SPORTS SECTION E
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016
CentroBasket
Team Bahamas , Page 8
JOANNA EVANS MAKES A CUT FOR THE RIO OLYMPICS By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
BUDDY HIELD, right, shares a special moment with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans during last night’s NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP)
‘Buddy Buckets’ goes to Pelicans at No.6
By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BROOKLYN, New York — The New Orleans Pelicans drafted arguably the best shooter in the NBA Draft and an entire new fanbase of about 400,000 Bahamian fans. The Pelicans chose Grand Bahamian native and former Oklahoma Sooner Buddy Hield with the No.6 overall selection in last night’s NBA Draft at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. It marked the first time the Pelicans kept their first round draft selection since they took Anthony Davis at No.1 in 2012. Hield, a favourite to fill the starting shooting guard spot for the Pelicans right away, was awed by the moment of realising a lifelong dream and already plans a way to fit into the system. “I’m speechless right now and thank God I got the opportunity to play with New Orleans picking me. When I go there, I’ll be a high-character guy, bring a lot of energy. I know most of you guys watched me during the year, I’m a scorer. I can shoot the ball a lot. Love to shoot. And I feel like when I go there I can open up the floor for Anthony Davis and other guys to be able to penetrate. “And for a guy like Anthony Davis, they have a guy like me who can shoot the ball really well, can keep the floor spaced. Create more space,” Hield said. “I’m so happy, man, not only for me but for all the kids back in the Bahamas. The norm is that we never make it out there. To be one of the few that make it out there, so being one of the few that makes it out there helps
BUDDY HIELD answers questions during an interview after being selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans last night. (AP) me give to the kids and inspire them, like okay, there will be more that will make it out there.” Hield’s stock rose after he completed a star-studded senior season for the Sooners which concluded with a litany of awards including the John R Wooden, Naismith and Oscar Robertson Player of the Year trophies. He was also named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches firstteam, a first-team All-American by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), Sports Illustrated and USA Today. His list of honours also includes the Sporting News Player of the Year, USBWA District VI Player of the Year, CBS Sports Player of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year and the All-Big 12 first-team. He said he was now ready to embrace the
culture of a new home. “I know they have great food, I know it’s not too far from the Bahamas. I know they have beaches, not like the Bahamas, but there are beaches there so that’s always good. Like I said it’s not too far from home so I love it. They have a rich culture like we do with Mardi Gras and everything, we have Junkanoo so it’s a great fit,” Hield said. “New Orleans guy who is known for his basketball but at the same time who is going to help the community. I’ll do whatever it takes to win and I hate losing so they’re getting a hard worker, someone who will do everything they can for this organisation.” The last time Hield played in Louisiana, it was as a member of the Sooners when they defeated LSU 77-75 in Baton Rouge. Hield had 32 points and made 7-8 three pointers in the contest. This year’s draft marks the beginning of a busy offseason for the Pelicans, who are trying to give All-Star forward Anthony Davis a stronger supporting cast. The Pelicans shot 36 per cent from three with Luke Babbit, Toney Douglas, Gordon, and Ryan Anderson - they were the top three-point shooters, but none played more than 66 games. “He’s a phenomenal player,” Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said in brief comments after the pick. “He’s a player we targeted. We’re thrilled to have him.” Hield plans to bring the Bahamian faithful with him to New Orleans. “They know what I bring to the table,” Hield said. “I’m just ready for the Bahamas to come out and support me in New Orleans. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
JOANNA Evans was waiting for this time for a long time. She came home and finally posted her A qualifying time in the women’s 800 metres for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August. EVANS The University of Texas Longhorns’ junior came home and, on the first day of the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 45th Royal Bank of Canada National Championships, she not only surpassed the A standard for the Olympics, but she shattered every record on the books in the process. The Grand Bahama native, who came having done the B standard of eight minutes and 51.96 seconds, won the gruelling race yesterday at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex in 8:32.19 to surpass the A standard of 8:33.97 to solidify her spot for Rio with double qualifier Arianna VanderpoolWallace. She also lowered both her National and Open records of 8:59.49 she set back in 2013 and her Bahamas record of 8:37.18 that she posted in 2015. After the victory, Evans said she was just relieved that she did the A qualifying time. “Honestly, I can’t really say I expected that time,” Evans told The Tribune after the performance. “I asked the girl swimming next to me if she was going to go for it and after she said yeah, I went for it. I tried it a couple of times and I didn’t get it, so I’m just happy that I finally got it.” Evans’ event was one of the first finals completed last night. Results of the other events were not available. But her win came after Anya MacPhail of the Barracuda Swim Club took the girls 1314 800m in 10:16.88. The holder of the younger divisional national record in 9:32.53 coasted to her win in the open division over her Swift Swimming teammate Lilly Higgs, who did 9:53.87. “To come home and swim this fast is just amazing,” said Evans, who will now concentrate on a possible second qualifier in the 400m free. “I’ve been trying for this time for so long and after coming so close in the past, I’m just glad that it all finally came together in this meet.” Evans, 18, is still trying to relish in the moment, but she said she is just so thrilled to be an official Olympic qualifier that she can now go to sleep. While Evans and Vanderpool-Wallace are the only two official Olympic qualifiers for the Bahamas, Elvis Burrows and Dustin Tynes are both waiting in the wings with their B qualifying marks. Over the next three days, they are both hoping that with the international field of competitors competing in the Nationals, they will be able to lower their marks. If they fail to do it this weekend, they can still come back next week when the BSF hosts the Caribbean Islands Swim Championships from Wednesday to Sunday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
Divine Parker qualifies for the IAAF World Youths in 100, 200 By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net DIVINE Parker completed the sprint double and dipped under the qualifying standard for the 2016 IAAF World Youth Championships in both events. The under-18 competitor, who moved up to the under-20 division, was joined by hurdler Bronson Rolle, who achieved the standards on day two of the championship yesterday at the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium as they look ahead to the trip to Poland in July. Parker, a protégé of Pauline Davis-Thompson, exploded out of the blocks and like she did in the 100m the night before, the rest of the field was unable to catch her as she crossed the finish line in 23.91 seconds to go under the qualifying time of 11.80. Her nearest rival was Alexis Gray in 24.87. Doneisha Anderson was third in 25.31. The result of the under-20 boys
200m was not available. But in the under-18 boys 200m, Johnathan Smith added to his title in the 100m by winning the halflap race in 22.16. Karon Bain got second in 22.56 and Max Azor came in third in 22.67. Megan Moss also added to the under-18 girls 200m to her century collection with her winning time of 25.20. Kendesha Ingraham was second in 25.62 and Rashan Darling got third in 25.81. Branson Rolle, in winning the under-20 boys 400m hurdles, pulled away from the four-man field to take the title in 52.12 as he went well under the World Youth qualifying time of 53.20. Jarrod Stuart came in second in 56.31 and Alexander Storr was third in 57.18. The under-20 girls 400m hurdles was won by Dreshanae Rolle in 1:01.60. Gabrielle Gibson was second in 1:03.73 and Daejha Moss was third in 1:06.05. Glen Knowles took the under-20 boys 800m in 1:57.86, while Ricardo Richardson got second in
