Sydney and Denali emerge as national tennis champions
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
It took Sydney Clarke two sets, while Denali Nottage needed three hard-fought sets to earn the ladies and men’s titles at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s annual Giorgio Baldacci Open Tennis Nationals.
At the end of the shortened three-day tournament because of the limited number of entries, Clarke and Nottage had to withstand the two-hour rain delay in the middle of their matches yesterday at the National Tennis Centre to regain their respective titles.
Clarke dethroned defending champion Simone Pratt to recapture the ladies’ title she last held in 2018 with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Both players also earned another appearance on the Billie Jean King Cup for 2025.
“I feel like all of my hard work paid off. I did a lot of things differently coming into this tournament,” said Clarke, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Arlington, who is now working part-time as a tennis instructor at Baha Mar.
“So I’m just very happy and very grateful. After I savour the moment for the next two or three days, I know that there will be a target on my back as the new champion.”
Under the rainy conditions, Clarke said she handled herself very well. After winning the first set, she cruised to a 2-0 lead in the second set
SEE PAGE 18
Coach Moles extremely pleased with men’s national cricket team
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
COACH Andy Moles
said he’s extremely pleased with the Bahamas men’s national cricket team qualifying for the next round of the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Canada next August.
The team participated in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Americas SRO in Argentina last week where they finished third in the standings with a 6-2 win-loss record to qualify along with Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, who got first and second respectively.
DEVYNNE CHARLTON BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION LAUNCHED
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
IN her continued spirit of giving, world indoor 60 metre hurdles champion and record holder Devynne Charlton has launched her Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation to assist more of the underprivileged track and field athletes in the country.
With the initial donation of $20,000, the foundation was officially launched on Wednesday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium where Charlton got the support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.
In introducing the foundation, along with her parents Laura and Dave Charlton, the two-time Olympic finalist in the women’s 100 metre hurdles said she had a conversation with her father about providing the financial means to assist more of the public school athletes to excel in the sport as a student-athlete.
“I think about my college days and I just want to implement that with this funding,” said Charlton, a
“We really shared some fantastic spirits while we were away in Argentina,” Moles said. “We found it hard with the bat to be consistent with the wickets being so tricky. They were very dry and the bowlers were on top at all times.
“When our bowlers bowled on it, we bowled better than our opponents, all but on two occasions. So to go to Argentina and win six out of eight matches is a fantastic achievement and everybody should be proud
Captained by Marc Taylor, the team comprised of Julio Jemison, Javelle Gallimore, Kevon Hinds, Dwight Weakley, Rudolph Fox, Festus Benn, Dwight Weakley Jr, Sandeep Goud, Renford Davson, Antonio Harris, Ashok Nair, Romaine Smith and Eugene Duff.
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced that their Christmas Party in the backyard will take place on Friday, December 20. The event will take place at Sealy’s Backyard in Sea Breeze Lane from 6pm. Prizes and surprises will be given out all night long.
BBSF SOFTBALL LEAGUE THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its 2025 softball league, starting on Saturday, February 1 at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. The co-ed slow pitch league will allow each team up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. The deadline for team registration with rosters and team payment is Saturday, January 25, 2025. Interested persons can tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or email 242softball@gmail.com or Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or email stubbobs@gmail.com.
ROAD RACE BBSF WALK/RUN THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is inviting the general public to participate in their Family Fun Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday, January 11, starting at 6am from the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. The walk will leave Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, west on Bernard Road to
SEE PAGE 17
IT was probably the “most emotional” eight months that he’s had in his life was how Antoan Richardson described his past Major League Baseball season with the New York Mets as their first base coach. The 41-year-old former MLB player with the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees was making his transition from a coach with the San Francisco Giants to the Mets. Their season came to an end when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championships Series. The
BAHAMAS men’s national cricket team players celebrating.
NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS: Shown, from left to right, are national tennis champions Denali Nottage and Sydney Clarke with their trophies and Chilean Burrows, vice president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
DEVYNNE CHARLTON BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION LAUNCHED
graduate and Hall of Fame inductee at Purdue University. The foundation is based on empowerment, integrity and leadership, according to Laura Charlton, who indicated that a committee will be established to do all of the logistic work while her daughter continues to pursue her professional track and field career.
Her mother said her daughter might be small in stature, but she has a big heart and is always looking at ways to give back to the Bahamian community, who supported her and made her dreams possible.
mentor you that will take those individuals to the next level,” Laura Charlton said.
“This is a part of what the programme is all about. It will be by application. There will be a board or committee, so as applications come in and as requests come in, we will be able to process those applications and requests.”
and helping them overcome financial barriers that may be holding them back.”
Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg congratulated Charlton and her vision of “finding the diamonds in the rough,” which is in the public school system.
BOC secretary general Derron Donaldson said with the launch of Charlton’s foundation, it should inspire more people to come forth and continue to give like they have done in the past.
congratulate you,” Donaldson said.
“Sports is always at the back of the newspaper, but when you guys win a medal, they want to put it on the front.
Keep up the good work! FROM PAGE 15
establishment of the foundation because very few people do it.
“Sometimes it’s just support financially or in terms of someone being there to
Another part of the foundation is its partnership and Laura Charlton said they are inviting the entire Bahamas to come on board and assist in whatever way they can so they can assist more student-athletes. The foundation is dedicated to empowering track and field athletes by providing essential support for their journey to success
He pledged to lend his personal support and indicated that he will check his acting director of sports, Kelsie Johnson-Sills, to see what they can do to assist as well.
“At the end of the day, all of these Bahamian athletes are our own. These are our children,” he said. “These are the ones we can never ever come up with enough dollars to pay for putting us out there on the map and representing us worldwide.”
“Their investment is paying back because of what Devynne is giving now and to help other athletes as they give back to sports, but in another direction,” he said.
He noted that the BOC, headed by president Romell Knowles, will take a look at their welfare commission and their Talent ID programme that they should be able to tap into to lend their support to the foundation.
“Everyone here, the Bahamas at large,
“We need to continue to show them that through sports, we can achieve and help to save the country, so congratulations on establishing your foundation.”
Also in attendance with Donaldson was Cora Hepburn, one of the six vice presidents of the BOC, the highest sporting body in the country.
BAAA president Drumeco Archer said when there are such acts of kindness demonstrated, they want to underscore how important Charlton’s commitment is with the
“I think that is a story many people tell around the world about how little athletes give back to a sport and to a movement that has impacted and changed their lives,” he said. To become a Barrier Breaker, persons can write to dcbarrierbreakers@ gmail.com or log onto www. dcbrrierbreakers.com.
The foundation launch comes after Charlton has made several contributions of running sprints, clothing and even sunglasses, donated by Oakley, to various athletes, along with holding hurdles clinics in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
WITH the initial donation of $20,000, the Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundationwas officially launched on Wednesday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium where Charlton got the support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Pro Picks: Eagles will cruise past the Commanders and Seahawks will upset Vikings
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
THE setup for two Christmas Day games means two games on Saturday in Week 16.
They’ll be potential playoff previews.
Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs host
C.J. Stroud and the AFC South champion Texans in the first game Saturday.
Then, it’s Russell Wilson and the Steelers visiting Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in a battle for the AFC North.
Pro Picks likes the favourites in both matchups.
Philadelphia (12-2) at Washington (9-5)
Line: Eagles minus 3
Jalen Hurts got Philadelphia’s passing attack back on track and the Eagles had a drama-free week as wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith each had 100 yards receiving and a score. If Washington plans to take away the pass, the Eagles just hand it to Saquon Barkley. The Commanders barely escaped New Orleans with a win and Jayden Daniels got knocked around last week, getting sacked eight times. Things could get ugly if Daniels doesn’t get better protection.
