Team TTO | Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee | teamtto.org

GEORGE VIRE became the first Trinidad and Tobago archer to win a World Ranking Archery Tournament on Tuesday when he triumphed at the Costa Rica Cup at the National Stadium in San Jose.

Vire, who was in second place after the ranking round, progressed through the elimination rounds to reach the final by virtue of a 144-142 win over American Corey Shive.

Another TT archer, Rakesh Sookoo, faced Vire in the final after defeating Henry Alfaro of El Salvador 10-8 in a single arrow shoot, after the score was locked at 136-136.

But Vire’s experience proved vital in the final, as he whipped his countryman 141-132. Both Vire and Sookoo received plaudits from the Trinidad and Tobago Archery Federation “for their outstanding performance which further establishes Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the world archery stage.”

And Trinidad and Tobago were the number-one ranked team entering the team event which took place yesterday.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

T&T’s Joshua Romany was seventh in his boys’ 50 metres freestyle heat at the third FINA Junior World Swimming Championships at Campo de Marte Complex, Swimming Pool, Lima, Peru yesterday. However, the 15-year-old Romany failed to make it to the afternoon semifinal splash as his time of 23.59, which was shy of his personal best of 23.59, was only good for 23rd spot. His time still ranked him as the top 15-year-old in the event, but had he achieved his personal best, he would have qualified for the semis. Finishing ahead of Romany in his heat were Australian  Cameron Mc Envoy, who had the fastest time of all the swimmers, 22.85 followed by Greece’s Kristian Gkolomeev (23.00), South Africa’s Reynard Wessels (23.49), Belarusan Kukharau Arseni (23.62), Argentina’s Mateo Leonardo Maciuniak (23.65) and Brazil’s Andre Pereira (23.74) while Pawel Werner of Poland was last home in 24.10.

However, only the top five swimmers from Romany’s heat advance to the semifinals with Maciuniak, the 16th and final qualifier. Today, US-based Kimberly John-Williams, T&T’s other participant at the Championships competes in the girls’ 50m backstroke heats for which she is ranked 20th. The other swimmers in her heat, the fourth of five are Camille Gheorghiu (France), Olivia Smoliga (USA), Andrea Berrino (Argentina), Mathilde Cini (France), Yukiko Watanabe (Japan), Brooklyn Snodgrass (Canada) and Mexico’s Estela Davis Ortiz. On Tuesday she was 23rd overall in the 100m backstroke in 1:06.11 while Romany competed in the 200m freestyle on Wednesday and was 18th out of a field of 50 athletes in a time of 1:53.91 just outside his personal best of 1:53.35.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union(TTRFU) president Leslie Figaro is pleased at the way the local rugby season is going so far although he acknowledges that infrastructural improvements are needed .
" Rugby is played at the  President's Ground, St Anns , the Queens Park Savannah and the Marabella recreation Grounds .These three fields,  in particular, need upgrading. We  have access to the five Stadia for international and regional games but aside from the Marcus Minshall knock out the preference  is to play Toyota league games on club "home" fields.  We have been promised access to community fields that will  by the Ministry of Sport so that's a positive in the next year or two when these facilties are constructed."
Figaro also revealed that the national senior men's and women's training squad for the upcoming North America and Caribbean Rugby Association(NACRA) 7s rugby championships which will be held in Barbados November 12-13  -will be announced soon.

PRESIDENT of the Trinidad and Tobago Badminton Association (TTBA), Reno Singh has appealed for two critical elements to be implemented to ensure the development of the sport.

Singh called on the relevant authorities to assist in finding a permanent home for badminton in TT and a foreign coach.

He explained that these two areas have been plaguing the badminton community.

“Badminton needs a home in Trinidad and Tobago and the inclusion of a foreign-based coach. Once we can at least get a permanent residence for the sport, we can even try for ourselves to raise funds and get corporate sponsors to assist us in bringing in a foreign coach,” stated Singh.

The TTBA president explained that a badminton home would allow players to train freely since they always have to compete with other sporting disciplines for the use of the Chaguanas Regional Indoor Sporting Arena. Singh was grateful for being allowed to use the facility, but added that various other advantages would emerge if badminton obtained a permanent facility. “If we have a home for our sport we can host our own tournaments without hassle. We can have training sessions, conduct seminars and have one-on- one time with developing players. We have also been asked to host the CAREBACO (Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation) tournament next year. From how it looks at this stage, we may not be able to host such a tournament because we have no permanent residence,” continued Singh.

He stated that a foreign coach would benefit local squash players.

“At the Pan Am, countries like Ecuador, USA, Canada and Peru had outsourced coaches giving them critical tips and motivational pointers that proved to be critical during their on-court play. This gave them a greater advantage over us. It’s not like we don’t have the talent...we do, we have great players here. But the implementation of a foreign coach would surely enhance our players’ overall standard and general mind-set,” added Singh. He continued, “The addition of such a coach would create more strategic play, a wider and international variety of ideas and motivation for younger enthusiasts to join the sport of badminton.

I also learnt from my Pan Am experience that the Caribbean players are still a bit behind on the circuit. This is solely due to these two critical elements that we in Trinidad and Tobago are still lacking.”