DIVINE PARKER 2:00.70. Glenroy Newton came in third in 2:01.45. Nicole Callis won
the under-20 girls two lap race in 2:23.46, holding off Breanna Pratt, who did 2:41.05. Joseph Lheyinne Joseph, winner of the 1,500m the night before, took the 3,000m in 10:25.26 over Richardson Ambrose, who did 11:05.25. On the field, Holland Martin was the competitor in the under-20 boys triple jump, winning with 15.02 metres. Martin was the winner of the long jump the night before. Tristen Hanna won the under-18 boys triple jump with 13.31m. Andira Ferguson won the under-20 girls long jump with 5.67m, followed by Charisma Taylor with 5.56m. Daejha Moss was third with 5.12m. Dejanique Turnquest was the lone competitor in the under-18 division, clearing 3.90m for the win. Douvankiylin Rolle won the under-20 boys pole vault, soaring 3.70m - the same height as Ramel Poitier. Serena Brown, who qualified for the World Youth in the discus
the night before, picked up another victory in the under-20 girls shot put with her heave of 12.99m. Tiffany Hanna got second with 11.42m and Tahj’Nee Thurston was third with 11.12m Blayre Fernander took the under-20 boys high jump with 1.95m over Aaron Ross, who cleared 1.90m. Jyles Etienne had the best performance of the night, winning the under-18 boys event with 2.10m. Benjamin Clarke came in second with the second best height of 2.05m and Kyle Alcine was third with 1.95m. Malik Stuart got another win in the under-20 boys shot put with a heave of 16.27m over Perry Adderley, who had a toss of 14.95m. With the junior nationals over and done with, the BAAA will now switch its attention to the senior nationals slated to begin tonight and continue Saturday.Then at 3pm on Sunday, the BAAA will hold its awards banquet for the 2015 season at the Melia Hotel, Cable Beach.
PAGE 2, Friday, June 24, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
BAHAMAS SWIMMING FEDERATION’S 45TH RBC NATIONAL SWIM CHAMPIONSHIPS
MAKING A SPLASH: Swimmers compete yesterday during the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 45th Royal Bank of Canada National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex. Photos by Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 24, 2016, PAGE 3
Come out and cheer for athletes in the pool and on the track, field It’s not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish • The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to comment on the state of affairs in local sports, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures. THE WEEK THAT WAS This is the time of the year that all sports fanatics relish in. It’s the National Championships and the Bahamas Swimming Federation and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations are clashing at the same time. It reminds me of travelling to cover an Olympic or Commonwealth Games where you have to shuffle from one venue to the other to view the Bahamian athletes in action. The BSF and the BAAA Nationals will be held in adjacent venues with swimming being staged at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex and the track and field at the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Both venues are buzzing with activities, but so far swimming has drawn a lot of the attention with more spectators in the stands, due largely to the fact that their arena is not as large as where the track and field is being staged. Plus, there are a number of international swimmers in town as they attempt to represent their country by producing the qualifying standards for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de
“THE GOOD THING ABOUT THIS WEEKEND’S SPORTS FESTIVAL IS THAT YOU CAN WALK FROM ONE VENUE TO THE OTHER TO EXPERIENCE THE HIGH LEVEL OF COMPETITION THAT WILL BE ON DISPLAY. NEITHER SPORTING BODY SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE OTHER. THEY ALL HAVE SOME OUTSTANDING ATHLETES FOR THE PUBLIC TO COME OUT AND WATCH. ”
JUNIOR athletes compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Junior Track and Field Championships at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Photos by Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff Janeiro, Brazil in August. The Bahamas, on the other hand, has four competitors who are hoping to secure their berths in Rio. Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace leads the charge. She has automatically qualified
in two events. Elvis Burrows, Dustin Tynes and Joanna Evans have done the B standard and are waiting on the final If the line-up of international stars in town is any indication, the swimming
TROYANN FORBES, a senior at LN Coakley High School in Exuma, will use The Pompey Scholarship to attend Acadia University in Canada. She plans on studying biology. Photo by Kevin Taylor/ Dreamkatcher Media
LN COAKLEY GRADUATE TROYANN FORBES AWARDED 1ST EVER POMPEY SCHOLARSHIP IT was more than 185 years ago that Pompey, a slave living in Exuma, sparked a rebellion that stopped a transfer order that would have separated 77 men, women and children from their families. On a sunny day in Emerald Bay, LN Coakley High School helped write the next page in Bahamian history when a young woman was awarded the first ever Pompey Scholarship for her commitment not only to her studies, but the community at large. The best part? Troyann Forbes said she never saw it coming. “It feels wonderful and it is very overwhelming. I did not expect it at all,” said Forbes, who will attend Acadia University in Canada this fall to study biology. “I am just so grateful.” The Pompey Scholarship is the aftermath of the inaugural Run for Pompey, held last October during National Heroes Day Weekend. It attracted more than 200 runners from four different countries, including Canada, the United States, the UK and The Bahamas. Featuring a 2K “George Town Dash”, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and the country’s first and only 50K “ultra-marathon” race, Run for Pompey takes to the streets of Exuma once more on October 9, 2016. You can learn more about the race and register for the races here. The event features commemorative Pompey medals for all participants, woodcarved trophies for the winners by age category and even a special “Pasta Night Party” the evening before the race
at Grand Isle Resort, the official hotel partner. Legendary “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis-Thompson will again serve as Run for Pompey’s patron and drape medals around every neck at the finish line, while offering remarks during the Pasta Night and at LN Coakley High School. The latter, LN Coakley High School, and its bright young minds are the inspiration behind the event for co-founders Kevin Taylor, the owner of DreamKatcher Media, and the team at GIV Bahamas Inc in Exuma. “It is a proud moment today,” said Lynmore Taylor, who represented GIV Bahamas Inc. “This is our first scholarship and we plan to do many more. We are proud to be an organisation based on community and helping young people.” GIV Bahamas Inc. is joined by a number of sponsors, including BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Limited, MRI Nassau and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “We believe Run for Pompey cements the legacy, history and culture of Exuma,” said Chester Cooper, president of BAF Financial and title sponsor of the race. “Exuma is a magnificent place. Pompey has a magnificent story. The legacy and history, mixed with the event
itself, on the marathon and tourism calendar of the Bahamas, make this a magnificent offering.” Cooper, who was on hand to present The Pompey Scholarship, added that BAF’s support of Run for Pompey “is a win-win and no-brainer for BAF”. Other important sponsors of Run for Pompey include Caribbean Bottling Company (official hydration partner), Sands Beer (official beer), Grand Isle Resort (official hotel), Ty’s Sunset Bar & Grill, Catch a Fire, February Point, BahamasLocal. com, Sports 4, Chat N Chill and Diane Phillips & Associates. The donation for The Pompey Scholarship will be made to Acadia University by the newly formed Exuma Foundation of Canada, which has provided a unique off-shoot of the existing Exuma Foundation. Danny Strachan, general manager and treasurer of the Exuma Foundation, and a board member of the Exuma Foundation of Canada, believes the two organisations will have a “tremendous impact” on the community of Exuma. He also commended GIV Bahamas Inc. and the Exuma Foundation of Canada for their efforts to bring about an annual, world-class event for the island. “We want to improve the quality of life for all Exumians and we will continue to work together to accomplish this,” he said. “She has been a very strong community leader in sports, academics, church, and really trying to improve the whole community. That is why she was chosen.”
