Related items

• Alana Reid goes pro; signs with Auctus Global Sports

  National Under-20 100m record holder, Alana Reid, is now a professional athlete after signing with Auctus Global Sports, the management company announced on Instagram on Monday.

  “We proudly welcome our newest addition to the AMP Global Sports Family! Give a warm welcome to Alana Reid, a phenomenal athlete with a personal best of 10.92! Get ready to witness her unstoppable determination as she takes on new heights with us! Welcome aboard, Alana!” the post said.

  She joins the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Akeem Bloomfield and Kenny Bednarek as a part of Auctus Global Sports.

  Reid, who originally committed to competing on the NCAA circuit for the University of Oregon next season, has decided to turn professional after a remarkable 2023 season thus far.

  The 18-year-old won the Class 1 sprint double at the ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships in March, including her sensational 10.92 effort in the 100m. She ran 23.08 to win the 200m crown.

  From there, Reid dominated with 11.17 to win Under-20 100m gold at the 50^th Carifta Games in Nassau, The Bahamas in April.

  In her first outing against pros, Reid ran 11.08 for third in the 100m final at the USATF LA Grand Prix on May 27.

   

• Porus Football Festival to kick-off on June 7

  The highly anticipated Porus Football Festival, an annual tournament that has captivated football enthusiasts since its inception in 2016, is set to kick off on June 7th, 2023.

  The event, co-founded by former JFF president Crenston Boxhill and Manchester Businessman Karam Persad, has experienced remarkable growth over the years and has become one of the premier football tournaments in Jamaica.

  After a brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Porus Football Festival made a triumphant return in 2022, attracting a record number of participating teams and an unprecedented night attendance that exceeded 2000 patrons on a weekday. This remarkable success has cemented the event as one of the few night football tournaments in Jamaica.

  Spanning six weeks, the Porus Football Festival will showcase the skills and talents of 16 competing teams vying for the grand prize of $250,000.

  The tournament will culminate on July 16th with a star-studded celebrity football match, promising the presence of legendary football figures such as Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore and Walter Boyd, who delighted thousands of fans in the previous edition.

  Adding to the excitement, the closing night will feature a spectacular concert, which is expected to rival prominent music festivals like Reggae Sumfest.

  Last year's event boasted electrifying performances by renowned artists such as Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Joshie, and a host of other top talents, captivating a packed venue of 10,000 spectators.

  This year, the Porus Football Festival promises to deliver an equally sensational experience, with over 500 returning Jamaicans from across the diaspora anticipated to grace the event.

  However, due to the severe weather system currently affecting Jamaica, the organizers made the difficult decision to postpone the festival's initial start date of June 4th to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, staff, and attendees.

  This precautionary measure reflects the organizers' commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience while prioritizing the welfare of everyone involved.

  The Porus community, renowned for its warm hospitality and love for football, eagerly anticipates the rescheduled Porus Football Festival on June 7th. The event promises to be a spectacle of talent, excitement, and entertainment, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

   

• Rose Zhang claims title in play-off on professional debut

  Rose Zhang enjoyed a dream start to her professional career with victory in her first event in the Mizuho Americas Open.

  Zhang, who only joined the paid ranks nine days ago, defeated Jennifer Kupcho on the second hole of a play-off after the pair had finished tied on nine under par at Liberty National Golf Club.

  Kupcho set the clubhouse target after a closing 69 and Zhang needed to par the 18th to win in regulation, but found a bunker off the tee and was unable to get up and down from short of the green.

  The 20-year-old American is the first player to win on the LPGA Tour in their professional debut since Beverly Hanson in 1951.

  “What is happening? I just can’t believe it,” said Zhang after two putts for par on the second play-off hole were enough to beat Kupcho.

  “It was just last week when I won NCAAs with my teammates. To turn pro and come out here, it’s just been amazing.”

  Zhang confirmed she will be taking membership on the LPGA Tour which comes with the victory – after finishing her finals at Stanford and moving next week.

  “I understand there is going to be a lot of bumps in the road and I’m expecting a lot of obstacles,” she said. “But I think this is just the start. This is just a stepping stone.

  “It’s crazy that this is my first win, first professional win already, but no doubt there is going to be a lot more things happening down the road.

  “I’m just going to be continuing to learn inside the ropes.”

  Zhang spent a record 141 weeks at the top of the women’s amateur rankings, surpassing the previous best of 135 set by Ireland’s Leona Maguire.

  She became the first women’s player to win two NCAA individual titles following her successful title defence at the end of May, a victory which saw her exceed the number of wins Tiger Woods achieved at Stanford.

  Zhang also won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April and the US Women’s Amateur two years ago, as well as helping the United States to Curtis Cup wins over Great Britain and Ireland in 2021 and 2022.