Singh said the current crop of players are always improving and always willing to learn. He explained that they are currently seeking players to participate in this year’s CAREBACO tournament which serves off in Barbados from August 28 to September 3.

The TTBA president was also confident in the squad’s current form and expectant to medal in this year’s competition. He said, “We want to get badminton back to where it was in Trinidad and Tobago. This country was known for its top players and keen involvement on the international stage. The inclusion of a home for badminton and a foreign coach would significantly assist us in our rise back to the top. With the proper resources, we would definitely re-elevate badminton in this country.”

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH

The local trio of Arile Cape, Jonathan Fabio and Johnny Ferdinand all broke records on the final night of the 17th annual Four Nation Goodwill Swim Meet at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence swimming pool on Sunday night. Cape swam to a new meet record in the 11-12 girls’ 100-metre backstroke in one minute, 13.06 seconds to lower the old mark of 1:14.93 which was set by Donna-Marie Wickham ten years ago. Fabio smashed his second meet record when he raced to the wall in 25.42 seconds in the 13-14 boys’ 50m freestyle to improve on the previous record of 25.47 set by Quincy Gemarts of Suriname last year. He also won the 100m backstroke in one minute, 03.02 seconds to end with five individual gold medals.

Ferdinand won her second individual gold medal in the 13-14 girls’ 100m breaststroke in 1:21.32 which bettered Shanice Pique of Suriname 2010 record of 1:22.38. The other gold medal winners on the final night of the three-day meet for T&T were Derelle Prescott, Hadassah Morales, Kimberly Joseph, Vikash Ramtahal, Kael Yorke, Osaze Riley, Renee Cooper, Josiah Morales, Dario Omiss, Samuel Elvin and the 13-14 girls’ 200-metre freestyle and 15-17 boys’ 200m freestyle relay quartets.

The local swimmers also captured ten silver and 12 bronze medals on Sunday, however, despite the locals bagging the most gold medals, 50 in its 120 medal haul, Suriname managed to hold onto its narrow point lead to capture the overall team title. Suriname won 132 medals (36 gold, 57 silver, 39 bronze) for 1,425 points, closely followed by T&T with 120 medals (50 gold, 32 silver, 38 bronze) for 1415.5 points. Third was Barbados with 75 medals (25 gold, 22 silver, 28 bronze) for 1,085.5 points and fourth, Guyana with 15 medals (four gold, six silver, five bronze) for 218 points. For T&T, Marie Marcano (15-17 girls’), Fabio and Josiah Morales (15-17 boys) were the only locals to collect age-group high-point winners’ trophy.

Results

Final medal table
Teams    Gold    Silver    Bronze    Total
T&T    50    32    38    120
Suriname    36    57    39    132
Barbados    25    22    28    75
Guyana    4    6    5    15

Age-Group High Point winners:
Girls:
8 & Under
1.  Danielle Titus (B’dos) - 49
2. Tanya Fernald (Sur) - 39
3. Ashley Weekes (B’dos) - 38

9-10:
1. Kendi Bynoe (B’dos) - 73
2. Chantell Peiter (Sur) - 59
3. Vrisnelit Faure (T&T) - 55

11-12:
1. Tiffany Titus (B’dos) - 69
2. Megan De Freitas (Sur) - 58
3. Ashante Neus (Sur) - 51

13-14:
1. Kiran Singh (Sur) - 61
2. Britany Van Lange (Guy) - 56
3. Chelsea Downes (T&T) - 52

15-17:
1. Marie Marcano (T&T) - 59
2. Noelle Smith (Guy) - 55
3. Caroline Oliviera (Sur) 53

Boys:

Eight and Under:
1. Adarsh Naipal (Sur) - 47
2. Aqeel Joseph (T&T) - 43
3. N’Kosi Dunwoody (B’dos) - 32

9-10:
1. Damon St Prix (B’dos) - 77
2. Yael Touw Ngie Tjouw (Sur) - 72.5
3. Kael Yorke (T&T) - 47

11-12:
1. Irvin Hoost (Sur) - 53
2. Osaze Riley (T&T) - 49.5
3. D’Rell John (T&T) - 43

13-14:
1.Jonathan Fabio (T&T) - 66.5
2. Zuhayr Pigot (Sur) - 53
3. Raiz Tjon A Joe (Sur) - 50

15-17:
1. Josiah Morales (T&T) - 67
2. Quincy Gemerts (Sur) - 47
3. Shiv Bhagwandin (Sur) - 46

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Nigel Simon

Sprinter Marc Burns qualified for a record sixth World Championships following his selection on the national men’s 4x100m relay team which will compete in Daegu, Korea later this month. Burns got the nod from the NAAA’s selection committee after he finished fourth in the men’s 100m finals at the Sagicor National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Saturday. The 28-year-old made his debut for T&T at the 2001 Edmonton Games when an 18-year-old and was a member of the local team alongside Ato Boldon, Jacey Harper and Darryl Brown which finished second in 38.58 seconds. The former Belmont Boys/El Dorado Secondary student has been on every World Championship contingent since then and has the distinction of making the finals at the last three edition in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