nationals could end up being one of the most competitive ever. There are already talks of a number of Bahamas Open records falling, as a result of the stiff competition on tap. The BAAA has finally gotten their nationals to be staged in the new TAR Stadium. It got started on Wednesday with the junior nationals, but obviously there were some disap-
pointments. One of the major ones was the fact that not all of the match-ups anticipated were materialised as there were some events that had very few entries. It has been drawn to our attention that some of the athletes were unable to make it out of Grand Bahama because of a lack of funding to cover both their airfares and accommodations. This is an issue that should have been addressed prior to the start of the nationals as coaches should have been aware whether or not their athletes would be able to travel and not wait until the day before the meet. With the senior nationals taking place tonight and Saturday, we’re hoping that the match-ups will pan out as many are looking forward to the showdown in the various divisions. These are the nationals and they will serve as the qualifiers for athletes and swimmers wishing to com-
pete on the various national teams this summer. In the case of the swimmers, many of them will be back as early as next week to compete in the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships at the same venue. So this is just what the doctor ordered in terms of getting them ready for the competition that will be coming from the 30plus countries expected to compete in the CISC from Wednesday to Sunday. The good thing about this weekend’s sports festival is that you can walk from one venue to the other to experience the high level of competition that will be on display. Neither sporting body should have to worry about the other. They all have some outstanding athletes for the public to come out and watch. So take your pick - swimming or athletics or both. There’s going to be even action to tickle your fancy over the next few days.
PAGE 4, Friday, June 24, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
BAAA NATIONAL JUNIOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
ON TRACK: Junior athletes compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Junior Track and Field Championships at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium yesterday. Photos by Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 24, 2016, PAGE 5
How basketball can make fools of us all I HAVE been tasked with the job of putting a nice, neat, properly-tied bow on the 2015-2016 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. Since late September to this week, I was able to watch many of the league’s top superstars perform from a reserved post for the first time in a long time as my Lakers had very little to play for from the onset. Basketball has again become fun and entertaining for me. As a news reporter my sports knowledge is often overlooked and undervalued. I guess because of that fact alone I am prone to go out on a limb with my predictions. Those that follow this column regularly know that I am not afraid to declare my belief and stand by it no matter what. Sometimes I come across as a sports genius to say the least and on other occasions ... let’s just say it’s hard to show my face around the town. Case in point: last week I predicted that the Golden State Warriors would close out the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 and win the NBA title. Well, we all know how that turned out. Throughout this season I have been wrong on a number of occasions so I want to take the time out to explain what went wrong with a couple of my more major unsolicited takes. Aging Spurs As followers of the Fourth Quarter Press throughout this past season are aware, the San Antonio Spurs were the team I pledged my “support” to. The Spurs were easily the team of choice as I certainly thought the big off-season acquisition of Lamar-
cus Aldridge would have placed them on the cusp of an NBA title. Fast-forward to June: while Aldridge did make a major difference, his youthfulness could not offset the age issue that plagued the rest of the roster. The likes of David West, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Boris Biaw and Tim Duncan were able to execute throughout the season but, once the playoffs got underway, the quick turnarounds became too much. My do-over in this case is simple: the Spurs weren’t a bad pick. They were just too long in the tooth to devour the competition. I firmly believe that my Spurs’ pick just came two moves too early. If the Spurs can find a way to bring in some youth at the guard and forward spots to help alleviate the wear and tear on the veterans come playoffs time, then we can see a deep playoff run as I suspected this year. Draft-day game changers In a point I pushed in other circles, not so much in the Fourth Quarter Press, the 2015 NBA draft was certainly a game changer. Early on I held some contempt for the lot of players presented in last year’s Draft. In hindsight, the most disappointing of the group still outperformed my wildest expectations. I grade a Draft on how much the top 15 players improve the teams drafting them. Earlier on I singled out Justice Winslow, a player who was eventually drafted by the Miami Heat as the determining factor of just how good the 2015 Draft class would be. Before you jump all over this theory and shout that
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS BY RICARDO WELLS
RUSSELL Westbrook looks to pass the ball during the US basketball team’s minicamp in Las Vegas. (AP)
“RUSSELL WESTBROOK IS NOT ONLY CAPABLE OF CARRYING AN NBA TEAM, HE IS READY AND CAPABLE OF BEING THE FACE OF THE ENTIRE LEAGUE. LIKE LEBRON, HE IS ABLE TO AFFECT EVERY ASPECT OF THE GAME FROM TIP TO THE FINAL BUZZER.” As the 2016 Draft approaches, one can only hope that this class can produce just as much quality players.
SPURS forward Tim Duncan, left, talks with teammate Manu Ginobili. (AP)
he had a poor statistical year, let me be the first to say it - his stats sucked. Winslow finished the year averaging 6.4 points per game, 1.5 assists per game and 5.2 rebounds per game - miniscule to say the least. My surprise with Winslow certainly was not his stats but his performance in games where his team depended on him. The 6ft 7in forward from Duke did wonders for the Miami Heat during the late stages of the regular season. With Winslow in the
starting lineup the Heat were poised for a deep post-season run before Chris Bosh was ruled out for the season with blood clots. Winslow fits so well with the Heat that, in some circles, experts considered them dark horse contenders. Of the top 15 picks from last year’s Draft, Karl Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay have all proven to be top-flight starters, with Towns in particular has shown he can carry a team.