BEST BET:
EAGLES: 26-17
Jacksonville (3-11) at Las Vegas (2-12)
Line: Raiders minus 1
This game has more implications on the NFL draft. A victory would damage the Raiders’ chances of landing the top pick. The Jaguars would pick sixth right now and would move into the top five with a loss.
UPSET SPECIAL:
JAGUARS: 23-20
Denver (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
Line: Chargers minus 2 1/2
The Chargers are reeling after losing two straight,
three of four and allowing 40 points last week. The offence has been leaning more on Justin Herbert’s passing since running back J.K. Dobbins went down. The Broncos, behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a stingy defence, are moving closer toward their first playoff berth since winning the Super Bowl nine years ago. Los Angeles goes for a series sweep. The Broncos are 6-1 against the spread in their past seven games on the road and 5-0 ATS in their past five games overall.
CHARGERS: 23-20
Houston (9-5) at Kansas City (13-1)
Line: Chiefs minus 3
Mahomes plans to play with a mild high-ankle sprain as the Chiefs push toward a No. 1 seed in the AFC. Kansas City is coming off its first win by more than one score since Week 7.
The Texans, who captured their second straight division title, are 6-6-2 ATS this season. The Chiefs are 6-8 ATS.
CHIEFS: 24-19
Pittsburgh (10-4) at Baltimore (9-5)
Line: Ravens minus 6
The Steelers are vulnerable against the pass and their passing game has been lacking without wide receiver George Pickens. Jackson and the Ravens have lost four in a row to Pittsburgh, but can move into a tie for first in the AFC North with a victory. The Steelers are 10-4 ATS this season, including 5-1 as an underdog. The Ravens are just 2-3-1 ATS as home favorites this season.
RAVENS: 23-18
Cleveland (3-11) at Cincinnati (6-8)
Line: Bengals minus 7 1/2
Dorian ThompsonRobinson replaces Jameis Winston as Cleveland’s starting QB. The Bengals are wasting one of Joe Burrow’s best seasons. The Browns are 1-5 ATS in their past six games and have lost
six straight road games. The Bengals are 15-5 ATS in their past 20 games vs. the Bengals.
BENGALS: 27-17
New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta (7-7)
Line: Falcons minus 8 1/2
Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. replaces Kirk Cousins as the Falcons fight for a playoff berth. If Penix simply avoids turnovers — Cousins has thrown eight picks in the past four games — he’ll be an upgrade. The Giants could have Drew Lock back as they continue their push for the No. 1 draft pick.
FALCONS: 24-16
Detroit (12-2) at Chicago (4-10)
Line: Lions minus 6 1/2
The injury-riddled Lions need to get through a game without losing another starter. They’re still in control of the No. 1 seed in the NFC but have no margin for error. Jared Goff became the first QB to throw five TD passes in a loss last week. The Bears have lost eight in a row
and Caleb Williams looks defeated. The Lions are 6-0 straight up in their past six road games and 15-5 ATS in their past 20 games vs. division opponents. The Bears are 8-1-1 ATS in their past 10 home games.
LIONS: 33-17
Tennessee (3-11) at Indianapolis (6-8)
Line: Colts minus 3 1/2
The Titans are turning to Mason Rudolph at quarterback after benching Will Levis. The Colts begin a three-game stretch against opponents that currently have a .190 winning percentage combined. Indianapolis should finish with a winning record, but that probably won’t be enough for a playoff berth.
COLTS: 23-17
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at New York Jets (4-10)
Line: Rams minus 3 1/2
The Rams have won seven of nine to take control of their chances to win the NFC West. Matthew Stafford hasn’t been sacked in the past two games and he’s getting time to make
plays. Aaron Rodgers is looking more like his old self for the Jets. It’s way too late to save New York’s season, but it could be a spoiler for other teams. Los Angeles has to be wary.
RAMS: 23-20
Minnesota (12-2) at Seattle (8-6)
Line: Vikings minus 3 Sam Darnold and the Vikings are hot on Detroit’s trail for the NFC North title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They’re coming off a short week and face a tough challenge on the road. Seattle received good news on Geno Smith’s injury and also could get running back Kenneth Walker back from a calf injury.