The triple World Junior medallist came into the Saturday’s race with a modest season’s best of 10.30 seconds recorded in Brazil in May, but the 2005 World Athletic Finals champion, lived up to his reputation of producing when it matters. In the heats he improved his 2011 best to 10.18 and then in the grand finals he raced to 10.09 behind Thompson national record run of 9.85, Keston Bledman (10.06) and Aaron Armstrong (10.07). Burns said he was happy with his run on Saturday given the challenges he faced this season. “It is a plus given season I had. I am proud of myself. I am hoping to get into some meets in Europe to lower my times before going to Daegu.” The Auburn-based sprinter said the performance of the local sprinters will make T&T a formidable relay squad. “We are looking forward to the 4x100 most certainty. After the individual events, everyone would have time to gel and pick off where we left off from Berlin. We are going for the gold”

Despite becoming T&T’s most capped World Championships competitor, Burns said his focus remains on getting a medal in the individual event. The former Carifta double sprint champion has won four sprint relay medal at the global meet (and one at the 2008 Olympics) and was a finalist in three straight World finals from 2005 to 2009. “Making a sixth national team is a great achievement but then again my standard is getting a medal in an individual event which I have not achieved and need to reach it. I set a high bar and when I fall short I am hard on myself.” Burns revealed. Looking back on his first World championship team ten years ago Burns said: “I put my country, family and coaches on the map and make those around me happy. “It’s my own motivation to achieve more, much more”. At the last World Championships in Berlin, Germany in 2009 Burns was seventh in the men’s 100m finals and ran the second leg on T&T men’s 4x100m team which captured the silver medal in 37.62 seconds.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Clayton Clarke

Keston Bledman will be among the first local athletes to depart for the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea when he leaves at 1 pm today. The runner-up at last Saturday’s 100m finals at the Sagicor National Championships will join top female sprinter Kelly Ann Baptiste who left from her US base yesterday. Bledman was among 12 of the 20 members of the national contingent who were introduced to members of the media at the Hasely 1976 Gold VIP Room, Hasely Crawford Stadium, yesterday.  NAAA president Ephraime Serrette was in high praise for the athletes on being picked to represent the country. “I want to congratulate all of you and wish you all the best in Daegu. I want to share with you how happy the executive members were on what transpired over the weekend.  We want to commend you for the performances. We recognise that this sport is no sport without the athletes, officials and the association. We have to work together.”

Newly crowned national sprint record holder Richard Thompson was also present and told the T&T Guardian that he was honoured to compete at another World Championship. “It’s a good feeling to be at the World Championships again. It is also a privilege to represent T&T,” he said. Thompson is hoping that the team can do better than the last edition of the meet in Berlin, Germany in 2009. “Two years ago when Josanne Lucas and Renny Quow won bronze and the men’s 4x100 copped silver, we showed how strong we are. We hope we would be able to bring home more medals.” Thomson said his 9.85 dash on Saturday was an inspiration to do better. “The sub ten was obviously a confidence booster. I felt it was within me. However it was just a matter of doing it to confirm that my legs can cover the distance in that time.”

Also present were Aaron Armstrong, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender, Michelle Lee-Ahye, Ayanna Hutchinson, Reyare Thomas, Zwede Hewitt, Jarrin Solomon, Jehue Gordon and Deon Lendore. Manager Dexter Voisin, coaches Dr Ian Hypolite, Gunness Persad and Edwin Skinner. The 13th IAAF World Championships will run from August 27 to September 4.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

World Junior champion Darrel Brown has been overlooked by National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) for the list of T&T athletes that will compete at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Daegu, Korea later this month. Brown ran impresseively on Sunday in Sagicor Open National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford, Mucurapo, leading a quartet that included Rondell Sorillo, Lalonde Gordon and Emmanuel Callender, to gold in the 4x100 metres relay event.
When reached for a comment on Brown’s non selection, NAAA president Ephraime Serrette stated that his association is not obligated to explain its selection criteria to the media. On Saturday, Brown placed sixth in the Men’s 100m final in a time of 10.13 seconds. Winning the event was Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, who broke the national record in 9.85. Thompson, a double Olympic silver medallist and reigning World Championships bronze medallist Renny Quow will lead T&T’s charge in Korea.

In-form sprinter Kelly-Ann Baptiste has also been selected and is this country’s top woman medal contender. The trio are among 20 athletes named by NAAA in a press release yesterday. Thompson warmed up for Daegu by claiming his third straight national title on Saturday. He will be seeking to better his fifth-place finish at the last World Champinships in Berlin, Germany in 2009. Quow was third in Berlin in the men’s 400m in 45.02. Baptiste will lead the way in the women’s 100m and has been in fine form with four wins on the international circuit. She beat former world champion and triple Olympic gold medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica in Paris on July 8. The 2003 World Youth bronze medallist goes to Daegu with the fifth fastest time (10.91) for 2011. Baptiste will be aiming to reach the medal round after missing out on a spot in the final in 2009.

Meanwhile, Borel-Browne will be participating in her fourth World Championships and will fancy her chances of making the finals for the first time since her maiden appearance in 2005. The two-time Commonwealth medallist is in the best form of her life with a national open record of 19.42 metres set in July and has been over the 19 metres barrier several times.