Westbrook no leader “Dear Mr Wells, beyond being very interesting, you Sir are very flawed in your analysis of Russell Westbrook,” one listener to The PressBox said in an email. Yes, I would have to agree. Do you remember how I said earlier that I was able to, for the first time in a very long time, watch basketball as an observer and not an extremist Kobe/Lakers fan? Well, yes that I had a large part to do with my issue with players like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and LeBron James. I considered them awful players to make myself believe that the Lakers would always be
EURO 2016: minnows impress amid lack of goals PARIS (AP) — One statistic stood out after the group stages of the newly-expanded European Championship in France - no team won all three games. Not World Cup holders Germany and certainly not two-time defending European champions Spain, who only advanced to the knockout stages as a group runner-up. The lack of walkovers and deadrubber group games provides some vindication for UEFA, European football’s governing body, after eight teams were added in 2016 to make its showpiece a 24team event. Before the continental championship resumes on Saturday with the first matches in the round of 16, here are some first impressions of the tournament. History makers Part of the joy of the expanded European Championship was the appearance of five new teams. They were no pushovers. And the joy of their fans was infectious as some tasted the big stage for the first time. Only Albania went home early as Iceland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Wales marched into the round of 16. Wales were even the joint-top scorers in the group stage, alongside Hungary, with six goals. Outstanding match It took until the final round of matches and game 34 for the most chaotically entertaining fixture: a six-goal thriller between Portugal and Hungary. That saw more than three times the average number of goals (1.92) per group stage game in France, the lowest since Euro ‘92, which featured only eight teams. The 3-3 draw between Portugal and Hungary was far more open than some of the tight, cagey and in some cases - simply dull games. Cristiano Ronaldo rediscovered his scoring touch with a flicked goal and a towering header as four goals were scored in 17 minutes. And Ronaldo set new
superior to anyone that opposed them. Presently, I can say without a shadow of a doubt, Russell Westbrook is not only capable of carrying an NBA team, he is ready and capable of being the face of the entire league. My recent admiration for LeBron aside, there is no other player I love to watch more. Westbrook, like LeBron, is able to affect every aspect of the game from tip to the final buzzer. His performance early on in the Western Conference Finals certainly proved that he is fully ready for that top spot. I hope he gets it in the near future - with my Lakers. Until we meet again, three pointers for all. • Ricardo Wells writes every Thursday on the NBA. Comments to rwells@tribunemedia.net
EURO 2016 AT A GLANCE
Kick offs Bahamian time All matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes ROUND OF LAST 16 Saturday, June 25 Switzerland v Poland (9am) Wales v Northern Ireland (noon) Croatia v Portugal (3pm) Sunday, June 26 France v Ireland (9am) Germany v Slovakia (noon) Hungary v Belgium (3pm) Monday, June 27 Italy v Spain (noon) England v Iceland (3pm) QUARTER-FINALS
GARETH BALE, of Wales, has lived up to his reputation as the world most expensive player by scoring in all three games at Euro 2016 (AP)
Thursday, June 30 1 Switzerland or Poland v Croatia or Portugal (3pm) Friday, July 1 2 Wales or Northern Ireland v Hungary or Belgium (3pm) Saturday, July 2 3 Germany or Slovakia v Italy or Spain (3pm) Sunday, July 3 4 France or Ireland v England or Iceland (3pm)
records, including becoming the first player to score in four finals. All that was missing was a red card, of which there were only two in the 36 group-stage games. Big impression The world’s most expensive player lived up to his 100 millioneuro price tag on his tournament debut as Wales forward Gareth Bale scored in all three games, upstaging Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo. And yet Wales were not overly-reliant on Bale, who scored only half the team’s goals. The breakthrough star of the group stage was Dimitri Payet, who was not a first-team regular for France before the tournament but now seems indispensable. The attacking midfielder clinched wins against Romania and Albania, unburdened by the pressure of performing for the hosts. Striking struggles Zlatan Ibrahimovic made little impression on his final major tournament with Sweden, failing to score as his team bowed out be-
CRISTIANO RONALDO, left, rediscovered his scoring touch in time to ensure Portugal’s passage to the knockout stages after a 3-3 draw with Hungary (AP) fore the knockout phase. It meant the striker ended his international career without any honours with his country. In failing to score, Ibrahimovic was in good company. But at least Mario Mandzukic (Croatia), Robert Lewandowski (Poland) and Harry Kane (England) will all get a chance to get off the mark in the round of 16. Supporters shame Security was ramped up for Euro 2016 following last year’s deadly extremist attacks in Paris. But the policing challenges for the tournament so far have centred
on hooliganism. Marseille has seen the worst of the disorder. It began with clashes between Russia and England fans in Marseille in the opening days of the tournament but in recent days water cannon and tear gas was also deployed to disperse unruly Poland fans in the southern city. In stadiums, flares and firecrackers have led to a spate of UEFA fines: Russia (150,000 euros), Hungary (65,000 euros), Croatia (100,000 euros), while proceedings are ongoing against Albania, Belgium, Romania and Turkey.
SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, July 6 Winner 1 v Winner 2 (3pm) Thursday, July 7 Winner 3 v Winner 4 (3pm) FINAL Sunday, July 10 At Saint-Denis, Paris (3pm) Leading goalscorers 3: Bale (Wales), Morata (Spain). 2: Stancu (Romania), Payet (France), Lukaku (Belgium), Perisic (Croatia), Nani (Portugal), Dzsudzsak (Hungary), Ronaldo (Portugal).
Celebrating today: designer Vivienne Westwood, 75, and actress Taurus Apr 21 –Patricia May 21 Arquette, 48.
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23 gulf (7) 12 CopesTHE badly in this pla TRIBUNE Mar 21 – Apr 20 Sep 24 – Oct 23 where everything lives good. Time away from the hubbub has given something new. Technologically, your skills 13 River has 25 26 time on leas 14 15 16 Alliances move into ainnew phase are outstanding: perfect You could find new avenues of you a chance to if you want to put private affairs order. 14 Depicted as haggard ( surprising decisions taken bring impress the boss. Expect good news. Music opportunity today. Think back: an idea that Todaywith you’re ready to put a plan intothat action. 15 Sample fewer, being about unexpected results. Work and health? has worked before could make money again. and romance make for a sparkling night. Call Tonight brings a revelation out of the blue. vulgar (9) This lead the way.me to hear about 17 Travelling? The scenario is set for expansion. 27 28 the improvements at work.18 Call me toafternoon’s hear when negotiations secrets are sweet. 19 20 17 His trait improved with Romance? It’s love at first sight! Call me to Make big decisions tonight. Call me to hear right complaint (9) hear when agreements take a happy turn. why you should put love and leisure first. FOR YOUR CHANCE 20 TOAWIN £100 CASH May 22 – June 21 Nov 23 – Dec 21 young woman is re letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the m wrong (5) 21 22 23 24 An unusual day brings surprising Expect the unexpected today. Apr 21 – May 21 Oct 24 – NovYou 22 Panic you TO ENTER: Call 0904 16121 1607 andthat leavewakes your answer could be asked to take a new leadership role news and a creative venture gets off to 23 Bush round first lake m 88600. Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company’ time to step up at work and try Yesterday’s respite has done you amongst your It’s an auspicious start. A romantic attraction peers. A friend may have midnight tonight. Or send yourin grid containing the answe JUDGE CARPE need of a shave (9) new. Technologically, your skillsmay begin or good. TimePARKER away from the hubbub has given else25you DIEM get a lucky break. newssomething or a coincidence lets you reach for 26 Coldfield B73 9BT. Entries25 must be postmarked by Ap Opposite of fashionab areYou’ll outstanding: perfect if you want you a chance to put private affairs in order.a goal. relish a quiet weekend. Callto me This evening’s unusual entertainment will number. ● The winner will be the first random corre poetry (7) impress the boss. Expect good news. Music Today you’re ready to put a plan into action. delight. Call me to hear why love is in the air. to hear when new contacts seek you out. 26 Toxin works withclues! attorC and romance make for a sparkling night. Call Tonight brings a revelation out of the blue. NEED HELP? Call 0904 161 1609 for 5 extra 27 28 me to hear about the improvements at work. Call me to hear when secrets are sweet. as a chemical agent (7 27 Neckwear left inside h NAME 28Armed man gets Germ FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CASH read down the May 22 – June 21 Nov 23 – Dec 21 French plane (10) letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the mystery word. ADDRESS An unusual day brings surprising Expect the unexpected today. You
PAGE 6, Friday, Scott June 24,Adams 2016 It’s time to step up at work and try Yesterday’s respite has done you
cNeel) call 01872 56210; 1 4WJ. UK Delivery is free.
Aries
Libra
Gemini Scorpio
Taurus
Gemini Lisa Wild
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
could be asked to take a new leadership role amongst your peers. A friend may have news or a coincidence lets you reach for a goal. You’ll relish a quiet weekend. Call me to hear when new contacts seek you out.
To hear Lori’s weekly and monthly horoscopes, call 1810904 2948 TO 0907 ENTER: Call 161 1607 and leave your answer and details, or text DXFRI followed by a spac
news and Calls a creative venture gets off company’s to cost £1.50 per min plus your telephone network access charge. Max call duration: 8mins. 88600. Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Texts cost £1.50 plu POSTCODE an auspicious start. A romantic attraction midnight tonight. Or send your grid containing the answer in the shaded squares by posting it to: Crusad may begin or else you get a lucky break. Coldfield B73 9BT. Entries must be postmarked by April 9 at the latest. SP: Spoke – 0333 202 3 Call or text my personally selected psychics This evening’s unusual entertainment will number. ● The winner will be the first random THEcorrect DAILY 30-SECOND entryEXPRESS drawn from all entry routes after th delight. Call me to hear why love is in the air. for confidential one-to-one guidance and
LORI’S
ANSWERS: BEGINNER 49; INTERMEDIATE = 33 NEED HELP? Call 0904 161 1609 for 5 extraTODAY’S clues! Calls cost £1.50 plus your=telephone company
see what they MARVIN can reveal to you WEDNESDAY NAME ACROSS: 1 Redress, 5 Servant, 9 Cas PSYCHIC LINE 0906 150 5800 BLONDIE Rejection slip, 18 Overinsistent, 20 So Can you make 13 two common five-letter ADDRESS 27 Tracker, 28 Extreme. words from the nine letters given, DOWN: 1 Recipe, To hear Lori’s weekly and monthly horoscopes, call 0907 181 2948 MEDIUM LINE 0906 150 5802 6 Residence, 7 Ample, Transept, 14 Jailb using each letter only once? You 8can WHAT WILL Calls cost £1.50 per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Max call duration: 8mins. LIVE TAROT POSTCODE 0906 150 5803 19 Paddle,in21both Lauda, 22 Enter – but only if one letter features SPRING HAVE IN STORE words in the squares on the right. Call or text FOR my personally There’s at least one way to do it, and whenDAILY you book aEXPRESS 30-SECOND YOU? selected psychics SAVE OVER £15 THE CHALLENGE 16 (No.80) at £9.99 (pub. Aug) please call 0871 988 8370, alternatively you have to have the right letter at the 30-minuteTODAY’S reading! ANSWERS: BEGINNER = 49; INTERMEDIATE for confidential one-to-one guidance and Rupert Bear Shop, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ or order online at = 338; ADVANCED = 138. Text Lori’s teams of psychics! crossover – but which one is it? UK delivery is free. Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. Call Freephone now see what can revealplus to your you See if you can find the answer within Textthey DXSDESTINY our target time. If you need help,mensateaser: ring question to 87776 (2 x £1.50 per msg) WIN 0800 063 1512 PSYCHIC LINE 0906 150 5800 our clue-line below to find out the The Fast Show’s Can you make two common five-letter crossover letter. Solution on Monday. MEDIUM LINE 0906 150 5802 in the hilarious BBC cu Lori’s daily texts: To receive Daily Express Astro Texts for 50p plus standard network charge words from the nine per letters given, Target times: Average: 3 out A N ISeriesM1 – A message per day, text DX followed by the first three letters of your starusing sign, eg DXGEM, 87080. each lettertoonly once? You can WHAT WILL 16 mins Good: 12 mins LIVE TAROT 150 5803 This is a subscription service 0906 and will cost 50p plus standard network charge per message per–day untilonly you send 87080. features in both but if STOP onetoletter theFOR onlineAMensa HAGAR THE HORRIBLE STUCK? Take CALL CLUEworkou
PSYCHICS
CROSSDOUBT
LORI’S
PSYCHICS
SPRING HAVE IN STORE TIGER FOR YOU? Text Lori’s teams of psychics! Text DXSDESTINY plus your question to 87776 (2 x £1.50 per msg)
CROSSDOUBT
Excellent: 8 mins
words in the squares on the right.