SEAHAWKS: 22-19
Arizona (7-7) at Carolina (3-11)
Line: Cardinals minus 4 1/2
The up-and-down Cardinals are still in the mix in the NFC West, but can’t afford a letdown against Carolina. The defence has stepped up and Kyler Murray didn’t throw a pick last week after
tossing five interceptions in the previous three games. The Panthers bombed as a favourite last week. They have to do a better job protecting Bryce Young and the league’s worst run defence needs to find a way to stop James Conner.
CARDINALS: 20-16
New England (3-11) at Buffalo (11-3)
Line: Bills minus 14 Josh Allen is on a mission in Buffalo. The Bills still have a shot for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and they won’t take the Patriots lightly. Drake Maye is the only reason to watch New England.
BILLS: 33-16
San Francisco (6-8) at Miami (6-8)
Line: Dolphins minus 1
The 49ers are moving closer toward playoff elimination a year after losing in overtime in the Super Bowl. Miami’s defence bounced back after getting torched by Rodgers and the Jets only to see the offence come up short against Houston. Tua Tagovailoa has to protect the ball better after four turnovers.
49ERS: 21-20
Tampa Bay (8-6) at Dallas (6-8)
Line: Buccaneers minus 4
Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are clicking and the Buccaneers have won four straight to take control of the NFC South. They have to be wary of the Cowboys, especially Micah Parsons.
BUCCANEERS: 24-17
New Orleans (5-9) at Green Bay (10-4)
Line: Packers minus 14 1/2
Jordan Love has thrown no picks in the past four games and the Packers are locking in for the playoffs. The Saints have no chance of pulling off a massive upset.
PACKERS: 30-13
column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.
NFL FANTASY PLAYS: PLAYERS TO START AND SIT THIS WEEK
By DORIAN COLBERT RosterWatch
ROSTER decisions can have big implications at this time of the fantasy football season, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a chance on these players with outlooks that are more uncertain. Ride this wave of starts into the fantasy championship.
Quarterbacks
Start: Aaron Rodgers, Jets vs Rams Rodgers has been solid as of late. He is riding his best three-game stretch this season into a top-10 matchup with the Rams, who have been struggling against opposing QBs recently.
Other locks:
—Baker Mayfield at Cowboys
—Kyler Murray at Panthers
—Josh Allen vs Patriots
Avoid: Russell Wilson, Steelers at Ravens Wilson struggled against Baltimore in Week 11, throwing for 205 yards and an interception. He might also be without his top option, George Pickens (hamstring) for another
COACH MOLES FROM PAGE 15
of themselves.” Kevin Hinds, according to Moles, played exceptionally well, especially in the last game when he got 48, two wickets and a couple of great catches against Mexico. And Festus Benn also played well, finishing as the second highest wicket takers with 16 in eight innings. He trailed
week, making his job that much harder.
Running backs
Start: Jerome Ford, Browns at Bengals Ford is the top option in the Cleveland backfield, now that Nick Chubb is out for the season. Putting up more than 100 yards of offence and a TD against the top run defence in football last week, Ford is in a prime spot to do damage against a middling Bengals front.
Other locks:
—Rico Dowdle vs Buccaneers
—Bucky Irving at Cowboys
—Chuba Hubbard vs Cardinals
Avoid: Javonte Williams, Broncos at Chargers Williams has only produced 50 or more yards of offence once in his past five games, despite Bo Nix playing more than well enough to open up the run game. Mired in a three-way timeshare for much of the season, Williams may not have to compete with Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) this week, but even if he doesn’t, he’ll still have to deal with rookie Audric Estime. The
Argentina’s Hernan, who led the way with 17 in 9 inns and he Lawrence Bonner, who had 15 in 7 innw for Belize. Benn said he was quite pleased with his performance.
“It showed that if you work really hard and you are dedicated to certain aspects of your game and you are willing to improve, you will get the results that you are looking for.” Benn, however, refused to take all of the credit. He attributed his success to
matchup with the Chargers isn’t ideal either, as they’re a top-five run defence going into Week 16.