FULL TEAM

Women’s
100m (A-11.28/B-11.38)
Kelly-Ann Baptiste    10.91
Semoy Hackett    11.17
Michelle Lee-Ahye    11.22

200m (A-23.00/B-23.00)
Semoy Hackett    22.84
Kai Selvon    22.97

Shot put (A-18.30/B-17.30)
Cleopatra Borel-Brown    19.42

Triple Jump (A-14.30/B-14.10 or Area champion)
Ayanna Alexander    CAC gold medallist

4X100m (44.00)
Baptiste, Hackett, Lee-Ahye, Sevlon, Reyare Thomas, Ayanna Hutchison    43.40

Men’s
100m (A-10.18/B-10.25)
Richard Thompson    9.85
Keston Bledman    9.93
Aaron Armstrong    10.07

200m (A-20.60/B-20.70)
Rondel Sorillo    20.16

400m (A-45.25/B-45.70 or Area Champion)
Renny Quow    CAC champion
Zwede Hewitt    45.51

400m Hurdles (A-49.40/B-49.80)
Jehue Gordon    48.75

4x100m (39.20)
Thompson, Bledman, Armstrong, Sorillo, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender    38.89

4x400m (3:04:00)
Quow, Hewitt, Gordon, Jovon Toppin, Jarrin Solomin, Deon Lendore    3:01:65

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Clayton Clarke

David Gokool scored to take the lead for Harvard and Ryan Hinckson scored the winning try in the club’s come-from-behind 22–12 win over Stag Trinidad Northern in the Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union Championship Division match on Saturday afternoon. Harvard did well to recover from last weekend’s 53–8 crushing defeat to title favourites Caribs when the teams took to Caribs’ pitch, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Northern was the better team at the start taking two tries from Gordon Dalglish in the 26th and 39th minute. The second effort from Dalglish was subsequently converted by Justin Mc Lean. Leading 12–0, the Northern defence loosened toward the end of the first half allowing Gokool past the tryline for the first Harvard try.

From the start of the second half, Harvard were on the attack and looked completely the better side. With four minutes in, Claudius Butts scored for Harvard to make it 12–10, still in favour of Northern, but with a comeback on the cards. In the 50th minute, Harvard were again on the attack when Gokool playing on the right flank collected the ball and opted to lob it far enough past the tryline for himself to collect. The ball was initially collected by Northern’s Ronald “Dixie” Mayers who may have been unaware of a rushing Gokool.
Mayers then fumbled the ball upon being pushed by Gokool who dropped on the loose ball for the try. Hinckson stepped up and converted to make it 17–12 for Harvard.Hinckson then scored a try of his own to make it 22–12 in favour of Harvard with ten minutes left to go. Harvard then held their lines well for the remainder of the match, giving Northern no space to filter behind to score. The score remained for Harvard to stamp their place in second position.

Playing at the same time, the top of the standings and unbeaten Caribs were up against Royalians. Caribs were always in control of the match, and in the end won 36–15. Caribs had six different try scorers in Jamal Clarke, Andre Cabrera, Samuel Roberts, Jason Clarke, Kemo Stewart and Richard Staglon. Both Clarks’, Jamal and Jason, as well as Stewart’s efforts were converted by Don Rojas. James Phillip and Kelson Figaro scored a try each for Royalians. Figaro also converted Phillip’s effort and scored a penalty.
Rainbow won their first match of the campaign when they demolished Police 53–7. Rainbow were also successful in their under-19 encounter against Caribs when they won 24–20 on Sunday. The two sides were separated by the two successful conversions from Rainbow’s Themba Jack. Christopher Hudson, Abgoola Silverthorn, Dekeel Julien and Yohance Alexander scored tries for Rainbow. Ernest Wright, Anderson Joseph, Kerwin Hamlet, as well as Stewart (also of the senior team) were the try scorers for Caribs.

Result

Toyota Championship Division
Caribs    36    vs    Royalians    15
Harvard    22    vs    Northern    12
Rainbow    53    vs    Police    7

Under-19 Division
Rainbow    24    vs    Caribs    20

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Andrew Gioannetti

Dexter St Louis and Rheann Chung captured their sixth Caribbean Table Tennis Championship mixed doubles title, when they whipped the Dominican Republic combination of Juan Vila jnr. and Eva Brito 3-0 in the 2011 final, in Guyana, yesterday.

The France-based Trinidad and Tobago pair triumphed 11-6, 11-4, 12-10.

The victory was revenge of sorts for St Louis and Chung, following T&T's second-placed finish in both the men's and women's team events.

On Sunday, Dominican Republic edged T&T 3-2 in the men's final, while the Dominicans got the better of T&T by the same margin in the women's round robin decider.

In the men's team final, St Louis lost in five games to Emil Santos, but bounced back to whip Vila three-straight.

The other T&T win came from Curtis Humphreys, the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) student beating Samuel Malvez 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9.

The other T&T player, Michael Nanton, lost to both Vila and Santos.

In the women's team showdown between T&T and Dominican Republic, Chung beat Johenny Valdez at 7, 8 and 7, but lost to Brito in four games.

T&T's Linda Partap-Boodhan got the better of Kircia Diaz. However, reigning national champion Aleena Edwards was defeated by both Brito and Valdez.

In yesterday's mixed doubles semis, St Louis and Chung battled past Santos and Valdez 6-11, 11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 11-7.

In an all-T&T quarter-final, St Louis and Chung overcame a strong first-game challenge to beat Humphreys and Ashley Quashie 16-14, 11-8, 11-5.

Humphreys and Quashie had booked their quarter-final berth with an 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5 defeat of Barbadians Kevin Farley and Krystle Harvey.

The other T&T pair, Kyle Borneo and Edwards, lost to Vila and Brito in the opening round, the Dominicans coming back from a game down to win 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

By Kwame Laurence

Clubs are the grassroots of sport and as they dwindle, the problem is not receiving attention or resources.
All our top sportsmen and women began as youngsters at grassroots sport. That’s why it’s so important that grassroots sport needs to be healthy. At the moment it isn’t. T&T has a small population and is therefore at a disadvantage when it comes to participation levels. Clubs are the natural feeder system to the elite and world class level. Without strong and stable clubs, we will not have enough quality sportsmen and women, officials, administrators and volunteers. There is urgent need to raise the quality of coaching, access to facilities and resources that are available to clubs. In the absence of a thriving club structure, the nursery of sport is left with stillborn children. On the field of play, the world’s best are those who can do the basic and simple things better than everybody else. Work on the basics begins and is sustained at the grassroots level.

What are NSOs doing about their respective club and grassroots structure? Invariably, when the elite athletes and teams do well, sports administrators are more than willing to claim the praise for the win or medal or for the grassroots system in place. We all have our preconceived notions about what is needed, what is necessary and what should be done—but T&T sport has to be saved from those who come bearing gifts we could all do without. How do we consider the options in a way that leads to new possibilities and not merely back to the usual inadequate alternatives? The question frequently asked is what should I do? The important question however is, what should I think? Focusing on one part of the problem is a dead-end approach. What is needed is a broader view. Mere survival ought not to be the goal—second best is not good enough. We have to begin the journey for a better outcome than what we currently have on offer. We need to get past the notion that our perceptions and subjective opinions are objective reality. The danger is that when subjective is taken as reality, people are willing to take extreme action on the basis of subjectivity. When decision makers confuse their views and opinions for reality and facts, the end result is that what is inexcusable is determined to be right.

Sport in T&T can be self-sustaining and self-generating. Such a declaration is not a leap of faith but a leap of mind. To create everything from nothing and something from nothing requires thinking differently and more creatively and moving away from self-imposed limitations, value and belief systems and narrow and short-sighted thinking. As has been argued in previous columns, reliance on state funding has created a false economy and a comfort zone for those who have gotten lazy and no longer put their full efforts into fundraising. Access to state funding is often in such circumstances, a curse rather than a blessing. But be that as it may, if we look at what is required to become a champion in sport—weaknesses must become strengths, there must be a phenomenal team spirit, unity, camaraderie and an indomitable willingness to work hard, honesty, friendship and self-belief. In simple language, you must be prepared to go through hell as it takes real guts and big match temperament; all qualities and attributes that sports leaders and administrators should possess in abundance especially as most have come through the ranks of sport. So that the real question is: Where is the sense of community and objectivity that is needed if we are to circumnavigate the tumultuous storm of economic panic?

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Brian Lewis

Harvard Club battled back from a 12-0 half time deficit to register a keenly contested 22-12 upset  win over Stag Trinidad Northern in a round four Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union Toyota championship division match on Saturday at the Queens Park Savannah.
In the last decade Trinidad Northern, an eighty -eight year old  local rugby institution have won the championship division title on four occasions and finished runner up to arch rival Caribs the other years . A track record that would have made them match day favorites. Harvard however had other ideas as Northern were missing key players through injuries.
With their third win in four outings Harvard retained second  position and Northern third  on the Toyota standings.
In other Toyota matches on Saturday defending champions Caribs got past  a determined Royalians 34-15.
While Rainbow whipped Police 53-7 to register their first win for the season .
The Toyota championship will take a three week break as attention will now shift to the Marcus Minshall knock out first round matches.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Clayton Clarke

Sprinter Richard Thompson gave fans their money’s worth with a national record run of 9.85 seconds in taking the men’s 100m in Sagicor Open National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford, Mucurapo last night. The double Olympic silver medallist, got a rocket start from lane six and took an early lead. At sixty metres out he pulled away to capture his third straight national crown (wind reading of 1.0 metre per second). Keston Bledman was runner-up for the second straight year in 10.06 seconds with Aaron Armstrong (10.07), Marc Burns (10.09), Emmanuel Callender (10.12), Darryl Brown (10.13) and Rondel Sorillo (10.17) as the top seven all ran under the IAAF ‘A’ qualifying standard of 10.18.

Armstrong, Burns, Callender and Sorillo also set season’s best times with Sorillo clocking also a life time best. Teenager Jamol James was eighth in 11.02. In the qualifying round earlier Thompson cruised to victory in the first heat in a pedestrian 10.40 seconds while Brown took the second in a casual 10.56. Bledman sauntered to the victory in the third in 10.53 while Callender was pushed into the fourth by Sorillo (10.16 to 10.33) as both advanced. Burns captured the first in a tussle with Armstrong (10.18 to 10.19), with Jamol grabbing the last qualifying spot in third in 10.43.

Thompson’s time lowered the previous national mark of 9.86 seconds held by quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon (twice in 1998 on April 6 and June 17 and twice in 1999 on June 16 and July 17). Thompson said she was surprised about his time. “I know I felt good before the race and I was ready to dip under ten seconds, however 9.85 was beyond what I expected. I am just thankful for it.” Thompson said before he was not going for the time which may have helped him to be relaxed. “When you go into a race to have fun you sometime do your best and I broke the national record.” The Cascade resident was quick to pay tribute to Boldon. “I want to thank him. He still give me advice and he has paved the way for us to do what we are doing today so kudos to him. We love and respect him.”

Earlier Semoy Hackett took the ladies crown in a wind assisted 11.00 seconds. The 22-year-old pulled away from the field to take the victory. The time is not a personal best for her as the wind reading was 2.2, just over the allowable limit of 2.0. Hackett took an early lead and held off teenagers Kai Selvon and Michelle Lee Ahye (11.19 and 11.20). Veteran Ayanna Hutchison was fourth (11.30) with Reyare Thomas (11.59), Shu-Shauna Mason (11.53) and Kamaria Durant (11.98) behind. The victory is the first for the former Bishop High School student after finishing third in 2008, second in 2009 and 2010. In the heat Hackett was the quickest in preliminaries taking heat two in 11.35 ahead of Selvon (11.43), Hutchinson (11.63) and Mason (12.09). Lee Ahye took the first heat in 11.47 from Thomas (11.53) and Springer (11.82) and Durant (12.01).

Renny Quow took the men’s 400m finals in 45.81. The reigning World 400m bronze medallist made his move at the 200m mark and pulled away to capture his fifth national one lap crown ahead of Jarrin Solomon (46.40) and defending champion Zwede Hewitt (46.61). Jovon Toppin was fourth (47.34) with Dan-Neil Telesford (47.52) and Deverne Charles (48.01). Quow advanced to finals taking the second heat in the prelims in 47.19 ahead of Hewitt (47.45, Deon Lendore (48.12), Telesford (48.19) and Charles (48.42). Solomon was the fastest going into the finals topping heat one in 46.77 with Toppin (47.34) and Justin Maloney (48.43). Afiya Walker captured the ladies race in 54.48 ahead of Magnolia Howell (55.15). National record holder Ayanna Alexander triumphed in the women’s triple jump in 13.64 metres while Quincy Wilson won the men’s shot put in 16.10m ahead of powerlifter and visually impaired Carlos Greene (10.45) and Akil George (9.98).

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By Walter Alibey

THE Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation has taken a decision to strengthen ties with the communities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Yesterday, president Rowena Williams said her federation will work with the different communities at events once asked.

They are making themselves available to work with the various communities, remote and otherwise to ensure that the sport touches lives, new talents are discovered and nurtured and the standard of cycling in our twin-island republic is taken to another level.

They will begin as early as this week when the Woodbrook community celebrates a week of activities. Cycling will be among a number of feature events which will take place at the King George V Park.

The cycling federation will also put on a series of events for a cultural and sporting event hosted by the Princes Town Regional Corporation from August 28.

Williams said the Woodbrook cycling event will be a gruelling 40-lap sprint around the King George V circuit on August 21.

Categories include Tinymites, Juniors, Juveniles, Ladies, Open Men, Veterans- 40, 50 and 60-plus.

In addition to cycling there will also be a parade around the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain as well as steelpan and calypso.

Meanwhile there will also be a series of cycling events when the TTCF partners with the Princes Town Regional Corporation to produce a cultural and sporting programme for its residents. Cycling will take place at the Devil’s Woodyard area and will features races again for tinymites, juniors, juveniles, ladies, open men, and the veteran riders.

Meanwhile members of the TT cycling team were to begin their quest for honours at the Caribbean Youth Cycling Championship in Puerto Rico.

The TT riders were to begin their quest in the Time Trial yesterday and compete at the Road Race today.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

TT Pro League Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dexter Skeene is confident the Pro League can weather the financial storm that has battered local clubs after a high profile meeting with Minister of Sport Anil Roberts.

Skeene met with Roberts at the Ministry of Sport office in Port-of-Spain along with Ashwin Creed, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Errol Ashby, CEO of the Sport Company.

Skeene told www.ttproleague.com that the Minister of Sport reiterated the Ministry’s support for the vision, intent, aims and objectives of the league. “I came away from the meeting encouraged by the Minister’s recognition that the league was making every effort to raise the standard of football and to become self sufficient. The Minister acknowledged that the league will be impacted by the economic circumstances prevailing locally and internationally but expressed confidence that the league’s management and shareholders had the capacity and determination to overcome the difficult times. “The Minister also gave his commitment that the Ministry of Sport will continue to support the League financially and to provide the use of the stadia, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium.” Skeene confirmed that the question of the league obtaining facilities in the respective communities came up and that assurances were again given that providing the requested facilities remain a priority for the Ministry. “It is important that the league, clubs, players, coaches and supporters keep a positive frame of mind. Dwelling on the negatives will not provide the answers or solutions. We must remain steadfast and resolute in our belief that the League will weather the storm. It is not going to be easy but I have no doubt in my mind that the TT Pro League will persist until it succeeds,” said Skeene.

The Pro League boss believes the future of the players is paramount and all must be done to keep them in the sport.

“They (the players) cannot simply walk away and find something else to do. Their dreams, hopes and ambitions are invested in the TT Pro League, the tip of the TT football pathway. Those of us in charge of the league must face up to our responsibilities. We must not easily subject these young men to misery, failure and sleepless nights. The League and the clubs must provide the necessary leadership to ensure that professional football survives and thrives in order to give our players the opportunity to develop and hone their skills to effectively represent the League at the CONCACAF level and World Cups,” he explained.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

By Ian Prescott

A DEAL has been struck between the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) and the Ministry of Sport, which paves the way for the Government to invest heavily in the campaign to get the T&T Soca Warriors to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

A non-TTFF management committee has been set up to handle World Cup funds, an arrangement which has pleased Sport Minister Anil Roberts, who subsequently said he has sent a note to Cabinet, seeking the release of funds for the campaign.

"Once I argue well, there could be $10-14 million per year for Brazil 2014," Roberts said yesterday at a TTFF news conference at Jaffa restaurant, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain. "Whatever happens, football development across the country will be handled by the Government. Football is the number one sport in the country."

The new arrangement has also had a positive effect on corporate Trinidad and Tobago. Traditional sponsors Carib Brewery and Telecommunication Services of Trinidad & Tobago (TSTT) have re-committed to the World Cup effort, along with product sponsor Gatorade.

And in the next two days, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and a few more sponsors are expected to join the Brazil campaign.

TTFF president Oliver Camps branded the arrangement as "a new beginning for football".

It was announced yesterday that the TTFF had directly distanced itself from handling World Cup funds and qualifying matches by handing over its marketing function for Brazil 2014 to management consultants All Sport Promotions.

In turn, the new marketing managers have set up a high-powered authorisation committee, containing accountants and economists, to handle many aspects of the Brazil 2014 funding.

Stake-holders the Ministry of Sport and the Football Federation each have one representative on the authorisation committee. They will be joined by an economist from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic Bank accountant Ian De Souza, and the chairman, who will come from All Sport Promotions.

The authorisation committee alone will decide how World Cup funds are used.

By directly distancing itself from the management of World Cup funds, the TTFF has struck a deal with the Ministry of Sport and Roberts, who last week chided the Federation for a lack of accountability and promised not to directly give the Federation a single cent for the Brazil campaign.

Roberts said this now paves the way for Government to begin funding the Brazil 2014 World Cup campaign.

Former permanent secretary Karyl Keller will represent the Minister of Sport on the authorisation committee.

"Brazil 2014 is a national priority and we will be giving sponsorship to the hilt. All we needed was accountability," Minister Roberts declared. "All the funding necessary will be given to the authorisation committee. We will now start the campaign for Brazil 2014."

Harford announced that from now on a financial record will be made available of what income was generated from World Cup qualifying matches and whether profit or loss was made. He also promised sponsors that on a monthly basis they will be given an account of where and how their contributions were being used.

"There was enough of an outcry from members of the public and the Ministry of Sport that things had to be done differently," said Harford.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago's Joshua Romany and Kimberlee John-Williams leave for Peru today to compete in the third FINA World Junior Swimming Championships.

The duo will be accompanied by team manager Dean Romany and coach Edmund Pouchet during the six-day competition, which starts on August 16.

Romany is scheduled to compete in the 50-metre, 100m and 200m freestyle events in which he won gold in in the CCCAN Championships in June.

John-Williams is entered in the 50m and 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly. At CCCAN John-Williams won gold in the backstroke events and silver in the 100m butterfly.

Romany and John-Williams are also scheduled to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Isle of Man in September.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Andrew Gioannetti

Flying high following their dominant 50-8 victory which stopped Harvards’ two match winning streak last Saturday, Caribs’ will face a Royalians test when the T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Toyota Championship Division continues at the Caribs’ home turf, Queens Park Savannah (QPS), Port of Spain, today. Royalians faced Rainbow in their last encounter. Despite a credible performance from Rainbow, Royalians were victorious, 48-38.

Harvard will again have a challenge on their hands when they host Stag Trinidad Northern in a mouth watering encounter at the Harvard Pitch, QPS. In their last match on Saturday, Northern were emphatic 63-3 winners over Police. The venue for the match between winless and Police and Rainbow has been relocated from the St James Barracks to Royalians Ground (Savannah 2), QPS.

The two teams will be playing for either sides first four points at 4.30 pm, which is the start time for all three of the day’s matches. The two under-19 fixtures scheduled for tomorrow will commence at 3 pm. Royalians hosts the Youth Training Centre (YTC) at Royalians Pitch, while Caribs travels to Marabella Recreation Ground, Marabella, to take on Rainbow.

FIXTURES

Today
Toyota Championship Division
Caribs v Royalians, Caribs Ground, QPS, 4.30 pm
Police v Rainbow, Royalians Pitch (Savannah 2), QPS, 4.30 pm
Harvard  v Stag Trinidad Northern, Harvard Pitch (Savannah 3), QPS, 4.30 pm

Tomorrow
Under-19 Division
Royalians v YTC, Royalians Pitch (Savannah 2), QPS, 3 pm
Rainbow v Caribs, Marabella Recreation Ground, 3 pm

STANDINGS

Toyota Championship Division
Team    Pld    W    D    L    Bonus    F    A    Pts
Caribs    3    3    0    0    2    109    15    14
Harvard    3    2    0    1    2    156    70    10
Stag Trin. North    3    2    0    1    2    101    30    10
Royalians    3    2    0    1    2    84    76    10
Rainbow    3    0    0    3    0    55    155    0
Police    30    0    3    0    10    169    0    0

Senior Division League
Team    Pld    W    D    L    Bonus    F    A    Pts
Northern 2    2    2    0    0    1    39    12    9
Caribs 2    2    1    0    1    2    53    22    6
Tobago    2    1    0    1    2    50    37    6
Rainbow    2    1    0    1    2    54    64    5
UWI    2    1    0    1    0    15    39    4
Defence Force    2    0    0    2    0    37    73    1

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Sprinters will hold the spotlight on the opening day of the Sagicor Open National Championships later today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. The men’s race is the showpiece event.  With no less than six runners emerging as contenders, two-time defending champion and double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson will not surrender his title easily. Keston Bledman put up a formidable fight last year and had to settle for second in 10.03, 0.02 behind Thompson. The 2005 World Youth bronze medallist will again be going for the gold and is in his best form ever, dipping below ten seconds for the first time in his career. He sped to an impressive 9.93 in June to be ranked behind quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon (9.86) and Thompson (9.89) on the T&T all-time list.

Commonwealth bronze medallist Aaron Armstrong and world junior record holder Darryl Brown will all be in the mix with both running their season’s best leading up to the meet. Emmanuel Callender, NCAA 200m champion Rondel Sorillo along with top juniors Moriba Morain and Jamol James are all expected to be in the final line up. Three-time World championship finalist Marc Burns should not be ruled out though having a low key season.  Some fast times are expected on the new track. The heats are set for 3.45 pm with the finals carded  for 6.10 pm. Semoy Hackett and Michelle Lee-Ahye will be ones to watch in the women’s dash.

Hackett, the 2009/2010 NCAA Division Two double sprint queen, won the CAC Championship dash in 11.27. The Tobagonian lass clocked a pb of 11.17 in May. Teenager Michelle Lee-Ahye has managed to overcome her injury woes that have hampered her earlier junior career and came through to take the Pan American Junior title in 11.25 (11.15w in the heats). The triple Carifta girls sprint champion lowered her personal best to 11.22 in July (heats-3.20 pm, finals-6.10 pm). NCAA double bronze medallist Annie Alexander will be favourite to sweep the Shot Put and Discus throws. The Burnley athlete captured the NCAA bronze in the Discus for her school Tennessee in June and set a national record of 58.58m. On Sunday she will return to go for the shot put crown. In the absence of the national record holder Cleopatra Borel Brown, Alexander should achieve the double.

Hileen James and Shawna Downey are contenders for top three finishes in both events. Another Alexander, Commonwealth silver medallist Ayanna will continue her lonely trek in the Women’s Triple Jump. At the Hampton Games, Ayanna raised her national outdoor mark to 13.98m and won the Central American and Caribbean Championships title in Puerto Rico in July (and qualified for the World Championships as an area champion). Quincy Wilson will be looking to improve his men’s Discus national mark for the third time this season. The former multiple Carifta champion threw 58.66m at the Hampton Games in July and is keeping an eye on the World Championships B mark of 63m. Reigning World bronze medallist Renny Quow will be seeking to reclaim his national 400m title. Quow contested the 200m last year. He warmed up for the championship with his second CAC title in Puerto Rico and will be up against 2010 national winner Zwede Hewitt, Lalonde Gordon, Jarrid Solomon and teenager Deon Lendore, all of whom will be gunning for the 45.25 World Championships A qualifying mark. The heats will start at 9 am and the finals 5.45 pm.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T’s Under-17 boys were hoping to exact revenge on Colombia when both teams faced off for the bronze medal at the 2011 UANA Junior Pan American Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico last night. This, after losing to Brazil 5-13 in their semifinal encounter on Friday night, its second loss to the South Americans following a 5-17 thrashing in their round-robin meeting. According to team manager, Peter Gillette, the improvement against the Brazilians was due to an allround team effort, in addition to the superb goalkeeping of Sebastian Van Reeken who made 14 saves. The showing by T&T in the semifinal loss was  also achieved without the services of top local scorer and captain Daniel Tardieu, who was injured in final round-robin clash with USA. He will also miss the bronze medal match against Colombia, which defeated the T&T Polo Warriors 10-6 in their round-robin clash.

However, T&T was the only team to defeat eventual champions, Colombia at the South American Championship in April and was hoping for a similar outcome last night. The T&T team has already qualified for the Junior World Water Polo Championships to be held in Perth, Australia in 2012, after earning themselves a semifinal spot in the tournament. In the seven-team round-robin series, T&T ended with a 3-3 record after beating  last year’s winners’ Canada (8-6), South American semifinalists Peru (10-6), and reigning Central American and Caribbean Nations champions, Puerto Rico (5-4).
The defeats came against Brazil (5-17),  Colombia (6-10) and USA (5-7). The local girls’ team failed to reach the semifinal after consecutive losses to Puerto Rico (8-14), USA (0-22), Canada (0-27) and Brazil (4-22). Both teams are expected to return home tonight via Liat at 7.15 pm.