email bookatest@mensa.org.uk
and uses5601 the Oxford Dictio 09 0901 322
Calls cost £1.50 per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Calls are recorded for your protection. You must be 18 or over. Service Yesterday’s solution: There’s one SAVE you book a of these hours will be charged. Max call available 8amOVER - Midnight,£15 seven when days a week, calls made outside duration 20 at mins.least Booking line openway to do it, and TOTAL (across) 9am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri. Each text message received costs £1.50. You will receive two response messages per question. Total cost £3. Standard operator you have to have the right letter at the 30-minute reading! FOLKS (down) rates apply for all messages you send (plus standard network charges). When you text a psychic, you will receive free marketing messages from one is it? crossover – but which Daily Express Newspaper. To opt out, text NOINFO to 87776. Available in UK only. Customer service: 0333 202 3392 (9am - 5.30pm). See if you The above service is for entertainment only and regulated by PhonepayPlus. Service provider: Spoke.can find the answer within
Call Freephone now
0800 063 1512
our target time. If you need help, ring our clue-line below to find out the crossover letter. Solution on Monday.
He gazes upwards with a frown, As twigs and leaves down. Lori’s daily texts: tumble To receive Daily Express Astro Texts for 50p plus standard network charge per
Halve your Target Time!
Both
*Calls cost 75p plus your tele network access c
What numbe question ma
TARGET
THE
21 24 30
The Target CAN you crack th Target times: July 23 to 87080. Dec 22Average: – Jan 20 Alphabeater? Eac uses message per day, text DX followed by the first three letters of your starJune sign,22 eg–DXGEM, 16 mins Good: 12 mins number for represent Teaser words in Answer This is a subscription service and will cost 50p plus standard network charge per message per day until you send STOP to 87080. SOLUTION Impressing others8with your insightsSTUCK? CALL FOR A CLUE With major changes taking place, it – or black square. Excellent: mins the main Alphapuzzle, ever encouragement. So looks a new is starting to18take chanc Calls cost £1.50 per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge.like Calls are recordedventure for your protection. You must be or over. Service will give you great Yesterday’s solution: 0901 322 5601 0901 322 5607 body of For your the alphabet is us Both today’s words in a moment available 8am - Midnight, seven days a week, calls made outsideoff. of these hoursis willa be day charged. call duration 20 mins. Booking line open Halve your Target Time! express your feelings, follow your instincts This ofMax opportunity when you *Calls cost 80p per m TOTAL (across) Chambers you have to comp 9am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri. Each text message received costs £1.50. You will receive two response messages per question. Total cost £3. Standard operator and last 2.5 minutes. Lin *Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company’s and let your creative ideas flow. Enjoy an could land yourself a will big order or a plum job. 21st gridwww.express.co too! Use the g FOLKS (down) rates apply for all messages you send (plus standard network charges). When you text a psychic, you receive free marketing messages from network access charge. evening of luck and laughter at home. special is on the cards. me to Daily Express Newspaper. To opt out, text NOINFO to 87776.A Available in UK outing only. Customer service: 0333 202 3392 Call (9am - 5.30pm). letters and black s Century The above service is for entertainment only and regulated by PhonepayPlus. Servicego provider: Spoke.for success. below the grid to Call me to hear when domestic stars smile. hear when you should all out Dictionary CALVIN & HOBBES grid is ‘rotationall (1999 symmetrical’ – in edition) words, it looks the
Cancer
Cancer June 22 – July 23
Leo July 24 – Aug 23 The spotlight shines onDec you22 today. Capricorn – Jan 20
Leo
Virgo Aquarius
Capricorn
TARGET Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19
The Target The financial picture is brighteninguses Money? A chat proves you were right to wait. with property matters highlighted. You’re words in Impressing others with your insights With major changes taking place, itA change of scene making important decisions or treating the the main gives you a valuable, give you great encouragement. So looks like a new venture is starting to take fresh will family. Tonight’s extraordinary developments outlook. It also makes a perfect body of express your feelings,Call follow instincts bring a much-awaited breakthrough. Call Chambers off. This is a day of opportunity when you getaway for the weekend. me your to hear your start creative ideas flyour ow. Enjoy could land yourself a big order or a plum job. whenand youlet should to spread wings.an me to hear why your spirits are set to rise. 21st evening of luck and laughter at home. A special outing is on the cards. Call me to Century hear when you should go all out for success. Call me to hear when domestic stars smile. Dictionary Feb 20 – Mar 20 Aug 24 – Sep 23 (1999 Sobering Saturn and demanding edition) Bookkeeping? There’sJan plenty July 24 – Aug 23 21 – to Feb 19 HOWgiving many you words of four Mars may have been a hard timeletters get through today. But with finances turning The financial picture is The spotlight shines on you today.over a new leaf, or more can you makeThe from the lately but today brings compensations. you could emerge in brightening profit. shown here? withaproperty matters highlighted. You’re trends usher in aletters Money? A chat proves you were right to wait. DENNIS THE MENACE financial upturn with In making a Arrange special afternoon outing. A warm each letter may making important or hear treating the opportunities for word, A change of scene gives you a valuable, welcome business success. Callbe meused awaits tonight.decisions Call me to once only. Each must contain the family. Tonight’s extraordinary developments fresh outlook. It also makes a perfect hear when your comfort level increases. when good things are destined your way. on ato9x9 centre letter and there must be at Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based grid bring a much-awaited breakthrough. Call getaway for the weekend. Call me to hear with several given numbers. The object is to place the least one nine-letter word. No www.donaldrussell.com menumbers to hear1why set tosorise. when you should start to spread your wings. to 9your in thespirits emptyare squares the each row,
I X E DMR Pisces A Y T
plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.
Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23
each column and 3x3 boxDaily contains the same Astro number Texts for 50p plus standard Toeach receive Express only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku TODAY’S TARGET Feb 20 – Mar 20 network charge per message per day, text DX followed by the increases from Monday to Sunday
Lori’sPisces Good 34; very goodThis 51; excellent first three letters of your star sign, eg DXGEM, to 87080. is 68 (orstandard more). Solution tomorrow. Sobering Saturn and service demanding daily a subscription and will cost 50p plus network Mars may havecharge been giving you a hardper timeday until you send STOP to 87080. per message SOLUTION texts lately but today brings compensations. The weekly cost ofYESTERDAY’S Maximum £3.50arrant arrow narrator aorta
Bookkeeping? There’s plenty to get through today. But with finances turning d maincrop in prepared over a newpotatoes leaf, you could emerge in profit. trends usher in a financial upturn with Arrange a special afternoon ches between rows. If a lateouting. frostA warm narrow rant ratan roan roar rort opportunities for 80p business success. Calltelephone me welcome awaits tonight. Call me to hear *Calls to Starlines cost per minute plus your company’s network accesstarn charge. 8 torr rota rowan taroMax torn otswhen withgood an inch or two of soil. to hear when your comfort level increases. things are destined your way. minutes. Entertainment only. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390.warrant WARRANTOR wart warn worn wort
Lori’s daily texts
To receive Daily Express Astro Texts for 50p plus standard network charge per message per day, text DX followed by the first three letters of your star sign, eg DXGEM, to 87080. This is a subscription service and will cost 50p plus standard network charge per message per day until you send STOP to 87080. Maximum weekly cost of £3.50
Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
*Calls to Starlines cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Max 8 minutes. Entertainment only. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390.
1
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Down 1 Could be a periodical dispute (5) 2 All’s not all, we hear (3) 3 Pine used in making a tea chest (4) 4 A number put on tissue (6) 5 Hope for the lost and sick (8) 6 Many papers have been impressed by it (9) 7 Uncle is out to get us; that’s the heart of the matter (7) 11 Weapons that don’t reach very far? (5,4) 13 A top seat for a renegade (8) 14 Pile up in game (7) 16 They involve a shift in one’s beliefs (6) 19 Boring commercial for spirit (5) 20 Far from stern? Fiddlesticks! (4) 23 Having nothing we must be in the red (3)
*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390
3
4
5
6
8
10
7
9
11
12 13
14
15 16
17
18
19
20 21
24
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 There’s little time for pressing (7) 5 Pull together on an ash tree (5) 8 My! Chopin’s remarkably harmonious (9) 9 Sign of nerves in a politician (3) 10 It is not hard getting in the asylum (4) 12 Learn lines for speaking (8) 14 Energetic secret agent takes a nap inside (6) 15 Entertains doctors (6) 17 It highlights the way East Europeans repair roads (4,4) 18 Slide in flexible disk (4) 21 Row maker, or so it sounds (3) 22 A choice literary gathering (9) 24 Head of state moves to centre, showing discrimination (5) 25 Stop payment - we object during pay out (7)
2
Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution
Yesterday’s Easy Solution
Across: 1 Hercules, 5 Up to, 9 Guard, 10 Profane, 11 Shortcomings, 13 Masque, 14 Apache, 17 Nevertheless, 20 Talents, 21 Twine, 22 Date, 23 Teenager. Down: 1 High, 2 Reaches, 3 Undercurrent, 4 Expect, 6 Plain, 7 Oversees, 8 Cosmopolitan, 12 Emanated, 15 Casting, 16 Chaste, 18 Valet, 19 Hear.
Across: 1 Mythical, 5 Glib, 9 Scamp, 10 Crusade, 11 Inconsistent, 13 Sortie, 14 Jingle, 17 On the up and up, 20 Typical, 21 Blaze, 22 Doze, 23 Together. Down: 1 Mask, 2 Trainer, 3 Improvidence, 4 Accuse, 6 Leave, 7 Breather, 8 Questionable, 12 Assorted, 15 Goulash, 16 Apollo, 18 Topaz, 19 Bear.
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Across 1 Make trivial objections (7) 5 Physically weak (5) 8 Unbiased (9) 9 Choose (3) 10 A culinary herb (4) 12 Causing disagreement (8) 14 Mythical firebreathing creature (6) 15 Sordid (6) 17 Declared party policy (8) 18 Dexterous (4) 21 Allow (3) 22 Worldwide (9) 24 Great fear (5) 25 Spectral (7)
I X E DMR A YALPHABEATE T THE
A N I M A T I N G
Down 1 Even (5) 2 Mischievous child (3) 3 Tedious person (4) 4 Panacea (6) 5 Liable to err (8) 6 Loathe (9) 7 Matter of pure chance (7) 11 Ensure (9) 13 Throw into confusion (8) 14 Variegated in patches (7) 16 Troublesome (6) 19 Correspond (5) 20 Nought (4) 23 Solidify (3)
many CAN HOW you crack the words ofA four 29 letters 34 32 or moreEach cangrid you make from the Alphabeater? B number represents a letter letters shown here? In making a C 36 – or black square. in 28 3 word, eachAsletter may be used Alphapuzzle, everyEach letter of once only. must D contain the the alphabet used. But centreisletter and there E 20must13be at28 you have to one complete the least nine-letter word. No grid too! Use the given plurals or squares verb formsFending in “s”. letters and black 29 22 below the grid to start. The G 18 TODAY’S grid is ‘rotationallyTARGET H Good 34; excellent symmetrical’ – invery other good 51; I 16 34 28 words, looksmore). the same if 68it (or Solution tomorrow. J you turn the page upside down.YESTERDAY’S Solution tomorrow.SOLUTION K 34 12 13
you turn the page 11 Solution 23 21to down.
Yesterday’s so 31 27 35 Black squares 12, 13, 15, 17, 21, 30, 33, 36, 40. 4 2 Paddli 27 Across: Zoomed, Mucky Reform, 21 1 Chequ 12 Isomer, Wattle, Beluga, Raft, P Down: Iambic, 7 40 6 Shockers, Lip, P Ormolu, Dulcim 36 Cowardly 2 23 Lazy, Brim, Gym, Unl Endive.
aorta arrant arrow Lnarrator Yesterday’s solution narrow rant3, ratan roar rort Black squares: 5, 8, roan M torn torr 18 23 4 29 31 rota rowan 12, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23,tarn 24, taro 30 Extra letter N wart warn WARRANTOR 30, 33, 36,warrant 40. Across: wornPaddling, wort Pool, O 10 16 17 290907 37 18114 Zoomed, Mucky, (Deduct three mi P Reform, Cheque, Ego, each extra clue le Q 32 22 36 11 Full Isomer, Wattle, Scrub, 21 solut 26 Beluga, Raft, Paroxysm. R Call 0907 181 2585 for 0907 181 Down: Iambic, S solution 10 crossword, 11 17 the 30 4Kakuro 18 Shockers, Lip, Palm, today’s Target Best described as a number task in cost *Calls 80p p cost 80p per minute Ormolu,isDulcimer, Sago, Tcompany’s plus your to *Calls fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 totelephone 9, so plus your telephone Lazy, Cowardly, Object, networktoaccess the sum of each horizontal network access 21 block 32 equals 9 the2number Ucharge. 25 its2 Brim, Gym, left, Unlawful, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number V Endive. on its top. No number may be used in the same block more
W 15 20230339035 *SP: increases Spoke Helpline 0333 Extra letter– clues from Monday to Sunday. than once.
