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Zion Hickerson victorious at first US Tennis tournament Aug 21, 2024 Sports Zion Hickerson won his first tournament on US tour Kaieteur Sports – Zion Hickerson claimed his first U10 USTA Junior Circuit Title at Court Sense Training Center in Bogota, New Jersey. In the final, he defeated Rahul Bedekar 4-0 after a tough challenge in the semifinal ended in a 4-3 tie break. Zion had the opportunity to close out the match at 4-2 but he made some errors when trying to break his opponent at 3-2. Eventually, he held his nerve to win the final game during the tie breaker. Zion Hickerson This tournament is a part of his US Tour which included his recently completed football training camp with Atletico Madrid in Washington DC. He has one more tennis tournament this month. Special thanks went to Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sports, Guyana Tennis Association, Guyana Olympic Association, Sheltez Tennis Club and his sponsors BK Group of Companies, Jai Signs & Auto Design Guyana, Ideal-Life INC., Tri-Stone Auto Sales, Nabi Construction Inc., DeSinco Limited Food & Beverage, Hand InHand, FireSide Grill,ANSA McAL Distribution Inc., D Singh Trading, Total Air Cargo Sales & Handling Agents Inc., Vegetarian Gardens, Cevons Waste Management, Sandra Maria AB(Sweden) and W J Enterprise. Related Similar Articles

Nicolette Fernandes ‘back in love with squash’ Aug 21, 2024 Sports Nicolette Fernandes in action at the World Master’s Championships – Guyanese reaches semis at World Masters Kaieteur Sports – Nicolette Fernandes says reuniting with fellow ex-pros Siyoli Waters and Samantha Teran at the WSF World Masters Championships in Amsterdam gave her “a bit of dread and fear” as well as tingles of excitement. Fernandes, the former World No.19 from Guyana who retired from the PSA Squash Tour in 2016, is top seed in a high-calibre women’s 40+ draw at the Frans Otten Stadion. Nicolette Fernandes The 41-year-old won her quarter-final 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 against Milja Dorenbos of the Netherlands on Monday and next faces South Africa’s Karen Blom, while the other semi-final is a blockbuster between South Africa’s former World No.28 Waters and Mexico’s ex-World No.11 Teran. “I have to admit, when I saw the player list it did drive a little bit of dread and fear into me!” said Fernandes. “I was like, ‘Oh no, we’re gonna do this again!’ But they are two of the ladies I considered my friends when I was on tour, so to play them again is just a treat for me.” Fernandes added she “had to have her arm twisted” to play at the 2022 World Masters in Wroclaw, but after winning the 35+ title there she “fell back in love” with squash after a period where she barely stepped on to a court following her retirement from the Tour and then the pandemic. “I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but I fell in love with the whole atmosphere, and here in Amsterdam it’s no different,” she said. “I played at this venue when I was growing up, so to come back and play with less pressure and more enjoyment, amongst friends that I haven’t seen in decades, has been a real treat. I’m just loving it.” (World Squash) Related Similar Articles

Khalil, Carvahal through to Men’s Doubles’ semis Aug 21, 2024 Sports Jason-Ray Khalil and Samuel Ince-Carvahal (left) share photo with Seth Thong and Leonel Sorrillo of Trinidad and Tobago yesterday at NRC (ENet photo) – Fung-A-Fat faceoff with Bajan Margot Prow Women’s final Kaieteur Sports – On the penultimate evening of the individual category at the ENet-sponsored Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Caribbean Squash Championships, high-level squash matches lit up the Georgetown Club Courts on Monday. It was a disappointing day for the host, as Daniel Ince exited early, falling to Barbados’ Khamal Cumberbatch with scores of 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, and 13-11. Alex Arjoon also faced defeat in his semi-final match against the top-seeded Cumberbatch after a strong showing against fourth seed Shawn Simpson, winning 11-8, 11-8, 11-8. Shomari Wiltshire battled Cameron Stafford in a thrilling five-game encounter but ultimately lost 11-5, 11-6, 10-12, 7-11, 11-5. Over in the women’s category, number-two seed Ashley Khalil was eliminated by her teammate Mary Fung-A-Fat in straight sets, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6. Fung-A-Fat’s victory advanced her to the Women’s Single final, where she will face defending champion Margot Prow of Barbados. Guyanese Duo Khalil and Ince-Carvahal came good against Trinidadians Thong and Sorrillo in an 11-6 and 11-7 win to advance into semifinals (ENet photo) Fung-A-Fat’s journey to the final included victories over Guyana’s Gabby Fraser and Cayman’s Marian Goodall on the opening day, followed by a dominant performance against Safirah Sumner and a quarterfinal win over Barbados’ Eboni Atherley, whom she defeated 11-5, 11-6, 11-4. Arjoon, meanwhile, is guaranteed a bronze medal in the Men’s category as the injured Cameron Stafford will not compete in the third-place playoff. Another bronze medal match is between Ashley Khalil and Barbadian Amanda Haywood is scheduled for 5:30 PM. Across at the National Racquet Centre, the Guyanese pair of Jason-Ray Khalil and Samuel Ince-Carvahal advanced to the semi-finals of the Men’s Doubles championship with a decisive 24-minute victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Seth Thong and Leonel Sorrillo. Despite limited preparation on the doubles court, Khalil and Ince-Carvahal cruised to an 11-6, 11-7 win, securing a semi-final spot against the Bajan duo of Darien Benn and Shawn Simpson today. At press time, Mary Fung-A-Fat is set to face off with Margot Prow in the women’s final, while Cumberbatch will take on Julian Jervis of the Cayman Islands in the Men’s final. Detailed coverage of the finals will be provided in a future publication. Related Similar Articles

