship later this month, and Powell said he haDalready met with the Montego Bay police about ensuring that the venue WILL BE properly secured for the games.
Tanduay tabs solo 3rd; Marinero stuns Racal
LATEST STORIES Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer View comments A more confident Von Tambeling showed up as Tanduay crushed Batangas, 111-86, to move to solo third place in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.ADVERTISEMENT Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal inches closer to entering PH Navy’s fleet Urdaneta leg kicks off Milo 42k series Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ MOST READ Malacañang open to creating Taal Commission
Tambeling scattered 28 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Lester Alvarez added 20 points, six boards, and six assists as the duo captained the Rhum Masters’ third quarter breakaway.“[Coach] said he got me for my scoring and for my effort, so I had to do my part,” said Tambeling, who was once an upstart guard for Letran.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“We know the implications and the impact of this game to the standings,” said coach Lawrence Chongson as Tanduay improved to a 5-2 record.In the second game, Jeffrey Javillonar found Achie Iñigo inside the paint for the go-ahead basket with 44.2 ticks left as Marinerong Pilipino slipped past Racal Motors, 72-71. IT happens: Facebook sorry for Xi Jinping’s name mistranslation End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Marinero trailed by 10 points with 3:07 left but answered back with a commanding 11-0 run, including two big triples from Joseph Marata and a three-point play from Iñigo.Iñigo led Marinero with 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. —WITH CARLO ANOLIN AND KRISTOFER PURNELLSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer LIVE: Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade
What if? Paras plays with idea of teaming up with Clarkson at Gilas
Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny “Imagine what @JordanClarksons and I would do if we were given a chance to play together for Gilas pilipinas,” Paras wrote Monday.The 20-year-old Paras made his Gilas Pilipinas debut last July in the 2017 Jones Cup and won his first Southeast Asian Games gold medal a month later.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogThe 25-year-old Clarkson, who is entering his fourth NBA season, hasn’t played a single game for the Philippines but he remains committed to play barring any scheduling conflict with the NBA.Going back to Paras’ tweet, a Jordan-Kobe backcourt does have a good ring to it. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Photo from Kobe Paras’ Twitter accountRising star Kobe Paras gave Filipino basketball fans something to think about when he posted a photo of himself with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson on Twitter.Paras played with the idea of teaming up with the Fil-American Clarkson for the Philippine national team which may seem far-fetched at this point, but possible in the future.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Durham rues Meralco’s poor endgame in Game 2 loss Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson
NBA: Westbrook says it’s his duty to make George, Anthony comfortable with Thunder
Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. AP Photo/Sue OgrockiEven before the start of the 2017-2018 NBA season, pundits have predicted that the trio of ball dominant superstars Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony will have a hard time figuring out how to balance their touches as a part of the Oklahoma City Thunder starting lineup.Fifteen games into the young season, with a subpar 7-8 record, the perennial All-Stars are slowly finding out how to co-exist on a nightly basis.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Speaking to ESPN’s Royce Young, Westbrook shared that it’s his responsibility to make sure both Anthony and George get into the groove of things.“That’s a part of my job to make sure those guys are [comfortable],” Westbrook said.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBack on the throne“Those guys are great players and my job is to make sure they’re comfortable, and in their spots, and comfortable with the things that best benefits their game,” the reigning NBA MVP added.Currently, the Thunder attains 60 points from its trio of superstars, with George, Anthony and Westbrook averaging 21.6, 20.1 and 19.9 points, respectively. However, the bulk of OKC’s offense currently relies on going with whoever has the hot hand within the trio and taking turns shooting the ball.“Whoever has it going, that’s where the ball’s going. We play off each other and figure it out. The game will tell you what to do,” Westbrook said. Khristian Ibarrola /raRELATED STORY:Spurs overcome 23-point deficit to beat ThunderADVERTISEMENT LOOK: Local basketball courts get makeover for ‘Hyper Court’ experience Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours View comments Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny MOST READ
Nieto twins vow better showing in Game 3
Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Come Game 2, however, the twins barely struck a chord.Matt labored his way to 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting while Mike went scoreless on six field goal attempts as Ateneo lost to La Salle 92-83.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkBoth, however, promised that Game 3 would be different.“Game 3 will be another opportunity for us to showcase our talent, more importantly it’s a do-or-die game for both Ateneo and La Salle,” said Mike in Filipino Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “We promise you guys that we’ll fight and we’ll get that on Sunday.” Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netTwins Matt and Mike Nieto were both instrumental in Ateneo’s 76-70 Game 1 win over De La Salle in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball finals.Both finished with 11 points with Matt starting strong with seven points in the first while Mike played closer with seven in the fourth.ADVERTISEMENT “We know that we’re tougher and we know we can handle that challenge against La Salle,” said Matt. “We know we can trust in ourselves and we trust in our team, and of course we trust in coach Tab [Baldwin]. He can lead us to the promised land.”What made things worse for the twins was Ateneo held a 21-point lead midway through the second, 45-24, only to have it deteriorate into the second half.The Green Archers mounted a 40-10 run heading into the fourth to take a 68-59 lead.“I think what hurts here was we had a 21-point lead and it was gone,” said Mike. “You guys saw that we played our best and worst game in one single day.”ADVERTISEMENT Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award LATEST STORIES Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson
It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson MOST READ Down by 21, Archers refuse to go quietly, force sudden death Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set View comments