The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro39 8 31
X Y 38 (Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard) Z Yesterday’s
0907 181 2560 Full solution
1 2 Sudoku Answer
0907 181 2558
*Calls cost 80p per minute 21 plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
22
28
37
PLAY MOR 30
40
17
Yesterday’s 3
4
5
23
24
25
D
6
7
8
27
28
Kakuro Answer
■ 26
9
■ 29
● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobil
PLAY MORE CROSSWORDS AND GAMES
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 24, 2016, PAGE 7
Chile face repeat Copa America final with Argentina CHILE face Argentina in the Copa America final for the second year running on Sunday, aiming to become the first team to win successive titles in nearly 70 years. They earned their passage with a 2-0 win over Colombia in a raindelayed semi-final in Chicago on Wednesday night. It was their fourth straight win since a 2-1 loss to favourites Argentina in their opening group match and now they face a rematch in New Jersey. Chile also faced Lionel Messi and Argentina in last year’s championship, with La Roja winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless extra-time draw. Argentina were the last repeat as Copa champions in consecutive years, accomplishing the feat in 1946 and 1947. Against Colombia, when Chile saw an opening, they pounced. When their defence broke down, goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was there. When the rain stopped, Chile finished the job. Charles Aranguiz and Jose Pedro Fuenzalida scored decisively in the opening 11 minutes. “This is a winning team. They are winners ... Before we play a tournament, they are convinced they are going to win,” Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said.
Of Argentina he said: “We must respect, as we always have, our rivals and compete and try to win.” James Rodriguez and Colombia were punished for their slow start and their efforts to come back were hampered by a series of thunderstorms that delayed the start of the second half by more than two hours, drenching the playing surface and forcing the players to tread carefully for the last part of the night at Soldier Field. Colombia, who face the United States in the third-place game on Saturday night in Arizona, also had to play with 10 men after Carlos Sanchez received his second yellow card in the 57th minute. “We made some mistakes, and Chile was very effective, as they usually are,” Colombia coach Jose Nestor Pekerman said. “This is one of the keys to their win.” Chile played without Arturo Vidal after the skilled midfielder was suspended for a second yellow card, and defensive midfielder Marcelo Diaz was sidelined by injury. The defending champions lost another midfielder in the first half when Pedro Pablo Hernandez departed with a knee injury following a collision near midfield. Pizzi said he was hopeful about Hernandez playing in the
COLOMBIA’s Roger Martinez (9) top, goes over Chile’s Francisco Silva (5) as they try to control the ball during a Copa America Centenario semi-final match at Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday night. (AP) final, but it was too early to say anything for sure. The familiar foes arrived at the semi-final after wildly different performances. While Colombia needed penalty kicks to eliminate Peru after a goalless draw, Chile roared into the last four with a 7-0
victory over Mexico that included five second-half goals. Each country picked up right where it left off. Pekerman had talked about his team’s inability to finish, and the problem reoccurred in the country’s first appearance in the Copa
semi-finals since 2004. Roger Martinez’s drive was stopped by a diving Bravo midway through the first half, and the goalkeeper denied Sanchez with another lunging stop before halftime. Rodriguez also shot wide from another prime opportunity.
PAGE 8, Friday, June 24, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
ON THE REPLAY: The Bahamas men’s national team dropped a heartbreaking 84-81 loss to Mexico in the CentroBasket Tournament in Panama yesterday.
Heartbreaking loss for Bahamas By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas men’s national team dropped a heartbreaking 84-81 loss to Mexico and now they are automatically eliminated from contention of winning the CentroBasket Tournament in Panama. For the first three quarters, the Bahamas went inside as they controlled the tempo, leading 26-18 after the first, 46-36 at the half and 73-60 at the completion of the third. But Mexico turned things around completely in the fourth, opening up a 15-0 spurt to snatch a slim 75-73 lead with five minutes and 37 seconds left on the clock. Guard Michael Carey broke the scoring drought with a jumper to tie the score at 75-75. Despite guard Taran Cox fouling out at 3:24, guard Leon Cooper responded with a three-point play to put the Bahamas up 78-75. The Bahamas would remain up by three (80-77) thanks to a lay-up from shooting guard David Nesbitt with 2:06 left. But with 37.6 remaining, Mexico got within one (80-79) after Jean ‘Rony’ Cadot missed a basket. Cooper answered by hitting the last of two free throws to put the Bahamas up 81-79. However, with 12.6 on the clock, Mexico hit a three-pointer for a 82-81 lead. After a Carey turnover with 10 seconds, Mexico got away on a fast break for a layup and a 84-81 lead. The Bahamas had one last chance for a buzzer-tying threepoint attempt, but it fell short. Mexico went on to celebrate as they improved to 3-1 and will join the Dominican Republic in the battle for the top spot out of Group B. With the loss, the Bahamas dropped to 1-3 in the opposite direction. The Bahamas lost its opener 82-74 to the British Virgin Islands, but rebounded to crush Costa Rica 82-58 before losing again to the Dominican Republic 87-80. Their game against Mexico came after a day off. Seven-foot centre DeAndre Ayton led the Bahamas’ attack with a game high 24 points, nine rebounds, five block shots and two assists. Three other players were in double figures as David Nesbitt finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, Leon Cooper came up with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds and Michael Carey added 10 points. Kentwan Smith was the next highest scorer with nine points. Coaches Mario Bowleg, Norris Bain, Wayde Watson and Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson played the game without centre Jaraun ‘Keno’ Burrows and guard Able Joseph. The Bahamas outscored Mexico 50.8-32.5 per cent in two-point field goals, but Mexico won the battle 36.8-20 per cent from behind the three-point arch. The Bahamas held a 78.9-76.2 per cent advantage from the free throw line. Mexico controlled the boards, snatching 15-9 offensive rebounds, compared to 33-29 defensively for the Bahamas. Mexico came out with a slim 44-42 advantage. However, in the biggest statistical category, the Bahamas had 11 turnovers compared to just seven by Mexico. And the Bahamas relinquished as much as a 17-point lead, while Mexico’s biggest lead was just three.
TEAM Bahamas had 11 turnovers compared to just seven by Mexico and the Bahamas relinquished as much as a 17-point lead.