Wide receivers
Start: Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars at Raiders
Thomas Jr. has been matchup-proof, putting up WR1 numbers against the elite secondaries of the Jets and the Titans in recent weeks. He’s also been QBproof, as he’s continued to thrive with Mac Jones under centre for the Jaguars. His opponent this week, the Raiders, are stout against the pass, but they’re not as good as the aforementioned teams. Coming off his first two-touchdown performance of his rookie season, Thomas Jr. is a lock to keep the fantasy points flowing.
Other locks:
—Jakobi Meyers vs Jaguars
—Courtland Sutton at Chargers
—Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Vikings
Avoid: Rome Odunze, Bears vs Lions
Odunze has been boom or bust in recent weeks, catching 2 TDs in Week 14, before having two catches
coach Moles and his teammates, along with the BCA for the chance for him to shine. “It’s a great performance and I give all thanks to the almighty God and the entire Bahamian cricket and staff, all 17 members of the team that went to Argentina,” he stated.
Moles said they are looking forward to the World Cup Qualifier in August but, before that, the BCA will play the Cayman Islands in the North American Championships in April. “We need to make
for 39 yards in Week 15. His game log indicates that he does his best work against better secondaries, which makes sense as he’s the third option in the passing game. In instances where Keenan Allen and DJ Moore are covered, Odunze tends to thrive.
This week won’t be one of those situations, as the Bears are facing a bottom 10 Lions secondary.
Tight ends
Start: Brenton Strange, Jaguars at Raiders
Other locks:
—Jonnu Smith vs 49ers
—Pat Freiermuth at Ravens
—Sam LaPorta at Bears
It seems counterintuitive to put two Jaguars on this list, but Strange, along with Thomas Jr. has been getting targets for the Jaguars, even with Mac Jones under centre. In fact, Jones being under centre is likely a primary reason that the tight end position is thriving for Jacksonville, as they usually serve as a safety blanket for young and/or inexperienced QBs. Strange was targeted 12 times in Week 15 as the fill-in for Evan Engram (shoulder), who is on IR for the remainder of the season, and he caught 11 of those passes for 73 yards. In a top-five matchup with the Raiders this week, Strange could be a top target getter for a second consecutive week.
sure we look at our fitness level moving forward,” Moles said. “I expect the players to work hard to improve all aspects of their game, including fitness, technical and mental.
“They are about to step on the world stage, so these are some great opportunities in front of the squad.”
BCA president Greg Taylor, who also accompanied the team, said there will be a celebration for the players at the Cricket Club at Haynes Oval on December 27.
Avoid: Grant Calcaterra, Eagles at Commanders Calcaterra is not as productive as Dallas Goedert, and his lacklustre fantasy output whenever Goedert is out indicates that. Sure, he found the end zone in Week 14, but he only had 16 yards and in Week 15 he only had a single target. When Goedert isn’t around, it just means more targets for AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.
SPORTS CALENDAR
FROM PAGE 15
15-and- under, 20-andunder, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and over-60. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers/Deacons’ division.
Trophies will be presented to the
com.
PHILADELPHIA Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
NEW York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla.
JONES’ SPARKLING DRESSAGE LEADS TEAM TO HIGH POINT VICTORY
IN her first year as a boarding student at Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana, freshman Sienna Jones made the school’s Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEA) team but didn’t expect to get much competition ring time.
So when called upon last weekend she made the most of the opportunity, winning first place in the Junior Varsity Dressage Flat class and second place in the Junior Varsity Dressage Test. Jones’ winning performances enabled the Culver Academies team
to win High Point Team honours.
Held at Cedar Lodge stables in Michigan, the IEA Zone 4 competition featured teams from schools and clubs in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.
The IEA is comprised of over 15,000 school-aged riders across the United States. Competitions are held in Hunt Seat, Dressage and Western riding disciplines.
Equestrian Bahamas Federation president Cathy
Ramsingh-Pierre congratulated Jones on her performance.
“We are proud of Sienna, and of all our equestrian scholar athletes who currently compete at the high school and collegiate levels,” she said.
“Our riders have consistently proven to be well-prepared to succeed in American equitation-style competition. This is a testament to the abilities of our local trainers, and also to the success of our Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL).”
Founded in 2017, the BIEL competition circuit is favourite amongst Bahamian junior equestrians because of the unique format, based on collegiate competition rules, in which competitions are teambased and riders and horses
are matched by random draw. BIEL competitions are subsidised by Equestrian Bahamas, the National Federation for Equestrian Sport, providing affordable competition options while also preparing athletes for college competition.
Sydney Clarke and Denali Nottage emerge as national tennis champions
FROM PAGE 15
before they had to halt play. Once they resumed play, 23-year-old Clarke went up 4-1 and although Pratt made a dent into the lead, cutting the deficit to 5-4, she got the final break to seal the deal.
“I stayed aggressive and did not allow myself to get distracted,” she stated.
Pratt, a 28-year-old mother of a three-year-old son, said she went out and gave it her best shot.
“This year, I wasn’t 100 percent, but I still came out and tried my best,” said the Grand Bahama native.
“I started off good, but I was a little shaky, but I started to pick it back up at the end.
“I think I played okay. The rain allowed me to go back to the drawing board and change up my strategy, but Sydney was really on her game today. She played hard enough to win it.”
Next year, Pratt said she hopes to get an opportunity to play in a few tournaments leading up to the Billie Jean King Cup. She said she is eager to take her game to the next level.
Clarke said once the BLTA completes the team for the Billie Jean King Cup, they can get in some practice together and build their chemistry so that they can produce some magic at the tournament.
On the men’s side, Nottage prevailed with a 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3 decision over Michael Major Jr to regain the title he last held in 2022.
Likewise, both players booked their spots on the Davis Cup team for 2025.
“It feels great coming back on home soil and winning the title. I feel great,” said Nottage, who trains and plays professional tennis out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The 20-year-old Grand Bahamian native admitted that the match was “brutal” from the first point to the
last because he knew he had his work cut out for him against the 18-year-old Major Jr.
And even though they had the rain delay and they ended up switching from one court to the next to play under the lights on the stadium court, Nottage said he was prepared to do whatever it took to win.
“You can’t control the elements in a tournament, so you just have to go out there and play,” he insisted.
After they played almost even in the first set, Major Jr came out smoking hot in the second set and broke away from a 1-1 tie to go up 5-2 and he held on for the win. But in the third set, Nottage returned the favour as he also pulled away from
a 1-1 tie and never looked back. And to cap it off, he will be playing on the Davis Cup team again.
“It’s always a great feeling to be able to represent your country,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Major, home from college where he plays tennis at Howard University, said it was tough.
“Everytime me and Denali play, it’s always rough, it’s a battle. I am happy with the way I played. I can’t say I am angry with the loss. I just have to learn from it,” Major Jr said.
“We always had a good rivalry. From when I was younger, he always used to push me. The last time we played two years ago, he beat me 6-1, 6-1, so to have
a battle like this out there, I can’t ask for more.”
In the third and deciding set, Major Jr felt once Nottage went up 4-1, it would be tough for him to bounce back and win it. “I think he stayed solid the whole time. I had my moments where I should have stayed tough, but I had some highs and lows and he was just steady,” Major Jr said.
Despite the loss, Major Jr said he gets to play on the Davis Cup team, which is a plus for him.
The BLTA, headed by president Perry Newton, will make a decision on the final two spots for both teams. It’s not known if there will be another trial to select the players, as has been the case over the past few years.
Newton and his vicepresident Chilean Burrows were on hand to make the presentation of trophies to the winners.
