06222016 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

EURO 2016

Soccer, Page 5

BAHAMAS’ OLYMPIC BOXING BID THWARTED By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas’ bid to have a boxer qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August was thwarted after Rashield Williams suffered a second round loss at the 2016 World QualifyWILLIAMS ing Event in Baku, Azerbaijan. Williams, the only member of the six-man team to advance out of the first round, lost his men’s light welterweight division or 64 kilogram class 3-0 to Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov of Tajikistan. Two of the three judges scored it 3026 and the other had it 29-27 in favour of Rakhimov. Williams won his opening match on Sunday, 3-0 over Miguel Ferrin from Ecuador, but needed to win his next two matches in order to secure his berth in Rio. He joins the other five members of the team who got eliminated last week.

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PAUL DE SOUZA WINS JR LASER NATIONALS FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR HANGTIME: Bahamas men’s national team eventually lost down the stretch to the Dominican Republic 87-80 on day three of the CentroBasket Tournament in Panama. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 8

Dominican Republic gets 87-80 win over Bahamas By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

fter getting blown out in the first half, the Bahamas men's national team regained their composure in the second half and cut the deficit to two before eventually losing down the stretch to the Dominican Republic 87-80 on day three of the CentroBasket Tournament in Panama. The Bahamas, who fell be-

hind by as much as 18, never led in Tuesday's game to drop their win-loss record to 1-2 in the week-long tournament. The Dominican Republic, who remained undefeated in two games, opened the first quarter on a 23-17 spurt and extended their lead to 43-36 at the half. A 23-18 surge in the third pushed their margin to 66-54 going into the final period. That was when the Bahamas started to turn things around, opening the period on a three-

pointer from David Nesbitt to trim the lead to 66-57. Using a 5-1 span, highlighted by another basket from Nesbitt and a lay-up from Jean 'Rony' Cadot, the Bahamas trimmed the lead to 67-62, only to watch as the Dominican Republic went back up 71-62. The Bahamas used another surge as high school sensation, 7-foot centre DeAndre Ayton, came alive offensively with his first six points to help cut the deficit down to two (73-71) with about three and-a-half minutes

left. They kept it close as Taran Cox converted a pair of free throws to make it 75-73. Once again, Cox kept the Bahamas within two as he scored on a goal-tending basket with 2:55 on the clock. But from there, it was all the Dominican Republic as they went on a mini 4-0 spurt to push their lead to six (79-73) before Leon Cooper scored on a jumper to bring the Bahamas within four (79-75) with

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YOUNG sailor Paul De Souza won the 2016 Bahamas Junior Laser National Championship for the fifth year in a row earlier this month. The ever-changing wind conditions led to frequent lead changes in all the DE SOUZA races but De Souza’s greater experience eventually paid off, beating a fleet of 14 boats including a team of three sailors from Turks and Caicos. De Souza, Cochise Burrows and Spencer Cartwright were tied on six points after the three races on day one of the competition. In wind conditions described as “light and shifty” none managed to gain the ascendancy, all registering a first, second and third in one of the first three races. However, the second day saw De Souza victorious in all four of the races, taking advantage of the light but steadier wind. De Souza, who was educated at St Andrew’s School, competed at the Youth Olympics in 2014 in Nanjing, China, where he was the Bahamian flag carrier.

‘Not being able to represent my country has been difficult for me’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHEN the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosts its National Open Track and Field Championships this weekend at the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, one of the notable athletes who will be missing in action is hurdler Devynne Charlton. Although she has already qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August, the Purdue University junior suffered a back injury that has sidelined her for the rest of the year. She’s back home and has already started her recovery for the 2017 season, but Charlton admitted that it’s going to be a difficult period for her watching the action from the sidelines. “I started my rehab about two weeks ago and everything is coming along very well,” she said. “My recovery has been going

very good and I think I will make a timely recovery to be ready for September when I start preparing for 2017.” While she was disappointed when she got the news that she will have to shut down the remainder of her season as she was preparing for a promising outdoor campaign, Charlton said the fact that she won’t be able to represent the Bahamas has had a drastic effect on her. “Not being able to represent my country has been difficult for me,” Charlton said. “And not being able to come home and compete has been even more difficult for me. We only get to compete here for about twice a year. “So every time I get to come home to compete, I do cherish it. I was really looking forward to coming home and competing in front of the home crowd and the people who have been supporting me, so that kind of hurt.” Based on her performance during the indoor season, Charlton said her coaches, Bahamian

CHARLTON in action. Rolando Greene and Norbert Elliott, had projected her to run atleast 12.8 or better during the outdoor season. But since the injury, Charlton said she was only able to travel to some of the meets that the Purdue Boilermakers competed in, if it didn’t affect her studies. “I just wanted to let them know that I was still there and I was cheering for them,” she said.

“I know I couldn’t help them on the track, but I could be in the stands cheering them on.” And even though she won’t be competing this weekend, Charlton said she doesn’t mind sitting in the stands watching the Nationals this year. “Just knowing that I could have been out there competing is more than enough to keep me motivated,” Charlton said. “I know that I will be in a better place next year and in four years when most people will be in their prime. “This year, I wasn’t really looking for it to be my year. I knew that I had the ability to be right there competing with the top competitors. But to do something big, I think I needed a few more years to mature, so I’m disappointed in that aspect.” Charlton, however, said she had a bittersweet experience watching Pedrya Seymour break the women’s 100m hurdles national record of 13 seconds that she shared with Adanaca Brown, lowering twice with the newest time now posted

at 12.86. “When you set a record, you don’t want to see it go, especially within the year that you set it,” Charlton stated. “But I can look back and say look at where the Bahamian hurdles is going, especially considering that a year or so ago, she was in my position where she was hurt. “So I know how she feels, coming back from that injury and really getting on top of the standings with the national record. I want to congratulate her because it’s good for women’s hurdling in the Bahamas.” Once she’s back healthy and at full strength, Charlton said she’s going to be eager to face the challenge of competing against Seymour as they both compete for NCAA glory before coming home for the nationals. In the meantime, Charlton said she will relish in her absence from the competition this weekend and is eager to visit one or two of the Family Islands as she enjoys the remainder of her summer here at home.

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Taekwondo athletes represent Bahamas on international stage THE Bahamas Taekwondo Federation sent a combined team - consisting of 13 competitors - to the Daedo Truescore Taekwondo Championship at the Educational Center in Miami Lakes, Florida, earlier this month. The competitors comprise of kids from Lynx Taekwondo Bahamas and the TG Glover Taekwondo Club, both coached by Sheano Dorsett and Rudolf Ramsey along with the Bahamas Martial Arts Academy coached by Basil Damianos. The event is one of a series of taekwondo championships hosted by Daedo, the official approved scoring electronic equipment of Olympic Taekwondo and one of a series of Daedo Championships culminating in the Florida Taekwondo Championships next year. This was the first time that these Bahamian participants had experienced international competition

TEAM BAHAMAS at the Daedo Truescore Taekwondo Championship in Miami Lakes, Florida. with the Olympic electronic scoring system, a priceless experience although there was some concern over how the federations theoretical

training - without electronic gear - would fare. Facing competition from taekwondo athletes from the US, Mexico, Peru and

Puerto Rico, pulled off an impressive performance. The Bahamas received the award for the best team performance in Olympic

sparring and taekwondo forms. Bahamas Taekwondo athletes achieved victory in near all of their competi-

tions and garnered interest from coaches from the other countries to enthusiastically ensure that the team would be in attendance at other top line competitions. The Bahamas Taekwondo Federation was very pleased with its performance of Messrs. Dorsett, Ramsey and Damianos and considers it a critical validation of its long term taekwondo athlete development that the Bahamas Olympic Committee endorses. With the continued determination of these taekwondo athletes, the incredible support of their parents and the ambition of the coaches, we plan to make a mark on this circuit, specifically the Florida Championship. “There is much work to be done within our region to assist our developing athletes and we at the Bahamas Taekwondo Federation look forward to working with others in developing the sport of taekwondo,” said a press release.

CYNTHIA RAHMING ATTENDS FIRST EVER PAN AM SPORTS CONTINENTAL ATHLETES’ FORUM BAHAMIAN judo athlete Cynthia Rahming has represented The Bahamas at the first ever Pan American Sports Organisation Continental Athletes Forum. The forum was held May 24-25 and focused on the formation of athletes’ commissions in the region’s various national Olympic committees (NOCs). All 41 countries of the ‘Pan American’ area were represented at the forum. Athletes’ commissions are established to aid the work of the NOCs and to be a voice for the athletes in the administration of sports. The forum concentrated mainly on awareness of the structure of athletes’ commissions and

stressed the importance of taking action by forming such commissions. An agreement was made between the Caribbean athletes to

consolidate and form an athletes’ commission under the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC).

FAR LEFT - Cynthia Rahming with Barbra Kendall, chairman of ANOC Athletes’ Commission, bronze medallist in Sidney 2000, silver medallist Atlanta 1996, gold medallist in Barcelona 2008 (Sailing). LEFT - Cynthia stands next to the Bahamian flag at the first ever PASO continental athlete forum where all 41 countries were represented.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2016, PAGE 3

Senior athletes get set for ‘The Battle of the Stars’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships is all set to be held on Friday and Saturday at the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The event will follow on the heels of the BAAAs Junior Nationals, scheduled for today and Thursday at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium and just before the BAAAs Gala Awards Banquet for 2015 will be held at the Melia Hotel. The National Open will serve as the final trials for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and will have some interesting match-ups, just as there will be for the Junior Nationals. Unlike the Jr Nationals, which will be divided into the under-18 and under-20 categories for both the boys and girls, the National Open will feature just the open men’s and women’s division. • Here’s a look at the top competitors going into the National Open, based on the rankings as released by Trevor Moss. Women’s Division 100m – Top two contenders – Tynia Gaither and Lanece Clarke. Others included are Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, Jermeka McBride, Nivea Smith, Tayla Carter, Sheniqua Ferguson, Petra McDonald, Kaziah Rolle and Andira Ferguson. 200m – Top two contenders – Shaunae Miller and Anthonique Strachan. Others included are Carmeisha Cox, Tynia Gaither, Sheni-

SHAUNAE MILLER

STEVEN GARDINER

TYNIA GAITHER

JEFFERY GIBSON

PEDRYA SEYMOUR

qua Ferguson, Jermeka McBridge, Kaziah Rolle, Shericka Treco, Nivea Smith and Jenae Ambrose. 400m – Top two contenders – Shaunae Miller and Shaquania Dorsett. Others included are Lanece Clarke, Katrina Seymour, Christine Amertil, Rashan Brown, Aaliah Richardson, Miriam Byfield, Shaunte Miller and Shakieths Henfield. 800m – Top two contenders – Teshon Adderley and Miriam Byfield. The other contender is Itsa Smith. 100m hurdles – Top two contenders – Pedrya Seymour and Ivanique Kemp. Others included are Charisma Taylor, Krystal Bodie, Mesha Newbold and Petra McDonald. 400m hurdles – Top two contenders – Katrina Seymour and Mesha Newbold. Another contender is Dae-

jha Moss. High jump – Top two contenders – Kenya Culmer and Mesha Newbold. Another contender is Daejha Moss. Long jump – Top two contenders – Bianca Stuart and Charisma Taylor. Other contenders are Andira Ferguson, Aaliah Richardson and Tamara Myers. Triple jump – Top two contenders – Danielle Gibson and Charisma Taylor. Another contender is Tamara Myers. Shot put – Top contender – Selena Brown. Discus – Top two contenders – Ashley Oembler and Selena Brown. Javelin – Top contender – Carlene Johnson.

Shavez Hart. Other contenders are Jamial Rolle, Kevin Snead, Blake Bartlett, Tadashi Pinder, Johnathan Farquharson, Cliff Resias, Teray Smith and Stefan Hall. 200m – Top two contenders – Shavez Hart and Blake Bartlett. Other contenders are Adrian Griffith, Jamial Rolle, Teray Smith, Elroy McBridge, Ian Kerr, Kevin Snead, Anthony Adderley and Stefan Hall. 400m – Top two contenders – Demetrius Pinder and Alonzo Russell. Other contenders are Chris Brown. Steven Gardiner, LaToy Williams, Michael Mathieu, Wesley Neymour, Steven Newbold, Khari Herbert and Shavez Hart. 800m – Top two contenders – James Carey and Claudius Russell. Other contenders are Krisof Murphy, Zelmon Knowles, Glen

Knowles, Philip Armbrister and Glenroy Newton. 1,500m – Top two contenders – Oneil Williams and Darren Young. The other contender is Glen Knowles. 5,000m – Top contender – Matthew Grammatico. 110m hurdles – Aaron Wilmore and Alexander Storr. The other contender is D’Chaz Moss. 400m hurdles – Top two contenders – Jeffery Gibson and Andre Colebrooke. Other contenders are Ramon Neilly, D’Mitry Charlton, Alexander Storr and Desmond Major. High jump – Top two contenders – Donald Thomas and Trevor Barry. Other contenders are Jyles Etienne, Blayre Fernander, Jamaal Wilson, Ryan Ingraham and D’Chaz Moss. Long jump – Top two contenders – Ubio Maicel

and Drayton Rolle. Other contenders are Lamar Delaney, Oral Rolle, Troy Bullard, Alfredo Smith, Rashad Moxey, Holland Martin, Adrian Griffith and Raymond Higgs. Triple jump – Top two contenders – Latario and Lathone Collie. Other contenders are Jameison Pratt, Leevan Sands and Holland Martin. Shot put – Top two contenders - Malik Stuart and Ubio Maicel. Other contenders are Kyle Higgs, Frederick Laing, Drexel Maycock and Gerrard Burrows. Discus – Top two contenders – Kyle Higgs and Malik Stuart. Other contenders are Ubio Maicel, Gerrard Burrows, Frederick Laing and Drexel Maycock. Javelin – Top contender – Leonardo Romer.

Men’s Division 100m – Top two contenders – Adrian Griffith and

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CAVS READY TO PARADE CITY STREETS AS CHAMPIONS

CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ LeBron James holds up the Larry O’Brien Trophy after arriving in Cleveland on Monday. James came home with the trophy he promised, and the championship Cleveland has coveted for 52 years. The NBA superstar, born and raised in nearby Akron, stepped off a plane Monday and hoisted the shiny Larry O’Brien Trophy as more than 10,000 fans celebrated the city’s first title since 1964. (AP) By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — While playing in Miami, LeBron James regretted not winning an NBA title in Cleveland. “I wish I could have won one there,” he told the AP in 2012 before a practice with the US Olympic team at the London Games. “I could only imagine how the parade would have been down East 9th Street.” He’s about to find out. Cleveland is throwing a parade that’s been on hold for 52 years. Today, hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line downtown streets to celebrate James and the Cavaliers winning the NBA title and giving the city its

first major professional sports championship since 1964. The parade is scheduled to start at 11am in the plaza next to Quicken Loans Arena, which was the epicenter of Sunday night’s massive party when the Cavs completed their historic comeback by rallying from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Golden State Warriors in the sevengame series. Cleveland is the first team in the NBA Finals to come back from that far down. James, who delivered on his promise to win a title for his home state in his second year back with the Cavs after four years with the Heat, will ride with teammates on floats. The procession will leave “The Q” and travel south past Progressive

Field, home of the Indians, before heading down Carnegie Avenue. The 60-unit parade with floats, vehicles and Ohio State’s renowned marching band will then make a left onto East 9th Street — a main drag connecting the Cavs’ home arena with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the shores of Lake Erie. The parade will conclude with a massive rally at Mall B, a large outdoor public space where James and other celebrities are expected to speak. Officials have not provided an estimate for the parade’s crowd, but more than 10,000 fans greeted the Cavs when they arrived at Hopkins International Airport on Monday, hours after their dramatic 93-89 win in

Game 7. The city will be well prepared, and the humongous crowd will serve as a perfect dress rehearsal for next month’s Republican National Convention, which will be held at Quicken Loans now undergoing a makeover. While Cleveland hosts other parades like a popular one on St Patrick’s Day, there hasn’t been a sports parade of this magnitude since 1995, when the Indians were honoured for their first appearance in the World Series since 1954. Former Cleveland residents around the country are scrambling to find a place to stay as downtown hotels are sold out. Officials are urging anyone heading into the city to use mass transit.