Providence pitch given ‘satisfactory’ rating by ICC for T20 World Cup Aug 21, 2024 Sports Andre Russell celebrating a Uganda player’s wicket during their T20 World Cup match at the Guyana National Stadium (AP Photo) Kaieteur Sports – The pitch at the Guyana National Stadium received a “satisfactory rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following cricket’s global governing body’s review report for this year’s T20 World Cup. The pitches for the first two matches at New York’s Nassau County Stadium during the men’s T20 World Cup 2024, as well as the one for the semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba, have been rated “unsatisfactory.” The verdict comes nearly two months after the tournament, which India won by beating South Africa in the final. In those two games in New York, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 77 against South Africa on June 3, and Ireland were shot out for 96 by India two days later. In the second game, a number of players from the two sides copped blows on the body as a result of the uneven bounce. Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt as a precautionary measure after being hit on the upper arm by Josh Little. Rishabh Pant, too, was struck on the body by Little, while Ireland’s Harry Tector was struck on the finger by a short ball from Jasprit Bumrah. Guyana National Stadium At the time, Andy Flower had said the pitch in New York was “bordering on dangerous”, while former England captain Michael Vaughan called it “shocking”. The modular venue in New York was readied in five months. Damian Hough, the Adelaide Oval chief curator, was brought in by the ICC to prepare the drop-in pitches. But after criticism from various quarters, the ICC had acknowledged that the pitches there had been substandard and the short turnaround time between matches – New York hosted eight games in two weeks – didn’t help. Remedial work was carried out, and ahead of the following game, between Canada and Ireland, areas where grass shoots were growing under the cracks were covered with topsoil and rolled in to make the surface much flatter. The surfaces used for the subsequent fixtures in New York, including India vs Pakistan, where 119 beat 113-7, have been rated as “satisfactory”. But the bigger point of scrutiny, perhaps more than New York, was on the surface for the semi-final, where Afghanistan were bowled out for 56. Some deliveries rolled along the ground, while a few reared up from a similar spot. At the time, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was clear “that’s not a pitch you want to play a semi-final on“. In general, surfaces at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy were challenging. West Indies, who scored 149 there and defended it narrowly against New Zealand, were tottering at 30 for 5 at one stage. The ICC rates pitches, and outfields, for all international games on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. The surface at Providence for the India vs England semi-final was rated “satisfactory”, while the Kensington Oval deck for the final between India and South Africa was rated “very good”. The ICC was largely happy with the state of the outfields, with only New York and Guyana receiving “satisfactory” ratings, while the others were “very good”. (ESPNcricinfo) Related Similar Articles

CWI to hold election for Vice President on September 20 Aug 21, 2024 Sports Former CWI Vice President Azim Bassarath. Kaieteur Sports – On Thursday, August 8, 2024, at a Board of Directors meeting, in consideration of the recent judicial pronouncement from the High Court of Guyana concerning the challenge to the Vice President’s election initiated by the Guyana Cricket Board, the decision was made to have the re-elections as soon as possible. This decision means that Azim Bassarath has vacated the office of Vice President for CWI. Commenting on the Board’s position, CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow said, “This situation presents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the CWI Memorandum and Articles of Association. Over time, policies and frameworks will always be tested. As a Board, we must remain open-minded and committed to evolving in all aspects; this circumstance is a testament to such fact.”. The CWI President continued, “I am particularly grateful for the level of cooperation and professionalism in which Mr. Bassarath has handled this matter, and therefore extend my gratitude to him for such.” Pursuant to the CWI Articles of Association, a Special Meeting of Members will be convened on September 20, 2024, for the sole purpose of electing a new Vice President. CWI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democratic principles and transparency. The forthcoming election will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness and in alignment with CWI’s core values. Related Similar Articles

Three Guyanese referees selected for CFU U14 Challenge Series Aug 21, 2024 Sports Photo: (L-R) Brandon Cyrus, Kenisha Prescott and Safiya Goulding Kaieteur Sports – Three Guyanese referees—Kenisha Prescott, Brandon Cyrus, and Safiya Goulding—have been selected to officiate at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys Under-14 Challenge Series, taking place in Trinidad and Tobago from August 16 to 24. According to the Guyana Football Federation, this achievement highlights the effectiveness of their rigorous training programmes, which are designed to develop referees of the highest calibre, capable of performing at regional and international levels. “After completing intensive training and fitness sessions, these officials have demonstrated exceptional skill and promise, earning them the opportunity to gain valuable experience at this prestigious tournament,” the GFF said. The CFU Challenge Series, a highly competitive biannual event, serves as a key development platform, showcasing young football talent from across the Caribbean. Kenisha Prescott, who recently officiated at the CONCACAF Girls Under-15 Championship in Costa Rica, is one of the standout referees recognized for her hard work and dedication. She attributes her growth and success to the GFF’s training programs, which have helped her elevate her officiating to new heights. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be here to showcase my talent, which will help me to elevate to the next level,” Prescott shared. She added, “I set realistic short-term goals and try to achieve them. So I would try in each tournament, I would try to reach the semifinals or finals. And once I achieved that goal, it would aid me in achieving my larger goal, which is to attend a Gold Cup, a World Cup,” Prescott said. Brandon Cyrus, who has been officiating for approximately seven years, is another referee who has greatly benefited from the GFF’s structured development programs. Acknowledging the importance of mentorship and guidance provided by the Federation, Cyrus said, “Firstly, I need to acknowledge the fact that the opportunity of even being here is a very special thing to me… None of this would be possible for me without my mentors… These people have helped craft me and shaped me in such a way that I am ready to take on any obstacles ahead.” He emphasized, “What I have to say to the others home, it’s not impossible. So I invite you to have a clear mind and be ready, have a good work ethic, and it’s always possible to achieve any goal.” At just 19 years old, Safiya Goulding represents the future of refereeing in Guyana. Despite her young age, she has already begun to make her mark by officiating in the Elite League. Her selection for the CFU Challenge Series is a clear indication of her potential and the effectiveness of the GFF’s training programs. “For me, being at this tournament, it’s a very big deal… What motivates me is seeing other referees develop. And I always tell myself that, hey, I want to meet this level. So I have to work towards meeting this level.” She advised her colleagues back home, “Just to stay focused, stay motivated… Just keep working towards what you want, and you will see the opportunities that they have out here for you.” The GFF is committed to continuing its investment in the development of referees across Guyana, ensuring that they are not only prepared to officiate at regional events like the CFU Challenge Series, but also ready to take on international assignments. The Federation’s goal is to produce world-class officials who can represent Guyana with pride and professionalism on the global stage. Related Similar Articles

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be moved to the UAE Aug 21, 2024 Sports Windies women’s squad Kaieteur Sports – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. The event, scheduled to take place from October 3–20, will now be staged in Dubai and Sharjah. The venue was changed following the countrywide anti-government agitations in Bangladesh through July and early August, which ended when Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister, resigned and fled to India. An interim government has been put in place by the army since, but widespread incidents of vandalism and looting, as well as acts of violence, have been reported from Bangladesh. As a result, Australia, India, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (England and Scotland) had issued travel advisories to their citizens to not travel to Bangladesh. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice confirmed the move in a press release on Tuesday. “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event. I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn’t feasible. However, they will retain hosting rights,” Allardice said. “We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future. I’d also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host on behalf of the BCB and Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for their generous offers of support, and we look forward to seeing ICC global events in both of those countries in 2026,” he added. ICC Chair Greg Barclay confirmed to the Board that he will not stand for a third term and will step down from the post when his current tenure finishes at the end of November. Barclay was appointed as the Independent ICC Chair in November 2020, before being re-elected in 2022. Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024, and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024. Related Similar Articles