Sumang sparks Elite win over Aces
Alyssa Valdez leaves for Thailand Sunday DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ “He’s Roi Sumang. We know what he can do. We can backtrack on his collegiate days in UE and he got rewarded for playing well today,” said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac.Sumang sparked Blackwater’s run with a confidence-boosting trey to end the third period before uncorking 10 of his 19 points in the fourth, including six of the team’s last eight points to secure the win. He went 7-of-10 from the field and also had three steals.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnMac Belo topped the Elite with 21 markers and seven rebounds as he kept his side afloat for the first three quarters before the team went on a huge run in the payoff period. Sumang and Raymond Aguilar anchored Blackwater’s 14-0 blitz bridging the third and fourth frames for an 83-71 lead early in the fourth. Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ LATEST STORIES MOST READ Alaska leaned on JVee Casio and Calvin Abueva as the duo carried the Aces to within one, 101-100, with 5.6 seconds left before Denok Miranda canned the marginal freebies.The Aces still had a chance to force overtime, but Abueva misfired on his game-tying trey from the right corner as time ran out.“We really prepared hard for this game,” said Isaac. “We told the players that if we want to beat Alaska, we got to have the same energy or maybe more than what they have.”Ronjay Buenafe went 4-of-6 from threes to finish with 16 points and five rebounds, Art dela Cruz added 13 markers, and Aguilar fired seven of his 10 points in Blackwater’s finishing kick.The Elite rose to solo fourth with a 5-4 card, while the Aces fell to joint sixth place, carrying an even 4-4 slate, same with Ginebra and Phoenix.ADVERTISEMENT Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netRoi Sumang rediscovered his old self and helped Blackwater to a 103-100 victory over Alaska Sunday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.The diminutive playmaker out of University of the East shone in the clutch as he took over for the Elite, who snapped their two-game skid.ADVERTISEMENT Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims Abueva scored 11 of his 23 points in the fourth, while also hauling down 14 rebounds. He committed seven turnovers, though, as Alaska turned the ball over 26 times.Casio fired 23 markers on a 4-of-7 clip from beyond the arc that went with six boards and five assists, while Vic Manuel got 13.The scores:BLACKWATER 103 – Belo 21, Sumang 19, Buenafe 16, Dela Cruz 13, Aguilar 10, Sena 8, Cervantes 6, Miranda 4, Pinto 4, Ababou 2, Pascual 0, Gamalinda 0, Banal 0.ALASKA 100 – Abueva 23, Casio 23, Manuel 13, Racal 9, Mendoza 7, Hontiveros 6, Exciminiano 6, Jazul 4, Cruz 4, Thoss 2, Pascual 2, Dela Cruz 1.Quarters: 22-28, 45-49, 76-71, 103-100.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely View comments
With a shot on history at hand, San Miguel is stepping up to the plate as it seeks to snare its third straight all-Filipino title.ADVERTISEMENT And its sibling Ginebra has come forward, providing the final thorn in its quest for immortality.The Beermen and the Gin Kings – two of the most storied franchises in the PBA – go at it in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals starting on Friday.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnIt’s not only a battle for supremacy, but also sets the stage for the duel between SMC cornerstones, with one eyeing to capture the Perpetual trophy with a third straight all-Filipino conquest and the other gunning for back-to-back titles after eight years of ignominy.And as we brace for a possible seven games between these two titans, here are INQUIRER’s keys to victory for this series. D-League: Cafe France fends off Victoria, extends win streak to 4 Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Joe Devance, the squad’s usual fifth guy in the starting lineup, has been relegated to a bench role due to his plantar fasciitis injury in his left foot. Still, his presence and huge contributions came in big for Ginebra in Games 6 and 7 of the series as it topped the Hotshots.The Devance injury, in a way, seemed like a blessing in disguise as the veteran forward not only gave the Gin Kings a boost from the bench, but also paved the way for the veteran Cruz as well as rookie Kevin Ferrer to step into the starting role.Marcelo, Aljon Mariano, and Chris Ellis have also had their moments off the bench in the semifinals tiff for Ginebra.Looking on the other side, Austria hasn’t changed his stance on entrusting the bulk of responsibility to his first five, especially with the Beermen stars showing that they are as formidable as ever.The same, though, cannot be said with their bench mob, with one from the three-guard hydra of Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Marcio Lassiter still needed on the floor when the reserves come into the game. RR Garcia is still day-to-day with his shoulder injury, and despite Ronald Tubid, Gabby Espinas, and Yancy de Ocampo’s best efforts, it’s still questionable if they can hang with Ginebra’s young guns off the bench.That puts more pressure on the San Miguel starters to deliver while their Ginebra counterparts get precious minutes of rest off the floor.The sixth manCone admitted that at times, he felt that Ginebra was already spent, ready to roll over and die. But with one “Ginebra!” chant from the fans and all of a sudden, his team is re-energized before eventually seizing control. That has been the case all year long, with the crowd going wild for every LA Tenorio floater, every Scottie Thompson rebound, or a dunk from Aguilar.Austria knows how big the crowd comes into play in these situations, and he has told San Miguel to keep its focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by the raucous fan reactions.Cabagnot and Arwind Santos have also been fearless in hushing the crowd down when the spotlight is focused on them. Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Taal Volcano continues to emit steam, ash from weak explosions Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Can Japeth Aguilar, Jervy Cruz, or Dave Marcelo be able to neutralize San Miguel’s dominant Kraken?Defensive chess matchIn hindsight, it’s easy to cite this matchup as offense versus defense. After all, San Miguel is the league’s best offensive team with 97.5 points per game while Ginebra only allows 81.9 points per contest.That claim on the Gin Kings’ defensive might was further strengthened as they limited the usually high-octane Star to a measly 78.4 points in their semis series.But the Beermen have also proven to be capable of locking down on defense, limiting opponents to 90.3 points per game, third-best in the league, while also topping the field in the boards (52.7 rebounds) and blocks (5.0).Both Cone and Austria agreed that defense will be the defining factor in this series and are preparing for what could be a possible war of attrition.This matchup also presents a defensive duel between Sol Mercado, someone who Cone said was the league’s best defensive guard, against Chris Ross, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.Send helpCone and Austria’s reliance on their starters have largely been documented this conference that it shouldn’t come as a surprise that San Miguel (69.0 points) and Ginebra (57.3 points) are sitting at second and third in starters points, respectively.The question now is whose bench mob will be able to provide reprieve for their first five. LATEST STORIES Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Beggar dead in Quezon hit-and-run incident Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties But still, it’s a Ginebra crowd we’re talking about, and it’s an audience which has made no qualms in getting loud just to boost its players’ confidence when they need it the most.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next The Fajardo factorJune Mar Fajardo is not a three-time PBA Most Valuable Player for nothing.Standing at 6-foot-10, the Cebuano giant is undoubtedly the biggest ace coach Leo Austria has in his arsenal through the Beermen’s dominant run. And with his conference averages of 19.0 points (second-best in the league), 16.0 rebounds (best), 2.4 blocks (best), and 1.7 assists, it’s a sure bet that he is on his way to winning his record-tying fifth Best Player of the Conference award.Ginebra coach Tim Cone knows that it’s going to be hard stopping Fajardo in this series, especially with big man Greg Slaughter still out with an ACL injury. The challenge now for the Gin Kings is to limit or at least make Fajardo uncomfortable.Luckily for Ginebra, San Miguel’s semifinals foe TNT has provided it a blueprint, throwing everything and the kitchen sink in hopes of stopping the big man. And at times, it worked with Kelly Williams, Mo Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, and Danny Seigle all taking turns. But in the end, Fajardo still normed his usual numbers and helped the Beermen prevail in seven games.ADVERTISEMENT 2 ‘bookies’ bet collectors held in Quezon China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases, 2 in Beijing MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely “The chemistry with the import is also going well,” Garcia said over the phone.“But we like what we see in him (Taggart). He has very high basketball IQ, works very hard and he loves sharing the ball with his [local] teammates.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnGarcia will be defending a PBA title for the first time as a head coach, with the Painters winning this tournament last season under Yeng Guiao.Guiao, ironically, will be coaching the team at the other end of the floor, NLEX, on Friday as the tournament gets going at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Cignal, Racal dispute top semis seeding Rain or Shine will open defense of its PBA Commissioner’s Cup title with a full roster with center Raymond Almazan fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the Philippine Cup.In fact, coach Caloy Garcia is upbeat of the Elasto Painters’ chances after signing up Shawn Taggart, an import he feels is perfect for the team.ADVERTISEMENT Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite 2 ‘bookies’ bet collectors held in Quezon View comments MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases, 2 in Beijing Beggar dead in Quezon hit-and-run incident Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town LATEST STORIES Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Taal Volcano continues to emit steam, ash from weak explosions That game is slated at 7 p.m., after Mahindra and Meralco start action at 4:15 p.m.Almazan’s return, according to Garcia, gives back Rain or Shine the one thing it lacked in the Philippine Cup won by San Miguel Beer.“Flaws in our interior defense cropped up with the absence of Raymond,” Garcia said.Rain or Shine triumphed over Alaska in seven games last season despite having the lowest-scoring import ever to win a title in Pierre Henderson-Niles.Rain or Shine beat Barangay Ginebra and the 7-foot Greg Slaughter in the quarterfinals before turning back the 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and the Beermen in the Final Four.ADVERTISEMENT
