09262016 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

NFL SUNDAY

Eagles 3-0, Page 5

Potcakeman power

FINISH LINE GLORY: Cameron Roach wins the 2016 Potcakeman Triathlon men’s sprint event at Jaws Beach on Saturday. SEE MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 3 Photos by Bahamas Visual Services

our new champions were crowned as a record field of 215 competitors took part in the fourth annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Saturday. Due to the growth of the event and by popular demand, an Olympic distance race was added to the traditional Sprint, adding to the range of competition. Nineteen Olympic distance athletes went into the water first for a 1,500m sea swim, 42km bike and a 10km run on the Clifton Heritage Park trails. The men’s race was closely fought with the lead changing hands several times. In the final kilometre of the run, Simone Bertoldo pulled away for victory in 2hr 35min 31sec, closely followed by last year’s Sprint event winner, Simon Lowe, and Mark Holowesko in third. Former sprint champion Anna Zywiolek dominated the women’s event from start to finish and convincingly took the title in 2hr 43min 21sec. The two champions won the chance to compete in The Island House

Invitational Triathlon‘s Fittest CEO Challenge on October 29, when they will represent the Bahamas against some of the top triathletes in the world. The Sprint racers covered half the Olympic distances with two new winners emerging. Cameron Roach took the men’s title in 1hr 10min 51sec, taking the lead from the start and finishing ahead of the strong runners Jorge Marcos and Mark Dietrich. Reigning Conchman titleholder Elizabeth Shaddock took victory in the women’s race in 1hr 25min 54sec, running down Katrina Montgomery on the final leg with Deborah Reid third. Freeport-based team “Executive Marine” reclaimed their title in the relay event which they had won in 2014. The trio of Josh Rigby, David Mellor and Delroy Booth beat a field of 26 teams to win in a combined time of 1hr 4min 16sec, almost four minutes ahead of “Rusty Nuts”, comprising Mark Richford, Ben West and Oneil Williams. “Team Tri Harder” (Karen Alliata, Christine Gange and

Kathryn Donohue) won the women’s relay in 1hr 22min 6sec while the mixed event was won by “Beast Mode On”, their trio of Andrew Smith, Rowshan Jones and Suzy Eneas finishing in 1hr 9m 56sec. Among the other individual Sprint event category winners were the Bahamas Olympic rower Emily Morley and her boyfriend, Drew Erskine, who won the 20 to 29 age groups repsectively. The men’s category winners were Benjamin Derbyshire (under-19), Sean Andrews (30 to 39), Daniel Weightman (40 to 49), Mark Davies (50 to 59) and Greg Lowe (over 60). The other women’s titles went to Melody Charleville (30 to 39), Viviane Proffitt (40 to 49) and Kathryn Johnston (50 to 59). The Puppy Tri event winners for children aged 6 to 14 were Victor Laslop, Quinn Hewison and Oliver Townend in the boys and Erin Prtichard, Alyssa Roy and Charlotte Fernie in the girls. “The day couldn’t have gone better,” delighted race director Sarah Kennedy said. “The addition of the Olympic distance was

a success, we saw exciting races and rivalries, we crowned four new champions and saw more then 20 people complete their first ever triathlon. The Potcakeman is proud to be a part of the very special triathlon community here in the Bahamas. Everyone is encouraging of one another and our common goal is to grow the popularity of the sport. “We wish Simone and Anna the best of luck in The Island House Tri and hope everyone will come out to support them.” Ms Kennedy added that the Puppy Tri is important “for us to include the whole family in our event and promote the sport for up and coming athletes.” added Ms Kennedy. On behalf of presenting sponsors Powerade, Cara Douglas, marketing manager of Caribbean Bottling Company, said her firm is committed to supporting local athletics “and the Potcakeman Triathlon is great avenue for us to fulfil this. For the past three years we have seen this event grow to the largest tri event in the Bahamas, and seen their good work continue

to grow as a result.” In addition to Powerade, the event was sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, Albany, Subway, Think Simple, PappaSurf, Higgs & Johnson, The Pet Food Institute, Damianos Sothebys International Realty, Heinenken, Club One Fitness Centre and Golden Wings Charter. Swim course support was taken care of by BASRA, Pappa Surf and Wolf’s Kayaking Club. The Rotary Club of East Nassau’s burger van provided postevent food. Race director Lori Roach said that thanks to the sponsors’ generosity, 100 per cent of athletes entry fees will go towards Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness), bringing the total raised from the event to $30,000. “This is an incredible amount and we are very proud of how the event has grown over the last four years,” she said. “It’s a wonderful feeling when everyone’s hard work pays off, our volunteers also deserve a special mention who went above and beyond and were essential to the event’s success.”

Britain falls to Israel in World Baseball Classic Qualifier By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN ALBERT CARTWRIGHT LEADS THE CHARGE

TEAM Great Britain’s valiant effort toward World Baseball Classic 2017 qualification came to an end in the tournament finale. The team lost to Israel for the second time in the qualifier, this time a 9-1 loss in the championship game last night at MCU Park in Brooklyn, New York. Albert Cartwright led Great Britain with a 1-3 night at the plate and the lone run scored. Chavez Young went 1-3 with one RBI, Reshard Munroe was 1-1, and Todd Isaacs was 1-4. After four scoreless innings, Israel erupted for four runs in the fifth inning on a pair of two run home runs from Blake Gailen and Ryan Lavarnway. They added another run with a Zach Borenstein triple in the sixth and a Cody Decker solo home run in the seventh. After a Cartwright double, Young plated him on a single in the next at bat. Israel ended the game with three runs in the bottom of the eighth. Brazil, Great Britain, Israel and Pakistan competed over the course of the four-day contest to

March and compete against host Korea, The Netherlands and Chinese Taipei in Pool B of the WBC 2017. Veteran Bahamian players Antoan Richardson (Southern Maryland, Atlantic League) and Cartwright (Ottawa, Can-Am League) competed for Great Britain for the second time at the WBC qualifier. This year’s team also included fellow Bahamians Ali Knowles (Garden City, Pescos League), Young (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB), Jasrado Chisholm (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB), Kyle Simmons (Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB), Isaacs (Cleveland Indians, MLB), Munroe (Cincinnati Reds, MLB), Byron Murray (San Francisco Giants, MLB) and Champ Stuart (New York Mets, MLB). Great Britain opened the tournament with a 5-2 loss to Israel with seven of the 10 Bahamians on the roster in the starting lineup for Great Britain. Isaacs went 2-3 with two RBI while Stuart went 3-4 and scored two runs. Isaacs hit an RBI line drive single to right field to plate

ALBERT CARTWRIGHT

TODD ISAACS decide the 16th and final entry in the 2017 WBC. With the win, Israel will travel to Seoul, South Korea, next

Champ Stuart. It gave his team an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Young was 1-3 and Chisholm went 1-4. The pair would score for Great Britain again in the top of the 7th when Isaacs hit a sac fly to right field to score Stuart and give their team a 2-1 lead. Israel would respond with four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to take control for good. In game two, Great Britain used a six-run fifth inning to secure a 14-0 win over Pakistan and stay alive in the qualifying tournament. It was the best offensive game of the tournament for Great Britain who recorded 13 hits. Chisholm and Cartwright combined for five hits, scored four times and drove in three runs to pace the Great Britain offence. Cartwright, hit a two-run triple that broke the game open in the fifth and Great Britain scored in every inning except the first. In the semi-final, Great Britain defeated Brazil 4-3 in a thriller. Great Britain catcher Chris Berset throwing out Brazil’s Juan

Carlos Muniz, attempting to steal third base. Great Britain scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning, Isaacs was hit by a pitch to score Great Britain’s first run of the game. They went on to score two more runs to take a 3-2 lead and final score in the bottom of the seventh on Simmons’ RBI single. The first World Baseball Classic was held in 2006 and the second took place three years later. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and created by Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and other professional baseball leagues and their players associations around the world. It is the main tournament sanctioned by the IBAF, which names its winner the “World Champion.” It previously coexisted with Olympic Baseball (until 2008) and the Baseball World Cup (until 2011) as IBAF-sanctioned tournaments, but the other two have been discontinued.

PAGE 2, Monday, September 26, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

TRAINING CAMP: The Miami Heat previously held a training camp at the Atlantis ahead of its 2013/2014 season as part of its ongoing multi-year partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.

Miami Heat in town today IT is about to get a few degrees hotter this week. The Miami Heat arrives in New Providence later today for the start of their week long training camp, during which time the championship team will also hold a basketball clinic for 150 school children from across The Bahamas. The Alonzo Mourning clinic will take place at noon on September 29 at the Atlantis Ballroom, which has been transformed into a basketball court for the week. The Miami Heat previously held a training camp at the Atlantis ahead of its 2013/2014 season as part of its ongoing multi-year partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. The ministry is bringing in the top basketball students from various Islands of The Bahamas to benefit from the once in a lifetime opportunity.

NBA TEAM TO HOLD ONE-DAY CLINIC FOR 150 BAHAMIAN STUDENTS Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the opportunity for young players to work with such elite athletes is priceless. “We’ll have kids from several islands come down to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said. “The kids watch these guys play on their televisions. Many of them look to these players for inspiration and many of them have dreams of someday making it to the NBA themselves. We know that it’s not impossible. This opportunity will foster hope in some of our junior athletes. We are excited that our partners, the Miami Heat, has agreed to put on this clinic in the middle of their training camp.” The camp, which will run

from September 27 to October 1, 2016, will also be held at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. The team will conduct two-a-day practice sessions. The Heat’s three-day training camp back in 2013 garnered much international attention for The Bahamas, and this year the NBA team is extending its stay. Wilchcombe is expecting even more priceless publicity for the destination. “We are delighted to host them again. The Miami Heat is still one of the biggest professional sporting fans with many loyal fans. They are also bringing media down with them again this year which will result in dozens of television, print and online stories mentioning The Bahamas. This or-

THE HEAT’s three-day training camp back in 2013 garnered much international attention for The Bahamas, and this year the NBA team is extending its stay. ganic advertising is priceless,” Wichcombe said. Also as a part of the ministry’s partnership with the Heat, The Bahamas will take over the American Airlines Arena when the Miami Heat takes on Buddy

Hield and the New Orleans Pelicans on March 15. In the run-up to the anticipated matchup, the Miami Heat is waiving ticket fees for Bahamians specifically for that game. Tickets for the game can

be purchased online at: https://oss.ticketmaster.com Bahamians are asked to use the password ‘HEATBAHAMAS’ to gain access to the discounted tickets. You can also access the link on TourismToday.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 26, 2016, PAGE 3

ANNA ZYWIOLEK, winner of the first fermale Olympic distance race, celebrates at the 2016 Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Saturday. Her winning time was 2 hours 43 minutes 21 seconds.

SIMONE BERTOLDO (second right) won the men’s sprint event ahead of Simon Lowe (second left), Mark Holowesko, Gustavo Mery (right) and Greg Michelier. BAHAMAS Olympic rower Emily Morley and boyfriend Drew Erskine won their respective 20-29 age group categories.

THE WINNERS of the men’s relay at the 2016 Potcakeman Triathlon on Saturday - Executive Marine. Josh Miller (swim), David Mellor (bike) and Delroy Booth (run)

OLYMPIC distance champions Anna Zywiolek and Simone Bertoldo receiving their Island House Triathlon invitations from 2016 Potcakeman Race Director Sarah Kennedy.

ELIZABETH SHADDOCK, centre, winner of the women’s sprint event with the other top five finishers Katrina Montgomery, Deborah Reid, Lynn Pritchard and Sarah Chemaly.

SALAS family visiting from Mexico - Javier Sr, Arturo and Javier Jr - competed as a relay team. Photos by Bahamas Visual Services

VICTOR LASLOP, winner of the 8 and under “Puppy Tri” with second placed Jude McCarroll and Alexander Heinzl, who was third.

Potcakeman winners take the spotlight CHECK TRIATHLON RESULTS IN TUESDAY SPORTS

TRIATHLON LOVERS compete in the 2016 Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Saturday.

Photos by Tim Clarke/The Tribune

PAGE 4, Monday, September 26, 2016

McIlroy the big winner at East Lake By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Rory McIlroy finally won the FedEx Cup when he least expected it. McIlroy was three shots behind with three holes to play yesterday in the Tour Championship. Nearly two hours later, he holed a 15-foot birdie putt on the fourth extra hole to win the tournament and claim the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus. “I took advantage of my opportunities today and yeah, here we are,” McIlroy said, his voice hoarse from screaming over so many quality shots and big moments. In its 10th year, the FedEx Cup never had a finish like this. McIlroy fittingly won on the 16th hole, where his remarkable rally began in regulation when he holed out from 137 yards for eagle, and then made birdie on the final hole for a 6-under 64 to join a three-man playoff with Ryan Moore (64) and Kevin Chappell (66). Moore had an 8-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to win and it caught the lip and spun out. Chappell had a 20-foot birdie putt on the last hole to win and left it short. They finished at 12-under 268. Dustin Johnson surprisingly was never a factor and

he hit too many errant shots on the front nine and never recovered, closing with a 73. Johnson, however, still would have won the FedEx Cup if either Moore or Chappell had won the tournament. McIlroy had control of this all along. He looked to put the perfect finish onto his big day when he hit over the water to 6 feet for an eagle putt on the par-5 18th in the first playoff hole. Moore, however, holed a 10-footer for birdie. McIlroy was ready to pump his fist until his eagle putt slid by, and he removed his cap in disbelief. Returning to the 18th, McIlroy missed an 18-foot birdie putt for the win. On the third extra hole, the par3 15th over the water from 201 yards, McIlroy had to make a 7-foot par putt just to stay in the game. Nothing was bigger than that birdie at the end. McIlroy stiffened his back, clutched both arms and shouted above the raucous cheers at East Lake. He earned a total of $11.53 million on Sunday, including $1.53 million for the Tour Championship. It was the 13th victory At the start of the month, he had not won all year on the PGA Tour. He won the Deutsche Bank Championship three weeks ago, and then needed a little bit of help from Johnson to capture the FedEx Cup. The consolation prize for

RORY McIlroy reacts after sinking a putt on the fourth hole of a playoff with Kevin Chappell to win the Tour Championship golf tournament and the FedEx Cup yesterday. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Moore might be a trip to Hazeltine National for the Ryder Cup. The American team decided to wait until after the Tour Championship for

Davis Love III to make his fourth and final captain’s pick. Moore, who won the John Deere Classic last month, showed all the qualities of a Ryder Cup player

on Sunday, right to the very end. Moore looked as though he would make it easy on McIlroy on the 16th in the playoff when his chip over a mound ran some 15 feet by the hole. He had to putt for par before McIlroy made birdie, and Moore drained it to force McIlroy to make his. Love was to announce his pick later Sunday at halftime of the NFL game. It was the longest playoff in the 30-year history of the Tour Championship. For Johnson, it was the difference of $7 million with McIlroy winning. Johnson finished second in the FedEx Cup and received $3 million. And it was more heartache for Chappell, who had his fourth runner-up finish this year. He twice was runner-up to Jason Day, and once to McIlroy. Chappell’s closing rounds in those runner-up finishes were 67, 69, 69 and 66. He had a two-shot lead with two holes to play when his tee shot found the nasty rough on the 17th and he made bogey — only his third of the week — and he failed to birdie the 18th. “Played those two holes in 10. Probably not going to win too often,” Chappell said. “I gave it all I had and got some good breaks, got some bad breaks there the last couple holes. But I’m proud of the way I fought. It just wasn’t enough.”

WEST HAM PAYS FOR REJECTING AUSTIN AS SOUTHAMPTON WINS 3-0 By SAM JOHNSTON Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Southampton forward Charlie Austin exacted sweet revenge on a club which once questioned his fitness as West Ham lost its fourth straight Premier League game on Sunday. Austin’s goal and assist at the Olympic Stadium gave Southampton a 3-0 victory over a team whose top official had said he wouldn’t sign the player due to the state of his knee. In August 2015, West Ham cochairman David Sullivan told an unofficial club podcast: “They say he (Austin) has no ligaments in his knee, who knows?” But Austin proved his worth for Southampton, scoring his fifth goal in four games in all competitions to dispel any doubts about his physical condition or ability. Having seen his side score more than one goal for the first time in the Premier League this season, Southampton manager Claude Puel praised Austin’s clinical play. “He can score very nice goals and I think he scored with his first chance,” said Puel. “This shows a striker’s confidence.” The win means midtable Southampton has eight points from six matches, while West Ham is struggling in the relegation zone with three points from six games. West Ham conceded three or more goals for the fourth consecutive league game. Coach Slaven Bilic said the players were low on confidence but hinted he wanted players to be harder on each other. “Heavy defeats against Watford and West Brom started the situation with the confidence,” said the former Croatia manager. “The players are good with each other — they are maybe too good with each other.” In a first half lacking goalmouth action, Southampton always looked more likely to make the breakthrough, repeatedly threatening through Ryan Bertrand down the left.

Having escaped when PierreEmile Hojbjerg failed to convert the former Chelsea defender’s cross after eight minutes, West Ham was eventually made to pay. The Saints’ chief creator, Dusan Tadic, freed Bertrand once more after 40 minutes, whose pull back was expertly slotted home by Austin. Despite the impressive work rate of Simone Zaza up front, West Ham struggled to create any clear openings in the first half, looking most dangerous from Dimitri Payet’s set pieces. Southampton should have doubled its lead early in the second half when Tadic found himself in space after a slick exchange of passes with Cedric Soares. The Serb midfielder, perhaps surprised by the amount of space he’d been given in the West Ham area, shot straight at Adrian — a mistake Tadic wouldn’t repeat. Just 10 minutes later Cheikhou Kouyate gifted Southampton the ball deep inside his own half and Austin turned provider as his first-time pass released Tadic, who calmly rounded Adrian and finished in the 62nd. West Ham attempted to rally, but the introductions of Sofiane Feghouli, Ashley Fletcher and Edimilson Fernandes failed to cause the visitors any major discomfort. Payet’s influence grew as he fired wide from the edge of the box and Zaza saw an effort cleared off the line by Virgil van Dijk after more good work from the French midfielder. The visitors had multiple chances to extend their lead late on and finally did so in stoppage time when Steven Davis cut back for substitute James Ward-Prowse to fire into an empty net — and not many home fans still around to see it. There were pre-match fears over crowd trouble following violence during the league match against Watford. Off the pitch at least, the game passed more peacefully for the hosts this time. While a significant minority of West Ham fans again chose to ignore pre-match

warnings over persistent standing at the club’s new stadium, the stewards appeared to take a more lenient approach. • Here is a closer look at Saturday’s eight Premier League games: MAN UNITED 4, LEICESTER 1 United goals all came in a sparkling first-half display. Juan Mata — Rooney’s replacement in the No. 10 role — Marcus Rashford, and Paul Pogba scored in a rampant five-minute spell. United took the lead through Chris Smalling, the captain in place of Rooney. United ended a run of two straight league defeats, but Leicester has lost three of its opening six games, as many as in its 38-game title-winning campaign last season. SWANSEA 1, MAN CITY 3 Back from suspension and immediately back in the goals, Sergio Aguero scored twice to take his tally to 11 in six games. Raheem Sterling grabbed the other goal for City and the only blot was the sight of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne limping off late on with an apparent hamstring injury. ARSENAL 3, CHELSEA 0 Chelsea’s defensive frailties were exposed as Antonio Conte’s team was left with one point from three league games in September. Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil provided the goals in the first half that gave the Gunners their first league win over Chelsea in five years. Chelsea hadn’t even conceded a league goal to Arsenal since January 2013 before this capitulation. LIVERPOOL 5, HULL 1 With nine goals in its first two home games, a new-look Anfield is

becoming a fortress for Liverpool under Juergen Klopp. Liverpool was already on its way to a third straight league win when Ahmed Elmohamady was sent off in the 29th minute. James Milner converted the resulting penalty to double the lead already established by Adam Lallana. Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho added further goals before Milner was on target again from the penalty spot. MIDDLESBROUGH 1, TOTTENHAM 2 Son Heung-min stepped up in Harry Kane’s injury absence with two goals. Kane, last season’s top scorer in the league, injured his right ankle last weekend and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. But Son, who wanted to leave Tottenham in the offseason, scored his second double inside two weeks, netting both inside 23 minutes at Middlesbrough. It was a third consecutive loss for Middlesbrough, but a third league win in a row for Tottenham. BOURNEMOUTH 1, EVERTON 0 Everton’s unbeaten start to the league ended as Junior Stanislas scored a 20-yard drive to give Bournemouth its second win of the campaign. SUNDERLAND 2, CRYSTAL PALACE 3 Still searching for its first win of the season, Sunderland established a 2-0 lead through Jermain Defoe’s double strike, and then threw it away. The collapse began in the 61st minute when Patrick van Aanholt deflected Joe Ledley’s shot past his own goalkeeper. James McArthur equalized and Christian Benteke headed in the winner in stoppage time. STOKE 1, WEST BROM 1 Stoke was denied its first win of the season in stoppage time when Salomon Rondon’s header canceled out Joe Allen’s strike.

SKY SLOWS MCCOUGHTRY IN 2ND HALF TO ADVANCE TO WNBA SEMIS ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Courtney Vandersloot scored 21 points with 13 assists, Jessica Breland had 20 points and 16 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Atlanta Dream 108-98 yesterday to advance to the semi-finals of the WNBA playoffs. The Sky broke it open in the first five minutes of the third quarter. Tamera Young made fast-break layups on consecutive possessions during Chicago’s 10-2 run to start the quarter for a 66-52 lead. Atlanta was outscored 31-20 in the quarter. Chicago cruised in the fourth — setting a season-high for total points — and will face Los Angeles in a best-of-five series. Reigning MVP Elena Delle Donne missed her sixth straight game with a thumb injury for Chi-

cago but it didn’t seem to faze the Sky on the offensive end. Chicago had 26 assists, made 55 per cent of its shots, and Young and Cappie Pondexter each scored 16 points. Chicago set a WNBA record for the most points in the first quarter of a playoff game when the Sky built a 37-25 lead. But Angel McCoughtry kept the Dream within 56-50 at halftime after scoring 21 points, including 10 of Atlanta’s first 14 points. Tiffany Hayes, who didn’t play in the first round due to a one-game suspension for accrued technical in the regular season, scored 30 points for Atlanta. McCoughtry finished with 27 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler was in attendance wearing a Cubs jersey.

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WOZNIACKI DEFEATS JAPANESE TEEN OSAKA TO WIN PAN PACIFIC OPEN By JIM ARMSTRONG AP Sports Writer TOKYO (AP) — Caroline Wozniacki overcame injury to beat Japanese teenager Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 and win the Pan Pacific Open yesterday. Wozniacki, who also won here in 2010, took control in the second set when she broke in the second game. The former No. 1 led 5-0 before Osaka fought back to give home fans some hope, but Wozniacki sealed victory in the ninth game when Osaka’s return went wide. “I just fought for every point and tried to stay aggressive and make her move,” Wozniacki said. “She fought back in the second set so I was just happy to close it out.” Osaka — playing in her first WTA final — had led 3-1 in the first set but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Wozniacki, who has faced ankle and wrist injuries this season, took a medical timeout midway through the first set because of a sore groin and came back with a bandaged left leg. She broke Osaka after returning and won three of the last four games of the set. “I’m enjoying it at the moment,” said US Open semi-finalist Wozniacki. “Injuries happen and you never know when you can be taken out of the game, so I’m just enjoying every minute.” The veteran’s consistency won the day, with just 16 unforced errors to Osaka’s 32. Ruthless on the crucial points, Wozniacki converted five of six break point opportunities and won an impressive 11 of 12 forays to the net. “I’ve won a tournament every year since 2008 so I’m happy to keep that streak going,” Wozniacki said. “I’m heading to China today where I’m just going to try to continue playing well.”

ZVEREV STUNS WAWRINKA FOR ST PETERSBURG TITLE ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Promising German 19-year-old Alexander Zverev won his first tour title Sunday, beating US Open champion Stan Wawrinka in a tight battle in the St Petersburg Open final. Zverev took the first set before Wawrinka responded to draw level. The German was a break down in the decider, but fought back to win 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. Zverev becomes the first man to beat Wawrinka in a tour final since 2013, snapping an 11-match win streak in finals for the Swiss star, who had been trying to win back-to-back titles in his first tournament since the US Open. The loss also ends a 10-match unbeaten run for Wawrinka. Earlier, Britain’s Dominic Inglot and Finland’s Henri Kontinen won the doubles title.

CHICAGO Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) steals the ball from Minnesota Lynx guard Renee Montgomery (21) during the first half of a game earlier this month. (AP)

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Monday, September 26, 2016, PAGE 5

Jay Ajayi scores in overtime, Miami tops Cleveland 30-24 By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Jay Ajayi got a second chance, and so did the Miami Dolphins. They made the most of both. Ajayi scored on an 11-yard run with 8:26 left in overtime, and the Dolphins escaped with a 30-24 win over the Cleveland Browns yesterday — the first victory for first-year head coach Adam Gase. “We come out here in our first game and showcase to our home fans what we’re about, and offensively we’re out there flopping it around,” said Gase, who was in no celebratory mood afterward. “It irritated me a little bit.” Ajayi’s game-winner came one play after Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill found a wideopen Jarvis Landry for a 32-yard gain, as the Dolphins (1-2) avoided what would be their first 0-3 start since 2011. Tannehill threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns for Miami, and Landry caught seven of those passes for 120 yards. Cody Parkey, who was signed Saturday after Patrick Murray

NFL CAPSULES EAGLES 34, STEELERS 3 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Carson Wentz threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, a fierce defense shut down Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-3 on Sunday to remain unbeaten. The rookie No. 2 overall pick connected with Darren Sproles on a 73-yard, catch-and-run TD and tossed a 12-yard TD pass to Jordan Matthews. After beating the Browns and Bears in the first two games, the Eagles (3-0) proved they could compete with the big boys. The Steelers (2-1) averaged 31 points the first two weeks and are considered Super Bowl contenders. BRONCOS 29, BENGALS 17 CINCINNATI (AP) — Trevor Siemian threw a career-high four touchdown passes in his first road start and was nearly perfect under fourth-quarter pressure, rallying Denver over Cincinnati. The defending Super Bowl champions are 3-0 under Siemian, who took over after Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler went to Houston. He completed 11 of 12 passes while rallying the Broncos to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. The previous Bronco to throw for four touchdowns was Manning in 2014 against the Dolphins. Siemian went 23 of 35 for 312 yards and a passer rating of 132.1. PACKERS 34, LIONS 27 GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw for 205 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the first half to Jordy Nelson, and Green Bay

was hurt the day before in practice, missed three field goals for Cleveland, including a 46-yarder as time expired in regulation. The Browns had a golden chance to win after Corey Lemonier stripped the ball from Tannehill and recovered the fumble himself with 20 seconds left. Parkey went wide left, some Dolphins fans who were leaving turned around in the stairwells, and to overtime they went. “I know everybody will say it came down to the field goals, but I’m not going to put that kind of pressure on Cody,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said. “Cody just got off a plane with us and I don’t know him as well as I know this chair right now.” Cleveland started Cody Kessler at quarterback, making him the third player in as many weeks to hold that job for the Browns. The Browns lost Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown in the season’s first two weeks, and ultimately got a spark from quarterback-turnedwide-receiver. Terrelle Pryor became the first Browns player since 1977 to have multiple receptions, rushes and snapped out of its offensive funk before holding off Detroit. Rodgers was 15 of 24, leading the Packers to touchdowns on their first three series. Nelson had 101 yards on six catches, returning to the form that made him one of the NFL’s best receivers before missing the 2015 season with a knee injury. VIKINGS 22, PANTHERS 10 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sam Bradford threw a touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph, Marcus Sherels returned a punt for a score and Minnesota snapped Carolina’s 14-game home winning streak. The Vikings (3-0) put the clamps on Cam Newton, intercepting the league’s reigning MVP three times and sacking him eight times, one of those resulting in a safety by Danielle Hunter. The eight sacks were the second-most ever against Newton. Bradford improved to 2-0 as the Vikings starter, completing 18 of 28 passes for 171 yards. With Adrian Peterson injured, Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon combined for 70 yards rushing on 22 carries. Rudolph had seven catches for 70 yards, including a 15-yard TD catch to put the Vikings ahead for good in the early in the third quarter. SEAHAWKS 37, 49ERS 18 SEATTLE (AP) — Russell Wilson threw for 243 yards and a touchdown before suffering a left knee injury and Seattle rolled to a rout of San Francisco. Wilson was injured with about 10 minutes to go in the third quarter getting pulled down awkwardly on a sack by San Francisco’s Eli Harold. Harold was called for a horse collar penalty, but the bigger concern was how he fell on Wilson’s left leg.

DOLPHINS running back Jay Ajayi (23) catches a pass for a touchdown during overtime yesterday against the Cleveland Browns. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) passes in the same game. The former Ohio State quarterback, now primarily a receiver, started takWilson stayed down on the field for a few moments before walking off. Wilson missed the first play of his career due to injury, but returned to throw one more pass. The completion led to the third of Steven Hauschka’s three field goals for a 27-3 lead and after that Wilson’s day was done. COLTS 26, CHARGERS 22 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Andrew Luck shook off a sore throwing shoulder, then watched T.Y. Hilton break a tackle on a 63-yard touchdown pass with 1:17 to play, giving Indianapolis a victory over San Diego. It’s the second time this season Luck has produced a late score to give Indy a lead in the waning seconds. But, unlike the season opener two weeks ago, the Colts (1-2) recovered two fumbles in the final 62 seconds to preserve the win. Luck finished 24 of 37 for 331 yards with one TD and one interception to earn his 15th comefrom-behind win — not bad for a guy who missed practice Wednesday and did limited work Thursday in practice because of the injury. REDSKINS 29, GIANTS 27 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Dustin Hopkins kicked a 37-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter for his fifth of the game and Washington Redskins avoid a near-disastrous 0-3 start with a win over the penalty-and errorprone New York. Kirk Cousins threw touchdown passes of 44 yards to DeSean Jackson and 55 to Jamison Crowder as the banged-up Redskins (1-2) handed new coach Ben McAdoo his first loss with the Giants (2-1). Su’a Cravens ended the Giants’ final drive with an interception in New York territory. It was

ing some snaps in the game’s second series and finished with eight catches for 144 yards — along with 35 passing yards and 25 rushing yards. Pryor even played safety on the last play of the first half. “Dynamic athlete,” Miami defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. “Whether he’s playing quarterback or wide receiver he’s obviously effective.” Miami trailed 13-10 at the half. Landry caught a 42-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to put the Dolphins on top, and the lead got stretched to 24-13 when Tannehill hit Damien Williams with what became a 10-yard scoring throw early in the fourth. Cleveland’s first offensive touchdown in its last 16 series came with 10:12 left, when Pryor scored on a 3-yard run. The twopoint conversion got the Browns within 24-21, and Parkey’s 38yard field goal later in the fourth pulled Cleveland into a tie. And in OT, Ajayi — who didn’t even fly with the team to Seattle for its season opener — capped it with a run around the left side. “I’m always happy to get a win. It was ugly, we didn’t play well at times

today, but we stuck together and found a way,” Tannehill said.

Eli Manning’s second pick of the quarter, with the other coming in the end zone by Quinton Dunbar after New York got to the Redskins 15 on a big play by Odell Beckham Jr.

— Justin Tucker kicked a 54-yard field goal with 1:02 remaining, lifting Baltimore over Jacksonville. Tucker raised both arms in celebration as his fourth field goal of the day split the uprights with plenty of distance. The Ravens improved to 3-0 for the third time in franchise history and first since 2009. The Jaguars fell to 0-3 for the third time in the last four years and surely will hear more talk about coach Gus Bradley’s job security. Bradley is now 12-39 in four seasons, the second-worst winning percentage of any NFL coach with at least 50 games.

RAMS 37, BUCCANEERS 32 TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Case Keenum threw for the Rams’ first touchdown since relocating back to Los Angeles, and Todd Gurley rushed for two more scores in a victory over Tampa Bay. The Rams (2-1), who did not get into the end zone in the first two games of the season, also scored on Ethan Westbrooks’ 77-yard fumble return and Tavon Austin’s 43-yard reception in the fourth quarter before thunder and lightning caused a 69-minute weather delay with two minutes remaining. Jameis Winston threw for 405 yards and three TDs for Tampa Bay (1-2). He threw an interception that set up one of Gurley’s two 1-yard touchdown runs and was stripped by the Rams’ Robert Quinn on the fumble that Westbrooks returned up the left sideline for a 31-20 lead. CHIEFS 24, JETS 3 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs returned two turnovers for touchdowns, intercepted three passes in the end zone and forced eight turnovers total in a victory over New York. Marcus Peters had two of the picks for the Chiefs (2-1), including the first of four off the Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter. Daniel Sorenson had another, Derrick Johnson returned his 55 yards for a touchdown, and D.J. White snagged his in the end zone with 1:54 left in the game. RAVENS 19, JAGUARS 17 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)

WELCOME, ROOK Briean Boddy-Calhoun was inactive in Week 1 and Week 2 for Cleveland. He made his debut one to remember, becoming the first player in franchise history to run back an interception for a score in his first NFL game. GOOD CALL Cleveland won the coin toss prior to overtime and let Miami have the ball, even though a Dolphin touchdown on that possession would have ended the game. Miami wound up punting. “The way we were playing offensively, it was probably a good idea,” Gase said. QUOTABLE Patriots coach Bill Belichick offered a memorable “We’re on to Cincinnati” series of quotes in October 2014, not wanting to answer questions about Tom Brady after a bad loss to Kansas City. Gase, whose club goes to Cincinnati on Thursday, channelled some Belichick on Sunday. “We’re moving on to Cincinnati,” Gase said.

BILLS 33, CARDINALS 18 ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — LeSean McCoy scored twice and safety Aaron Williams returned a botched field-goal snap 53 yards for a touchdown in leading Buffalo over Arizona. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor also scored on a 20-yard run at a time the Rex Ryan-coached Bills spent the past week taking the brunt of criticism after opening the season 0-2. RAIDERS 17, TITANS 10 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Derek Carr threw for 249 yards and a touchdown, and Oakland beat Tennessee with its defense finally coming up with some big plays. The Raiders (2-1) forced three turnovers and had a sack after coming into this game having given up more yards than any team since at least 1940 through the first two games. Coach Jack Del made a couple of lineup changes, starting linebacker Cory James and rookie safety Karl Joseph, their top draft pick. Oakland never trailed and took control in the second quarter, scoring 10 points and outgaining the Titans 129-40 to take a 17-3 lead into halftime.

FINNEGAN PITCHES 5 SCORELESS INNINGS IN REDS’ 4-2 WIN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STANDINGS By JOE DiGIOVANNI Associated Press MILWAUKEE (AP) — A stinging line drive off the right leg of Cincinnati’s Brandon Finnegan wasn’t enough to stop the left-hander from dominating the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Finnegan pitched five scoreless innings in what likely was his final start of the season, lifting the Reds to a 4-2 victory. “You don’t want to come out, especially that early in the game, so there was no way I was going to let them take me out,” Finnegan said of being struck on the inside of his right knee. “Luckily, it felt good enough to push through.” Finnegan (10-11) scattered three hits and struck out four, needing only 54 pitches to get through five innings. Finnegan took a line drive from Milwaukee’s Hernan Perez in the second. Manager Bryan Price and trainers went to the mound, and Finnegan threw a few practice pitches before facing the next batter to make sure he was all right. “It got tighter and tighter as the game went on, for sure,” he said. “Sitting between innings wasn’t helping. But when I moved it, it was good enough to keep going.” Raisel Iglesias pitched the ninth for his fourth save in five chances. Finnegan, obtained in the July 2015 trade that sent Johnny Cueto to Kansas City, is 4-3 with a 2.23 ERA in his last 11 starts. The left-hander has

pitched 172 innings this year, up from 105 1/3 innings splitting time between the major and minor leagues in 2015. “I made it through the season healthy,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to put up the innings I was able to. I wish it was more, but it’s protocol for guys who don’t have that many innings in years past.” The team indicated in the days before Sunday that it would be Finnegan’s last start, but Price only would say “he was toward the end” of his innings limit after the game. “If that is his last start, a great way to finish the season,” Price said. Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta (711) pitched six innings, allowing three runs — two earned — on five hits and three walks while striking out five. Banished to the minors on June 12 after a poor start, Peralta returned in August and has made nine starts, going 3-4 with a 3.23 ERA in his second stint with the team. Scott Schebler had two hits for the Reds, including a double with one out in the first when the Reds took a 2-0 lead on an RBI double by Adam Duvall and an RBI fielder’s choice by Brandon Phillips. Jose Peraza walked in the third, and later scored on a throwing error by Milwaukee catcher Martin Maldonado for a 3-0 lead. The Reds extended the lead to 4-0 in the seventh on a pinch-hit single by Steve Selsky, scoring Eugenio Suarez. The Brewers scored twice in the seventh off Jumbo Diaz, with Hernan Perez scoring on a throwing error by

catcher Ramon Cabrera. Yadiel Rivera’s groundout then scored Orlando Arcia to make it 4-2. Ryan Braun had a single and triple, and Perez had two singles for Milwaukee. The Brewers went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. ATTENDANCE DOWN It was the final home game for the Brewers, who drew 2,314,614 fans, down 9 percent from 2,542,558 a year ago. Milwaukee went 41-40 at home and is 29-46 on the road. BRAUN OVATION News reports have indicated that Braun could be traded during the offseason, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation before his final atbat in the eighth inning, and again after he struck out. He stepped out of the batter’s box and gave a wave to acknowledge the ovation. “The love and support I’ve received here is more than any athlete could ever hope to get from any fan base,” Braun said. “I think that the people here, at least most of them, recognized that there’s a chance that this was my last home game as a Brewer.” VOTTO’S DOUBLES MARK Votto hit his 30th double in the eighth, becoming only the second Reds player with at least 30 doubles in eight different seasons. Pete Rose had 30 doubles in 13 seasons for Cincinnati.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 26, 2016, PAGE 7

Heat forward Chris Bosh fails physical, future in doubt By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Chris Bosh’s plan to resume playing is now in jeopardy, after medical examinations performed in recent days convinced the Miami Heat that he is not healthy enough to return to the court. And Bosh may have provided a clue why. The Heat announced Friday that they still cannot clear Bosh for a resumption of basketball activities, based on the result of his preseason physical — a series of tests conducted over the past few days. Their announcement came two days after Bosh revealed in the first chapter of a documentary series about his saga that he had multiple clots in February. “The Miami Heat regret that it remains unable to clear Chris to return to basketball activities, and there is no timetable for his return,” the team said. Late Friday, Bosh released a statement, saying “little setbacks happen.”

“But that doesn’t change my intentions and what I want to accomplish,” Bosh said. That statement was distributed by LeBron James’ digital platform called Uninterrupted, the same site that Bosh worked with for the documentary. In a video posted there earlier this week, Bosh said a small clot was found in his leg this past February when he was in Toronto for the All-Star break, and that a CT scan later found the existence of at least one other clot. Typically, CT scans are administered when clots are expected of having travelled to a lung — a very serious condition called a pulmonary embolism, which Bosh also had in February 2015 in his first bout against the problem that now threatens his career. “I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t express to him my concerns,” former Heat guard Dwyane Wade, now a member of the Chicago Bulls, told The Associated Press. “To me, the biggest thing is Chris has five kids

Chris Bosh, Oklahoma City’s Enes Kanter tweeted Friday. “I’m sorry brother. Praying for you my man.” Everything about Bosh’s future remains murky, and the Heat are unable to shed any light on their perspective, either. The team said it cannot comment further on Bosh’s status because of a rule in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement “which precludes a team from releasing certain medical information without a player’s consent.” What figures to come in the next days, weeks and possibly months is more tension between the Heat and their highest-paid player, who’ll make $76 million in the next three years whether he plays or not. “I’m ready to play,” Boshsaid last week . The Heat — as well as doctors in Miami and New York, where Bosh was earlier this week — do not agree. There are mechanisms in the CBA that would allow Miami to get Bosh’s salary off its cap number some-

HEAT forward Chris Bosh gestures as he speaks during a news conference in Miami on Saturday. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) and a wife and a family that depends on him being there. To me, that’s always most important. I told him, ‘Make sure you focus on that first.’” The next step for Bosh is unclear. The Heat will hold media day today and their first practice of the postWade era in the Bahamas when training camp opens

on Tuesday. Bosh won’t be on the floor for that practice, and likely not anytime soon — if ever. That means the Heat are for now down to just one player left from the team that played in the NBA Finals just two years ago, that being veteran forward Udonis Haslem. “Hate to hear that about”

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 73° F/23° C

TAMPA

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Clouds and sun with a thunderstorm

Cloudy with a t‑storm in the area

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Some sun with a t‑storm in the area

Periods of sun with a thunderstorm

High: 87°

Low: 77°

High: 89° Low: 78°

High: 91° Low: 76°

High: 89° Low: 76°

AccuWeather RealFeel

104° F

81° F

106°-84° F

106°-90° F

106°-86° F

105°-83° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

4‑8 knots

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 75° F/24° C

3‑6 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 74° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 75° F/24° C

3‑6 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 86° F/30° C Last year’s low ................................... 73° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.06” Year to date ............................................... 34.42” Normal year to date ................................... 28.22”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

KEY WEST

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

4‑8 knots

ANDROS

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

5:03 a.m. 5:32 p.m.

2.9 3.3

11:09 a.m. 0.5 11:53 p.m. 0.5

Tuesday

5:59 a.m. 6:24 p.m.

3.0 3.3

12:06 p.m. 0.4 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Wednesday 6:49 a.m. 7:10 p.m.

3.1 3.3

12:41 a.m. 0.4 12:56 p.m. 0.4

Thursday

7:33 a.m. 7:52 p.m.

3.2 3.3

1:24 a.m. 1:41 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Friday

8:13 a.m. 8:30 p.m.

3.3 3.2

2:03 a.m. 2:23 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Saturday

8:51 a.m. 9:07 p.m.

3.3 3.2

2:39 a.m. 3:02 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Sunday

9:28 a.m. 9:44 p.m.

3.3 3.0

3:14 a.m. 3:41 p.m.

0.3 0.4

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:00 a.m. 7:02 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

3:03 a.m. 4:24 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Sep. 30

Oct. 9

Oct. 16

Oct. 22

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map H

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

CAT ISLAND

time next year if he cannot continue to play. But the Heat reiterated Friday that their goal for months has been to get Bosh back on the floor as quickly as possible. Bosh’s first bout with a clot was in February 2015, when one that was believed to have formed in one of his legs travelled to a lung and caused problems so severe that he needed to be hospitalised for several days. He recovered and was averaging 19.1 points last season when the second bout with clots began this past February. Bosh, in the podcast with Uninterrupted last week and the video on the site earlier this week, made minimal attempt to hide his frustration with Heat doctors — saying they work for the team and not the player, then adding that they told him in February that his career is likely over. “I think that I have the right to disagree,” Bosh said. For now, any sort of agreement seems a long way off.

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

4‑8 knots

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

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 86° F/30° C Low: 82° F/28° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

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

Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday:

WINDS SE at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots WNW at 4‑8 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots S at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots SSW at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots WSW at 4‑8 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 3‑6 Knots VAR at 3‑6 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots

WAVES 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 0‑1 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 86° F 85° F 88° F 87° F 83° F 83° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 87° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 87° F 83° F 84° F 86° F 85° F 83° F 83° F

PAGE 8, Monday, September 26, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

PELICANS owner Tom Benson and his wife, Gayle, greet forward Anthony Davis, left, and guard Buddy Hield, right, during NBA media day in New Orleans on Friday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Pelicans enter camp rife with uncertainty, but also optimism By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans were rife with uncertainty as they prepared to open training camp this weekend. Anthony Davis and Co. believe they are poised to improve substantially over last season’s injury-riddled, 30-52 campaign, but a lot of variables have to work in their favour. It’s unclear when several members of Davis’ supporting cast will return from various injuries — or in guard Jrue Holiday’s case, a serious family matter requiring leave. Meanwhile, the club is eager to see how several key offseason acquisitions will fit in, as well as a few players added more for their potential upside than anything they’ve achieved lately. “We’ll have a different look. We lost some guys that we’ve had for a few years,” general manager Dell Demps said, referring primarily to guard Eric Gordon and forward Ryan Anderson. “But I like the group that we have right now. I like the approach that we have. We’ve got a lot of guys that made it the hard way, that had to grind their way to have success.” The Pelicans’ top freeagent pickups included Solomon Hill from Indiana, guard E’Twaun Moore from Chicago and point guard Langston Galloway from New York. They signed Terrence Jones, who won a national title with Davis at Kentucky, and Lance Stephenson to low-risk deals. They also drafted Oklahoma sharp-shooter Buddy Hield and Kansas forward Cheick Diallo. Some of those players will be relied upon heavily early on, in part because Holiday is on indefinite leave to tend to his wife Lauren, a former international soccer star who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour while pregnant. Meanwhile, it remains unclear when guard Tyreke Evans and small forward Quincy Pondexter will return from prolonged rehabilitation from knee injuries. Dell said all three could

BUDDY HIELD and the New Orleans Pelicans are slated to tip off their season at home in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 26. be back within the first two months of the season, but stressed that Holiday has been told to focus on his family and has no concrete timeline to return. Coach Alvin Gentry did not specify how the rotation at guard will work out in Holiday’s absence. “That will kind of take care of itself,” Gentry said. “We’ll do a lot of switching lineups and putting guys in different positions. ... You’ll see a lot of versatility in the way we play because we have those kinds of players.” Evans and Pondexter both have had post-surgery complications, making it tougher to predict when their recovery will be complete. Evans said he developed a blood clot in his calf. “I had to take a step back, but I kept working hard in my rehab,” said Evans, who is also in the final year of his contract. “I feel good, but doctors said, ‘Don’t rush it.’” Evans said he’s not aware of any concerns doctors have that clotting will recur. Pondexter said his leg “still has to get a lot stronger,” after “two major surgeries. But when asked whether doubt has set in regarding whether he’ll return at all, Pondexter retorted, “Hell,

no.” Davis said he is healthy after missing the end of last season with shoulder and knee injuries, then skipping the Rio Olympics. He said he wants these Pelicans to attack the season with a “blue-collar mentality.” “We want to be kind of like Boston was last year, not having a lot of talent but guys play hard,” Davis said. “The guys that we brought in want to be a part of this and it’s always good to have guys who are on the same page.” Added Demps, “When we put this group together, we think it does complement Anthony and obviously everything starts with him.” The additions of Jones and Stephenson appear to have considerable upside. Jones averaged better than 11 points in two of the previous three seasons, while Stephenson averaged 14.2 points in his final 25 games last season, after being traded to Memphis. “Nothing was promised to those guys. It’s going to be how they fit in,” Demps said, adding that both players have attended Pelicans voluntary offseason workouts. “They actually both looked good in the workouts and I think we’re hoping to get the best version of themselves.”