A MAN holds up a photo of Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James as he waits the arrival of the team in Cleveland. (AP)

Some Russian Olympians could compete under their own flag By STEPHEN WILSON AP Sports Writer LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Some Russian track and field athletes could be competing under their own flag at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics after all. Leaders of the International Olympic Committee and track’s world governing body appeared split yesterday over the terms of participation of any Russian athletes cleared to compete at the August 5-21 games. While upholding last week’s IAAF decision to ban Russia’s track team for systematic doping, Olympic leaders did not accept the federation’s position on a key issue: that a neutral flag would represent the few athletes given dispensation to apply to compete if they live outside Russia and have undergone rigorous testing. IOC President Thomas Bach said if any Russians are deemed eligible by the IAAF, they would compete under the Russian flag. “If there are athletes qualified, then they will compete as members of the team of the Russian Olympic Committee because only a national Olympic committee can enter athletes to the Olympic Games,” Bach said. “There are no teams of international federations there. And the Russian Olympic Committee is not suspended.” The IAAF appeared caught off guard by Bach’s comments, insisting its position had been accepted by Olympic leaders and saying it will work with the IOC to make sure it is “respected and implemented in full.” The sharp differences between the IOC and the IAAF emerged after a summit of Olympic leaders called by Bach to follow up on the IAAF’s decision to ban Russia and to take further steps to ensure a “level playing field” for athletes in all sports at the

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, IOC, President Thomas Bach, from Germany, speaks yesterday during a press conference after the Olympic Summit IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland. Olympic leaders met to consider further measures to crack down on doping ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in the wake of the ban on Russian track and field athletes. (AP)

Rio Games. The leaders called for drug testing of individual Russian and Kenyan athletes across all sports, warning that evidence of inadequate doping controls in those countries could lead to more teams being barred from the Rio de Janeiro Games. The leaders also called on authorities to pursue sanctions not only against athletes, but against doctors, coaches, officials and other personnel implicated in doping. Bach also lamented “deficiencies” in global drug-testing and urged the World AntiDoping Agency to hold a special conference next year to address the problems. “It has to be more transparent,” Bach said. “Everybody has to understand better who is doing what and who is responsible for what and this needs a full review.” The meeting came four days after the IAAF upheld its ban — first imposed in November — on

Russian athletes for a “systematic and deeply-rooted culture of doping.” The IOC executive board said Saturday it supported and respected the IAAF ruling. On Tuesday, the Olympic leaders agreed “to fully respect” the decision, which Russian officials condemned as unfair to “innocent athletes.” The Russians confirmed they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We consider it unfair on the vast majority of our athletes who have never doped and have not violated any criteria,” Russian Olympic Committee chief Alexander Zhukov told the meeting. “They will be punished for the sins of others.” Zhukov said in comments carried by the Tass news agency that Russia “will not boycott the Olympics, although its national Olympic committee will consider suing the IAAF. The IAAF last week opened the door to a small group of Russian athletes who live and undergo relia-

ble drug-testing outside the country to apply to compete as “neutral” athletes in Rio — not under the Russian flag. The IAAF said only a handful of athletes fell into that category. But Bach ruled out the neutral flag, saying it was not for the IAAF to decide. “We have discussed this decision with the IAAF,” he said. “This decision applies to IAAF competitions (not the Olympics). “The Russian national federation is suspended. Therefore, the IAAF has chosen this option in order to allow competing in their competition. When it comes to Olympic Games, all athletes then are part of the team of the Russian Olympic Committee,” he said when asked by reporters for clarification. The IAAF responded that its ruling on the flag was approved and did apply to the Olympics. The federation said it passed a rule change “to allow Russian athletes to apply for eligibility, on

an exceptional basis and subject to meeting strict criteria in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, in an individual capacity as neutral athletes, not under any country’s flag.” “This decision has been unequivocally supported across sport and the IOC summit today unanimously agreed to fully respect the IAAF decision,” the track federation said. “The IAAF will now work with the IOC to ensure the decision is respected and implemented in full.” In the end, the final word on the participation of Russians could come from CAS, the highest court in sports. “This is the good right of everybody,” Bach said. “So we are expecting the results of these potential court cases.” In a strongly worded speech to the meeting, Zhukov said Russians were turning to CAS to protect athletes with no doping record. “Banning clean ath-

letes from the Rio Olympic Games contradicts the values of the Olympic movement and violates the principles of the Olympic Charter,” he said. “It is also legally indefensible and devalues their competitors’ success.” “We hope that CAS will make an objective, fair and lawful decision, in spite of the already publicly announced position of its president,” he added. That was a shot at CAS President John Coates, who is also an IOC vice president and has spoken in favour of the IAAF ruling. Still looming over the Russians is a WADA investigation into allegations made by Moscow’s former drug lab chief, Grigory Rodchenkov, that he was involved in a state-backed conspiracy to dope Russian athletes ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and swap tainted samples for clean ones during the games. WADA’s final report is due by July 15. If it uncovers further widespread, state-backed cheating in Russia, it could push for further action against Russia. The summit expanded the scope of the doping investigations to deal with all sports in Russia and Kenya, two countries deemed noncompliant with WADA’s rules. The summit, which also cited “substantial allegations” against those countries, put the onus on each international sports federation to make sure their athletes are clean ahead of the Rio Games. Kenya — home to many of the world’s top distance runners — has been hit by dozens of positive drug cases in recent years and has struggled to set up a credible anti-doping system. IAAF officials, however, have said Kenya should not be in danger of missing the games, because its athletes have been subjected to extensive international testing.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2016, PAGE 5

Croatia stun Spain to leave champions facing Italy SPAIN’S 12-year unbeaten run at the European Championship ended yesterday when Croatia stunned the two-time champions and pitched them into a repeat of the final four years ago against Italy in the knockout stage next week. The 2-1 defeat in Bordeaux dropped Spain to second place in Group D, with Ivan Perisic’s 87th minute winner changing the whole complexion of the tournament. A draw would have been enough for Spain to secure first place in the group and a potentially easier second round game. Now they will have to face the Italians at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Monday - a repeat of the 2012 final that Spain won 4-0. Croatia will play one of the third-place teams in the northern French city of Lens on Saturday. “It’s not the best path for us, but you never know where the danger will be,” Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said. “We wanted to advance in first place but we are prepared to overcome this.” It had all started so well for Spain, when striker Alvaro Morata put his side ahead in the seventh minute, redirecting the ball into the net after a shot by midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Nikola Kalinic equalized just before halftime when he steered a Perisic cross into the Spain net with a clever back-heel flick. Spain had a chance to retake the lead, but defender Sergio Ramos saw his penalty saved by Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic in the 72nd minute. It proved to be a costly miss when Perisic finished off a swift counter attack with a low left-foot shot that beat Spain goalkeeper David De Gea at his near post. Both teams had gone into the match at the Stade de Bordeaux guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage. However, both teams wanted to win to avoid the Italians and that was evident in the starting lineup that Del Bosque picked - the same that won the first two games. “We have to get over this,” Del Bosque said. “Now we have to prepare well.” The result ended Spain’s 14game unbeaten streak at the European Championship over two tournaments. It also ended the team’s run of seven straight games without conceding a goal. The last time it had conceded

CROATIA’s Ivan Perisic celebrates yesterday after scoring his side’s 2nd goal during the Euro Group D match against Spain at the Nouveau Stade in Bordeaux, France. (AP) was in a 1-1 draw against Italy in their first group match in the 2012 tournament - 734 minutes ago. “It’s better to lose now than on Monday (against Italy),” Spain striker Manuel “Nolito” Agudo said. “It will be harder now, but you have to beat everybody to be the champion. We still depend on ourselves. We will be ready to play Italy.” Croatia’s surprise victory came despite playing without star midfielder Luka Modric and forward Mario Mandzukic, both out with muscle injuries. “The team spirit helped us and we were fighting until the last minute,” Perisic said. “I think we can go far now. If we play like this we can go to the very end.” Croatia had not beaten Spain since a 2-0 result in friendly in Valencia in 1994. The teams had also met in the final group game at Euro 2012, when the Spanish ran out 1-0 winners. Turkey rebounded from two losses to beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Lens and keep alive their slim chances of reaching the knockout stages from Group D. With their team having failed to score in defeats to Spain and Croatia, some Turkish fans celebrated with firecrackers and flares that landed on the pitch after the second goal at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Turkey must wait until the fi-

nal group matches are played today to discover whether they can advance as one of the four best third-place teams. The Czechs were eliminated, 20 years after their team reached the final and 40 years after becoming European champions as Czechoslovakia. Turkey coach Fatih Terim stuck by striker Burak Yilmaz, despite his disappointing performances in earlier matches, and the act of faith paid off. Yilmaz struck early, rounding off a swift counter attack just 10 minutes into the game. Emre Mor broke down the right flank before crossing for Yilmaz, who beat Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech at the near post with a first-time right foot shot. As the Czechs pushed forward, they also opened up their defence to the Turkish attack and Ozan Tufan doubled the lead in the 65th minute, hammering a rising shot past Cech from close range following a free kick by Selcuk Inan. “If we advance, we can do what we did in Euro 2008, because our confidence is growing now,” Terim said. Theh the Turks reached the semi-finals, their best ever result. Two veteran Czech players - striker David Lafata and midfielder Jaroslav Plasil - announced their retirement from international football after the defeat.

PLUCKY IRISH JOIN GERMANY IN QUALIFYING FOR KNOCKOUT STAGE GERMANY missed a series of clear chances during their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Paris yesterday but ensured the 2014 World Cup winners topped Group C and advanced to the knockout stages of the European Championship. Northern Ireland did not care that they had lost. Three hours later, their place in the round of 16 was confirmed by Turkey’s win against the Czech Republic in Group D. That ensured Northern Ireland - watched in the stands by former world No.1 golfer Rory McIlroy - will be among the four best third-placed teams to advance. “What we have done over the three games we have deserved that chance,” Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill said after his team’s one-sided loss. Germany pounded Northern Ireland, particularly during a frantic passage of play in the first half, but were consistently denied by the woodwork and the heroics of goalkeeper Michael McGovern. “It was the game of their lives against the world champion,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said. “We could have had 3-0 or 4-0 at halftime.” Only Mario Gomez’s 30thminute goal separated the teams at the end. Gomez’s side-footed goal from around 10 yards owed much to Thomas Mueller, whose run across the penalty area drew the goalkeeper and two defend-

COPA AMERICA SEMIS Last night United States v Argentina Today Colombia v Chile (8pm) FINAL Sunday (8pm)

NORTHERN Ireland’s Steven Davis applauds at the end of the Euro Group C match against Germany at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, yesterday. (AP) ers out of position. Germany now meet a thirdplace team in the next round in Lille. Northern Ireland progress too, even though they ended the group in third place with only three points following an earlier victory over Ukraine. For that, McGovern was crucial under the complex tiebreaker system being used at Euro 2016 for the first time. He pulled off a number of key saves to keep his side in the match and avoid a negative goal difference over their three games. “If we had to lose, that was the best defeat we could have had,” O’Neill said. “We hung in there and we defended great. Michael has had a fantastic night in goal.” McGovern, 31, was little known coming to Euro 2016 but has been exceptional. His protection by two 36-year-olds in defence hints at the hard-work ethos that has served Northern Ireland well in their first major tournament in 30 years. Mueller also struck the goal frame twice in the first half, and Germany fired 26 attempts on goal in total compared to Northern Ireland’s two. A chant of “We’re not going

home” at the final whistle from noisy, boisterous green-clad Northern Irish fans who filled one end of the Parc des Princes suggested they expected to see at least one more match. They will - possibly at the same venue on Saturday against Wales. Poland will play Switzerland on Saturday in the last 16 with questions hanging over the form of star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Poles cemented their first appearance in the knockout stage with a 1-0 win in Marseille against already eliminated Ukraine. Usually so clinical for Bayern Munich, and the top scorer in Euro 2016 qualifying with 13 goals, Lewandowski not only failed to find the net in Poland’s three group matches, he also failed to have a single shot on target. Second-half substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski struck the winner in the 54th minute as Poland qualified second from the group behind Germany. Lewandowski missed an easy first half chance when he was given time and space in front of goal by a scything pass from Arkadiusz Milik and squandered two other good chances. Coach Adam Nawalka insisted that he is not concerned. “The fact that Robert Lewandowski hasn’t scored a goal yet is not a problem whatsoever for our team,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time. He’s creating more and more chances and I think he will score in the next match.” He focused on the striker’s link-up play with teammates, saying he is “doing a lot of fantastic work” and is “the steam power of the locomotive we have”. Improving Poland, bottom of their group in 2008 and 2012, advance for the first time with a team that is solid defensively. But they will need Lewandowski to start firing on all cylinders for their adventure to continue.

EURO 2016 AT A GLANCE

Kick offs Bahamian time All matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes Friday, June 10 Group A: France 2 (Giroud, Payet) Romania 1 (Stancu) Saturday, June 11 Group A: Albania 0 Switzerland 1 (Schaer) Group B: Wales 2 (Bale, Robson-Kanu) Slovakia 1 (Duda) Group B: England 1 (Dier) Russia 1 (Berezuktski) Sunday, June 12 Group D: Turkey 0 Croatia 1 (Modric) Group C: Poland 1 (Milik) Northern Ireland 0 Group C: Germany 2 (Mustafi, Schweinsteiger) Ukraine 0 Monday, June 13 Group D: Spain 1 (Pique) Czech Republic 0 Group E: Ireland 1 (Hoolahan) Sweden 1 (Clark og) Group E: Belgium 0 Italy 2 (Giaccherini, Pelle) Tuesday, June 14 Group F: Austria 0 Hungary 2 (Szalai, Stieber) Group F: Portugal 1 (Nani) Iceland 1 (Bjarnason) Wednesday, June 15 Group B: Russia 1 (Glushakov) Slovakia 2 (Weiss, Hamsik) Group A: Romania 1 (Stancu) Switzerland 1 (Mehmedi) Group A: France 2 (Griezmann, Payet) Albania 0 Thursday, June 16 Group B: England 2 (Vardy, Sturridge) Wales 1 (Bale) Group C: Ukraine 0 Northern Ireland 1 (McAuley, McGinn) Group C: Germany 0 Poland 0 Friday, June 17 Group E: Italy 1 Sweden 0 (Eder) Group D: Czech Republic 2 (Skoda, Necid) Croatia 2 (Perisic, Rakitic) Group D: Spain 3 (Morata 2, Agudo Duran) Turkey 0 Saturday, June 18 Group E: Belgium 3 (Lukaku 2, Witsel) Ireland 0 Group F: Iceland 1 (Sigurdsson) Hungary (Saevarsson og) Group F: Portugal 0 Austria 0 Sunday, June 19 Group A: France 0 Switzerland 0 Group A: Romania 0 Albania 1 (Sadiku) Monday, June 20 Group A: Slovakia 0 England 0 Group A: Russia 0 Wales 3 (Ramsey, Taylor, Bale) Tuesday, June 21 Group C: Northern Ireland 0 Germany 1 (Gomez) Group C: Ukraine 0 Poland 1 (Blaszczykowski) Group D: Croatia 2 (Kalinic, Perisic) Spain 1 (Morata) Group D: Czech Republic 0 Turkey 2 (Yilmaz, Tufan) Wednesday, June 22 Group F: Hungary v Portugal (noon) Group F: Iceland v Austria (noon) Group E: Sweden v Belgium (3pm) Group E: Italy v Ireland (3pm)

STANDINGS

GROUP A P W D L F A Pts France 3 2 1 0 4 1 7 Switzerland 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Albania 3 1 0 2 1 3 3 Romania 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 GROUP B P W D L F A Pts Wales 3 2 0 1 6 3 6 England 3 1 2 0 3 2 5 Slovakia 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Russia 3 0 1 2 2 6 1 GROUP C P W D L F A Pts Germany 3 2 1 0 3 0 7 Poland 3 2 1 0 2 0 5 N Ireland 3 1 0 2 2 2 3 Ukraine 3 0 0 3 0 5 0 GROUP D P W D L F A Pts Croatia 3 2 1 0 5 3 7 Spain 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Turkey 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Czech Rep 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 GROUP E P W D L F A Pts Italy 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Belgium 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Sweden 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Ireland 2 0 1 1 1 4 1 GROUP F P W D L F A Pts Hungary 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 Iceland 2 0 2 0 2 2 2 Portugal 2 0 2 0 1 1 2 Austria 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw Top two teams in each group plus the four third-place teams with the best records qualify for the knockout stages Leading goalscorers 3: Bale (Wales), Morata (Spain). 2: Stancu (Romania), Payet (France), Lukaku (Belgium), Perisic (Croatia). 1: Giroud (France), Schaer (Switzerland), Robson-Kanu (Wales), Duda (Slovakia), Dier (England), Berezutski (Russia), Modric (Croatia), Milik (Poland), Mustafi (Germany), Schweinsteiger (Germany), Pique (Spain), Hoolahan (Ireland), Giaccherini (Italy), Pelle (Italy), Szalai (Hungary), Stieber (Hungary), Nani (Portugal), Bjarnason (Iceland), Weiss (Slovakia), Hamsik (Slovakia), Glushakov (Russia), Mehmedi (Switzerland), Griezmann (France), Vardy (England), Sturridge (England), McAuley (Northern Ireland), McGinn (Northern Ireland), Eder (Italy), Rakitic (Croatia), Skoda (Czech Republic), Necid (Czech Republic), Agudo Duran (Spain), Witsel (Belgium), Sigurdsson (Iceland), Sadiku (Albania), Ramsey (Wales), Taylor (Wales), Gomez (Germany), Blaszczykowski (Poland), Kalinic (Croatia), Yilmaz (Turkey), Tufan (Turkey). ROUND OF LAST 16 Saturday, June 25 1 Switzerland v Poland (9am) 2 Wales v Group A, C or D third (noon) 3 Croatia v Group B, E or F third (3pm) Sunday, June 26 4 France v Group C, D or E third (9am) 5 Germany v Group A, B or F third (noon) 6 Group F winner v Group E second (3pm) Monday, June 27 7 Italy v Spain (noon) 8 England v Group F second (3pm) QUARTER-FINALS Thursday, June 30 A Winner (1) v Winner (3) (3pm) Friday, July 1 B Winner (2) v Winner (6) (3pm) Saturday, July 2 C Winner (5) v Winner (7) (3pm) Sunday, July 3 D Winner (4) v Winner (8) (3pm) SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, July 6 Winner A v Winner B (3pm) Thursday, July 7 Winner C v Winner D (3pm) FINAL Sunday, July 10 At Saint-Denis, Paris (3pm)

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 22, 2016, PAGE 7

Uno Mas overall winners of Billfish Championship WITH victories in two of the three of the legs they fished, the team aboard Uno Mas took the overall Bahamas Billfish Championship (BBC) this year, ending Wave Paver’s two-year run of success. The 43rd annual championship - the oldest billfish tournament series in the world - featured excellent fishing, with the participating boats in the four-round series releasing a total of 105 billfish - 51 Blue Marlin, 34 White Marlin and 20 Sailfish. Of those releases, Uno Mas - led by Brooks Smith released 11 blues, four whites and sailfish. In the Boat Harbour Championship, Uno Mas - a 69ft Bayliss - came in first and won the $5,000 Grand Slam Bonus by releasing a Blue Marlin, a White Marlin and a Sailfish all before 9.30am on the first day of the tournament. Uno Mas went on to win leg three in Marsh Harbour and placed second in the Treasure Cay Championship. With an impressive 9,900 total points, Uno Mas earned the beautiful and unique overall championship trophy designed in Murano, Italy, by the artists at Orovetro Murano Company commissioned especially for the BBC.

BROOKS SMITH and the team aboard Uno Mas are the 2016 Bahamas Billfish Championship victors. Sander, Jeremy and Chris aboard the Uno Mas each received Top Crew trophies.

Last year’s champions, team Wave Paver, took second place with 8,350 points. Aboard his 61ft

Garlington, Jr Davis led his team to victory with second places in the Guana Cay and Marsh Har-

bour Championships and a victory in the Treasure Cay Championship.Contact: Long-time BBC participant Bill Canida has been fishing the series aboard his 41ft Cabo, Bamboo, for many years. Team Bamboo won the Guana Cay Championship and third places in the Boat Harbour and the Treasure Cay Championships gave them 6,400 total points. Team Bamboo released seven Blue Marlin, two White Marlin and four Sailfish this season. Tournament sponsors HUK Performance Fishing and Required Team Gear supplied the anglers with BBC-logoed sportswear and artwork by the tournament artist Carey Chen. Other major sponsors included: AIG, Costa, ZF Marine, VetusMaxwell, Aqualuma, Bluewater Chairs, Denison Yacht Sales, Roff’s, Simrad, Starbrite, Abaco Cays Realty, Abaco Gold, Bodo Muche, Black Bart Lures, and Silver Airways, the official airline of the BBC. The BBC is produced and managed by AIM Marine Group. For information, results and overall standings, visit www.bahamasbillfish.com or follow on Facebook (Bahamas Billfish Championship) or on Twitter @Bahamasbillfish.

THe WeaTHer repOrT

5-Day Forecast

TOday

OrlandO

High: 93° F/34° C low: 74° F/23° C

Tampa

THursday

FrIday

saTurday

sunday

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Partly cloudy

Partly sunny

Mostly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Clouds and sun with a shower

High: 90°

Low: 79°

High: 91° Low: 77°

High: 90° Low: 76°

High: 88° Low: 79°

High: 88° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

106° F

89° F

107°-88° F

107°-85° F

106°-89° F

107°-88° F

High: 91° F/33° C low: 77° F/25° 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: 85° F/29° C low: 78° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

High: 89° F/32° C low: 79° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

FT. lauderdale

FreepOrT

High: 89° F/32° C low: 80° F/27° C

W S

WesT palm BeaCH

uV inDex toDay

TOnIGHT

High: 88° F/31° C low: 77° F/25° C

mIamI

High: 90° F/32° C low: 80° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

Key WesT

High: 88° F/31° C low: 80° F/27° C

eleuTHera

nassau

High: 90° F/32° C low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C low: 81° F/27° C

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

9:59 a.m. 10:21 p.m.

2.5 3.2

4:04 a.m. 3:55 p.m.

0.0 0.0

Thursday

10:43 a.m. 11:03 p.m.

2.5 3.1

4:45 a.m. 4:40 p.m.

0.0 0.0

Friday

11:29 a.m. 11:48 p.m.

2.6 3.1

5:28 a.m. 5:27 p.m.

0.0 0.1

Saturday

12:20 p.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

2.6 ‑‑‑‑‑

6:13 a.m. 6:20 p.m.

0.0 0.2

Sunday

12:37 a.m. 1:15 p.m.

3.0 2.7

7:01 a.m. 7:18 p.m.

0.0 0.2

Monday

1:31 a.m. 2:13 p.m.

2.9 2.8

7:53 a.m. 8:22 p.m.

0.0 0.2

Tuesday

2:29 a.m. 3:15 p.m.

2.8 3.0

8:49 a.m. ‑0.1 9:28 p.m. 0.2

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:21 a.m. 8:03 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

9:54 p.m. 8:20 a.m.

last

new

First

Full

Jun. 27

Jul. 4

Jul. 11

Jul. 19

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 ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 90° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.86” Year to date ............................................... 20.97” Normal year to date ................................... 12.10”

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

andrOs

san salVadOr

GreaT eXuma

High: 86° F/30° C low: 80° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C low: 80° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C low: 80° F/27° C

W S

lOnG Island

insurance management tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C low: 80° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

mayaGuana High: 87° F/31° C low: 81° F/27° C

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

CrOOKed Island / aCKlIns

tonight’s lows.

raGGed Island High: 86° F/30° C low: 81° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C low: 81° F/27° C

GreaT InaGua High: 89° F/32° C low: 82° F/28° C

8‑16 knots

10‑20 knots

marine Forecast aBaCO andrOs CaT Island CrOOKed Island eleuTHera FreepOrT GreaT eXuma GreaT InaGua lOnG Island mayaGuana nassau raGGed Island san salVadOr

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots

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

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

WATER TEMPS. 79° F 81° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 81° F 83° F 83° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 80° F 79° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 82° F

PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamas falls to the Dominican Republic, 87-80 FROM PAGE 1 2:18 left. Another jumper by Cox at 1:41 trimmed the lead back to two, 79-77. The Dominican Republic went on another 4-0 spurt to go up 83-77. The Bahamas got a free throw from Michael Carey with 48 seconds for a 8378 deficit. The Bahamas had a couple of chances in the winding seconds to put another dent into the lead, including an attempted three-pointer from Able Joseph, but the Dominican Republic managed to hold on for the win. Before he fouled out, David Nesbitt led the Bahamas with 18 points and five rebounds. Leon Cooper also fouled out, but left with 16 points and Tehran Cox, the only other player in double figures, also fouled out, scoring 14 points with four rebounds and six turnovers. Ayton stepped up big defensively with 15 rebounds and three blocks, while finishing with nine points, all coming in the fourth quarter. The Bahamas, coached by Mario Bowleg, Norris Bain, Kevin 'KJ' Johnson and Wayde Watson, now sits in third place in Group B behind Mexico and the Dominican Republic, who will meet in a match-up of the undefeated today. The Bahamas will have the day off and will close out play in the round robin on Thursday against Mexico. The Bahamas lost its opener 82-74 to the British Virgin Islands on day one of the tournament on Sunday, but bounced back to rout Costa Rica 82-58 on Monday.

BAHAMAS’ OLYMPIC BOXING BID THWARTED FROM PAGE 1

BAHAMAS men’s national team eventually lost down the stretch to the Dominican Republic 87-80 on day three of the CentroBasket Tournament in Panama.

Efforts to contact Williams or the coaching staff that include Valentino Williams, Ronn Rodgers and Godfrey Strachan proved fruitless up to press time. On Saturday, heavyweight (91kg) Davon Hamilton became the fifth boxer to get eliminated after he lost 3-0 to Croatia’s JosipBepo Filipi as all three judges scored it 30-25. On Friday, three boxers were ousted. Carl Hield lost his men’s middleweight (75kg) bout 3-0 loss to Spain’s Damian Biacho Bolequia with the judges all scoring it 29-28; light heavyweight (81 kg) Israel Johnson went down 3-0 to Heegeun Yang from Korea with the judges all scoring it 30-27 and super heavyweight Kieshno Major lost 3-0 to Konstantin Li from Kyrgyzstan as the three judges scored it 29-28. On Thursday, Rudolph Regis was the first boxer eliminated after he lost 3-0 to Chu-En Lai from Chinese Taipei in the men’s lightweight (60kg) as two judges scored it 30-24 and the other scored it 30-25. The boxers were hoping to join the athletes, who have already qualified from track and field and the swimmers. Emily Morley has also been invited to compete in rowing. It was hoped that the boxers would have representation, but they all fell short in the final qualifier.