View comments Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Stepheson nearing top shape: ‘It’s all coming back’ Star dominated GlobalPort, 103-77, Saturday in a road game at Tubod, Lanao del Norte to stay unscathed in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.Despite the return of the Batang Pier’s top star Terrence Romeo, the Hotshots still found a way to take over in the second half to win their second assignment so far.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ Star recovered from a 15-point opening quarter by going on a 63-point rampage led by import Tony Mitchell in the next two periods to build a comfortable lead heading into the last 12 minutes.Mitchell had 22 points and 17 boards to pace the Hotshots but also got ample help with rookie Jio Jalalon chipping in 15 points and six rebounds.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnRomeo, who is coming off an illness, registered 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for the Batang Pier but was negated by seven turnovers.Sean Williams carried GlobalPort, which absorbed yet another blowout, in a losing effort with 20 points and 14 rebounds. LATEST STORIES Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town
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Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netJR Quiñahan is set to beef up the Philippine team in the upcoming 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup.The NLEX big man will join the youthful core of Kobe Paras, Jeron Teng, and Kiefer Ravena in the half-court wars set from June 17 to 21 in Nantes, France.ADVERTISEMENT Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working MOST READ The 33-year-old will provide the veteran presence for the hungry upstarts, as he will be tasked to hold the fort in the paint while also infusing the much-needed outside sniping.Quiñahan got the clearance from NLEX on Tuesday, with the Road Warriors already eliminated from the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new groundThe Philippines is placed in Group B, together with hosts France, Slovenia, Romania, and El Salvador in the 3×3 World Cup. Swing Out Sister back to PH this April Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next
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Intense training Dawyne Smith and Kemar Flemmings could be back to strengthen the University of the West Indies (UWI) Football Club outfit after the pair missed the Red Stripe Premier League first leg semi-final against Portmore United. Both players were out for different reasons as UWI secured a 2-1 advantage heading into the return game, which will be played tomorrow at the UWI Bowl, starting at 3:00 p.m. Midfielder Smith, who scored three goals during the regular season was out because of work commitments, while Flemmings, who is a strong tackling defender missed the game three weeks ago due to accumulation of cards. Though available, the UWI coaching staff, up to yesterday, was still trying to decide if Smith and Flemmings would play a role in tomorrow’s game. “They are important members of the team, but we are not sure if they will be included for Sunday’s game,” assistant coach of UWI, Andrew Peart told The Gleaner yesterday. Peart also said the team has been doing some “intense and short training” in preparation for the game three weeks after the first leg, which took place at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon. “We have to do what we have to do in order to be ready,” he added. “Every game we have to be confident,” Peart added. UWI are in their sophomore season after finishing fifth in their debut year in 2016, eventually missing the semi-final by one point. Now, they are in the semi-final and one foot in the final. “The growth of UWI has been through the commitment of the players, coaching staff and UWI. We have progressed by winning the Super League and gaining promotion to the Premier League,” Peart said. UWI finished second in the league title chase on 59 points, two behind league title winners Humble Lion, who were knocked out of contention for the league championship by Arnett Gardens in the other semi-final.
STILL MOTIVATED The talismanic striker endured a poor campaign with the Portland Timers, where he netted five goals in 43 appearances, before he was traded to DC United in the off season. “I feel like now, I am finally fulfilling what I always knew I am capable of doing, because I am still motivated to be the best,” Mattocks said. “I feel like I have a point to prove to myself to know that I can be the best in this league,” he said. The former Bridgeport High School star, who is playing in his sixth season in the MLS, stated that his hard work in the preseason is now paying off. “Fitness-wise, it is the best I have ever felt in my career, because I spent my entire off season day in, day out in the gym, running the sands, and running the hills,” Mattocks said. “I have a point to prove this season and so I came into this season extremely fit and I think now it is slowly starting to show,” he said. robert.bailey@gleanerjm.com Having enjoyed his most successful start to his Major League Soccer (MLS) career, Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks has set his sights on scoring 20 goals in the competition for his new club, DC United. Mattocks, who has been in excellent form in the competition, has scored five goals in 10 matches so far this season for the Washington-based club. Mattocks’ latest goals came on Saturday, when he netted the equaliser to earn DC United a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC. His tally of goals leaves him three behind the competition’s leading scorer, Gyasi Zardes from Columbus Crew. The 27-year-old Mattocks told The Gleaner from his base in Washington that his aim is to become the leading marksman this season. “I am still not satisfied with the tally, but I am okay with getting the goals,” said Mattocks. “My hunger remains the same because, for me, it is a never-ending quest for perfection.” “At this point of the season last year, I hadn’t scored any goals, but when you are in an environment where you are given the opportunity to be the number-one striker for a team – and I have been playing consistently – then the results are now showing what I knew I am always capable of doing,” said Mattocks. “My aim is to score 20-plus goals this season because if no injuries come along and I keep this form, then why not?” he said. “I think that if you are hoping to be the best, then you have to set the standard very high for yourself.”
CHAMPION trainer Wayne DaCosta’s DRUMMER BOY is vastly improved and has the experience of veteran jockey Gary Richards, plus the necessary pace, to get first run on COMMANDER TWO in this afternoon’s Boom Jamaica Derby.So improved is DRUMMER BOY that he easily turned the Guineas table on the likes of MARQUESAS in the 10-furlong Lotto Classic Governor’s Cup, albeit receiving weight, seven lengths clear at the top of the straight, giving Gary Richards time to take a long look behind, trying to find the rest of the field.COMMANDER TWO will be running with a bullseye on his rump, hunting a fifth straight win but untested beyond a mile – the only fancied runner in the event who has never run a route race, not even nine furlongs and 25 yards.Carrying topweight, under which he scrambled home by a head in the 2000 Guineas, connections of the bred-to-sprint bay gelding are hoping his tactical speed will help him get the derby distance whenever and wherever he makes a bid for the lead.COMMANDER TWO can’t help but be among the leaders, not exactly where a horse, who has never gone past a mile, ought to be in a 12-furlong race. Expect the likes of HONEY RYDA, DISABILITY CHARM and, possibly, DRONE STRIKE, to keep the speedster honest, making him everybody’s mark and the stayers’ cue to make their move whenever he does.FAYROUZ’S impressive 2:09.3 in the Jamaica Oaks and hard-fought mile in overnight allowance against older horses, could make her start favourite. The slower pace of 12 furlongs will also suit her running style, despite being sired by a sprint stallion, Blue Pepsi Lodge.Though DRUMMER BOY’s 2:10.3, on paper, puts him five lengths behind FAYROUZ’S Oaks win, not to mention that he ran 11lb lighter when clocking that time in the Governor’s Cup, those were two entirely different races and should be treated with caution.FAYROUZ benefited from a collapsing pace on a fast Oaks track, set by HONEY RYDA and MY SISTER, before she pounced on both after a mile, after which she sailed home unchallenged to win by seven lengths.DRUMMER BOY won the Governor’s Cup under different conditions and against better horses, colts and geldings, including MARQUESAS, OUTRAGEOUS TAJ and ROYAL AVIATOR. The filly MY SISTER, who was ahead of FAYROUZ coming off the turn in the Oaks, was left behind at the half-mile in the Governor’s Cup.Nevertheless, FAYROUZ definitely stays and will be closing from off the pace with MARQUESAS, who had established himself as the winter book favourite for the Derby by closing a hat-trick of wins with a handsome victory in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes at a mile, but failed to deliver as a three-year-old in the Prince Consort Stakes, Guineas and Governor’s Cup.DaCosta hammered DRUMMER BOY out of the mile chute at exercise last week, 1:41.3, beating stablemate WITHOUT EXCEPTION, signalling his intention to take the fight to COMMANDER TWO, who only beat his runner by a diminishing three-quarter length, at seven and a half furlongs, sitting level, on March 31.Apart from improvement, DRUMMER BOY also has good pace and breeding on his side, Natural Selection, sire of last year’s derby winner, SHE’S A MANEATER, FUTURE KING, who was disqualified the year before and PERFECT NEIGHBOUR, who won in 2012.
– 8:04:a.m.: Women’s 400m: Stephenie McPherson, Anastacia Le-Roy – 8:15 a.m.: Women’s 100m hurdles Heat 1: Danielle Williams – 8:37 a.m.: Men’s 110m hurdles: Ronald Levy – 8:48 a.m.: Women’s 800m: Natoya Goule – 9:19 a.m.: Men’s 200m: Akeem Bloomfield – 9:29 a.m.: Women’s 200m: Shericka Jackson Yesterday, she did not get her usual flying start but showed her class by finding top speed in the latter stages of the race to get the victory. American Dezerea Bryant, who was out very fast, had to settle for second in 11.04, while Jamaica’s Jonielle Smith, on her Diamond League debut, ended third in a personal best 11.07. Fraser-Pryce, the record holder in the event at the meet with a 10.77 clocking from 2013, was pleased with her performance. “I cannot complain because I haven’t raced for ages, and I’m happy that the run today was under 11 seconds. It’s hard work racing after having a child, but it’s not as though it’s anything I’m not used to. I’m used to sacrificing and making sure that my path is right,” said Fraser-Pryce. Smith was also pleased with her new personal best. “I still need to get my start right, and I know if I get that, I’ll be a sub-11-seconds sprinter, so I am excited, a bit iffy, but I’m really happy,” said the former Wolmer’s Girls sprinter. Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles champion Janieve Russell had the next best Jamaican performance on the day. She was nipped at the line by Shamier Little of the United States in the one-lap hurdles event and had to settle for second in 53.96 seconds as Little won in 53.95. Third went to Dalilah Mohammad of the United States in 54.86, while Jamaica’s Ristananna Tracy was sixth in 56.07. “It was a really good race because I lost that way in Lausanne, and I wanted to get my dip right. I’m really pleased with the time. I didn’t expect to be as consistent as I have been recently, which is very pleasing. It’s close to perfect for me,” said Russell. After a slow start to his season, former 2011 World 100m champion Yohan Blake showed that he is getting back to some form after producing a season’s best 9.95 seconds for a close fourth-place finish in the men’s 100 metres. Blake had earlier produced his first sub-10 seconds clocking this season after a second place 9.99 seconds in his heat. American Ronnie Baker won the event in 9.90 ahead of Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (9.93), with Akani Simbine of South Africa taking third in 9.94. National champion Tyquendo Tracy, who finished sixth in 9.98, had earlier posted a personal best 9.96 for a fourth-place finish in his heat. Making his first Diamond League start in the men’s 400m, former St Jago High star Nathon Allen ended seventh in 44.72 seconds as Qatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun won the event in a personal best and meet record 44.07. Jamaica’s Kemoy Campbell ended 15th in the men’s 5000 metres in a season’s best 13:23.73. Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce produced a big performance in London yesterday as she continued her comeback in the sport after giving birth to her son, Zyon, on August 7 last year. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ clocked a season’s best 10.98 seconds to take the women’s 100 metres on the opening day of the London Diamond League meet. Fraser-Pryce, who is using this season to prepare for next year’s IAAF World Outdoor Championships, sent a strong warning to her rivals that she is slowly getting back to the form that saw her winning the Olympic 100m title in 2008, the World crown the following year, and gold again in London at the 2012 Olympics. Today’s schedule for Jamaicans FLYING START
Track and field superstars Wayde van Niekerk and Shaunae Miller-Uibo both attempted the 200-400 metres double at the 2017 World Championships. A look at the schedule for next year’s Worlds indicates that a repeat of those doubles by van Niekerk, the smooth-running South African, and the leggy Bahamian Miller-Uibo isn’t likely. In a departure from the 2017 schedule, the women’s 200m-400m combination has become even tougher. In London at the last World Championships, van Niekerk and Miller-Uibo ran every day for six days, with the 200m heats coming on the rest day between the 400m semis and final. In Doha, the Bahamian has the heats of both the 200m and 400m within two hours of each other on Day 4 of the meet. There are only 45 minutes between the semi-finals of both events on Day 5. The finals are separated by a day, with the 200m final on Day 6 and the 400m final the following day. The men’s 200m and 400m don’t clash at first, with the 200m heats and semis set for Day 3 and Day 4, but the 400m heats and the 200m final are four hours and five minutes apart on Day 5. The 400m semis, set for Day 6, and the final are separated by a rest day. Speaking right after he won gold in the 400m and silver in the 200m at the 2017 World Championships, van Niekerk wasn’t keen to repeat the exhausting ordeal of six races in six days. “I’d love to improve all three events, but I’m definitely not doubling up again,” said the athlete who uniquely is the only sprinter to have personal bests below 10 seconds in the 100m, 20 seconds in the 200m, and 44 seconds in the 400m. “I think it was a tough six days for myself,” confessed the holder of the 400m world record at 43.03 seconds to the Sport24 website. He lost the 200m to Ramil Guliyev of Turkey. Speaking to Jamaican reporters at trackside in London, Miller-Uibo promised, “[Year] 2019, we’re definitely going to go back for the double and hopefully things will fall into place then.” Olympic 400m champion in 2016, Miller-Uibo was third and fourth in the 200m and 400m, respectively, in London, but is undefeated at both distances and has lowered her best in the longer race to 48.97 seconds. The Doha competition schedule was released earlier this year. H.L.