In the consolation matches, Jalisa Clarke captured the ladies’ third place with a straight set win over BreAnn Ferguson and Donte Armbrister was declared the men’s winner with a walk-over against William McCartney. Newton said they had a pool of nine women who participated and they are looking forward to seeing how well the team comes together for the Billie Jean King Cup. As for the men, Newton said it was good to see Pratt come through with such a gruelling victory over Major Jr and they will be
leading the charge for the Davis Cup team. “I just want to congratulate the winners and the finalists for the work and effort they all put in,” he said.
“I also want to thank all of the competitors who participated. They are all of different roles our players play, whether they are here locally or in college or on the pro tour,” he said.
“They all have a role to play in helping to be role models for the up and coming players.
“We are looking forward to January where we will start with our under-14 and under-16 tournaments in the new year. The tournaments never stop. We want to continue to instil high moral ethics and competitive nature in our athletes.”
Antoan Richardson: MLB season ‘was really emotional’
FROM PAGE 15
Yankees came close, but we got Soto and we are trying to build our own thing with the Mets.”
While he was the sixth of eight Bahamians to crack a Major League line-up, Richardson broke ground as the first to coach at that level and he hopes that he can become only the second Bahamian to win a World Series title, joining Ed Armbrister, who did it with the Cincinnati Reds.
“For me, I feel very humbled and honoured to have the opportunity, but the goal for me right now is to be an inspiration to those following me,” he said.
“I want to make sure that we continue to make those opportunities accessible for more Bahamians to not only get the chance to play in the Majors, but hopefully get to coach and even manage a team.”
With so many players in the pipeline, as evident once again at the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby on Saturday on Montagu Beach, Richardson said he’s still looking forward to the day when the Bahamas will field its own team for the World Baseball Classic.
As it stands now, the Bahamas is not ranked high enough to field its own team, so players will continue to team up with Great
Britain when the fourth edition of the tournament takes place in 2026.
“You just have to keep pushing. We have the Olympics after that and then it’s the fifth World Classic, so once the Bahamas Baseball Association does their job, we can get closer to securing our spot in these major international competitions.
“I will be there to do my part, if they seek my assistance. I want to be there to help because I feel I have so much to offer, but it’s up to the association to give me the opportunity to do so. We just have to continue to make the big steps towards it.”
And with Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr as the leading figure as a player in MLB with the Yankees, Richardson said the future looks bright for the Bahamas.
“It’s no excuse now. We have the players coming up. We just have to find a way to get the best out of them so that we can take our rightful place as a nation on the playing field,” he said.
“We have to find a way to utilise the talent that we have out there. We have the Jazz Chisholms and give them an opportunity to perform. We have to figure it out. We have to do what is better for all of us to come together and make it happen.”
Richardson said he was quite impressed with the way Chisholm Jr made his transition from the Miami Marlins during the season where he was the centrepiece to becoming a future star for the Yankees.
“He had an exceptional season between the two teams,” Richardson said.
“But I was really impressed with how he went to New York and fitted right in with the Yankees.
“Now that we have acquired Soto, this could be an opportunity for him to step it up even more and become more of a factor for the Yankees. But I think if they want to win the title,
they will have to come through the Mets. We feel we are a much better team with Soto in the line-up.” Richardson, who indicated that he doesn’t miss playing because he now enjoys coaching, said it will be another exciting season to watch in New York when the 2025 MLB season gets underway in March. Richardson is currently at home conducting a clinic for baseball players at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. The week-long clinic, being held in conjunction with the Batter’s Box and LDK, will wrap on Saturday. It runs from 9am to noon.
While Jones has not amassed enough points to make the IEA Regional Finals in February, she looks forward to meeting that goal next year. She also rides with the Culver Academy formal parade drill team.
SIENNA JONES, third from left, with her Culver Academies teammates, celebrate their High Point Team victory at the Cedar Lodge Horse Show. Jones won first and second place in the Junior Varsity Dressage Division.
SHOWN, from left to right, are Chilean Burrows, vice president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, runner-up Simone Pratt, runner-up Michael Major Jr, national tennis champions Denali Nottage and Sydney Clarke and Perry Newton, BLTA president.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr