Sports

This Week in Sports – The latest updates on all of your favourite sports!

Published

4 years ago

March 17, 2021

BY MARCEL MARIAK

Hockey: Nation mourns the loss of ‘Canada’s Hockey Dad.’
The hockey community is in mourning following the death of hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky’s father. ‘Canada’s Hockey Dad,’ Walter Gretzky the father of the Great One who dominated the hockey game in the 1980s passed away on March 4^th at the age of 82. Walter Gretzky was a pillar in the hockey world. Not only did he help create the greatest hockey player to ever live, inspiring generations for years to come, he was also the ideal model of what it means to be a Canadian. Although the stories and legacies told by the people who knew Walter vary, they always make a point of mentioning his humble demeanor and willingness to always help others. Walter was buried in Brantford, Ontario, and his funeral was broadcast live on media networks across the nation. Walter’s passing created an outpouring of tributes and support on social media, showing that while we may all have our differences, a single outstanding individual can unite us and serve as a reminder of what it means to be Canadian.

Mixed Martial Arts: UFC 259 – Jamaica gets its first-ever UFC champion in controversial victory!
In combat sports, there’s seldom any question as to who won a bout. It’s typically easy to determine the winner of a fight because one competitor is standing and the other one, well, isn’t. Every once in a while, the MMA philosophers get a chance to debate a controversial judge’s decision or dirty technique. This time, not only did fans witness a controversial championship bout, Jamaica also got its first-ever UFC champion.

In the men’s Bantamweight championship, the Russian champion Petr Yan defended his belt against the Jamaican-American Alazani Sterling. The fight ended with a rarely seen disqualification. Late in the fourth round, Petr Yan threw a brutal head-knee to his downed opponent. The strike had enough power to snap Sterling’s head back and nearly knock him unconscious. The fight was immediately paused by the referee, and when Sterling failed to get back up after a couple of minutes, he won the fight by disqualification. While Yan’s knee was unquestionably a dirty hit, Sterling’s failure to return to the fight sparked intense controversy in the MMA world; with several big-name fighters like Henry Cejudo and TJ Dillashaw claiming that Sterling exaggerated the injury to win the fight by disqualification. No matter what the MMA community argues, the official ruling stands as a disqualification (and rightly so). This means Jamaica can celebrate its first UFC champion!

Basketball: Kyle Lowry looking likely to leave the Raptors – sells his Toronto home.
Rumours about a possible Kyle Lowry trade have been going around for a while. With the success of the Raptors in the past few years, it’s no surprise that when whispers about a possible trade of our favourite point guard began circulating through the grapevine, the situation immediately became big news.

Last week, Lowry sold his Toronto home, which sent shivers down the spines of all hardcore Raptors fans. Although negotiations between clubs and players are secretive and difficult to predict, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Kyle might be looking for a new team to represent. Not only did Lowry decide to sell off his house during the pandemic (an atypical move for someone who’s looking to keep playing for the Raptors), he also sold his Toronto mansion for quite a bit below its market value. With the trade deadline fast approaching, what this seems to suggest is that Kyle Lowry has his eyes on settling in another city in the very near future. This predicament leaves fans with an ominous question: is this the end of Lowry in Toronto, and if so, who would replace him?

Soccer: UEFA cracks down on racism in the sport.
Over two decades into the 21st century, it’s a shame that we still need to tell people that racism has no place in society. Unfortunately, racism continues to be a constant issue around the world. Just last week, the soccer world was shocked when a referee made a racial remark to a coach during a UEFA Champions League group-stage game between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. During the game, an argument broke out after a UEFA referee referred to Istanbul’s assistant coach as “the black one.” This comment sparked an outrage with players of both teams and the game was eventually abandoned as players began walking off the pitch. The game hadn’t even gone on for fiftee minutes.

To control the damage done by their referee, UEFA instantly put the arbiter under suspension and has launched an investigation into the offence. Tentatively, the official will have to attend a reeducation class before he’s able to return to the pitch. In the past UEFA, as well as other soccer associations, have been poor at handling racism-related issues. At times, it seemed that they simply didn’t care. This time, the situation was different. The controversy on the field sparked a massive social media storm when several big-name players from around the world began condemning racism.

Many still believe that the soccer world is failing to take racism seriously. Despite the various anti-racism campaigns and programs implemented by leagues and organizations around the soccer world, racism is still very present in the sport today. It’s no secret that racism breeds racism; and if a sport as popular as soccer fails to take it seriously, it demonstrates to countless young fans around the world that racism is ok or just an afterthought.

Baseball: Blue Jays pitcher, Robbie Ray, looking strong in spring training.
In baseball, spring training is a series of exhibition games that teams play against each other to practice strategy and improve performance. While it’s common to see players performing better as they get farther into spring training, it’s unusual to see a player improve in the middle of a game. That’s exactly what happened when the Jays played the Detroit Tigers!

Although the Jays lost 5-1 to the Tigers, the real takeaway for fans was the performance of Robbie Ray. Although the recently traded pitcher took a little while to get into his groove. Robbie played for 2 ⅓ innings, walking two hitters and giving up an RBI double. Despite this, Robbie Ray also got an impressive 6 strikeouts which redeemed him in the eyes of fans… but that’s not the interesting part. The odd yet very satisfying facts lay in Ray’s pitching statistics. As a rule of thumb, as pitchers become fatigued following subsequent pitches, their pitch velocity tends to decrease. Not Robbie Ray. When pitching his first two batters, Ray’s velocity was between 94-95mph. In the rest of the inning, Ray’s velocity ramped up to an impressive 96-97mph range with him even throwing a 98mph slider at one point.

After the game, Ray attributed his increased velocity to an efficient change he made to his posture while pitching. The Blue Jays’ manager, Charlie Montoyo, was incredibly happy with Ray’s performance despite the team’s harsh loss, “It’s huge how he made that adjustment. His stuff looked really good today,” praised Montoyo,’Although the Blue Jays have many things to improve and tweak before they’re ready for their first season game against the Yankees on April 1, fans can rest easy knowing that we have dynamic players on the team who are capable of making big improvements on the fly!

Sports

Sunshine Girls: Battling challenges in the Horizon Series

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo Credits: (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

Netball season has started, and you know what that means: the Sunshine Girls are back. The Jamaica Sunshine Girls have started their netball season and are currently playing in the ongoing Horizon series.

On November 20^th, 2024, the Sunshine Girls played their second match of the series, where they lost a hard-fought match 55-47. Despite their best efforts, the team is now faced with a mountain of pressure to turn this series around in the upcoming matches.

The team started strong with their dynamic gameplay and strong team cohesion, setting a competitive tone. During the opening match, both Jamaica and England were neck-and-neck, but due to England’s adaptability and sharp shooting, they had an advantage.

Learning from this, the Jamaican head coach emphasized the importance of refining their defensive strategies and seeking offensive opportunities. With a home-court advantage and immense support from fans, the Sunshine Girls are determined to bounce back. Key players like Jhaniele Fowler and Shamera Sterling are expected to lead due to their experience in outmaneuvering England’s disciplined team.

Fowler shared her disappointment after a devastating game, “We’ve been in tight situations before, and this is just another hurdle for us to overcome,” Fowler stated during a post-match interview. She emphasized the need for more clinical finishes in the shooting circle and better synergy between the mid-court and defensive units.

Fowler started her netball journey at a young age, showing exceptional talent due to her height and natural athleticism. She began playing in the Southern Steel Club in 2013, where her first international career began in New Zealand’s ANZ Championship. Fowler was an outstanding player, leading the league to many goals and winning multiple awards for her contributions.

In 2018, she changed clubs and began playing with the West Coast Fever, being a game-changer for the club. Her consistency and high-scoring ability made her one of the league’s most valuable players. Fowler has broken many records for the most goals in a season multiple times, setting herself as a foundation in netball.

Fowler has proved herself as a cornerstone of the Jamaican Sunshine Girls, one of the top-ranked teams in the netball world. Fowler has played many crucial roles in helping Jamaica secure many top games.

Fowler’s success has inspired new generations of netball players in the Caribbean. Not only is she known for her athletic achievements, but also for her: humility, professionalism, and commitment to her team and fans.

Sterling is known for her exceptional defensive skills and athleticism. She is considered one of the best defenders in the industry and is known for her ability to disrupt opposition play with her: agility, timing, and court awareness.

Her journey from Jamaica to the top levels of international netball showcases her: talent, work ethic, and determination. Sterling continues to be a dominant force in netball, embodying the strength and skill of the next generation of Sunshine Girls.

Both athletes represent the pinnacle of Jamaican netball, each elevating the Sunshine Girls. Together, they symbolize the blend of offensive brilliance and defensive mastery that defines Jamaica’s unique approach.The next match in the series is an opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to redeem themselves. The team will be focused on minimizing turnovers, tightening their defence, and staying composed in high-pressure matches.

The Horizon Series is a great opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to not just showcase their athleticism, but also a testament to the growing love of netball in the Caribbean. Fans are eagerly waiting for the Sunshine Girls to rise to the occasion and reclaim dominance on the international stage.

Sunshine Girls possess a flair and creativity that many of their opponents can’t, which catches their opponents off guard. The team can be seen implementing many things in the rest of the series to fill the holes in the team. Stay tuned for the Sunshine Girls’ progress in the Horizon Series and for the rest of their netball season.

Sports

West Indies memorable triumph over England: A valuable learning experience

Published

3 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The West Indies cricket team has started their tour, and things have been heated. The team recently celebrated their win against England in the One-Day-International (ODI) format.

On November 6t^h, 2024, the West Indies won by eight wickets, highlighting players like: Keacy Carty and Brandon King, whose powerful centuries led the West Indies to victory.

However, the team’s success was overshadowed by the on-field incident involving Alzarri Joseph. This incident led to a two-match suspension and a response from the head coach Darren Sammy, reminding fans and players the importance of professionalism.

As the series began, both teams were ready to go head-to-head. England was looking forward to dominating the ODI, after some challenging series. While West Indies was focused on demonstrating that their young squad was able to hold its own on the international stage.

Players like Carty and King have displayed great batting, each reaching the century mark, which established a lead in the final ODI that England could not overcome.

Carty’s innings showed us his patience and precise shot selection, highlighting the controlled aggression that provided stability when the team needed it the most. King, known for this power-hitting, complemented Carty’s style by scoring rapidly and keeping the English bowlers on their feet.

Together, the duo scored centuries that underscore the West Indies’ batting lineup. Their contributions were significant to securing the series win, proving that the team’s batting can match the level of its past legend.

The series was not without any incidents. Alzarri Joseph, one of the team’s leading pacers, became involved in a controversial on-field incident, which eventually led to his suspension for the final two ODI’s. While the details of this incident have not been fully disclosed, Joseph’s behaviour has drawn serious attention from the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the lead coach, Darren Sammy, who issued a statement that describes Joseph’s behaviour as “unacceptable”.

Sammy, a former West Indies captain known for his steady leadership and sportsmanship, vocalized his opinion about the standards expected from his players. He expressed that, while cricket can be aggressive, it must be channelled in a way that upholds the game. Sammy’s comments connect with the West Indies’s goal of discipline with ranks, especially as young players like Joseph take responsibility.

With Joseph’s absence in the final matches, it posed a challenge for the team, particularly within the bowling department, as his pace and accuracy were vital.

Despite this setback, the West Indies bowlers adapted quickly to fill the void of Joseph in the last two games. This incident highlighted the importance of players to maintain composure on the field.

This has shown the team that this controversy revealed the areas where continued growth is necessary, specifically in fostering an atmosphere of discipline and respect on and off the field.

With young talent emerging, the West Indies’ future appears promising. Coach Sammy’s call for professionalism will likely influence how the team approaches future training and international events, reinforcing a culture that prides itself on sportsmanship alongside skills.

This series win has offered fans a glimpse into the team’s potential as they strive for consistency.

The victory over England has provided a strong foundation for the team as they look forward to the upcoming series and tournaments. They will soon be heading to Bangladesh at the end of this year with eight games.

For now, the Caribbean should celebrate this well-deserved victory that is both a triumph and a learning experience, which will play a crucial role in shaping the West Indies’ future in international cricket.

At the end, this ODI series was more than just a win, it was a statement from the West Indies cricket team – a bold reminder that they remain a team to watch, and as they grow, they may reclaim their place amongst cricket giants.

Sports

Aryna Sabalenka: A tennis powerhouse and her historic 2024 Wuhan Open victory

Published

2 months ago

October 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

Credits: Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

In the world of tennis, many players have made a significant impact, one of them being Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarus tennis player is known for her explosive game and aggressive style of play

Sabalenka has become a dominant force on the WTA, always ready for a challenge. Her recent triumph at the 2024 Wuhan Open has further solidified her status as an elite player, adding yet another milestone to her career.

She began playing tennis at a young age, quickly showing promise, and turning professional at the age of twenty-seven in 2015. It wasn’t until 2017 that she truly began to gain recognition when she helped Belarus reach the Fed Cup final. In that year, she also reached the top hundred in the WTA rankings.

Her breakout season came in 2018 when Sabalenka captured her very first WTA title in New Haven, followed by a premier-level victory at the Wuhan Open. By the end of 2018, Sabalenka ranked number eleven, establishing herself as one of tennis’s rising stars.

Over the years, Sabalenka has continued to build on her success, winning several WTA titles and Grand Slam titles. While Sabalenka was successful in regular tour events, she struggled to proceed further in Grand Slam tournaments early in her career.

The 2023 Australian Open marked a significant milestone in Sabalenka’s career when she captured her very first Grand Slam singles title. Her victory highlighted the years of hard work and perseverance, as she defeated some of the best players in the world.

That same year, Sabalenka moved up to the number one spot in the WTA ranking for the first time, briefly dethroning her rival, Iga Świątek. By the end of the season, Sabalenka had firmly established herself as one of the most consistent and dangerous players on tour.

Sabalenka’s dominance continued in 2024, with her most recent achievement coming at the Wuhan Open, a tournament that has become synonymous with her success. In October 2024, Sabalenka secured her third consecutive Wuhan Open title with a hard-fought victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen. The win not only added to her growing collection of trophies but also extended her unbeaten record at the tournament to an astonishing 17-0.

The final, which saw Sabalenka defeat Zheng 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, was a testament to her resilience. After losing focus and allowing Zheng to push the match to a deciding set, Sabalenka regrouped and powered her way to victory. “I felt like I just lost a little bit of focus and I let her come back in the match,” Sabalenka reflected after the win. “It became a three-set match. Balls are getting heavier, it’s the third set, a bit emotional.”

Her victory at the 2024 Wuhan Open marked her second WTA 1000 title of the year and her seventh overall. More significantly, it highlighted her dominance in China, where she has won five of her seventeen career titles. Sabalenka now holds the record for the most titles won in China during the Open Era, further cementing her legacy.

As of late 2024, Sabalenka has already claimed four titles this season, including the Australian Open and the US Open. Her Wuhan Open victory only strengthens her case as one of the premier players of this generation. With her sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 ranking from Iga Świątek, whom she trails by only 69 points, Sabalenka is poised to continue her ascent.

Looking ahead, Aryna Sabalenka’s blend of power, athleticism, and relentless determination makes her a formidable opponent on any surface. As she continues to refine her game and improve her mental toughness, Sabalenka is well-positioned to add more Grand Slam titles to her name and further establish herself as one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis.